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. Check websites or call to make sure if particular events have been postponed or canceled.
PLANETARIUM FULLY OPEN
The Adler Planetarium will reopen its doors fully to guests on Friday, March 4. Tickets are on sale at www.adlerplanetarium.org/visit/tickets/. All visitors must buy tickets online, in advance. To see exhibitions free, the planetarium will be open every Wednesday evening from 4 to 10 p.m., with free admission for all Illinois residents with proof of residence. The museum is located at 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr. Call (312) 922-7827.
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].
SHAMROCK SHUFFLE
The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle race weekend is set for Friday through Sunday, March 18 through 20. Packet pickup and other activities are set for the Friday and Saturday at Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. Test your speed Saturday, March 19, at the Mile, which features recreational, competitive, and elite waves. Sunday will feature the 8K Run through the South Loop and other neighborhoods, and the 2-Mile Walk on the lakefront. Participants in both the 8K Run and 2-Mile Walk will receive a Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle Nike race shirt, knit hat, drink ticket for one Michelob Ultra at the post-race party for those 21 and older, official finisher’s medal, and event bib number and timing device. There also will be a Virtual 8K. Log on to shamrockshuffle.com.
FREE DAYS
The Art Institute of Chicago is offering free admission to Illinois residents on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays through March 17. Tickets must be reserved in advance at sales.artic.edu/admissions. The museum is located at 111 S. Michigan Ave.
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.
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.
CTA GETS FEDERAL FUNDS
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently announced a $912.1 million award of American Rescue Plan funds to the Chicago Transit Authority. American Rescue Plan transit funds go to transit agencies around the country to help maintain service and keep workers on the payroll as communities continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
CYSO GALA
The Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra Gala will be held Saturday, March 12, at 6 p.m. at the Marriott Marquis Chicago, 2121 S. Prairie Ave. For more information, log on to https://cyso.org/gala/.
CBCAC NEWS
The Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community recently delivered 200 care packages containing masks, hand sanitizers, and snacks to the Oak at Dearborn Park, a senior housing building in the South Loop.
CBCAC offers a new Small Business Development program that provides resources for the Chinatown business community such as counseling, help writing a business plan, and assistance in applying for grants and loans. Log on to https://cbcacchicago.org/small-business-planning.
The CBCAC is located at 2301 S. Archer Ave. Call (312) 761-9738.
CUBS GRANTS
Chicago Cubs Charities has awarded grants to the Canaryville Little League for field amenities and to the Omega Delta Youth Baseball and Softball League to install a water source in McKinley Park. Applications for the next set of grants are open at Cubs.com/DiamondProject.
DEVELOPMENT GRANTS
The Chicago Department of Planning and Development offers Chicago Recovery Plan Community Development Grants. Log on to https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dcd/supp_info/community-development-grant-resources.html.
FANFARE CHICAGO
Chicago Philharmonic will offer Fanfare Chicago on Sunday, March 27, at 3 p.m. at the Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph St. Log on to https://my.harristheaterchicago.org/9555/9558.
DE LA SALLE NEWS
De La Salle Institute has named Keronn Walker head baseball coach and Glenn Kubek assistant coach. Walker played professional baseball in the Kansas City Royals system, while Kubek, a De La Salle alumnus, played at Calumet College of St. Joseph.
The school is at 3434 S. Michigan Ave. Call (312) 842-7355 or log on to www.dls.org.
CELEBRATING FRANCES GLESSNER LEE
Glessner House, 1800 S. Prairie Ave., will host an in-person event, Celebrating Frances Glessner Lee: The Mother of Forensic Science, on Friday, March 25, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The program will include a presentation by Bruce Goldfarb, author of Lee’s biography, 18 Tiny Deaths and the unveiling of a recreation of one of her famous Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death, crafted by local miniaturist Andrew Munao. Tickets are $18 per person and can be purchased online at glessnerhouse.org.
DOWELL ON YOUTUBE
Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd) has launched a YouTube channel to keep local residents abreast of community events. See https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVPHrf6XqhIplJ7dXUSFr5A/videos.
LOVEDAY CELEBRATION
Pastor Cornelius Parks and Good Hope Free Will Baptist Church, 525 S. California Ave., on Valentine’s Day hosted their annual Loveday Celebration to provide hot meals and hygiene products to individuals experiencing homelessness on the West Side. Through its Community Credits program, DoorDash provided $3,000 in hot meals from local restaurants, including Ruby’s Soul Food and Chicago Chicken Shack, for attendees. For information, call (773) 533-9212.
PRE-APPRENTICESHIP
State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-3rd) announced several 3rd District programs have received a combined $2.7 million to support pre-apprenticeship programs, reduce barriers to entry, and increase diversity in the construction trades for underrepresented populations. Recipients are Children First Fund, EDDR Foundation, HIRE360, Hispanic American Construction Industry Association, Lumity, Metropolitan Family Services, and St. Paul Church of God in Christ Community Ministries. For more information, call (312) 949-1908.
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.
ACCOUNTING SCHOLARSHIPS
The Illinois CPA Society and CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois are accepting applications for more than 40 scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 each that they will award through their Accounting Scholarship Program for the 2022-2023 academic year. Submit the application by Friday, April 1, to https://thiswaytocpa.com/education/scholarship-search/illinois-cpa-society-accounting-scholarship-program/.
A HAPPY DEATH
The Monastery of the Holy Cross,3111 S. Aberdeen St., will host A Happy Death: Monastic Wisdom for the End of Life on Saturday, March 26, from 10 a.m. to noon. The monks will offer spiritual wisdom on end of life dignity, funerals, and burial. The workshop is free, but registration is required at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-happy-death-monastic-wisdom-for-the-end-of-life-tickets-268526338507?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.
NEW TRUSTEES
The National Museum of Mexican Art has appointed Alejandra Lara, Juan F. Ortiz, and Javier A. Reyes to the museum’s board of trustees. Lara is associate general counsel-employment at ADM. Ortiz is senior vice president, wealth management banking services at Northern Trust. Reyes is provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Illinois Chicago. The museum is at 1852 W. 19th St. Call (312) 738-1503.
MOMS IN COLLEGE
The nonprofit organization New Moms has developed the Academic Coaching pilot, which will give 25 mothers enrolled at the City Colleges of Chicago a monthly $500 stipend, technology and supplies for school, childcare, transportation assistance, and support from an academic coach. See https://newmoms.org or call (773) 252-3253.
SHAMROCK’N THE BLOCK
Old St. Patrick’s Church will host its Shamrock’n the Block event from noon to 6:30 p.m. Saturday March 12, at 700 W. Adams St. Enjoy live music, Irish dancing, food, drinks, and kids’ activities. Attendees can enjoy the day’s festivities in tents and a heated outdoor beer garden. Singer Liam Durkin, the Chicago Garda Bag Pipes, Character Fleadh, Shannon Rovers. and the Academy of Irish Dance will perform. The Wee Ones activity zone will have a balloon artist, magician, Irish dance lessons, and crafts. Tickets are available at www.oldstpats.org/shamrockntheblock.html.
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. 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 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Fridays. The food pantry is located behind the church at 1334 W. Flournoy St.
Call (312) 243-7400, email [email protected], or log on to www.olhfchi.org.
INSPIRING EFFICIENCY AWARD
People’s Gas has won the Inspiring Efficiency Award from the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance for the People’s Gas Public Sector Energy Efficiency Program, in which the Chicago Public Schools and People’s Gas delivered huge energy efficiency to 395 schools. For more information, call (312) 240-7854.
WE APPRECIATE TEACHERS
Back 2 School Illinois, which supplies youngsters from low-income families with free school supplies, has launched its We Appreciate Teachers contest. B2SI will reward 15 winning teachers with 30 Back 2 School Illinois kits full of school supplies. Anyone can submit a contest application on behalf of a teacher, including the teacher himself/herself. To participate, complete the application at https://b2si.org/we-appreciate-teachers-contest no later than Friday, April 1.
PUI TAK GRANT
The Pui Tak Center has received an outreach grant from Cook County and the Chicago Bar Foundation to help local residents resolve eviction, foreclosure, debt, and tax deed issues. The center is located at 2216 S. Wentworth Ave. Call (312) 328-1188.
ITALIAN STORIES FILM GRANT
Got a story to tell about the Italian experience? Apply for a film grant through the Russo Brothers Italian American Film Forum. A select number of applicants will receive an $8,000 grant that serves as a production budget for the story they would like to develop and create for the screen. Documentary, narrative, fiction, and nonfiction are all acceptable formats. Apply at https://bit.ly/3HuUXkO.
SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS
The Saint Ignatius College Prep Latinx Conference: Journey to Success will be held Saturday, March 26, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and provide workshops on careers, immigration, Latin dance, identity, college, and poetry. Jonathan Moreira, MD, of Northwestern University and Judge Sonia Antolec of the Illinois Court of Claims will be keynote speakers. The event also will feature entertainment, dinner, and dancing. For information, contact [email protected].
The school is located at 1076 W. Roosevelt Rd. Log on to www.ignatius.org or call (312) 421-5900.
ST. JAMES 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. Eucharistic adoration and reconciliation are offered on the first Friday of every month from 7 to 9 p.m. in the church. Stations of the Cross will be prayed on Fridays during Lent at 6:30 p.m. Visit the website at www.stjameswabash.org, email [email protected], or call (312) 842-1919 for more information.
ST. JOSEPH’S TABLE
St. Jerome Parish will celebrate a St. Joseph Table on Sunday, March 20, immediately following the 9:30 a.m. Mass at St. Jerome’s, 2823 S. Princeton St. Congregants will proceed to the Old Neighborhood Italian American Club at 3031 S. Shields Ave. for the table’s blessing, with food service continuing until 3 p.m. In observance of the Lenten season, the St. Joseph Table will provide only meat free dishes. While there is no entrance fee to attend the table, free will donations will be accepted at the door. For further information, call (312) 842-1871.
BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL
Sheridan McGuane Baseball and Softball is a youth community baseball and softball league and is open to players of all abilities. There are also all-star divisions for more advanced players. Saturday, April 23, is opening day and the games are played at Sheridan Park in the Taylor Street area as well as McGuane Park in Bridgeport. Register at https://sheridanmcguanebaseball.com/registration/.
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.
ST. PETER’S EVENTS
The following events will take place at St. Peter’s Church in the Loop: Adoration every Wednesday during Lent, 2 to 4:15 p.m., concluding with benediction. Stations of the Cross every Friday during Lent, 2 p.m. Group Spiritual Direction on Tuesdays, March 8 through April 5, 1:45 to 3:15 p.m. The Way it Was: A Scriptural History of the Eucharist on the Tuesdays of March 15 and 29 and April 19, 12:15 to 1 p.m. Acts of the Apostles Part I, scripture study, presented on Zoom, noon to 1 p.m. each Friday, March 18 through May 27. Lenten Retreat on Zoom, noon to 1 p.m., the Wednesdays of March 9, 16, and 23. Author Anna Marie Kukec Tomczyk will lecture on her book We Are Eagles Thurs., March 24, 12:15 to 1 p.m. The church is at 110 W. Madison St. Call (312) 853-2376 or log on to http://stpetersloop.org.
SHRINE NEWS
During Lent, the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii will host virtual Stations of the Cross on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and in person Stations of the Cross on Fridays at noon. On Sunday, March 13, it will host a food drive.
The shrine is at 1224 W. Lexington St. Call (312) 421-3757.
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.
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.
PENSION IMPROVEMENT
For the first time in four years, the State of Illinois unfunded pension liability has decreased. Factors contributing were pension investments making money because of the rising stock market and the State paying its full obligation into its various public pension funds. The Fiscal Year 2023 budget includes an extra $500 million to pay a portion of the debt service owed to the State’s pension systems as well as full payment of 2023 pension obligations. Many employees at the University of Illinois Chicago and other institutions are members of State pension systems.
WOMEN’S DAY
Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church, 600 E. 35th St., will hold its Women’s Day Service on Sunday, March 20, at 11 a.m. Call (312) 225-5300.
URBAN FARM GRANT
Urban Autism Solutions has received a $20,000 grant from the Albert Pick Jr. Fund to support STEM-focused learning opportunities at UAS’s Growing Solutions Farm. The grant will pay for instruction to young adults with autism and related challenges who learn about urban agriculture and acquire transferrable job skills at the farm, located at 1212 W. Flournoy St. Call (773) 377-5691.
QUALIFYING FOR COLLEGE
Illinois community college students with a B average or better who have earned at least 36 transferable credits automatically qualify to transfer to the University of Illinois in Chicago, Springfield, or Urbana. Log on to https://admissions.uic.edu/.
GOLDEN APPLE FINALIST
Anne Boyle, who teaches Global Citizenship at World Studies at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, 211 S. Laflin St., is one of 30 finalists for a Golden Apple Award in Illinois from the Golden Apple Foundation. Boyle regularly incorporates social justice and cross-cultural initiatives into her global citizenship and world studies lesson plans by encouraging students to engage in their communities for additional insight. For more information, call (847) 962-9879.
LIBRARY FUNDING
Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White awarded more than $24,000 to the Illinois Institute of Technology Library for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by modifying services, transforming spaces, and developing resources. For more information, call (217) 782-5984.
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.
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 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].
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].
FREE CULINARY TRAINING
Impact Culinary Training provides young adults ages 16 through 24 with the tools to launch their culinary careers. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis leading up to the next cohort beginning Monday, April 4. The no-cost, 12-week training is held at the Hatchery Chicago, 135 N. Kedzie Ave. Log on to www.impactculinary.org.
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/.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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/.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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/.
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.
HR HOTSEAT
HRHotSeat Chicago is 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.
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.
SUNDAY SERVICES
Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church,600 E. 35th St., holds Sunday worship services at 11 a.m. Call (312) 225-5300.
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.
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, runs at the Museum of Science and Industry 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
FIGHT OPIOID ABUSE
Malcolm X College invites individuals to become community health workers to help fight the opioid crisis. Using a $2.1 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, the college launched the Opioid-Impacted Family Support Program to bring care and relief to neighborhoods most affected by opioid use disorder. The University of Illinois Chicago Department of Disability and Human Development is partnering in this four-year initiative. Scholarships are available. For more information and to register for the program, visit www.ccc.edu/opioid.
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].
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.
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.
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.
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.
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].