In this newsletter
26th Ward Office Updates • Community Events • Public Notices • Ways to get Involved • Job Opportunities • Resources.
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Dear Neighbors,
These last two weeks have been energizing. I was able to enjoy some time off with my wonderful wife in Cozumel, México. Upon my return, I attended a few Three Kings Day events in the ward. Hundreds of children, accompanied by their parents, received gifts ranging from toys to bikes to coloring books. I want to thank San Lucas, The Puerto Rican Cultural Center and La Sandwichera for organizing these joyous events in our community.
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I also visited a few businesses in the ward. Vipul Bhagat, co-owner of Skyline Design located at 1240 N. Homan, gave me a tour of the facility. Skyline Design is a glass manufacturer that has called Humboldt Park its home for over 40 years. This family-run powerhouse doesn't just design vibrant customized glass and ship glass windows worldwide, they craft masterpieces for every corner of life, from gleaming hospital facades to sun-drenched shower doors bursting with color. Skyline Design also employs over 80 people in the neighborhood and partners with Association House and Catholic Charities to build bridges into local talent pools. To learn more about this Skyline Design, visit their website at skydesign.com.
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I also had the opportunity to visit the Kimball Daycare Center and read to over twenty toddlers. For over 35 years, Kimball Daycare Center has worked in the service of children in Humboldt Park providing an integrated approach to education. Kimball Daycare offers Early Head Start Programs that help young children, from birth to 3 years old, and their families prepare to succeed in school through local programs. These programs promote children's development through services that support early learning, health, and family well-being. For more information on the daycare, visit their website here.
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This frigid weather has brought on its challenges for us all. There were several garbage trucks that were inoperable which caused delays in garbage pick-up. Streets and Sanitations will be working through the weekend to make sure all trash is picked up. If you keep your garbage carts in your yard, be sure to place it in the alley, especially if your garbage was not picked up. This cold is also unsafe especially for our unhoused neighbors. This weekend I walked the entire park and informed and encouraged our unhoused neighbors to go to New Life Covenant Church’s warming center located at 2704 W. North Ave. The emergency warming center is operating when the temperature is at 15 degrees or below. The hours of operation are 7pm - 7am.
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I’d like to close by encouraging anyone who is able and willing to consider being an election judge on March 19th. The Board of Elections is seeking to fill 103 judge vacancies in the 26th Ward. This is a paid position and training is provided. If we are to have operable polling places throughout the 26th Ward, it’s going to take a collective effort. If you or someone you know is interested, please email us at info@the26thward.org and provide your full name and phone number.
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Your 26th Ward Alderperson,
Jessie Fuentes
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26th Ward Snow Shoveling Program
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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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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.
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Valentines Day Celebration
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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 14th from 10am to 2pm at the St. Aloysius Theile Center (1510 N. Claremont).
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Connect with the 26th Ward Office
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The 26th Ward Office will be closed on Friday, January 19th due to a staff Mental Health First Aid training.
When the office is closed, please contact us with pressing concerns at info@the26thward.org.
The 26th ward office is located at 2511 W. Division St. Starting 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
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I'm hosting a special Ward Night on Monday, January 22nd at Yacht 57 (1750 N. California ) from 5:00-7:00pm.
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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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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Winter Supplies Needed for Asylum Seekers
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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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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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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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Teen Winter Art Challenge
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Teen Winter Challenge is an art contest, open to Chicagoans between 13 and 19 years of age. It begins January 2nd and ends March 3rd. Submit a portfolio of 1-3 original works. Submissions can represent a variety of mediums including drawing, sculpture, photography, fashion and more. Apply at chipublib.org/winter.
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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
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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.
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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
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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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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.
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14th Police District Beat Calendar
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25th Police District Beat Calendar
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12th Police District Council
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Apply to Chicago's Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability
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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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How to Apply for Flood Assistance
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FEMA is now accepting disaster applications to provide relief for damages caused by the severe flooding events between September 17, 2023 - September 18, 2023. To apply for relief call 1-800-621-3362 or register at disasterassistance.gov. This is a Federal program, and all follow up will be conducted through FEMA.
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Salt enhances safety and helps with icy conditions, but excessive salt use can harm our waterways, fish, wildlife, insects, soil and the paws of our four-legged friends. Learn to #SaltSmart this winter!
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Ballot Initiative Info: Bring Chicago Home
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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.
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Run for your Local School Council
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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
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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
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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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CPS Paraprofessionals Fair
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The Chicago Public Schools Talent Office is hosting the monthly CPS Job Paraprofessional Fair in the community for positions with Chicago Public Schools on Thursday, January 18, 2024 from 10:00am - 1:00pm at Garfield Park Gold Dome Field House, 100 North Central Avenue.
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Construction and Building Trades Pre- Apprenticeship
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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
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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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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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Doing Business with the Obama Foundation
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The Obama Foundation, in partnership with the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, is hosting an interactive workshop on January 23 for entrepreneurs and local businesses to explore how to do business with the Foundation. This will take place on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 3:00-5:00 PM at the Polsky Exchange North, 1452 East 53rd Street. This workshop is free and open to the Chicago business community, but please register to attend by Friday, January 19.
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Other Career Opportunities
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Public Service
- The Department of Water Management
- Chicago Department of Law
- 5 "Senior Supervisor-level attorneys" in the following divisions: Regulatory & Contracts, Federal Civil Rights Litigation, Labor, Constitutional & Commercial Litigation, Employment Litigation. Click here to learn more and apply.
- 8 "Entry to mid-level attorneys:" in the following divisions: Torts, Federal Civil Rights Litigation, Federal Civil Rights Litigation - Reversed Conviction Section, Employment Litigation, Risk Management & Compliance, Finance, Real Estate, and more. Click here to learn more and apply.
- Student Opportunities: Year-Round Clerkship, Non-Paid Externship, Post-Graduate Fellowship, Pre-Law Volunteer Program | Summer 2024 Law Clerk Program is now accepting applications.
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Bikettle 21 Day Challenge
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Bikettle's 21 day challenge is designed to encourage and motivate. This program includes a meal plan, weekly group meetings, a private Facebook accountability forum, Bikettle Gym Fee waived and prizes for the best transformation.
Join their challenge at Bikettle.com West side location. Contact Maria 773-259-8904 or Erica with questions 773-243-9511.
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CEDA’s LIHEAP programs offer heating and electricity assistance to income eligible households. Assistance is available to help households with their heating (natural gas, oil, or propane), and/or electric bills. For more information go to www.cedaorg.net/bills.
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New Program Connects Landlords and Vacant Apartments To Folks In Need
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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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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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