July 2025 Newsletter

Programs

Hoops in the Hood ​

In an effort to engage youth over the summer, Claretian Associates, in partnership with LISC, is hosting Hoops in the Hood. This program is designed for communities affected by violence and provides a safe space for youth, ages 11-17, to participate in basketball conditioning three days a week. During the 6-week program, youth will enhance their physical fitness, prepare for peak performance, and participate in agility and basketball drills. This structured approach will help to improve overall performance on the court. At the conclusion of the program in August, youth will compete in a tournament with other participating organizations. We wish them luck!

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One Summer Chicago

Now in its 8th year, Claretian Associates is employing youth under One Summer Chicago. The program, known as UNITY Squad, focuses on youth ages 14-15. Participants will learn important life skills such as financial literacy, critical thinking, civic engagement, workforce preparedness, and leadership development. Youth will participate in college field trips, guest speaker presentations, and more.   ​

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SALUD Fitness Center Highlight

​For over a year Pamela (Pam) Jones has been a SALUD Fitness Center member. She comes to exercise regularly, sometimes even twice a day. Staying healthy has always been a part of Pam’s life, but more now because of the fitness center in the community. 

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Pam had been a member of the former South Chicago YMCA for years. Pam joined when her friend Rosa told her that the SALUD fitness center was open. “I love to exercise, it’s my passion. I decided to come here, I felt comfortable, I like the people,” said Pam. Another reason Pam became a member is because of her health. Since joining, her blood pressure has lowered by exercising and eating healthier. “I focus on eating healthy and exercising because overall it's for my mind, body, and spirit. My health is worth all those things,” said Pam.  

Pam is happy the SALUD Fitness Center opened in the community because it is convenient and is something the community needs. Pam enjoys being a member so much that she even distributes fitness center flyers to her friends.  “This feels like home away from home. I like it here because I spend time with people who lift my spirits,” said Pam. Exercising with friends reduces her stress level.  

Pam’s fitness goals include maintaining her weight and building more muscle. Exercising for Pam is a lifetime commitment. Pam likes to encourage others to join the fitness center and has invited friends to join her in the fitness classes offered. Her favorite class is the Get Fit class. She thought the class was going to be hard, but she tried and loved it. Recently her job schedule doesn’t allow her to attend classes, but she still makes staying fit a priority.  Pam wants to continue exercising for as long as possible. “I’ve been exercising for 30 years,” said Pam. Since joining the fitness center Pam has made more friends who she now calls family. “We have a good time, support each other, and exercise,” said Pam. She also exercises on weekends.  
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Pam is looking forward to the pool reopening. She hopes to see more classes like Zumba offered on weekends.  Pam would like to thank the staff because they have been welcoming and warm.  ​

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We Are Buildling

SACRED Groundbreaking

Claretian Associates’ broke ground in May on its newest affordable housing development, SACRED, Sustainable Affordable Commercial Real Estate Development. SACRED will consist of 81 units and 6000 square feet of commercial space. The project will allow Claretian to continue to provide affordable housing in the South Chicago neighborhood. ​

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Staff highLight

New Hire
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Claretian Associates welcomes Youth Development Program Manager, David Todd. David will be developing and managing the youth program at the SALUD Center. 

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David has worked with at risk, low risk, homeless, and LGBTQ youth for the past seven years. “I am loving my position because I’m passionate about working  with youth,” David quotes the Bible, James 1:27, he believes that his job is to be of service to the orphans and widows and not to be polluted by the rest of the world. “I use that verse to carry me on as my purpose throughout life,” said David. According to David, the youth for him are like the orphans in the verse, that's why he chooses to work with youth who do not have resources to succeed.  

Growing up, he did not have many positive role models. “I grew up in practically every underserved community in Chicago,” said David.  Therefore, he wanted to make a difference and serve youth in need of guidance.  David was at a crossroad in life and decided he wanted to change his direction . “I want to be that positive role model for youth,” said David. 

​David will be developing youth programming, and he is currently managing the One Summer Chicago and Hoops in the Hood programs. “Right now, my focus is helping youth understand the importance of making good decisions,” said David.  
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Before working for Claretian, David had two barber shops. “I started noticing there were a lot of single parents, who couldn't afford haircuts for their children,” That motivated David to start a community initiative, Clippers Change Communities, to provide free haircuts to all the youth in underserved communities. For three years, his goal was giving 1200 youth haircuts.
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David loves the challenge that has been given to him at Claretian, to make youth programming effective and successful. “Working with youth is my life focus,” said David. He hopes to bring leadership, teamwork, calmness, and success to Claretian.    

Announcements 

Back to School and Wellness Event

The South Chicago Neighborhood Network, and other community partners will have the annual Back to School and Wellness Event on Friday, August 8th 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]. ​

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Communities Partnering 4 Peace ​

The next series of Light in the Night events will be on August 15th, 22nd, and 29th, 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!  

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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 Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 10:30 AM. 

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