From Prison to Redemption, A Theater for All & Love for Our Seniors

2/14/25

From Prison to Redemption, A Theater for All & Love for Our Seniors
͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ ͏ ‌     ­ 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Neighbors,

Last week, my Chief of Staff, Juanita, attended a screening of In Their Hands at Rebaño Church, a documentary detailing Ronnie Carrasquillo's relentless fight for freedom and redemption through the Illinois Prisoner Review Board's appeal process. After nearly 47 years of incarceration, he was released in October 2024 after a three-judge panel of the Illinois Appellate Court ruled his 200-to-600-year sentence was “excessive” in a 27-page opinion. Through it all, Ronnie’s faith sustained him, along with his family and the brothers who never stopped supporting him, even after their own release. His family became his voice, refusing to let the judicial system forget him.


Ronnie’s story is a powerful reminder that healing is not just personal but collective, and until the criminal legal system acknowledges that, the fight for justice continues. We welcome Ronnie home and look forward to witnessing his continued transformation through his ministry.

Yesterday, Collaboraction Theatre Company celebrated the groundbreaking of their new home, the "House of Belonging," located at the Kimball Arts Center at 1757 N. Kimball Avenue in the 26th Ward. This exciting new space, spanning 4,000 square feet, will feature a 99-seat flexible black box theater and a 50-seat cabaret with a café and bar. It will host a wide range of live performances, including theater, spoken word, music, dance, films, workshops, and special events produced by Collaboraction and guest artists.

When you have a department of education that is being terrorized, when we are being told that real careers aren’t in art, we must remind the world just how important it is, just how transformative it is, and more importantly how life-saving the arts could be. Poetry was my first form of therapy, and it can be for so many. Congratulations to Collaboraction on their 30th anniversary and here’s to 30+ more.

Today, on Valentine’s day, we showed love the best way we know how, by coming together as a community.

I had the joy of joining State Rep. Lilian Jiménez, State Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado, and Senator Omar Aquino for a Valentine’s Day Brunch with our seniors. Our elders enjoyed good food, cake, music, and a little friendly competition with a big raffle. But more than that, they connected with critical resources, free COVID & flu shots, and most importantly, each other.

Everyone left with groceries, flowers, and a smile. Because that’s what community looks like.

A huge thank you to our incredible community partners who donated their time, resources, and love to make this happen. Our seniors deserve nothing less!

With freezing temperatures, sewer backups can become a serious issue. If you notice water backing up from a drain, pipe, or wall, knowing what steps to take can help prevent costly damage. Scroll down for important details on how to report issues and what to expect from the inspection process.


In Solidarity,


Alderperson Jessie Fuentes

Office Closure 2/17

Housing Town Hall 2/19

Ward Night 2/24

Coffee with the Alder 3/1

Unity Meals 3/4

Small Business Capital & Infrastructure Grant 3/6

Zoning Meeting Notice 3/12

Boulevard Landmark District Extension Project

The “Logan Square Boulevards District” is a significant part of our community's history and character. An extension of this Landmark District is currently being evaluated. This project builds on decades of historic preservation work and reflects the ongoing commitment of the 26th Ward to maintaining the unique identity of our neighborhoods. Learn more and submit your thoughts at: the26thward.org/boulevard-landmarking.


Prevent Sewer Issues This Winter

Cold weather can lead to serious sewer problems. If you notice water backing up from a drain, pipe, tub, or wall, call 311 immediately and report a Water in Basement Complaint to prevent costly damage.

What to Expect:

  1. Report to 311 under Water in Basement Complaint.

  2. Inspection determines if the issue is in the City’s main sewer or your private line.

  3. If referred to the Private Drain Program (PDP), hire a Licensed & Bonded Plumber.

  4. Plumber coordinates with the City for inspection.

  5. Inspection Day: A City Inspector and plumber confirm if the issue is on the City or private side.

If the problem is on the City’s side, the City will handle repairs. If on private property, homeowners are responsible for hiring a contractor.

This program is for residential buildings with four units or less. Commercial and mixed-use properties are not eligible.

Act now to prevent bigger issues this winter.

Snow Shoveling Program

🌨️ Join the 26th Ward Snow Shoveling Program to support our seniors and residents with disabilities. Together, we can ensure sidewalks are safe and accessible for everyone this winter.
This is our chance to unite as a community and show we care. Grab your shovel and make a difference today! SIGN UP HERE

Join the Call for a New Non-Congregate Shelter

in Humboldt Park!

As Alderperson of the 26th Ward, I advocate for non-congregate shelters in Humboldt Park. These provide private, dignified spaces for the unhoused. Support by signing our petition to urge the City of Chicago to establish one, promoting housing stability.

SIGN THE PETITION 

26th Ward Zoning

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.

We are currently reviewing zoning change requests for the following properties.

Business Spotlight

Café Calidá

Youth Resources

Saturday Morning Quantum

Barrio Arts Fest Poster Contest

Queer Youth Support Group

CLCF Scholarship

PROM ATTIRE: DRIVE AND GIVEAWAY

Girls’ Day of Play 2/25

El Rescate: Support for Homeless Youth

Enroll Your Student with Tutoring Chicago

MBE & WBE Grow Your Business 2/20

Know your building. Know your landlord. 2/22

Business Meeting 2/26

Neighborhood Opportunity Fund Grants

Concessions Opportunities

Grants for Chicago Arts & Culture Orgs

Cannabis Expungement Project

Avoid Bird Alert: Protect Yourself & Your Pets

Free Tax Preparation Program

Ladder Up offers FREE tax preparation for eligible individuals and families in Chicago! Trained IRS-certified volunteers can help you maximize your refund and claim valuable credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC).

Income Eligibility: $36,000 or less for individuals $60,000 or less for households

📍 Multiple locations & virtual options available! Find a site near you: goladderup.org

Dept. of Law: Open House

Senior Citizen Tax Deferral Program

Inherent Homes - Affordable Housing

What Nonprofits Should Know - KYR

Healing Circles for Helpers

Cook County Health Free Birthday Screenings

City of Chicago - Know Your Rights Guide

The City of Chicago’s Office of Immigrant, Migrants and Refugee Rights has created a comprehensive guide to help families navigate the detention of a loved one by immigration authorities. This resource provides:

Step-by-step guidance on what to do if someone is detained
Legal and community resources for support
Information on visitation, bond, and legal rights

Empower yourself and your community—ACCESS GUIDES HERE


OCAD - Raid Immigration Resources

ICIRR - Rights Card

The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) provides this Rights Card to protect you during interactions with law enforcement or immigration officials.

📞 Family Support Hotline:
Call 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693) for assistance in English, Spanish, Korean, or Polish.

✅The right to remain silent.

✅The right to refuse answering questions without legal representation.

✅The right to contact an attorney or organization for help.

Print and carry this card to assert your rights and ensure your safety in uncertain situations. For more information, visit www.icirr.org/family-support

Administrative ICE Warrant VS. Judicial Warrant

🔹 Administrative ICE Warrant (First Image - SAMPLE)

  • Issued by: DHS, not a court.

  • Purpose: Allows ICE to arrest for immigration violations.

  • Limitations: Does not allow entry into your home without consent.

  • Key Detail: Signed by an immigration officer, not a judge.

🔹 Judicial Warrant (Second Image)

  • Issued by: A U.S. District Court.

  • Purpose: Authorizes law enforcement to enter, search, or seize property/individuals.

  • Authority: Signed by a judge, allows entry without consent.

⚠️ Why It Matters:
An ICE administrative warrant does not grant officers the right to enter your home—only a judicial warrant does. Always ask to see the warrant, verify details, and seek legal help if needed. For assistance, contact legal professionals or trusted community organizations.

5k Delinquent Tax Program

Vote: New State Flag

City of Chicago Resources

Cold Weather Resources

Temperatures this weekend are expected drop with high winds this weekend. Click the images below for resources to stay warm and safe.

Intake for People Experiencing Homelessness

Affordable Solar Programs

Affordable Solar Programs

Emergency Heating Repair

Mobile DMV coming to 26th Ward 3/4

Trans Empowerment Center

La Bodega Food Bank

LIHEAP

Chicago Housing Trust: Open House

Court-Based Rental Assistance Program

The Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP) offers up to $15,000 for households facing eviction due to unpaid rent. Funds 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 cases—helping tenants stay housed. No repayment required.

📌 Eligibility: ✔ Live in Illinois ✔ Earn at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) ✔One-time assistance only 🔗 Apply Now: www.illinoishousinghelp.org

Chicago Senior Risk Assessment Program

Chicago Rents Program

12 District Police Oversight

CPD Survey: Community Policing & Alternative Response

Public Safety Meetings

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.

Reproductive Justice

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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