On Saturday, January 31st, a celebration was held at the SALUD Center, to announce the completion of the South Chicago Quality of Life Plan. The event brought together representatives from United Way of Metro Chicago, LISC, local officials, and community partners and residents, all united in their commitment to South Chicago’s future. 

Committee members presented each of the QLP pillars—Arts and Culture, Economic Development, Education, Environment and Infrastructure, Health, Housing, and Safety—along with their goals and vision for community growth over the next several years.  Following the presentation, a motion was made to approve the QLP. A community acknowledgment banner was displayed for residents to sign, symbolizing their agreement and support for the plan moving forward. Read the QLP here. If you would like to be a part of a committee to put the QLP into action, contact Program Manager Tiarra Owens at tiarrao@claretianassociates.org​

Claretian Associates is proud to announce that we are now managing the South Chicago Senior Satellite Center located at 9233 South Burley. The center offers a wide variety of activities and resources designed to support the health, wellness and social engagement of local seniors.  
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Seniors can participate in engaging activities such as tap dancing, cooking classes, and art classes. The center also offers a dedicated fitness area, Chicago Fitness Plus, where seniors can work with a personal trainer to stay active and fit.  
Each day from 11:00 – 11:45 AM, seniors can enjoy a nutritious cold or hot lunch provided through the City of Chicago’s Golden Diners program. In addition, a dietitian, nurse, and social worker are available to provide health and wellness education.  

The senior center also serves as a warming and cooling center during periods of extreme temperatures, offering a safe and comfortable environment for community members.  Visit the senior center Monday through Friday from 8:30 – 4:30 PM. All seniors are welcome! ​

Claretian Associates has completed the appraisals and Phase I environmental assessments for the lots slated for the future STEEL Homes development, formerly known as Getting to Home. This marks another milestone in advancing new housing opportunities in South Chicago. 
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Through the City of Chicago’s City Lots for Working Families program, Claretian plans to develop 14 single-family homes on long-vacant lots located along the 8000, 8900 and 9100 blocks of South Buffalo Avenue. These new homes will help revitalize the neighborhood, create opportunities for homeownership, and bring long-term stability to local families. For more information contact Paul Panciera at paulp@claretianassociates.org.

Fitness Center 

Come visit us at the fitness center and take advantage of our very affordable memberships: Classic $14.99, Classic Plus One $25, and Classic. As a member, you can take advantage of our free “Get Fit Class” every Wednesday and Thursday at 10:30 AM.

Construction for Sustainable Affordable Commercial Real Estate Development (SACRED) is currently 25% completed. The building is estimated to be completed by February 2027. SACRED, located at East 92nd and South Burley, will have 81 units of affordable housing, a parking lot, and 6,500 square-foot of commercial space. ​

Demolition of Brummels Corners, a full city block along 92nd Street, between Brandon and Burley is nearly complete. Plans for this property include a mixed-use development with housing. Claretian Associates looks forward to working with the community to determine the best use of the property.​ ​

James Sims Selected for Multi Leadership Academy  ​

Claretian Associates congratulates James Sims, CP4P Program Manager, who was selected for the Latino Policy Forum Multi Leadership Academy (MLA) 2026 cohort. The program is designed to provide civic leaders with leadership skills to strengthen cooperation between Latino and African American communities.   

AmeriCorps Alumni Spotlight  

Corridor Manager Paul Panciera was highlighted in the December 2025 Housing Action Illinois, Alumni Spotlight: From Service Year to Staff Member. Read about how Paul’s AmeriCorps year helped with his goals of working in housing and community here.  ​

Claretian Associates and Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P) brought holiday cheer to the SALUD Center on Thursday, December 18th.  Families enjoyed an amazing performance by the Hoofer Tap Dancers and got a chance to take pictures with Santa. Everyone enjoyed delicious food, hot chocolate, cookie decorating, face painting, and music. Toys for all ages were distributed.  ​

Communities Partnering 4 Peace  
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On Wednesday, November 26th, Mayor Brandon Johnson visited the CP4P Light in the Night in South Deering. Mayor Brandon met with community members and showed his support for the work Claretian is doing with violence intervention. The CP4P team distributed warm Thanksgiving meals to community residents.  ​