Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Year Up is looking for ...

...motivated young adults who have a true interest in technology to fill the 45 seats in our upcoming class that starts March 2012. 

Year Up is:
·      A one year intensive education and training program for 18-24 year-old young adults
·      A free opportunity to earn up to 18 college credits and an educational stipend
·      6 months of course work in Business Communications, Information Technology and Professional Skills
·      6 months of a corporate internship position

Deadlines for admission:
·      Final deadline: January 3rd

Open House
December 19 at 3:00pm at 203 North Lasalle Suite M18 (Clark & Lake exit)



Year Up - Chicago
203 N. LaSalle St.
Suite M-18
Chicago, IL 60601



Empowering urban talent to reach their potential! 


Survey on Mentoring Services for High-Risk Youth



Participants Sought for Survey on Mentoring Services for High-Risk Youth


The National Mentoring Partnership, Global Youth Justice, and the National Partnership for Juvenile Services are conducting a survey to improve the design and delivery of mentoring services for youth at risk for delinquency, alcohol and drug abuse, truancy, and other problem behaviors. Results will be included in a research report and in training and technical assistance materials, which will be free and available online.

The survey is funded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Mentoring and juvenile justice professionals working in detention, corrections, probation, dependency courts, delinquency courts, and teen court/youth court diversion programs are encouraged to participate.
The survey is available online, and takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

Resources:
Take the survey online at, www.surveymonkey.com/s/YouthMentoringSurvey.

Vote for Metropolitan Family Services

Alderman's Free Holiday Dinner

Monday, December 12, 2011

Center For Working Families

Center For Working Families (CWF) is open for business in Englewood! Stop by the Center For Working Families which is operated by by Jane Addams Hull House Association located at Kennedy King College, 747 West 63rd Street, Room V-106. (CWF) is a career and personal financial service center directly on the campus. Everyone is encouraged to use this program! All CWF services are provided FREE of charge.

Core Services provided are:
* Employment Services - job readiness training, job placement assistance, job  retention support, career advancement services, and enhanced access to education and training opportunities through Kennedy-King College and the City Colleges of Chicago.

* Financial Literacy Services - one-on-one financial coaching

* Income Support Services - assistance accessing all benefits to which clients are entitled, such as Food Stamps, Child Care Subsidies, Utilities Assistance, and  Housing.

* Family Net Center Technology --resources are available in the on-site Family Net Center (FNC). The FNC provides computer training an open access resource room, and is a community-based hub for technology learning, education access, and information sharing.

CWF Hours: Family Net Center Hours:

Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

First & Third Saturday of the Month, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m..

Evening orientations and classes available.

Call to reserve your spot at the next orientation:

773.487.3723 and Fax 773.488.9252

Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration


M.A.D.D. Rhythms Tap Academy Open Houses

M.A.D.D. Rhythms Tap Academy
Open Houses 
12/15 @ Big City Swing 

Thursday, December 8, 2011

ALDERMAN SAWYER VOTES TO APPROVE 2012 CHICAGO BUDGET

For Immediate Release
For More Info Contact:
Lesley Chinn lrchinn33@gmail.com
773-746-9044

ALDERMAN SAWYER VOTES TO APPROVE 2012 CHICAGO BUDGET


Today Alderman Roderick T. Sawyer of the 6th Ward voted to approve the 2012 City of Chicago Budget.  This is the first budget proposed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and sought to address a more than $600 million budget shortfall.
“I do not agree with everything in this budget but the reality is that the city is in a difficult economic situation,” Alderman Sawyer said, “I appreciate the fact that the Mayor has sought to address some major issues such as the structural deficit and replacing our crumbling sewer system.”
Alderman Sawyer publicly opposed the cuts to the library and the reduction of frontline staff and worked diligently with fellow concerned alderman to reduce some of the cuts though more work is necessary to be done.  As a signer of an open letter with 28 other aldermen, Alderman Sawyer did help secure some reductions in proposed service cuts.
“In the end, budgets are about bringing results for my constituents and setting priorities for the city.  Ever since I started my campaign I have argued for public safety and the importance of small things in providing that sense of security.” Alderman Sawyer said, “My time in office has confirmed that one of the most important issues to my constituents has been the lack of working lights in our community.  It has been a major deliverable that I have worked to achieve through this process.  The fact that the city has committed to funding the Bureau of Electricity to have enough work staff to once again reduce wait times for light repairs is a necessary victory for the quality of life of my residents. “
“There is more work that needs to be done, I hope to continue to work with the Mayor on going further on addressing the major challenges still facing out neighborhoods moving forward.”

Christmas Play and Concert

Feeding Englewood





Holiday Food Drive

Drop Off Locations
Alden Princeton 
Rehabilitation & Health Care Center 
255 West 69th Street-Chicago-773-224-5900




Friday, December 2, 2011

no-cost EMT training program for working women

no-cost EMT training program for working women, funded by the Eleanor Foundation and facilitated by us here at ICNC.  Both organizations are registered nonprofits.  The EMT program fosters economic self-sufficiency in Chicago women by providing them with an opportunity to learn tangible job skills and set them on the path to lasting careers in the health care field.  Application for the eight-month course is open to single, employed women living or working in Chicago and earning less than $40,000 a year, and is available at www.icnctraining.org .


Voices for Change

Know HIV/AIDS


Thursday, December 1, 2011

Reclaim the Power!

on’t miss this exciting event, co-sponsored by The Black Youth Project:
Reclaim the Power!
A screening & discussion of youth activism past, present & future
Special performances by leading hip hop artists & activists
Saturday, December 3, 2011
1:00 pm
International House
1414 E. 59th St.
Free & open to the public
Featuring:
Discussions with former IL BPP members & current youth activists & artists
Concert Featuring:


World AIDS Day!

According to the state department of health, Illinois ranks seventh in the nation in the number of HIV/AIDS cases.  The Illinois Department of Health is hosting several events Thursday to mark World AIDS Day.  Click here to Download List of events.



Get Free Condoms

By taking a simple step, like wearing a condom you can protect yourself and others from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) makes condoms available, accessible, and free by reaching underserved communities with the highest rates of STI/HIV/AIDS and other health disparities.
The Chicago Community Condom Project works with city clinics, community organizations and local businesses to make condoms widely available to the public to help stop HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Click here for a list of locations offering free condoms

About the Chicago Community Condom Project

Since the 80’s CDPH has made condoms available to the public.
Today, CDPH is reaching 10 million condoms distributed each year through city clinics, community based organizations, community health centers, local businesses such as night-clubs, barber shops and churches.
The project is aligned with the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, the U.S Department of Human Services, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Enhanced Comprehensive HIV Prevention, and the Healthy Chicago Plan.
The project is also part of the National Female Condom Coalition and partners with the Chicago Female Condom Campaign to increase access and availability to Female Condoms.
Join the campaign!
If your organization is interested in offering free condoms, you can become a distribution partner so long you meet the criteria.  Find out more about becoming a distribution site for free condoms.

Get Tested or Treatment for HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
Get tested or treated at a clinic that diagnoses and treats HIV and STI’s.  You can also connect with information about condom use and other prevention methods.  All services are free and provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.

City Colleges of Chicago $50,000 Scholarship Program

Scholarship Overview
City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) is celebrating 100 years of education that works! To mark this milestone, CCC has created Centennial Scholarships to support current and prospective CCC students pursuing an Associate degree or professional certificate. A total of $50,000 will be awarded through two types of scholarships.


Two Scholarship Opportunities:
  • Scholarships for New Students:
     
    These scholarships are available to students who are not currently enrolled in City Colleges of Chicago, including applicants who are recent high school graduates, mature students and adult education students seeking enrollment in certificate or credit programs. 
  • Scholarship for Current Students:
     
    An additional scholarship opportunity is available to current City Colleges of Chicago students and can be used towards the completion of their current certificate or degree program.
Both types of scholarship will cover tuition towards the completion of a degree or certificate for a period not to exceed two-and-one-half years from the date of the award. All awards must be used in full by the end of the Spring 2014 term. If scholarship awards are not expended by the Spring 2014 term the student will forfeit any future right to the awarded scholarship amount.
For more information please click the link: http://www.ccc.edu/100YearScholarships/

Enter a Career in the Construction Trades or a Related Industry

Are you looking for, educational development, life skills training, enhanced case management or placement assistance? If so, let St. Paul Church of God in Christ Development Center assist you!
They Offer a 12 Week W.I.A. Certified Training Program to prepare you to takethe apprenticeship examinations for the Construction Trades and Other Related Industries.

Attend A "Step Up To Opportunity" Orientation
       
St. Paul Church of God in Christ Community Development Center
4550 S. Wabash Avenue - 2nd Floor South
One-Hour Orientation Sessions Are Conducted Every Friday Morning
From 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Prompt

If you meet the outlined criteria....
Are 18 Years and Older
Possess a High School Diploma/G.E.D Certificate
Possess Your Birth Certificate, Social Security Card
Have a Valid Driver's License and Access to an Insured Motor Vehicle
Qualify for W.I.A. Assistance
Have or are willing to register with the Illinois Department of Employment Security
Apprentice Information Center (AIC)
  
They can help you!!
  
ORIENTATIONS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. RSVP MUST BE ENTERED INTO OUR MESSAGE CENTER BY 5 P.M. WEDNESDAY @ 773/538-5120. RESERVE YOUR SEAT NOW!

For More Information, Visit www.stpaulcdm.org

Coat Drive



We are collecting coats, scarves, gloves, ear muffs, etc. for the 2nd Annual Aspirations of Life Coat Drive!!
 



Please drop your gently used, unwanted winter coats & accessories to Each One Teach One Literacy.

Located at 6720 South Stewart, Ring Bell on the Side Door. Drop offs may occur Mon- Friday, 9 am – 7 pm.

Thank you for assisting those that cannot afford what we sometimes take for granted- warmth.

P.S. Please circulate this news in your circles.
 
Warmest Regards to you and your family,
Janisse Norman
Executive Director
Each One Teach One Literacy
6720 South Stewart Ave, 60621
877.274.1284 Office/ Fax

TUTORS NEEDED!!!!! IMMEDIATELY

If you know someone who is interested in assisting young people between the ages of 5 and 18 years old achieve their academic goals, please forward their name, contact information and resume to each1teach1@ureach.com.

We are in need of 5-10 tutors to volunteer your time to begin making a difference, immediately.

There are two locations for which we are seeking assistance:
·        True Vine M.B. Church, 6720 South Stewart, Fridays, 3:30-5:30pm
·        Universal Family Connection, 1350 W. 103rd, St, Thursdays, 3:30-5:30pm

Thank you for assisting by just forwarding this information to your contacts.

Please note: All tutors are background checked for previous child abuse.
 

NewWays Learning & Literacy Consulting


Although NewWays Learning and Literacy Consulting is not a non for profit organization, we do offer reduced cost tutoring and even some free services to those who qualify.
 





Updated YPQA Calendar

Sign up for the YPQA workshops, they are free.

TARGET Youth Reentry Program

TARGET Area now offers direct services for youth and young adults on parole ages 13-24.

.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Fun and Games






Date: Wed. November 30, 2011

Time: 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Location:
West Englewood
1745 W. 63rd Street
60636

About this event:
Come and enjoy family-friendly games and fun.

Winter Holiday Happenings


Date: 12/02/11
Start Time: 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: free
Location : Marquette Park 

Light the Menorah, the Kinara and the spruce tree, the holidays are here again! Along with crisp temperatures and fresh falling snow, a variety of events are swirling into Chicago’s parks. Holiday festivities hosted by the Chicago Park District spread cheer throughout the city with celebrations that honor many of the winter holidays; Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Three Kings Day. From holiday concerts, to holiday crafts and dinners with Santa, families will delight in sharing in the season’s joy at their neighborhood park. 

Juvenile Justice

Monday, November 28, 2011

Illinois Deputy Registrar Training Program

Healthy Chicago Lawn Celebration







When: December 7, 2011, 11 am–1 pm

Where: 2701 W. 68th St., Chicago, IL 60629

Let's Celebrate! The December 7th Healthy Chicago Lawn meeting will be an end of the year celebration and reflection. Please join us and bring a dish/snack to share.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011,  11:00 am -1:00 pmHoly Cross Hospital2701 W. 68th Street

Healthy Chicago Lawn will provide beverages, baked chicken and vegetable lasagna.
Please let Jana know what you would like to bring. E-mail the dish to healthychicagolawn@gmail.com, fax to 773-884-8017, or simply call 773-884-4925.  
If you are unable to bring a dish, please still come.

MacCormac College Open House

 

When: December 3, 2011, 10 am–2 pm

Where: 29 E. Madison St, 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60602



Discounted Parking Available:
Self Park located at 17 E. Adams (Adams & Wabash)
Self Park located at 20 E. Randolph (Randolph & Wabash)

If planning to attend, please R.S.V.P. with Ashlee Farney or Marcus Troutman.
Phone: (312) 922-1884 ext. 202
Email: afarney@maccormac.edu
Email: mtroutman@maccormac.edu
MACCORMAC COLLEGE:
Specializing in  
•Court Reporting
•Paralegal Studies
•Business Administration 
•Criminal Justice
•Entrepreneurial Studies
•Liberal Arts / Gen. Ed.
Career possibilities from a Court Reporting Degree
  • Judicial Reporters
  • Freelance Reporters
  • Broadcast Captioner/Stenocaptioners
  • CART Provider/Live Event Captioning (Communication Access Realtime Translation)
Come to MacCormac College and learn more about the exciting programs we offer!
Refreshments will be provided.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Free Holiday Community Dinner


Alderman Cochran's
Free Holiday Community Dinner
December 16, 2011
6:30pm-8:30pm
Life Center Church of God in Christ 
5500 S. Indiana


Courtesy of the 20th Ward

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Big City Mountaineers Funding






$20,000 in funding available at add new BCM partners to our outdoor adventure program! BCM is an organization which partners with youth agencies and schools to help them in their youth development programs. We use the outdoors and wilderness to instill critical life skills in at-risk youth ages 13-18. At the completion of our program, youth are more likely to stay in school and better equipped with the confidence and skills needed to avoid drug use, violence and delinquency.

We are growing our program next year and I am looking for several new partners.  Outside of a $100 fee and help with transportation, BCM will cover the entire cost of this $6,000 program. Please contact Bernie at bernie@bigcitymountaineers.org or 847 348 8324 to learn about this great opportunity. No grant requests needed for this program.

Special Recreation Christmas Show




Peformed by Marquette Park Daredevils Drama Club
Date: 12/01/11
Start Time: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM 
Cost: free 
Location : Marquette Park 
The smell of the greasepaint, the roar of the crowd! See the stars of today and tomorrow directing, acting and creating magical works for the stage. Serious drama, hilarious comedies, incredible improvisations and toe tapping musicals are all part of the ever-changing repertoire. Live entertainment for all ages is offered year round.

Heads Up On Holiday Shopping Event

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony


When: November 23, 2011, 4:30–6 pm


The City of Chicago and UL are proud to present the official start of the holiday season the 98th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Wednesday, November 23, 2011! The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is a highly-anticipated event drawing people of all ages to the heart of Chicago’s downtown “Loop.” Musical performances and festive holiday music begin at 4:30pm and the holiday season officially commences at 5:00pm, when the switch is flipped and the lights begin to dazzle in Daley Plaza.
Music will begin at 4:30pm, tree will be lit at 5pm. Daley Plaza is located at Washington St. and Dearborn St. Admission is free.
See other holiday events offered by the City of Chicago here.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Gen. Y's Annual Feed the Youth

Ald. Foulkes Community Ward Meeting



When: November 19, 2011, 10 am–12 pm

Where: 6727 S. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60629



Ald. Foulkes only has four community meetings a year - do you know what's going on in the community, what work is being done or not done, who is doing what in the community? If not, take the time to find out! Join Ald. Foulkes and your fellow residents.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Book Signing

The Almighty Black P Stone Nation
By 
Natalie Y. Moore & Lance Williams
 
Book Signing
PStone
 
Natale MooreNatalie Moore
LanceLance Williams
 
DATE: Tuesday, November 15, 2011
TIME: 5:00 pm 
LOCATION: Cinco Estrellas Restaurant
2908 W. 59th Street
MORE: This is a Free Event & Open to the Public
Please click on the following link to RSVP for this event:


or send an email to mtorres@swyc.org
NEW SWYC logo with words
Southwest Youth Collaborative
Amandla Center
Chicago, Illinois 60629

CPS

Chicago Public Schools Options for Knowledge Presentation

Date:
Tue. November 15, 2011
Time: 
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Location:
6120 S. Kedzie Avenue
60629
About this event:
A representative from the Chicago Public Schools will conduct an hour long presentation to provide information on K-8 Magnet and Selective Enrollment programs in the Chicago Public Schools and to provide an overview of the application processes for these elementary programs, as well as a number of high school programs.

Money Smart: Banking Services

 How Financial Institutions Help You Save and Manage Your Money




Date: 
Tue. December 06, 2011
Time: 
6:00 pm
Location:
6120 S. Kedzie Avenue
60629
Program: 
Money Smart
About this event:
Learn the fundamentals of banking and the importance of establishing a relationship with a financial institution to build credit, save money, and achieve goals, whether it’s purchasing a home or planning for retirement.  This workshop highlights the importance of developing a plan and wise spending habits along with tips on how to save money in order to attain financial security.  Presented by Money Smart Partner, BMO Harris Bank, N. A.

Gage Park High School 8th Grade Open House

 Attention 8th Grade Parents/Students

Gage Park High School

Open House

 

You Are Invited!

When:   Friday, November 18, 2011

WhereGage Park High School, 5630 S. Rockwell

Time:    10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon


You are invited to Gage Park High School’s Open House. The Open House is an excellent opportunity for 8th students and their parents to learn of the wonderful programs at Gage Park.
At the Open House, you will learn about Gage Park’s Freshman Academy. In addition, information will be provided on Advancement Via Determination (AVID), Equipment Technology Institute (ETI), Advanced Placement (AP), Athletics (Sports), College and Career Center, and community partners.

 

We will be having a raffle and refreshments will be provided.

We look forward to seeing you at our Open House

 

If you have questions, please contact

Ms. Darlene Radford, Counselor at 773/535-9230, ex. 2-5474


To view more detailed information click (PDF)here

FREE TAX INFORMATION AND MORE!





When: November 12, 2011, 3 am–7 pm



H&R Block tax pros will be available to answer questions and share tips for the upcoming tax season about:
  • Recent tax law changes from which you could benefit
  • Forms and requirements to file
  • ITIN applications, benefits and procedures
  • Personal income tax and small business taxes
  • Credits and deductions available to maximize your refund
WHERE: H&R Block De La Villita. 4054 W. 26th Street

Solo Cup Company Job Fair

 

When: November 15, 2011, 10 am–2 pm

Where: 7575 S. Kostner Ave., Conference Room, Chicago, IL 60652

Solo Cup Company JOB FAIR
BE PART OF SOMETHING SPECIAL
Solo Cup Company, a leading international manufacturer of plastic and paper products for the consumer and the food service industry, has great job opportunities at our expanding south side Chicago facility.  Learn more about these opportunities by attending our on-site job fair.
MACHINE OPERATORS / MACHINE MECHANICSMust have experience in a manufacturing environment.
BUILDING FACILITIES MAINTENANCE LEADMust have working knowledge experience in the following:
-- Industrial HVAC and process water chilling systems in sizes reaching 300 tons
-- Industrial steam and hot water boilers up to 300 horsepower
-- Possession of a City of Chicago Stationary Engineers License and Universal Refrigeration Certificate
-- Able to use precision measuring tools, understand industrial drawings and schematics
--Manufacturing experience is required
MAINTENANCE ELECTRICIAN-Experience on energized machinery, motor drives and controls and PLCs
-Read electrical schematics/diagrams, utilize meters and computers
When you join the Solo family, you will enjoy benefits that include medical, dental, life insurance, 401k plan, paid vacation and more.
Parking is available in the lot west of Kostner Avenue. Be sure to bring copies of your resume to the job fair.  If you can’t attend, please send your resume, indicating position of interest, to:

Solo Cup Company (Logo)Attn: Human Resources
7575 S. Kostner Ave.
Chicago, IL 60652
Email:  h.jones@idpl.orgFax: 773-523-4611
EOE M/F/H/V
No phone calls accepted.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

71st Street Tree Lighting Ceremony

71st Street Tree Lighting CeremonyAnnual 71st Street Tree Lighting Ceremony
This annual event presented by 5th Ward Alderman Leslie Hairston will include a hot chocolate reception
for the community. Bring winter items to donate, shop local businesses for the holidays and learn about
improvements and developments happening in South Shore.

on Monday, 21 November 2011
05:00 PM - 08:00 PM
@ Starbucks - 71st/Stony Island Ave.

Courtesy of South Shore Chamber Inc

Visit Auburn Gresham, Chicago Lawn and Englewood Web Portals






The Southwest  web portal is one of many tools that will help create tech-savvy communities for the Southwest Smart Communities Initiative (SCCI), comprising three Chicago neighborhoods — Auburn Gresham, Chicago Lawn and Englewood.
The mission of the SCCI is a Digital & Social Link (DSL) between the three neighborhoods with the following goals:
  • Connect the three communities to reduce the historical physical, cultural and digital divides between the areas
  • Enhance the existing digital systems through working with community members, gatekeepers and technology expert to identify the most efficient and appropriate technologies to serve the community
  • Improve access to the Web by making it more accessible to residents, schools, small businesses and city colleges within the three communities
The initiative is the result of a collaborative planning effort that brought together representatives from community-based organizations in the three neighborhoods and more than 100 residents. Those participants created the (PDF)Southwest Smart Communities Plan, which provides a framework of ideas and projects for local implementation. For example:
  • Neighbors involved in trainings to use digital technology to improve their daily lives.
  • Students use broadband technology in new digital media labs in school.
  • Local entrepreneurs visit business centers where they can learn more about using software to become more efficient — and more profitable.

A First Step, A Big Step

These programs and projects are catalysts. No one program is sufficient to provide all the digital resources a community needs. But by jumpstarting a culture of technology, we can support and enhance the values of our neighborhoods on the Southwest Side.
SCCI is part of a larger program, the Smart Communities program.  A major plank of the City of Chicago’s Digital Excellence Initiative, the Smart Communities Program is managed and supported by LISC/Chicago and funded in part through a $7 million federal Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (B-TOP) grant. The support is allowing the local partners in the five Smart Communities,  Auburn Gresham, Chicago Lawn, Englewood, Humboldt Park and Pilsen, to provide enhanced access to broadband technology and training, and opportunities to earn hardware and software for more than 11,000 residents and 360 small businesses and nonprofits, with the goal of overcoming barriers to technological access that exist in many parts of the city.