Truancy in Chicago Public Schools Task Force Public Hearings

Senator Jacqueline Collins sponsors, "Truancy in Chicago Public Schools Task Force" meeting in Auburn Gresham, April 28th, Urban Partnership Bank (Community Room), 7801 S. State Street, 5:00pm to 7:00pm, doors open at 5pm, Public Hearing begins at 5:30pm.

World Read Aloud Day: March 5, 2014

Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation is Reading: The New Jim Crow, Carlos Purple Hibiscus, Norma, Carolyn Borland C++, Khayeem A Mans Heart, Pia Who Asked You?, Tenisha Spreading Love, Curbing Anger, Linda The Purpose Driven Life, Jenice (NHS Partner), second time The Four Agreem... more

Read Aloud. Change the World. World Read Aloud Day: March 5, 2014

World Read Aloud Day:? March 5, 2014 Every year on the first Wednesday of March LitWorlds advocacy campaign for the human right of literacy calls worldwide attention to the importance of reading aloud and sharing stories. Imagine a world where everyone can read...??World Read Aloud Day is about t... more

ComEd CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITIES

ComEd offers Flexible Payment Options and Finanicial Assistance to customers in need. Felixabele payment option are available through April 1, 2014. To learn more call 888-806-CARE (2273), option 2 or visit ComEd.com/CARE for more information.

White House Creating Opportunities To Elevate Boys and Young Men of Color

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CHICAGO AUBURN GRESHAM ELEV8 YOUTH RECOGNIZIED BY WHITE HOUSE INTIATIVE: BOYS and YOUNG MEN OF COLOR Chicago, IL (February 27, 2014) — At 15 years old, Richlyn Whittaker is a respected high school football player – both on the field and off. However, Richlyn... more

Ames Elev8 Musicians in Los Angeles

Ames Elev8 Musicians in L.A. In February, students from Ames flew to Los Angeles with The Peoples Music School Youth Orchestras to be part of an elite group of just 26 talented youth from around the country to participate in the LA Phils Leadership Forum for Young Musicians. They worked together ... more

VOYCE leaders from LSNA and APNC meet with Senator Dick Durbin re Juvenile Justice (VIDEO)

Ames Community Assembles at CPS Headquarters: We Demand Open, Transparent and Democratic Decision-making; Respect for the Students; and Keep Our School a Neighborhood School!

Those troublesome parents, students and neighborhood supporters of Ames Middle School (1921 N. Hamlin in Logan Square) — the “SAVE AMES COMMITTEE!” — showed up to again pressure the Chicago Board of Education to treat them respectfully, and not like a bunch of serfs, on Febr... more

Ames Parents, Students Call on CPS to Observe Referendum

THE LOOP — Ames Middle School parents and students and West Side politicians called on the Board of Education Wednesday to take no action on the schools conversion to a military academy before an advisory referendum set for next month. "The will of the people, the parents, the students, the ... more

Ames Parents, Students Call on CPS to Observe Referendum (full article)

THE LOOP — Ames Middle School parents and students and West Side politicians called on the Board of Education Wednesday to take no action on the schools conversion to a military academy before an advisory referendum set for next month. "The will of the people, the parents, the students, the ... more

West Haven Safe Summer League Championship Games

Join us for the three championship games of the 2012 West Haven Safe Summer Basketball League: grade school high school and adult. When: Thursday, August 14th, starts at 4p Where: United Center Tickets!!! Free admission, but you need a T-I-C-K-E-T to attend! Tickets can be picked up at the office,... more

Unique sponsorship opportunity to support West Haven’s Youth

About the West Haven Giants and West Haven Diamonds Near West’s baseball and softball programs currently serve over 25 boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 17 years old. Housed in West Haven, a community in the Near West Side of Chicago, the programs enable underserved youth to participa... 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

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

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

The Resurrection Project’s work covered by Univisión and The Gate Newspaper

The Resurrection Project (TRP) works to build relationships and create healthy communities, and we’re excited and grateful that our work has made the news again! On Friday, December 7, The Gate Newspaper ran a feature article on TRP and our work to stabilize Chicago’s Back of the Yards ... more

The Resurrection Project Applauds Wintrust’s Decision to Sell the Second Federal Deposits to Self-Help Federal Credit Union and The Resurrection Project

On November 28, 2012, Wintrust Financial Corp. agreed to sell Second Federal Savings and Loans’ three branches and deposits to The Resurrection Project (TRP) and Self-Help Federal Credit Union (Self-Help). You can read the Crain’s Chicago Business article here. TRP and Self-Help formed... more

The Resurrection Project and Self-Help Federal Credit Union joint venture acquires 1,100 loans to prevent massive foreclosures

On November 12, 2012, Self-Help Federal Credit Union (Self-Help) and The Resurrection Project (TRP) were successful in acquiring 1,100 loans totaling $141 million of face value from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). These loans are part of the former Second Federal Savings and Loan (... more

The New York Times features La Casa

La Casa Student Housing was featured in the Education Life section of the New York Times this weekend. The article is available online here, and was featured in the Sunday print edition on November 4, 2012. NYT reporter Michael Winerip visited with The Resurrection Project in September, and took ... more

La Casa Student Housing Media Coverage

The Resurrection Projects La Casa Student Housing Ribbon Cutting ceremony received great media coverage from national news outlets such as Univision, ABC, Azteca America and Fox News! See how they covered the event and La Casa below! Univision: Azteca America: WGN Chicago: Other media outl... more

Family Literacy Night

The Out of School Time Program at Reavis Math and Science Specialty School hosted a Family Literacy Night on November 21, 2013. The night included parents and students enrolled in the Elev8 and 21st CCLC afterschool program engaged in literacy activities such as Literacy Games (such as sight word bi... more

Health & Wellness Field Trip

The QCDC Team at Reavis Math and Science Specialty took the Middle School Students on an interactive learning experience to the Chicago Bulls/Sox Academy located in Lisle, Illinois. The students were exposed and engaged in a presentation and physical activities that focused on the importance of hea... more

Q: How Do You Make Chicago Stronger? A: Invest in Chicago Neighborhoods

Warning that Chicago risks becoming a “tale of two cities” if its neighborhoods deteriorate as downtown thrives, Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Tuesday gave a full-throated endorsement to LISC Chicago’s Campaign for Stronger Neighborhoods, an ambitious effort to raise $40 million to support... more

Adopt A Station Project Now Underway

Quad Communities Development Corporation (QCDC), in partnership with Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC), Bronzeville Green (a subsidiary of The Renaissance Collaborative-TRC) and with support from Alderman Pat Dowell, broke ground on a garden to be located at the 47th Street Green Line Station, su... more

Prioritizing Culture: Bronzeville’s Approach to Commercial Development

When you think commercial development, installing art may not spring immediately to mind, yet the Bronzeville Alliance and its partner organizations have made art a priority in developing the 47th Street corridor and surrounding areas. Bronzeville has been a pillar of African-American culture and co... more

Noticeable Acts of Neighborhood Heroism in Englewood

It’s the kind of individuals who rallies for the entire neighborhood without an incentive but with a goal to improve the social and economic conditions of their community. The national media attention that Chicago’s Englewood community has received due to the influx of uncorrelated, mi... more

Englewood Codes Recognized in Chicago Tech Plan

Teamwork Englewood launched Englewood Codes with the belief that the best way for Chicago to stay competitive in the new economy is to build a broad base of tech talent throughout the entire city. With the support of 178 project backers and program partners such as LISC/Chicago, After School Matte... more

Teamwork Englewood Offices will be CLOSED January 6th.

Due to present weather conditions and forecasts - The Teamwork Englewood office at 825 w. 63rd Street will be closed on January 6th 2014. Please stay safe and warm!

Happy New Years Englewood!

The offices of Teamwork Englewood will be closed Decemeber 31st 2013 and re-opened on January 2, 2014 at 9am. We would like to wish Englewood a Happy and Safe New Year!

Voice of West Englewood Committee

All are welcomed to join in on voicing your concerns and opinions about your community and the improvements that are needed, every 2nd Monday of each month For more info see attached flyer

WPC Announces Resignation of Executive Director

The Board of Directors for the Washington Park Consortium (WPC) announced today that executive director Brandon F. Johnson has resigned to pursue other opportunities. “I am tremendously proud of the strides Washington Park Consortium has made in support and technical assistance to Wa... more

Red Line South Reconstruction Project

Cermak-Chinatown to 95th/Dan Ryan • May 2013 – October 2013 CTA is rebuilding the south Red Line from just north of Cermak-Chinatown to 95th/Dan Ryan. The work will benefit Red Line riders for decades to come—through faster travel times, increased reliability, and spruced-up statio... more

The Crisis of Black Male Joblessness in Milwaukee: Trends, Explanations, and Policy Options

ABOUT THIS REPORT Since the late 1990s, issues surrounding race and employment have been a central research focus at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Center for Economic Development (UWMCED). In a series of reports, the Center has analyzed racial disparities in employment in the Milwaukee regio... more

Alderman Willie Cochran Discusses His Vote on on the Speed Zone Cameras and the Infrastructure Trust Ordinances

Greetings to all: Over the last two weeks the City Council has had two matters, Speed Zone Cameras and The Infrastructure Trust that were voted on. These matters have been in discussion for approximately six (6) weeks. Over that period of time thorough discussion were had and questions and ... more

Alderman Pat Dowell Discusses Her Vote on on the Speed Zone Cameras and the Infrastructure Trust Ordinances

At the two most recent City Council meetings, I cast votes on two ordinances that will affect all residents of the city. I cast a no vote for the ordinance authorizing placement of speed cameras near schools and parks and voted in favor of the Chicago Infrastructure Trust ordinance. (See ordinance ... more

Woodlawn Health and Human Services Community Information Meeting

Tuesday, July 16, 2013 July 15, 2013 Please join the Network of Woodlawn, the Woodlawn Health and Human Services Consortium (WHHC) , and other Woodlawn health and human services providers for a discussion about Woodlawn’s health and human services. Secretary Michelle Saddler, Illinois De... more

UIC Seeks Breast Cancer Research Study Volunteers

Tuesday, July 16, 2013 Wesley Walker Breast Cancer Survivors Move Forward Moving forward — that’s what researchers at the Institute for Health Research and Policy want to help African American breast cancer survivors do. Moving Forward is also the name of a community-based weight loss ... more

Woodlawn Rolls Out Network of Woodlawn's Education Strategy to Community Residents

Wednesday, October 17, 2012 Woodlawn residents, stakeholders invited to participate in community meeting to guide the future of local schools Network of Woodlawn and Woodlawn Children’s Promise Community to host 10/27 meeting, the first in the Future of Woodlawn series (Chicago) … Th... more

Woodlawn Public Safety Alliance Continues to Organize and Pray to Stop the Violence

Tuesday, October 16, 2012 W.Walker The Woodlawn Public Safety Alliance will be leading a prayer vigil and march around the 6300 block of S. Rhodes on Thursday, October 18th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. The vigil and march is part of a response strategy to call attention to the escalation of youth violenc... more

State of Illinois Invests $2 million towards Decreasing the Digital Divide in South Side Communities

Tuesday, October 16, 2012 Governor Quinn Announces First Winner of Illinois Gigabit Communities Challenge State’s $2 Million Seed Investment Will Jumpstart Fiber Optic and Wireless Network in Mid-South Side Chicago Neighborhoods; Help Create Over 50 Jobs CHICAGO – October 16, 2012.... more

Available now - 2 bedroom apartments at 9100 South Burley Apts.

Claretian Associates has 2 2-bedrooms apartments ready to rent today at 9100 South Burley Apartments, an affordable multifamily housing development, part of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. Know someone who needs a lovely new apartment renting for $749 per month? Click here for the flyer w... more

South Chicago featured at October's Chicago Artists Month

The 18th annual Chicago Artists Month celebrated artists "In the Neighborhood," with a focus on South Chicago and South Shore October 11-13 - and including events that run throughout the entire month. Starting September 27-29 and running through October, discover the work of hundreds of Chicago ar... more

Hurlock presents at Building Chicago Expo & African Festival of the Arts

Angela Hurlock, Executive Director, was pleased to represent Claretian Associates at the 24th annual African Festival of the Arts on September 1 and the BUILDINGChicago/Greening the Heartland Conference September 9. At the African Festival of the Arts, Angela presented as part of the Green Pavilio... more

Get In Chicago offers safe, summer fun

Safe, fun programs for youth grew in South Chicago this summer thanks to the Get In Chicago program supporting youth access to enrichment, education and mentoring opportunities. The program is part of our New Communities Program. Chicagos Public Safety Action Committee (PSAC) announced in June the... more

Hurlock honored as Citizen of the Year

The South Chicago Chamber of Commerce selected Angela Hurlock, Claretian Associates Executive Director, as its Citizen of the Year at the Chambers annual awards ceremony May 10. Angela has served on the Chambers board of directors, most recently as its president. "It is so gratifying to be honore... more

SWOP LEADERS MAKE HISTORY AT DRIVER’S LICENSE BILL SIGNING

On January 28, SWOP leaders watched as Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed the highway safety legislation into law. Illinois makes history by becoming the first state in over a decade that had the courage to work in a bipartisan manner to pass driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants.... more

SWOP’s "Reclaiming Southwest Chicago" Housing Campaign Moves Forward

SWOP SWOP continues to move on its effort to respond to the large numbers of vacant buildings plaguing the Southwest side by submitting a funding proposal to the Illinois Attorney General office as part of their request for proposals for the National Foreclosure Settlement Awards. Back in July 2012... more

Two Greater Southwest Development Corporation (GSDC) Employees Become U.S. Citizens through SWOP’s New Americans Initiative (NAI)

Wednesday, July 13, 2011 Last month, Nick Kollias and Rob Navarro of the Greater Southwest Development Corporation (GSDC) became U.S. Citizens through the Southwest Organizing Project’s (SWOP) New Americans Initiative (NAI). SWOP’s NAI is a state program that educates and assists eligib... more

Southwest Organizing Project Gets The Word Out About Text4baby

Tuesday, September 4, 2012 Click here to watch the text4baby informational Video Having a child, whether your first or third, can be a time of great uncertainty, but more than 18,000 women in Illinois are finding stability and support through text4baby. Text4baby is the first ever free mo... more

SWOP’s Next NAI Citizenship Workshop is March 23rd at Daley Community College

Wednesday, February 27, 2013 Since 2005, the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) has been a lead organization in the in the New Americans Initiative (NAI). Through NAI, administered by the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) in partnership with the Illinois Department of ... more

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.....

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

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

10 Earn Awards at 20th Anniversary CNDA

More than 1,500 people from neighborhood organizations, philanthropies, businesses and government joined Mayor Rahm Emanuel Thursday to celebrate the 20th Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards ceremony. The annual event – dubbed the Oscars of community development – this year was st... more

10 Earn Awards at 20th Anniversary CNDA

More than 1,500 people from neighborhood organizations, philanthropies, businesses and government joined Mayor Rahm Emanuel Thursday to celebrate the 20th Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards ceremony. The annual event – dubbed the Oscars of community development – this year was st... more

Up to Six Months of Complimentary Internet Services

UIC Partners with the Adler Planetarium for a tour of the galaxy in Spanish

University of Illinois at Chicago physicists and students are lending their talents and expertise to the Adler Planetarium Saturday, March 8 for a special event welcoming Spanish-speaking families for a one-day event, Mi Galaxia es Su Galaxia, a celebration of the world of science. The day will inc... more

Clemente Freshman Theater – Sons of the prophet

After weeks of rehearsing, hard work, sweat, and tears, Clemente Wildcat freshman students and upperclass drama students had an exciting experience performing ‘‘Sons of the Prophet” by Stephen Karam. The play took place at the American Theatre Company. Every student had a part i... more

Get help filing your taxes for free

Free tax services The City of Chicago invites you to take advantage of free, confidential tax help at locations across Chicago from mid-January through mid-April. Federal and Illinois tax return preparation and e-file are offered free of charge in partnership with the Center for Economic Progress an... more

The Return of EveryBlock

For a few years, Chicago had a website that gave “hyperlocal” news for each city neighborhood: local events, restaurant openings, construction permits, crime statistics, and more. Then, like a lot of things on the Internet, the site shut down, unable to make enough money to keep open. ... more

Mayor announces launch of online permit, license portal for businesses

As part of a continuing effort to make City government more efficient and effective, Mayor Rahm Emanuel today announced the launch of the first phase of an online permit and business license portal that will allow residents, business owners and contractors to easily apply, pay for and print permits ... more

Real life warriors: Midway Warrior running group

Have you ever wanted to be a part of something great in your own community? Read what Elsa Rivera, who is a member of the Midway Warriors Running Group, has to say about doing something great for herself and her neighborhood. Im a member of an awesome running group that started in May 2013 in the M... more

Reciba El Año Nuevo Con Un Aumento

Muchas personas reciben el nuevo año con champaña. Los beneficiarios de Seguro Social reciben el nuevo año con un aumento por concepto del ajuste por costo de vida (COLA, siglas en inglés). Este año, más de 60 millones de personas recibirán un aumento... more

Foundations to Give $200-Million More to Help Young Minority Males

Philanthropy This Week Tuesday, March 4, 2014 Top News and Features From The Chronicle Article URL: Foundations to Give $200-Million More to Help Young Minority Males Foundations to Give $200-Million More to Help Young Minority ... more

ComEd CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITIES

ComEd offers Flexible Payment Options and Finanicial Assistance to customers in need. Felixabele payment option are available through April 1, 2014. To learn more call 888-806-CARE (2273), option 2 or visit ComEd.com/CARE for more information.

Charter school students 11 times more likely to be expelled (than Chicago's traditional students)

Charter school students 11 times more likely to be expelled (than Chicagos traditional students) BY BECKY SCHLIKERMAN, FRAN SPIELMAN AND ART GOLAB February 26, 2014 Charter school students in Chicago are 11 times more likely to be expelled than students in traditional... more

Get Covered: ONLY 32 Days to Obamacare Sign-up Deadline

Be sure to get your appointment BEFORE the March 31st deadline, to be sure you do not get hit with the penalty. Call or stop by to get signed up! Bring with you all the following paperwork: Social Security Numbers (SS cards or document numbers for legal immigrants) Proof of Residency (Driver... more

White House Creating Opportunities For Boys and Young Men of Color

Today, President Obama announced a new initiative to support America’s young men of color, acknowledging that the future prosperity of our nation is tied to the success of all our young people. This announcement is an important milestone in a movement that has been growing over the last 20 ye... more

OWL & Chicago Public Library Presents: J.M. Benjamin

Join author J.M. Benjamin on Friday, March 7th 5pm - 7pm - For a meet/greet and book signing at Kusanya Café. 825 w. 69th (Green Street) Mr. Benjamin is the author of the Ride or Die Chick series and an author with Official Writers League, the publishing company owned by authors Ashley and Ja... more

FNC Computer Class Online Registration

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Noticeable Acts of Neighborhood Heroism in Englewood

Black History is American History and we must honor our African American men who sometimes go unnoticed and often times remain anonymous though they make life changing impacts on residents. It’s the kind of individuals who rallies for the entire neighborhood without an incentive but with a go... more

IDOT Press Release - Public Meeting for Proposed Improvement of Central Avenue at the Belt Railway Company of Chicago Crossing

IDOT Public Meeting March 4, 2014 - 4P to 7P - Mayfield Banquets, 6072 S. Archer Avenue, Chicago, IL 60638 Purpose of Meeting: To present the Purpose and Need for the improvement. Discuss the range of alternatives. To obtain public input

Re-Employment Services Workshop

Dear Friends, Are you currently either unemployed or underemployed? Do you or a member of your family need assistance with your job search and preparing for interviews? As your state senator, I want to help end unemployment within our community. That is why I am partnering with the Ill... more

Chicago Avenue Redux in the Works

West Humboldt Park Development Council (WHPDC) and Chicago Community Loan Fund (CCLF) have been awarded a grant from Citi Foundation to implement a planning process to revitalize the Chicago Avenue corridor. CCLF is a community development financial institution that provides loans to businesses in ... more

Weathering the Winter: Ways to Keep Warm while preventing your own storm

The polar vortex has created a diverse effect among many cities across the country. Cities with usually mild or moderate temperatures are now experiencing adverse extreme weather. Amidst the high winds, snow, and ice, the need for changes and adjustments seem to have pulled everyone into a state of ... more

Clemente Freshman Theater – Sons of the prophet

After weeks of rehearsing, hard work, sweat, and tears, Clemente Wildcat freshman students and upperclass drama students had an exciting experience performing ‘‘Sons of the Prophet” by Stephen Karam. The play took place at the American Theatre Company. Every student had a part i... more

Presence Saints Mary and Elizabeth Sponsoring Four Health Insurance Enrollment Sessions for Community

Chicago, Ill. – February 28, 2014 – Presence Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center (PSMEMC) is offering four health insurance enrollment sessions during March to help community residents become insured by March 31, 2014 – the deadline for enrolling in a plan on The Health Insura... more

Local residents, businesses weigh in on ‘The 606’ in hard cover segment [video]

Residents and local business owners express excitement, hope as well as uncertainty in a recent segment on the Bloomingdale Trail, produced by Humboldt Park-based Community TV Network (CTVN)’s award-winning show, Hard Cover. Dubbed “The 606”, the Bloomingdale Trail is a project ove... 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

10 Earn Awards at 20th Anniversary CNDA

More than 1,500 people from neighborhood organizations, philanthropies, businesses and government joined Mayor Rahm Emanuel Thursday to celebrate the 20th Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards ceremony. The annual event – dubbed the Oscars of community development – this year was st... more

CNDA at 20: Much More Than Buildings

It’s an awards ceremony, a networking opportunity and a chance to meet friends old and new. It’s an evening to celebrate hard work and fresh wins by communities too often dismissed with stale talk about what’s been lost. But most of all, the Chicago Neighborhood Development Aw... more

How Elev8 Sparked a School-Health Revolution

Even if you build it, they still may not come. That’s the hard truth behind the happy photos of ribbon-cutting ceremonies at school-based health centers. If students don’t come in, the service can’t be sustained. That’s exactly what happened at Englewood’s Lindblom H... more

How Twin Accounts™ Builds Credit, Saves Money

A bad credit rating – or no rating at all – is a serious barrier to financial independence, while a good credit history and credit score can pave the way to better jobs, easier apartment-hunting and lower interest rates. Recognizing the need for a quick and effective tool to build posit... more

LISC Expands Toolbox for Digital Learning

In today’s world, where job applications are submitted online and neighborhood news arrives via computers and mobile apps, having access to the internet is no longer an option. It’s a necessity. To celebrate Digital Learning Day on Feb. 5 and to support the re-launch in Chicago of the n... more

Low Wage Workers Forum, TONIGHT 2/11, 6 p.m.

The surge of groups speaking today for low wage workers is unprecedented in Chicago. What do they want? Who are they? What’s likely to happen? Tonight – Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. these workers, the groups that represent them, and the community organizations and others that are standing behind... more

Students promote Martin Luther King’s values

Uplift High students participating in the Peace Ambassadors program will be honored Friday, January 17, 9:30 a.m., at 900 W. Wilson.

The Obama tour

Marking the fifth anniversary of Barack Obamas election as president, Forgotten Chicago is offering a tour of the Chicago sites from Obamas life in Chicago on November 10.

Ames parent mobilize

Ames Middle School parents will canvas the neighborhood Saturday morning to spread the word about community meetings at the school Tuesday at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Foreclosures and the black community

Author Laura Gottesdiener will discuss her new book, "A Dream Foreclosed: Black America and the Fight for a Place to Call Home," joined by activists from the Chicago Anti-Eviction Campaign and Residents Association of Greater Englewood, on Wednesday, October 30, 6 p.m., at the Center for the Study o... more

Close Calls of the Divvy Kind

Local biker extraordinaire, Steve Vance, has created a site where you can report Any Divvy near-misses. It will include a map and allows you to describe the circumstances of your near miss. The idea is to share our collective wisdom and get a lot smarter about duties and riding in the city. Columbia... more

Mariano’s Opening in South Loop on October 8th

Mariano’s grocery store is coming to the South Loop. It is scheduled to open on October 8. The post Mariano’s Opening in South Loop on October 8th appeared first on Chicagotalks.

The Next Great Journey: An Interview with Paul Salopek

Paul Salopek spoke via Skype from somewhere in Saudi Arabia to the summer 2013 class of Columbia Links teen journalists at Columbia College Chicago. Here is an edited transcript by Matthew Wettig, Links mentor and senior at Lane Tech High School. Wettig is the editor of “The Warrior”, th... more

A Short Ride for You, A Million Miles for Divvy

In the three months its been up and running, riders have traveled more than 1 million miles to and from hundreds of stations all across the city, according to Divvy. Chicago’s Divvy is the second largest in the US, with about 9000 members. The Divvy folks are running a contest to collect the b... more

Free Inspirational Concert in Evanston to Celebrate Birthday of Safe House Church Pastor & Platinum Hit Music Producer, Stephen Huff

Stephen Huff, Lead Pastor at Safe House Church and Platinum Hit Music Producer, will celebrate his birthday with an inspirational concert for the community of Evanston starting at 4 p.m. Sunday, September 29th. This free event will take place in the historical Grand Ballroom at the Hilton Orrington,... 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

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

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

Javier’s great news

Javier, a 2011 Growing Home grad, is now working full-time at East Balt, a commercial bakery on Chicago’s south side that’s been around more than 50 years.  It’s a good-paying union job with full benefits, year-round. Javier came to Growing Home from the Back of the Yards Neighborh... more

The Future of Cook County Boot Camp

“Boot camp is what did it for me.  It gave me better insight into life, and I respect the values it left in me. —DeAndre Brooks, 2012 Growing Home graduate and current Urban Farm Assistant “I don’t think it can be fixed. —Illinois State Representative Dennis Reboletti on abolishing Cook County Jail’... more

Growing Home is hiring!

Growing Home is hiring for two positions to join our team during the 2014 growing season: one at our Wood St. Urban Farm and one at our Les Brown Memorial Farm. Read below or click the Work Here tab for more information.  Farm Assistant and Market Supervisor  Description: Growing Home is seeking a F... more

We need equality in the criminal justice system

The Chicago Tribune recently published a letter to the editor by Growing Home’s executive director Harry Rhodes. The letter demands equality in the criminal justice system, as exemplified by the recent ruling not to send Beanie Baby executive Ty Warner to prison for tax evasion. Read the full ... more

On the Road with Harry Rhodes in Cuba

Growing Home’s Executive Director Harry Rhodes recently got back from a trip to Cuba, which has one of the most advanced urban farming systems in the world. This trip was the culmination of a fellowship awarded to Harry by the Chicago Community Trust last year, recognizing his leadership in th... more

Cancer survivor’s difficult road to hit smooth pavement across America

Evan Bartlett’s life began with a huge challenge. At four months old, he was diagnosed with a life-threatening form of cancer and given a 65 percent chance of surviving.

Color Jam brings back vinyl

Have you noticed the pop of color in Chicagos Loop? You may have touched it and not even realized. Color Jam, an art installation by multimedia artist Jessica Stockholder, blankets the corner of State and Adams.

CTA financial statements reflect positive steps in efficiency and emissions

A push to lower emissions and some smart commodity buying led the CTA to a drastic reduction in operating costs.

A raw idea: Owners changing up pets' diets

Before dogs were domesticated, they ate what they killed -- and they certainly didnt cook it. Now, a new diet designed with that simple philosophy in mind is picking up steam in the pet industry. Some dog owners say it makes their pups healthier and happier, but others say its just not worth the... more

Last chance to see Venus phenomenon, in this lifetime

Last chance to see Venus phenomenon, in this lifetime venuschicago Venus Transit Venussplash Transit of Venus dazzles thousands at Adler Planetarium Venus trek across the sun tracked by thousands at the Adler

"Arts-based Community Development: Mapping the Terrain"

Bill Cleveland has been working in community-based arts for more than three decades. In this paper, a refreshed version of a piece done in 2002, he gives his perspective on the growth of arts-based community development. Published by Animating Democracy, the 12-page primer looks at the movement&rs... more

Irrigate: Year One

Irrigate is an artist-led creative placemaking initiative that spans the six miles of the Central Corridor Light Rail line in St. Paul, Minnesota during the years of its construction. The project mobilizes artists to engage in their own communities along the line. Irrigate aims change the landscap... more

How arts and culture can transform your community

I know first-hand how art and culture can transform individuals and communities. I grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota at a time when I thought I had to be either black or white. As an Asian American, I was neither. It was the work of Mu Performing Arts staging plays about the Asian-American experience... more

Creative Placemaking: A Tour

At the end of 2013, LISC’s Erik Takeshita and Mindy Leiterman visited cities across the country thanks to support from the Kresge Foundation to learn more about how creative placemaking is making a difference in low- and moderate-income communities (read Erik’s blog posts about the exper... more

Artscape DIY

Artscape is a Canadian organization that has transformed a portfolio of underutilized buildings across Toronto into dynamic community assets. Artscape DIY is the groups step-by-step attempt to share what its learned online. The site includes case studies, tools and resources, downloadable template... more

New day dawns in Pullman

George Pullman had a couple of good reasons for building his railcar manufacturing plant and workers’ village on Chicago’s far South Side in 1881. One, land was cheaper there than near the city center. And, two, it was so far from downtown that his employees would be isolated from the &l... more

Homebuyer Fair Taps Instinct to Buy

They arrived, often two-by-two, like pilgrims to Mecca, drawn by the dream of homeownership to the soaring architecture of West Pullman’s Kroc Community Center on 119th Street. They came from Back of the Yards, Cicero, Chatham, Humboldt Park, and a handful of other neighborhoods, from one end ... more

In Logan Square and Hermosa, home buyers on the hunt

Vanessa Valentin and James Rudyk aren’t exactly salesmen – they’re respectively a community organizer and executive director for the Northwest Side Housing Center – but they recently demonstrated the art of persuasion while leading a trolley-full of potential home buyers thro... more

NSP: Where it's been, where it's going

Katie Ludwig discussing the Neighborhood Stabilization Program at a public meeting on Chicagos South Side. Gordon Walek Writer Bill Healy recently spoke with Katie Ludwig, an assistant commissioner dealing with foreclosure mitigation in the Chicago’s Department of Housing and Economic Deve... 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

Measuring an Era

Demond Drummer wasn’t at all shocked to get such a heartfelt endorsement of the impact of what he teaches as the tech organizer at Teamwork Englewood. But how it was delivered was a bit of a surprise. One afternoon, while walking down the street in Englewood, one of his former students from a... more

Job Search 2.0

A hard-working student at Kennedy-King College in Englewood, Gabrielle Thompkins has turned to the Smart Communities program in a lot of ways. Help finding a job is just the most recent example. Thompkins is one of thousands of residents in the five Smart Communities who’ve taken computer tra... more

Report: Web Use Way Up in Smart Communities

Residents participating in LISC Chicagos Smart Communities program are using high-speed Internet more frequently, but greater access to affordable broadband at home remains an issue for at-risk communities, according to new research released by Broadband Illinois. The "Measuring Change in Internet ... more

Small, Smart and Ready

At Reciclarte Studio, Leticia Rodarte’s art gallery on Ashland Avenue, almost everything for sale is made from recycled materials, much of it by Rodarte herself. It’s a fun, funky kind of store—the type of place that brings in visitors from across Chicago to Pilsen. But Rodarte k... more

Lessons for Life

It’s yet another mercilessly hot July day in Chicago—the temperature hovers at 94 degrees outside—yet class is in session. More than a dozen local residents are sitting at computer workstations in Englewood’s FamilyNet Center at Kennedy-King College for a free, 90-minute co... more