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New Hires and Promotions at Claretian Associates Claretian Associates welcomes Patricia Rios as the new Director of Operations and Human Resources and Michael Tafolla as the CP4P Case Management, Victim Services and Hospital Response Supervisor.
Read more about their past experience below. Patricia’s previous role was at Chicago Housing Authority as Chief Administrative Officer. Before then, Patricia was Associate Vice President of Human Resources for Columbia College Chicago. Patricia also served as Vice Chancellor for Human Resources and Staff Development for the City Colleges of Chicago. Patricia has held other roles at Chicago 2016, and Metro Pier and Exposition Authority. Patricia has a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from DePaul University and is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SHRM-SCP). Patricia is looking forward to working with everybody and seeing how she can provide support for them. Promotions at Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P) Prior to working for Claretian Associates CP4P, Michael was a high-risk case manager at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation. He worked with individuals who had influence in their neighborhoods, gang or clique, were active shooters, and had been justice involved. “The best thing I was able to do was have over 80% of my cases enrolled in therapy,” said Michael. Michael was previously a CP4P Victims Advocate and will now be supervising the Case Management, Victim Services, and Hospital Response teams. Michael wants to make a difference and wants to reach a boarder part of the community. “I feel fortunate, I take this job seriously. I want to make sure that I exceed expectations,” said Michael.  CEO Angela Hurlock Honored at the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office Celebration for Black History Month Our CEO Angela Hurlock was honored at the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office celebration for Black History Month in association with Chicago Housing Authority. Angela received the Outstanding Service in Leadership award by IL Treasurer Michael Frerichs.  SALUD Center hosted the 10th Ward Alderperson Candidate Forum The SALUD Center hosted the 10th Ward Alderperson Candidate Forum. A group of non-profits from the Southeast side organized a non-partisan forum. The candidates were panelist and community members asked questions on health, public housing, safety, and more.  Seniors The SALUD Center is offering Senior Workout Month for seniors. Seniors are welcome to the Fitness Center to workout with Wellness Coordinator Maurice Garrett. For more information contact Maurice at 773-734-9181 ext. 2020.  We’re Building Claretian Associates will have a discussion for possible developments on 92nd and Brandon. The public, small businesses and community partners are welcomed, March 7 from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the SALUD Center. For more information contact Gianna Johnson at redev@claretianassociates.org.
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UNITY Squad Claretian Associates will be highlighting a UNITY Squad member each month to share their transformation into young leaders.  Zakiyah Holders is a UNITY Squad member since the Spring of 2022. Zakiyah is 14 years old, a freshman at Gary Comer College Prep and is on the honor roll. “Zakiyah has grown into a leader since she joined the program in March of 2022. I like the confidence, self-assurance and awareness that she has developed since joining UNITY Squad,” said Youth and Family Coordinator Pamesha Robinson. At first Zakiyah was shy joining UNITY Squad, but afterwards she felt welcomed. “I was very shy when I first came here. Ms. Robinson and everybody [UNITY Squad members] were nice to me and I felt comfortable,” said Zakiyah. Zakiyah was invited to join UNITY Squad by a friend at school. UNITY Squad was a chance for Zakiyah to be with people her age and to branch out too. “I wanted to hang out with people my age. When I came to UNITY Squad I could hang out and talk about my problems,” said Zakiyah. Zakiyah continued to come to UNITY Squad during the summer for the One Summer Chicago program. Her favorite part of UNITY Squad is helping overall. “I like helping the seniors and with the events,” said Zakiyah. During the summer, the youth and South Chicago SALUD Center Seniors gardened together. They planted fruits and vegetables seeds in garden beds. UNITY Squad has been beneficial to Zakiyah because of the stipend and the guidance from Pamesha. “UNITY Squad has helped me out a lot because Ms. Robinson has given me advise on how to solve my problems,” said Zakiyah. Zakiyah is a valuable member to UNITY Squad because of her leadership and friendliness with new members. “She embraces new members. Everybody will come to her with questions. If we had a UNITY Squad Ambassador, it would be her,” said Pamesha.  Youth are welcomed to join UNITY Squad every Tuesday and Thursday at the SALUD Center in the Teen Drop-In Space. UNITY Squad concluded their nutrition class from the University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign. Each week the youth learned how to cook healthy meals. The youth earned a cook book and certificate for completing the class. For more information on UNITY Squad contact Pamesha at probinson@claretianassociates.org  South Chicago Neighborhood Network The South Chicago Neighborhood Network held their annual Winter Wonderland Networking event at the SALUD Center for current and future partners. SCNN partners came together for brunch and team building exercises and activities to set goals with each other.  Seniors Loneliness Project The South Chicago Neighborhood Network (SCNN) partnered with Advocate Aurora Health to have a Senior Loneliness project class. For six weeks, seniors attended classes to learn how to overcome loneliness. Classes were held at the SALUD Center at Villa Guadalupe Senior Services. Learn more about the classes here. The classes were divided into two groups and met on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the SALUD Center and Villa Guadalupe. The seniors earned different techniques to overcome loneliness. “We wanted to teach the seniors how to be their own company,” said Program Manager Tiarra Owens. The seniors also learned how to connect with others again by play games and getting to know each other. “We taught the seniors how to open up to other people. Many built new friendships in class,” said Tiarra. When group discussions happened, the seniors bounded over trauma issues. “A lot of the seniors had trauma situations in their lives and it made them receptive to be around people or even building relationships,” said Tiarra. The classes provided the participants to be open to socializing with more people. At the conclusion of the six weeks, participants earned a certificate of completion and a stipend. Each group had an end of class celebration. The UNITY Squad members had the chance to help and serve the seniors at Villa Guadalupe for their celebration. “It gave the youth and seniors the opportunity to get to know each other,” said Tiarra.  Mayor Press Conference For Ground Breaking Claretian Associates was a part of the ground breaking for the Commercial Avenue Corridor Improvement project in South Chicago with Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), and local leaders. The streetscape improvement project is a part of the INVEST South/West Initiative. Read more about the project below in the press release.  Seniors The seniors from the South Chicago SALUD Center had a Christmas party in the community room. A Michael Jackson impersonator entertained the evening with music. The seniors are now volunteering at the food distributions once a month. “It's a way to get the seniors more involved and active,” said Social Service Coordinator Wendy Steward.  We’re Building The first two New Homes are complete. The third New Home is currently in bidding for a builder and will be selected this month. Claretian Associates has selected a general contractor for the SACRED development and is preparing to enter the permitting process.  Claretian Associates is grateful for your support this Giving Tuesday and throughout the year. Please donate to Claretian Associates to continue our work with local youth, seniors and families. Our programs are not possible without generous donors like you.
 Claretian Associates CEO Angela Hurlock Honored at the Enterprise 40th Anniversary National Conference CEO Angela Hurlock was honored at The Impactful 40 honorees at the Enterprise 40th Anniversary National Conference. Enterprise is honored 40 individuals who have helped break boundaries and strengthen communities over the past 40 years. Read more about Angela as an honoree here.  Annual Trauma-Informed Symposium The South Chicago Neighborhood Network held a virtual Trauma-Informed Symposium, Bruised But Not Broken, attended by 182 people. The keynote speaker was Sonia Toledo from Dignity for Children, Inc. Each day featured a different topic including the impact of trauma within schools, economic divestment on mental health, trauma on persons with disabilities, and post-traumatic stress. The University of Chicago hosted a Community Grand Rounds on the second day. This is the fifth year the South Chicago Neighborhood Network held the trauma-informed Symposium. “It's important that we continue to hold these workshops in order to learn more about trauma to assist community members and ourselves in our work, and be resilient,” said Program Manager Tiarra Owens. The symposium helps SCNN to determine the trainings or workshops that should be offered in the community. Each day of the symposium was recorded and videos are available here. Next year, SCNN hopes to have the symposium in person. Harvest Fest
The South Chicago Neighborhood Network (SCNN), UNITY Squad held the first annual Harvest Fest in the multipurpose event space at the SALUD Center. 65 children, youth and community members attended. Youth participated in potato sack races, two legged races, and pumpkin decorating. Resource vendors attended including South Shore Works, Red Cross, Family Rescue, and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Food Nutrias Extension Program. Attendees enjoyed music from a live DJ and sandwiches from local restaurant.  Seniors The South Chicago SALUD Center Seniors had a Harvest Fest. Oak Street Health provided music from a local guitarist. Seniors enjoyed their time together while eating pizza, listening to music and dancing.  We’re Building A tenant has moved into the first completed New Home on 92nd Brandon. The New Home on Burley will be completed and occupied within the next month. Bidding will begin soon for the New Home on 91st and Brandon. A general contractor has been selected for the SACRED development. Claretian Associates is preparing their permitting process and hopes to break ground in late summer 2023.  Rest In Peace Michelle Thomas
Michelle Thomas, Program Manager for Safe Passage passed away suddenly on Nov. 9 2022. Michelle worked for Claretian Associates for 14 years. Throughout Michelle’s time at Claretian Associates, she worked for Safe Passage as a Community Watcher, Base Operator, and Program Coordinator and most recently was promoted to Program Manager. Michelle had a warm personality and a contagious laughter. Our hearts go out to Michelle’s family at this difficult time. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. |
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