  Support the Salud Center This Giving Tuesday This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join us in making a difference right here in our community. Claretian Associates is proud to operate the Salud Center – a vital resource for bringing health, connection, and opportunity to everyone we serve. But we can’t do it without your support. The Salud Center is more than just a building. It’s a lifeline for so many in our neighborhood. From deeply discounted fitness center memberships to affordable room rentals and no-cost programming, we work hard every day to make sure the center remains accessible and welcoming to all. We believe no one should be turned away due to cost—and that's why we're committed to keeping prices low and opportunities open. However, providing high-quality services while keeping costs affordable comes with challenges. To keep the center running, we rely on the generosity of individuals like you to help cover operational expenses. Your donation will go directly toward ensuring the doors of the Salud Center stay open, the lights stay on, and the programs thousands of community members depend on can continue to thrive.  Every dollar makes a difference. When you give to the Salud Center, you’re not just helping to maintain a fitness center or meeting space; you’re making it possible for families, seniors, and youth to stay active, for neighbors to connect, and for dreams to come to life. You’re investing in the heart of our community.
Together, we can ensure the Salud Center remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for years to come. Will you join us this Giving Tuesday in strengthening our community? Donate Today and help us keep the Salud Center accessible and affordable for all. Thank you for making an impact right here at home. – Your Claretian Associates Team
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 Programs The South Chicago Neighborhood Network hosted the annual Trauma-Informed Symposium The South Chicago Neighborhood Network (SCNN) held the annual virtual Trauma-Informed Symposium, Addressing Misconceptions, United, and Strengthening the Black and Brown Community. Each day featured a different topic, including mental health among Black men, building bridges with new arrivals in our community, and leveraging data and research. This year SCNN wanted to focus on critical issues that the community was facing. “A key critical issue was men's mental health. It was important to me that men had access to a safe space where they can discuss and receive resources,” said Program Manager Tiarra Owens. The second day of the symposium was about bridging the gap between the Brown and Black community and building relationships with the new arrivals. This day was a collaboration with the University of Chicago Grand Rounds. “As an organization, we just started offering new arrivals events to provide resources,” said Tiarra. This day informed the community about the resources South Chicago has to offer new arrivals, such as English as a Second Language (ESL) services, mental health support, and health care. It also provided the community with actuality versus the myths about new arrivals. The final day addressed the importance of data and research. “I noticed people do not want to fill out surveys or leave their name and number, or demographics. The data and research workshop was for people to understand what we do with their information,” said Tiarra. This workshop taught the community the importance of collecting data. SCNN thought if people understood data and how it is used, they would have a better understanding of its importance. The symposium offered Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through the partnership with Metropolitan Family Services. If you did not have the chance to attend the symposium, you can view each day on our here. Turkey Basket Giveaway
On Friday, November 22nd the South Chicago Neighborhood Network, Claretian Associates, and Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P) hosted a Turkey Basket Giveaway at the SALUD Center. The giveaway included uncooked Thanksgiving sides such as stuffing mix, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and vegetables of string beans or corn. The Turkey Basket Giveaway was in collaboration with the Office of Senator Robert Peters, and the Office of 10th Ward Alderman Chico.  Chicago Civic Orchestra Concert at the SALUD Center The Chicago Civic Orchestra had its annual concert at the SALUD Center, themed the Bach Marathon. The concert was for the South Chicago Salud Center Senior Residents and for the community. Seniors enjoyed light refreshments and the company of each other while the orchestra played Bach for 30 minutes. Afterward, there was a small Q&A session where seniors asked the musicians about their experience and background in music. The seniors enjoyed the event and thanked the orchestra for their performance and for visiting South Chicago.  Financial Banking The Safe Passage Community Watchers attended a financial literacy workshop at the SALUD Center from the South Chicago Fifth Third Bank Branch. Attendees learned about banking, budgeting and how to check their credit scores. We're Building SACRED Approved By City Council Funding for the Sustainable Affordable Commercial Real Estate Development (SACRED) was approved by City council. The affordable apartment development is a partnership with Claretian Associates and Interfaith Housing Development Corporation. SACRED will have 81 units of affordable housing, a parking lot, and 6,500 square-foot commercial space. It will be located on the southwest corner of East 92nd St and South Burley Ave. Announcements Thanksgiving Community Dinner Enjoy a Community Thanksgiving dinner on November 28th, at the SALUD Center from 11 AM – 1 PM. Registration is not required. The dinner is sponsored by Claretian Associates, AMTUCA Consulting, Indigo, and other community organizations.  Communities Partnering 4 Peace The next series of Light in the Night events will this evening, November 27th, 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! Fitness Center
If you have not joined the fitness center, take advantage of our 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 11:00 AM. During the first week of December, members can bring a friend for free. Interested in more challenging exercise classes? The fitness center offers a Spin Class every Tuesday and Wednesday at 6:00 PM for $10 per class. For more information contact us at [email protected] Fitness Center Congratulations
Claretian Associates CEO Angela Hurlock was appointed interim CEO of the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA). Prior to her appointment Angela has served as Chairwoman since 2019. Claretian congratulates Angela for taking on the interim role. Her leadership and expertise in housing will be invaluable. Angela will serve in a dual role and will remain as Claretian Associates CEO, continuing to serve the South Chicago community and surrounding neighborhoods. “I’m excited about this opportunity to able to serve the Chicago Housing Authority as interim CEO. Spending the last 20 years as the CEO of Claretian Associates has really allowed me to serve the families in South Chicago. We serve 3,000 families in South Chicago, whereas CHA serves 65,000 families across the city in every neighborhood throughout the 77 neighborhoods. I definitely still look forward to being involved with Claretian Associates, and the great work that continues both there and across the city with CHA," said Angela ProgramsAdvocacy Breakfast
Earlier in the month Claretian Associates had an advocacy breakfast at the SALUD Center. Local dignitaries, and representatives from community organizations gathered to hear success stories and the work Claretian is doing in the neighborhood. Poster boards were displayed to present the impact of each program. CEO Angela Hurlock, Chief of Programs Tevonne Ellis, CP4P Program Manager James Sims and others spoke about violence prevention, housing and other work Claretian is doing in the community.  Domestic Violence Claretian Associates had a Domestic Violence Awareness presentation for Safe Passage and the community at the SALUD Center. Apna Ghar, and the Cook County Sheriff Department spoke on available resources they offer for those who are victims of domestic violence. Resource tables containing a variety of information were also available. Attendees shared their experiences, and offered each other support. South Chicago Truck or Treat
On Saturday, October 26th Claretian Associates, the South Chicago Neighborhood Network, Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P), Special Service Area #5 and other community organizations hosted a Truck-or-Treat in South Chicago. A truck-or- treat is similar to trick-or-treating, where decorated vehicles are gathered in a parking lot and children collect candy from the trucks. Children received candy bags with taffy apples and healthy boxed lunches. Families enjoyed an afternoon of face painting, food, music, a gaming truck, and more. Announcements Communities Partnering 4 Peace The next series of Light in the Night events will be November 27th, 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!
If you have not joined the fitness center, take advantage of our memberships: Classic $14.99, Classic Plus One $25, and Classic Paid in Full $150. As a member you can take advantage our free Get Fit Class every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 11:00 AM. Interested in more challenging exercise classes? The fitness center offers Spin Class every Tuesday and Wednesday at 6:00 PM for $10 per class. Look for our Boot Camp class starting Saturday, November 2nd, at 10 AM for $10. For more information contact us at [email protected] SALUD Fitness Center Highlights Healthy Living Exercising five days a week has become a way of life for Earlene Kohn. About a year ago Earlene moved to the South Chicago Salud Center. “I was praying to get into the building because I knew there was a fitness center,” said Earlene. After joining the fitness center, she started exercising regularly with friends. Learn more about Earlene’s fitness journey here. Once Earlene joined the fitness, she joined the Get Fit class and met Health and Wellness Coordinator Maurice Garrett, who she now refers to as her son. Earlene saw Maurice instructing the class with seniors and wanted to join. “I said to myself, ‘I can do this.’ I love the class. It's challenging, it makes you feel strong, and you get to meet people,” said Earlene. One of the goals Earlene had in mind was to have a healthy heart. When her doctor visits Earlene, he will listen to her heart and says her heartbeat is strong. Her doctor encourages her to exercise and is proud of her for exercising four to five days a week. The exercise class has helped her with her other goal of losing weight. According to Earlene, the fitness center is important to the seniors because of their age, health, and staying mobile. “Everybody in the fitness center is serious about their weight and health because we are getting older. When you get older exercise helps you a lot because seniors don’t get out as much,” said Earlene. Since joining the fitness center, she convinced four other seniors to join. Earlene’s fitness routine consists of exercising on each of the cardio and weight room machines and afterwards enjoying the company of her friends while participating in the Get Fit class. “I just enjoy the gym, it gives you something to look forward to instead of sitting in the house,” said Earlene. Exercising is a new lifestyle for Earlene because the most exercise she would do was walking. She would walk anywhere instead of riding public transportation. Earlene has tried the spin class and boot camp several times. “If any class comes to the fitness center, I’m going to participate because I like exercising,” said Earlene. Earlene is looking forward to more fitness equipment. Since becoming a member, she is the spearhead of celebrating and coordinating birthdays in the fitness center. They celebrate either in her apartment or in the fitness center. “We call each other a family, we call and text each other,” said Earlene. Earlene is grateful for the fitness center, and to Maurice, for his support and dedication to the seniors. Staff Highlights New Hires Claretian Associates welcomes new Resident Services Manager, Traci Darling, who will serve individuals living in Claretian Associates properties and oversee the resident service department. For approximately 20 years, Traci has worked in both property management and the real estate field. After seeing the neglect of seniors and the needs they have, Traci decided to transition into the social service field. “As I saw my parents getting older, it kind of touched me, and it made me more aware of the needs of seniors. Therefore, I decided to go in the rim of social services,” said Traci. Since then, her role in the social services environment has been fulfilling. “I love interacting with the seniors. I want them to have the best happiest life possible,” said Traci. Traci is also looking forward to working with multifamily residents. Traci hopes to engage with the multi families and to understand their needs along with ensuring seniors have the necessities they need to live a good independent life. Traci is looking forward to being a part of the resident service team and hopes to have a positive impact with her positive energy and motivating and encouraging spirit.  Safe Passage Claretian Associates thanks Community Watcher Petra Villareal, for her 12 years of commitment to Claretian and the Safe Passage Program. Petra is retiring and will be moving to Florida with her family. She began in 2015 and was later promoted to Base Operator. Claretians wishes Petra well in her retirement.  CEO Angela Hurlock Inducted into a Global Organization Claretian Associates CEO Angela Hurlock was recently inducted in Lambda Alpha International, a global organization that is made up of professional individuals who work in diverse fields related to land economics. “I’m honored to be inducted into Lambda Alpha International. I’m looking forward to being able to meet lots of other individuals in the land of economics space and represent our communities that desperately need investment,” said Angela. Claretians congratulates Angela on another outstanding accomplishment. |
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