Chicago Shops Campaign Wants You to Spend Big, Shop Small by Supporting Neighborhood Businesses: #ChiBizShops

Shop Smart, Know Return Policies, and Beware of Scammers this Holiday! The holiday shopping season is officially here with bright lights and great deals. It is a wonderful time of the year for both our retailers and consumers. The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BAC... more

You have nothing to lose and can gain a Lot for only $1

The Citys $1 Large Lot program is set to reopen to deeded property owner applicants. DPD will reopen Mayor Emanuels Large Lots land sale program Monday, Dec. 3, 2018 with approximately 4,000 vacant, City-owned lots on the South, Southwest and West sides available for $1 each. The six-week app... more

The Grid: Exploring the Auburn Gresham neighborhood

John J. Kim/Sun-Times Video by Brian Rich Welcome to “The Grid,” our in-depth look at Chicago’s neighborhoods. Today’s stop is Auburn Gresham. This neighborhood is about nine miles south of downtown Chicago. Like many of Chicago’s neighborhoods, th... more

Ji explores Auburn Gresham | Part 2

Ji explores Auburn Gresham The Auburn Gresham neighborhood on Chicago’s southwest side. | Brian Rich/ Sun-Times The beauty of one of Auburn Gresham’s hidden gems is impressive even in winter. When I walked through Auburn Park, it wasn’t in its full glory. It was chilly, the tr... more

Give Thanks!

We would like to wish all of our community partners, businesses and residents a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend. Our offices will be closed Thursday, November 22nd and Friday, November 23rd in observance of the holiday. Normal business hours will resume Monday, November 26th. Remember to help th... more

Activistas presentan plan para frenar el desplazamiento urbano en el vecindario de Hermosa, en Chicago

https://www.univision.com/chicago/wgbo/noticias/comunidad/activistas-presentan-plan-para-frenar-el-desplazamiento-urbano-en-el-vecindario-de-hermosa-en-chicago-video "Organizaciones comunitarias han diseñado un plan para evitar que en un futuro cercano cientos de latinos sean víctimas... more

As Gentrification Moves West, Hermosa And Logan Square Leaders Launch Plan To Fight Displacement

Mina Bloom Ideas include establishing a "welcoming corridor" along Armitage west of Pulaski for immigrants. LOGAN SQUARE — In an effort to “get ahead of” gentrification-fueled displacement encroaching on West Logan Square and Hermosa, community leaders have launched a five-yea... more

Plan unveiled to reconfigure Logan Square traffic circle

The Logan Square traffic circle - where Milwaukee, Kedzie and Logan Boulevard intersect -- is confusing for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago Department of Transportation unveile d Tuesday a plan to reconfiguration a six-way junction in the Logan Square neighbor... more

How Chicago Is Making its Own Affordable Housing Crisis Worse

Logan Square residents and supporters march for racial equity and affordable housing in the rapidly gentrifying north side neighborhood of Logan Square in Chicago on October 23, 2018. (Photo by Max Herman/NurPhoto) For low-income people, a lot of our time is taken up by jobs that don’t gi... more

Chicago Has A Plan To Build Near CTA Trains. But Who Does It Help?

Bill Healy/WBEZ Some of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods are around CTA ‘L’ stations. Land near transit is special, and five years ago, the city wanted to spread the magic. It passed an ordinance called Transit-Oriented Development, or TOD. It’s a wonky term, for su... more

2018 Business Plan: Pitch Competition

Join us for the 2018 Business Plan: Pitch Competition where business owners Pitch their business for a chance to win a share of $40,000 cash prizes. See flyer for additional details.

We Are Hiring!

We are seeking a Director of Operations to manage the design and delivery of programming, oversee contracts and departmental budgets and work with the organizations leadership team. If you or somone you know qualify, submit a cover letter and resume for consideration to info@teamworkenglewood.org. ... more

Teamwork Englewood 2017 Spotlight

We are proud to present the TWE 2017 Spotlight. This report showcases the hardwork and dedication of the Teamwork Englewood staff, and the relentless committment of the Greater Englewood community members. Inside, you’ll find highlights of our impressive departments, testimonials from stak... more

Englewood Quality of Life Plan II Celebrates Its One Year Anniversary

On Saturday December 2nd 11AM-12:30PM, at Volunteers of America (6002 S. Halsted), the Englewood community will celebrate the one year anniversary of the Englewood Quality of Life Plan (EQLP). In April 2015, Englewood residents celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the 2005 Englewood Quality of Life Pl... more

Englewood Women's Initiative: Supporting Veterans

Are you a women veteran living in Englewood looking for pathways to success and economic security? If you are, the Englewood Womens Initiative or "EWI" is for you. Women veterans living in Englewood, recognized for honorably serving our nation, are invited to a special EWI session on Wednes... more

Claretian Associates is Looking for an AmeriCorp Vista

Member Duties : The VISTA will 1) research and assist with applications for private and public funding sources for housing and social programs. 2) Evaluate Claretian Associates existing programs and learn best housing practices in Chicago-area special needs housing. 3) Develop materials for tenant s... more

CeaseFire Rally Cries, "Save Our Funding"

Monday afternoon, Claretian Associates’ Ceasefire (Cure Violence) team participated in the rally at city hall to save Ceasefire funding. With $2.8 million in frozen funding, the South Chicago team demonstrates how essential the program is to the community. In a recent interview with a CeaseFir... more

Community Assessment for Early Childhood Services

Claretian Associates is partnering with Metropolitan Family Services and many other community organizations to develop an Early Childhood Network in support of AOK. AOK (All Our Kids) Network is a group of agencies that work with families with young children to make sure that families get the servi... more

Claretian Associates is Partnering with I Am We to South Chicago Youth!

Message from I Am We Executive Board Member, Latisha Thomas I Am We has partnered with Claretian Associates to offer visual and digital storytelling to youth living in South Chicago. We are excited about this endeavor to fill a gap where youth have limited access to art, literacy development, ment... more

Claretian Associates is Looking for a Youth Media Team!

Claretian Associates is searching for a few motivated local youth who are between the ages of 15-21 and would like to learn about film production, create press releases, write blogs, and create engaging social media content to feature on our website and social media platforms. These three youth wi... more

Help support WINGS Metro, domestic violence victims

WINGS Metro is slated to open on February 14, just a few shorts weeks away. They will be providing interim housing to those fleeing domestic violence situations. WINGS is still in need of items before the big opening and is asking the community for support. If you or someone you know is able to don... more

IMAN puts out proposal for Healthy Marketplace Campaign

IMAN is converting a local corner store and neighboring commercial space at 63rd and Racine into a Healthy Marketplace with two businesses. The two businesses will be a small scale grocery and an adjacent establishment aligned with the mission of providing healthy options for the consumer. Learn... more

Cutting Corners for Chanel and Cartier

Asha had worked a string of jobs ranging from admin assistant, to photographer, to pre-K art teacher. She’d taken some career courses at City Colleges. However, the opportunity to find a career path that provided both job satisfaction and the wage she needed as a single mother to support her ... more

Get assistance on paying your electric bill

Keep warm when the weather drops

2018 Senior Enrichment Seminar Schedule

The Circuit Court of Cook County Elder Justice Center Help for People Age 60 and Over The Circuit Court of Cook County Elder Justice Center is a court-based resource center which offers services for persons age 60 and older involved in legal proceedings. The Circuit Court of Cook County Elder Jus... more

$1 Large Lots program to reopen in December 3rd

$1 Large Lots program to reopen in December DPD will reopen Mayor Emanuels Large Lots land sale program Monday, Dec. 3, with approximately 4,000 vacant, City-owned lots on the South, Southwest and West sides available for $1 each. The six-week application period is the eigh... more

Empower Yourself and Manage Your Health | A Candid Conversation on Diabetes & Weight Loss

Hallelujah Homeownership Seminar

Advocate Trinity Hospital to Host Athletes Know CPR Basketball Jam Classic Nov. 11

Pick-up basketball enthusiast Elston Harris, 54, believed he was safe from heart troubles until a massive heart attack struck him down, on a South Side basketball court. Harris is alive today because he received CPR immediately. Now, Harris is teaming up with his cardiologist, Dr. Marlon Everett,... more

How to Contribute to the Englewood Portal

All contributions are welcome. Luckily, making a contribution to the Englewood Portal is easy. Follow these steps and youll be on your way!

T.I.M.E. (THIS IS MY ENGLEWOOD) 21:36 Task Force Survey

We are conducting a study aimed to collect data on safety, including policing and community engagement for the purpose of reducing crime and increasing public safety within the Englewood community in Chicago. We are asking for Englewood residents and stakeholders, particularly from Beats 725 (6... more

ComEd: Power Grid Ready to Serve Customers this Winter

As temperatures have dipped, ComEd has been hard at work to ensure the power grid is ready to meet the energy needs of customers in northern Illinois and Chicago all winter long. ComEd continued its work to create an advanced energy delivery system in 2018, improving reliability for customers and b... more

RAGE Hosts 8th Annual Networking and Holiday Party

It’s that time of year again to celebrate the hard work the Resident Association of Greater Englewood has done all year to help improve Englewood! Join us as we host our 8th (Yes it’s our 8th Year) Annual Holiday and Networking Party on Thursday, December 20th, 6pm-11pm at the Englewood... more

ComEd Partners with HFS Scholars to Provide Real-World STEM Education

CHICAGO (Dec. 6, 2018) – Fifty economically disadvantaged high school freshmen from throughout Chicagoland have begun a five-month seminar that will introduce them to the fundamentals of energy, smart city technologies, and sustainability and help put them on the path toward science, technol... more

June 2nd Registration Deadline Approaching for City Colleges of Chicago’s Summer 2017 Term

Chicagoans who want a quality, affordable education to prepare for further college or career can register now for the 2017 Summer Term at City Colleges of Chicago, the largest community college system in Illinois. One of the seven city colleges, Wright College has a location in Humboldt Park at 1645... more

Complete a Health Survey, Earn $40 Visa Giftcard

Researcher Kiarri Kershaw, PhD is conducting a survey on how women use their environment, available resources, and each other to choose the foods they eat. Access to healthy food is a public health issue, but previous research on whether or not improving access to healthy foods improves eating beha... more

Engaging community through conversation

Bickerdike welcomed 11 guests for dinner and discussion as part of an On The Table event on May 17, 2017. Held each year in May, On The Table is a special initiative of the Chicago Community Trust (CCT); it is designed to promote community building and the sharing of ideas among diverse groups as th... more

Team Hope

As an adult education instructor, many times my classes will present a “first time ever” experience to me. Sometimes it’s things like – first time I raised my voice, first time NO ONE was prepared for their presentation, etc. But with the Wood Products Manufacturing Class w... more

McTeacher’s Night at Western Ave. McDonald's for Roberto Clemente Community Academy

Roberto Clemente Community Academy of CPS held their first McTeacher’s Night at the McDonald’s on Western in Chicago, on Thursday, May 18. A McTeachers Night is organized to help raise money for local schools by having teachers work at McDonalds and then giving a percentage of the nights... 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

Casa Queretaro, Lake Village East among Winners of Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards

Casa Queretaro will be receiving first place for the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design at the upcoming 24th Annual Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards (CNDA). Gabriel Ignacio Dziekiewicz said he hoped Casa Querétaro would help to def... more

LISC’s Quality-of-Life Planning Bettering Neighborhoods throughout Chicago

Attracting new businesses to West 79th Street is a mission for Carlos Nelson, executive director of the Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation (GAGDC), and his associate, Nicole Wheatly. Renovation of a four-story building just west of Halsted Street is expected to begin later this year. G... more

Micro Market Recovery Program Revitalizes Blocks Across Chicago

Anthony and Michelle Johnson and their children in front of the two-flat in the 700 block of North Spaulding Avenue that they purchased through the citys Micro Market Recovery Program (MMRP). They live in the lower portions of the house and rent out the top floor. Photos by Gordon Walek In 2012... more

Catalyzing Change Through Empty Lots on Chicago’s South Side

In Englewood, vacant lots have become beacons of opportunities. An opportunity that isn’t without difficulty and hardship. An opportunity that requires determination, vision and, most importantly, collaboration. Since 2016, Englewood residents have been able to purchase vacant City of Chicago... more

Evelyn’s Food Love Uses LISC Small Business Loan to Bring Hip New Restaurant to Washington Park

Evelyn Shelton realized her ambition to open a Washington Park restaurant, thanks in part to a LISC Small Business loan. Photos by Gordon Walek Evelyn Shelton wants to revitalize Washington Park one triple chocolate chip pancake at a time, and a substantial LISC Small Business loan is allowing ... more

Long-awaited quality-of-life plan unveiled in Austin

After two years of work involving more than 400 people, the plan was celebrated Saturday at Michele Clark Magnet High School. Now seven task forces each devoted to a key issue area will begin implementing the plan.

Saturday is deadline to sign up for Obamacare

If you need health insurance coverage for 2019, visit www.getcoveredillinois.gov or call (866) 311-1119 to sign up by Dec.15.

Austin’s quality-of-line plan to be unveiled Saturday

After years of work involving dozens of West Side residents, the spotlight will be on the plan from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Dec. 15. The event - organized by Austin Coming Together - will be held at Michele Clark High School, 5101 W. Harrison St.

Michele Clark HS petitions for IB program

Michele Clark Principal Charles Anderson Jr. said many students who attend elementary school in Austin leave the community for high schools that offer an IB program, especially if they were already enrolled in the program. The hope is that having a high school program in Austin would keep some of th... more

West Side children invited to holiday party Sunday

The Chicago Community Alliance will hold the event from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 9th at the Garfield Park Golden Dome, 100 N. Central Park. Ald. Jason Ervin and state Rep. Melissa Conyears-Ervin are the hosts.