May 2025 Newsletter

Programs

Communities Partnering 4 Peace

On May 13th, Claretian Associates, Communities Partnering 4 Peace and other violence prevention organizations advocated in Springfield at the 2025 CVI Rally and Legislative Action Day. Organizations advocated for the continuous funding of the Reimagine Public Safety Act that supports to reduction in gun violence and promotes safety in communities. Learn more about the rally here.

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Cinco De Mayo Celebration 

In May Claretian Associates, Communities Partnering 4 Peace, Catholic Charities, Department of Family and Support Services, and Victory Centre hosted the Cinco de Mayo Health and Resource fair at the South Chicago Senior Satellite Center. The event brought awareness of resources in the community for seniors. Attendees enjoyed a performance by the Hoofer Tap Dancers, participated in karaoke, ate delicious food, and the enjoyed company of others. ​

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South Chicago Block Party

On May 17th, Claretian Associates and community partners hosted the South Chicago Block Party at 91st and Brandon. Projects that were presented included SACRED, the renovation of Villa Guadalupe, and Calumet Gateway Garden. Attendees had the opportunity to visit each project development table and receive information and provide feedback on each of them. The community enjoyed food, music, and family friendly activities like pony rides, face painting, and more.  ​

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Seniors 
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The seniors from Villa Guadalupe and South Chicago Salud Center had a day trip to have lunch at Golden Corral restaurant. It was an event to celebrate mothers and women. The seniors enjoyed lunch and the company of each other. This senior outing is one of the many trips planned to prevent social isolation and bring unity between the two senior buildings.     ​

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We Are Building

SACRED Groundbreaking
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The development of SACRED, Sustainable Affordable Commercial Real Estate Development, will break ground on Saturday, May 31st at 1:30 PM at 9212 South Burley. SACRED will consist of 81 units and 6000 square feet of commercial space. SACRED has been a development idea for 15 years. We hope you join us to celebrate this major milestone. ​

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Staff highlight

New Hire ​

Claretian Associates welcomes Melvin Edwards, the new Director of Community and Safety Programs. Melvin will be working with the programming team and focus on needed resources for the community. 

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Melvin will be Melvin will be responsible for overseeing programs such as the South Chicago Neighborhood Network, youth programming, Safe Passages and Communities Partnering 4 Peace. Melvin will be ensuring that each program provides quality work.  ​

For the past few years, Melvin has been creating workforce development programs. He has a passion for violence prevention because he wants gun violence to be reduced in communities. Melvin expresses that from a selfish standpoint he wants to make the city safe for the people he loves. Though Melvin wants to give back to the community too. “I want to help people and give back to the same population that I was a part of because I was the average youth that evolved in the streets. Later on I changed my life,” said Melvin. 
 
Melvin studied to be a preschool teacher, but instead he decided to work in the nonprofit sector. “I stumbled upon the nonprofit space and I’ve been working in particular with community violence prevention (CVI) and workforce development for the past eight to ten years,” said Melvin. Melvin also feels very strongly about providing financial literacy for the community, like stocks, interest rates, and purchasing homes. “Financial literacy is a driving force in which it can take us out of poverty,” said Melvin.  
 
Melvin received his bachelor's degree from Northern Illinois University. He is currently studying at DePaul University for his Masters in Business Administration. Melvin’s goal at Claretian is bringing more programming and providing quality work for the community. “The more programs and resources we have, we can be a beacon on the south side of Chicago,” said Melvin. His personal goal is to create a wealth management academy, so he can provide funding to nonprofits. 

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Announcements

Health Expo at the SALUD

Join us on Tuesday, June 3rd, for the South Chicago Neighborhood Network Health Expo. Claretian Associates is partnering with the South Chicago Neighborhood Network, Advocate Health Care, University of Chicago and other organizations to provide free health education resources. Meet one-on-one with health providers to discuss your needs. The Expo will take place from 10 AM until 2pm at the SALUD Center. For more information contact Tiarra Owens at [email protected]. ​

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Mortgage Loan Workshop 
 
Join Claretian Associates and the Chicago Urban League on Wednesday, June 25th, for a credit score workshop. Learn about down payments and closing costs, loan types and payments, and more. This event starts at 6 PM at the SALUD Center. Register here.

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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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