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Illinois Joining Forces Launches Operation Connect-A-Vet to Empower Friends and Families to Link Veterans with Resources
As Veterans Day approaches and the holiday season draws near, Illinois Joining Forces is proud to unveil its latest initiative, Operation Connect-A-Vet as part of Operation Connect Illinois CARES. This initiative is designed to ensure that every Veteran feels connected.
Chicago Housing Authority launches new Down Payment Assistance program to help families achieve their dreams of homeownership Single Mom is first CHA resident to close on home: “I just can’t believe
Samantha Stokes grew up one of four children living under the roof of hard-working parents. Ends didn’t always meet, and she remembers being evicted as a child – something she vowed never to experience as an adult.
Upcoming Town Hall Discussion to highlight resources for those interested in adoption and fostering children
Deborah Farmer was prompted to produce a Town Hall Meeting titled, “Empowering the Village: A Discussion on Adoption and Child Advocacy.” She thought about her journey with her son, Joshua; she had quite a few of her peers who wanted to foster or adopt, but they didn’t
Pierce Twins Make a Positive Change with Nonprofit
Kyra and Phallon Pierce were in eighth grade when they found a racist book on their school’s reading list. It led them to look at their school’s reading list and the reading lists from schools in their area. They found there was a lack of diversity when it came to the authors and the characters in the books on those lists.
Educator Develops App for School Safety
Shagmond Lowery came up with the idea for the MyPal App four years ago when he was an educator at a South Suburban School District. Incidents at schools in the community prompted him to create the app with the hope it would keep students safe.
Wellness West is increasing access to food through partnership with Instacart
Wellness West has partnered with Instacart to provide access to healthy food for its members. The “Food Connections” program offers a monthly grocery stipend of $79 to eligible members of Wellness West. Those groceries will be delivered through Instacart.
Beat the Streets Chicago’s Mural Honors City’s Wrestling History
Beat the Streets Chicago has created a mural with the goal to inspire future wrestling talent. The mural, located at 5985 S. Archer Ave., depicts wrestlers from Chicago who have left their mark in some form or fashion in the city and beyond.
TEACHER CREATES FREE SNACK STOP TO PREVENT HUNGER, STIGMA
“I was a free and reduced lunch kid when I was little, we had tickets and you’d walk up to the little table and they had to sort through and get your ticket and they’d punch your ticket. And everybody with money could just go right ahead. It always felt like everybody knew,” Hursh recalled early Wednesday morning before her students arrived. “I’ve been teaching for 20 years and there’s always that handful of kids that never have their snack.”
U. S. Disasters Disparately Impact Low Income Homeowners and Renters
So far this year, the U.S. has been hit by 23 separate major disasters, the highest number since the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) started keeping records in 1980. These disasters—which include hurricanes, wildfires, flooding, tornados, and hail—collectively have killed more than 250 people, caused over $57 billion in property damage, and are both causing and exacerbating health issues in regions across the country. Their impact is disproportionately felt by low-income homeowners and renters.
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL ENCOURAGES VETERANS, SERVICE MEMBERS TO PARTICIPATE IN FREE VETERANS CONSUMER SCAMS WEBINAR
In advance of Veterans Day, Attorney General Kwame Raoul is encouraging veterans, service members and their families to participate in a free military rights webinar to learn how to avoid scams directed at veterans and what to do if they have been a victim of a scam.
Chicago Teens in After School Matters Visit Atlanta-Area Colleges
Thirty Chicago teens participating in After School Matters, Chicago’s largest and a leading national provider of out-of-school programs, recently returned from a trip to Atlanta to visit colleges and universities as part of the organization’s After School Matters University (or ASMU) program. The trip was free for the teens and underwritten by After School Matters, with flights provided by United Airlines.
New audiobook lifts up Black-led solutions to long-standing inequities
The Black Future Co-op Fund, Washington state’s first Black-led cooperative philanthropy, today released an audiobook version of their groundbreaking report, Black Well-being: Moving Toward Solutions Together.
South Suburban College to Host Family Reading Night on November 16th
South Suburban College (SSC) is gearing up for its annual Family Reading Night event, set to take place on Thursday, November 16th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at SSC's Main Campus located at 15800 S. State Street, South Holland, IL. The public is invited to attend this free event, which aims to promote community literacy through engaging stories, youth activities, and live presentations. Attendees can look forward to a puppet show, face painting, balloon art, book readings by local authors, and a youth book giveaway. The event's community partners comprise Burst into Books, Y.U.R.W.I. Youth Urban Reading and Writing Initiative, and Doughboy's Catering.
Homeowners may be eligible for property tax savings on their property tax bill
Property tax exemptions can lower a homeowner's Second Installment Property Tax Bill (tax bill). Homeowners are encouraged to review the bottom left corner of the tax bill to review exemption deductions. Most homeowners are eligible for the Homeowner Exemption, which saves an average of approximately $950 dollars. Senior homeowners over 65 are likely eligible for additional property tax savings with the Senior Exemption.
