May 2024 Newsletter

Programs

Claretian Associates and Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P) Visit Springfield 

The CP4P team visited Springfield to lobby for funding for the Community Violence Intervention (CVI) program. Later in the month CEO Angela Hurlock, Chief of Programs Tevonne Ellis, and CP4P Program Manager James Sims made a second trip to Springfield to continue lobbying for CVI. Claretian also met with Representative Curtis J. Tarver II, Representative Marcus C. Evans Jr., and Senator Robert Peters to discuss state funding for the SALUD Fitness Center pool.  We anticipate funding will be included in the next state budget. 

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CP4P MPI Press Conference 
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Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P) Hospital Response team and CEO Angela Hurlock attended the HEAL Initiative Press Conference with Senator Dick Durbin which was held at the Metropolitan Peace Academy. Senator Durbin secured $4.5 million for the HEAL Initiative, a collaboration to address the root causes of gun violence through economic, health, and community projects in 18 of Chicago’s neighborhoods with the highest rates of violence, poverty, and health disparities. Read more about CP4P’s Hospital Response Team and the HEAL Initiative here. 

The CP4P Hospital Response team was present at the HEAL Initiative Press Conference. CP4P Program Supervisor Michael Tafolla spoke about the Claretian CP4P Hospital Response and their experience with working with the University of Chicago Medicine. The team's role is to connect in-real time at the hospital with shooting victims from South Chicago and South Shore.  “The goal is to immediately connect with victims and families and offer conflict mediation,” said Michael.  

​Since its initial start, the hospital initiative has expanded. “Thanks to the University of Chicago Medicine and our team, we have expanded our services to include victims of gun violence and other forms of violence.” said Michael.  

Now any victim of violence from South Chicago, South Deering, and South Chicago who is treated at the University of Chicago Medicine emergency room is informed of Claretian CP4P Hospital Response Outreach and Victim Advocates services. If the victim is interested in the services, they are connected to the team. Prior to the relationship with the hospital, the connection rate with victims was around 10% and there was no hospital response outreach team. “Thanks to this relationship, our connection rate has increased to 50%-90%,” said Michael. 

At the press conference, Michael had the opportunity to speak and thank Senator Durbin. “I thanked him for recognizing our communities, our people, and most importantly our humanity,” said Michael.  ​

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​Mother’s Appreciation Paint and Chat  
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Claretian Associates and the Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P) team collaborated to host a Mother’s Day event at the SALUD Center. Community members and residents gathered to enjoy music, food, and painting. Learn more about the event here. ​

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Upon arrival, registered event participants received Mother’s Day appreciation baskets containing basic hygiene, self-care, and cleaning products. The baskets also contained a small canvas with paints. “A lot of people do not realize that art is a form of therapy. It was also a way for people to engage with each other by talking about what they planned to paint,” said Program Manager Tiarra Owens. Painting on a canvas was a new activity that some participants had not experienced. “My residents loved it, especially the painting,” said Resident Manager Wendy Steward. 

The CP4P outreach workers served dinner at each table. CP4P Case Manager Suncheka Henderson emceed the rest of the event by giving participants the opportunity to recite poetry, dance, and sing. The event also included discussions about women's health from Family Rescue and Chicago Family Heath Center.    ​

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Youth Summer Jobs  
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There are still a few open spots for Tech Corps for youth between the ages of 16-18. The program is centered on website development and computer programming. Tech Corps will have two sessions, mornings from 8 am –12 pm and afternoons from 1 pm- 5 pm. Participants will earn an hourly wage of $15.80. Apply here. 

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SALUD Fitness Center Spotlight 

Mother And Son Stay Healthy Together 
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Debra Hawkins and Damon Polk began exercising at the SALUD Center a year ago because they wanted to incorporate exercise into their lives. They started walking for exercise in the gymnasium and afterward joined the SALUD Fitness Center. Learn more about their exercise journey here. ​

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Three times a week, Debra and Damon attend the Get Fit Class. Debra’s fitness goals are to get stronger and healthier, and Damon wants to be active. In the past, Debra has done some form of exercise such as walking before work or during lunch. “I have not exercised as well as I should, but I’m getting back to a regular schedule,” said Debra. Exercising is new territory for Damien, but he enjoys his new lifestyle. “Both of us have lost weight and we are trying to eat better too,” said Debra. They feel fitter and have more endurance.  

Debra and Damon were introduced to the SALUD Center by Metropolitan Family Services. "I needed to get out more,” said Damien. Not only do they exercise together, but they have formed friendships too. Since joining the fitness center, they have celebrated birthdays with other fitness members. “We are like a little family down there,” said Debra. Both are looking forward to the future coming of the pool. Debra believes the fit center is great and would recommend it to everybody.  

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Staff Highlights

CEO Angela Hurlock Featured on Enterprise Blog 
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Claretian Associates CEO Angela Hurlock authored an essay which was featured on the Enterprise blog. The essay reflects Ms. Hurlock's childhood as a first-generation Chicagoan. She writes about how communities change, but how there is still the opportunity to build healthy neighborhoods of choice. She also writes about the partnership with Fifth Third Bank Empowering Black Futures Program and Enterprise in South Chicago to increase homeownership and quality of life. Read more here. 

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