Governor Quinn signs Earned Income Tax Credit into law

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed into law tax relief credits for working families across the Land of Lincoln. Formerly, Senate Bill 400, this new legislation provides the largest increase of more than a decade to the Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit. Auburn Greshams assistant tax site manager, R... more

GADC's Vision Newsletter - Winter 2011

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"Giving" is in Auburn Gresham's DNA

The days after the Thanksgiving holiday officially kicks off the start of the holiday shopping season. During this season, you often find people standing in long lines to buy gifts to exchange with family and friends. While an accepted pass-time, the Auburn Gresh... more

Auburn Gresham Celebrates in Style

It was very clear that something special was going on in Auburn Gresham on Friday, 11/11/11. A red carpet was rolled out in front of the headquarters of the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation and spotlights shone into the evening sky. What might not have been as obvious was just how mu... more

GADC's Vision Newsletter - Fall 2011

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The Chicago Tribune & SPS' Big Lie"

Judging from the Tribune’s attack on its co-chair, the Chicago Educational Facilities Task Force must really be raising some hackles among the editorial board’s friends at the Board of Education, in the mayor’s office, and among the coterie of rich folks who are pushing what’... more

Aldermen OK Chicago ward remap by enough votes to avoid referendum

Click for interactive map. Chicago voters will not have to choose between rival versions of a new ward map when they go to the polls March 20 — but whether a costly legal challenge can be avoided is still an open question. Without a vote to spare, the City Council on Thursday approved a new ... more

"a cord of three strands" is on Best Books of 2011

"a cord of three strands" is on Teaching for Changes best books of 2011. Here.

New jobs don't really help displaced factory workers

It’s coming up on six years since a group of then-soon-to-be-unemployed factory workers sat me down in a church basement to sketch out what quite honestly struck me as a quixotic proposal. Their employer, Cooper Lamp Co., was shutting down its big old factory on Diversey Parkway just east of ... more

At Lathrop Homes, CHA's talk of transformation brings worry

When Mary Thomas talks about the Julia C. Lathrop Homes, she likes to reflect back to a time when the public housing complex was filled with a diverse mix of working residents, many of them active in contributing to the community. But these days, nearly all of the historic apartments in Lathrop Home... more

Yum! Healthy Cooking at the Brown School

This winter and spring, youth at the Brown School are learning all about healthy eating! Near West is working with McKinzie Jacobs, a UIC intern, to teach 1st through 5thgrade students how to cook and prepare nutritious meals. As part of our health and wellness programming, McKinzie meets with the... more

Spotlight on Jailon O'Neal

Jailon is a champion of the boxing ring! He began his training with us three years ago. Now, he fights in Chicago’s Golden Gloves competitions and other matches around the city. Jailon’s eye is certainly on the prize. His goal is to become a professional boxer one day, similar to hi... more

Youth in Action: Winter Showcase

The Youth in Action Winter Showcase took place on December 21st. It was a HIT!! Over 100 participants, family members and guests attended the event at the Abraham Lincolnc Center. Youth from all four sites--Legends South, Oakwood Shores, Westhaven Park and Jackson Square at West End--participated... more

Kraft Foods Helps Bring Health and Wellness Programming to West Haven

Thanks to a grant from LISC/Chicago and Kraft Foods, Near West is amping up our health and wellness programming! In addition to sports, we are focusing on nutrition education, healthy cooking, and garden activities. This past summer, Near West initiated healthy cooking classes for youth in the Wes... more

Earnest Gates Stayed Rooted and Helps Community Do the Same

In the early 1980s, Earnest Gates was on his way to living the American Dream. He had a young family, a profitable trucking business and could move out of his native Near West Side neighborhood to virtually anywhere he wanted. But one day, while he toured a high-rise apartment that he was consideri... more

The Resurrection Project’s CEO Raul I Raymundo to Introduce Keynote Speaker U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan at the 2012 NALCAB National Conference

On December 1st the 2012 National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders’ (NALCAB) national conference, Building a Better Economy for All Americans: Desarrollando Destinos Economicos, will feature U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan as a Keynote Speaker. The ... more

Five Stories Down, One To Go: La Casa is Rising Up

We are proud to announce that in August 2011 The Resurrection Project began construction of La Casa, an innovative community-based dormitory in Pilsen that will serve 105 college students with housing, internships, and mentorship programs. The project is currently under construction at the intersec... more

Class Now in Session at Instituto’s Health Science Career Academy

Institutos Health Science Career Academy On September 7 Instituto Del Progreso Latino (IDPL) opened the doors of its Instituto Health Sciences Career Academy, a new charter high school that will pave the way for the next generation doctors, nurses, informatics professionals, and bio-technicians. ... more

When Harry Met Casa Maravilla

Happiness naturally follows through giving and sharing, but Harry’s pathway to happiness was interrupted by obstacles that forced him to make life-changing decisions. Born in New York’s Spanish Harlem in 1953 to Puerto Rican immigrant parents Harry has been a dedicated community volunt... more

Pilsen Celebrates TRP's First UNISONO Arts & Music Festival

On Saturday August 20 over 1,000 people gathered at Pilsens Zocalo to enjoy the first edition of The Resurrection Projects art and music festival: Unisono. Unisono is a celebration of our pan-latin cultural roots, offering music lovers a diverse mix of genres such as salsa, cumbia, ranchera, latin ... more

Shop in your community! Its a matter of life, the quality of life!

Center for Community Health and Vitality Community Grand Rounds

3rd Annual Connect 4 'Promoting Community Togetherness" Local Business & Historic Bronzeville Trolley Tours

To register and attend this years VIP Reception and Awards Mix and Mingle event please register at: http://connect4vipreception.eventbrite.com

Last Chance to Help to Beautify the Community!

The banner program is here! Designed by the local businesses, the new banner program celebrates the rich history that is Oakland, Douglas, Grand Boulevard and North Kenwood. This is your last chance to order your banners! Order your banner today » Banner #1 celebrates the historic retail c... more

SSA #47 Youth Art in Action! Public Art Project with Local Schools

Quad Communities Development Corporation and Special Service Area #47 (SSA #47) enlisted the help of local youth from Hales Franciscan High School, Dyett High School, King College Preparatory High School, and Reavis Math and Science Specialty School to decorate planters for the 47th Street and Cotta... more

Get Your Taxes Done For FREE.

All W-2 and 1099 (if Any) SS Card - Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) For all family member. Valid Photo Id -Copy Of Last Years Tax Return If Available - Bank Account Number and Routing Number to direct deposit your refund Property Tax Bill - Amount Spent on College Expenses. All W-2 ... more

Englewood Business Takes 3rd Place in the Entrepreneurial Idol Competition

City of Chicago Treasurer, Stephanie D. Neely, was the emcee of todays event hosted by Chicago State University. Ten finalists presented their business plans and inventions (many of which have patents) to a panel of distinguised judges and a viewing audience. Contestants were judged on the viabil... more

Black History Month: The Power of Black Women in History

"The Power of Black Women in American History: Perserverance, Strength and Vision" The evening began with an elegant reception followed by a salute to Black women past and present who have made significant and historic contributions to our community. The formal program began with songs performed b... more

Teamwork Englewood African-American Male Initiative Youth Receive a Lesson in Black History

In honor of the Dr. Martin Luther King holiday, Teamwork Englewood AAMI program participants were invited to the private screening of the documentary, Double Victory, based on the lives of black pilots who made a stand against segregation in the military during World War II. After the screening o... more

2012 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award Recipient

The life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be commemorated on Friday, January 13, 2012. The event, scheduled to begin at 12pm noon will be held at the St. Bernard Hospital Chapel, 326 W. 64th Street-Chicago, IL 60621. Mr. Edrick Calahan, of Calahan Funeral Services will be the keynote ... more

Wishing You A Safe and Happy New Year!

News You Can Use - LISC's Chicago Neighborhood News

The following link is a selection of recent stories from LISC/Chicago that chronicle community development work throughout the city: http://www.lisc-chicago.org/news/index.html

News You Can Use - LISC's Chicago Neighborhood News

The following link is a selection of recent stories from LISC/Chicago that chronicle community development work throughout the city: http://www.lisc-chicago.org/news/index.html

CWICstats Dashboard Report 4th Quarter 2010

To read and/or download the full report go to the following link: http://www.chapinhall.org/sites/default/files/CWIC%20Quarterly%20Dashboard%20Report%20-%202010%20Q4%20final.pdf

News You Can Use - Chicago Winter Parking Ban begins December 1, 2011

Winter Parking Ban Effective Thursday, December 1, 2011 Overnight winter parking regulations are in effect as of 3:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 1, 2011. Parking is prohibited on approximately 107 miles of city roadways from 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. every day, regardless of whether there is sn... more

Parkway Gardens goes to the Chicago Children's Museum

Friday, July 1, 2011 Ryan K. Priester —> —> —> —> —> Saturday June 11thwas a day of firsts. For many of the children gathered together by Officer Jennifer Maddox, the day would be the first trip to downtown Chicago, the Chicago Children’s museum, or, perhaps mo... more

Parkway Gardens Residents move toward GED

Tuesday, July 19, 2011 Candice Collins —> On April 26, 2011 Parkway Gardens Apartment implemented its first GED (General Education Development) program through Literacy Chicago. Jennifer Maddox, the resident service coordinator in Parkway Gardens has been a driving force behind the progr... more

Hyde Park Players Return to Experimental Station

Tuesday, May 17, 2011 Connie Spreen It is time, once again, to join us at the Experimental Station for a civic act of cultural independence. Friday thru Sunday, May 20-22, the Hyde Park Community Players will be performing Picasso at the Lapin Agile, written by performer and comedian Steve Martin. ... more

61st Market Opens for 2011 year

Monday, May 9, 2011 Connie Spreen —> Your 61st Street Farmers Market will be opening for its fourth season this Saturday, May 14, from 9am-2pm! We are very pleased to say that you will find the farmers and vendors that you have come to know and love, as well as some new ones. We do accep... more

Woodlawn Community Summit a Rousing Success

Thursday, April 21, 2011 Arvin Strange —> On Saturday March 26, 2011 the Woodlawn Neighbors Association, Kenwood Pointe Homeowners Association, and the South East Chicago Commission jointly sponsored the 2nd annual Woodlawn Community Summit at the University of Chicago. The meeting’s... more

Local green efforts highlighted on new websites

Our partners in the South Chicago Retrofit Program, led by Claretian Associates, created great, new websites highlighting their efforts to green the southeast side. The Field Museums new page details their efforts with the Chicago Community Climate Action Toolkit and its efforts in the area. Click... more

Free tax help available at Olive-Harvey College

Get your taxes filed for free by City of Chicago tax clinics, including one at Olive-Harvey College. Families earning less than $50,000 and individuals earning less than $25,000 may be qualified to participate. Between January 19 and April 17, tax preparers can help you! For all the details includi... more

New webiste offers easy ways to lower your energy bills

A new website is helping area residents access tips to reduce energy bills and see all the rebates and incentives available. To access the new sit, visit energyimpactillinois.org.

"Healing the Community" unites Mireles Academy & local artists

South Chicago resident artist Roman Villareal was recently motivated by a series of violent gun shootings that took the lives of several youth in the community. He created a hand-carved alabaster sculpture which is traveling to various local schools to send the message that it is time to “Sto... more

Southeast side featured on WCIU's Now Chicago show

WCIU, The U recently showcased South Chicago and the Eastside on their Now Chicago show with George Blaise. What a great opportunity to highlight the efforts of so many local organizations making a difference in the area. Valentina Gamboa-Turner represented Claretian Associates on the East Side sho... more

Chicago Lawn Ceasefire Update

Rabbi Joshua Salter We welcome back our Ceasefire Anti Violence Program! We are fortunate to have this State of Illinois funded program that allows Chicago Lawn to reduce shootings and murders in our Gage Park Community. Our funding supports and allows Southwest Organizing Project to employ a Progra... more

500 attend SWOP’s holiday party at Maria High School

Monday, December 19, 2011 In what has become an annual tradition on the Southwest side, more than 500 people joined together on December 13th at Maria High School to celebrate the holidays together as members of the Southwest Organizing Project. As people began arriving at 6pm they were welcomed by ... more

Alabama – Here we come!!!

Rabbi Joshua Salter A Reflection from Rabbi Joshua Salter on traveling to Alabama for the FIRM Summit and Immigrant National Convention On December 14, 2011 a delegation of Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) leaders and Organizers left to attend the 2011 Fair Immigrant Refor... more

The Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) hosts a powerful immigration rally at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church

Tuesday, May 17, 2011 On Saturday, April 30th, over a thousand student, business, community, and religious leaders from around Illinois packed St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church, a member institution of the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP), in support of the IL Dream Act, Smart Enforcement Act, the... more

Líderes de SWOP luchan para poner fin a “Comunidades Seguras”

Wednesday, August 24, 2011 Líderes del Proyecto Organizador del Suroeste (SWOP), miembro de la Coalición de Illinois pro Derechos de Inmigrantes y Refugiados (ICIRR), participaron en la audiencia del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional sobre Comunidades Seguras en el centro de Chicago... more

New Muevete Schedule Now Available

The new Muevete schedule has been published! Muevete is an innovative program which provides free exercise opportunities to the Greater Humboldt Park community.

Muévete Classes Start Up in Humboldt Park

Muévete is a physical activity initiative of Community Organizing for Obesity Prevention (CO-OP) Humboldt Park. Muévete is free and promotes culturally relevant physical activities by any means, for women and the entire family. For more information, please contact Leony Calderon at: ... more

April 6: Mercy Home for Boys & Girls Presents: Intervention Strategies For Adolescents In Crisis

Presented by: Mark Sanders LCSW, CADC Date: Wednesday, April 6, 2011 Time: 9:00am-12:00 p.m. (registration begins at 8:30 a.m.) Location: 1140 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607 – Multi-Purpose Room Adolescents in crisis are vulnerable to truancy, academic problems, gang affiliation, su... more

March 26: "Tobacco in the Ranks"

This panel discussion will take place at the National Mexican Museum of Art, 1852 W. 19th Street, on Sunday, March 29 from 1-5 pm. It is sponsored by Vida Media and Radio Arte. More information can be found at www.radioarte.org.

May 12th: Caring for the Caregiver, A Compassion Fatigue Workshop for Professionals

Facilitated by Mary Andrus, ATR, LCPC and Kira Travis, MT-BC, this workshop will allow participants to explore the stressors that impact their work as well as use art making and music as opportunities to release the stress that could cause burn out. In completing this self-care workshop, partici... more

City assists residents with 2011 tax returns

Get your income taxes prepared free by the City of Chicago and its partners, and you may be eligible to receive up to $5,700 back from the IRS. The City is offering free income tax preparation assistance for families earning less than $50,000 and individuals earning less than $25,000. For inform... more

Purchasing pool set to begin

We have lots of great new programs coming up, including this brand new PURCHASING POOL! Come to a Town Hall style meeting Tuesday, January 31 at 8am at the 8th District Police Station (3420 W. 63rd St.) to learn how you can save money on energy bills, waste disposal fees and credit card processing r... more

Streets for Cycling Plan 2020

The purpose of the Streets for Cycling Plan 2020 is to identify up to 250 miles of innovative bicycle facilities that will encourage all Chicagoans to use their bikes to get around their neighborhoods. As you are aware, Chicago is a large city with different challenges and opportunities in every n... more

ATTN Businesses: Participate in the 2012 Job Shadow Day

Help a high school student explore potential career paths by participating in the 2012 CPS Job Shadow Day (Wed. March 14) and/or 2012 CPS Spring Break Internships (Mon. April 2 - Fri. April 6). To sign up, please complete the following information here: http://www.chooseyourfuture.org/cte/employer/... more

REACH Center Director to Leave in 2011

Livia Villarreal, Director since 2006, helped grow neighborhood housing center Over the years, Livia has proven her dedication to GSDC through raising money to keep the REACH Center going, to participating in company holiday parties, to staying connected with everyone on staff. We’ll miss... more

Historic Gately Stadium Reopens
After Sweeping Renovation

Friday, November 11, 2011 Football players from eight public schools and South Side park districts that share decades-old Gately Stadium in Roseland gathered on Oct. 14 to celebrate a renovation that includes a new synthetic turf field, scoreboard, lighting and seating. They were joined just before ... more

Hoops in the Hood

Monday, December 19, 2011

New Hoops in the Hood video

Monday, December 19, 2011 For the last several years, Tu Multimedia, through videos and audio slideshows, has been documenting Hoops in the Hood, the summer basketball program that LISC/Chicago supports in communities throughout the city. Heres the latest.....

Hoops in the Hood:
Profile of Volunteer Coach Darren Tillis

Friday, November 11, 2011 Community volunteers are an integral part of all successful neighborhood efforts – including Hoops in the Hood, a partnership of LISC/Chicago and organizations in 11 neighborhoods to offer summer sports programs focused on building youth engagement, leadership and co... more

From Learn and Earn to Slam and Jam

Friday, November 11, 2011 John McCarron “There’s no time to get in trouble.” If the Near North Unity Project needed a motto this summer, Shelby Tharpe surely nailed it. It was a sticky-hot Friday afternoon and the 13-year-old was conferring with his buddy, Leon Wilbut, near basketb... more

Call to Artists

Looking visual artists, performers, and digital media artists to volunteers at: Immigration Integration Summit February 4th, 2012 • 9:00am-1:00pm Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Van Buren St. Come out to Summit to promote your work, as well as support the mission of the Uniting America campaign th... more

Chicago’s college-bound Latino youth getting a new housing option

Concerned that youth from Chicago’s predominantly Latino neighborhoods are struggling to earn college degrees, a Pilsen community group is building a student residence hall that experts say will help close gaps in college success. La Casa, which means the house in Spanish, will accommodate 10... more

An Immigrant’s Tale: Amid the shadows (Part II)

My life in the shadows began some seventeen years ago. It was a hot April night in Tijuana, that bordering siren that lures both migrant and tourist with promises of boundless prosperity and unchecked lust. That night I joined a numerous army, an anonymous army. Under the infinite depth of night an... more

SPOUSAL BENEFITS OFFER INCREASED RETIREMENT OPTIONS

You may have more options than you know when it comes to Social Security benefits. Like many, you probably have given some thought to your own retirement plans. You know you can retire as early as age 62 and get reduced benefits. You know you can wait until your full retirement age and get full bene... more

$0 joiners Fee plus $100 in YBucks

ULTIMAS NOTICIAS! La oferta $ 0 de inscripción continúa hasta el 06 de febrero! Además, los nuevos miembros recibirán $ 100 en YBucks. Con grandes clases, servicios como cuidado de niños y entrenadores personales, nunca ha habido un mejor momento para unirse! No se... more

Spousal Benefits Offer Increased Retirement Options

You may have more options than you know when it comes to Social Security benefits. Like many, you probably have given some thought to your own retirement plans. You know you can retire as early as age 62 and get reduced benefits. You know you can wait until your full retirement age and get full bene... more

Los beneficios para cónyuges ofrecen más opciones para la jubilación

Posiblemente tenga más opciones en cuanto a lo que concierne a los beneficios de Seguro Social. Al igual que muchas otras personas, es muy probable que haya pensado bastante acerca de sus planes para su jubilación. Por ejemplo, ya sabe que se puede jubilar a la temprana edad de 62 a&nt... more

SWOP, Gage Park High School and NEIU organize a freshman retreat for over 160 Gage Park Freshman Students.

For the first time ever Gage Park High School in collaboration with the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) and Northeastern Illinois University organized a freshman retreat for over 160 freshman students and 20 teachers. SWOP student leaders who have been participating in the VOYCE... more

Women-Eye Expo looking for vendors

Women-Eye, is an non-profit 501c3 organization based in Chicago. Their mission is to help women empower themselves by providing information and resources that will help them achieve success as an entrepreneur. Women-Eye’s goal is to help women become physically, emotionally, spiritually and f... more

City assists residents with 2011 tax returns

Get your income taxes prepared free by the City of Chicago and its partners, and you may be eligible to receive up to $5,700 back from the IRS. The City is offering free income tax preparation assistance for families earning less than $50,000 and individuals earning less than $25,000. For informat... more

Looking for Science Fair Judges!

Chicago Public School students have spent the last couple of weeks preparing for their local school science fairs. Many are showcasing their projects this month to see if they have earned a spot in the area science fairs taking place in January. Their ultimate goal is to be chosen to represent thei... more

My experience with Smart Communities Initiative and Greater Auburn-Gresham Corporation

I am Jeremy Burgess, a gamer and explorer when it comes to new things. I am an easy and fun person to get along with. Everyday I get up early, and get ready for a new day of school with victorious grin on my face. I like to go places and meet new people, and share stories and ideas. I hope to develo... more

Walmart Supercenter opens in the Chatham neighborhood

Under the leadership of Alderman Howard Brookins (D-21), Walmart opened its second supercenter on the Southside of Chicago in the Chatham neighborhood. The grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony was a historic event for this neighborhood as it now reduces some of the food desert issues once pr... more

Senator Jacqueline Collins Attends Youth Joblessness Forum

NEWS From the Illinois Senate www.IllinoisSenateDemocrats.com State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins For Immediate Release For More Information: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 Katharine Eastvold (217-782-0663) Sen. Collins Atte... more

Remembering MLK: Occupy the Dream (VIDEO)

On January 15, 2012, religious leaders, civil rights activists, and elected officials from Illinois and Indiana commemorated the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and urged a continued movement for economic and political equality. This program was recorded by Chicago Access Network Television (... more

Chicago's 2012 Teen Girls and Women's Health Awareness Day of Workshops

[CHICAGO, IL] — FAM Entertainment Theater Company, along with Ford City Shopping Mall, Illinois State Rep Monique Davis, The South Shore Hospital Wellnes s Center, AIDS Chicago, Chicago’s Women’s Aids Project, Women’s Divine, Chicago’s Women’s Health center, P.A... more

Englewood Business Takes 3rd Place in the Entrepreneurial Idol Competition

City of Chicago Treasurer, Stephanie D. Neely, was the emcee of todays event hosted by Chicago State University. Ten finalists presented their business plans and inventions (many of which have patents) to a panel of distinguised judges and a viewing audience. Contestants were judged on the viabil... more

The Soooooooul Train Will Live On

“The Soooooooooul Train!” That phrase is an African American icon all on its own; To sit and watch Soul Train was an ongoing family tradition for our household. My mom wanted to see Don Cornelius, my dad wanted to see the Asian lady with the long hair and my sisters and I wanted to ... more

SPOUSAL BENEFITS OFFER INCREASED RETIREMENT OPTIONS

You may have more options than you know when it comes to Social Security benefits. Like many, you probably have given some thought to your own retirement plans. You know you can retire as early as age 62 and get reduced benefits. You know you can wait until your full retirement age and get full bene... more

Alzheimer’s Association® to Train 17 Community Representatives to Expand Services in the African-American Community

Because African-Americans are about two times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than Caucasians, and in honor of Black History Month, the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter is partnering with Chicago State University to train 17 PharmD candidates to deliver much n... more

SPOUSAL BENEFITS OFFER INCREASED RETIREMENT OPTIONS

You may have more options than you know when it comes to Social Security benefits. Like many, you probably have given some thought to your own retirement plans. You know you can retire as early as age 62 and get reduced benefits. You know you can wait until your full retirement age and get full bene... more

Los beneficios para cónyuges ofrecen más opciones para la jubilación

Posiblemente tenga más opciones en cuanto a lo que concierne a los beneficios de Seguro Social. Al igual que muchas otras personas, es muy probable que haya pensado bastante acerca de sus planes para su jubilación. Por ejemplo, ya sabe que se puede jubilar a la temprana edad de 62 a&nt... more

Street-Level Youth Media: Winter/Spring Media Arts Training 2012

Street-Levels media arts training programs are free and open to youth ages 8 to 22. Each year, we reach 1,000 youth across Chicago through on-site, in-school, and community-basedworkshops in video production, audio and music production, graphic design, and digital photography. Our programs promo... more

Pregúntele al Seguro Social

Pregunta: Yo sé que la plena edad de jubilación del Seguro Social está aumentando gradualmente a 67. Pero, ¿significa esto que la edad «temprana» para jubilarse también subirá por dos años, de 62 a 64? Respuesta: No. Aunque es cierto que... more

West Humboldt Park Parents Vote Overwhelmingly to Reject Proposed AUSL Turn-Arounds

Parents of Pablo Casals and Brian Piccolo Elementary School’s organized a vote for the Chicago Public Schools proposed turnaround of the schools by the Academy of Urban School Leadership. At yesterday’s vote close to 300 parents came out, and overwhelming majority voted against the turn... more

Three more portals for Smart Communities

The three Southwest neighborhoods in Chicagos Smart Communities program launched their portals yesterday, creating a wide new avenue for interaction among residents, businesses and organizations.They are works in progress, with some empty spaces yet to fill, but already the portals offer new stories... more

Peirce on Daley

Syndicated state and local government columnist Neal Peirces recent summary of Mayor Daleys legacy on the Citistates site will seem fawning to Daleys critics. There is only a brief mention at the end about patronage and corruption, and no mention at all about the privatization controversies that hav... more

Preview: Humboldt Park Launches Its Portal

Its still a work in progress, according to the team that made it happen, but the Humboldt Park Portal, a day after its "soft" launch, looks pretty good to me. It features a nice selection of stories from various contributors and organizations, a packed calendar (Movies in the Park, Jens Jensen birth... more

Take a Tour of Pilsen - by Video or Phone

Weve written here before about how neighborhoods are using multimedia tools to promote their work and their neighborhoods, but couldnt have imagined, even six months ago, how far the groups would come, and how fast.Audio slideshows are now available for 10 neighborhoods as part of the Chicago Commun... more

Front-Yard Signs Call Out Banks on Foreclosures

Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) is "naming names" of banks that are foreclosing on properties on Chicagos Southwest Side, where 7,300 foreclosures have been filed over two years in four area ZIP Codes. The bank names are prominently featured on yard signs that say "Deutsch Bank (or Citibank or J... more

Citizens Proactively Plan on the mid-South Side

Brandon Johnson said it best. “In an urban context, being in control of how your community is planned is one of the most important exercises you can be involved in.” The Washington Park neighborhood organizer said this recently to about 80 of his fellow South Siders, many still shaking... more

LISC’s Bookman on Chicago Community Land Trust Board

Joel Bookman, LISC Chicago’s director of programs, has been appointed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel to the board of the Chicago Community Land Trust. The trust, founded in 2006, is charged with preserving the long-term affordability of homes created through City programs and maintaining a permanent p... more

Inside the i-cluster

The idea of manufacturers forming “industry clusters” suggests several synergistic possibilities—spatial and logistical efficiencies, say, or group purchasing discounts on common needs such as cleaning supplies. Ask factory managers what they value most about cooperation among thei... more

Connecting the Dots: How Community Planning and Organizing Gave New Life to an Old Factory

The Green Exchange, on West Diversey Avenue just east of the Kennedy Expressway, is getting lots of attention these days, and for good reason. Coyote Logistics, which coordinates trucking capacity with national haulers, moved its headquarters to the former Cooper Lamp factory last year and recently ... more

Raising Up Teachers in Your Backyard

Nancy Ballesteros is completing a remarkable three-year journey from being a low-paid single mom of two kids to being a full-fledged Chicago Public Schools teacher … and all-around inspiration to kids in her Little Village neighborhood. “I can say to my students, hey, I know what you&rs... more

Nuns target sex trafficking at Super Bowl

Women from eleven religious orders are working with hotels in the Indianapolis area to curb sexual trafficking associated with the Super Bowl this weekend

Parents stand up for teachers under attack

With Mayor Emanuel aligning himself with an extremist group focused on attacking teachers, a group of Chicago parents has decided its time to speak up in their defense.

On TIF reform, a long way to go

“If the Mayor and the City Council admit that TIF is broken, why would they continue to use the program before it gets fixed?

The Chicago Tribune and CPS’s Big Lie

Judging from the Tribunes attack on its co-chair, the Chicago Educational Facilities Task Force must really be raising some hackles among the editorial boards friends at the Board of Education and the mayors office.

Bank fraud investigation hailed

Housing advocates hailed President Obamas State of the Union announcement of a task force to investigate bank fraud -- but called for more action to prevent foreclosures.

Substance Abuse, Domestic Abuse

When Felicia Simpson was married to a man who was beating her, she said she took on his habits. “For me to deal with what I went through, I smoked cigarettes and I drank heavily. Not wine, I drunk whisky. [I would] just wake up in the morning [and drink],” she recalls. “He woke up drinki... more

Sen. Terry Link Revises Gaming Bill, Hopes for Gov. Quinn’s Approval

Since Gov. Pat Quinn refused to sign a bill expanding gambling in Illinois intended to reduce a $15 billion budget deficit, Illinois Sen. Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) is meeting privately with members of the Gaming Committee to discuss ways of retooling the legislation to meet Quinn’s approval. Link ... more

Hi-Tech Sunscreen: Healthy or Harmful?

In scenes of Caddyshack, The Adventures of Pete & Pete and even SpongeBob, there are times when the characters’ noses look painted white, an effect of the ingredients in their sunscreen. But why don’t sunscreens still do that today? The answer is in nanotechnology. Nanotechnology – commonly defi... more

Guantanamo Comes to Main Street?

Do you remember where you were as the clock approached midnight on the last night of 2011? President Obama was signing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which has been described by a leading legal commentator as an “historic assault on American liberty.” The new law gives th... more

Illinois Extends Tax Cuts for Filmmakers, Hoping to Boost Economy

If Hollywood producers choose to shoot at locations outside of Illinois, not only would Chicago no longer star as the sky-scrapered backdrop for famous movies like Spiderman, Superman and Transformers, but Illinois’ economy and tourism could also suffer. To keep the film rolling in Illinois, state r... more

In the News: Lewis says she's not stepping down

Karen Lewis, president of the Chicago Teachers Union, says she isn’t stepping down over an “inappropriate joke she made about Education Secretary Arne Duncan. While her remarks were insensitive, they were just 120 seconds of her 35-minute speech at a social justice event in Seattle last month, Lewi... more

CPS moves forward on principal prep program, single hs application

At a low-key board meeting, district officials told members they are formally looking for partners to better prepare principals. Also, board members approved a contract for the development of a singular application for high schools to take the place of the hodge podge of applications that parents mu... more

No time to waste on longer day

 Chicago’s children deserve better. The majority of the city’s public school students today are not being prepared for success in this increasingly competitive global economy. Without dramatic change, it is unlikely that Chicago students living in poverty today will even have the chance to live a mi... more

In the News: Groups ready to battle over closings

Community groups around Chicago have begun revving up for what likely will be a fierce battle to keep neighborhood schools open as CPS prepares to announce this years list of school closings and consolidations. (Tribune) All prospective Chicago Public Schools students would have to go through an ap... more

Dozens of schools meet closings criteria

About 140 schools, most on the South Side, meet all the key components of the district’s draft criteria to be eligible for closing. This week, the district is holding community forums on the proposed criteria. Sometime after Nov. 21, CEO Jean-Claude Brizard will issue final guidelines. A week and a... more

In the News: City schools face Common Core struggle

Some of the best Chicago public schools are struggling to measure up to the recently adopted tougher Common Core curriculum, according to the Tribune. Also, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and CPS CEO Jean-Claude Brizard announced Monday a new online tool that will allow the public to read school reports for ea... more

Live on the Barber Shop Show: Race

Catch Editor and Interim Publisher Kimbriell Kelly live on air at noon today on the Barber Shop Show. Tune in to Vocalo 89.5 or listen online. Have something to add to the discussion? Call in. (888) 635-1112.Controversy, racism, sexism and affirmative action. Pulling it all together is David Mamet i... more

Trying to survive: Chicago teen keeps his head up even after taking a bullet to the chin

By Kari Lydersen“It wasn’t easy trying to survive a bullet to the chin, rapped Ondelee Perteet, 17, to the tune of Lil Wayne beats played off his smart phone on Nov. 5. Ondelee Perteet was shot in the face at a birthday party at his older sister’s West Side apartment during Labor Day weekend in 2009... more

More young people are killed in Chicago than any other American city

“Pour out your heart like waterFor the lives of your childrenLet justice roll down like watersRighteousness like an everflowing stream.So sang a soaring chorus of voices—young and old—inside Hyde Park Union Church on Nov. 6. The songs were interrupted by a somber litany of names: Chicago youth kille... more

Watch the first joint investigation from WMAQ and The Chicago Reporter

A well-known Chicago community organization is under investigation by two state agencies after NBC Chicago’s Unit 5 Investigative Team, in partnership with The Chicago Reporter, raised questions about its finances. The story is a follow-up to the Reporters latest investigation, "Following Finney," i... more

Live on the Barber Shop Show: Subsidized housing and slum landlords

Did you miss Editor and Interim Publisher Kimbriell Kelly on the Barber Shop Show? Listen online. You are missing some Flash content that should appear here! Perhaps your browser cannot display it, or maybe it did not initialize correctly. BSS 60.mp3 What do you have if you put together a prominent ... more

Winter at the Wood Street Urban Farm

There’s still much to do during the winter at the Wood St. Urban Farm! We just started our first seeds of the new year last week … spinach, chard, parsley, and arugula. And in only a week the first lettuce, … Continue reading →

Market Outreach Coordinator Wanted

The role of the Market Outreach Coordinator is to develop a customer base for Growing Home’s Wood Street Farm Stand by managing and improving infrastructure for the farm stand. In addition, the position will serve as the administrator for Growing … Continue reading →

Chiditarod 2012 fundraising efforts to support Growing Home

Growing Home is thrilled to announce that we will be the recipient of fundraising during the 2012 Chiditarod! The organizers of Chiditarod describe it as “a mobile food drive that combines elements of Alaska’s Iditarod with a costumed race and … Continue reading →

2011 Photo Slideshow

We hope you had a wonderful 2011! Growing Home sure did! Here are some of our favorite moments from the year. (slides will advance automatically, or you can click on a photo to go to the next)   Thank you … Continue reading →

Growing Home is the Whole Foods Market “One-Dime-at-a-Time” Nonprofit

Growing Home is the lucky nonprofit that receives 10¢ for every bag that is reused while shopping at Chicago area Whole Foods Markets until December 31st. Our job training program for formerly incarcerated and homeless individuals stands to make up … Continue reading →

Organic food bears sweet fruit for grocers in 2011

After four years of economic headwinds and stagnant sales, premium-priced organic foods grew in popularity and claimed a larger part of the market in 2011.

Life after the fare increase

Commuters are now paying more to ride the train. Sarah Eberspacher talked with Metra travelers who say they are frustrated with the new fare hikes.

The math says count on Patriots victory: How football analytics predict the big game

Now more than ever, if you don’t have a pocket protector, you don’t understand football. A motley crew of professional gamblers, college professors and renegade sports reporters are using “Moneyball-style analytics to better understand the Super Bowl teams and players, often with surprising results.... more

Great Lakes on thin ice this winter

A lack of ice on the Great Lakes this winter will lead to changes in water level, a hydrologic shift that stresses the response ability of precious wetlands along the coasts.

It takes a thief: Real-life burglars dish tricks of the trade

Have you ever wondered what a burglar looks for when he’s scoping potential targets? Here are some home security tips from inside the minds of convicted criminals.

A coalition you never thought you’d see

Urban affairs writer John McCarron sat-in on the “Neighborhoods and Housing Markets” conference January 23 at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago—part of the “Connecting to Markets” series sponsored by the Institute. Here’s his somewhat improbable take-away. * * ... more

Big ideas sparked by the housing crisis

Pull together experts and stakeholders from around the country to discuss the connection between regional development and neighborhood housing markets, and something interesting happens. The conversation gets even broader. The frame for the second “Connecting to Markets” series was a w... more

Talking about Tamaqua

Comprehensive community development is a diverse field, with a wide range of communities, programs and people who are leading the way. In this new occasional series, our Loreal Mallett is talking with practitioners from around the country to hear about their work and how they approach the job of ope... more

High Tech for Small Firms

Any small business owner has to wear a lot of hats, and for many, the one for "chief technology officer" can be particularly ill-fitting. Finding the best ways to use the Internet and business software may not come easily for someone who runs a traditional neighborhood business like a restaurant, ... more

An international cultural exchange 'at eye level'

For two and a half days last September, some three dozen Germans gathered in a Munich conference center to learn about the American concept of comprehensive community development. Then, they put their own cultural spin on the idea — by breaking into small groups and creating one-act plays de... more

Mayor hails first fruit of foreclosure fight

Alicia Ivy is fed up with the foreclosure blight dragging down her block in West Humboldt Park and was only too happy, on the sunny first Friday of 2012, to give Mayor Rahm Emanuel a walking tour of the lowlights. “This is what we’re up against,” Ivy said, waving at a boarded-up, g... more

Chicago NSP helps fill demand for affordable rental housing

When Chicago first applied for Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds to help stabilize neighborhoods hit hard by foreclosures in 2008, it imagined that most of that money would go toward buying and rehabbing foreclosed single-family houses and getting them into the hands of homeowners. City offic... more

Moving Forward Together

The one-two punch of the foreclosure epidemic and Great Recession is teaching community development practitioners to build more effective partnerships, get closer to local conditions … and maybe even redefine what’s possible. There’s a new reality out there and its lessons are c... more

Foregoing foreclosures

Maximo “Max” Pagan and his wife, Gladys, were okay with their $1,600-a-month mortgage from lender HSBC … until their low introductory rate adjusted up, and until Gladys missed work due to spinal surgery. “All of a sudden we’re looking at $2,500” said Gladys of t... more

Pullman/Roseland NSP Open House Tour: Unique homes at affordable prices

Sixteen miles due south of Chicago’s downtown skyscrapers, overlooking the Bishop Ford Expressway and a golf course that was built on top of a landfill, sits the high rise U.S. Bank building, whose shadow falls on the Pullman and Roseland neighborhoods surrounding it. It was there on a recen... more

Austin school honors Chicagoland manufacturers in unique private-public partnership

Contributions made by companies and organizations have provided students significant career exposure including nationally-recognized industry credentials, internships and paid positions.

Local youth direct a “community healing”

The Jan. 28 event included motivational speeches and performances to celebrate the students efforts to address issues young people face.

Emanuel slow to implement TIF reforms

While some changes proposed in August are finally being made, Public Interest Research Group Field Director Celeste Meiffren asks if it will be enough to fix the program that has misused Chicago tax dollars.

Elected officials, activists working to revise state’s criminal record law

They say amending the Illinois expungement and sealing law could give reformed offenders a fair chance at obtaining jobs and housing.

Clergy request meeting with Toni Preckwinkle about morgue problem

Theyve asked the Cook County Board president to allow the faith community to oversee and assist with solutions to bury dead bodies piling up at the medical examiners office.

Tech Classes Offer Opportunity In West Humboldt Park

Melissa Thurmond graduated college with a degree in accounting, and shes worked in accounts payable at a Moo and Oink grocery store and as the office administrator at a local preschool near her West Humboldt Park home. Now looking for work, Thurmond found the free Smart Community computer courses ... more

Smart Communities Wins Planning Award

The American Planning Association-Illinois Chapter has presented the Smart Communities program its 2011 Implementation Award, given to a plan that has been well-executed. The APA-IL recognized the Smart Communities master plan and three neighborhood plans as a group, calling them "an extremely effe... more

Auburn Gresham Celebrates in Style

It was very clear that something special was going on in Auburn Gresham on Friday, 11/11/11. A red carpet was rolled out in front of the headquarters of the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation and spotlights shone into the evening sky. What might not have been as obvious was just how mu... more

Neighborhoods Celebrate Their New Digital Skills

The power of the Internet was on full display at the Smart Communities Broadband Launch Celebration, as a wide mix of participants and policymakers talked about what it means to be digitally connected and what the program has accomplished. Topping off the September 29th event was the announcement o... more

Graduation Day Means New Technology

Graduations usually come around in June, but more than two hundred Smart Community families were very happy to be celebrating in September. This month, the first round of residents who earned a netbook computer by taking a training participated in graduation events in the five Smart Communities. E... more