ProgramsAdvocacy Breakfast
Earlier in the month Claretian Associates had an advocacy breakfast at the SALUD Center. Local dignitaries, and representatives from community organizations gathered to hear success stories and the work Claretian is doing in the neighborhood. Poster boards were displayed to present the impact of each program. CEO Angela Hurlock, Chief of Programs Tevonne Ellis, CP4P Program Manager James Sims and others spoke about violence prevention, housing and other work Claretian is doing in the community.  Domestic Violence Claretian Associates had a Domestic Violence Awareness presentation for Safe Passage and the community at the SALUD Center. Apna Ghar, and the Cook County Sheriff Department spoke on available resources they offer for those who are victims of domestic violence. Resource tables containing a variety of information were also available. Attendees shared their experiences, and offered each other support. South Chicago Truck or Treat
On Saturday, October 26th Claretian Associates, the South Chicago Neighborhood Network, Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P), Special Service Area #5 and other community organizations hosted a Truck-or-Treat in South Chicago. A truck-or- treat is similar to trick-or-treating, where decorated vehicles are gathered in a parking lot and children collect candy from the trucks. Children received candy bags with taffy apples and healthy boxed lunches. Families enjoyed an afternoon of face painting, food, music, a gaming truck, and more. Announcements Communities Partnering 4 Peace The next series of Light in the Night events will be November 27th, in the neighborhoods of South Chicago, South Shore, and South Deering. Each event will have food and clothing distributions. We hope to see you there!
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 6:00 PM for $10 per class. Look for our Boot Camp class starting Saturday, November 2nd, at 10 AM for $10. For more information contact us at [email protected] SALUD Fitness Center Highlights Healthy Living Exercising five days a week has become a way of life for Earlene Kohn. About a year ago Earlene moved to the South Chicago Salud Center. “I was praying to get into the building because I knew there was a fitness center,” said Earlene. After joining the fitness center, she started exercising regularly with friends. Learn more about Earlene’s fitness journey here. Once Earlene joined the fitness, she joined the Get Fit class and met Health and Wellness Coordinator Maurice Garrett, who she now refers to as her son. Earlene saw Maurice instructing the class with seniors and wanted to join. “I said to myself, ‘I can do this.’ I love the class. It's challenging, it makes you feel strong, and you get to meet people,” said Earlene. One of the goals Earlene had in mind was to have a healthy heart. When her doctor visits Earlene, he will listen to her heart and says her heartbeat is strong. Her doctor encourages her to exercise and is proud of her for exercising four to five days a week. The exercise class has helped her with her other goal of losing weight. According to Earlene, the fitness center is important to the seniors because of their age, health, and staying mobile. “Everybody in the fitness center is serious about their weight and health because we are getting older. When you get older exercise helps you a lot because seniors don’t get out as much,” said Earlene. Since joining the fitness center, she convinced four other seniors to join. Earlene’s fitness routine consists of exercising on each of the cardio and weight room machines and afterwards enjoying the company of her friends while participating in the Get Fit class. “I just enjoy the gym, it gives you something to look forward to instead of sitting in the house,” said Earlene. Exercising is a new lifestyle for Earlene because the most exercise she would do was walking. She would walk anywhere instead of riding public transportation. Earlene has tried the spin class and boot camp several times. “If any class comes to the fitness center, I’m going to participate because I like exercising,” said Earlene. Earlene is looking forward to more fitness equipment. Since becoming a member, she is the spearhead of celebrating and coordinating birthdays in the fitness center. They celebrate either in her apartment or in the fitness center. “We call each other a family, we call and text each other,” said Earlene. Earlene is grateful for the fitness center, and to Maurice, for his support and dedication to the seniors. Staff Highlights New Hires Claretian Associates welcomes new Resident Services Manager, Traci Darling, who will serve individuals living in Claretian Associates properties and oversee the resident service department. For approximately 20 years, Traci has worked in both property management and the real estate field. After seeing the neglect of seniors and the needs they have, Traci decided to transition into the social service field. “As I saw my parents getting older, it kind of touched me, and it made me more aware of the needs of seniors. Therefore, I decided to go in the rim of social services,” said Traci. Since then, her role in the social services environment has been fulfilling. “I love interacting with the seniors. I want them to have the best happiest life possible,” said Traci. Traci is also looking forward to working with multifamily residents. Traci hopes to engage with the multi families and to understand their needs along with ensuring seniors have the necessities they need to live a good independent life. Traci is looking forward to being a part of the resident service team and hopes to have a positive impact with her positive energy and motivating and encouraging spirit.  Safe Passage Claretian Associates thanks Community Watcher Petra Villareal, for her 12 years of commitment to Claretian and the Safe Passage Program. Petra is retiring and will be moving to Florida with her family. She began in 2015 and was later promoted to Base Operator. Claretians wishes Petra well in her retirement.  CEO Angela Hurlock Inducted into a Global Organization Claretian Associates CEO Angela Hurlock was recently inducted in Lambda Alpha International, a global organization that is made up of professional individuals who work in diverse fields related to land economics. “I’m honored to be inducted into Lambda Alpha International. I’m looking forward to being able to meet lots of other individuals in the land of economics space and represent our communities that desperately need investment,” said Angela. Claretians congratulates Angela on another outstanding accomplishment.
0 Comments
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. 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. |
Archives
April 2025
Categories |
RSS Feed
|
|