Programs
Claretian Associates and Communities Partnering 4 Peace, in partnership with New Life Center, hosted a welcoming event for new arrivals at the SALUD Center. Families had dinner and CP4P had a clothing distribution for children. Resource tables were also available from Olive Harvey College, Metropolitan Family Services, Center for Changing Lives, and other community organizations.  Small Business Resource Fair Center for Changing Lives hosted the South Side Resource Fair at the SALUD Center. Attendees took part in breakout sessions which included topics such as access to capital, digital solutions, and more. Participants were also able to connect with other resources such as Chase Bank, the Illinois Secretary of State, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and more. Learn more about Center for Changing Lives and small business coaching here. Seniors
The Villa Guadalupe seniors graduated from the Aurora Health prediabetes class. For the past year, seniors participated in classes aimed at preventing diabetes and learned how to develop healthy eating habits. Seniors learned about what causes diabetes and how to live a healthier lifestyle, like exercising, cooking, and more. They received a book with recipes, took surveys to see their improvement, and were weighed weekly. Near the end of the class, seniors received a cooking demonstration using unprocessed foods. Announcements Annual Trauma Informed Symposium The South Chicago Neighborhood Network (SCNN) will have its annual trauma-informed symposium on October 28th – October 30th. The theme this year is Addressing Misconceptions, United, and Strengthening the Black and Brown Community. Topics will include mental health among Black men, building bridges with new arrivals in our community, and leveraging data and research. Register and learn more about the symposium here  Light in the Night Communities Partnering 4 Peace in collaboration with other community organizations will host Light in the Night events on October 11th, 26th, and 30th in the neighborhoods of South Shore, South Deering, and South Chicago. Each event will have music, food, games for kids, and resources. We hope to see you there! SALUD Fitness Center
Starting October 1st will be offering a special membership of rate three months for $39.99. Other memberships are also available. As a member, you can take our free Get Fit Class every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 11:00 AM. Interested in more challenging exercise classes? The fitness center offers Spin Class every Tuesday and Wednesday at 5:00 PM for $10 per class. Look for our Saturday Boot Camp starting November 2nd. For more information contact us at fitnesscenter@claretianassociates.org Staff Highlights
 Multicultural Leadership Academy Graduation Program Manager Tiarra Owens graduated from the Latino Policy Forum, Multicultural Leadership Academy (MLA) 2024 Cohort. For the past seven years, Tiarra has been the program manager for the South Chicago Neighborhood Network and serves in other capacities. Tiarra met with her cohort once a month and attended two retreats. This professional development was so meaningful to Tiarra that she looked forward to every meeting with her cohort. A goal for Tiarra during MLA was personal growth. As a leader, Tiarra learned about the importance of emotional intelligence. “We played a game called ‘Hot Seat’ where we learned about ourselves, like strengths and weaknesses and how to take constructive criticism," said Tiarra. In MLA, participants are a part of ‘affinity groups’ where they work together and advocate on a particular critical issue. Tiarra was a part of the child tax credit group. The child tax credit came into operation during the pandemic to help parents with inflation. Tiarra was familiar with how important this topic was because of her work in the community. “From the project, I learned more about policy, legislation in Springfield, and how to advocate for change,” said Tiarra. Tiarra has a bachelor's and master's and is now considering getting her doctorate. “MLA put my life and career in perspective on what I want to do next,” said Tiarra. She gained a network of colleagues and friends from this experience whom she can lean on for support.  Safe Passage Rally Claretian Associates Safe Passage team attended the Safe Passage Rally at the UIC Forum. Mayor Brandon Johnson and CPS CEO Pedro Martinez, and CPS Director of Safe Passage Gregory Sain welcomed and applauded all Safe Passage teams from across the city, for their great work of ensuring safety regularly for students. Claretian Program Coordinator Jada Dixon was recognized and awarded for her remarkable work. The Spotlight Award was awarded because of her commitment and growth in the Safe Passage program. “Even if you just start off as a watcher, you can be promoted. I always push myself,” said Jada. Jada enjoys working with kids and this is a primary reason why she became a Watcher. “What I love overall about Safe Passage is seeing the joy of the kids when we are outside,” said Jada. The kids always looked for Jada when she was a Watcher to the point that she was invited to their graduation. Jada joined the Claretian Safe Passage team about seven years ago. She started as a Community Watcher and left the program for another opportunity. Afterward, she returned to the program and was promoted to base operator because of her prior experience. Since Jada was going above expectations, Safe Passage Program Manager April Morris promoted her to program coordinator. Jada commends and thanks the Claretian leadership team for noticing her growth.  Fundraiser
This month, Board of Directors Member Alita Tucker called on her family, friends, and followers to support Claretian Associates for her birthday. Happy Birthday Alita!!! She set a goal of $1000, and as of 9/30/24, Alita has reached her goal! We are so thankful to Alita for her leadership on our Board and her passion for ensuring every person has an affordable and safe place to call home. Claretian Associates is also deeply grateful for the generous contributions made by those 19 individuals during Alita's fundraiser.
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ProgramsSummer Youth Programming concluded at the SALUD Center!
Back-to-School and Wellness Event
Claretian Associates, South Chicago Neighborhood Network (SCNN), United Way of Metro Chicago, Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P), Thrift and Thrive, and other community partners hosted the annual Back-to-School and Wellness event on Friday, August 9th, at 91st and Brandon. Over 500 bookbags with school supplies were distributed. The event included resource vendors, music, games, and food. Children enjoyed pony rides and a mobile video game truck. The annual event prepares students to return to school and brings awareness to community resources.  Passage Safe The Safe Passage program returns, as Chicago Public Schools (CPS) resume classes. Claretian welcomed back 51 returning Community Watchers and hired 10 new team members. Community Watchers ensure students have a safe route 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. Community Annoucement New Development to Come The City of Chicago and State of Illinois had an information meeting at SALUD Center, on the new development, Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, to be built on the former US Steel South Works site. Community members received an overview of quantum computing and the new project. Afterwards, the community had an opportunity to ask questions and state concerns. Learn more here. ANnouncements Communities Partnering 4 Peace The next series of Light in the Night events will be September 13th, 20th, and 26th, in the neighborhoods of South Shore, South Chicago, and South Deering. Each event will have music, food, games for kids, and resources. We hope to see you there! SALUD Fitness Center
If you have not joined the fitness center, take advantage of our memberships: Classic $14.99, Classic Plus One $25, and Classic Paid in Full $150. As a member you can take advantage our free Get Fit Class every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 11:00 AM. Interested in more challenging exercise classes? The fitness center offers Spin Class every Tuesday and Wednesday at 5:00 PM for $10 per class. Look for our Boot Camp class in September. For more information contact us at [email protected] SALUD Fitness Center HighLight Spinning To Reach A Goal Spin class has recently come to the SALUD Fitness Center. An avid attendee of the spin class is Sabrina Nelson. She attends every Wednesday and is hoping to be a part of other exercise classes at the fitness center. In the past Sabrina has attended other spin classes. “I knew what my challenge was because you have to have endurance. I knew I wasn’t there, but in time it would come back to me,” said Sabrina. Since attending the class, she has gotten better at spinning, like standing up while pedaling and not holding on to the spin bike handles. A year ago, Sabrina’s exercise partner moved away, and since then spin class has become a convenient way for her to restart her exercise routine. Sabrina’s fitness goals are to slim down a little and strengthen her muscles. Sabrina not only exercises at the SALUD fitness center but at her local park district where she attends water aerobics. In September, Sabrina would like to try the boot camp class offered at the SALUD Fitness Center. Staff HighLightsNew Hires at Claretian Associates Claretian Associates welcomes Director of Community and Safety Programs, Jay Taylor, and Real Estate Project Manager, Shawn Walker.
Jay Taylor As part of the programming team, Jay will be supporting the South Chicago Neighborhood Network, Communities Partner 4 Peace (CP4P), Safe Passage and Youth programing. Jay wants to focus on Claretian’s mission and help spread resources in the community. Jay comes from the nonprofit sector from working with youth, to workforce development. He decided to work in a nonprofit, specifically Claretian, because he believes they both share the same ideals for bettering the community. Jay is from the South side of Chicago and grew up in Ida B. Wells. He is a graduate of Northern Illinois University. One of the reasons Jay has worked in the nonprofit space is because of his childhood. “I wanted to provide others with the same kinds of opportunities that I was given,” said Jay. Jay is looking forward to growing the Claretian mission, not only in South Chicago, but the community at large. Shawn Walker Shawn will be overseeing the reconstruction of Villa Guadalupe, as Claretian adds a new elevator for seniors. Another project Shawn will be managing is adding an accessible ramp to Peoples Park. As the project manager, Shawn is looking forward to a lot of the different projects and where he can help. “The biggest one for me is the pool, just bringing the community to a centralized place,” said Shawn. Shawn wanted to help the community and decided to work in housing. “Whatever way I can help shape my city,” said Shawn. Helping the community has always been a part of Shawn’s life because of his upbringing. “My dad was always a part of the community,” said Shawn. Growing up, his family had a nonprofit baseball team, East Garfield Park Baseball. “That helped me want to give back. I saw a lot of potential in my peers who didn’t always have the resources to make it to the next level,” said Shawn. Part of Shawn’s higher education was in Oklahoma, where he played baseball. Shawn is a graduate of DePaul University. He is looking forward to helping the community and the organization. “Anywhere I can fit in, I’ll do my best to be proactive or reactive. Anything my colleagues need, I’m going to ask, ‘How can I help,’” said Shawn.  Claretian Associates Says Goodbye to the Summer Interns
Claretian wishes good luck to the interns Evelyn Apolinar and Nyla Moss, on their future endeavors. Evelyn shared her internship experience on LinkedIn. She highlights her growth and thanks the Claretian team for their guidance and opportunity. Read the LinkedIn post here. ProgramsYouth Programming Summer youth programming continues at the SALUD Center. Both programs are completing the One Summer Chicago curriculum, My Chi My Future, online. Read more about the summer youth programming below.
 Metropolitan Peace Academy Graduation Claretian Associates congratulates Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P) for the newest graduates of the Metropolitan Peace Academy. The Academy hosts an 18-week program that trains and professionalizes the field of street outreach. The Claretian CP4P team had 12 outreach workers graduate and five of the outreach workers received awards. “I’m proud of them because they demonstrate love and passion for this work,” said CP4P Program Manager James Sims. The outreach workers graduating and being professionalized in violence prevention work provides them with a different outlook. “In this work, most of us know how to do it. We want to make sure that we are on point, so when we get addressed with adversity and negativity, we don’t match that energy,” said James. The graduation was held at the South Shore Culture Center. CP4P Outreach Worker graduates, Patrick Bose and Onye Davenport, from the Hospital Outreach team were chosen to be speakers at the graduation ceremony. “I thought it was a true honor,” said Onye. He is currently taking a facilitator class at Metropolitan Peace Initiatives and will soon start victim specialist training. Onye is also a student at Northeastern Illinois University. “I want to grow. I always tell people, ‘I’m not a human being, I’m a human becoming,’ because I’m constantly evolving,” said Onye. Since 2018 Claretian staff has attended the Metroplitan Peace Academy. Learn more about the academy here.  Seniors The seniors celebrated Father’s Day at the Villa Guadalupe and the SALUD Center. This year, the SALUD Center seniors celebrated outdoors in the garden area. They grilled, listened to music, and enjoyed each other’s company. Community Announcement A Brighter Future in South Chicago The former South Works steel mill in South Chicago was selected to become the location for a multibillion-dollar quantum computing campus, PsiQuantum. Governor JB Pritzker joined by Mayor Brandon Johnson and other officials made the announcement at Steel Workers Park. According to Block Club Chicago, Governor Pritzker stated the campus could bring thousands of jobs. Learn more about the quantum computing campus here. ANnouncements Back to School and Wellness Fair The South Chicago Neighborhood Network, Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P), Advocate Aurora Health, and other community partners will have the annual Back to School and Wellness Fair on Friday, August 9th at 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM on the block of 91st and Brandon. There will be a book bag giveaway, resource vendors, games for kids, food, and music. For more information contact Program Manager Tiarra Owens at [email protected].  Communities Partnering 4 Peace The next series of Light in the Night events will be August 6th, 9th, and 23rd, in the neighborhoods of South Shore, South Chicago, and South Deering. Each event will have music, food, games for kids, and resources. We hope to see you there! SALUD Fitness Center
If you have not joined the fitness center, take advantage of our memberships, Classic $14.99, Classic Plus One $25, and Classic Paid in Full $150. As a member you can take advantage our free Get Fit Class every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 11:00 AM. Interested in more challenging exercise classes? The fitness center offers Spin Class every Tuesday and Wednesday at 5:00 PM for $10 per class. Look for our Boot Camp class in September. For more information contact us at [email protected] SALUD Fittness Center Highlight A Way of Life Exercise has become a way of life for Rosalia Leal, a SALUD Fitness Center member. Rosalia exercises regularly, being the first fitness member to sign in most mornings. When she is not exercising at the fitness center, she is cycling or hiking.  Rosalia joined the fitness center in the winter and comes in almost every morning. Rosalia started exercising because she wanted to feel better about herself. She encouraged her twin sister, mother, and two friends to join too. “My mom and sister saw me motivated and wanted to join too,” said Rosalina. Even if her family and friends stop exercising, she continues to motivate herself. One of her goals is to lose 10 more pounds. Every morning before exercising at the fitness center, Rosalina goes cycling on her own or with her husband in the community. Hiking is also an outdoor activity that Rosalina does with her family. She has become a role model for her 13-year-old son, who also exercises regularly at home. “My son saw me lose weight and that motivated him too,” said Rosalia. She teaches her son how to use weights. Rosalia exercised at the South Chicago YMCA before it became the SALUD Center. Since becoming an avid member, she has attended boot camp and spin classes. She is looking forward to Zumba in the future. Staff Highlights Guest Speaker at Illinois Women Affordable Housing Network (WAHN) Event Claretian Associates CEO Angela Hurlock was the guest speaker for the WAHN Summer Event. Angela spoke on how affordable housing provides residents the opportunity to thrive without worrying about basic needs. Read more about the event here.  New AmeriCorps VISTA Claretian Associates welcomes Paul Panciera as the new AmeriCorps VISTA from Housing Action Illinois. Paul is a part of the real estate development team, and the focus of his work will be on research and zoning ordinances. He will also be looking for property that can accommodate future developments. After college Paul was interested in housing development and policy, economic revitalization, and urban policy. Paul thought a good way to get into the field was through the AmeriCorps program. Paul’s interest in housing sprouted because the area he was living in had a terrible housing crisis. Paul wondered how other parts of the world, outside North America, didn’t have systemic housing issues and thought these issues were fixable. “I wanted to go into housing policy because I wanted to be a part of a team that fixes issues that make housing cheaper and improve the way we currently use land, which means updating our current zoning codes,” said Paul. For the past six years, Paul lived and studied in Canada. He has a degree in political science, a minor in the human dimensions of climate change, and a certificate in geography from the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. Paul is looking forward to being a part of the thought process behind developing projects for Claretian. |
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