June 2026 Newsletter

Events

​Sweet 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.  

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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. ​

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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. 

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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.  

Programs

Youth 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.  

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Staff HighLights

New Hire 
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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. 

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 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.  
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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.