By William S. Bike
Editor’s note: At press time, future events listed in Around the Neighborhood still were scheduled, but changes are happening on a daily basis due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Check websites or call before going out in case organizers have postponed or canceled events.
BENTON HOUSE INFO
At Benton House, 3052 S. Gratten Ave., find out about public benefits such as supplemental nutrition assistance and citizenship application help. Call (773) 927-6420 or email [email protected].
BOULEVARD NEWS
The Boulevard of Chicago at 3456 W. Franklin Blvd. provides medical respite care and housing services for homeless adults discharged from area hospitals. Call (773) 533-6013 or log on to www.blvd.org.
BUCKNER RESOURCES
Residents who want to share their thoughts or require assistance on coronavirus or any issue in the community can reach the office of State Rep Kam Buckner (D-26th) at (773) 924-1755 or by email at [email protected].
CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES
Bright Star Community Outreach and Bright Star Church provide resources related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including rental assistance and utilities support. They also have a trauma helpline and provide professional development, emotional support, and child and family services. Log on to brightstarcommunityoutreach.com/. Donations welcome. The church is located at 4518 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
BUCKNER RESOURCES
Residents who want to share their thoughts or require assistance on coronavirus or any issue in the community can reach the office of State Rep Kam Buckner (D-26th) at (773) 924-1755 or by email at [email protected].
GET HELP
The Catholic Charities call center helps callers with a variety of needs and connects them to programs within Catholic Charities or other agencies.
The organization offers meals to go at St. Vincent Center, 721 N. LaSalle St., Monday through Friday at 4 p.m. No pre-registration required.
Catholic Charities operates several food pantries.
A counseling/support hotline is available at (312) 948-6951. Catholic Charities also offers professional counseling at (312) 644-7725.
Log on to catholiccharities.net, call (312) 655-7700, or email [email protected].
ART EXHIBITIONS
Chicago Artists Coalition, 2130 W. Fulton St., will present three new exhibitions, all open to the public from Friday, May 7, through Wednesday, June 16, by appointment only from 3 to 8 p.m. For more information, call (312) 491-8888.
NURSE CONSORTIUM NEWS
The Chicago Bilingual Nurse Consortium helps foreign-educated nurses attain licensure in Illinois.
National Council Licensure Examination predictor tests are available to demonstrate probability of passing the nursing exam.
The organization’s website at www.chicagobilingualnurse.org also lists jobs available for nurses. For more information, call (773) 838-1870.
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services reports that Community Services Block Grant Scholarships are available for those enrolled or planning to enroll in college or vocational training. Contact Jenny Schuler at [email protected] or (312) 746-7291.
CPS HOTLINES
The Chicago Public Schools administration has established a Healthy CPS Hotline at (773) 533-KIDS (5437) and CPS Parent Tech Support Hotline at (773) 417-1060. Or, email [email protected].
JOBS FOR YOUTH
The City of Chicago has jobs for youth ages 14 through 24. Application deadline is Friday, June 11. Go to OneSummerChicago.org.
LEGAL AID
Cook County officials and partners run Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt, a county-wide initiative to help residents resolve eviction, foreclosure, debt, and tax deed issues. Services are provided pro bono for Cook County residents without legal representation and are offered to tenants facing eviction, landlords dealing with an eviction, debtors being sued for unpaid debts, creditors wishing to sue on the basis of unpaid debts, and residents who have defaulted on property tax payments or mortgage foreclosure payments. Learn more by visiting www.cookcountylegalaid.org/.
DE LA SALLE NEWS
De La Salle Institute will host school tours at 9, 10, and 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 19. It will host grade school summer camps in June and July.
De La Salle is at 3434 S. Michigan Ave. Call (312) 842-7355 or log on to www.dls.org.
AMERICAN ROULETTE
American Roulette is an art exhibit at the Chase Gallery at Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland Ave., on display now through Sunday, July 18. Call (312) 421-4600.
COMMUNITY JUSTICE GRANTS
Expensify.org, a charity founded by the preaccounting platform Expensify, runs the Community Justice Grant Challenge, which can provide up to $100,000 in funding to ten grassroots organizations or individuals fighting injustices in their community. Expensify.org wants to partner with groups working to advance change in at least one of these areas: climate justice, food security, housing equity, reentry services, or youth advocacy. To apply, visit Expensify.org. The deadline to apply has been extended to Saturday, May 15.
FOOD PANTRIES
The following food pantries provide groceries and meals to those who need them.
Chosen Tabernacle Full Gospel, 4310 S. Champlain Ave., Thursday, 1 to 3 p.m., (888) 834-9414.
Church of St. Paul and the Redeemer, 4945 S. Dorchester Ave., Wednesday, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., (773) 624-3185.
Hyde Park SDA Soup Kitchen, 4608 S. Drexel Blvd., Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., (773) 373-2909.
Kenwood Oakland Community Organization, 4242 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., (773) 548-7500.
Kenwood UCC Soup Kitchen, 4608 S. Greenwood Ave., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9:30 to 10 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m., (773) 373-2861.
Operation Pull Grant Memorial, 4017 S. Drexel Blvd., Tuesday, 1 to 3 p.m., (773) 285-5819.
PEOPLE
Noah Benjamin Goldin was born April 1, weighing in at 8 lbs., 2 oz., and measuring 20 inches long. Proud mother and father are Emilia Olvera and Daniel Goldin. Noah is the brother of Eli Alexander Goldin. Proud grandparents are Steven and Hortencia Olvera and Wally and Elena Goldin.
GLESSNER HOUSE
Glessner House,1800 S. Prairie Ave. is open for tours on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 1 and 2:30 p.m. Advance ticket required. Visit GlessnerHouse.org.
GPAC MEETINGS
Grant Park Advisory Council meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. This month’s meeting will be held May 19. To register, go to www.facebook.com/ChicagoGPAC/?modal=admin_todo_tour.
GBMA HELP
Greater Bridgeport Mutual Aid, a network of more than 150 volunteers, has organized to provide free grocery delivery, direct people to resources and information through a telephone hotline, provide digital enrichment for students during remote learning, and do neighbor support check-ins. The network serves the Bridgeport, Chinatown, Armour Square, and Canaryville neighborhoods. Services are available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese. Request services on the group’s website at www.gbmachicago.org or by calling or texting the group’s hotline at (312) 818-1393. Donations are welcome by emailing GBMA through the organization’s website.
HARMONY NEWS
Harmony Community Church, 1908 S. Millard Ave., has converted its sanctuary into a community center for youth programs and events. The church offers reading, tutoring, fine art, music, and dance programs. It also has a food pantry. Call (773) 762-9673.
HEALTHCARE COVERAGE
The Biden Administration has opened HealthCare.gov,created by the Affordable Care Act, through Sunday, Aug. 15, so all Americans can sign up for health insurance.
ART EXHIBITION
The Hyde Park Art Center is presenting the Metamorphosis of Gabriel Villa and a related virtual artist talk. This exhibition introduces the artist’s new direction in installation and clay sculpture and is available for in-person viewing from now through Saturday, July 17. Villa will give a free virtual artist talkThursday, June 6, 3 to 4 p.m.,via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81095516013). Advance registration is required via Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.com/e/the-metamorphosis-of-gabriel-villa-artist-talk-tickets-150122730127. The Hyde Park Art Center is located at 5020 S. Cornell Ave. Call (773) 324-5520.
GIVE BLOOD
The Illinois Coalition of Community Blood Centers encourages people to give blood. Contact Vitalant at www.vitalant.org or (877) 258-4835 to schedule a donation time. For more information, log on to www.illlinoisbloodcenters.com.
DAVIS HONORED
Impact Networking, a managed services provider, has donated $10,000 on behalf of Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-7th) to help fund scholarships for academically deserving students enrolled at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Davis’s alma mater. Davis expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Impact CEO Frank Cucco. For information, call (847) 785-2250.
CPD INCREASES COMPLIANCE
The Independent Monitoring Team assesses behavior of Chicago Police Department and City of Chicago employees and has found that the CPD and City have more than tripled previous compliance with a court consent decree. The CPD instituted 32 hours of mandatory in-service training for officers, conducted extensive community engagement, improved transparency, hired a language access coordinator, and created a department-wide anti-retaliation policy. See cpdmonitoringteam.com.
CHILDHOOD WORKFORCE TRAINING
It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV), 806 N. Peoria St., is starting a new early childhood workforce program for Chicago youth. Participants will earn State credentials, work toward the national Child Development Associate’s credential, and receive a paid apprenticeship at an ITAV early learning worksite. The cohort will take place during summer. To sign up or learn more, visit www.itavschools.org or email Makeya Kelly at [email protected].
LADIES OF VIRTUE
Ladies of Virtue,1245 S. Michigan Ave., (877) 565-7121, provides mentoring and leadership and empowering experiences, including help with school applications, for girls ages nine through 18 from underserved communities. Log on to lovchicago.org.
LATINO UNION
Latino Union of Chicago collaborates with low-income workers to improve their social and economic conditions through employment opportunities. Log on to latinounion.org or call (312) 491-9044. For those looking to hire workers, call (773) 588-2641.
RENTERS’ SERVICES
The Lawyers Committee for Better Housing provides eligible renters with supportive services and free legal aid. The LCBH also offers Rennie the Chatbot at rentervention.com to help with people’s housing problems. The LCBH is located at 33 N. LaSalle St. Call (312) 347-7600 or log on to www.lcbh.org.
MAYOR’S MEDAL
Mayor Lori Lightfoot on April 20 conferred the Mayor’s Medal of Honor to individuals and organizations making extraordinary contributions to Chicago during the coronavirus pandemic. Local organizations honored include Rush University Medical Center, the Pui Tak Center, and the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council Ballet Folklorico.
EMPOWERING LATINAS
Mujeres Latinas en Accion empowers Latinas through service and advocacy. Their domestic violence crisis hotline is (312) 738-5358 and their rape crisis hotline is (888) 293-2080. Mujeres is located at 2124 W. 21st Pl. Call (773) 890-7676.
MENTAL HEALTH
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Chicago offers support groups and other resources for individuals who may need help. Call (833) 626-4244 or visit www.namichicago.org.
IMMIGRANT JUSTICE
The National Immigrant Justice Center, 224 S. Michigan Ave., provides comprehensive legal services to low-income immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. It will continue to do intakes over the phone during the coronavirus crisis. Call (312) 660-1370 or log on to www.immigrantjustice.org.
OUR LADY OF THE HOLY FAMILY NEWS
Our Lady of the Holy Family,1334 W. Flournoy St., holds Sunday Masses at 9 a.m. in English and 11 a.m. in Spanish. Saturday evening Mass is at 5 p.m. Mondays and Fridays, evening Mass is at 6 p.m. Praying the Rosary begins at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays. Adoration/Holy Hour and Confessions begins at 6:30 p.m. on Fridays. Tuesday through Thursday Masses are at 8 a.m. in the chapel at 1335 W. Harrison St.
Reservations required for weekend services, or go online to participate in Masses virtually.
Congratulations to our Confirmandi who received the Sacrament of Conformation on Saturday, April 24! Isabel Avila, Isaura Cardenas, Diego Davila, Miabella Esposito, Pablo Gutierrez, Isabella Guzman, Jaquelin Nevarez, Venus Nava-Munoz, Anne O’Neill, Stefano Ramirez, Joshua Roman, Jayden Rivera, Gabriel Ruiz, Natalie Ruiz, Christopher Sanchez, Ariana Valdez, and Leonardo Zuno.
Call (312) 243-7400, email [email protected] or log on to www.olhfchi.org.
SOCIAL HEALTH INITIATIVE
The Pilsen Social Health Initiative at 1850 S. Throop St. offers a food pantry, thrift store, and onsite social worker. See www.pilsensocialhealthinitiative.com/. Call (773) 812-3150.
RAOUL NEWS
Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced his office surpassed $904 million in revenue collected on behalf of the State through litigation and collection efforts in 2020. The revenue collected for the State by the attorney general’s office shows that, for every dollar of taxpayer funding the office received, it generated $25.49 for the State. For more information, call (217) 785-5726.
RUSH ROUNDUP
Rush University System for Health administered its 100,000th dose of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines in April, a milestone reached in less than four months. For more information, log on to rush.edu/vaccine.
Rush is at 1700 W. Van Buren St.
SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS
The Saint Ignatius College Prep varsity sailing team finished second in the Central Fleet Qualifier.
Malcolm Bevans made school history in track and field by breaking his own record in the triple jump by almost 18 inches when he jumped 47 feet, 8 inches—the best jump in Illinois this year.
The school is located at 1076 W. Roosevelt Rd. Log on to www.ignatius.org or call (312) 421-5900.
DONATIONS NEEDED
St. Matthew Lutheran Church/Comedor San Mateo Soup Kitchen needs donations of kitchen sinks, office supplies, garbage bags, napkins, and food. Call (773) 847-5458 or (312) 636-6496. The church and soup kitchen are located at 2108 W. 21st St.
ART EXHIBIT
Seeds In My Pocket is an art exhibit curated by South Shore artist Dorian Sylvain and Pilsen artist Pablo Serrano in partnership with the Chicago Art Department. The exhibit focuses on the shared journey of Black and Latino families who navigate barriers to create a sense of home and place in Chicago. The exhibit is at 1926 S. Halsted St. through Sunday, May 30. Walk-ins are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees are encouraged to make reservations at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seeds-in-my-pocket-opening-tickets-144808348669?ref=estw.
PENGUIN VISIT
Three Magellanic penguins from Shedd Aquarium recently made a special visit to Shaw’s Crab House in Chicago to celebrate and support Chicago Restaurant Week and bring attention to Shedd’s Let’s Shedd Plastic program for restaurants, aiming to combat plastic pollution. The aquarium is at 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr. Call (312) 939-2438.
UIC INFORMATION
The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Athletics Department received a $250,000 commitment from football letter winner and 1969 alumnus Al Ronan to establish the Al Ronan Family UIC Athletics Scholarship Fund. It will support student-athletes who demonstrate financial need, academic merit, and athletic excellence.
UIC has been named a voter friendly campus by NASPA, a national organization of student affairs administrators in higher education, and the Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project. UIC received the accolade for creating student engagement programs encouraging students to register and vote a key part of its institutional mission.
Through a five-year, $2.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation, a team from the UIC Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science will run a program to recruit, train, and develop young scientists for research careers in algebraic geometry and associated fields such as commutative algebra and topology.
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
To encourage community-oriented selflessness and volunteerism, Zakat Foundation of America has set aside $20,000 in scholarships for high school seniors entering college who have engaged in community service. Applications must be submitted by Monday, May 10. Learn more at www.zakat.org/.
SHRINE NEWS
The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii will offer a virtual pilgrimage to the shrine on Saturday, May 8, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., exploring the building’s symbolism, spirituality, and beauty. Visit pietre-vive.org or Pietre Vive on Facebook/Instagram/YouTube to learn more.
Rosa Mystica: A Journey of Renewal and Restoration focusing on Mary, Mother of All Nations, is scheduled for Tuesday, May 11, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Register by 2 p.m. that day.
For more information, visit ourladyofpompeii.org or Our Lady of Pompeii Shrine on Facebook.
The shrine is at 1224 W. Lexington St. Call (312) 421-3757.
Send news of events held “around the neighborhood” by the 15th of the month before the month they are to occur to William S. Bike, Around the Neighborhood, Gazette Chicago, 1335 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60607-3318, fax (312) 243-4270, or email [email protected].