In 2020 I introduced the Crisis Response and Care council order to create a mental health crisis response model to address mental health emergencies without police. The model also known as “Treatment Not Trauma” included re-opening the shuttered Public Mental Health Clinics run by the city.

Through much organizing, we were able to get a small non-police response pilot. Although it is a step in the right direction, it’s a very small program that needs to be expanded urgently. I have been visiting similar programs in other cities and they have been extremely successful and are being expanded as a result of that success. The STAR program in Denver, CO has managed over 5500 calls with not one instance of a call for police backup. In Albuquerque NM their program has responded to 17000 calls with only 1% of calls where police backup was needed. Here, you can find an article that was recently published about the CARE model.

I also want to invite our community to a Treatment not Trauma Town Hall to learn more about the policy and how we can work together to ensure we are using the right tools and resources to address the needs of our communities. Stay tuned to our weekly newsletter and Facebook page for more information. We will continue to fight for structures of care for everyone in our ward and city.

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! 

Construction Notice for Addison St, Happening Now

IDOT recently began resurfacing Addison St and repairing the sidewalks to make them more accessible for everyone. This construction will cause lane lane closures and will prevent street parking from 8:30 am to 4:30pm. Please allow for additional time on commutes for potential traffic delays. For any questions, please email info@33rdward.org.

Cook County Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot, Applications Open Now

Cook County’s Promise Pilot is a $42 million funded program that will provide $500 monthly payments to 3,250 Cook County families for two years to improve the economic stability, health, and independence of our residents and communities. Participants are free to spend the money however they see fit to meet their needs, within the bounds of the law. 

The application will be open from October 6 to October 21. Applicants must provide an email address or a mobile phone number and will also be prompted to upload a government-issued photo ID or selfie (a picture of yourself that clearly shows your face). At a later date, applicants may be asked to provide documents that verify their identity, residence, and household income.

You are eligible to apply if:

• You are aged 18 or older;
• A resident of Cook County;
• Your household income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level or less; and
• Neither you nor anyone else in your household are receiving funds from another guaranteed income pilot. This includes the City of Chicago’s Resilient Communities pilot.

Cook County residents who are eligible can learn how to prepare their applications and sign up for updates.

Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events CityArts Program

Recently the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events awarded grants through its CityArts Program and Individual Artists Program.

The CityArts Program provides general operating and project support to Chicago-based, arts and culture-focused, non-profit organizations.  We are excited to share that the following organizations located in the 33rd were selected for funding:

• American Indian Center
• Chicago City Theatre Company dba Joel Hall Dancers & Center
• Project Danztheatre Company
• Serendipity Theatre Company (dba 2nd Story)
• Visceral Dance Chicago

The Individual Artist Program (IAP) provides project grants to Chicago-based, individual artists. We are pleased to share that the following people residing in our ward were selected for funding:

• Joseph Altshuler
• Joanna Bak
• Raul Benitez
• Dalia Chin
• Beth Hetland
• Lucy Holden
• Cathy Hsiao
• Elise Jaffe
• Akshat Jain
• Maggie Kubley
• Isabel Quintero

DCASE’s Cultural Grants Programs continually strives toward an equitable distribution of funds across the city. This year, Cultural Grants were awarded to artists and arts organizations in all 50 wards and 60% of artists served through the Individual Artists Program are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color). Thanks to an increased investment in our grant programs, general operating grant amounts have increased from one-time grants of $2,000 – $25,000 previously to roughly $10,000 – $50,000 grants, in direct response to needs raised by the local community.

Haunted High School, October 29th

Join Roosevelt High School and 33rd Ward Alderwoman Rodriguez for the first ever Haunted High School, a family friendly spooky event like no other on Saturday, October 29 from 10 am – 1 pm at 3436 W Wilson Ave. This event is FREE and welcome to all, minors must be accompanied by an adult. Pull out your costumes and enjoy some free scares and treats at this years Haunted High School.

Pace Public Community Meetings, October 21st, 25th, and 28th

As Pace moves towards historic capital infrastructure improvements, service innovations, and ridership recovery, the agency is pleased to propose a balanced 2023 budget for community input at a series of public hearings. The hearings, a mix of in-person and virtual events, will present a fully funded operational budget for fixed route and Paratransit service and a strong capital program.

Members of the public who wish to provide comments on Pace’s proposed 2023 budget may do so by attending the in-person hearings, registering for the virtual hearings, or submitting comments online via Pace’s Public Hearing Feedback webpage. You can also submit comments by emailing Public.Hearings@PaceBus.com or calling (847) 354-7943. 

All comments must be received by 5:00 pm on Friday, October 28, 2022.

The 2023 budget information will be available after October 19, 2022, on Pace’s website. 

Individuals with disabilities who plan to view a virtual public hearing, who require accommodations other than transportation, and individuals who require translation into a language other than English to allow them to view and/or participate are requested, please contact Pace at (847) 364-7223.

Sage Brigade Meet Up Updates

The Sage Brigade, a group of senior neighbors and advocates at the 33rd ward, held a senior meet-up Thursday morning at the Horner Park clubhouse. The Sage Brigade was recently created with the aim to connect the seniors in the area, and also to create a space for seniors’ needs to be articulated and addressed. Representatives from the Alderman’s office worked with ward neighbors to create an explicit list ideas or improve some of the day-to-day problems most important to the 5,000 seniors that call our ward home. Neighbors who attended the meeting shared their concerns regarding inconsistency of the CTA, solutions to rats in the area, and the lack of benches and shelters at transit stops around the ward. To get involved with the Sage Brigade please email info@33rdward.org

Zoning Updates for Our Community

Last year Alderwoman Rodriguez-Sanchez denied a proposed zoning change for the site of the former Gordon Tech High School / DePaul College Prep site located at 3601 N California Ave (Addison and California). As part of the city’s recent City Council remapping process, this site will soon be part of the 35th Ward. 

Please know the site is currently owned by the Congregation of the Resurrection, and there is currently no active proposal.

Following a public community meeting the 33rd and 35th Ward Alders hosted with California Park Neighborhood Association and North River Commission on July 12th, 2022, the 33rd Ward and the 35th Ward is collecting feedback on a survey regarding what the community would like to see in any future development of the Gordon Tech High School / DePaul College Prep site. We encourage Irving Park and area residents to complete a survey to collect feedback. The results of this survey and notes from the July 12th community meeting will be compiled into a report and shared with the Congregation and any developer interested in drafting a future proposal. Any redevelopment will require city approval, and therefore Alderman Ramirez-Rosa will ensure a robust community-driven zoning process prior to any approval or final decisions are made.

Lend your voice to the discussion on what will replace the former DePaul College Prep school on this beautiful 7-acre riverside property. What do you want to see in your community? How can the redevelopment of this property benefit you and your neighbors? Now is your chance to share your ideas! Find more information and updates visit the 35th Ward website’s at www.aldermancarlosrosa.org/gordontech.

If you have additional questions, contact 35th Ward Policy Director Billy Drew at billy@aldermancarlosrosa.org or 33rd Ward Director of Policy and Development Joe Engleman at joe@33rdward.org with questions.

Last week our office hosted a public zoning meeting to review the proposal for 3219 N Elston Avenue. We are taking public comments and feedback on this proposal until the end of the day on Wednesday, October 26th in accordance with our Community Driven Zoning and Development policies. Follow this link to submit feedback.

All public comments and feedback will be shared with the Alderwoman before  a final decision is made about whether to recommend or not recommend this zoning change to the City Council.

For additional questions, contact Director of Policy and Development Joe Engleman at joe@33rdward.org

Community Wealth Building Initiative

As a part of the Chicago Recovery Plan, the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) has partnered with The Mayor’s Office of Equity and Racial Justice (OERJ), to design the Community Wealth Ecosystem Building (Community WEB) Program. The Community WEB program will allow the city to invest in the organizations that start, sustain, and scale CWB models.

The Community WEB program will fund an interconnected network of advisors to provide high-quality, specialized, and culturally-relevant technical services for free to eligible non-profit and for-profit start-ups and operating businesses, such as worker cooperatives, limited-equity housing cooperatives, community land trusts, and community investment vehicles.

The deadline to apply is Tuesday, November 1st. Click here for more information.

Neighborhood Events

1. Noche De Encanto, October 21st

2. Pop-Up Skate Park, October 22nd

3. YWCA Fall Festival, October 22

4. Self Defense & Awareness Seminar, October 29th

5. Monster Mile fun Run, October 29th

Youth Opportunities

1. 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.

2. Little Explorers, Now – November 21st

The Kedzie Center is hosting another cycle of their parent-child play group called Little Explorers/Pequenos Exploradores for parents and young children (0-5) in our community. The program is bilingual and offered at no cost to community residents. Call them at (773)-754-0577 to reserve your spot. Masks and proof of vaccination required for adults.   

3. Free Street Theater Workshops, October 25th & November 1st

Free Street Theater is hosting open workshops for youth ages 13-19 looking to start their training in creating theatre. Whether you have been doing theatre since you were 4, or have never stepped foot on stage, Free Street welcomes all youth looking to learn and collaborate with others. Masks required.

Free Street Theater creates original, joyful and thought-provoking theater by, for, about, with, and in Chicago’s diverse communities. They are hosting open workshops for any young people ages 13-19 interested in becoming involved in our youth theater ensemble. It is a paid opportunity and no experience is required. 

When: October 25th 25 and November 1st from 5pm-7pm

Where: 1419 W Blackhawk St. Floor 3

4. Skating, Hockey and Figure Skating Workshops, Sundays from Now – December 18th

Chicago Youth Foundation is a proud women-led initiative that brings the joy of ice sports to Chicago youth to improve their social and academic well-being and empowering them to find success through sportsmanship and teamwork. Below are the 3 FREE classes children can choose from.

Learn to Skate Workshop (for children that do not know how to skate)

• Students will learn the proper skating techniques needed to participate in our hockey or figure skating programs.
• Ice skates will be provided; Students must bring their own helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and warm gloves
• Students should wear layers; including long sleeve shirt, light jacket, sweatshirt, with leggings, sweatpants, or jeans.

Hockey on your Block (for children that already know how to skate and would like to learn how to play hockey)

• Students will learn the proper techniques of advanced skating, stickhandling, passing, shooting, and playmaking.
• Hockey skates will be provided
• Students must bring their own hockey equipment and stick

Figure Skating on Your Block (for children that already know how to skate and would like to learn figure skating)

• Provides a safe and fun environment with group skating instruction that follows the framework of United States Figure Skating (USFS) to serve the needs of both recreational and competitive skaters.
• Figure skates can be provided 
• Helmets are optional.

Class size is limited to only the first 40 students who register online. If your children would like to participate in our 2022 fall workshops click this link.

Queen of Angels School Open House, October 25th

Queen of angels School is hosting an open house on October 25th at 8:30 AM. If you are able to attend, they for you to RSVP.

Roosevelt High School Open house, November 7th

Roosevelt high School is hosting an Open House for Prospective Students (8th graders) on Monday, Nov 7, from 3:30 – 6:00 pm.

Fertile Garden Center Sale, Happening Now

Fertile Garden Center, located at 3645 N Kedzie Ave, is a family owned business in our ward. They are currently having a sale for 10% off a purchase of $50 or more! They have a huge selection of pumpkins, gourds, fall annuals, and more.

To participate in the sale, you must show the flyer above at the time of purchase. You can either use the photo in our newsletter or you can pick up a physical copy at our office, located at 3001 W Irving Park Rd.

Shop to Benefit Carl Von Linne Elementary School, October 25th-29th

The tag Outlet is hosting October Shop to Benefit days for the Friends of Carl Von Linne, a charitable organization that promotes and supports cultural, educational and enrichment programs for the Avondale community. During these Shop to Benefit days, every purchase made at tag Outlet will help make a difference in our community.

This sale at Tag will happen from October 25th through October 29th. Click here for more info. 

HANA Center’s Available Services for the Community

HANA Center is an Albany Park-based organization serving Korean American, Latinx, and multiethnic immigrant communities. They offer social services, culture, education, and community organizing.

Below are some HANA Center services currently being offered:

• Rental Assistance Program
• Mortgage Assistance Program
• Attorney Consultation 
  • The Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) will open up a second round of applications later this Fall. The HANA Center will host information sessions about the program in English, Spanish, and Korean from October 24-28. There will be both online and in-person sessions available. To receive information about registering for the information sessions, please click here. 
  • If you need their assistance, please email housing@hanacenter.org.
• Immigration Assistance

14th District Catalytic Converter Theft Deterrence

The 14th CAPS District, Alderman Waguespack, Alderman La Spata, and State Farm Agent Mario Castaneda are partnering together to deter thefts by spray painting and marking your catalytic Converter.

This is available to residents of the 14th CAPS District only. Limit is one vehicle per household. All cars must be registered to an address within their boundaries

To register contact the 14th District at CAPS.014District@chicagopolice.org

An appointment location, date and time will be assigned after registration.  Limited appointments available.

Creative Industries Study on DCASE Music Programs & Services Seeking Consultants and Researchers

The City of Chicago acting through the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) seeks proposals from research and consulting firms with expertise in evaluating and creating reports on the cultural sector. Specifically, the city seeks to engage a firm to conduct research and evaluation of Chicago’s music industry and deliver a final report outlining key strategic recommendations that will guide cultural policy and its equitable support for the music sector in Chicago.

The Creative Industries Study on the DCASE Music Programs and Services will collect, analyze data, and create reports that will lay the foundation for long-term equitable program planning that elevates Chicago’s music industries.

DCASE is dedicated to enriching Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy, and offers more than 2,000 high-quality free exhibitions, concerts, theatrical and dance performances, films, lectures and discussions, family events and other programs each year at venues across the city. These events include the Chicago Blues Festival, Chicago Jazz Festival, Chicago SummerDance, Taste of Chicago, and more.

Proposals are due Friday, November 18, 2022. Click here to apply today!

14th District Community Event, October 25th

The 14th District is hosting a Community Conservation to create their 2023 Strategic Plan. The virtual meeting has passed. Below are the details for the in-person meeting.

In Person Meeting

Tuesday October 25th at 6 PM

Concord Music Hall 

2051 N Milwaukee

To register for either event, please visit chicagopolice.org/convo.

For more information or to receive special accommodations, please contact the 14th District Community Policing Office at 312-744-1261 or email them at caps.014district@chicagopolice.org

Know Your Rights, Remedies, and Resources Seminars

Safer Foundation is partnering with the Women’s Justice Institute (WJI) to conduct a series of webinars to help people who are incarcerated and people with arrest and conviction records know their rights, know their remedies and also help connect them to legal and reentry resources. Below is a list of their upcoming webinars. Registration is required.

• Monday, Oct 24, 2022 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM Family Matters: Impact of Parental Incarceration
• Tuesday, Oct 25, 2022 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM Family Matters: Child Welfare System
• Wednesday, Oct 26, 2022 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM Family Matters: Child Placement Options
• Thursday, Oct 27, 2022 08:00 AM – 09:00 AM Civic Engagement and Criminal Records Relief
• Monday, Oct 31, 2022 03:30 PM – 04:30 PM Housing and Driver’s License

Citizen Utility Board Workshop, November 3rd

Join Citizens Utility Board (C.U.B.) and Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation for a Citizens Utility Board workshop at 2550 W. North Ave on November 3rd 2022 from 6:00-7:00pm

Topics will include:

• Reducing your carbon footprint
• Free programs designed to save you energy and money
• Making your home more comfortable
• How to take advantage of solar power
• The benefits of building electrification

RSVP to this event by sending an email to mharvey@citizensutilityboard.org.

Home Flooding & Energy Audit Workshop, November 16th

Join North River Commission in partnership with Elevate for a FREE workshop to learn about Elevate’s home flooding assessment and energy audit program. Learn about energy efficiency and flooding mitigation services available to you on Wednesday, November 16th at 6 PM via Zoom.  

To RSVP, contact Erika at erika@northrivercommission.org or text 872-257-8773.

Free IT Training Course, Applications due October 24th

Per Scholas is hosting an IT Support Course for FREE! The course is 12 weeks long and, like all Per Scholas courses, it includes tuition-free technical and professional development training in addition to direct connections to jobs at employer partners and robust learner and alumni support teams. 

Applications for this course are due Monday, October 24th and classes begin Monday, November 7th.

Click here to apply today.

HANA Center’s Volunteer Navigators Program

HANA Center is an Albany Park-based organization serving Korean American, Latinx, and multiethnic immigrant communities. They offer social services, culture, education, and community organizing. Through their Community Navigators Program, they recruit and train community members who identify other community members in need of services and inform them of available resources. Community navigators at HANA Center can visit your schools, neighborhood events, or religious organizations to introduce our services and give a “know your rights training.”

If you are interested in inviting HANA Center to your community or in participating in the community navigator program, please  reach out to Luisa Rodriguez at lrodriguez@hanacenter.org.

Employment Opportunities

1. North River Commission is hiring

Join their team in making our communities healthier and safer! Position descriptions are on their employment page. Excellent benefits include health, dental and vision coverage and 401k retirement plan. Paid time off is provided for vacation, holidays, sick time, family leave, and medical leave. 

2. The Department of Water Management is hiring for positions

DWM is seeking an Assistant Commissioner, a Project Administrator, and a General Superintendent of Water Management. If interested, apply on their website.

3. Chicago Department of Aviation is hiring for 26 positions

A list of all positions can be viewed on their website. Many applications closing on October 24th.

4. Cook County Health and Hospital Systems seeking Bilingual Psychiatric Social Worker (and more!)

Job posting for a Psychiatric Social Worker at our Jorge Prieto (Little Village) and North Riverside Health Centers, as well as other employment opportunities, can be found here. 

The deadline to apply is November 4th. Candidates must create a Taleo profile to submit their application. If you are unsure on how to use the application software this resource can guide you.

5. Chicago/ Cook County Workforce Partnership

F.H. Paschen (FHP) has partnered with the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership to connect local residents with construction jobs for reconstructing the Webster Avenue Bridge, located over the North Branch of the Chicago River in Chicago, IL. The Partnership is working directly with FHP to fill construction trade positions.

If you are a skilled tradesperson interested in working on the project, please complete this form and The Partnership will begin your screening and hiring process.  If you need training in a construction-related occupation, you will be connected to the appropriate resources. 

6. St. Mary of Providence is seeking Direct Support Persons

7. St. Mary of Providence is seeking Developmental Education Instructor

8. St. Mary of Providence is seeking Teacher’s Aid

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 2 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. 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. 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