Hoops in the Hood ​

In an effort to engage youth over the summer, Claretian Associates, in partnership with LISC, is hosting Hoops in the Hood. This program is designed for communities affected by violence and provides a safe space for youth, ages 11-17, to participate in basketball conditioning three days a week. During the 6-week program, youth will enhance their physical fitness, prepare for peak performance, and participate in agility and basketball drills. This structured approach will help to improve overall performance on the court. At the conclusion of the program in August, youth will compete in a tournament with other participating organizations. We wish them luck!

Now in its 8th year, Claretian Associates is employing youth under One Summer Chicago. The program, known as UNITY Squad, focuses on youth ages 14-15. Participants will learn important life skills such as financial literacy, critical thinking, civic engagement, workforce preparedness, and leadership development. Youth will participate in college field trips, guest speaker presentations, and more.   ​

​For over a year Pamela (Pam) Jones has been a SALUD Fitness Center member. She comes to exercise regularly, sometimes even twice a day. Staying healthy has always been a part of Pam’s life, but more now because of the fitness center in the community. 

Pam had been a member of the former South Chicago YMCA for years. Pam joined when her friend Rosa told her that the SALUD fitness center was open. “I love to exercise, it’s my passion. I decided to come here, I felt comfortable, I like the people,” said Pam. Another reason Pam became a member is because of her health. Since joining, her blood pressure has lowered by exercising and eating healthier. “I focus on eating healthy and exercising because overall it's for my mind, body, and spirit. My health is worth all those things,” said Pam.  

Pam is happy the SALUD Fitness Center opened in the community because it is convenient and is something the community needs. Pam enjoys being a member so much that she even distributes fitness center flyers to her friends.  “This feels like home away from home. I like it here because I spend time with people who lift my spirits,” said Pam. Exercising with friends reduces her stress level.  

Pam’s fitness goals include maintaining her weight and building more muscle. Exercising for Pam is a lifetime commitment. Pam likes to encourage others to join the fitness center and has invited friends to join her in the fitness classes offered. Her favorite class is the Get Fit class. She thought the class was going to be hard, but she tried and loved it. Recently her job schedule doesn’t allow her to attend classes, but she still makes staying fit a priority.  Pam wants to continue exercising for as long as possible. “I’ve been exercising for 30 years,” said Pam. Since joining the fitness center Pam has made more friends who she now calls family. “We have a good time, support each other, and exercise,” said Pam. She also exercises on weekends.  
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Pam is looking forward to the pool reopening. She hopes to see more classes like Zumba offered on weekends.  Pam would like to thank the staff because they have been welcoming and warm.  ​

Claretian Associates’ broke ground in May on its newest affordable housing development, SACRED, Sustainable Affordable Commercial Real Estate Development. SACRED will consist of 81 units and 6000 square feet of commercial space. The project will allow Claretian to continue to provide affordable housing in the South Chicago neighborhood. ​

Back to School and Wellness Event

The South Chicago Neighborhood Network, and other community partners will have the annual Back to School and Wellness Event on Friday, August 8th at 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM on the block of 91st and Brandon. There will be a book bag giveaway, resource vendors, games for kids, food, and music. For more information contact Program Manager Tiarra Owens at [email protected]. ​

Communities Partnering 4 Peace ​

The next series of Light in the Night events will be on August 15th, 22nd, and 29th, 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 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. 

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.

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. ​

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.  ​

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.     ​

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. ​

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. 

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. 

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]. ​

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. 

Quality of Life Plan Community Summit ​

The SALUD Center recently hosted a Community Summit for the South Chicago Quality of Life Plan (QLP). The summit focused on seven key areas: education, economic development, environment, health, safety, arts and culture, and housing. Attendees had an opportunity to discuss each focus area and express their opinions on what they would like included in the plan. For more information on the QLP, contact Program Manager Tiarra Owens at [email protected] ​

Senior Outing ​

On Saturday, April 12th, the Harris Theater provided tickets to attend a performance by the Ragamala Dance Company. Seniors from Villa Guadalupe and SALUD Center were invited to attend. The Ragamala Dance Company, founded in 1992, is in its 25th season of creating intercultural, collaborative performance works that forge together Indian ancestry and continuity. The seniors enjoyed the performance of Children of Dharam, a blend of dance, storytelling, and ancestral wisdom. They look forward to upcoming outings. Volunteers are needed to assist with future events. For additional information, please contact Resident Services Manager, Traci Darling at [email protected] ​

United Way Visits South Chicago  ​

SACRED​

Claretian Associates successfully closed on the funding to support the development of SACRED, Sustainable Affordable Commercial Real Estate Development. SACRED will consist of 81 units and 6000 square feet of commercial space. A groundbreaking is tentatively planned for Saturday, May 31st. Additional information will be forthcoming. This project will enable Claretian to continue its mission of providing affordable housing in the South Chicago neighborhood. 

Jorge Gutierrez has been a SALUD Fitness Center member for three months. Since then, Jorge has been achieving his goal of losing weight by exercising regularly and staying motivated. ​

Jorge remembers coming to the former YMCA, now the SALUD Center, when he was 12 years old with his mom and siblings. "We came to swim. I was too young for the fitness center, but I wanted to exercise,” said Jorge. Since the fitness center reminds him of his childhood, he wanted to return and start exercising again. 
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One of his goals was to lose weight. He started looking at pictures of himself and knew he wanted to change. “I kept looking at old pictures of myself and thought ‘this is not me’ so I wanted to do something different with myself,” said Jorge. He started searching on the internet for a gym and learned about the SALUD Center. In three months, Jorge went from 246 to 210 pounds. “It’s a long journey because you have to be committed and disciplined," said Jorge. His goal is to weigh 160 pounds. ​

Jorge has developed an exercise routine to stay motivated. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday he works on his upper body and on Tuesday and Thursday he focuses on his lower body. On Saturday, Jorge swims 50 laps at a nearby pool so he can relax his body. Sunday is his cheat day, but he still watches calorie intake.  

Exercise has always been a part of Jorge’s' lifestyle because he plays soccer. When Jorge entered his 20s, he wanted to start a new path, so he started exercising at the gym. Jorge has struggled to stay motivated once he starts reaching his goal of losing weight. Still, he continues to exercise regularly to reach his goals. Another reason Jorge comes to the fitness center is because it's a way for him to get distressed and relax.  
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Jorge enjoys the fitness center to the fullest, he calls it his second home. He likes the fitness center because it is no judgement zone, it's quiet and peaceful. He looks forward to the pool coming back online and more machinery, like a step master.  

Cinco de Mayo Health and Resource Fair​

Please join Claretian Associates, Catholic Charities, the Department of Family and Supportive Services and other community organizations for the Cinco de Mayo Health and Resource Fair. This event will be held on Friday, May 2nd from 10 AM until 2 PM, at the Victory Center located at 9223 S. Burley. Come and explore community and health resources, enjoy music, and entertainment. For more information contact Traci Darling at 773 734 9181.

Credit Score Workshop​

Join Claretian Associates and the Chicago Urban League on Wednesday, May 14th, for a credit score workshop. Learn the importance and impact of your credit score as you think about buying a home. Learn how to check and monitor your credit score. This event starts at 6 PM at the SALUD Center. Register here.

South Chicago Block Party ​

Join us for the South Chicago Block Party on Saturday, May 17th at 11:00 AM. This event provides an opportunity to share feedback on community projects shaping a healthier built environment in South Chicago. Projects that will be discussed include the SALUD Center pool, Calumet Gateway Garden, and more. Enjoy free food, music, kids' activities, and more! For more information contact [email protected].