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Neighbors, This week I launched Ward at Your Door, a new initiative where I’m walking door to door across the entire 26th Ward, starting in Belmont Cragin. On Sunday and Tuesday, I had incredible conversations with residents, listening to your concerns, ideas, and sharing important resources and upcoming events. My commitment is to meet you where you are, ensuring every voice is heard and every neighbor has access to the support they need. Over the coming weeks, I’ll be knocking on doors throughout the ward—so keep an eye out! If there’s something on your mind, I want to hear about it.
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A Day in the Ward This week, we had the honor of hosting Mayor Brandon Johnson for “A Day in the Ward" (DITW) highlighting key investments, local businesses, and affordable housing efforts in the 26th Ward. We started the day at Tasa Coffee Roasters, one of our ward's Good Food Fund grant awardees, reinforcing our commitment to strengthening local entrepreneurship. We were joined by the BACP, Hermosa Belmont Cragin Chamber of Commerce, and Tasa’s owner Jackie Marquez and had an invigorating discussion about investing in and supporting local businesses.
We then visited La Escuelita Bombera de Corazón, where we witnessed how Afro-Puerto Rican traditions like bomba and plena are being preserved and passed down to future generations, keeping cultural storytelling alive.
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We toured Von Humboldt Elementary School, which was closed under the Rahm administration and will soon be transformed into over 100 units of 100% affordable housing. The development will include supportive services for families and individuals, as well as ground-floor space for educational programs, wellness services, meeting spaces, and tenant and community gatherings. Additional onsite amenities will include a gymnasium, party room, lounges, and laundry rooms, ensuring that families and individuals can remain in the community and resist displacement due to gentrification. We also visited Encuentro Square, a development by LUCHA & Evergreen—soon to open with high-quality, family-friendly affordable housing right along the 606 Trail, ensuring residents are able to stay in their neighborhood. |
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DITW Housing Roundtable Day in the Ward concluded with a powerful roundtable discussion on housing and homelessness. Joined by representatives from CHA, the Illinois Union for the Homeless, the Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness, affordable housing developers, the Department of Housing, DFSS, DPD, and local elected officials, we explored two key questions: What is your vision for an equitable housing landscape in Chicago? How can the partners at the table support your mission for public and affordable housing justice?
Together, we discussed concrete ways to collaborate and turn that vision into reality. I am deeply grateful to all the stakeholders who shared their expertise and commitment, and I look forward to working together as we continue the fight for housing as a human right. |
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Good Food Grant I am thrilled to announce that three businesses in our 26th Ward have been awarded grants from the City of Chicago's Good Food Fund! These grants recognize their commitment to strengthening our local food ecosystem and expanding access to fresh, culturally relevant food. Congratulations to our awardees: La Canasta Bakery – A cherished bakery bringing authentic and delicious baked goods to our community. Not Just Cookies – A local favorite known for its high-quality, handcrafted treats, which will soon have its own storefront. Tasa Coffee Roasters – A specialty coffee roaster delivering bold and unique brews to the neighborhood. Join me in congratulating them. Our local businesses are a vital part of our ward, and I encourage everyone to support them as they continue to grow and serve our community. Community Safety Committee This week, the Community Safety Committee convened to establish goals for the year ahead. The community organizations reaffirmed their commitment to partner with my office in making the 26th Ward a safer place for all residents. Together, we remain committed to working with community residents to address their concerns and provide holistic solutions to crime and violence. The continued decrease in major Index I crimes is a testament to our collective violence prevention efforts. In support of our immigrant neighbors, we will host multiple Know Your Rights (KYR) training sessions to ensure residents are informed and prepared in the presence of ICE agents. We strongly encourage all community members to attend these sessions and stay engaged. Remember, We Keep Us Safe! |
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PB Winner I am so excited to announce our inaugural Participatory Budgeting winners! With 514 total ballots submitted at our events, in the office, and virtually, here is the vote breakdown: Package 3: Public School Improvements - 384 votes
Moos Artificial Turf and Playground Improvement
Package 4: Pedestrian Safety Infrastructure - 274 votes
No parking signs at 1918 N Central Park
Roundabout signage at Washtenaw and Wabansia
Roundabout signage at Talman and Wabansia
Roundabout signage at Rockwell and Wabansia
Pedestrian Safety Enhancements at Potomac & Central Park
Package 1: Park Improvements - 273 votes
Maple Park Turf Upgrades
Package 2: Public Art and Public Space - 240 votes
Mural on Viaduct at Potomac & Central Park
Mozart Park Public Art
We have communicated with the Moos team and they have graciously agreed to adjust their winning amount so we can fund another project. We will be reaching out to the leaders of the other ballot projects to discuss the next steps.
Have an idea? We are currently accepting them for 2026! Visit bit.ly/pb26 to submit them through September 30, 2025.
In Solidarity, Alderperson Jessie Fuentes |
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Ward Night Pop Up Tonight! |
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Senior Valentine’s Brunch |
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🌨️ 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 |
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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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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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1633 N Hamlin 2935 W Augusta Blvd 1751-53 N Spaulding Ave
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| 3330 W Armitage Ave 1608 N St Louis Ave 3340-50 West North Ave
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El Rescate Youth Resource |
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| El Rescate: Supporting Homeless Youth (18-24) Are you or someone you know in need of safe, supportive housing? El Rescate offers:
✅ Independent Transitional Living Program
✅ Wraparound Services for LGBTQ+ and HIV+ youth
📍 Location: 2703 W Division St
📞 Intake Line: 872-829-2662 Empowering our youth with the resources they need to thrive.
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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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In Their Hands Screenings |
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| In Their Hands is screening in Chicago!
🎥 A documentary about one man's fight for freedom & the politics of parole in IL.
https://illinoisprisonproject.networkforgood.com/events/80948-in-their-hands-legislative-screeing-and-panel-discussion For more information about In Their Hands, visit: https://linktr.ee/intheirhandsfilm |
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Free Tax Preparation Program |
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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 |
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Senior Citizen Tax Deferral Program |
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| Cook County Treasurer office is offers the Senior Citizens Property Tax Deferral Program. This program helps homeowners aged 65+ defer paying their property taxes by offering a loan with a low interest rate of just 3%. Eligible seniors can defer up to $7,500 in property taxes annually! This means less financial strain, and a better chance of staying in your home
Eligibility: 👵🏼 65+ years old 🧓🏿 Income of $65,000 or less 🏡 Lived in the home for 3+ years 📝 Applications are now open! Be sure to apply before March 1.
🌐 Find details & download here |
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Inherent Homes - Affordable Housing |
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What Nonprofits Should Know - KYR |
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| Watch the What Nonprofit Workers Need to Know webinar on immigration, civil rights, and mental health. discussion and access key resources by watching the recording here
✅ Immigration policies & legal rights
✅ Civil rights protections
✅ Mental health support for immigrant communitiesincluding details on the DHS settlement for unlawful ICE stops & arrests: More Info |
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Healing Circles for Helpers |
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| LoSAH Center of Hope is hosting monthly circles for helpers on the last Tuesday of each month from January to June at LoSAH Center of Hope. This space is designed for those who support the community to connect, reflect, and recharge.
📅 Attendance is flexible—join as you’re able!
📍 LoSAH 3555 W. Armitage Ave.
📝 Register HERE
Community members and teams are encouraged to participate. For questions, reach out to the event organizers. |
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City of Chicago - Know Your Rights Guide |
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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
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OCAD - Raid Immigration Resources |
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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 |
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Administrative ICE Warrant VS. Judicial Warrant |
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🔹 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. |
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5k Delinquent Tax Program |
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| 🏡 Delinquent Tax Program – Get Up to $5K in Assistance!
Struggling with property taxes? The Northwest Home Equity Assurance Program (NWHEAP) and Northwest Center are offering grants up to $5,000 to help homeowners on Chicago’s Northwest Side pay off delinquent property taxes and keep their homes.
📍 Eligibility: Must live within NWHEAP boundaries
📞 Apply today! Call 773-622-0700 or 773-283-3888 for more details. 🔗 Learn more: nwheap.com |
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City of Chicago Resources |
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| The Chicago Empowerment Fund (CEF) was a pilot program supporting low-income Chicago residents facing economic hardships. While it’s not funded in 2025, alternative resources are available for residents to explore. If you have questions, or need further assistance, please contact DFSS at (312) 743-0300, or visit the Department of Family and Support Services
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| As the temperatures drop, it’s important to keep an eye out for animals in need of care and support. Chicago Animal Care & Control (CACC) is here to help with wildlife, stray animals, abandoned pets, and more. 📞 How to Get Help: Call 311 to report any animal-related issues. Be sure to provide as much detail as possible, including your contact info, to ensure quick assistance. 📍 CACC Location: 2741 S. Western Ave. 🐾 Animal Intake Hours: 3 PM–7 PM daily |
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Temperatures this weekend are expected drop with high winds this weekend. Click the images below for resources to stay warm and safe. |
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Intake for People Experiencing Homelessness |
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| 🏠 24/7 Intake Location for People Experiencing Homelessness
For single adults in need of shelter, the Shelter Placement and Resource Center (SPARC) offers:
✅ Open 24/7 with a 200-person capacity
✅ Meals, showers, laundry, and shelter placement services
✅ On-site assistance and 3-1-1 shelter requests available around the clock
📍 Location: 2241 S. Halsted St. (S Halsted St. & W 23rd) |
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Affordable Solar Programs |
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| ☀️ Go Solar & Save in Illinois! ☀️
Illinois residents, take advantage of solar energy incentives that lower electricity costs while reducing carbon footprints. With programs like net metering, federal tax credits, and state solar rebates, switching to solar is more affordable than ever.
✅ Lower your energy bills
✅ Get solar incentives & tax credits
✅ Increase your home’s value
✅ Reduce your environmental impact Make the switch! sunrun.com/solar-by-state/il |
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Affordable Solar Programs |
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| 🌞 Bright Neighborhoods Program
Affordable solar panels for income-eligible homeowners with 1-4 unit properties.
✅ Guaranteed bill savings
✅ Open until April 2025
🔗 LEARN MORE HERE
💡 Multi-Family Energy Savings
Energy efficiency upgrades for multi-family properties.
🔗 LEARN MORE HERE
Take advantage of these great opportunities today!
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| Do you need your furnace or boiler heating system repaired? Chicago’s Emergency Heating Repair Program (EHRP) provides grants to assist income-eligible property owners of 1-to-4 unit properties with emergency heating system replacements or repairs during the winter season. ——— ¿Necesita reparar su sistema de calefacción? El Programa de Reparación de Calefacción de Emergencia de Chicago (EHRP) ofrece subvenciones para ayudar a los propietarios de 1 a 4 unidades que reúnan los requisitos de ingresos a sustituir o reparar el sistema de calefacción de emergencia durante la temporada de invierno. |
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Mobile DMV coming to 26th Ward 3/4 |
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| The Illinois Secretary of State Mobile DMV is coming to the 26th Ward! Take care of your needs without the lines. 📅 Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Trina Davila Center
4312 W. North Ave., Chicago, IL Services Offered:
✅ New and Renewal ID Cards
✅ Driver’s License Renewal
✅ Sticker Purchases
✅ Real ID 💳 Accepted Payments: Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover, Personal Check, or Money Order (fees may apply). 📞 Reserve your spot today! Contact Katie Tapert-Mercado at 312-744-2014 or katie.tapertmercado@cityofchicago.org |
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| ¿Estás listo para un desafío que te ayudará a crecer? Únete a este círculo de 10 semanas diseñado para hombres entre 25-45 años que buscan explorar temas como la paternidad, relaciones, salud, y redefinir la masculinidad de manera positiva e inclusiva.
🗓 Inicio: Miércoles, 19 de febrero
⏰ Horario: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
📍 Lugar: LoSAH Centro de Esperanza
3555 W. Armitage Ave.
Como Registrarte: 📲 Regístrate AQUI o Escanea el código QR tambien puede llama al (773) 433-1995, o email a despino@losahcenter.org. ¡Cupos limitados, asegura tu lugar hoy! |
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| 🌈 Trans Empowerment Center
📍 2753 W. Division St.
🕙 Mon-Fri, 10 AM – 6:30 PM The center provides essential services for the LGBTQIA+ community, including:
✅ Free HIV/STI Testing
✅ Safer Sex Kits
✅ Educational Resources
✅ Gender-Affirming Services
Join support groups, intervention programs, and events in a safe, inclusive space. Empower your journey today! 💙 |
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Neighborhood Opportunity Fund Grants |
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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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Court-Based Rental Assistance Program |
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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 |
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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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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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12 District Police Oversight |
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CPD Survey: Community Policing & Alternative Response |
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| 🗣️ We Need Your Input! Take the Community Engagement Survey to help shape community policing strategies and alternate response models for a safer, more supportive Chicago. Your anonymous feedback will inform citywide recommendations, funding, and programs. 💻 Share your voice online today HERE! Or attend an in person session in your community HERE
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CPD Community Feedback Survey |
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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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| 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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