June 2024 Newsletter

Programs

Loneliness Project  
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The South Chicago Neighborhood Network in partnership with Advocate Health Care Systems, hosted their third cohort for the Loneliness Project. The program was created to bring awareness to all components of loneliness and to provide tools for connection and reduce the risk of social isolation. Registered participants met for six weeks at the SALUD Center to learn, eat  lunch together, and enjoy each other's company. ​

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Safe Passage 
 
The Safe Passage program ended for the academic school year. The program ended strong with 54 community watchers and gained an additional school, Ninos Heroes Elementary. Safe Passage is a Chicago Public School initiative that provides a secure path to students going and coming from school. For more information on the program contact Safe Program Manager April Morris at [email protected] ​

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Grand Opening of the US Bank Branch in South Chicago 
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Claretian Associates was invited to the US Bank grand opening of their new branch location on South Chicago Avenue. As a community partner, Claretian was awarded $5,000 during the grand opening. This money will help Claretian cover the cost for internal capacity building efforts such as financial literacy and budgeting along with leadership training.  

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Youth Programming 

Summer youth programming started at the SALUD Center! ​

UNITY Squad started the first week with a scavenger hunt in South Chicago. This activity teaches students about community assets and resources. Students will learn about financial literacy, mindfulness, leadership development, and civic engagement.    ​​

Tech Corps is learning about the essentials of the internet for their first week. Later students will be divided into teams and develop websites for mock businesses. Students will also learn computer programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.   ​

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SALUD Fitness Center SPOTLight 

Local Senior Resident Keeps Healthy at the SALUD Fitness 
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Sheila Ocasio became a fitness center member last winter and since then has lost 40 pounds. Sheila is a South Chicago SALUD Center senior resident and encourages other residents to sign up for a membership. Sheila initially joined because her daughter encouraged her to stay healthy. “She said to me, ‘Mama, I want you to be here. If you take care of yourself you will live longer.’ I took her advice and I feel good,” said Sheila. Learn more about Sheila’s fitness journey here.  

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In addition to exercising at the fitness center, Sheila does sit-ups every morning. She also follows a healthy diet, “I don’t eat junk food anymore. I eat salads, fruits, and healthy stuff,” said Sheila. Her goal is to stay at her current weight. According to Sheila the fitness center is a wonderful resource for the residents. “The fitness center is good because it’s safe and we don’t have to leave the building. I love it here!” said Sheila.  
 
Sheila's exercise journey started long before she lived at the South Chicago SALUD Center. She used to attend exercise classes at her aunt's house. This motivated her daughter at a very young age to exercise too. “We were six adults, and she was the only little girl. She used to ask me to take her with me,” said Sheila.  
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Sheila credits Health and Wellness Coordinator Maurice Garrett for her weight loss. “He inspires me, he’s a good coach. He keeps up with clients and is interested in their goals,” said Sheila.  Sheila attends the Get Fit class every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  She encouraged many building residents and friends to join the fitness center.   ​

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Staff Highlights

Summer Interns
 
Claretian Associates welcomes the Summer Program Interns, Nyla Moss and Evelyn Apolinar. They will be assisting with the youth who are participating in the One Summer Chicago program.  
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Nyla hopes to assist students in becoming confident individuals this summer. “I’m looking forward to working with the youth.  Seeing how they grow and getting to know them. I’m excited to see this adventure,” said Nyla. Nyla is a senior at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and is studying to be a pediatric nurse. She is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and likes working with kids and teenagers. Nyla is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Claretian team this summer. ​

Evelyn is looking forward to seeing the students and program evolve this summer. "I want to share my knowledge and serve them with a purpose,” said Evelyn. Evelyn is a senior at the University of Illinois at Urban-Champaign and is a double major in sociology and political science with minor in Latino studies, and criminology. Evelyn plans to apply to law or graduate school. Evelyn is excited to be in this role because of her experience of working with youth and formally being a childcare teacher. ​

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Announcements

Back to School Wellness Fair 

The South Chicago Neighborhood Network, Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P), Advocate Aurora Health, and other community partners will have the annual Back to School and Wellness Fair on Friday, August 9th at 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM on the block of 91st and Brandon.  There will be a bookbag giveaway, resource vendors, games for kids, food, and music. For more information contact Program Manager Tiarra Owens at [email protected].  

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