Community Focus
FOOD PANTRY PIVOTS DURING COVID-19
Local food pantries have seen an increase in the number of people who need their resources during the COVID-19 outbreak and food pantries are having to change the way food is distributed.
HELPFUL TIPS TO STAY SAFE ON THE INTERNET
Many workers have been given the option of working from home during COVID-19. While working from home and using the internet can be convenient, there are some safety measures to keep in mind. Always Giving Back (AGB) Innovative Security Solutions is a black-owned security firm based in Chicago. John Griffin is the CEO and co-founder of the company, along with his wife, Dr. Denitra Griffin. Arba Houlden is the COO of AGB. Both Griffin and Houlden provided some useful tips to keep those working from home safe while using the internet.
Pullman Community Center provides athletics and academics
The Pullman Community Center has become an important fixture in the year and a half since it opened. It began with a vision from 9th Ward Alderman Anthony Beale to build an indoor baseball facility, but the vision later mushroomed into the center it is today.
VILLAGE OF ROBBINS HOSTS TOWN HALL TO ADDRESS CORONAVIRUS
Tyrone Ward, mayor of Robbins, hosted a town hall meeting to provide information about the novel coronavirus as a way to answer residents’ questions and concerns. The meeting also included a presentation from Cook County Public Health Chief Operating Officer Dr. Terry Mason.
BOURBON DRINK CREATED TO HONOR CHATHAM RESIDENT AND POLITICAL WHIZ BRIAN SLEET
A Park Manor business owner teamed up with Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6th) two weeks ago to start selling “1792: Bottled in Bond” in honor of their good friend and Chatham resident the late Brian Sleet.
WOODLAWN ALDERMEN DIVIDED OVER AFFORDABLE HOUSING ORDINANCE
A proposed Woodlawn Housing Preservation Ordinance crafted by Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration has two aldermen representing the South Side community at odds over it.
ALDERMAN AND PARK MANOR COMMUNITY SPLIT ON PROPOSED MARIJUANA FACILITY
A proposed marijuana facility in Park Manor, which would be located near an elementary school, has residents at odds with the alderman who said he supports the development.
Project Hope continues to make impact in community
A program that began more than 30 years ago is still changing the lives of pregnant and parenting teenage girls and young women. Project Hope began with Maureen Hallagan and her mother, Kay, who had been doing some volunteer work at Marillac. They wanted to do a teen care program. And, what began as a three-year pilot program, became Project Hope.
Bevel to Fund College Access Initiatives for Chicago’s Renowned Urban Prep Academies
Known for their 100% college acceptance rate each year, Urban Prep Academies is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates three open enrollment public charter high schools in high-need communities in the city of Chicago.
Fathers of NBA players bring message to Robbins
Fathers of NBA players visited Robbins to participate in a forum, which brought youth from the community together with local politicians and others with the goal of inspiring the youth.
SOCIALWORKS GIFTS TICKETS TO IGROW CHICAGO
Students from IGrow Chicago were gifted tickets to attend the Rising Stars Game during NBA All Star Weekend by SocialWorks, the non-profit organization started by Chance the Rapper, Essence Smith and Justin Cunningham.
NEW DOCUMENTARY ABOUT BEN WILSON HIGHLIGHTS FORGIVENESS AND HEALING FROM FAMILY
An upcoming TV documentary about slain Simeon Career Academy High School basketball star Benjamin “Ben” Wilson will show not only Wilson’s life leading up to his murder, but also his family’s pain and suffering before their healing process began.
Rob Rose, Executive Director of Cook County Land Bank Authority, Appointed to Fannie Mae’s Affordable Housing Advisory Council
Fannie Mae recently appointed Robert Rose, executive director of Cook County Land Bank Authority, to a two-year term as a member of Fannie Mae’s Affordable Housing Advisory Council.
NEW ADDITION TO FOOD HALL SET TO OPEN IN FEBRUARY
Lexington Betty Smokehouse is set to open at One Eleven Food Hall, 756 E. 111th St., on Saturday, Feb. 1. Dominique Leach, owner, said the opening of the restaurant’s second location is part of her short-term goal to open five locations throughout the city
