✴️ Actualizaciones, eventos, recursos y más sobre la comunidad

¿Está usted o alguien que usted conoce interesado en un entrenamiento de Primeros Auxilios de Salud Mental? La semana pasada, todo mi personal asistió a un curso de ocho horas sobre primeros auxilios en salud mental impartido por The Kedzie Center. Primeros auxilios en salud mental es un curso que enseña a identificar, comprender y responder a los signos de enfermedades mentales y trastornos por consumo de sustancias. La formación le proporciona las habilidades que necesita para llegar y proporcionar ayuda inicial y apoyo a alguien que pueda estar desarrollando un problema de salud mental o de uso de sustancias o experimentando una crisis. Todos los asistentes recibieron también un manual para ampliar sus conocimientos sobre salud mental. Para obtener consejos sobre cómo mantener su propia salud mental, consulte el folleto de la sección X. Para obtener más información, visite el sitio web del Centro Kedzie en www.thekedziecenter.org.

En la festividad del Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebré el legado del Dr. Martin Luther King con BUILD y Youth Guidance Chicago. Había tantos jóvenes que a pesar del tiempo hicieron el evento. Hubo talleres, oradores invitados y comida disponible para todos los asistentes. Su invitado sorpresa fue GHerbo y a juzgar por las reacciones de los jóvenes, estaba iluminado. Quiero dar las gracias a BUILD y a Youth Guidance por seguir apoyando e involucrando a los jóvenes con tantas salidas productivas.

BUILD ha tenido una semana ajetreada. El viernes inauguraron sus nuevas oficinas en Humboldt Park, en 1750 N. Kimball. BUILD es una agencia juvenil antiviolencia que trabaja en la zona oeste de Chicago. Desde 1969, han incorporado mentores en colegios y barrios para conectar con los jóvenes, ganarse su confianza y ofrecerles el apoyo y las oportunidades que se merecen. En la nueva sede de Humboldt Park ofrecerán a las familias ayuda con la vivienda, la alimentación y la navegación por los sistemas legal o sanitario. También ofrecerán grupos de apoyo por género, respuesta a crisis y apoyo a víctimas y supervivientes de la violencia. Para saber más sobre BUILD, visite su página web en www.buildchicago.org. Estoy deseando reforzar esta asociación con BUILD y poner en contacto a nuestras familias con los recursos que necesitan para prosperar.

El pasado viernes por la noche asistí a un evento de micrófono abierto organizado por el equipo de Prevención e Intervención de la Violencia del Centro Cultural Puertorriqueño. Presenciar cómo cerca de dos docenas de jóvenes mostraban su talento en el escenario, situado en el antiguo Batey Urbano, ahora transformado en la Compañía de Teatro Urbano, me produjo una inmensa alegría. Estos atractivos actos ofrecen valiosas salidas creativas a los jóvenes de nuestra comunidad. Felicito al equipo de Prevención de la Violencia e Intervención por acoger este impactante micro abierto.

Expreso mi gratitud a una residente del Distrito 26 por su inquebrantable dedicación a garantizar la seguridad y accesibilidad de nuestras calles, aceras y viaductos. Mayra Pinal se puso en contacto conmigo en su barrio, donde, durante nuestro paseo, destacó las áreas que requieren cuidado y atención. En particular, señaló un viaducto cubierto de nieve y hielo que dificultaba la movilidad de sus vecinos en silla de ruedas. Es a través de esta atención vigilante y la defensa que contribuimos colectivamente a la seguridad de nuestra comunidad. Si desea programar un paseo por su barrio, póngase en contacto con mi oficina en el 773.395.0143 o por correo electrónico en info@the26thward.org.

Su Concejal del Distrito 26,

Jessie Fuentes


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26th Ward Office Updates

We're Hiring!

My office is hiring a Director of Community Engagement and Communications. This director will lead community outreach and communication strategy for the 26th Ward office. Find a job description at bit.ly/26wardjob. To apply, send your resume and cover letter to juanita@the26thward.org. The application window will close on Friday, January 26th at 5pm

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26th Ward Snow Shoveling Program

We are recruiting for our 26th Ward Snow Shoveling Program. We will pair seniors and neighbors with disabilities with volunteers who will help keep our Ward safe and walkable by shoveling snow. I invite you to let us know if you are in need of help OR are someone who is willing to volunteer. Our office will reach out to match volunteers with an individual in their area who is in need of support. Complete the Google Form here: bit.ly/snowprogram26.

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Valentines Day Celebration

Join us for a Valentine Senior Celebration where we will be providing our seniors with brunch, health screenings, vaccines, music, raffles and senior resources. This will take place on February 13th from 10am to 2pm at the St. Aloysius Theile Center (1510 N. Claremont).

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Connect with the 26th Ward Office

Ward Hours

The 26th ward office is located at 2511 W. Division StStarting this week, our office's new regular hours of operation are as follows:

  • Monday 1 pm - 7 pm*
  • Tuesday 10 am - 5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am - 5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am - 5 pm
  • Friday 10 am - 5 pm.

*Ward Night: Monday's 5 pm - 7 pm

Ward Nights

Ward nights are an opportunity to meet with Alderperson Fuentes to talk to her about local or city issues and they take place every Monday from 5pm - 7pm. Ward night meetings are by appointment only and on a first come, first served basis.

 

If you would like to meet with Alderperson Fuentes during ward night, please call or email the ward office at 773-395-0143 or info@the26thward.org

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26th Ward Youth Council 

We are excited to inspire our young people to get involved in government and organize in the community. If you are a youth (12-24 years old) that resides in the 26th Ward and wants to have a say in how we spend infrastructure money and what type of policies I champion, please sign up for our youth council by applying at bit.ly/youth26. Stay stunned for our next meeting date.

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26th Ward Ambassadors

We are excited to announce the new 26th Ward Ambassadors program to build stronger connections with neighbors & spread the word about important resources. Join a community of neighbors ready to take action, attend educational workshops, and more. If you're interested in signing up, call our Ward Office at 773-395-0143 and ask for Juanita.

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Winter Supplies Needed for Asylum Seekers

Donations of winter clothing and supplies for asylum seekers can be dropped off at our office (2511 W Division St) or any of the other drop off locations listed on the flyer above. Winter coats, blankets, winter gear and sleeping bags are especially in need.

 

Click here to purchase donation items.

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26th Ward Zoning

The 26th Ward community-driven zoning process requires that anyone requesting a zoning change must first complete a zoning intake form. Once their intake form has been reviewed they are invited to present their zoning request to the 26th Ward Zoning Advisory Committee and must answer additional questions posed by the committee. When applicable, the person requesting a zoning change may also be required to present their zoning request to the broader public during a community input meeting. For more information, and to provide feedback on pending zoning requests, go to: the26thward.org/zoning

 

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Community Events

Rental Rights Workshop

Join the Department of Housing for a presentation and resource fair to learn about Tenant and Landlord rights, responsibilities, resources, and regulations. This event will take place on January 27, 2024, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Truman College's O'Rourke Theater, 1145 W. Wilson Ave. Chicago, Il 60641.

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Tickets From the Blackhawks and Bulls

The Chicago Blackhawks is offering CPS staff and families exclusive ticket offers for the below games in February. Get your tickets here by clicking “view available games” and entering promo code CPS.

  • Blackhawks vs. Wild: Wednesday, February 7 at 8:30 p.m.
  • Blackhawks vs. Rangers: Friday, February 9 at 7:30 p.m.

The Chicago Bulls is offering CPS staff an exclusive ticket offer for the below game in January. Get your tickets here!

  • Bulls vs. Raptors: Tuesday, January 30 at 7 p.m.

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Open Gym

Rincon Family Services and New Life Community Church are hosting an open gym every Tuesday from 5-7pm at New Life Community Church at 1410 N Springfield Ave.

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Home Owner Seminars by Inherent

Inherent is hosting two upcoming seminars on Home Energy Savings (1/25/24) and New Build Home Buying (1/20/24). See the flyers above to learn more about these events and how to register. 

Public Notices

Rental Assistance 

The Rental Assistance Program (RAP) is a homeless prevention program that provides financial assistance to eligible Chicago residents who are at risk of becoming homeless. The program targets households who have had a documented loss of income. Because the program assists only those currently in housing, it is not designed to relocate homeless families from shelter to housing. For more information go to chicago.gov/fss/RAP.

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NEW ROUND of Community Development Grants

The Department of Planning and Development has announced a new round of Community Development Grants to support local commercial, mixed-use, and light manufacturing development. Grant eligible expenses include pre-development, construction, or renovation costs for permanent capital improvement projects. Only applications for funding levels more than $250,000 are currently being accepted. Grant requests should represent no more than 75% of anticipated total project cost.

 

The deadline to apply is Monday, February 9th. Apply now at: bit.ly/dpdCDBG24.

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Public Safety Meetings

The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) has introduce a new and improved interactive calendar, which you can click here to access. One of the key features of this calendar is the inclusion of the yearly meeting calendar for both the Commission for Public Safety and your local District Councils. By simply visiting this website, you can find the dates, times, and locations of all scheduled meetings. 

 

14th Police District Beat Calendar

 

25th Police District Beat Calendar

 

Public Hearings with CPD Superintendent Snelling

The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability is required by law to hold four public hearings at which the Superintendent may speak and members of the public may share comments and questions, and provide recommendations to inform the Commission's work with the Superintendent. Join the first round of public hearings with the Superintendent Snelling. Scan the QR code to register or click here.

 

Apply to Chicago's Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability

Are you passionate about public safety and police oversight and accountability? Your opportunity to make a difference is here! The District Council Nominating Committee will be accepting applications to fill the seven-member Commission from January 8, 2024-February 7, 2024. The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability is a seven-member body that oversees the Chicago Police Department (CPD), the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), and the Police Board. The Commission works to increase public safety, transparency, and community input into CPD, COPA, and Police Board operations, policies, and procedures. For more information go to: cityofchicago.org/chicagocommunitycommission.

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Apply to Vote by Mail

Chicago voters can now apply to Vote By Mail in the upcoming March 19, 2024 Presidential Primary Election. Click here to learn more and get started. Sign up online to join the Vote By Mail Permanent Roster and receive a mail ballot ahead of your preferred elections, by using this link.

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Mental Health Tips

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Rodent Control Program Evaluation

The Chicago Office of Inspector General is evaluating the City's Rodent Control Program. If you have information you would like to share please reach out by March 1st. Contact OIG at 833-TALK-2-IG, igchicago.org, or talk2ig@igchicago.org.

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Ballot Initiative Info: Bring Chicago Home

The Bring Chicago Home (BCH) initiative seeks to restructure the Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT) to generate dedicated funds for permanent affordable housing, with voters deciding on this initiative on March 19, 2024. The proposal involves decreasing taxes for properties under $1 million and increasing them for properties exceeding $1 million. Click here to read the language on the referendum. If you have any questions, please contact our office.

Get Involved

Serve as a Poll Watcher

Visit our office to apply to be an election judge.

 

Office location:  2511 W Division Street, Chicago, IL 60622
Hours:

  • Monday 1 pm - 5 pm*
  • Tuesday 10 am - 5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am - 5 p
  • Thursday 10 am - 5 pm
  • Friday 10 am - 5 pm

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Become a Mentor

iMentor still needs 100 adults in Chicago to become mentors to high school juniors at North-Grand High School! Fast-Track your way to joining a volunteer mentor community of 1,000 strong by attending one of our Fall Fast-Track sessions. When you sign up for a Fast-Track timeslot (1hr), it will include:

  • New Mentor Orientation (to learn more)
  • Complete a Mentor Application (to make the best match to a mentee)
  • Meet Current Mentors (ask any questions)
  • Enjoy Coffee & Pastries (yum!)

For questions contact chicago@imentor.org

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Run for your Local School Council

As a former educator, I recognize the pivotal role that parental and community involvement plays in shaping a child's education. Research consistently highlights the positive impact of such engagement, leading to improved academic performance, attendance, and enhanced self-esteem for students. Local School Councils (LSCs) are instrumental in this regard, overseeing crucial aspects such as evaluating school principals, approving budgets, and endorsing improvement plans. In the 26th ward, I am dedicated to ensuring that every school benefits from a robust and complete LSC. Your participation in these councils is vital to sustaining the seamless operation of daily school functions. I encourage you to consider running for the LSC, as your input can contribute significantly to the educational landscape of our community. LSC elections are scheduled for April 10 at elementary schools and April 11 at high schools. The deadline to submit your application is February 8, 2024, at 3 pm. Visit cps.edu/lsc to learn more and apply.

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Become an LSC Election Judge

You could earn $275 a day working as a LSC Election Judge. Chicago Public Schools is looking for election judges for the Spring 2024 Local School Council Elections. Elections will be conducted in person at individual schools in April. For more information, contact the office of LSC relations at 773-553-1400 or email Iscrelations@cps.edu.

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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Fall Registration

Are you intellectually curious? Or looking for engagement and social connection? OLLI invites you to join this vibrant learning community at Northwestern University, specially designed for adults age 50+. In stimulating discussions, you’ll explore a wide range of your favorite subjects, including history, literature, creative arts, contemporary issues, science, technology, and more--with no tests or grades. Registration is Feb 5 through Feb 19 for 14-week study groups that begin March 4th in Evanston, downtown Chicago, or online. To view our fall catalog of 100 study groups, email olli@northwestern.edu. And join us for “A Taste of OLLI,” our free online information session on Jan 30 at 11a Central via Zoom (Register here). 

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Job Opportunities

Apply to be a Park District Lifeguard

Apply Now to be a Chicago Park District Summer Lifeguard!
Complete three easy steps: (1) Apply (2) Take the swim test (3) Get hired. Get a $50 Amazon gift card for taking the test, and $400 for completing the training. Must be a Chicago resident age 16 or older by July 1, 2024. Enjoy a summer job in the parks! Apply now at chicagoparkdistrict.com/lifeguards/CPS.

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Cook County Sheriff's Office

The Cook County Sheriff's office is now hiring multiple positions. Apply now at cookcountysheriff.org.

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Construction and Building Trades Pre- Apprenticeship

Are you interested in a career in Construction and the Building Trades? Illinois Works has a FREE Pre-apprenticeship program starting in February. This program offers wrap-around services, stipends, industry recognized certifications and more. For more information contact Rincon Family Services at the number listed on the flyer. 

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Greencorps Training Program

Greencorps Chicago is the City of Chicago’s green industry job training program for individuals with barriers to employment. They are currently recruiting potential candidates for this year’s Employment & Training Program. More information and how to apply can be found on the attached flyer and at https://greencorpschicago.org/how-to-apply/. During the ten-month program, Greencorps Chicago trainees earn a starting wage of $18.50, receive practical experience, professional development, and classroom & field training. Throughout the program, trainees are supported with wrap-around social services, a stable income, and assistance finding full time employment upon completion of the program. For more info, please see: greencorpschicago.org/how-to-apply/

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Obama Foundation Hiring

The Obama Presidential Center is slated to open next year! With that, comes a lot of job opportunities. I will make sure to send out the latest job openings that are available for community members to apply to. Current job openings inclue: Senior Associate, OPC Master Scheduler Senior Coordinator, OPC Facilities.

 

The application for the Obama Leaders program is now open! Between now and Friday, February 9, changemakers between the ages of 24 and 45 from the United States region who want to deepen their leadership skills and connect with other emerging leaders are invited to apply. Apply today!

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School to Work Program for Young Adults

Bridges is a program that assists young adults in Chicago with job readiness, work maturity skills, job search, interviewing skills, entry level job placement, retention, and follow‐up. For more information go to bridgestowork.org.

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Other Career Opportunities

Public Service

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Local Business Spotlight

Yacht 57 

Yacht 57 is a local restaurant serving fish, wings, and burgers located at 1750 North California Ave. Their hours are:

  • Tuesday 11 AM–9 PM
  • Wednesday 11 AM–9 PM
  • Thursday 11 AM–9 PM
  • Friday 11 AM–9 PM
  • Saturday 11 AM–9 PM
  • Sunday 9 AM–7 PM
  • Monday Closed

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Additional Resources

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New Program Connects Landlords and Vacant Apartments To Folks In Need

Chicago Rents is a program that connects landlords to tenants through multiple housing subsidy programs, allowing property partners to receive guaranteed rent, fill vacant units, and access individualized support. Chicago Rents is a program that was created in response to COVID-19 to centralize property partner relationships across multiple housing programs. Through Chicago Rents, property partners are connected with Chicagoans in need of housing, filling unit vacancies and making a real difference in Chicago's neighborhoods. For additional information, please visit: allchicago.org/chicagorents.

 

If you are a landlord interested in joining the Chicago Rents program, you can click here to apply.

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Reproductive Justice

If you know someone looking for reproductive justice resources in Chicago, they can go to this Department of Public Health resource page to use the City’s digital community resource directory. There is also a free talkline (1-888-493-0092) where operators are available to share information on various reproductive justice options. 

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info@the26thward.org

(773)395-0143

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2511 W Division Street, Chicago, IL 60622

 

Hours:

 Monday 1 pm - 7 pm |  Tuesday 10 am - 5 pm

Wednesday 10 am - 5 pm | Thursday 10 am - 5 pm

Friday 10 am - 5 pm