 UNITY Squad Youth Highlight This month Claretian Associates is highlighting UNITY Squad member Lance White for his transformation into a young leader. Lance is a sophomore at Baker College Prep High School in South Chicago and has been a UNITY Squad Member since 2022. He is a track and field athlete and likes boxing as well. “Lance is attuned with himself. He knows what he wants to do with his life and is a pleasant young man,” said Youth and Family Coordinator Pamesha Robinson. Lance learned about UNITY Squad when Claretian Associates called him to interview for a summer job with One Summer Chicago in 2022. “I realized how UNITY Squad could help me become a better person,” said Lance. His most memorable part during the summer was planting a garden with the South Chicago SALUD Center Seniors. After the summer, Lance decided to continue with UNITY Squad and recruited two of his friends to join as well. “I told them that UNITY Squad had slots left and if they wanted to learn something, they should join,” said Lance. Lance and his friends were looking for a safe place to hang out and UNITY Squad brought them to the SALUD Center Teen Drop-In Space. “I enjoyed spending time with friends and learning from Ms. Robinson,” said Lance. UNITY Squad members are learning about nutrition with with Teresa Villa from the University of Illinois. The 6-week class teach will them how to cook healthy meals and develop nutritious eating habits. Those completing the course will earn a certificate of completion. In partnership with the Cook County States Attorney’s Office, youth are participating in the Citizens Academy where they are learning about restorative justice, police policies and procedures, the court system, and more. They are practicing for a mock trial, scheduled for the Spring. Currently UNITY Squad is accepting applications for One Summer Chicago, where youth are hired to work for six weeks. The program will focus on youth leadership, civil engagement, becoming trauma-Informed, and more. UNITY Squad will interview applicants on Tuesday, May 2 and Thursday, May 4 from 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. Prior to the interview, all youths must complete an application which can be found here. For more information, contact Pamesha Robinson at probinson@claretianassociates.org  Coursera participant Earned Certificate in Bookkeeping Claretian Associates congratulates Kelsy Tucker who earned a certificate in Bookkeeping through Coursera. Kelsy is a former participant in Claretian Associates virtual digital literacy classes. Claretian Associates is one of 25 digital learning sites that offers digital classes at no cost, through the partnership of Kids First and Chicago Connected. For more information about Coursera contact Youth and Family Coordinator Pamesha Robinson at probinson@claretianassociates.org  Claretian Associates Receives An Award from Kid First Chicago and Chicago Connected Claretian Associates received an award from Kid First Chicago and Chicago Connected in appreciation for their committed work in digital literacy over the past three years. In partnership with Center for Changing Lives, Claretian Associates is hosting a resume workshop series. Participants are learning to create a resume, cover letter, navigate LinkedIn, and more. “They are learning how to use the computer and preparing to get a job,” said Youth and Family Coordinator. Pamesha Robinson. Each participant is entered into a raffle to win a laptop. Registration is available here for the remaining two workshops on April 27 and May 15. Previous digital literacy classes were introductory classes on computers, remote learning, and Microsoft, all were offered virtually.  Safe Passage Congratulates Beatriz Alvarez Claretian Associates congratulates Beatriz Alvarez, a former Safe Passage Community Watcher, who was hired by Douglas Taylor Elementary as the Dean Assistant. Beatriz was a Safe Passage Community Watcher at Taylor Elementary for two months before she was hired as the Dean Assistant. “I’m sad to see Beatriz leave because she was an excellent worker, but happy to see she will be able to help more youth,” said Safe Passage Program Manager April Morris.  South Chicago Neighborhood Network The South Chicago Neighborhood Network (SCNN) concluded the grant writing workshop series offered to their partners and community. Kyla Williams from Technically Human taught the grant writing workshop series. “Upon completion it resonated that a number people want to find resources and learn how to write grants. It's something that we should explore more,” said Program Manager Tiarra Owens.  Career and Trade Fair The South Chicago Neighborhood Network and community partners will have a Career and Trade Fair at the SALUD Center on Thursday, May 4, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Hring companies that will be present are Center for Changing Lives, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Amazon and more. There will be a “Clothing Corner” available for jobseekers to select business attire. For more information contact Program Manager Tiarra Owens at tiarrao@claretianassociates.org Youth Summer Jobs There is still time to apply for Claretian Associates youth summer programming!
 Fitness Center Starting May 6, the SALUD Center Fitness Center will be open every other Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Cost to exercise with Peloton equipment or take a class is $5. For more information contact Health and Wellness Maurice Garrett at 773-734-9181.
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