August 2026 Newsletter

Fresh Moves Bus​

Claretian Associates and Urban Growers Collective invite residents to visit the Fresh Moves Bus on Thursday, September 2nd from 1:00 PM until 2:30 PM at 91st and Brandon. Stop by to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy food options. 

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Southeast Side Housing Resource Fair

Join Claretian Associates, Fifth Third Bank, and community partners on Saturday, September 12th for the Southeast Side Housing Resource Fair.  

Fifth Third Bank’s Empowerment Mobile, known as the E-bus, will be on-site offering credit counseling, immediate checking account openings, and other banking services. Community organizations will also provide information on rental assistance, home repair programs, and more.  
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For more information contact Corridor Manager Paul Panciera at [email protected]

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City of Chicago Senior Fest ​

Join other Chicago Seniors for Senior Fest, on Thursday, September 17th, at Millennium Park.  
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The event will feature live music, dancing, food, raffles, and access to senior-focused resources and services. For more information contact Jillian House at [email protected] 

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Communities Partnering 4 Peace 

Join Communities Partnering 4 Peace for its Light in Night events on September 17th and 18th   across the neighborhoods of South Chicago and South Shore neighborhoods.   ​

From 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, residents can enjoy music, delicious food, and valuable community resources provided by the CP4P violence prevention team. These gatherings create safe, welcoming spaces for neighbors to connect and support one another. 

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South Chicago Pitch Competition and Small Business Resource Fair  

Claretian Associates and community organizations are partnering with TechRise powered by P33 to host the South Chicago Pitch Competition and South Side Small Business Resource Fair on Saturday, September 19 at the SALUD Center.  

Five local entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses live for a chance to win a $25,000 non-dilutive prize. Each finalist will participate in a free four-week accelerator designed to strengthen their customer discovery strategies and refine their presentations. ​

The resource fair will connect small business owners and entrepreneurs with organizations, programs and professionals that can help them start, grow, and sustain their business. For more information contact Paul Panciera
[email protected]

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Events

Hoopz in the Hood

On August 21st, participants in Claretian Associates’ Hoopz in the Hood summer program competed in the Citywide Championship at Steward Park. Representing the 5th and 6th grade division, the team played against several other city teams following a summer of skill-building and teamwork.  ​

Throughout the summer, youth at the SALUD Center participated in basketball drills, team activities, and leadership-building experiences while developing their athletic skills. Claretian extends its gratitude to the parents and families who supported the program and looks forward to welcoming participants back next summer.  

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Back to School Health and Wellness Fair

On August 7th, Claretian Associates and Communities Partnering 4 Peace, and other community organizations hosted the annual Back to School Health and Wellness Fair at 9108 S Brandon.   

The event connected families and residents with valuable health and community resources while distributing 500 backpacks. Supplies included school materials for 350 kindergarten through 8th grade students and 150 hygiene kits for high school students.  ​

Children enjoyed family-friendly activities including a petting zoo, pony rides, and a bounce house.  Attendees also enjoyed food, music, and performances by the Chi-Town Steppers and the Jesse White Tumblers.  

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Advocate Neighborhood Care Grand Opening at SALUD Center​

On August 13th, Claretian Associates and Advocate Neighborhood Care celebrated the grand opening of the new clinic at the SALUD Center.  

The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, yoga and fitness classes, and other health-focused resources.  The clinic will provide affordable, high-quality healthcare services, helping to improve access to care for residents in the community. Open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Call to schedule an appointment at 312-268-6627 or simply walk in.

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We Are Building

SACRED Housing Pre-application Now Available 

The SACRED development team will be accepting pre-applications during the Southeast Side Housing Resource Fair, on Saturday, September 12th.   

This pre-application will determine eligibility for future apartment applications. Individuals who qualify will be invited to submit a full application when leasing officially opens later this fall. ​

SACRED, located at 92nd and South Burley, will feature 81 units of affordable housing, 6,000 square feet of commercial space, and 44 parking spaces.  
This development represents a significant investment in affordable housing and community growth in South Chicago.