Programs Youth Mental Health First Aid Training The South Chicago Neighborhood Network (SCNN) and Advocate Health Care Systems hosted a Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training at the SALUD Center. The training was centered on how to navigate and further assist youth who face mental health challenges. Participants received a certification of completion and is valid for three years. SCNN hosts two to three MHFA trainings a year. Turkey Basket Giveaway
The South Chicago Neighborhood Network, Communities Partnering 4 Peace, and other community organizations hosted a Turkey Basket Giveaway at the SALUD Center. Participants had the option of receiving a turkey or chicken. The basket also included ingredients to make stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, string beans, and fresh produce. Altogether 200 turkeys and chickens were distributed. The giveaway was in collaboration with the Office of Senator Robert Peters and the 10th Ward Office.
Day of Dead Event
Claretian Associates, Neighbor Space, and BuenGro hosted a Day of the Dead event at South Chicago Peoples Park. Community members decorated sugar skulls, made autumn flower arrangements, and freehand painted. Attendees also enjoyed tamales and champurrado (hot chocolate). The event featured a special performance of traditional Mexican dance by the Folkloric Dance Team from Our Lady of Guadalupe School.
 Mia’s World Thanksgiving Dinner The South Chicago Salud Center Seniors gathered for their annual Thanksgiving Dinner, graciously hosted by the Zuniga Family. This tradition, started three years ago in honor of the Zunigas’ daughter who has autism, has become a welcomed celebration. The dinner not only brings awareness about autism but gives seniors the opportunity to share a Thanksgiving dinner and enjoy the company of each other. Announcements Thanksgiving Dinner Enjoy a Community Thanksgiving dinner on November 27th, at the SALUD Center from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. Registration is not required. The dinner is sponsored by Claretian Associates, AMTUCA Consulting, Plates on Purpose, and other community organizations.  Winter Wonder Fest The South Chicago Neighborhood Network invites you to their annual Winter Wonder Fest event on Thursday, December 18th, at the SALUD Center. Guests can enjoy an afternoon of music, delicious food, a toy giveaway, and plenty of family-friendly fun. For details, please contact Program Manager Tiarra Owens at [email protected]  Light in the Night Join us for the next Light in the Night events on Friday, December 19th, taking place in the neighborhoods of South Deering and South Shore. Each event will feature festive music, delicious food and fun gift giveaways. We look forward to seeing you there!  Fitness Center
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 A.M.
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ProgramsSmall Business Resource Fair
Claretian Associates, Center for Changing Lives, Fifth Third Bank, and other community partners hosted a Small Business Resource Fair at the SALUD Center. Small business owners had the opportunity to attend breakout sessions such as Legal Essentials for Small Businesses, AI for Business, Capital Readiness 101, and more. Attendees also had the chance to explore resources and receive one on one technical assistance from Fifth Third Bank. The highlight of the event was TechRise Pitch Deck competition, where five small local businesses presented their business plan, product, and more and competed for a $25,000 grant. The local businesses that competed were BuenGro, Luna's Enlightment, Altgeld Bitcoin Reserve, Indigo Cafe / Bridgeview Brew, and The Record Track. The winner of the competition was Indigo Cafe / Bridgeview Brew, a future coffee shop in South Chicago that will be located at 3008 E 92nd Street. South Chicago Neighborhood Trauma-Informed Symposium
On October 17th, the South Chicago Neighborhood Network, University of Chicago Medicine, and other community partners, hosted their annual Trauma-Informed Symposium, Honoring Our Past, Healing Our Present, Building Our Future. It was exciting to be-in-person for the first time since 2019. The symposium highlighted how trauma has shaped the community systems and identified strategies for resilience and healing that align with the South Chicago Quality of Life Plan goals. This year, the symposium was a panel from the University of Chicago Grand Rounds, moderated by Dr. Doriane C. Miller. The panel consisted of President of Advocate Trinity Hospital Michelle Y. Blakely, Principal and CEO of St. Francis De Sales High School, Dr. Roni-Nicole Facen, Principal of Wendell Smith Elementary School, Dr. Turan Crockett, Manager of Violence Prevention, Karma Wilson from Ann & Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Director of Initiatives Norma Sanders from the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation, City Planner Jasmine Gunn from the City of Chicago, and Executive Director of Community Benefit & Health Improvement DonElla Bradford at the University of Chicago Medicine. The panelist focused on five of the seven pillars of the South Quality of Life Plan, which are health, safety, education, economic development, and housing. The healing portion of the symposium was building a better relationship with community members, networking, being open and honest about the work being done around the quality of life plan. “We know that South Chicago has been systematically disinvested for the last 20 years, so the healing of that is not focusing on the past but focusing on what can be done moving forward. We are not going to let our community be disinvested in. We have a plan,” said Program Manager Tiarra Ownes. Other aspects that are needed for the quality of life plan to thrive is funding, and ownership by community members. Attendees had dinner and the opportunity to ask the panelist questions or provide comments. Questions people had were about, how to get involved with the quality of life plan, the current resources available, and health related concerns in South Chicago,” said Tiarra. On November 15th Tiarra and Dr. Miller will be featured on WVON Radio, speaking on the importance of the quality of life plan.  Seniors During Hispanic Heritage month, seniors at Villa Guadalupe, and the SALUD Center celebrated Latin American culture. In their community rooms, seniors came together to play loteria (Mexican bingo), eat catered Hispanic food, and enjoy the company of each other. We Are Building Peoples Park Claretian Associates has installed a new fence around the exterior of the Peoples Park with a gate at the front entry. The gate will be open daily from 9:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M. Claretian will be creating a separate entrance on South Buffalo Ave for an ADA accessible ramp entry into the park. Claretian and NeighborSpace will be hosting a Day of the Dead event at the park on Saturday, November 1st from 12:00 P.M until 3:00 P.M. Staff HighLIGHts Resident Service Coordinator Claretian Associates welcomes Kenya Garcia, as the new Resident Service Coordinator. Kenya will be responsible for fostering healthy communities and promoting resident self-sufficiency by improving community relations and connecting residents to vital resources. She will also support residents in achieving personal goals by providing opportunities and guidance. Kenya will be helping residents from Casa Kirk, South Chicago Rehab, Burley Apartment, Villa Guadalupe, and the Salud Center. “Anything that residents might need assistance with, I do my research and help them,” said Kenya. She will be helping residents with getting their benefit recertification letters and helping them with the annual recertification process. Kenya will also be hosting events and activities for the residents at their buildings, for holidays, birthdays, bingo and more. Other events she will be in charge of are informational sessions on Medicaid and Medicare. Kenya is from southern California and has been living in Chicago for almost a year. Kenya has been working in the nonprofit sector since she graduated. “In all the nonprofits that I’ve worked for, we really do care about the work that we do, and I think that is rewarding,” said Kenya. She began working at a food depository in Los Angeles and was promoted to supervisor for the senior program. When Kenya moved to Chicago, she then worked for the senior program at the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Kenya has worked with seniors for over seven years, so working at Claretian, feels familiar to her. “I really enjoy being able to interact with seniors because all they need is somebody to talk with,” said Kenya. Kenya is looking forward to hosting more events for the seniors and being able to interact more with them. She also wants to build better relationships with the multifamily buildings. Announcements Turkey Basket Giveaway South Chicago Neighborhood Network will host our Annual Turkey Basket Giveaway at the Salud Center, Thursday, November 20, from 4:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Baskets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. For more information, contact Program Manager Tiarra Ownes.  Thanksgiving Dinner Enjoy a Community Thanksgiving dinner on November 27th, at the SALUD Center from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. Registration is not required. The dinner is sponsored by Claretian Associates, AMTUCA Consulting, Plates on Purpose, and other community organizations. Light in the Night
The next Light in the Night event series will celebrate Thanksgiving on November 20th and 26th in the neighborhoods of South Chicago, South Deering and South Chicago. Come and enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner and fun giveaways.  Fitness Center
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. Programs Communities Partnering 4 Peace Claretian Associates and other Community Violence Intervention (CVI) organizations met with U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and State Senator Celina Villanueva to discuss the progress of CVI, the efforts to reduce violence and the impact of recent funding cuts. Learn more about their discussion on reduction in crime here. South Chicago Housing Resource Event
On September 17th, Claretian Associates, in partnership with Fifth Third Bank, and other housing community partners, hosted a housing resource event. Fifth Third Bank’s Financial Empowerment Mobile, known as the eBus, brought resources to the community such as credit counseling, immediate checking account opening, and more. Attendees had the opportunity to see presentations on Claretian’s future housing developments. Communities Partnering 4 Peace Light in the Night distributed books, and book bags with school supplies. Community members enjoyed delicious food, and lively music.
 Public Safety Round Table Claretian Associates hosted a Public Safety Round Table at the SALUD Center. It was a discussion about public safety and community needs. Topics included safety concerns, identifying missing support, and the shared ownership of public safety. Youth Development Program Manager, David Todd, facilitated the conversation with community members and professionals who work in neighborhoods prone to violence. Another round table is planned for a later date to further discuss public safety and ways to collaborate. We Are BuildingMeet, Greet, and Green Day
Claretian Associates and Neighbor Space had a beatification day at Peoples Park located at 3257 E 92nd Street. The day consisted of cleaning the park, planting flowers, and getting to know the neighbors. Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P) outreach workers engaged with community members by gardening and providing them with resources. The back fence was replaced in an effort to secure the area and to promote safety. A ramp will be installed at a later date to improve accessibility.
Staff Highlights Safe Passage Program Manager Claretian Associates welcomes William Branch as the new Safe Passage Program Manager. William will be responsible for managing the Safe Passage team of community watchers, who ensure a safe route for students during the school year. William oversees the team of community watchers who service six schools, Burnham Mathematics & Science Academy, James H. Bowen, George Henry Corliss, Myra Bradwell, Douglas Taylor, Arnold Mireles, and Ninos Heros. His day begins by checking in with each school, to make sure the team feels supported and address any concerns. “I enjoy being in the field, having my boots on the ground. I like talking with the principals, deans, and administrative staff,” said William. William’s background is in youth education. William was a program manager for Youth Guidance Chicago, that provided enrichment programing to schools for students and parents. He has been working with youth for over 10 years. William was a tutor and mentor for elementary and high school students earlier in his career. “I’ve had a passion working with youth. I enjoy working and helping people. That’s a mission I always live by,“ said William. William sees himself as a coach, not a manager, he wants to help community watchers in their next career aspiration. He looks forward to helping and guiding the Safe Passage team, and ensuring the program operates well.  Chicago Rehab Network (CRN) Graduates Claretian Associates congratulates Real Estate Project Manager, Shawn Walker and Corridor Manager, Paul Panciera, for recently graduating from the CRN Community Empowerment Workshop Series. The program consists of eight workshops over the course of 6 months where participants learn to be leaders in improving the quality of life in their community. Learn more about the workshop series here. Local Community Violence Intervention (CVI) Hero Award
CP4P Program Manager James Sims received the Local Community Violence Intervention (CVI) Hero Award from Trajectory Changing Solutions (TCS). TCS’s event, Impact Celebration: Toast to Change, included a ribbon cutting of the new TCS Innovation Center and recognition of CVI leaders who are making a difference in their communities. James has worked in the field of CVI for approximately 11 years. He was honored for his dedication for reducing violence in the community and his commitment to the team. Announcememnts Trauma-Informed Symposium The South Chicago Neighborhood Network and the University of Chicago Medicine will host the annual Trauma-Informed Symposium, Healing, Resilience, and Renewal Through Systems Change. The symposium will be a panel discussion at the SALUD Center from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. The discussion will cover how trauma has impacted the South Community as a whole. Register here. For more information contact Program Manager Tiarra Owens at [email protected]  Light in the Night The Light in the Night events will be on October 30th in the neighborhoods of South Shore, and South Deering. Each event will have food, music and books. We hope to see you there!  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. Our October special includes a 3-month membership for $39.99. If interested stop by the SALUD Fitness Center for a tour of the facility and all it has to offer. |
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