This past Wednesday, I introduced a resolution calling for a subject matter hearing on Treatment Not Trauma. After three years of waiting for a hearing on reopening the city’s mental health clinics and piloting a non-police mental health crisis response, I’m excited to announce that Treatment Not Trauma will have a subject matter hearing this Monday at 10 AM as I preside over the Committee on Health and Human Relations for the first time. You watch the meeting live on the Chicago City Clerk’s website. 

I cannot express how excited I am that this hearing is happening. If we’re going to expand the public sector and truly build communities of care, reopening the city’s community mental health centers including 24-hour care centers, hiring crisis response workers, and ensuring that those teams are supported is key to that. The hearing will feature experts from all over the country and a multitude of backgrounds who have all come to the same conclusion that US cities need to be developing and piloting crises and alternative response strategies.

In This Week’s Newsletter

Quick Links 

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

*Block party applications are open! Read more under “Forms” on the Neighborhood Services page, and apply here!

Ward Night Out

Ward Night Out is an opportunity to bring your questions or concerns to the Alderwoman in a one-on-one meeting. Each Ward Night Out is first come, first serve. Walk-ins will be taken until 6:45 pm. For more information, please contact our office at info@33rdward.org or 773-840-7880.

Sage Brigade Meeting, July 27th

You are cordially invited to the Summer Sage Brigade Senior Meet-Up!

Come meet other seniors in the area, and learn about different Senior programs available in Illinois.

This month we have special Guest Speaker from The Illinois Department on Aging

Zoning Update

The 33rd Ward will hold a virtual public community meeting regarding a 100% affordable housing proposal at 2907-2917 W Irving Park Road. The virtual public community meeting will begin at 6 pm on Thursday, August 3rd. This will be an opportunity for residents to learn about the proposal from the development team, get a better understanding of why the Irving Park area needs more affordable housing, how challenging it can be to construct affordable housing, and hear from the Department of Planning and Development about updated Equitable Transit Oriented Development ordinance that passed last year. 

You can sign-up to attend the virtual public community meeting here.

You can review the proposal on our website. You can submit a question in advance of the meeting here and provide feedback on the proposal here. All of these links are also available on our website.

Our office will be accepting public feedback for two weeks following the public meeting.

Budget Community Roundtable

It’s time for the 2024 budget community engagement! Please join the City at one of the three budget engagement forums to hear an overview of the budget and share your insights and asks questions.   

Doors open an hour before the forums for a City Resource Fair where representatives from the City’s departments and sister agencies will be available to answer questions and provide information on City services and programs.  

The Budget Community Engagement Forums will be live-streamed on the City of Chicago’s social media channels.  

BUDGET ENGAGEMENT ROUNDTABLE I 

Tuesday, July 18 | 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm 

Malcolm X College 

1900 West Jackson Boulevard 

REGISTRATION 

BUDGET ENGAGEMENT ROUNDTABLE II 

Thursday, July 20 | 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm 

Kennedy-King College 

6301 South Halsted Street 

REGISTRATION 

BUDGET ENGAGEMENT ROUNDTABLE III 

Saturday, July 22 | 10:00 am – 12:30 pm 

Harry S. Truman College 

1145 West Wilson Avenue 

REGISTRATION 

To register for the forums, please access links above or go to Chicago.gov/2024budget. Pre-registration is requested but not required. ASL and live captioning will be available. If you require language interpretation or any other accommodation, please contact communityengagement@cityofchicago.org by Friday, July 14. 

Cumulative Impact Assessment Survey and Climate Justice Action Plan

The city of Chicago’s Cumulative Impact Assessment team wants to hear and learn more about  community members’ lived experience with environmental burdens and other stressors as well as your thoughts and ideas when it comes to policies like land use and zoning, transportation, permitting , enforcement, health interventions and more. Click here to fill out the survey. The deadline to provide feedback is Monday, July 31st.  

The City is also collecting public feedback on its draft Climate Justice Action Plan. The deadline to provide feedback is also Monday, July 31st. To learn more about the draft Climate Justice Action Plan and the working group’s efforts so far, click here. 

Shredding Event Recap

Neighborhood Events

1. Summer Float Party, July 23rd

2. CTA Diversity Program, July 25th

3. CPS Back to School Event, July 26th

4. Kelvyn Park’s Annual Mercado & Back to School Fair, August 12th

5. Back 2 School Fiesta, August 19th

6. Transforming Community Safety Collective’s Pop-Up Skatepark, August 20th

7. Clean & Green, August 26th

8. River Park Summer Event Calendar

Youth Opportunities

1. 2023 Empowerment Scholarship, Application Due August 6th

Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin and the Chicago Treasurer’s Office (CTO) will award first-ever Empowerment Scholarships to first-year students entering a two or four-year accredited institution in the fall of 2023. The one-time, $5,000 award will be presented to students residing in Chicago during the CTO’s “Financial Youth Symposium and Step Show” program at Chicago State University on August 31.

The Empowerment Scholarship is the first being awarded to Chicago students as part of the CTO’s 2023-2024 college scholarship program sponsored by community partners BMO, Discover, and Providence Bank & Trust. To be eligible for the $5,000 award, which can be used to pay for any education-related expenses, a student must be enrolled in an institution of higher learning in the fall of 2023 and submit a completed application, including an essay, high school transcripts and other materials, to monique.cook-bey@cityofchicago.org by 11:59 pm on Sunday, August 6.

Scholarship Essay Questions:

• Submit a typed essay (no more than 500 words in length) answering your choice of any one of the four following questions:
  • The CTO aims to foster financial literacy and empowerment among residents. Describe a personal experience that highlights the importance of financial education and explain how you might benefit from financial services and resources in your community.
  • The CTO emphasizes the importance of technology and innovation in financial services and banking. Describe an innovative idea to make financial services, such as loans for a new home or to grow a small business, more accessible to more people in communities of color.
  • The CTO places great importance on community engagement and outreach. Share a significant community service or volunteer experience that you had and explain what inspired you to make a difference in your community and to help others.
  • Describe how your personal experiences and aspirations align with the mission of the CTO to promote racial and economic equity. Explain how the Empowerment Scholarship will enable you to help create a more equitable and inclusive society.

Documents required to be submitted with the application:

• One letter of recommendation from either a teacher, advisor, employer, or another who can speak to academic ability, character, and potential (family and relatives are excluded)
• Proof of Chicago residency (i.e., Driver’s License, State ID, or Academic Letter)
• Resume
• Unofficial transcript from high school, such as a print-out from student portal
• Enrollment verification from a two- or four-year accredited college or university

For additional information about this scholarship program and the Chicago Youth Symposium, contact monique.cook-bey@cityofchicago.org.

2. Roosevelt High School Registration Days

3. Chicago Fire Student Discount

Chicago Fire is offering student passes to all CPS and local college students in Chicago. Click here to get yours today.

4. Align Your Inner Self Youth Program (16-24), Now through September 2023

Black Alphabet started as an organization founded to encourage story telling and educate communities about the cultural and social contributions Black LGBTQ+ identified people have made upon the world. Now the organization has transformed and they are focused on creating and spreading awareness on issues that have an impact on the Black LGBT+ community.

Their new program, Aligning Your Inner Self, for youth ages 16-24 is to help those who are looking to align their inner voice or conscience through the use of art. The program started in March and they will have monthly sessions through September 2023.

Click here to register for a session!

Israel’s Gifts of Hope Annual Back to School Drive- Donations Needed

The start of a new school year is right around the corner! Join Israel’s Gifts of Hope in supporting local students gear up for a successful school year by donating to their Annual Back to School Drive. Donations can be dropped off at 4504 N Albany Ave until August 10, 2023. Contact them at israelsgiftsofhope@gmail.com to coordinate a donation drop off.

Items needed include:

• Book Bags
• Notebooks/ Loose Leaf Paper
• Folders
• Binders
• Pens/Pencils
• Scissors/ Glue
• Crayons/Color Pencils/Markers
• Gift Cards

You can also check out their Amazon Wishlist here. 

Gender-Based Violence & Our Community, August 3rd

The Kedzie Center will be hosting a FREE workshop about Gender-Based Violence on August 3rd, 2023 from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM. You will get the opportunity to learn about why Gender-Based Violence is a community issue, how you can be an ally, and ways we can support our community. This workshop is co-sponsored by Healing to Action and the Kedzie Center.

If interested, you can contact romina@healingtoaction.org to sign up!

Financial Health Workshop, August 9th

Join North River Commission, Wintrust Bank, and The Friendship Center for a free in-person workshop on financial health on Wednesday, August 9 at 6 pm

In this workshop you will learn how to:

• Protect your financial info online
• Benefits and programs offered by Wintrust
• Online banking

RSVP with Erika via email at erika@northrivercommission.org or text at 872-257-8773.

Adopt a Pet from Chicago Animal Care

Chicago Animal Care and Control is experiencing very high intake numbers, and had 222 cats and dogs surrendered THIS MONTH alone!

They currently have have over 460 cats and dogs in the building and there are more arriving daily. They are running out of space for new animals in search of their forever home. 

If you or anyone you know is interested in adopting a new furry pal, please consider adopting from Chicago Animal Care and Control. Adoption hours are from 12pm to 6pm at 2741 S Western Ave.

Department of Planning and Development Grant Programs, Applications Due August 18th

The City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development is currently accepting applications for its Community Development, Climate Infrastructure Fund, and Equitable Transit-Oriented Development grant programs. You can review the criteria for each of the programs here. Applications are due by Friday, August 18th.

Police District Councilors Host Know Your Rights, August 5th

Police District Councilors from the 10th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 15th, 17th, and 25th Districts will hold the first in a series of Know Your Rights events on Saturday, August 5th from 1 pm to 3 pm at the Lawndale Christian Legal Center at 1530 S Hamlin. Representatives from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) will be on hand.

Business Resources

1. Business Grant Applications

• WomensNet’s Grants: Offers several grants, including the monthly $10,000 Amber Grant and quarterly Startup Grant. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
• Fresh Start Business Grant: A program that offers entrepreneurs a $2,500 grant to put toward startup and free business formation services. Deadline is September 30th. 

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

Employment Opportunities

1. Job Fair & Open House at HANA Center, August 11th

HANA Center is excited to invite you to their 2023 in-person Job Fair!

Come prepared to connect with employers from various industries – please bring multiple copies of your resume and cover letter, or sign up for their resume writing workshop before the event (Contact Rubi at rzamudio-rivera@hanacenter.org or 847-250-7348)

This is a free event to both job seekers and employers. Plus, get a professional haircut or get your professional headshot taken at NO COST!

Click here to RSVP today!

2. North River Commission is Seeking an ESL Teacher

North River Commission’s FORGE program is looking for an Adult ESL teacher for classes starting in September 2023. Interested candidates do not need a formal teaching license or ESL certificate, only a solid grasp of the English language and comfortability teaching others. Classes will take place at Palmer Elementary School, likely 2 – 3 hours per week. Pay is $50/hr. Please reach out to Stef Coleman at stefcoleman@northrivercommission.org if you’re interested!

NRC’s FORGE program is a before and after-school program funded by a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant, and is located at four schools on the northwest side: Albany Park Multicultural Academy, Bateman Elementary, Palmer Elementary, and Von Steuben High School. The program is free for students who attend those schools and includes frequent, free parent and family components, such as ESL classes!

3. Concordia Place is hiring for President & CEO

Concordia Place is currently seeking a President and CEO. for more information about the role and how to apply, click here. 

4. Chicago Tool Library is Hiring!

The Chicago Tool Library is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to provide equitable access to tools, equipment, and information to allow all Chicagoans to learn, share, and create. Located in the West Garfield Park neighborhood of Chicago, our lending library houses thousands of items that range from basic hand tools and table saws to ice cream makers and camping equipment. We are a forward-thinking organization hoping to help our city reshape its relationship to ownership, consumption, and creativity.

They are seeking 1-2 part-time Tool Librarians with an anticipated start in June. Click here for the full job description and to apply.

5. CTA’s Find a Job Fridays

MPox (MonkeyPox) Resources

The MPox 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