August 2025 Newsletter

Programs

Summer Youth Programming Concludes at the SALUD Center  

The UNITY Squad summer programming concluded at the SALUD Center. Youth learned about financial literacy, critical thinking, civic engagement, workforce preparedness, and leadership development. 

This summer, the principal focus was youth empowerment. The team wanted to give the youth different experiences through community field trips. One of the trips was visiting Chicago State University and learned how to make a solar car. The youth also went to the Lincoln Park Conservatory to learn how to connect with nature and use it as a way to find calmness. Another trip was visiting the South Chicago Library. All of the youth signed up for library cards, checked out books, and were assigned a book report. The youth received a tour of the library and an informational lecture on their services.  

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign came to the SALUD Center to present workshops on quantum physics. The youth received a demonstration on how to dissect a drone and add the opportunity to resemble it. Another activity was the Science Escape Lab, where youth decoded messages to find a cure for a virus. 

UNITY Squad also had guest speakers. Claretian Associates' very own CEO Angela Hurlock spoke to the youth about the organization's mission and services in South Chicago. The youth also received a digital literacy workshop from City Colleges of Chicago and learned about the importance of cybersecurity.   

Six youth were chosen to participate in a research group by the University of Chicago. The youth were interviewed about their experience with CPS schooling. For their final ceremonial event, the youth went bowling. They enjoyed eating in each other's company and playing in teams. At the Back-to-School and Wellness Event, the youth received their certificate of completion. “They did not want the program to end. They came in shy and didn’t want to talk to each other, but by the second week, they all became friends,” said Youth Development Program Manager David Todd.  ​

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Hoops in the Hood

​Claretian Associates, in partnership with LISC hosted Hoops in the Hood at the SALUD Center. Three times a week youth ages 11 – 17 trained, conditioned, and learned new basketball skills. The group participated in a basketball tournament at Ellis Park with other participating organizations. They learned about teamwork, patience, leadership skills and how to overcome adversity. This program is designed for communities affected by violence and provides a safe space for youth to play basketball for the summer.  

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Back-to-School and Wellness Event 

Claretian Associates, the South Chicago Neighborhood Network, Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P), United Way of Metro Chicago, and other community partners hosted the annual Back-to-School and Wellness Event on August 8th at 91st and Brandon. About 350 community members attended. Over 500 book bags with school supplies were distributed for elementary school, high school, and college aged students. Senator Robert Peters and 10th Ward Alderman Chico were present and showed their support.

To get students ready for school, vaccination clinics were available from the University of Chicago Medicine, and the Chicago Public Health Department. Advocate Health had 15 doctors who provided health screenings for blood pressure and diabetes. Attendees were able to have one-on-one consultations with doctors. Students also received haircuts sponsored by the Special Service Area #5. The event had 37 vendors that provided resources on health, mental health, housing, education, and more.  

This year the event had entertainment by the Jesse White Tumblers. The performance was such an attraction getter that cars stopped to watch them.  After the Tumblers performed, they engaged with the community and received great feedback. For many, it was their first time seeing them perform. The event also had music by a DJ that provided Karaoke and dancing. Community members also enjoyed food from local food vendors.
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This is the 5th year the Back-to-School and Wellness event has been held to help the community prepare for the school year and stay informed of community resources. “I want to make sure that we are always creating opportunities for what is available in our community,” said Program Manager Tiarra Owens. In the future, Tiarra wants to provide school uniforms and more resources to start the school year.  ​

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Safe Passage  
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Safe Passage returns as classes resume for Chicago Public Schools. Community Watchers are an important asset as they ensure a safe path for students to school and home. Claretian Associates covers Burnham Mathematics & Science Academy, James H. Bowen, George Henry Corliss, Myra Bradwell, Douglas Taylor, Arnold Mireles, and Ninos Heroes.   ​

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WE are Building

Getting to Home 

Claretian Associates plans to develop 14 single family homes on vacant lots under the City of Chicago's City Lots for Working Families program. Under this program, the city sells vacant lots to a developer for $1 to build affordable homes for first time homebuyers. These lots are in the 8000, 8900, and 9100 blocks of S Buffalo Ave. The application for these lots was approved and passed through the City council last month. Claretian is currently in the process of closing on the lots and securing financing to begin development.   ​

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Staff Highlights 

James Sims Local Community Violence Intervention (CVI) Hero  
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CP4P Program Manager James will be awarded the Local CVI Hero Award. This award acknowledges dedicated individuals who work to create safer environments thought a variety of community-centered approaches. James has worked in the CVI field for approximately 11 years. His work began as a violence interrupter, later was promoted to a supervisor, program coordinator, and to his current position as program manager. At the Claretian CP4P office, staff awards are placed on the wall and now he will place his as well. “Somebody finally gave me an award that I can put on the wall to show gratitude that my work did not go unnoticed,” said James. His leadership and commitment are helping to shape the field of violence prevention in the South Chicago community.   

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Announcements

South Chicago Housing Resource Event 
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Join Claretian Associates, Fifth Third Bank, and other partners for a housing resource event at 91st and Brandon, on Wednesday, September 17th starting at 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Learn about housing services and banking resources in South Chicago. Attendees will have the opportunity to access the Fifth Third Bank Financial Empowerment Mobile. For more information contact Paul Panciera at 773 734 9181 ext. 2036.  ​

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Communities Partnering 4 Peace 
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The next series of Light in the Night events will be on September 17th, 20th, and 26th in the neighborhoods of South Chicago, South Shore, and South Deering. Each event will have food and clothing distributions.  ​

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Fitness Center 
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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. For the month of September, members can bring a friend to exercise and will win a prize for bringing in the most friends.   

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