Programs
Over six weeks, Chicago Youth Works, UNITY Squad gained valuable early work experience while developing essential life, leadership and professional skills. Throughout the summer, youth engaged in a variety of meaningful projects designed to strengthen their confidence, teamwork, and community involvement. Youth participated in a gun violence awareness event, where they facilitated a community panel discussion to honor and support individuals and families affected by gun violence. They explored Chicago through a series of education field trips, visiting the Chicago History Museum, Chicago Botanic Garden, and Burst Into Books. Additionally, youth had the unique opportunity to learn about architecture from our CEO Angela Hurlock and tour Claretian’s affordable housing properties. For their final project, participants designed artistic awareness campaigns focused on issues they care about, including mental health, public safety, gun violence, and other community challenges. They later presented their campaigns to community members, showcasing their creativity and research. The program concluded with a celebratory luncheon at Maggiano's, where participants received certificates recognizing their successful completion of the summer youth employment program.
 Hoopz in the Hood Through the generous partnership of LISC Chicago and State Farm, youth had the opportunity to stay active, develop their basketball skills, and build confidence both on and off the court. As the Hoopz in the Hood program comes to a close, youth enjoyed a summer filled with skill building, teamwork and new friendships. Twice each week, participants took part in basketball drills, skill development activities, and scrimmages that strengthened their athletic abilities while promoting sportsmanship and collaboration. In recognition of their hard work, youth received basketball trophies and certificates honoring their completion, participation, and dedication throughout the program. On August 21st, youth will participate in a Hoopz in the Hood Tournament at Stewart Park, joining youth teams from across the city for a day of friendly competition. We are BuildingVilla Guadalupe
On July 15th, Villa Guadalupe Senior Apartments (Villa) reached an important milestone with the approval of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) from the City of Chicago. Villa residents attended a City Council meeting to show their support for the funding, demonstrating strong community commitment behind the project. The TIF approval is a critical step that will allow Villa to finalize its financing and move forward with planned renovations. The 53-unit senior housing building will undergo significant improvements, including new windows, appliances, cabinets, and other apartment upgrades designed to enhance residents’ comfort and quality of life. Additional improvements include the installation of a second elevator, renovations to the community room and laundry room and new exterior cladding to improve insulation and energy efficiency. These investments will help preserve affordable senior housing while ensuring Villa remains a safe and modern home for its residents. Pool Fundraiser Consider Donating You’ve seen what the South Chicago Swimming Pool means to our community, it's not too late to help bring it back. Your donation makes a difference. Donate here. Announcements Back to School Health and Wellness Resource Fair The South Chicago Neighborhood Network, in partnership with local community partners, will host its annual Back to School Health and Resource Fair on Friday, August 7th from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM at 91st and Brandon Avenue. The family-friendly event will connect residents with a variety of community resources, health information, educational materials, and school supplies to help families prepare for the upcoming school year. For more information contact Program Manager Tiarra Owens at [email protected] Light in the Night
The next Light in the Night series will be held in collaboration with the Chicago Police Department as part of National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at Calumet Park and Jesse Owens Park. National Night Out is a nationwide initiative that strengthens relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve by promoting neighborhood engagement, safety and partnership. Residents and families are invited to join in an evening of community engagement featuring food, music, entertainment, and valuable community resources.  Advocate Grand Opening Join Advocate Health Care and Claretian Associates on Thursday, August 13th for the Grand Opening of the Advocate Neighborhood Care Clinic at the SALUD Center. Residents are invited to celebrate this exciting addition to the neighborhood health services with a morning dedicated to wellness, health and community engagement. The event will feature a variety of activities, including yoga, a fitness class, and health screenings. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about available healthcare services and participate in activities that promote overall well-being. We look forward to welcoming this important new resource to the community. Register here for a change to win a raffle prize  Housing Resource Fair Join Claretian Associates, Fifth Third Bank, and other community organizations on Saturday, September 12th for the Southeast Side Housing Resource Fair. Fifth Third Bank Empowerment Mobile, known as the E-bus, will be featured and offer resources such as credit counseling, immediate checking account openings, and other banking services. Community partners will also offer rental assistance, home ownership repair programs, and more. For more information contact Corridor Manager Paul Panciera at [email protected]  Neighborhood Care at the SALUD Center Services provided include well and sick visits, chronic disease management for diabetes, blood pressure checks, and cholesterol screening. Open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM at Salud Center located at 3039 East 91st Street in Chicago. Call to schedule an appointment at 312-268-6627 or simply walk in.  Fitness Center
Come visit us at the fitness center and take advantage of our very affordable memberships:
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EventsSweet Home South Chicago Pitch Competition Vendor Marketplace
On Saturday, June 13th, the SALUD Center hosted Sweet Home South Chicago Pitch Competition and Vendor Market in partnership with United Way of Metro Chicago, Center for Changing Lives, Tech Rise by P33, and Renaissance South Chicago. The event kicked off with a vibrant vendor marketplace, where attendees had the opportunity to support and shop from a variety of local businesses and entrepreneurs. Afterwards, local small business owners took center stage for the Pitch Competition, presenting their business plans and products for a chance to win a $25,000 grant. The local businesses that competed were Melissa Perez of Meil 85 Collective, Jason Jones of Lakeshore Photos, Fenesha Hubbard Muhammad of FEOM Expressions, and Rohoanna Burrell of Chef Anna Authentic Island Flavor. The day concluded with announcing Melissa Perez of Miel 85 Collective as the competition winner. This event highlighted the creativity and innovation of South Chicago’s entrepreneurs while providing meaningful opportunities for small business growth and community connection. Gun Violence Awareness Event
Claretian Associates, in partnership with Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P), and other community organizations, recently hosted a Gun Violence Awareness Event at Peoples Park. The event brought community members together to reflect, learn and engage in meaningful dialogue around violence prevention. A highlight of the event was a community panel facilitated by UNITY Squad youth, featuring panelists from CP4P, the Brandy Foundation, and the Chicago Police 4th District Community Engagement Office. The group shared insights and strategies for building safer neighborhoods. In addition, 93 Studios constructed an orange wood ribbon (orange symbolizes gun violence awareness), where youth contributed quotes, pictures, and names of loved ones lost to gun violence. The event also offered family-friendly activities and resources. CP4P hosted a children's clothing giveaway, and provided food, music, games, face painting, a caricature artist, and access to community resources.
 School Is Out Summer Fair On Thursday, May 28th, Communities Partnering 4 Peace hosted a School is Out Summer Fair at O.T. Bright Elementary School in the South Deering neighborhood. The event brought families, students, and community members together. Attendees enjoyed had kid outdoor activities, food, music, and fun giveaways. Community resources were offered from Metropolitan Family Services, SGA Youth and Family Services, Wintrust Bank, and and organizations. Seniors
On June 18th, the South Chicago Senior Satellite Center hosted a Juneteenth event. The day was filled with lunch from the Golden Diner, karaoke, and a cooking class. The seniors enjoyed celebrating Juneteenth while watching the Obama Presidential Center Library opening on television. Later in the month, seniors from Villa Guadalupe and South Chicago Salud Center had a Father’s Day celebration with music, food, and senior resources.
ProgramsYouth Summer Programming Youth Chicago Works
Claretian Associates is excited to host its 9th annual Youth Summer Employment Program, continuing its commitment to empower young people through meaningful learning opportunities. Now in its second week, UNITY Squad students have engaged in a variety of activities designed to build confidence, leadership, and community awareness. Participants have explored their goals and aspirations through creative vision boards, strengthened their voices with public speaking workshops, and fostered collaboration through engaging team build exercises. In addition, youth have taken part in activities focused on developing leadership skills. A highlight of the program has been the group’s facilitation of a gun violence awareness panel, demonstrating their understanding of critical issues affecting their neighborhood.  Hoopz in the Hood In partnership with LISC Chicago, Claretian Associates, is proud to host Hoopz in the Hood, a program designed to create safe and positive spaces for young people. The program offers youth ages 11-17 the opportunity to participate in basketball clinics twice a week, where they can build skills, stay active, and connect with peers in a supportive environment. Participants will have the opportunity to represent their community by competing in regional events alongside other community organizations. Pool Fundraiser You’ve seen what the South Chicago Swimming Pool means to our community, it's not too late to help bring it back. Your donation makes a difference. Consider donating here. Announcements Light in the Night Join Communities Partnering 4 Peace for the July series of Light in Night events on July 10th and 24th. These community events will take place across the neighborhoods of South Chicago and South Shore. Enjoy an afternoon, from 4:00 until 6:00 PM filled with music, delicious food, and valuable community resources provided by the CP4P violence prevention team. These events are designed to create safe, positive spaces where neighbors can come together and support one another.  Neighborhood Care at the SALUD Center We are excited to announce that Salud Center has partnered with Advocate Health Care to bring accessible, affordable, quality care for all ages from trusted healthcare professionals in your community. Services include well and sick visits, chronic disease management for diabetes, blood pressure checks, and cholesterol screening. Available Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM at Salud Center located at 3039 East 91st Street in Chicago. Call to schedule an appointment at 312-268-6627 or simply walk in.  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. Staff HighLights New Hire Claretian Associates welcomes Earl Aaron as the new Safe Passage Program Manager. He will oversee the team of community watchers that provide a safe path for students during the school year. Earl manages the partnership of eight Chicago Public Schools, Burnham Mathematics & Science Academy, James H. Bowen, George Henry Corliss, Myra Bradwell, Douglas Taylor, Arnold Mireles, and Ninos Heros, and supervises approximately 40 community watchers. “It has been a learning experience, and I look forward, implementing changes to improve the program,” said Earl. He would like the school partners to view Safe Passage as an asset and work together to ensure students get to and from school safely.
Currently, Earl is assisting with the Chicago Youth Works, youth summer employment program. For 5 weeks, Earl will work with youth ages 14-15 to help them gain early work experience, build essential life, and leadership skills. Earl has been working in the youth development field and Chicago Public School for over 10 years. He was a Teen Advisor at the Skokie Library, where he tutored, mentored, and helped with youth apply for jobs and college applications. In addition to working with youth and with people of all ages. “I enjoy making a difference in the lives of others despite their age,” said Earl. He is looking forward to learning, meeting new people, networking, and personal growth as a manager. “I think experience goes a long way, I’m looking forward to gaining more experience,” said Earl. EventsMaking Waves for South Chicago
On May 4th Claretian Associates hosted Making Waves for South Chicago, a community swimming pool fundraiser. Attendees heard a conversation with Claretian CEO Angela Hurlock and Swim Olympian Cullen Jones about his career and the importance of knowing how to swim. Salud Center Program Manager April Morris spoke on why bringing back the South Chicago pool is important to community. Learn more about event here. We are grateful to those who attended and contributed. Cinco de Mayo Senior Resource Fair
On May 5th, Claretian Associates, Communities Partnering 4 Peace, and the Department of Family and Support Services, held the Cinco de Mayo Senior Resource Fair at South Chicago Senior Satellite Center. Attendees enjoyed performances from Taylor Folkloric Dance Team, Hoofer Tap Dancing and participated in karaoke. The day was filled with community resources, raffles, entertainment, and traditional Mexican food.
ProgramsYouth Summer Programming There is Still Time to Apply for Youth Summer Jobs!
Announcements End to Gun Violence Awareness Event Join Claretian Associates and Communities Partnering 4 Peace for End to Gun Violence Awareness Event on Thursday, June 25th, at Peoples Park from 4:00 until 6:00 PM. The event will honor the memory of the lives taken by gun violence and bring awarenesses to the impact on the community. For more information contact Tiarra Owens at [email protected] or Eriberta Sanchez at [email protected]  Light in the Night Join Communities Partnering 4 Peace, for the June series of Light in Night event, on June 6th, 12th, and 13th. These community events will take place across the neighborhoods of South Deering, South Chicago, and South Shore. Enjoy an afternoon from 4:00 until 6:00 PM filled with music, delicious warm food, and valuable community resources provided by the CP4P violence prevention team. These events are designed to create safe, positive spaces where neighbors can come together and support one another.  Vendor Marketplace Join Claretian Associates and other community organizations on Saturday, June 13th for the Sweet Home South Chicago Vendor Marketplace at the SALUD Center. Come out to shop, connect and support South Chicago local businesses. This is a great opportunity to discover unique products, meet local vendors and support the community. The Marketplace will be open from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. For more information contact Corridor Manager Paul Panciera at [email protected]  OPENING SOON! We are excited to announce that Salud Center will be partnering with Advocate Health Care to bring accessible, affordable, quality care for all ages from trusted healthcare professionals in your community. Services include well and sick visits, chronic disease management for diabetes, blood pressure checks, and cholesterol screening. Available Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM at Salud Center located at 3039 East 91st Street in Chicago. Call to schedule an appointment at 312-268-6627 or simply walk in.  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. Staff Highlights New Hire Claretian Associates welcomes Jillian House as Director of Resident Engagement Services, where she will oversee resident services, the Senior Satellite Center, and work alongside property management. Jillian has worked in the nonprofit and social services sector for 22 years. She has always worked with seniors and vulnerable individuals as a case manager, service coordinator, resident service coordinator, residential services, and more. She was a site director for the Chatman Senior Satellite Center working with the Center for New Horizons, and before joining the Claretian team. “This is something I thrive in; I love helping others. I kind of look at myself like an assistant device, ‘tell me your problem and I will solve it,’” said Jillian. She finds working in nonprofit and social services extremely rewarding.
Since joining Claretian, Jillian’s favorite part has been getting to know the seniors and residents. “Seniors always have a lot of questions and one of the best feelings is being able to answer and provide them with the proper resources,” said Jillian. She believes Claretian is a great and strong agency and loves that it is located in South Chicago. Jillian looks forward to her professional growth at the company. |
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