February Newsletter 2024

Programs

Black Health Matters Fair 
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Claretian Associates and community partners will host a Black Health Matters Fair on Thursday, February 29th at the SALUD Center, from 4:00 PM- 6:00 PM. The fair will have health clinics from South Chicago, resources for mental health, music, and food.  “It is for the whole community, everybody can come explore their options and meet new agencies,” said Resident Service Manager Wendy Steward. For more information, contact Tiarra Owens at [email protected] ​

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Youth Mental Health First Aid Training 
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The South Chicago Neighborhood Network (SCNN) hosted a Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training at the SALUD Center. The training was designed to help providers recognize the signs of a mental health crisis in youth and how to address it. At the end of the training, participants receive a certificate of completion and are certified for three years. SCNN encourages professionals in education, youth coordinators, parents and anyone working with youth to take the training. For more information on MHFA training contact Program Manager Tiarra Owens, at tiarrao@claretianassociates.org. Register here for future MHFA training.  

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Recruiting for Summer Youth Programming  ​

Claretian Associates, in partnership with One Summer Chicago, will begin accepting summer youth job applications on Monday, March 4th. There will be two summer programs offered, Unity Squad and Web Corps, hosted by Tech Corps. The summer program will run from June 24th through August 2nd. Youth can complete an application here. For more information contact Program Manager Tiarra Owens at [email protected] 

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Communities Partnering 4 Peace Light in the Night

On Friday, January 26, Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P) had their first Light in the Night event of the year. CP4P outreach teams from South Chicago, South Shore, and South Deering collaborated to host the event. The event was held at Claretian’s CP4P office located at 3003 E 92nd Street. The event provided the community with a safe space, a warm meal, music, clothing distribution, and more.
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CP4P also hosted their second Light in the Night on Friday, February 16, at 8850 S. Mackinaw. Participants received a warm meal and enjoyed music. The case management team and outreach workers provided participants with clothing, shoes and other essentials that were available. Last year CP4P hosted approximately 70 Light in the Nights in the neighborhoods of South Chicago, South Shore, and South Deering. The next Light in the Night will be on Friday, March 22, from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm at 1818 E.71st Street.  

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Seniors Celebrate Valentine's Day ​

The seniors at Villa Guadalupe and South Chicago SALUD Center enjoyed a Valentine's Day celebration. The community rooms were decorated for the occasion. The seniors played bingo and enjoyed each other's company with lunch and music.  ​

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Vaccine Clinic at Villa Guadalupe 
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Claretian Associates, in partnership with the Chicago Department of Public Health, hosted a vaccine clinic at the Villa Guadalupe. Vaccines available for the community included Flu, COVID-19, RSV, Hepatitis, Pneumonia, and more. “We want to show the community that we are still trying to stay healthier together. We hosted it at the Villa to accommodate our seniors. We care about them and their health,” said Resident Service Coordinator Yesenia Mckenzie. 

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Staff Highlights

New CP4P Administrative Coordinator 

Claretian Associates welcomes Eriberta Sanchez as CP4P Administrative Coordinator. Eriberta will be coordinating community events, providing administrative support to CP4P, and more. ​
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​Eriberta is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Prior to working at Claretian Associates, she worked in retail. “I always knew that I didn’t want to be in retail, I wanted to do more,” said Eriberta. She wanted to do more for her community.  Eriberta was excited to find out Claretian Associates was in her own community. “I chose to work in non-profit for the sole reason that it's working for something greater than themselves,” said Eriberta.  
 
Eribert is looking forward to learning more about the CP4P program, falling into her new role, and the summer Light in the Nights.  

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In the News

Enterprise Blog 

Claretian Associates was featured on the Enterprise blog for the Empowering Black Futures partner meeting. The meeting included a panel with community businesses to discuss the quality-of-life plan in South Chicago. Read more about the Empowering Black Futures partner meeting here. ​

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Announcements

Pritzker Traubert Plaque  
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The Pritzker Traubert Foundation delivered a plaque to Claretian Associates, acknowledging them as a finalist for the 2020 Chicago Prize. Claretian and seven other community partners teamed up to bring unique projects to reinvigorate South Chicago, such as affordable housing, a local lakefront, and more.   

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​We’re Building 
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The seniors at Villa Guadalupe now have new flooring. The carpet was removed from each hallway and common areas, and replaced with new modern plank flooring. Villa Guadalupe has 55 units of affordable housing.  ​

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​March Light in the Night 
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Join Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P) for the next Light in the Night on Friday, March 22nd at Lost Boys Inc. located at 1818 E 71st St. Enjoy a warm meal, music, and other resources. We hope to see you there.  

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Fitness Center Boot Camp 
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If you have not participated in the SALUD Fitness Center Boot Camp, there is still time. Only four more boot camp sessions are left. Each session costs $10. For more information contact Health and Wellness Coordinator Maurice Garrett at 773-908-4859.   

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