|
|
|
|
Commons Connections
| May 2010
|
 Greetings!
Chicago Commons is focused on our neighborhoods. This is the context through which we view the State of Illinois fiscal crisis. We are against proposals to cut human services excessively, at higher rates than other parts of state government, because it would severely damage the isolated neighborhoods we serve.
 The Illinois legislature failed to pass a budget so far, but revealed outlines of what the budget could look like. A bill passed by the Senate contained drastic cuts - such as 37% for Dept. of Human Services and 52% for Dept. on Aging. The Governor would be granted authority to moderate some of these cuts, but with no revenue to match. The end result of this opaque budget would either be draconian cuts to human services or an even larger pile of unpaid state bills at the end of the year. Not a solution.
But not all is cloudy. Commons is a diverse and resilient organization, and we continue to pursue new opportunities. We are not solely dependent on the State of Illinois. But the longer the state delays tough decisions, the greater the pain when time runs out. Please add your voice to the call for a responsible budget with shared sacrifices. Click here to find your legislators and take action. Your voice matters!
Dan Valliere, Executive Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Census 2010 - Mail Response Rates are In
 Since November, we have been involved in the Census 2010 "Count Me In" Campaign, which set out to increase mail response rates in communities at risk for being undercounted. Over the past six months, we have reached more than 15,000 residents often overlooked by the census - through door-to-door outreach, community meetings, canvassing, e-newsletters, radio, TV, and more.
Although the Census did not expect to reach its previous rate set in the 2000 census, we not only met but exceeded those numbers: Humboldt Park had a 5% increase, and Back of the Yards had a 2% increase in the final mail back response rate. These numbers may seem small, but with the distrust and political climate of at-risk communities, this is a great success. We applaud the efforts of all our partners, collaborators and staff who worked so diligently to ensure that the neighborhoods we serve will be in a better position in the decade to come. Census workers will be out on the streets doing door-to-door follow-up visits through the end of May, so participation numbers may still increase!
|
 Speak up to Violence!
Last Saturday's Anti-Violence MasterPeace Festival, presented by the Humboldt Park Safety Net Works Coalition, was a great success, with over 300 attendees and participants! Our youth
participants took the lead in organizing this performance event, arranging auditions for youth
talent, and developing and distributing promotional materials. The
theme of the show was "Don't be silent; speak up to violence" and the event served as a
forum for neighborhood youth to express their concerns about violence in Chicago. The festival provided an opportunity to empower youth to positively impact their community.
|
Safe Passage for Students
Through our connection with the New Communities Program Safety
Committee, Chicago Commons and other neighborhood organizations worked
collaboratively to make this year's Safe Passage Conference a
resounding success. The conference, which included workshops on traffic safety and dealing with substance abuse, provided training and recognition to parents who work with schools in Greater Humboldt Park to ensure that their children have a
safe passage to and from school.
Seeking safe passage (from the Tribune archives) - a collection of articles focused on youth violence, examining its complex causes and uncovering
possible solutions.
(Photo courtesy of Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation)
|
Come out and volunteer!
Want to make a difference and get a little sunshine and fresh air at the same time?  Start-up Farmer's Market!!!Support a new neighborhood market in West Humboldt Park, on the first Saturday of every month, beginning June 5. We are seeking 2-3 volunteers for each shift - set-up from 10 - noon, and take-down from 3 - 5 p.m. If you can't volunteer, be sure to stop by and get some local produce! The market is a community project that Commons is helping to
support. To
volunteer, please contact Doris Brown by email or at 773.826.4282. |
Job Training
Our new Chicago Commons
Neighborhood Clean-Up Program (NCU) is providing ex-offenders with
transitional jobs, and opportunities for educational/vocational success, personal
development and sustained professional growth.
Each
year, an estimated fifty NCU participants are hired in part-time transitional
jobs through our employment partner, Peoples Landscaping. This year, we
are in the process of developing a blueprinting bridge program that will
complement these transitional jobs by helping participants develop marketable
skills required for reading and interpreting blueprints. Upon completion,
individuals will be able to bridge into manufacturing, construction or
landscaping careers.
|
Reggio Emilia Exhibit
This very special exhibition of the infant-toddler centers and preschools of the
Istituzione - Municipality of Reggio Emilia, Italy, is coming to Chicago, and will be housed at Columbia College, 33 E. Congress, beginning June 15 and ending November 30.
The exhibit will be open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays from 12-5, and Saturdays from 10-5. Don't miss this opportunity to experience this creative educational exhibit!
|
| Upcoming Events |
2010 Annual Golf Invitational
Monday, June 28, 1:00 shotgun start
Chicago Commons Annual General Meeting
Columbia College
Tuesday, June 15, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Pour Out Your Heart for Commons!Zealous, 419 W. Superior (a River North restaurant)Friday, November 5, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. |
|
|
|
Creating Art
Community
art projects are a powerful way to generate a sense of pride and
ownership. A group of ten students met at Chicago Commons
over 8 weeks and came up with creative ways to spread positive feelings
in their own neighborhood, Back of the Yards.
They agreed upon a simple message: "Chase your dreams." Then
they installed the message in a large fence using paper cups. Such a
simple idea -- one that the students created and implemented
themselves.
Other messages keep appearing, made with plates, fabric, sidewalk chalk, cardboard and other materials.
Can you find another message in this newsletter?
|
|
Community BBQ
In response to recent neighborhood violence, our Adult Education
Training Center, along with Ceasefire Humboldt Park, BEEP, and the West Humboldt Park Development Council, sponsored a Community Barbeque on
April 22 in West Humboldt Park. Neighborhood residents joined us for
lunch and received information on education, classes and job search
assistance.
|
|
Fast Facts
 Did you know that 93% of every dollar we receive goes directly to our programs? It's true! Every donation, no matter how small, makes a difference! GIVE NOW! |
|
Tribute Gifts
We gratefully acknowledge these special gifts made in honor or in memory
of a friend or loved one, received in the last quarter (1/1 -
3/31/10):
IN MEMORY OF:
Dave Daniels
Mr. and Mrs. Henry R. Bey IN HONOR OF:
Esther Benjamin
Mr. and Mrs. Edward S. Weil, Jr.
Sue G'sell
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Sobel |
|
|
|
|
Thank you! | We thank you for your
continued support of Chicago Commons and our efforts to partner in building the
well-being of the individuals, families and neighborhoods we
serve. In these challenging times, it is needed more than ever! Click here to find out how you can support Chicago Commons or contact Sue G'Sell at 773.826.4256 or by email to discuss how you can help.
|
|
|
