We are happy to announce that the Maria Elena Sifuentes Apartment Building on Central Park Ave & Lawrence Ave will have an application event on Saturday, January 28th, 2023 at Roosevelt High School (3436 W Wilson Ave). The applications will be provided on a first come first serve basis and up to 250 applications will be accepted. This was made possible through TIFF funding and low-income housing tax credits through (LIHTC). Thank you, Communities United, for your tireless advocacy to make this a reality, and to Celadon Partners for developing this much-needed affordable housing site!

If you need more information, please contact our office via email at info@33rdward.org or give us a call at 773-840-7880.

In This Week’s Newsletter

Quick Links 

*Want more information on community opportunities and job postings? Check out our Community Bulletin!

Participatory Budgeting 2023 Update

We have extended the voting deadline for PB33! The new deadline to cast your vote is February 3rd. 

You can still vote online if you’re registered or in person at one of our 3 voting locations (33rd Ward Alderman’s Office, Roosevelt High School, and Linne Elementary School). 

Click here to view the projects our volunteers have agreed on.

Christmas Tree Recycling Program

Starting January 7th, you can recycle your Christmas tree at 26 locations around the city. Only live or natural trees will be accepted. No garlands or wreaths can be recycled, and all ornaments and decorations should be removed from trees. If you put a plastic bag on your tree to move it, you must remove it before leaving it to be recycled. Each location will be accepting tree donations until January 22nd. 

For a full list of Christmas tree recycling locations, click here. 

Property Tax Assistance

Our community is experiencing a dramatic increase in property taxes and we know this is a catalyst for displacement of long term residents. Today, we met with Commissioner Samantha Steele from the Cook County Board of Review.

Although the filing period has not started we are coordinating pre-filing sessions for assessment value complaints so our neighbors can appeal exorbitant increases in their property tax bill.

In the upcoming weeks, we will  have an appeals event and will host staff from Commissioner Steele’s office to support you with your pre-applications.

You can access the pre-file system using this link.

Chicago Neighborhood Summit, January 21st

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Mayor’s Office of Community Engagement cordially invite you to the Chicago Neighborhood Summit on Saturday, January 21^st from 9:00AM – 12:00PM. This summit will host various neighborhood associations and organizations across the city. There will be opportunities for each association and organization to network and share details about their current work and exchange ideas for future projects. This is a great way to receive insight on what is happening across the city at the hyper local level.  

The Chicago Neighborhood Summit will take place at Malcolm X College.

Please register here: https://chi.gov/NeighborhoodSummit

If you require interpretation or any other accommodations, please submit a request to communityengagement@cityofchicago.org

Neighborhood Events

1. Northwest Brewfest, February 4th

Youth Opportunities

1. Spring/Summer Softball & Baseball sign ups for K-12 at Gompers Park

The Gompers Park Athletic Association is a youth baseball and softball league serving Chicago’s Northwest Side for almost 50 years. They have opened registration to their youth softball and baseball teams. For more information, click here.

2. North River Youth Council, Applications Due January 30th

The North River Youth Council is back and active, and accepting applications for the Spring term!

North River Commission is looking for high school students from the 33rd, 35th, 39th, 40th, 45th, and 50th wards who are passionate about community improvement and are seeking ways to become more active in their communities. The North River Youth Council aims to empower young people and magnify their voices on the issues that directly impact them and the neighborhoods they live in. Moreover, the council aims to inform, unite, and mobilize Chicago’s Northwest community to cultivate healthy, safe, and sustainable neighborhoods. 

The North River Youth Council is a paid and in-person program that encourages young people on the Northwest Side of Chicago to become more involved in community organizing and local civics. If you or someone you know is interested in this type of work, encourage them to apply!

For more information or if you have any questions, email the Youth Engagement Organizer at mlopez@northrivercommission.org.

You can find the application here.  Applications are due Monday, January 30th.

3. CPS Families Child Tax Credit

Chicago Public Schools families may be eligible for up to $3,600 per child through the expanded federal Child Tax Credit program.

To find out if you’re eligible, and to apply for this credit, visit GetCTC.org/chicagops, a simplified tax filing tool that takes just a few minutes to complete and does not require any tax documents. Some families may also be eligible for an additional $1,400 stimulus payment. Families have until mid-November to claim this money. More information can be found on this flier.

Chicago Park District Winter Programs, Now – March 2023

Registration for all Chicago Park District Winter Programs is now open, with lots of availability for recreation, fitness, arts & culture, drop-in programs, and more. Programs range in age group from tots, youth, teens, adults, and seniors.

Most programs start next week, so sign up now to beat the winter blues, stay active, and have fun with the Chicago Park District this winter. Nearby programs with availability include such fun options as:

• Archery at Horner Park, Thu 6:15 PM – 7:15 PM,  January 12 to March 23 (ages 11-16)
• Arts and Crafts at Peterson Park, Mon 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, January 9 to March 20 (ages 6 – 12)
• Color Theory & Oil Painting at Eugene Field, Mon 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, January 9 – March 20 (age 18 and up)
• Drop-in at Gompers, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, January 10 – March 23 (Ages 6-12)
• Many, many more! 

Visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/winter-programs for full details on Winter programs, and click the special link below to see programs with openings at parks near Albany Park, Irving Park, and North Park! 

Period Poverty in the Latinx Community

Period poverty is the lack of access to menstrual products, hygiene facilities, education or waste management – an issue that affects 16.9 million people in the U.S.

This is a health barrier that is difficult for many people to overcome: due to the stigmatization of periods, it tends to be something that people are embarrassed or ashamed to talk about. This issue is underreported and there isn’t a lot of data to show how many people are affected in our state. To determine how many people in Illinois and Chicago are affected and what information/resources are needed, a survey has been created that asks participants about their experiences with menstruation. This survey is available in both English and Spanish and takes just a few minutes to fill out online. Click here to complete the survey today.

The goal is to reach as many Chicagoans as possible in order to get the best results that will promote menstrual equity and help those in need. For more information on this call to action, please read this article.

Queen of Angels Open House, January 29th

Click here to sign up today.

Fair Housing Workshop for Landlords, January 26th

Are you a landlord? Join the North River Commission in partnership with the Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance (CAFHA) and HOPE Fair Housing Center for a FREE landlord workshop on Thursday, January 26th at 10:30 am via Zoom. Come learn the basics of fair housing, federal and local laws, disability rights, and the new source-of-income protections that went into effect on January 1, 2023. To RSVP email Erika at erika@northrivercommission.org.

Chamber of Commerce Marketing Happy Hour, January 26th

Join the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce on the first Business to Business Networking Event of 2023 – Marketing Happy Hour! Meet other business owners, grow your professional network and learn about marketing and event planning at our panel discussion with professionals from Hush. Ask questions and get answers about best marketing practices, new events for your business, and 2023 strategies to grow your customer base! This is a cash bar event and light appetizers will be served.

LOCATION: Los Molcajetes, 3532 W Montrose

• 5:30 PM: Panel discussion with professionals from Hush
• 6:30 PM: Meet other business peers and create long-lasting relationships!

RSVP by 12:00 pm on Thursday, January 26th. Get your tickets today!

PRICE:

• FREE for 2023 Albany Park Chamber of Commerce Members plus one guest.
• Non-Chamber Members: $5 to attend, per person

For questions, contact Marisabel at 312-860-9294 or marisabel@northrivercommission.org.

Composting at your Business or Organization Webinar, January 31st & February 1st

If you’re looking to make your company more eco-friendly in 2023, look no further! Block Bins will be hosting a webinar about bringing composting to your business or organization, with two dates/times to choose from. Whether you’re a restaurant, school, hair salon, nonprofit, small grocery store, office, farmers market, or something else, everyone can reduce their environmental impact through composting! Please check out the links below to register.

DAYTIME SESSION- January 31st, 2 – 3 PM: Click here to register

EVENING SESSION- February 1st, 6:30 – 7:30 PM: Click here to register

Fair Housing Workshop for Tenants, February 8th

Join the North River Commission in partnership with Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance CAFHA and HOPE Fair Housing Center for a FREE tenants workshop to learn about tenants’ protections under state and local laws and how to identify housing discrimination.

When: WEDNESDAY, February 8th at 12 pm
Where: Christ Lutheran Church located at 3253 W Wilson Ave

Light refreshments will be provided. To RSVP email Erika at erika@northrivercommission.org.

Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) Relaunch

IHDA has opened a new round of the Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) to help homeowners who continue to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the trends they have identified during the first round of applications, they have doubled the maximum ILHAF grant amount from $30,000 to $60,000! This grant can cover overdue mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and association fees.

To date, ILHAF has provided $32.5 million to help 2,346 Illinois homeowners avoid foreclosure. Doubling their assistance amount to $60,000 will allow for them to help even more homeowners remain in their homes as they navigate inflation fears, changing market conditions, and continue to support the state’s overall recovery from the pandemic.

Households who need help with past-due mortgage payments and related expenses can apply for free assistance at www.IllinoisHousingHelp.org until Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023. If you would like to learn more or share ILHAF information with your communities, you can find a downloadable ILHAF outreach toolkit in both English and Spanish at www.IllinoisHousingHelp.org/toolkit-mortgage.

If you have questions about ILHAF, please call at 1-866-ILHELP-1 (1-866-454-3571) or email them at HAFQuestions@ihda.org.

Business Resources

1. Roosevelt High School Apprenticeship Program

North River Commission is seeking Albany Park businesses to work with our youth. We want to encourage our youth to gain a sense of responsibility while offering an opportunity for hands-on entrepreneurial experience!

If you are interested in mentoring high school students on how to be successful in your respective professional arena, please reach out to Megan Lacey, Youth & Family Organizer, at meganl@northrivercommission.org or 312-718-3819. 

2. How to Write a Business Plan Webinar, January 24th

Do you have an idea for a business, but don’t know where to start? Are you already a business owner and you’re struggling to secure funding? Learn everything you need to know about writing a successful business plan during our three-part webinar series: How to Write a Business Plan, presented by Jay Fulgencio of Founders First Capital Partners. 

Tuesday, Jan. 24th at 12 PM – How to Write a Business Plan Session 1: Industry and Market Analysis

Click here to RSVP.

3. Plant Chicago Circular Economy Leadership Network Applications Now Open

Plant Chicago, based in Back of the Yards, is recruiting for the 2023 cohort of its Circular Economy Leadership Network. The program is open to any Chicago-based small business, early-stage entrepreneurs, home-based businesses, and independent contractors interested in implementing and establishing circular economy practices. Plant Chicago is accepting applications until Wednesday, February 1st, 2023. For additional information about how to apply, you can learn more here or reach out to Plant Chicago’s Circular Economy & Small Business Manager Elise O’Malley at elise@plantchicago.org. 

4. Business Grant Applications

• Founder’s First Grant — A total of $100,000 will be awarded to 30 businesses in Chicago in the form of cash and full-tuition scholarships to a stellar accelerator.
  • Grant money can be used as growth capital to hire or rehire premium wage jobs.
  • Cash infusion can be used to purchase, fix or enhance equipment necessary to help you manage growth challenges and scale for the future.
  • Founder identifies as one of the following: Latinx, Black, Asian, Women, LGBTQIA+, Military Veteran, or located in a Low to Moderate Income area.
  • TO QUALIFY: Must be located in the state of Illinois and have a current staff of 2-20 employees. Will have the ability to add 1-2+ net new premium wage jobs in the next 12 months. Your company must be a service-based business and at least one revenue stream serving other businesses. Must be a for-profit company with annual revenues between $100K and $3 million.
  • The application deadline is February 4, 2023.  Please email chicago.jobcreators@foundersfirstcdc.org with any questions about the Job Creators Quest Grant.
• Innovations for Healthy Living – Improving Minority Health and Eliminating Health Disparities funding opportunity
  • Granted by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) as part of the America’s Seed Fund. This opportunity is for eligible SBIR/STTR entities to develop technologies and products that address health disparities while engaging and empowering individuals and communities.
• Upskilling Initiative
  • Provides professional development grants to businesses that serve employees aged fifty (50) and older who are currently earning up to $16 an hour. Training funds will be disbursed in $2,000 increments, pending a guaranteed commitment from the employer of a $1.50 or more per hour wage increase respectively after the training is complete.

• HerRise Micro-Grant
  • Provides financial assistance, with the help of our corporate sponsors and donors, to women of color creating innovative solutions that impact their community and that are often unable to secure funding for their small business. Each month a $500 micro-grant will be awarded to a small business owned by women of color.
  • Small business grants are useful for financing a particular small business need. Past recipients used their growth grants for computers, equipment, marketing materials, software purchase, website creation and more.

For more business grant information please, visit North River Commission’s website.

Employment Opportunities

1. Pace Hire-on-the-Spot Event, January 21st

Looking for a rewarding career with excellent pay and benefits? Get hired immediately for available bus operator, mechanic, and administrative positions at Pace’s first Hire on the Spot event of 2023. The event will take place from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Pace’s headquarters in Arlington Heights (550 W. Algonquin Road). Same-day job offers will be made, light refreshments will be served, and attendees will be entered into a raffle for Schaumburg Boomers baseball tickets!

Those interested in becoming professional bus operators or mechanics should bring their Secretary of State driver’s abstract/MVR and attend one of two three-hour assessment sessions beginning at 9:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. All others interested in learning more or applying for employment can stop by any time between 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m

2. RLE Construction In-Person Networking Event, January 25th

RLE Construction Management Contract In-Person Diversity Networking Event Prospective proposers are invited to learn about RLE construction management contracting opportunities and network with potential partners.

Wednesday, January 25th Registration – 10:00 a.m. Presentation – 10:30 a.m. Meet & Greet will immediately follow.

Subcontracting opportunities may include:

• Field Inspection
• Security Personnel
• Testing and Inspection
• Quality Management
• Community Outreach
• Safety Professionals

Olive-Harvey College 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave. 

Click here to register today.

3. Become A Medical Interpreter Today 

4. Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club is hiring

For a full list of open positions and jobs descriptions click here.

5. St. Mary of Providence is hiring for 2 positions

6. Tapestry 360 Health now hiring

Tapestry 360 Health is hiring Medical Assistants ($500 hiring bonus), Medical Receptionists ($500 hiring bonus), Call Center Representatives ($500 hiring bonus), and Nurses ($3000 hiring bonus). 

Tapestry 360 Health, formerly known as Heartland Health Centers, is a federally qualified health center with 16 locations serving Chicago’s north side and nearby suburbs, offering affordable and comprehensive primary care, oral health care, and behavioral health care services. 

7. CTA’s Find a Job Fridays

MonkeyPox Resources

The monkeypox virus is spread through close contact with body fluids, sores, shared bedding or clothing, or respiratory droplets (kissing, coughing, sneezing, etc.).

Vaccinations for MPV are currently available in Chicago for adults 18 and up. Because of the limited availability of vaccines, you must meet the eligibility requirements outlined by the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH).

COVID-19 Resources

1. At-Home Vaccinations:

Get your whole family vaccinated at home! CDPH is offering vaccination appointments at home for up to 10 family members. Click here to set up your appointment!

2. Receive Your Updated COVID-19 Vaccine At Home!

3. Vaccinations

CPS Students: 

– Permanent sites
– Mobile Events
– School-Based Health Centers
–  Sign up for weekly COVID testing at CPS

33rd Ward Vaccination Events

1. Theodore Roosevelt High School

2. Swedish Hospital: Walk-In’s Welcome

* More information on City testing sites here!

Community Safety Updates

1. 17th District CAPS Meetings

The 17th District has resumed beat meetings in-person. 

Information about Beat Meetings here.

Please contact the 17th District Community Policing Office / CAPS, if there are any questions or concerns.

Email: caps.017district@chicagopolice.org

Telephone: 312-742-4588