March 2026 Newsletter

Programs

Claretian Associates Delegate Agency for New Commercial Corridor Storefront

Claretian Associates was selected by the Department of Planning and Development to be a corridor lead for the new commercial corridor storefront activation program launching April 2026. Target areas will include East 92nd St from S Harbor Ave to South Exchange Ave; South Commercial Ave from 89th St to 93rd St; and East 91st St from South Exchange Ave to South Houston Ave. If you are a current or aspiring business or property owner located these areas, you may be eligible for capital improvement funds and business support services. For more information, please contact Corridor Manager Paul Panciera at [email protected] ​

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Seniors 
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The seniors at Villa Guadalupe and the South Chicago Salud Center continue to benefit from monthly group physical therapy provided by Regal Health. Once a month, a licensed physical therapist leads an educational and interactive session focused on improving mobility and strength. Last month’s focus was fall prevention. During the session, the therapist demonstrated the proper use of walkers and emphasized the importance of standing with good posture when a walker is not needed. The seniors have learned different exercises for stronger mobility to help support daily activities and reduce the risk of falls. 

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We Are Building

Department of Planning and Development Meeting  

The Real Estate Development team attended the South Chicago Land Use Framework Open House on March 18th hosted by the City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development. CA provided updates on the SACRED construction and presented on the STEEL Homes development. CA was able to collect interest from prospective buyers. If you are interested in taking a survey or getting on a list to receive homebuyer readiness assistance, sign-up here.    ​

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Staff HighLights

New Hire
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​Claretian Associates is pleased to welcome Nikkitta McCoy Layton as our Senior Director of Real Estate where she will oversee property management, real estate development, and economic development initiatives. 

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Nikkitta’s passion for housing developed early in her career while working as a legal assistant for an attorney specializing in estate planning and real estate. The experience sparked her interest in housing and led her to a brief career as a real estate agent.  Nikkitta then returned to school to deepen her understanding of housing systems and their impact.    While earning her undergraduate degree in African American Studies, she explored how real estate and housing policies disproportionality affected communities of color This inspired her to pursue a Master’s degree in Urban Planning.  

Following graduate school, Nikkitta joined Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS) as a Development Associate. When the market turned, she transitioned into commercial real estate brokerage gaining valuable experience. She later returned to development work as a Development Associate at Preservation Of Affordable Housing (POAH).  
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In her current role, Nikkitta is focused on the completion of SACRED and advancing the development of STEEL Homes.  She is also looking forward to working closely with the seniors on the renovation of Villa Guadalupe. “Owning a home is one of the greatest avenues to wealth accumulation in Unites States,” said Nikkitta. “It is something you can pass down through generations and provides stability."  ​

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Announcements

Cinco De Mayo Senior Resource Fair  

Join Claretian Associates and the Department of Family and Supportive Services, and other community organizations for the Cinco de Mayo Health and Resources Fair, on Tuesday, May 5th from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM at the Victory Center located at 9223 S. Burley. Come and explore community and health resources, enjoy music, food, and entertainment.  For more information contact Senior Satellite Program Manager Traci Darling at [email protected] 

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Light in the Night Events 

Join Communities Partnering 4 Peace, for the March series of Light in Night events, on April 10th, 17th, and 24th. 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. 

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​Fitness Center 

If you have not joined the fitness center, take advantage of our affordable memberships: Classic $14.99, Classic Plus One $25, and Classic Paid in Full $150. As a member, you can take advantage of our free “Get Fit Class” every Wednesday and Thursday at 10:30 AM.