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I’m so excited to report this weeks community events. It was a week of connection, community engagement, building and support. Let’s continue to build on this momentum as we head into the holiday season. On Tuesday, I hosted a Community Safety Town Hall at the McCormick YMCA. We gathered with neighbors and vital partners like 25th District Councilor Angelica Green, Rincón Family Services, Humboldt Park Wright College, and representatives from the 25th Police District. We addressed pressing community concerns, including police response times, late-night liquor license operators, drag racing, and recent robberies. Our discussion fostered a deeper understanding of our challenges and the steps we’re taking to enhance safety. The 25th Police District reported that crime continues to decline both citywide and within our 26th Ward—a positive sign of our shared efforts. Thank you to the YMCA and our Community Safety Committee for their partnership. Your voices are essential as we work to create a safer, stronger ward for all. |
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On Wednesday, despite the rain, our business owners and entrepreneurs filled the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture for our 26th Ward Business Summit! Together with BACP and the PRCC, we shared valuable resources such as the BACP's wrap-around concierge service and online tools to support local businesses. We introduced the new Hermosa-Belmont Cragin Chamber of Commerce, @hbcchamber, a new force dedicated to uplifting our business community! Plus, we celebrated some of our newest local businesses with those who recently cut the ribbon on their doors. It was a great day of connection, as business owners had the chance to ask BACP representatives questions directly and get support tailored to their needs. |
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Yesterday, I shared a meal with the Illinois Union of the Homeless for their winter fundraiser. ILUH is a 100% volunteer-run organization that is dedicated to ending homelessness and poverty. They work to develop leadership amongst the unhoused population by teaching public speaking and community engagement. ILUH works closely with our unhoused neighbors in Humboldt Park with bi-monthly People’s Clinics that offer medical support, meals, and emergency supplies. |
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| While I was invited to share a few words, I was especially moved by Weber, Joe, Bruce, Sheilah, and Alder Sigcho Lopez’s reflections on this pivotal moment. They reminded us that we build power through unity and action because we know that you only get what you organize to take. ILUH is collecting monetary funds, and you can donate here. |
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Today, we had a fantastic time at our annual Turkey Giveaway, a heartwarming day of gratitude and community! We distributed 400 turkeys, groceries, and smoke detectors to residents, ensuring that families across the 26th Ward would have a warm and safe Thanksgiving meal. I’m incredibly grateful to our dedicated partners, State Senator Omar Aquino and Representative Lilian Jiménez, who helped make this event possible, along with Life Impactors, Molina Health, and Unidad Dominicana for providing additional groceries and holiday supplies. Their support truly made a difference for so many families. We also signed up residents for our upcoming Winter Senior Gala—another opportunity to come together and celebrate our incredible community. Seeing neighbors connect, share stories, and embrace the holiday spirit was a beautiful reminder of what makes our community so special. |
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In solidarity,
Jessie Fuentes, 26th Ward Alderperson |
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Bandera Holiday Market 11/30 |
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🎄✨ Bandera Holiday Market! 🎄✨ Celebrate the season with us at the Barrio Boriken Bandera Holiday Market on Saturday, November 30th from 2 PM - 7 PM at the corner of Division St & Mozart St! Enjoy hot chocolate, spiced cider, food trucks, artisan crafts, holiday ornaments, and sweet treats. Don’t miss the lighting of the iconic steel flag and festive photo opportunities!
It’s a perfect way to kick off the holidays with family and friends while supporting local artisans. For more details, visit puertoricanfest.com. |
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| Youth ages 14-21 are encouraged to apply to be part of the 26th Ward Youth Council! Be part of the participatory budgeting process and help guide me in determining legislative goals. Apply at bit.ly/youth26. |
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Join the Call for a New Non-Congregate Shelterin Humboldt Park! |
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As the Alderperson of the 26th Ward, I advocate for compassionate solutions for our residents, including the unhoused in Humboldt Park. Unlike traditional shelters, Non-congregate shelters provide private, dignified living spaces. Support our initiative by signing a petition to urge the City of Chicago to establish a non-congregate shelter in Humboldt Park, promoting long-term housing stability.
SIGN THE PETITION
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Street Sweeping Map & Schedule |
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Street sweeping takes place between April and November. Click map to enlarge. |
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The 26th Ward's zoning process requires anyone requesting a zoning change to first complete a zoning intake form. After review, they present their request to the Zoning Advisory Committee and answer questions. In some cases, they may also present at a community input meeting. |
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We are currently reviewing zoning change requests for the following properties. |
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| 3949 W. Armitage Ave 3330 W Armitage Ave 1535 N Lawndale
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Go CPS Deadline Extension |
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| Deadline Extended: until 5 p.m. on November 22, 2024 for CPS programs in the 2025-26 school year.
For students entering kindergarten through ninth grade in 2025-26 High School: Selective enrollment, IB, STEM, Arts, CTE, and more
HSAT Testing for Non-CPS Students: Final test: November 23-24, 2024
cps.edu/gocps or contact (773) 553-2060 or gocps@cps.edu. |
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Diverse Learners Recovery Fund |
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The Diverse Learners Recovery Fund Program provides financial assistance to families of children with disabilities. The Diverse Learners Recovery Fund provides a one-time grant of $500 to K-12 students with disabilities through a lottery. To date, the program has selected and awarded 1,000 students with disabilities. DEADLINE is 11/15/24 the eligibility requirements are: Reside in the City of Chicago Household income: less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Students enrolled in K-12 Public or Private Schools Student has a disability covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Up to 2 eligible students per household
Application: www.AdaMOPD.com Questions: MOPD@adasmckinley.org (312) 561-6965. |
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Enroll Your Student with Tutoring Chicago |
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| Tutoring Chicago is a free program offering regular tutoring to economically disadvantaged students, and they are expanding to a new location in Mozart Park.
They are still accepting student applications and recruiting volunteers to help tutor their students - sign up your child today!
Visit www.tutoringchicago.org |
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| Celebrate with Navidad en el Barrio every Saturday in November and December from 10 AM - 1 PM at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture. Discover unique, handmade gifts by local Puerto Rican artisans and vendors, enjoy FREE workshops and tours, and experience the joy of shopping local this holiday season. 📍 3015 W. Division St., Chicago, IL
For more info, visit NMPRAC.org Don’t miss out on this festive celebration of Puerto Rican culture and craftsmanship! 🎅🏽 |
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Chicago Public Library November Events |
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| It’s a new month and the Chicago Public Library has events for you from arts and crafts to film screenings and hands-on workshops, there's something for everyone, including activities for teens, kids, and adults.
You can explore unique offerings. Make sure to check out the full schedule for events at the Logan Square and Humboldt Park branches.
For more details, visit: Chicago Public Library Events. |
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Hermosa Homeowners Workshop 11/20 |
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| Join a night of music and talent on Friday, November 22nd from 5 PM - 9 PM at 4117 W. North Ave. 🎶 Free event with snacks provided! SIGN UP HERE TO PERFORM and show off your skills!
📧 Submit music by Nov 18 to xiomararivera@prcc-chgo.org. Contact: 872-216-6756 |
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Pillers Queer Trans BIPOC Small Business Market 11/23 |
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| Support and Celebrate at Pillars!
Join us for Pillars, the queer, trans, BIPOC small business market happening on November 23rd from 1 PM - 5 PM! Discover unique products, support diverse local businesses, and connect with our vibrant community. Are you a small business owner interested in joining the market? SIGN UP HERE and showcase your work. Don’t miss this exciting event—see you there! |
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La Parranda Boricua Pop-up |
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| Join the Celebration at La Parranda Boricua Pop-Up in Humboldt Park! Experience Puerto Rican holiday traditions from December 6-8 at Barrio Borikén! Enjoy photo-ops, crafts, drinks, live music, and raffles in a festive atmosphere. 📅 Event Schedule: Friday: 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM Saturday: Kids: 12 PM - 4 PM Adults: 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM Sunday: 12 PM - 6 PM 🎟️ Tickets at the door: $20 for adults, $10 for kids (12 and under). Get ready to celebrate, dance, and make lasting memories! 🎶🌴 |
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| Help Keep Chicago’s Youth Warm DONATION DRIVE
BUILD and PRCC are teaming up to make a difference this winter! On December 6th, they’ll be hosting a donation drive at the Boxing Gym (2619 W Division) from 4 PM - 7 PM to support Chicago’s youth. Community members are encouraged to bring scarves, gloves, boots, coats, and other winter essentials to help keep young people warm during the cold months. As a thank-you, everyone who donates will be entered into a raffle with chances to win gift cards and artwork. |
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Small Business Growth Program |
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| Small Business Growth Program! Are you a South or West Side business owner aiming to grow from six figures to over $1M? The Polsky Center at UChicago offers a 30-week program with targeted support in growth strategy, customer expansion, and business scaling. What You’ll Get: Weekly meetings with coaches and MBA teams Strategy development, service provider access, and up to $5K in vendor services Recruitment: September - November. Program start: January 2025
For details CLICK HERE or email isra.omar@chicagobooth.edu. Don't miss this opportunity to take your business to the next level! |
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Hermosa Soup Kitchen Cocina con Sazón
Hermosa Soup Kitchen at 2100 N. Kildare Ave has delicious meals served with care! The kitchen is open twice a week: Supported by the Greater Chicago Food Depository and Life Impacters, this community effort aims to provide nourishing food for all. Stop by and enjoy a warm meal with your neighbors!
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Volunteer with El Mercadito |
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It’s Never Too Late to Begin Your Fitness Journey! 🏋🏽♀️ This winter, the PRCC invites you to join their energizing fitness classes tailored to fit every style! Whether you’re interested in dance-aerobics, strength training, or Zumba, there’s a class for you—no sign-up required! Check the flyer above for class dates and times, and come prepared to sweat, move, and have fun. The PRCC team can’t wait to see you and support you as you start your fitness journey! |
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Volunteer with El Mercadito |
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Emergency Heating Repair Program Now Open! The City of Chicago's Emergency Heating Repair Program (EHRP) is providing grant assistance to eligible homeowners for critical furnace and boiler repairs. Open enrollment is from November 1, 2024, to April 1, 2025. Apply now, as funds are limited and granted on a first-come, first-served basis. 📞 For assistance or to apply, call 311, visit the CHI311 app, or go to www.chicago.gov/ehrp. Ensure a warm winter—act now! |
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| 🎬 Filming Notice! 🎬
DePaul University’s student film Late Bloomer will be filming in your area on
Saturday, November 16. Expect a No Parking/Tow Zone from 12 PM - 11 PM on the west side of North Rockwell (1644-1650).
Questions? Contact Location Manager Brent Ervin-Eickhoff at 317-910-9916. Thanks for your cooperation! |
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ARPA Rental Assistance Program |
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| Facing rental arrears? The Puerto Rican Cultural Center offers support through the ARPA Rental Assistance Program. Required documents include your lease, 5-day notice, eviction paperwork, and ID.
📅 Appointment Required
📍 2548 W. Division St.
📞 (872) 315-2903
📧 kainat@prcc-chgo.org
Get help to stay in your home—reach out today! |
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Worker Rights Free Workshops |
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Need Help with Your Work Permit? Join Our Free Workshops Chicago Community and Workers’ Rights is hosting workshops if you’ve been a victim or witness to an employment violation, you may be eligible for DALE and can receive the same assistance as you would from a lawyer—at no cost! **Upcoming Workshop Dates:** **Nov 21:** Work Permit Extensions **Dec 5:** First-Time Work Permit Applications **Dec 12:** Work Permit Extensions **Dec 19:** First-Time Work Permit Applications **Jan 9:** Work Permit Extensions For questions or to register, contact Tenoch at **773-733-2315**. |
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| Support West Grants Now Open!
The Chicago Blackhawks Foundation is offering $5,000 grants to minority-owned small businesses on the West Side particularly in Austin, Belmont Cragin, East Garfield Park, Hermosa, Humboldt Park, Lower West Side, Near West Side, North Lawndale, Pilsen, South Lawndale, West Garfield Park or West Town.
Apply by Dec. 13 to access funds, mentorship, and professional development. Let’s invest in the future of our communities! APPLY HERE
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Neighborhood Opportunity Fund |
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The Chicago Department of Planning and Development is accepting applications for Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) grants open to business owners, property owners, community developers and entrepreneurs. NOF offers reimbursement grants that fund construction and renovation costs for small businesses and cultural establishments on NOF-eligible corridors. Learn more and apply at Chicago.gov/NOF |
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Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center |
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Become a Charter Member at the New Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center! Join now and enjoy exclusive benefits: Waived $150 joining fee and a FREE Charter Member T-shirt This limited-time offer is available only for the first 500 Charter Members who sign up before the grand opening!
For details, visit HPHWellness.care, email infowellness@hph.care, or call (773) 537-9200. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of the Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center community! |
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🌱 Apply Now for the 2024 GFPI Community Fund! 🌟 Applications are open until November 11th—don’t miss out! Are you a farmer, food business, or organization within 250 miles of Chicago? The 2024 GFPI Community Fund offers flexible grant funding to support healthy, sustainable food access. APPLY HERE
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📦 Package Protection Tips 🚚✨ 🔍 Track your deliveries and stay informed with alerts 📭 Safe delivery locations and plan for secure drop-off locations. 📝 Add delivery instructions for secure drop-offs and consider requesting a signature 🚪💪📦 Let’s keep your packages safe and sound! |
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Introductory Guide to City Services |
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| Want to learn how to access city resources and take an active role in your community? Download our Introductory Guide to City Services. The guide includes: Steps to submit an infrastructure request, Host a community event Get immigration, re-entry or domestic violence support Find your elected officials Engage with various city departments How to access critical services.
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McCormick YMCA Food Distribution |
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Court-Based Rental Assistance Program |
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CBRAP offers up to $15,000 in emergency rental assistance for households in eviction court due to non-payment of rent. Funds can cover past due rent, court costs (up to $500), and two months of future rent. Payments go directly to landlords, who must agree to dismiss eviction proceedings, helping tenants stay housed. This assistance does not need to be repaid.
Eligible households must live in Illinois and earn at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Assistance is one-time only, and households cannot reapply after receiving payment. Eligible tenants and landlords can start an application online at www.illinoishousinghelp.org. Additional information about CBRAP can be found at www.illinoishousinghelp.org/resources. |
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Chicago Senior Risk Assessment Program |
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| The Chicago Seniors At Risk Assessment Program provides free fire/fall safety assessments for individuals ages 65 or over and those with a disability.
Chicago Fire Department members will assess the home for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as other fire and fall hazards.
Call to schedule an appointment. Phone: (312) 747-6691 |
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Free Chore Services from DFSS for 60+ Seniors |
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Foster Care: Ready to Make a Difference? |
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Chicago Rents connects landlords with tenants through various housing subsidy programs, offering guaranteed rent, vacancy filling, and personalized support. Created in response to COVID-19, it centralizes property partner relationships and helps Chicagoans in need of housing. For additional information, please visit: allchicago.org/chicagorents. If you are a landlord interested in joining the Chicago Rents program, you can click here to apply.
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Special Concession Opportunity with the Chicago Park District |
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| The Chicago Park District has opened its Notice of Application for a Special Concession Opportunity for 2025, which presents substantial opportunity for small businesses. |
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Emergency Supplemental Victims Fund |
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| The Emergency Supplemental Victims Fund (ESVF) provides economic relief to victims and survivors of gunshot wounds and homicides. ESVF has now expanded to 15 priority communities with the highest levels of violence.
You must work with a victim advocate from one of the funded delegate organizations that administers the program. See chicago.gov/ESVF for the complete list of funded organizations. |
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Residential Electronic Recycling |
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| ♻️ Residential Electronics Recycling Program 💻
It’s easier than ever to recycle your old electronics in Chicago!
Drop off items like computers, monitors, TVs, printers, & more at designated city locations from April 1st -December 30th 🗓️ Multiple locations across the city, specific days each month
For a full list of items and drop-off details, visit CLICK HERE
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Don’t Let a Tick Make You Sick! |
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If you find a tick, don't panic! IDPH has released an infographic to demonstrate the proper protocol for removing ticks from oneself, family, friend, and even your furry friends. To learn more about tick prevention and removal and other pest control information please visit IDPH Site here. |
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The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) has introduced a new and improved interactive calendar, which you can click here to access. One of the key features of this calendar is the inclusion of the yearly meeting calendar for both the Commission for Public Safety and your Local District Councils. By simply visiting this website, you can find the dates, times, and locations of all scheduled meetings. 14th Police District Council Join elected District Councilors every first Saturday of the month at 1pm to work for better police accountability, restorative justice, and evidence based approaches to public safety. Please sign up at bit.ly/do14news for Councilor David Orlikoff's newsletter or email David.Orlikoff@cityofchicago.org with questions. |
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| Free Course: Photovoltaic System Fundamentals Kickstart your career in renewable energy with a FREE 30-hour course from April 1 to May 1, 2025. Learn about solar power systems, energy conversion, regulations, and more. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Offered by IL IBEW Renewable Energy Fund Only 25 seats available—apply now: Apply Here |
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| The Illinois Department of Human Services is hosting virtual recruitment presentations offering career opportunities in fields like business, healthcare, and public service. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply, with competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and up to 5% extra pay for bilingual positions. Presentations are available in English and Spanish. Learn more about job opportunities, benefits, and how to enhance your application. To register for the next virtual session, visit idhs.state.il.us/jobs or scan the QR code.
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| Explore Careers in Renewable Energy! Interested in solar power and a career in renewable energy? Join the Photovoltaic System Fundamentals course, a FREE 30-hour program from April 1 - May 1, 2025. Classes are Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:00 - 8:00 PM. Space is limited—only 25 seats available! Apply now and secure your spot: Application Link. For more info, contact Arturo Velasquez Institute or Wilbur Wright College. |
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| Ready to take the next step in your career? The National Latino Education Institute (NLEI) offers community workforce services for success in today’s job market! Get 1-on-1 support for resume building, interview prep, and high-skilled training with job placement assistance. Must be 18+, have a photo ID, and meet eligibility requirements. For more info: education@nlei.org or call 773-395-1924 |
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| Click Here to view and apply for Chicago Department of Public Health jobs |
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| Shipping & Receiving Training - visit sr.gwtp.org for more info 12-week training at no cost, includes supportive services once enrolled Average $18+/hour wage upon job placement Training Includes:
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If you know someone looking for reproductive justice resources in Chicago, they can go to this Department of Public Health resource page to use the City’s digital community resource directory. There is also a free talkline (1-888-493-0092) where operators are available to share information on various reproductive justice options. |
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| If you need assistance with a city service, let us know! You can submit your request through our website, by giving us a call, or submitting a request directly to 311.chicago.gov. Our team is here to provide the support you need and ensure our community thrives. |
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Property Tax Appeal Workshop 11/6 |
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