September 15th is a significant day because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries, such as Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16th and September 18th, respectively. This week, we want to highlight the Guatemalan community here in Chicago and we invite you to celebrate with us for their Independence Day Parade happening Sunday, September 11th at 11 am.  

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Yesterday, members of the City Council Committee for Health and Human Relations made huge strides toward making Chicago safe for people seeking gender-affirming care through the Bodily Autonomy Sanctuary City Ordinance. This ordinance was modeled after the Welcoming Cities Ordinance, which made Chicago a sanctuary city for undocumented residents.

Once the Bodily Autonomy Sanctuary City Ordinance is passed, it will ensure that local law enforcement does not collaborate with outside agencies to criminalize people for receiving the medical care they need or the people aiding others in accessing care by providing information, transportation, and housing. The Ordinance also seeks to protect people seeking or providing gender-affirming care.

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We have seen how our community has shown so much of that solidarity to our newly arrived immigrant neighbors. We want to thank you for all the donations we have received, it means a lot. Our office is currently at capacity and can’t receive any more donations at the moment but we will let you know as soon as we process these items and are able to resume.

Thank you neighbors from the bottom of my heart!

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In the spirit of interconnectedness, the city of Jackson, which is Mississippi’s capital, is still without clean drinking water. If you’re able, please consider giving monetary donations to any of these organizations: Mississippi’s Rapid Response Coalition, Cooperation Jackson, The Mississippi Food Network, and Immigrant Alliance for Justice and Equity.

The water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi remains indefinite.

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 “Form” on the Neighborhood Services page, and apply here! 

Participatory Budgeting Launch Party, September 12th

On Monday, September 12th, we will be hosting the first-ever PB33 Launch Party! We are so excited to share details of our Participatory Budgeting process for 2023 and hear from our neighbors. This opportunity would allow for you to:

• Submit your ideas for ways to improve your community
• Find out how you can get involved in the committee
• Register to vote in the 2023 cycle of PB33
• Meet your neighbors and the Alderman

Read more about Participatory Budgeting and sign up to get involved here: https://33rdward.org/participatory-budgeting. 

Public Health & Safety Community Meeting, September 13th

Join North River Commission and your neighbors to discuss health and public safety priorities in our communities. Discuss action steps and upcoming opportunities to engage to help create safer and healthier communities. All are welcome, and RSVP is not required. Spanish translation will be provided at the event.

Clean & Green, September 17th

To help keep our neighborhood clean and our natural areas thriving we will spend some time on Saturday, September 17th from 11am-1pm, cleaning up trash and doing minor tending to the parkway on Kedzie and Lawrence. Our office will provide grabbers, gloves, and garbage bags.

Click here if you plan to attend this event.

Neighborhood Events

1. Albany Park Lot Jams Concerts, Present-Oct 8th

 

2. Guatemalan Independence Day Parade, September 11th

3. Ishti Presents: Returning Home II, September 15th-17th

4. Fall Nature Fest, September 17th

5. Eugene Field Park Fall Fest, September 18th

6. Peace Day Chicago, September 19th

For the last 44 years Peace Day has brought together communities and cultures to encourage peace in Chicago and the world. Enjoy moving cultural performances, inspiring speakers, and the opportunity to network with organizations and individuals committed to making peace a priority everyday. For more information, visit their website.

Youth Opportunities

Future Founders Internship Program, Applications Due September 23

Future Founders is offering a paid virtual internship opportunity for high school students that are interested in developing their own business ideas and participate in Chicago’s startup community.

Applications for the October and November “Be Your Own Boss Internship” cohorts are officially open! Click here to start your application today.

Legal Assistance Tenants Workshop, September 14th

North River Commission and Autonomous Tenants Union are hosting a virtual workshop for tenants about legal assistance and negotiation tactics. 

To RSVP, please email or call Erika at erika@northrivercommission.org or (872)-257-8773.

Business Resources

1. Business Education for Entrepreneurs

The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) offers free weekly webinars to educate entrepreneurs in all areas of running a business. Click here to register for upcoming webinars. To watch all past webinars, visit BACP’s YouTube channel. Below are the upcoming webinar dates with the focus are.

• Wednesday, September 7 at 3 PM
  • City Inspections: Ask Questions, Get Answers
• Thursday, September 8 at 10 AM 
  • Business Licensing: Shared Kitchen User
• Thursday, September 8 at 2 PM
  • Business Licensing Series: Tobacco Retailer 
• Friday, September 9 at 9:30 AM 
  • Inside the Industry: Retail 

2. Home & Business Protection Program, Application Opens September 15th

The City of Chicago has plans to expand the Home and Business Protection Program (HBPP) to remove financial barriers and ensure that more Chicago residents have access to private security devices.  

On September 15, the City of Chicago will launch a new HBPP Income-Based Application that will allow eligible Chicagoans to apply for private security devices based on income and pick them up at designated community distribution sites. The application is first come first serve, and the application will be open through December 2024.

For more information, please visit their website.

3. Small Business Expo, September 17th

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) will be hosting a free small business expo on September 17th from 10am-2pm.

The expo will feature resources from nonprofit and government agencies, workshops presented by local business service organizations, and a networking hour to meet and connect with other current and aspiring business owners. The keynote address will be given by  entrepreneur Corey Gilkey, and will leave attendees with tangible takeaways to pursue their dreams of business ownership.

Click here to register for this event.

4. The Power of Social Media Webinar, September 20th

Join the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce and Alexia Guzman, from Rogers Park Business Alliance on an informative workshop about social media, how to use it, best platforms, how to create content, and how to attract more customers. Master all social media platforms and bring in more revenue to your business. 

WHEN: Tuesday, September 20 at 11 AM

WHERE: Via Zoom

RSVP by sending an email to Marisabel at marisabel@northrivercommission.org or text 312-860-9294.

Serve as a Poll Worker on November 8th

Chicago needs poll workers more than ever! Help defend democracy and apply today to work the November 8, 2022 General Election. Apply today to become an Election Judge or Election Coordinator! 

Ask CTA Event, Now- October 6th

CTA is hosting “Ask CTA” events at key rail stops now through the first week in October (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays of each week). At each event, CTA will have at least two CTA Senior Staff Members available to address customers’ comments and feedback.

The Ask CTA events will be held in the mornings from 7:30-9:30am and in the evenings from 4:30-6:30pm. Locations of event will be posted on CTA’s social media accounts each week.

Volunteer with the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

CERT is a national community-based opportunity for citizens to learn basic hands-on disaster response techniques that can be applied to daily lives. Over the years, Chicago CERT members have supported many special events, disaster preparedness drills and emergency exercises alongside the City of Chicago’s public safety team.

The next 30-hour CERT training course will be held every Tuesday and Thursday between September 6th and October 6th from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Chicago State University. The course covers topics such as disaster preparedness, fire safety, hazmat, search and rescue, and more.

To sign up for this training course, you can register/sign-up by emailing chicagocitizencorps@cityofchicago.org or by using this registration link.

MeterSave Program with DWM

The Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) has announced that they are installing free water meters after approval by the City Council, which allowed for some additions to the program. The voluntary MeterSave Program, which has provided over 130,000 meters to
homeowners since 2009, has saved residents up to 50% on their water bills.

Those on the MeterSave waiting list will be prioritized when the program begins in September, but anyone interested in receiving a meter can join the list by registering at: www.MeterSave.org

The program in its current form will end in January of 2023 when the state law changes to require lead service line replacement as part of any meter installation.

Job Resources

1. NAMI Chicago

NAMI Chicago has positions open in Mental Health Services and they are looking for outstanding and dedicated people to join their growing team. Interested candidates can apply online by selecting any of the available positions below:

• Helpline Coordinator
• Helpline Peer Support Specialist
• Helpline Specialist
• Clinical Support Manager
• Controller

2. The Kedzie Center

The mission of the Kedzie Center is to provide accessible, culturally informed, quality mental health care to North River residents through the integration of clinical practice, education and evaluation, and the application of psychological insight to address community concerns, as informed by the community and in collaboration with local residents and partners. Please click the link below if you are interested in joining their team!

• Bilingual Administrative Assistant, Marketing & Outreach

3. St. Mary of Providence

St. Mary of Providence is a nonprofit residential and day services facility whose mission is to help people with developmental disabilities meet life’s challenges and reach their highest potential in spiritual, emotional, mental and psychological growth, while also promoting their dignity as human beings. Follow the links below or contact them at humanresources@smopchicago.org.

• Teachers Aid
• Developmental Educational Instructor
• Direct Support Persons

Public Health Updates

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.). This week, there were 42 documented cases in Chicago. 

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. You are now eligible for 8 MORE free at-home COVID rapid tests!

Residential households in the U.S. are now eligible for 8 free at-home tests on USPS.com.  

2. 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!

3. At-Home Vaccinations Incentive

Through August 30, any Chicagoan age 5 and up is now eligible to receive a $50 gift card for booster COVID vaccine doses (regardless of zip code) via the City’s At-Home vaccination program. 

Per CDC rules, this bonus is only being offered to individuals that have not received more than $100 in COVID vaccine incentives from the City. Incentives will be provided while supplies last.

Click here to schedule your appointment

4. 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