UNITY Squad Youth Highlight This month Claretian Associates is highlighting UNITY Squad member Lance White for his transformation into a young leader. Lance is a sophomore at Baker College Prep High School in South Chicago and has been a UNITY Squad Member since 2022. He is a track and field athlete and likes boxing as well. “Lance is attuned with himself. He knows what he wants to do with his life and is a pleasant young man,” said Youth and Family Coordinator Pamesha Robinson. Lance learned about UNITY Squad when Claretian Associates called him to interview for a summer job with One Summer Chicago in 2022. “I realized how UNITY Squad could help me become a better person,” said Lance. His most memorable part during the summer was planting a garden with the South Chicago SALUD Center Seniors. After the summer, Lance decided to continue with UNITY Squad and recruited two of his friends to join as well. “I told them that UNITY Squad had slots left and if they wanted to learn something, they should join,” said Lance. Lance and his friends were looking for a safe place to hang out and UNITY Squad brought them to the SALUD Center Teen Drop-In Space. “I enjoyed spending time with friends and learning from Ms. Robinson,” said Lance. UNITY Squad members are learning about nutrition with with Teresa Villa from the University of Illinois. The 6-week class teach will them how to cook healthy meals and develop nutritious eating habits. Those completing the course will earn a certificate of completion. In partnership with the Cook County States Attorney’s Office, youth are participating in the Citizens Academy where they are learning about restorative justice, police policies and procedures, the court system, and more. They are practicing for a mock trial, scheduled for the Spring. Currently UNITY Squad is accepting applications for One Summer Chicago, where youth are hired to work for six weeks. The program will focus on youth leadership, civil engagement, becoming trauma-Informed, and more. UNITY Squad will interview applicants on Tuesday, May 2 and Thursday, May 4 from 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. Prior to the interview, all youths must complete an application which can be found here. For more information, contact Pamesha Robinson at probinson@claretianassociates.org Coursera participant Earned Certificate in Bookkeeping Claretian Associates congratulates Kelsy Tucker who earned a certificate in Bookkeeping through Coursera. Kelsy is a former participant in Claretian Associates virtual digital literacy classes. Claretian Associates is one of 25 digital learning sites that offers digital classes at no cost, through the partnership of Kids First and Chicago Connected. For more information about Coursera contact Youth and Family Coordinator Pamesha Robinson at probinson@claretianassociates.org Claretian Associates Receives An Award from Kid First Chicago and Chicago Connected Claretian Associates received an award from Kid First Chicago and Chicago Connected in appreciation for their committed work in digital literacy over the past three years. In partnership with Center for Changing Lives, Claretian Associates is hosting a resume workshop series. Participants are learning to create a resume, cover letter, navigate LinkedIn, and more. “They are learning how to use the computer and preparing to get a job,” said Youth and Family Coordinator. Pamesha Robinson. Each participant is entered into a raffle to win a laptop. Registration is available here for the remaining two workshops on April 27 and May 15. Previous digital literacy classes were introductory classes on computers, remote learning, and Microsoft, all were offered virtually. Safe Passage Congratulates Beatriz Alvarez Claretian Associates congratulates Beatriz Alvarez, a former Safe Passage Community Watcher, who was hired by Douglas Taylor Elementary as the Dean Assistant. Beatriz was a Safe Passage Community Watcher at Taylor Elementary for two months before she was hired as the Dean Assistant. “I’m sad to see Beatriz leave because she was an excellent worker, but happy to see she will be able to help more youth,” said Safe Passage Program Manager April Morris. South Chicago Neighborhood Network The South Chicago Neighborhood Network (SCNN) concluded the grant writing workshop series offered to their partners and community. Kyla Williams from Technically Human taught the grant writing workshop series. “Upon completion it resonated that a number people want to find resources and learn how to write grants. It's something that we should explore more,” said Program Manager Tiarra Owens. Career and Trade Fair The South Chicago Neighborhood Network and community partners will have a Career and Trade Fair at the SALUD Center on Thursday, May 4, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Hring companies that will be present are Center for Changing Lives, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Amazon and more. There will be a “Clothing Corner” available for jobseekers to select business attire. For more information contact Program Manager Tiarra Owens at tiarrao@claretianassociates.org Youth Summer Jobs There is still time to apply for Claretian Associates youth summer programming!
Fitness Center Starting May 6, the SALUD Center Fitness Center will be open every other Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Cost to exercise with Peloton equipment or take a class is $5. For more information contact Health and Wellness Maurice Garrett at 773-734-9181.
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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. 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. |
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