Community Focus
ASPIRE seeks to inspire Englewood community
At the corner of 67th and Wentworth, there is a 25-foot-tall monument with a person dressed in a cap and gown and homes on one side, on another side there is a quote: With belief, power of knowledge and strength, one can aspire to greatness.
Outdoor gardening program helps children with Autism and Down Syndrome
A nonprofit on the West side is providing a space for children with Autism and Down Syndrome to be able to play and participate in activities. Limes Smiles for Miles is a daycare center with an outdoor gardening program for children, ages 3 to 5 years old, with Autism and Down Syndrome.
RED CLAY DANCE COMPANY CELEBRATED ITS 15TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON WITH AN OUTDOOR COMMUNITY EVENT IN WOODLAWN
Named in 2021 as one of “Chicago’s Cultural Treasures,” Red Clay Dance Company launched its 15th Anniversary Season themed “15FORWARD.” Located in the Woodlawn community, Red Clay Dance Company is Chicago’s premier professional Afro-contemporary dance company which tours nationally and internationally sharing their stories and “Artivism” (art + activism). In its 15 year history, Red Clay Dance has created and produced award-winning original works that have appeared around the World and has become the home for professional and pre-professional dancers, dance-lovers and other artists to convene, create, and collaborate together.
‘THE OTHER SIDE OF CHICAGO’ SHOWS POSITIVE ASPECTS OF CHICAGO
A documentary depicting the positive aspects and resilience of the Black community has been making the rounds. “The Other Side of Chicago” is a documentary that was created by the Annie B. Jones Civic Arts Center. On Wednesday, Aug. 9th, the film was shown at Emagine Theatre, located at 210 W. 87th St.
The Englewood Back to School Parade and The South Side Neighborhood Gospel Fest Celebrate The Englewood Community
The Englewood Back To School Parade and The South Side Neighborhood Gospel Festival offers an entire day of celebration for the Englewood community on August 19th from 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM at Ogden Park, 6500 S. Racine, Chicago IL 60636.
BANK OF AMERICA HELPS SUSTAIN ORGANIZATION’S SENIOR FOOD PROGRAM
Because the needs of communities change from year to year, Cole has learned to adapt as things happen. He enjoys keeping his ear to the streets and learning how to help people. When the Walmart closed in Chatham, Cole and My Block My Hood My City were there to provide food for people who were now without a community grocery store.
Salaam Community Wellness Center to Host Its Annual Integrative Health and Wellness Expo Free event will offer cooking demos, chair massages, music, food, fun for children, and more
A relatively new jewel in the community, Salaam Community Wellness Center (SCWC) will host its 2nd Annual Integrative Health and Wellness Expo on Saturday, August 12, from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 613 E. 67th Street. The free event is open to the public and will offer something for the entire family. Featured activities include Zumba, deep-breathing tips, meditation, yoga, chair massages, music, free food, healthy food demonstrations, jumping jack, and other family- and kid-friendly activities.
SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS THAT LOOK AT CLIMATE CHANGE LAUNCHES AT CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY
An experiment that looks at climate change has launched at Chicago State University. Community Research on Climate and Urban Science (CROCUS) scientists from the Department of Energy’s Argonne National Library and Chicago State University deployed the instruments on Tuesday, July 18th.
WRESTLING PROGRAM EMPOWERS YOUNG PEOPLE
Inside a facility with the words Grit, Integrity, Accountability and Gratitude written on the walls, children and young people ages 9 and older are going through wrestling drills. In another room, a smaller group of young people are grappling.
Breakroom Englewood opens to the community
Corie Luckett, owner and operator of Englewood Branded, had an idea for a development project that would transform a vacant lot into something that would benefit the community. Luckett and Englewood Branded had been hosting community activations at the corner of 63rd and Justine for the last few years. In late June, the site opened as Englewood Breakroom Public Outdoor Plaza (POP!).
Performing Arts Program give young performers an on stage experience
Performer Joan Collaso founded Timeless Gifts Performing Arts Program for Youth and Young Adults in 2010 as a concept for concert that would pair young, aspiring performers with professional performers in different genres – music, acting and dancing.
Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County making legal system more accessible
With the opening of a call center, as well as a program that goes into the community, the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County is creating pathways to make the office more accessible for people. While the office might have operated in a silo in past years, Iris Martinez, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, is looking to change that. Martinez and her team came in, did some reforms, and started to do outreach in the community to inform people about the resources that are available.
GARY COMER YOUTH CENTER PARTNERS WITH TRUTH BE TOLD
The culinary apprentices looked on attentively as Chef Anthony Bernal demonstrated how to fabricate a whole chicken. During the demonstration, he talked about what dishes could be created from which pieces.
BOOTCAMP HELPS PREPARE GIRLS FOR CAREERS AND WORKFORCE
The Ladies of Virtue are gearing up for its Power to the Professional Bootcamp from June 26th to June 30th. The event will take place at Kennicott Park, located at 4434 S. Lake Park Ave.
