 Tech Corps Claretian Associates will be hosting Tech Corps as part of the One Summer Chicago, Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). For the first time, Tech Corps, an Ohio based STEM nonprofit organization, will hold youth summer programming in Chicago with Claretian Associates as host partner. Participants 16 – 18 years of age will be designing a website for a business in collaboration with Google. Youth can complete an application here. June 10 is the deadline to apply. The City of Chicago will debut paying youth minimum wage. There are about 50 spaces available for youth to apply for Tech Corps summer programming. There will be two sessions every day 8am -12pm and 1pm – 5pm. Programming will be in the SALUD Center innovation lab. “I’m excited because it gives youth the opportunity to learn how to design their own website,” said Program Manager Tiarra Owens.  UNITY Squad This will be the fifth year Claretian Associates will host One Summer Chicago, UNITY Squad, summer programming. The program runs July 5 –August 13 and youth 14 –15 will earn a stipend. Participants will learn about civic engagement, mental health and wellness, being trauma-informed, workforce preparedness, college readiness, and financial literacy. Complete an application here. All of UNITY Squad programming will take place in the new teen drop-in space and youth will have the opportunity to name this space. Program Manager Tiarra Owens and Youth and Family Coordinator Pamesha Robinson are planning a mock trial for the youth this summer. “They will see the importance of the justice system and learn about it, knowing their rights, and why it's important to be a public servant,” said Tiarra.  Housing Fair has Moved The May 14 housing fair held by Claretian Associates will now be held at Fifth Third Bank from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Center for Changing Lives, Spanish Coalition for Housing Resources and other organizations will provide information on how to better access housing, improving credit and applying for loans. Look for the Fifth Third Bank eBus which provides financial evaluation, credit reports, financial education modules and more.  Senior Walking The SALUD Center offers senior walking every Wednesday from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the gym, at no cost. For more information contact aprilm@claretianassociates.org  PlayStreets This will be the tenth year that Claretian Associates will host Playstreets, a program geared towards providing a safe environment for youth to have safe play. “We get permission to block certain streets to provide games, healthy snacks, and it's just an opportunity for kids to play outside in a safe controlled environment,” said Safe Passage Program Manager Mustafa Sulaiman. Starting in July, a PlayStreets event will tentatively be held at Arnold Mirales Academy, James N. Thorp Elementary School, Douglas Taylor Elementary and at 9108 South Brandon. Safe Passage watchers will be helping with each PlayStreets event. Outdoor activities are provided such as giant Connect Four, Jenga, bouncy houses and more. This is Mustafa’s first year coordinating PlayStreets, and he is planning on incorporating more activities. “I’m looking forward to providing a safe environment for young people,” said Mustafa.  South Chicago Neighborhood Network Health and Wellness Fair The South Chicago Neighborhood Network held a Health and Wellness Fair on April 13 at the SALUD Center in the multipurpose event space. Over 30 vendors attended the fair. “It was successful and became bigger than what we imagined," said Program Manager Tiarra Owens. Advocate Aurora Health, Chicago Family Health Center, Family Rescue, Metropolitan Family Services and Pilsen Wellness Center, and other local organizations provided resources for community. Read more about the Health and Wellness fair here. In partnership with Advocate Aurora Health, 30 medical students and residents hosted a ‘Tea with the Docs.’ Health fair attendees were able to come in and ask about their medical conditions or for medical advice and have tea with doctors. “The doctors were excited to provide those types of services in the community. We look forward to collaborating again,” said Tiarra. The Ronald McDonald House hosted an immunization clinic for kids. “We are hoping that when we host the health and wellness fair in August parents will be able to get their children ready to return to school. The Health and Wellness Fair will be in collaboration with the end of the year PlayStreets event.  Paint and Create On April 29, the South Chicago Neighborhood Network’s UNITY Squad program had a Paint and Create with Antonia Ruppert from Antonia Ruppert Fine Arts. The afternoon began with families enjoying food and listening to family-friendly music provided by a DJ. Afterwards families were introduced to their project. Families received a canvas, a drawing with carbon paper to trace onto canvas and paints, brushes, easels. Attendees chose from two drawing themes; music soothes the soul and landmarks from the South Chicago community or some chose to paint free style. “It was a wonderful event, lots of parent participation. Parents said they were happy to have that time with their families. It was a safe and therapeutic space for families. They got to take their portrait home and it will serve as a reminder of time they spent together,” said Youth and Family Coordinator Pamesha Robinson. A family game night, on June 16 will be the next family focus event.  Seniors Claretian Associates has hired a resident's service coordinator to work directly with the residents, coordinating senior shopping trips and providing case management services. Social Services Coordinator Wendy Steward is also searching for a first-year social work or psychology intern, if interested contact Wendy at wendys@claretianassociates.org We're Building
The first two New Homes developments are near the finishing phases of construction. The two properties now have water. Painting will start in the next few weeks. Claretian Associates held a community discussion for the acquired piece of land on 3200 East 92nd Street. Community members are interested in the possibilities of educational service, flagship store, or an attraction. Angela Hurlock Featured on “Open Lectures for Residents: Voices in Action” Angela Hurlock Featured on “Open Lectures for Residents: Voices in Action” Our CEO Angela Hurlock was featured on “Open Lectures for Residents: Voices in Action,” a series of free educational videos featuring civic leaders and The University of Chicago grad students. The videos were produced by Cook County Government and the University of Chicago’s Office of Civic Engagement (OEC). Angela speaks about being a traditional architect and shifting to community development for residents to have a voice in the developments in their surrounding six blocks. Open Lectures for Residents aims to advance digital equity by providing engaging educational content taught by UChicago faculty or curated by OCE free to all Cook County residents. Cook County will release the Voices in Action videos one per week from now until June 15. There are ten videos in the Voices in Action series by environmental activists, public health executives, UChicago graduate students, educational advocates, and other civic leaders, all graduates of University of Chicago Center for Effective Government's Civic Leadership Academy. For more information video info here.  Strategic Planning
The strategic planning committee met in April to decide the goals and priorities needed to be for the organization. Claretian Associates anticipates it will be done in July.
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 New Director of Safety Programs Claretian Associates welcomes Sam Castro as the new Director of Safety Programs. Sam has worked in the safety sector for 15 years. He was formerly at the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago working in Austin, West Garfield Park and Back-of-the-Yards, and Brighton Park. Sam started as an outreach worker, became a supervisor in the Ready Chicago Program and was later promoted to program manager. In 2019, at the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago where Sam was a program manager safety, in their area, there was 57% reduction in violence. “Not only was it attributed to the work that we did, but it was also in collaboration with law enforcement, faith base organizations and elected officials,” said Sam. Sam also helped build a non-aggression agreement in Brighton Park with FLIP (Flatlining Violence Inspiring Peace) participants. The following year former organization, Institute for Nonviolence Chicago partnered with an organization, who received funding to do outreach in the Brighton Park community. “That for me was a success because I had guys who were FLIP participants and then became outreach workers, and just believing in the vision of violence prevention through the city of Chicago,” said Sam. For Sam, violence is nothing new, he felt that it was his duty to help restore and build some of the communities that he helped destroy. “For me the plague of violence is relentless anywhere you go, so I said to myself, I will be relentless in helping prevent [violence] where I can and to help change lives of people,” said Sam. As Director of Safety Programs, Sam would like to bring the best practices that are used throughout the city to help reduce violence. “They have been doing amazing work here. It's just bringing fresh thoughts and new ideas. The magical part is how to get all the program to coincide in one. We all work safety, not reinventing the wheel, just greasing the wheel to make sure we are all connected,” said Sam. Sam is looking forward to learning about housing and understanding community trauma and challenges. He will be doing restructuring with CP4P. Sam wants to make sure there is seven-day coverage, but also wants to respect the team’s days off because selfcare is important in their work. “I’m looking forward to building relationships with all community partners, elected officials and professional understanding with law enforcement,” said Sam.  South Chicago Neighborhood Network Health and Wellness Fair The South Chicago Neighborhood Health and Wellness Fair is approaching, April 13, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the SALUD Center. “We wanted to have the Health and Wellness fair to reengage the community, and bring attention to health disparities,” said Program Manager Tiarra Owens. Immunizations, dental health, and other resources from South Chicago will be offered. Advocate Aurora Health, Chicago Family Health Center, Family Rescue, Metropolitan Family Services and Pilsen Wellness Center, and other local organizations will be providing resources. Advocate Aurora Health will be providing an immunization van, medical students and providers on site to answer questions for community members. “They will be showing how read and answer questions that attendees may have about their medical records,” said Tiarra. Place of Purpose will have meal demonstrations, healthy snack instructions and will catering the lunch. The fair will have a DJ and live. entertainment as well. “This event is for everyone, seniors, young adults, youth, families, no age limit. We want to start to build that family connection with residents in South Chicago,” said Tiarra. For more information about the health and wellness fair, contact Tiarra Owens at tiarrao@claretianassociates.org  The fair leads up to the Paint and Create event. Teens and their families will receive a canvas and create a painting about the artistry in South Chicago. For more information contact Pamesh Robinson at probinson@claretianassociates.org and register here.  One Summer Chicago UNITY Squad UNITY Squad is starting to recruit for One Summer Chicago programming. Students are employed to learn in a series of modules, focused on leadership development, trauma-informed mental health and wellness, workforce preparedness, and civic engagement. Youth can apply here. Learn more about UNITY Squad here.  Our Strategic Planning Claretian Associates' is working on our strategic plan. “We are embarking on the next five years, what our work will be, who we will be as an organization and what we will focus on,” said CEO Angela Hurlock. Claretian Associates will be getting input from board members, staff, residents and stakeholders about opportunities for growth and where to be focused for the next three to five years. “The last strategic plan got us to where we are now. We are excited to be at this point and look forward to continued growth and being able to serve the community,” said Angela.  Senior Spring Fling On April 20, Change for Action is hosting a Spring Fling for the South Chicago SALUD Center Senior Residents in the court yard. Social Services Coordinator Wendy Steward and Frances Bratt from Change for Action worked together to have outdoor activities for the seniors. “We came up with the idea to have a spring party in the court yard,” said Wendy.  We’re Building- New Homes Project The two New Homes located 92 and Brandon are set to come online in late April or early May. Claretian Associates was granted land, which is being called, the Black Industrial Site, located on 3200 East 92nd Street. They will have a community engagement meeting for their usage of land. Villa Guadalupe Senior Services is also soliciting architectural bids as it prepares for the renovation of the facilities.  Housing Fair Save the Date on May 14, for Claretian Associates Housing Fair with Fifth Third Bank, Center for Changing Lives, and Spanish Coalition for Housing Resources will be available on how to better access housing, improving credit and applying for loans. Look for the Fifth Third Bank eBus which provides financial evaluation, credit reports, financial education modules and more. The fair will be held at the SALUD Center from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.  Paint and Create The South Chicago Neighborhood Network UNITY Squad will have a Paint and Create on April 29 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Youth and their families will learn about the artistry of South Chicago. They will create a painting from what they learn about South Chicago history. Register here.  UNITY Squad Meet and Greet
UNITY Squad will have a Meet and Greet on April 27 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. in the newly furnished Teen Drop-in Space. Program Manager Tiarra Owens and Youth and Family Coordinator Pamesha Robinson will meet with youth and family and introduce the UNITY Squad Program. There will also be assistance with the One Summer Applications. Learn more about UNITY Squad here.  Safe Passage Award The Claretian Associates Safe Passage Program was awarded the Far South Community Action Council’s Chairman Award by Joyce Chatman, on February 26 at their Annual Black History Month Recognition Celebration. The award reads, “In recognition of your steadfast commit to serve the community for Safe Passage. We salute you for your continuous hard work in the community in efforts that mankind will have good health and life sustainability.” CEO Angela Hurlock and Safe Passage Program Coordinator Mustafa Sulaiman received the award. “Claretian Associates, schools, organizations, teachers, administrators, police offices —people who are doing fantastic things, were honored and recognized,” said Mustafa. Angela purchased gift cards for the Safe Passage Watchers to recognize them for their hard work. “The team takes their job seriously. It can be stressful as well as tedious. We have a good team,” said Mustafa.  New SALUD Center Manager Claretian Associates welcomes April Morris as the new SALUD Center Manager. April previously led the CP4P Program and has been part of the Claretian Associates team since August 2010. April will maintain the different areas in the SLAUD Center and will oversee SALUD Center rentals. She wants to bring in more programming and services. “I’m excited to collaborate with different organizations to bring more programming to the SALUD,” said April. She started her journey as a Safe Passage Watcher and was later promoted to a base-operator for three and half years. In 2017, April became the Safe Passage Program Manager. The next year, she also began managing the violence and prevention program Communities Partnering For Peace (CP4P). April is excited and is looking forward to diving into the position. Teen Drop-in Space I-NOMA Update
In October, six teens were selected for the Illinois Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (I-NOMA) to design the SALUD Center Teen Drop-in Space. Two students were from UNITY Squad and the rest were from I-NOMA. The teen concluded the program with a 3D design pictured above. They presented their design to CEO Angela Hurlock, Real Estate Project Coordinator Cory Davis, Program Manager Tiarra Owens and the architects of I-NOMA. The teens were able to design their own space, choose furniture, flooring, and the color of the walls. Tiarra and Youth and Family Program Coordinator Pamesh Robinson are reviewing the 3D designs and purchasing furniture to fulfill the youth creation. Angela has purchased and donated televisions for the room. The Teen Space Drop-in Space will be ready later this month.  UNITY Squad / Youth and Family Focus Events On April 29 a Family Bridge Paint and Create event will be held at the SALUD Center. This year UNITY Squad will be hosting more family involved. Youth will have the opportunity at this event to learn about South Chicago and the artistry of it. They will create a painting from what they learn about South Chicago history. It will be the first of many youth and family events by South Chicago Neighborhood Network (SCNN). Family and Youth Coordinator Pamesh Robinson, wants to ensure youth and their family feel supported. “We want to reengage the community. We want to make sure families know we are supporting their youth as they move into their next phase of their lives,” SCNN will also be collaborating with Communities Partnering For Peace (CP4P) to gather youth for future programing because much of their work aligns. Once the Teen Drop-in Space is completed, a meet and greet will be hosted for youth and their families. Most of the events will be on the last Friday of every month. “We want to make sure youth can engage in a fun activity and have them home at a safe hour,” said Pamesha. There will be a youth and family event every month. Contact Pamesha Robinson for more information at probinson@claretianassociates.org  Health and Wellness Fair The South Chicago Neighborhood Network (SCNN) will have a Health & Wellness Fair at the SALUD Center, April 13 at 9am- 2:30pm. Program Manager Tiarra Owens is searching for vendors and organizations to participate in the fair. A dental truck, health referrals, and assessments will be provided. “This is an opportunity for us to promote other community organizations and to provide resources to our parents and youth,” said Tiarra. Read more about the health and wellness fair here. An Advocate Aurora Health immunization van will be present and provide boxes of food to those in need. Blood pressure, cholesterol checks, doctor referrals, etc. will also be offered. SCNN is still looking for vendors. If interested in participating, contact Tiarra Owens at tiarrao@claretianassociates.org.  CP4P Clothing Distribution On February 19 Communities Partnering For Peace (CP4P) had a clothing distribution and served 40 families thanks to Wish Foundation. Families had the opportunity to come into the CP4P location and shop for clothing such as socks, under clothes, shirts, athletic shoes, winter gear, and hygiene necessities.  Seniors The South Chicago Senior Housing residents have formed an activities committee. “The seniors are eager to restart their activities and be social like before the coronavirus pandemic” said Social Services Coordinator Wendy Stewart. The seniors came up with a list of activities and are interested in having small trips to restaurants and going shopping. A potential event is have gathering in the courtyard, where seniors can have burgers and hotdogs.  We’re Building The New Homes Porfilio is in mid-construction and will create four new units of affordable housing for families with 80% AMI (Area Median Income). Another upcoming project will be the conversion of the former Claretian Associates’ offices at 9108 South Brandon. The former offices will be converted into affordable housing. |
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