By William S. Bike
BLACK CPA SCHOLARSHIP
The Aspiring Black CPA Scholarship—a one-time national scholarship initiative established to provide immediate financial support for Black and African American accounting students and professionals pursuing the CPA credential—is seeking applicants. The Aspiring Black CPA Scholarship is supported by the Black CPA Centennial Fund. Apply at www.blackcpacentennial.cpa by the Sunday, May 1, deadline.
GOLDSBERRY PERFORMANCE
Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr., will host An Evening with Renee Elise Goldsberry, who will sing pop, soul, and Broadway classics on Saturday, April 9, at 7 p.m. Call (312) 341-2300 or log on to auditoriumtheatere.org.
BIG SHOULDERS GRANT
The Big Shoulders Fund received a $15,000 grant on behalf of Northwestern Mutual wealth management advisor Fred O’Connor. The grant will support the organization’s mission to help children in need with educational opportunities, ensuring they are better prepared for longterm success. Big Shoulders is located at 212 W. Van Buren St. Call (312) 751-8337.
AUTHORS’ PANEL
Catalyst Ranch, 656 W. Randolph St., will host a panel of published authors from the Executive Learning Exchange Thursday, April 14, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Call (312) 207-1710.
CARMELA FULL OF WISHES
Chicago Children’s Theatre, 100 S. Racine Ave., will offer the world premiere of Carmela Full of Wishes, April 23 to May 22. Show times are Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Run time is 60 minutes, with no intermission. Tickets are $32 at chicagochildrenstheatre.org.
GET $50
The Chicago Department of Public Health’s in-home coronavirus vaccination program, Protect Chicago At Home, is open to all Chicago residents age five and older. The department is offering $50 gift cards to those receiving a new dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Call (312) 746-4835.
CHICAGO HEALTHTEXT
Gazette Chicago frequently runs health-related articles as part of Chicago HealthText, a collaboration between DePaul University and Chicago Independent Media Alliance. See https://chihealthtext.org/ for more information. Do you have a healthcare or health-related issue you would like to see Gazette Chicago cover? Text (312) 487-2372 or (773) 969-9443, or text HEALTH to (312) 487-2372.
JOIN THE POLICE
The Chicago Police Department is hiring. Log on to https://home.chicagopolice.org/bethechange/.
MONEY FROM CITY
Chicago residents are eligible to apply to participate in the City’s $500-per-month income pilot program, Chicago Resilient Communities Pilot, which aims to provide 5,000 low-income households with monthly cash payments for 12 months. Applicants must be older than 18, live in the city, have experienced economic hardship due to COVID-19, and have income less than 250% of the Federal poverty level. More information is at chicago.gov/cashpilot.
WOMEN’S PARK NEWS
The Chicago Women’s Park & Gardens Advisory Council will meet on the Tuesdays of April 26, June 7, July 12, Aug. 23, Oct. 11, and Dec. 6 at 6:45 p.m. at the field house at 1801 S. Indiana Ave. The public is invited.
Club room rentals are available to the public.
Bollywood hip hop classes are scheduled for Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., and yoga classes are held Mondays at 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. with teachers from the Kalapriya Indian Center. Register at https://kalapriya.org/community-programs#classes.
For more information, log on to www.chicagowomenspark.com, email [email protected], or call (312) 328-0821.
CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY
Church of the Holy Family,1080 W. Roosevelt Rd., welcomes you to join the congregation for upcoming services:Palm distribution, Monday, April 11, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Stations of the Cross, Wednesday, April 13, 8:10 a.m. Call (312) 492-8442.
GRANTS TO STOP GUN VIOLENCE
The Cook County Justice Advisory Council is seeking applicants for Gun Violence Prevention and Reduction Grants. Applications for grants of $1.5 million or less are due Monday, May 9. Log on to cookcountyil.gov/JACGrants.
HOYNE PARK SUPPORT
Cubs Charities, a nonprofit that supports sports for youth, families, and communities, will celebrate investing more than $2 million in Chicago communities through 12 ribbon cuttings this year, including one in this community supporting the Omega Delta Youth Baseball and Softball League at Hoyne Park, 3417 S. Hamilton Ave. For more information, visit www.cubscharities.org.
CHASING LIGHT
Catherine Edelman Gallery is presenting the solo exhibition Chasing Light, featuring new work by Clarissa Bonet, through Saturday, May 14. Bonet has local ties, being a Columbia College Chicago alumna. The gallery is at 1637 W. Chicago Ave. Call (312) 266-2350.
HAROLD WASHINGTON LEGACY
Midland Authors will present Rick Kogan of the Chicago Tribune and WGN Radio and Peter Nolan of NBC-TV Channel 5 discussing Mayor Harold Washington’s legacy in honor of the 100th anniversary of his birth. Admission to the Wednesday, April 20, event is free, with cash bar; it starts at 6 p.m. at the Cliff Dwellers Club, 200 S. Michigan Ave. Call (312) 636-8968.
GARDNER ACCREDITED
The Gardner School of Chicago-West Loop, a preschool for children ages six weeks through five years, has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The school is at 1301 W. Madison St. Call (312) 229-4299.
GOOD NIGHT OSCAR
Goodman Theatre,170 N. Dearborn St.,is presenting Good Night Oscar,about actor and pianist Oscar Levant appearing on the Tonight Show in 1958, through Sunday, April 24. Call (312) 443-3800.
GLESSNER HOUSE NEWS
Tours of the Glessner House, 1800 S. Prairie Ave., have resumed. Enjoy tours on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and at 1 and 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person, or $17 for seniors and students. The tenth annual Mother-Daughter Tea will take place Saturday, April 30, with seatings at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $55 per person. Advance tickets required for all tours and programs. Visit www.glessnerhouse.org to purchase and for more information.
RANKING HIGH IN HEALTH
According to the Healthtech Index, Chicago is the third highest ranking city for telemedicine, indicating a high number of companies and industry leaders working in this area; the third highest ranking city in the index for cardiovascular healthtech; and third for dermatology. See https://moove-it.com/most-developed-healthtech-countries.
LOVING REPEATING
Hyde Park Art Center has a new exhibition, Loving Repeating: New Work by married artists and longtime collaborators Dutes Miller and Stan Shellabarger, Sunday, April 10, through Saturday, Sept. 3. Loving Repeating addresses the presence and absence of human touch experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic in an immersive installation incorporating the artists’ signature style featuring silhouettes of each other’s bodies. Exhibition admission is free. For latest exhibition hours, visit www.hydeparkart.org. The center is at 5020 S. Cornell Ave. opens
IHCC NEWS
The Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Morton College, is holding a job fair, Wednesday, April 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Morton College, Building E via the gymnasium, at 3801 S. Central Ave., Cicero, IL. For information, contact Janet Dominguez at [email protected].
The chamber and Harold Washington College are hosting Introduction to Small Business Management, an eight-week course scheduled for Wednesdays from April 20 through June 8, 4:30 p.m. at the college at 30 E. Lake St.
Log on to https://ihccbusiness.net/upcoming-events/.
FARM FRESH
Growing Solutions Farm will offer vegetables, herbs, and flowers for sale three times a week in this area: at 2200 W. Campbell Park Dr. on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Fridays from 2 to 5 p.m. from June 1 through Oct. 26 and at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, 1224 W. Lexington St., on Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., June 15 through Oct. 9. Call (773) 519-0404.
RIDE CREDITS
Kids Above All, a nonprofit dedicated to building better lives for children, announced that, in partnership with Lyft, it will provide access to transportation for young people and their families through the LyftUp program. Kids Above All received $1,000 in Lyft ride credits to support its mission to ensure young people and their families in Kids Above All’s programs can use Lyft to attend doctors’ appointments, court, and job interviews as well as go to the grocery store. Log on to www.lyft.com/lyftup/programs.
MUSEUM FUNDING
The National Museum for Mexican Art will receive $750,000 for improvements and new exhibits, thanks to support from State Senator Tony Munoz (D-1st). For more information, call (773) 869-9050.
BLACK CREATIVITY
The Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition continues through Sunday, April 17, at the Museum of Science and Industry,which has hosted the annual celebration for more than 50 years. Admission is included with museum entry. The longest running exhibit of African American art in the nation, the exhibition showcases nearly 200 works by professional artists from across the nation as well as local student artists. The museum is at 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr. Call (773) 684-1414 or log on to www.msichicago.org.
EASTER ORATORIO
Music of the Baroque will perform Easter Oratorio on Monday, April 11, at the Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph St. Call (312) 552-1414.
CABRINI NATIONAL SHRINE NEWS
The National Shrine of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, 2520 N. Lakeview Ave., offers Stations of the Cross every Friday during Lent at 12:30 p.m. followed by adoration. Remaining dates are April 1 and 8. Each Friday, the shrine will use a different text and offer prayers for intentions of peace in the world as well as everyone’s personal intentions. The Shrine is closed on Good Friday, April 15. Visit cabrininationalshrine.org for further information.
BIRD HIKE
Adults 18 and older can enjoy a free guided bird hike at Northerly Island Park,1521 S. Lynn White Dr. Experts will discuss basic birding techniques, how to use binoculars, and different points of interest. Binoculars will be available to borrow for this program. Meet at the Northerly Island Park Visitor Center at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 5. For information, log on to www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/northerly-island-park.
DE LA SALLE NEWS
De La Salle Institute will host its spring open house on Thursday, April 28, at 6 p.m., providing campus tours; opportunities to meet with faculty, staff, and students; and information about academics, student services, athletics, clubs, admissions, and financial aid.
The school will hold several academic and athletic summer camps this year.
Its board of trustees named Anne Marie Tirpak the school’s new president, effective in July. Tirpak previously worked at the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago, Catholic Theological Union, and Sacred Heart Schools.
De La Salle is at 3434 S. Michigan Ave. Call (312) 842-7355 or log on to www.dls.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.; Monday and Friday evening Mass is at 6 p.m.
Praying the Rosary begins at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays. During Lent, Mass begins at 6 p.m. on Friday followed by praying the Rosary and Stations of the Cross. The church encourages volunteers to lead both services. Adoration/holy hour and confessions begin at 6:30 p.m. on Fridays. Tuesday through Thursday Masses are at 8 a.m. in the chapel at 1335 W. Harrison St.
OLHF now offers a Friday Food Pantry for area residents facing food shortages. Contact the parish office to register or come to the pantry, located behind the church at 1334 W. Flournoy St., from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Fridays.
Saturday, April 9, there will be a Palm Sunday Anticipatory Mass at 5 p.m. Palm Sunday, April 10, Masses will be at 9 a.m. in English and 11 a.m. in Spanish. Holy Thursday, April 14, Mass will be at 7 p.m. followed by Adoration until midnight. Good Friday, April 15, service in English at 3 p.m. and in Spanish at 7 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 16, Easter Vigil Mass at 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 17, 9 a.m. Mass in English, 11 a.m. Mass in Spanish.
Call (312) 243-7400, email [email protected], or log on to www.olhfchi.org.
PETERS PROVIDES FUNDING
The State of Illinois has awarded grants totaling more than $1.5 million to make improvements and improve the visitor experience to the Museum of Science and Industry, Art Institute, and Chicago Children’s Museum, thanks to support from State Senator Robert Peters (D-13th). Call (708) 730-4283.
EASTER EGG HUNT
The Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held Saturday, April 16, from noon to 2 p.m. at Chicago Women’s Park at 18th Street between Prairie Avenue and Indiana Avenue. Purchase tickets at southloopeasteregghunt.com.
GRANT PARK CLEAN-UP
Rotary is partnering with the South Loop Neighbors, Chicago Park District, Grant Park Advisory Council, Chicago South Loop Explorers, 4th Ward South Loop Community Advisory Council, and 42nd Ward Office for an Earth Day clean-up at Grant Park Saturday, April 16, from 10 a.m. to noon. Log on to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rotary-earth-day-cleanup-at-grant-park-tickets-272312392697 for information and to register.
STEM CAREERS
Otis Worldwide, OWLS Lacrosse, and HIRE360 recently held two sessions of Otis’s new STEM Kit Program at Chicago Hope Academy, 2189 W. Bowler St. Students participated in hands-on, project-based engagement and mentorship, learning directly from local Otis professionals about career possibilities available to them in STEM fields. For information, call (630) 956-4114.
ST. BASIL NEWS
St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, 733 S. Ashland Ave., will celebrate services during Lent and Holy Week all leading up to Great and Holy Pascha (Easter), Sunday, April 24. Everyone is welcome to services conducted in English and Greek. Friday, April 1, fourth Stanza of the Salutations to the Theotokos (Mother of God) 6 p.m. Sunday of St. John Climacus, April 3, Orthros, 8:15 a.m., Divine Liturgy, 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, April 6, Pre-Sanctified Divine Liturgy 6 p.m., followed by Lenten Lecture and Meal. Friday, April 8, Pre-Sanctified Divine Liturgy 9 a.m., Hymn to the Theotokos 6 p.m. Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt, April 10, Orthros 8:15 a.m., Divine Liturgy 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, April 13, Pre-Sanctified Divine Liturgy 6 p.m., followed by Lenten Lecture and Meal. Saturday of Lazarus, April 16, Orthros 8:15 a.m., Divine Liturgy 9:45 a.m., Vespers 6 p.m. Palm Sunday, April 17, Orthros 8:15 a.m., Divine Liturgy 9:45 a.m., Bridegroom Orthros 6 p.m. Holy Monday, April 18, Pre-Sanctified Divine Liturgy 9 a.m., Bridegroom Orthros 6 p.m. Holy Tuesday, April 19, Pre-Sanctified Divine Liturgy 9 a.m., Bridegroom Orthros 6 p.m. Holy Wednesday, April 20, Pre-Sanctified Divine Liturgy 9 a.m., Holy Unction 3 p.m., Orthros of Holy Thursday 6 p.m., anointing with Holy Unction to follow. Holy Thursday, April 21, Vesperal Liturgy of the Mystical Supper 8 a.m., Passion Service, Reading of 12 Gospels 7 p.m. Holy Friday, April 22, Great and Royal Hours 8 a.m., Apokatheilosis/Unnailing Vespers 3 p.m, Lamentations (at the Tomb) 7 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 23, Vesperal Divine Liturgy 8 a.m., Pre-Resurrection Vigil 11 p.m. Great and Holy Pascha, Sunday, April 24, Orthros and Divine Liturgy midnight, Agape Vespers 11 a.m. For more information, call the church office, (312) 243-3738.
SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS
Saint Ignatius College Prep encourages donations to Empower Illinois,the largest scholarship granting organization in Illinois. Empower Illinois will match your donation, then provide that doubled amount to Saint Ignatius for student tuition assistance. For information, contact Michael Lanigan, the school’s director of planned giving, at (312) 882-9459 or [email protected].
The school is located at 1076 W. Roosevelt Rd. Log on to www.ignatius.org or call (312) 421-5900.
ST. JAMES ON WABASH NEWS
St. James Catholic Church, 2907 S. Wabash Ave., celebrates Sunday Mass at 9:30 a.m. in the church at 21 E. 29th St. Daily Mass Monday through Friday is celebrated at 7:30 a.m. in the Tolton Chapel at the rectory at 2942 S. Wabash Ave. All Masses are available both in person and on Zoom. The church offers Eucharistic adoration and reconciliation on the first Friday of every month from 7 to 9 p.m. in the church. The Parish Office is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Participants will pray Stations of the Cross on Zoom Fridays during Lent at 6:30 p.m.
Holy Week liturgies are as follows: Palm Sunday Mass, April 10, 9:30 a.m. in church and on Zoom; Holy Thursday, April 14, Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 6:30 p.m. in church and on Zoom, Eucharistic Adoration from 8 to 10 p.m. in the Tolton Chapel at the rectory; Good Friday, April 15, Stations of the Cross in church and on Zoom at 3:30 p.m., Passion of Our Lord at 6:30 p.m. in church and on Zoom; Holy Saturday, April 16, Easter Vigil at 8 p.m. in church and on Zoom; Easter Sunday, April 17, Mass at 9:30 a.m. in church and on Zoom.
Access all Zoom links and more information at www.stjameswabash.org or email [email protected] or call (312) 842-1919.
ST. MATTHEW NEWS
St. Matthew Lutheran Church,2108 W. 21st St., needs donations of garbage bags, paper bags, napkins, and office supplies as well as food for the Comedor San Mateo Soup Kitchen. Call (312) 636-6496 or email [email protected].
ST. PETER’S EVENTS
St. Peter’s Church in the Loop will host Healing Hearts and Mending Lives: Forgiving in Everyday Life—Friends, Neighbors and Co-Workers on Wednesday, April 6, 12:15 to 1 p.m. All are invited to attend this discussion about restoring relationships and re-establishing trust and affection presented by the Rev. Derran Combs, OFM, PhD. Free will offering welcome. The church is at 110 W. Madison St. Call (312) 853-2376 or log on to http://stpetersloop.org.
SHRINE NEWS
The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii will host virtual Stations of the Cross on the Tuesdays of April 5 and 12 at 7 p.m. and live Stations of the Cross on the Fridays of April 1, 8, and 15 at noon.
The shrine will celebrate Mass with palm distribution at 8:30 and 11 a.m. on Palm Sunday, April 10; Mass at 7 p.m. and a virtual Visitation of Seven Churches at 8:30 p.m. on Holy Thursday, April 14; Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion at 7 p.m. on Good Friday, April 15; Easter Vigil at 9 p.m. on Holy Saturday, April 16; and Easter Sunday Masses at 8:30 and 11 a.m., April 17. Palm Sunday also will feature a fundraiser bake sale.
The shrine is at 1224 W. Lexington St. Call (312) 421-3757 or log on to www.ourladyofpompeii.org/.
BUILDER’S DAY
Taller de Jose will hold its Builder’s Day celebration Thursday, April 28, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Lacuna Lofts, 2150 S. Canalport Ave. Janet Fleischhacker of CSJ Ministries will receive the Companion Award, and CARPLS Legal Aid will receive the accompaniment award. Taller de Jose, which provides accompaniment and connection to public services, is located at 2831 W. 24th Blvd. Call (773) 523-8320 or log on to tallerdejose.org.
A SEARCH FOR UNITY
The University of Illinois Chicago’s Daley Library, 801 S. Morgan St., is displaying papers, photos, and other items relating to Rudy Lozano, a community activist murdered in 1983, in an exhibit called A Search for Unity: Rudy Lozano and Coalition Building in Chicago. For more information, call (312) 996-2716.
AGOSTINELLI APPOINTED
The West Central Association Chamber of Commerce namedCarla Agostinelli as director of development and community partnerships. For information, log on to wcachicago.org.
DRIVER’S LICENSE EXTENSION
Secretary of State Jesse White has extended expiration dates for Illinois driver’s licenses, ID cards, and learner’s permits until Sunday, July 31. For information, see www.ilsos.gov.
COLORING CONTEST
The South Loop Chamber of Commerce is holding a Coloring Contest for children up to age ten. Download coloring sheets at www.southloopchamberofcommerce.com or www.facebook.com/southloopchamber or obtain them from the drop off boxes at the Valentine Boys & Girls Club, 3400 S. Emerald Ave.; 9th District Police Station, 3120 S. Halsted St.; or Canaryville Public Library, 642 W. 43rd St. All coloring pages are due by Monday, April 4, in the drop off boxes at one of these three locations.
PEOPLE
Edrass Chavez, who graduated from Crane Tech in the West Haven community, received Monmouth College’s most prestigious scholarship, the Goldsborough, a full-tuition, four-year scholarship worth more than $160,000. Chavez plans on becoming a pediatric neurosurgeon.
Local resident Adam Thompson graduated with an MS in chemical engineering from Miami University in Oxford, OH.
TUTORS NEEDED
The Aquinas Literacy Center needs volunteer tutors to instruct limited English proficient adults learners for 90 minutes per week. The center is at 1751 W. 35th St. All instruction is one on one, with training provided. Tutoring can be in person, online over Zoom, or a hybrid of both. Knowledge of a second language is not required; all instruction is in English. For more information, contact Sabrina Poulin, volunteer coordinator, at (773) 927-0512 or [email protected].
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.
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.
CUBS BOOK
Gazette Chicago associate editor William S. Bike has authored a book about the 1970 Chicago Cubs season, The Forgotten 1970 Chicago Cubs: Go and Glow.
For more information, go to www.1970chicagocubs.com.
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. Call (312) 747-0327.
CHICAGO SHARES
Chicago Shares vouchers are now accepted at more Chicago area Jewel-Osco stores. Individuals can purchase the vouchers and then give them to needy folks encountered on the street. Chicago Shares, each worth $1, are an alternative to providing change. Recipients can use the vouchers for food and necessities but never for alcohol or tobacco. While Jewel-Osco stores make up the majority of vendors, other stores accept the vouchers as well. For more information and to purchase Shares, visit www.chicagoshares.org.
MAXWELL MARKET
The Maxwell Street Market,800 S. Desplaines St., will be held Sundays starting April 3 and running through Dec. 18. See MaxwellStreetMarket.us.
SEEKING YOUNG LEADERS
Chicago Votes offers the Civic Leaders Program, a leadership development program for young people who have experienced incarceration, training them to serve as leaders in the organization’s legislative advocacy, court watching, and voter registration efforts. Chicago Votes is located at 234 S. Wabash Ave. Log on to https://chicagovotes.com.
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 based on unpaid debts, and residents who have defaulted on property tax payments or mortgage foreclosure payments. Learn more by visiting www.cookcountylegalaid.org/.
GET ORGANIZED
Community Organizing and Family Issues,2245 S. Michigan Ave., (312) 226-5141, organizes and trains parents to win improvements in schools and communities and in how to create organizations and programs. See cofionline.org.
VETS’ EXEMPTIONS
Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi’s office provides property tax exemptions for veterans with disabilities and returning veterans. Log on to cookcountyassessor.com or call (312) 443-7550.
GWTP JOB TRAINING
Greater West Town Training Partnership, 500 N. Sacramento Blvd.,offers job placement and training programs in wood products manufacturing and shipping and receiving. Call (312) 563-9570.
HARMONY NEWS
Harmony Community Church, 1908 S. Millard Ave., has 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.
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.
HR HOTSEAT
HRHotSeat Chicagois a free monthly online meetup of more than 1,600 human resources practitioners, service providers, students, and Chicago-area professionals in job transition who come together to expand networks and solve problems. Visit www.HRHotSeat.com or email [email protected] for a calendar of upcoming events.
FOOD PANTRIES
The following food pantries provide groceries and meals to those who need them.
Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center, 2942 W. Lake St., (773) 940-2960.
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.
Our Lady of the Holy Family, 1334 W. Flournoy St. (enter from parking lot behind the church), Friday, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., (312) 243-7400.
WATER BILL ASSISTANCE
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity recently announced the new $42 million Low-Income Household Water Assistance Plan, under the Help Illinois Families initiative, to help low-income families unable to pay water and sewer bills avoid shutoffs. Apply for assistance by contacting the real-time assistance hotline service at (833) 711-0374.
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.
LOW-COST INTERNET
Internet Essentials makes it possible for people receiving public assistance to qualify for low-cost internet service. Log on to internetessentials.com.
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.
DISCOUNT PHONE, INTERNET
Under the Federal Lifeline Program,low-income consumers and veterans can receive a discount off their monthly bills for phone, broadband, or bundled phone and broadband service. See http://linkupillinois.org, call (312) 914-6701, or email [email protected].
FREE RIDE
Mount Sinai Hospital, 1500 S. Fairfield Ave., offers free rides for patients to get to and from any medical appointment within the Sinai Chicago system. All residents in Sinai Chicago’s service area who need to get to any of the medical system’s hospitals, clinics, or offices for any procedure, check-up, or health appointment can now get free, door-to-door transportation services. Patients can book a ride by calling (630) 903-2949.
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.
ART OF THE BRICK
The Art of the Brick, an exhibition featuring more than 100 works of art made by Nathan Sawaya from millions of Lego bricks, at the Museum of Science and Industry, runs through Monday, Sept. 5. For more information and tickets, visit msichicago.org/visit/tickets. The museum is at 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive. Call (773) 684-1414.
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.
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.
BACK TO BUSINESS
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity have launched the $250 million Back to Business grant program to support small businesses’ continued recovery. See www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Pages/B2B.aspx.
ADDICTION HOTLINES
AddictionResource.net lists drug and alcohol abuse hotlines available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and confidential. Log on to https://www.addictionresource.net/addiction-hotlines/ or call (844) 616-3400.
BRIGHT STAR RESOURCES
Bright Star Community Outreach and Bright Star Church 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.
The toll-free Bright Star Community Outreachtrauma counseling helpline is(833) TURN123. The helpline assists those experiencing trauma caused by exposure to violence.
GET HELP
The Catholic Charities call center helps callers with a variety of needs and connects them toprograms 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].
JOB HELP
The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership has expanded the youth and young adult services its network provides to this community. The partnership provides help for young adults seeking employment, training, and career pathway opportunities at the American Job Center (AJC) at 1700 W. 18th St. Services are offered by appointment only. Call (773) 318-2224.
GET VACCINATED
The Chicago Department of Public Health is hosting multiple coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination special events across the city. Anyone age 12 and older can get vaccinated. All COVID-19 vaccines are free, and no insurance or ID is required. See the full list of special vaccine events at www.chicago.gov/vaxcalendar.
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
The Chinese American Service League, 2141 S. Tan Ct., has launched a mental health services program in Chinatown. The agency’s Behavioral Health and Clinical Services program will provide mental health evaluations, psychotherapy, and crisis response. The league created the program to address pandemic anxiety, depression, and mental health consequences of rising levels of anti-Asian hate affecting Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the area. Log on to www.caslservice.org/.
RIGHT TO RETURN
Former Chicago Housing Authority residents who were displaced by the CHA’s Plan for Transformation and who want to return to the CHA may receive help from Antwain Miller at the Lugenia Burns Hope Center. Call (773) 291-8621 or email [email protected]. The center is located at 710 E. 47th Street.
RENTER AND LANDLORD HELP
If you are a renter having trouble paying your rent, utilities, or other housing costs, or if you are a landlord trying to stay afloat, help may be available. State and local programs are distributing dollars for such needs. Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in rental assistance to help renters stay housed during the pandemic. Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at consumerfinance.gov to find programs. See also ChiCookilRentHelp.org or call (833) 221-9821.
CORONAVIRUS VACCINATION
Any Chicagoan can request an in-home vaccination for coronavirus (COVID-19) by calling the City of Chicago at (312) 746-4835. Or, find out where to get vaccinated from the State of Illinois by calling (800) 889-3931 or logging on to https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/.
NEW ARTISTS
Elephant Room Gallery, 704 S. Wabash Ave., presents new exhibitions of the work of new and emerging Chicago-based artists every four-to-six weeks. Log on to www.elephantroomgallery.com.
EPIPHANY CENTER
The Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland Ave., is presenting the art show Agave! through Saturday, April 9. Log on to www.epiphanychi.com.
SUICIDE PREVENTION
The Jason Foundation offers free suicide prevention training to educators, other school staff, parents, physicians, clergy, community leaders, and students. Log on to www.jasonfoundation.com.
GAS BILL HELP
For Peoples Gas customers, bill payment assistance is available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Share the Warmth program. To see if you are eligible and apply, call the Community Economic Development Association at (800) 571-2332 or go to cedarorg.net.
CONTACT ROBINSON
State Representative Lamont J. Robinson (D-5th) wants to hear what residents think the most important issues in the community are. Contact him at (773) 924-4614 or at his office at 5048 S. Indiana Ave.
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].