This Monday is Juneteenth, which recognizes the day in which Union troops reached one of the most remote places in the South – Galveston, Texas – and word first reached enslaved Black Americans there that slavery was dead and they were free citizens. At its core, Juneteenth is a holiday about emancipation, freedom, and liberation. Last year was the very first year that the city of Chicago officially recognized Juneteenth as a full holiday. City offices including ours will be closed. There are a significant number of Juneteenth celebrations happening throughout the city of Chicago. Block Club Chicago compiled a list of events that are happening in so many neighborhoods across the city. I hope that you get out there and celebrate! 

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Thank you so much to all of the people who’ve been supporting our efforts to continue to support asylum seekers and new arrivals here in Chicago. If you want to get involved with supporting asylum seekers in the 33rd Ward, there are tons of ways to get involved and help our newest community members! Click here to learn more.

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!

Volunteer Opportunities to Support the Newly Arrived Migrants

The Sanctuary Working Group of the Chicago Religious Leaders Network has developed a model for how to accompany families and they want to share this model.

If you are interested in being part of this effort, please go to lppchurch.org and fill out the form on that page and submit it. Once you submit it, someone will be in touch within 48 hours. Individual people or households can also be a part of this effort and will follow the same process.

Every person or community member interested will be required to attend an in person Training/Orientation. Please email Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church if you are interested in attending an upcoming training session at office@lppchurch.org.

Sage Brigade Meeting, June 22nd

Come build community with your fellow seniors in the 33rd Ward! At this event seniors will have the opportunity to meet other seniors in the area, talk with Alderwoman Rossanna Rodriguez- Sanchez and staff, and hear from community organizations, such as The Friendship Center. This event will be held in our new office space at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. Light refreshments will be offered and RSVP is not required. 

The Sage Brigade is a group of Seniors who came together in 2020 to support each other during COVID. We began by delivering masks and artwork from public school students in the neighborhood and wish to continue the work by having regular Senior meetups.

Department of Water Management’s New Citywide Service Line Website

Check out DWM’s new citywide water service line website! In case you don’t know, the service line is the pip that carries water from the water main in the street to the property. DWM’s new website will allow for you to learn what kind of material your service line pipe is made of and if it needs replacement. All you have to do is go to their website, type in your address or water account number, and press find. The website will give you the status of your service line and offer next steps based on the results. 

For more questions, please call DWM at (312)-742-2406.

33rd Ward Zoning Update

A zoning change application was filed with the City Council’s Committee on Zoning for the property generally located at 3004-3006 W Belmont and is expected to be heard at the upcoming Committee on Zoning meeting on Tuesday, June 20th. After several weeks of positive and receptive community feedback, the Alderwoman will be recommending this zoning change to the Committee. https://33rdward.org/zoning-proposals/.

Community Advisory Council Applications, Deadline June 30th

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) is currently accepting applicants to our Community Advisory Council. This council is responsible for serving as a conduit between the broader Chicago community and COPA in order to assist the agency in creating and maintaining an effective and transparent dialog with the citizens we serve. Council members will share perspectives from the community about the agency’s work, as well as provide input on COPA-related topics that affect City of Chicago residents.

This is a great opportunity for interested Chicago residents to get involved with COPA and civilian oversight of law enforcement. 

Click here for more information and to apply.

Neighborhood Events

1. Celebration of Authors Gala, June 16th

2. Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration, June 17th

3. Geography Trivia Night, June 20th

4. Flavors of Albany Park, June 21st

5. Grief Summit, June 24th

6. 312 River Run, June 24th

7. Horner Park Brewfest, July 21st

Youth Opportunities

1. Roosevelt High School Registration Days

2. ComEd CONSTRUCT Infrastructure Youth Academy program, Applications Due June 24th

ComEd is taking applications for the new CONSTRUCT Youth Academy – a new paid summer job training program for youth to learn about what it’s like to work in the utilities/trades.

The three-week paid training program will be offered in partnership with the YMCA of Metro Chicago. Students participating in the program will attend classes at the Y’s South Side location, and head out for some firsthand insight from ComEd about what it’s like to work in the field, maintaining the power grid that serves 9 million people in northern Illinois. 

3. Mayor’s Youth Commission Accepting Application for 2023-2024 Cohort, Due July 1st

The Mayor’s Youth Commission is a group of up to 32 Chicagoans between the ages of 14 and 19 that serve as a liaison between the Chicago Mayor’s Office and Chicago’s youth. The Commission meets monthly to foster youth-driven civic engagement and amplify youth vices to impact the City’s critical policy conversations. Any youth that is interested must apply by July 1st.

This is a paid opportunity for youth and a great way for young people to get their voice heard! Click here to apply today!

The Mayor’s Youth Commission will be hosting a virtual information session on Thursday, June 15th from 5:30-6:30pm via Zoom. This session will provide attendees an opportunity to gain additional information and ask any questions they might have pertaining to the The Mayor’s Youth Commission.
Pre-registration is required. Click here to register. After you complete the registration, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

For any questions about the application or for more information about the Mayor’s Youth Council, please email mayorsyouthcommission@cityofchicago.org

4. Empower Youth Career Training & Development

5. 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.

6. Chicago Park District Summer Camp and Programs – Registration Open Now!

The Chicago Park District’s list of summer camps and other programs is available to view now on their registration portal.

For a list of camps and programs in Irving Park, Albany Park, and North Park, including programs at North Park Village and Peterson Park – see here!

7. Summer Job Opportunities with Chicago Parks District

The Chicago Parks District has opened applications for summer job opportunities, and they have over 2500 open positions. Click here for more information.

8. 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!

DFSS Rental Assistance Program

The Rental Assistance Program (RAP) provides funding to Chicagoans who are at risk of becoming homeless. RAP helps Chicagoans who have housing right now, but who may become homeless soon because they lost income or had another eligible emergency which prevents them from paying rent. Learn more and apply at chicago.gov/fss/RAP.

Assistance may include: 

• Payment of future rent, or rent arrears to prevent eviction
• Security deposits in cases of fire, flood, foreclosure, domestic violence, or eviction

You are eligible if: 

• You live in the City of Chicago and are at risk of becoming homeless due to eviction, loss of income or other emergency
• You economically classify as a low-income household
• Your landlord completes the RAP requirements

Options to prove eligibility: 

• Eviction notice, proof of loss of income or proof of other qualifying emergency
• Paystub, benefits statement, or affidavit (explanation) of no income
• Driver’s License, State ID, CityKey, or other
• Lease or Landlord agreement forms

Call-a-Lawyer, June 17th

Residents Can Get FREE Legal Advice from The Chicago Bar Association

Do you need legal help? Not sure if you need an attorney or just need a little advice? Attorneys with The Chicago Bar Association’s Call-A-Lawyer Program are ready and available to take calls from the public and offer brief legal advice on Saturday, June 17. The CBA is here to help as part of an ongoing legal public service program.

Calls will be accepted on June 1th7 from 9 a.m. to noon at (312) 554-2001.

Residents can call in and briefly explain their situation to an attorney, who will then work to suggest self-help strategies or provide advice to help resolve their issues. If callers need further legal services or have questions beyond the scope of the attorney’s practice area, they will be advised to contact the CBA Lawyer Referral Service during the week for a referral to an attorney in the appropriate area of law.

The CBA’s Lawyer Referral Service has more than 200 prescreened, qualified lawyers experienced in almost every area of law that offers their services to the public. When contacting the LRS during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, callers can be referred to attorneys practicing in numerous areas of law, including:

• Domestic Relations – including divorce, custody, support, and other family law matters.
• Personal Injury – including auto accidents, slip and falls, product liability, wrongful death, malpractice, and other types of injury cases.
• Estate Planning – including will and trust drafting, probate, and will contest.
• Real Estate – including buying or selling real estate, foreclosure defense and landlord/tenant issues.
• Employment Law – including wrongful termination, harassment, and discrimination.

To reach a lawyer after normal business hours, the CBA offers an On-Call service that provides callers access to attorneys in three different areas of law. You can reach a lawyer 24/7 for help with criminal defense, personal injury, and family law matters by calling (312) 554-2001 or visiting www.lrs.chicagobar.org

Kimball Station Area & Curb Mobility Study

Help the City of Chicago build better connections to the Kimball Station! Do you shop on Lawrence Ave? Take the bus or the Brown Line? Or live in Albany Park? You can win a $25 gift card for sharing your thoughts on how you get around and why. Take the survey here.

NAMI Chicago Hotline

NAMI Chicago is the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which is the largest grassroots mental health advocacy organization in the country. We operate a mental health helpline where residents can call for themselves or a loved one to receive help in accessing mental health services in their community. Their Helpline can help people navigate the mental health system based on their needs and goals.

Mental health affects everyone, no matter who they are or where they are from. That’s why NAMI Chicago is committed to showing up for everyone in the community—whether it’s Chicago’s first responders, students and school staff, a person on the other end of the phone, or in the community, meeting individuals where they are. NAMI Chicago knows healing is possible on a community level. Read their Roadmap to Wellness here.

Free Asthma Services in Chicago

Do you know a child, adult or family member that has uncontrolled asthma? The American Lung Association in Greater Chicago has a program where a skilled healthcare professional will visit your home and provide an asthma assessment. The healthcare professional will provide health education and any materials and products needed to mitigate your asthma symptoms. Products include, but are not limited to, green cleaners, HEPA vacuum cleaners, air cleaners, beds, bed and pillow covers.

Beat Facilitator Applications are Open

Apply today to become a Beat Facilitator.

Stand Up and Speak Out Chicago is a campaign organized by the Chicago Police Department to ask Community Residents and business stakeholders to unite efforts to work together to create change, build relationships and make Chicago safe.

They are now accepting applications. Click here for more information

Small Business Spotlight: Niko’s Bakery

On Thursday, Alderwoman Rossana and 33rd Ward staff were excited to join the North River Commission and the owners of Niko’s Bakery for their grand opening! Niko’s Bakery is a great place to purchase cakes, cookies, and tamales to name just a few. They’re open from to. Our office was really taken with the watermelon and pig-shaped cookies!

Business Resources

1. Business Grant Applications

• Visa Everywhere Initiative: A global competition that gives startups the chance to win a combined $70,000 at the TechCrunch Disrupt event in September. The deadline to apply is June 26.

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

Employment Opportunities

1. 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.

2. The Friendship Center is now hiring!

The Friendship Center is hiring an Operations Manager of Programs. 

The Friendship Center supports the food-insecure populations of Chicago’s northwest side neighborhoods like Albany Park, Lincoln Square, North Park, Ravenswood, and West Ridge. They are a welcoming, fresh food, full-choice pantry also providing hot meals, home delivery, pet food distributions, and public benefits coordination and assistance. They serve over 4,500 neighbors facing hunger each month.

Objective of Job: The Operations Manager, Programs is responsible for all aspects of the food distribution programs like home delivery, hot meal service, and pet food pantry that complement the onsite pantry and allow The Friendship Center to provide hope and dignity in our community through access to food and other vital resources.

Click here to read the full job description and apply.

3. CPS Job Fair, June 21st

Date: Wednesday, June 21 

Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm 

Location: Kennedy-King College

4. CTA Virtual Career Fair, June 22nd

Click here to register today

5. UR Chicago Alliance Employment Opportunities

UR Chicago Alliance is a faith-based work development program that unites and mobilizes churches, community organizations, and businesses to provide access to living-wage opportunities and long-term support through a network of Christ-centered relationships. URCA’s focus is on:

• Job Readiness and Life Skills Training: We provide 8-week training using the Chalmers Center job preparedness curriculum. We provide program participants with access to technology and coaching in digital literacy, resume building, interviewing, networking, and code switching.
• Long-Term Mentorship: Each program participant is paired with a mentor from the local community for 18 months who provides support as they pursue living-wage work.
• Community Partnerships: Our robust network of community partners helps address issues related to poverty and unemployment including adult education classes, counseling, financial literacy, and others.
• Employment Partnerships: URCA maintains an active pipeline of employer partnerships, and we regularly update Leaders on job opportunities. Once placed, our program participants earn wages ranging from $15 to $46 per hour with benefits for full-time positions.

6. 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