ProgramsClaretian Associates and Communities Partnering 4 Peace, in partnership with New Life Center, hosted a welcoming event for new arrivals at the SALUD Center. Families had dinner and CP4P had a clothing distribution for children. Resource tables were also available from Olive Harvey College, Metropolitan Family Services, Center for Changing Lives, and other community organizations. Small Business Resource Fair Center for Changing Lives hosted the South Side Resource Fair at the SALUD Center. Attendees took part in breakout sessions which included topics such as access to capital, digital solutions, and more. Participants were also able to connect with other resources such as Chase Bank, the Illinois Secretary of State, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and more. Learn more about Center for Changing Lives and small business coaching here. Seniors The Villa Guadalupe seniors graduated from the Aurora Health prediabetes class. For the past year, seniors participated in classes aimed at preventing diabetes and learned how to develop healthy eating habits. Seniors learned about what causes diabetes and how to live a healthier lifestyle, like exercising, cooking, and more. They received a book with recipes, took surveys to see their improvement, and were weighed weekly. Near the end of the class, seniors received a cooking demonstration using unprocessed foods. AnnouncementsAnnual Trauma Informed Symposium The South Chicago Neighborhood Network (SCNN) will have its annual trauma-informed symposium on October 28th – October 30th. The theme this year is Addressing Misconceptions, United, and Strengthening the Black and Brown Community. Topics will include mental health among Black men, building bridges with new arrivals in our community, and leveraging data and research. Register and learn more about the symposium here Light in the Night Communities Partnering 4 Peace in collaboration with other community organizations will host Light in the Night events on October 11th, 26th, and 30th in the neighborhoods of South Shore, South Deering, and South Chicago. Each event will have music, food, games for kids, and resources. We hope to see you there! SALUD Fitness Center Starting October 1st will be offering a special membership of rate three months for $39.99. Other memberships are also available. As a member, you can take 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 5:00 PM for $10 per class. Look for our Saturday Boot Camp starting November 2nd. For more information contact us at fitnesscenter@claretianassociates.org Staff Highlights
Multicultural Leadership Academy Graduation Program Manager Tiarra Owens graduated from the Latino Policy Forum, Multicultural Leadership Academy (MLA) 2024 Cohort. For the past seven years, Tiarra has been the program manager for the South Chicago Neighborhood Network and serves in other capacities. Tiarra met with her cohort once a month and attended two retreats. This professional development was so meaningful to Tiarra that she looked forward to every meeting with her cohort. A goal for Tiarra during MLA was personal growth. As a leader, Tiarra learned about the importance of emotional intelligence. “We played a game called ‘Hot Seat’ where we learned about ourselves, like strengths and weaknesses and how to take constructive criticism," said Tiarra. In MLA, participants are a part of ‘affinity groups’ where they work together and advocate on a particular critical issue. Tiarra was a part of the child tax credit group. The child tax credit came into operation during the pandemic to help parents with inflation. Tiarra was familiar with how important this topic was because of her work in the community. “From the project, I learned more about policy, legislation in Springfield, and how to advocate for change,” said Tiarra. Tiarra has a bachelor's and master's and is now considering getting her doctorate. “MLA put my life and career in perspective on what I want to do next,” said Tiarra. She gained a network of colleagues and friends from this experience whom she can lean on for support. Safe Passage Rally Claretian Associates Safe Passage team attended the Safe Passage Rally at the UIC Forum. Mayor Brandon Johnson and CPS CEO Pedro Martinez, and CPS Director of Safe Passage Gregory Sain welcomed and applauded all Safe Passage teams from across the city, for their great work of ensuring safety regularly for students. Claretian Program Coordinator Jada Dixon was recognized and awarded for her remarkable work. The Spotlight Award was awarded because of her commitment and growth in the Safe Passage program. “Even if you just start off as a watcher, you can be promoted. I always push myself,” said Jada. Jada enjoys working with kids and this is a primary reason why she became a Watcher. “What I love overall about Safe Passage is seeing the joy of the kids when we are outside,” said Jada. The kids always looked for Jada when she was a Watcher to the point that she was invited to their graduation. Jada joined the Claretian Safe Passage team about seven years ago. She started as a Community Watcher and left the program for another opportunity. Afterward, she returned to the program and was promoted to base operator because of her prior experience. Since Jada was going above expectations, Safe Passage Program Manager April Morris promoted her to program coordinator. Jada commends and thanks the Claretian leadership team for noticing her growth. Fundraiser This month, Board of Directors Member Alita Tucker called on her family, friends, and followers to support Claretian Associates for her birthday. Happy Birthday Alita!!! She set a goal of $1000, and as of 9/30/24, Alita has reached her goal! We are so thankful to Alita for her leadership on our Board and her passion for ensuring every person has an affordable and safe place to call home. Claretian Associates is also deeply grateful for the generous contributions made by those 19 individuals during Alita's fundraiser.
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