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Community Engagement Opportunities
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24th District Senior Films Series Presents: Running Scared
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Attention Rogers Park and Edgewater Seniors! Please join the 24th District for their next film series selection showing the 1986 film "Running Scared," starring Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines. The movie will be shared over Zoom on Wednesday, March 24, at 2 pm.
Following the film, there will be a discussion with John Holden of the Edgewater Historical Society. John will discuss some of the history of filmmaking in Chicago, particularly in the neighborhood of Uptown where scenes of Running Scared were shot.
No RSVP is necessary to join, but feel free to contact Officer Kline in the CAPS office if you have any questions at hank.kline@chicagopolice.org.
Below is the link to the Zoom meeting on the 24:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83711342964?pwd=c1IrVnN0d3YzWnFDc3hPekJnbkhYdz09
Meeting ID: 837 1134 2964
Passcode: 309468
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,83711342964#,,,,*309468# US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 837 1134 2964
Passcode: 309468
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Join the Sierra Club on World Water Day for a
Presentation on the Lake Michigan's Water Levels
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Lake water levels have become a critical problem locally in the last few years. Join Phil Willink for a presentation and discussion on the science involved and what, if anything, we can do as citizens. Willink is an aquatic scientist who has worked at the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and the Illinois Natural History Survey. He has conducted research in a dozen different countries, as well as extensively throughout the Chicago Region. His professional focus has evolved into taking scientific research and making the leap to actionable conservation and management initiatives and policy.
Please register by clicking here. The invitation is open to all who are interested in learning about this issue with Lake Michigan.
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CHA Community Alliance Affordable Housing Workshops
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The CHA Community Alliance is hosting a series of virtual workshops throughout the month of March. The workshops will focus on CHA family housing, senior housing, and waitlist management.
For more information, contact 773-245-4107 or email communityallianceprogram@lucha.org. To register for a workshop, visit bit.ly/LUCHAAffordableHousing.
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Community Makery Creating "4-H Real Talk" Video Series
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Community Makery is partnering with 4-H University of Illinois Extension to develop a "4-H Real Talk" video series as part of the ongoing Illinois 4-H DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiative.
They are searching for black & brown high school youth who want to share their voice about the impact of racism in their lives. If this project is of interest to you, please email Mimi at mimi@communitymakery.org.
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Black Beauty Festival April 10-11
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Victory Gardens Theater is excited to bring you the 5th edition of the Black Beauty Festival, April 10-11, 2021! In partnership with the Black Women’s Expo and Black Owned Chicago, Black Beauty Festival: Joy & Magic is a free two-day event that uplifts Black-owned businesses while creating conversations around beauty, health, and wellness.
This year’s theme is Joy & Magic, two words that perfectly encompass the BBF experience. Join them for their first virtual festival! BBF will include online shopping from Black-owned businesses, free performances from The Black Monologues, a Jam Session with up-and-coming artists, a Haircut Tutorial, Yoga Hour, Paint & Sip afternoon, Vendor Chat, raffle giveaways, and much more! Register here: https://bit.ly/BBFJoy_Magic
Have questions about the festival? Contact blackbeautyfestival@victorygardens.org.
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Licensed to Be Curious: The Female PI in Fiction
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Being licensed to be curious can lead a gal into trouble in books written by Tracy Clark, Amanda Flower and Hank Phillippi Ryan. This panel of mystery writers will discuss the past and future of female private investigators and the history of women writing crime novels at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 27, on Zoom.
This free, virtual event is sponsored by Friends of the Edgewater Library in partnership with the Edgewater Branch. Register here or go to the home page of foelchicago.org.
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Read what's going on at Edgewater Village!
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You're invited to stay connected with Edgewater Village Chicago. There's no membership fee, our programs are free and we welcome everyone. This month we're offering movie chats, coffee and conversation, healthy aging presentations, Greek dancing, and other interesting programs on Zoom. Read more about them and register here. And, to stay in the know, sign up for our weekly newsletter.
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Loyola Community Nursing Center Hosting Series
on Community Health and Nutrition
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The Loyola Community Nursing Center is hosting a virtual educational series on community health and nutrition throughout the months of February and March. Join a session to learn more about a variety of topics. To join a virtual session, visit luc.zoom.us/j/96131142188.
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Each week we've been updating this section with the rapid information coming down from all levels of government. This has resulted in a long email with the information running for several weeks. To shorten the length of the newsletter and provide the freshest content, we have archived all the COVID-19 newsletters on the 49th Ward website. You can also refer to the Rogers Park Community Response Team's website, where resources and information are abundantly available for our neighbors.
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CPS Unveils Preliminary Plans to Have High School Students Return to In-Person Learning April 19
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CPS launched a joint task force with principals and CTU to establish a plan that will allow high school students and staff to safely return to schools this year. As a result of discussions in that task force, CPS shared several concepts the group has discussed:
- Start Date: April 19, the first day of the fourth quarter, is the target date for students to return to classrooms.
- Eligibility: CPS believes that all families must have an option for in-person learning, and a return to high school classrooms must be available to all students. To the extent possible, CPS wants to ensure students will remain with their assigned teachers upon returning to in-person learning
- Hybrid Learning Model: Similar to elementary schools, instructional models will vary between schools due to differences in enrollment and capacity for social distancing throughout the district. CPS and CTU are discussing a hybrid structure that would provide in-person instruction at least two days per week for nearly all interested students.
CPS has indicated that they will continue meeting regularly with CTU representatives to reach a consensus that provides the smoothest possible transition for families and staff. Negotiations are ongoing with CTU and CPS will continue to provide updates to families as discussions proceed.
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Free Credit Score Webinar March 23
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On Tuesday, March 23rd from 12:00-1:15 PM CST, FICO in partnership with both national and local organizations, will deliver their consumer credit education program, Score A Better Future, virtually, to the Chicago region.
Score A Better Future is a free special educational program where consumers learn first-hand from FICO experts about what comprises a credit score and then can opt to receive one-on-one counseling from local non-profit credit counselors who are members of FICO® Score Open Access for Credit and Financial Counseling program. We have previously done this event in person, but due to COVID-19 we have transitioned to a virtual program that has been very successful in other cities.
Every attendee to Score A Better Future receives:
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Free access to their FICO® Score, the score used in over 90% of all lending decisions
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Insight into the two most influential score factors with easy-to-understand, transparent explanations to help them understand their FICO® Score.
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Access to one-on-one credit and financial counseling provided by Operation Hope and customized plans to help them meet their targeted financial goals.
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The opportunity to develop an ongoing relationship with a credit or financial counselor who can coach and help them stay on their financial management plan.
Click here to register for the event.
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IHDA Offering Student Loan Forgiveness
for Aspiring Homeowners
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The Illinois Housing Development Authority has launched a $25 million Smart Buy program that will help 500 to 1,000 young individuals buy homes by forgiving some of their student loans. The program would allow those who meet income requirements may receive up to $40,000 to pay their loans to purchase a home. Recipients would be required to live in the home for at least three years.
For eligibility requirements, FAQs, and to apply, visit IHDA's Smart Buy website.
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HOPE Inside Offers Financial Counseling
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Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin has partnered with Operation HOPE, the nation's preeminent financial counseling and aid organization founded by John Hope Bryant, to launch HOPE Inside.
HOPE Inside is a year-long initiative offering credit and money management resources for free to all Chicago residents and small business owners. HOPE Inside will provide complimentary services and education to those who need assistance on debt management, credit score improvement or are facing financial challenges. HOPE Inside will provide a mixture of programming and services offered by skilled financial coaches and speakers to include:
- Financial Literacy and Development Workshops focused on creating a personal budget, learning to read and correct errors via your credit report, homeownership steps, and more.
- Coaching Sessions to help you recover from debt and low FICO scores, prepare a budget analysis, establish a plan of action to resolve credit issues, and much more.
- Access to the 700 Credit-Score-Initiative will transform participant's finances and prepare them for future financial success, possibly raising scores by 120 points over 18 months of active counseling.
The HOPE Inside initiative will counsel residents and business owners on the language of money, creating a budget, developing customized action plans around building their businesses, buying homes, and repairing credit scores. Their counseling will empower people to make more informed decisions with their finances to prepare for emergencies, save money on expenses, and build long-term wealth.
Register online to join HOPE Inside for a workshop on Wednesday, March 17, at 12 pm. For more information on the program, visit chicagocitytreasurer.com/hopeinside.
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2021 Professional Development Providers Program
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The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented strain on the art and culture community; artists and organizations have suffered hardships that will require creativity and collaboration to overcome and rebuild towards equity. DCASE’s 2021 Professional Development Series is being restructured in response to this critical need. Now more than ever, artists and organizations need increased access to resources that will help them rebuild and recover.
The goal of DCASE’s Professional Development Program is to support free programs that provide resources, tools, and training that contribute to artists and arts organizations' professional growth and help them respond to the current needs. Increasing access to training, education, and opportunities for emerging artists and small businesses is a priority.
Nonprofit and for‐profit arts and culture organizations and individuals can apply for grants to present professional development programs focused on artist career development and/or organizational operations across artistic disciplines. Project grants will support local creatives and presenting organizations that provide free and public professional development programming across discipline types.
The deadline to apply is Friday, April 2, at 5 pm. For more information and the application, visit chicago.gov/dcase.
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The City of Chicago Wants to Hear from
Taxicab, Ride-Hail, and Livery Drivers!
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Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) launched a public chauffeur survey this week to learn more about taxicab, ride-hail, and livery drivers' experiences operating their vehicles in the city. They are looking for feedback to help shape the future of the industry in the city.
Please take a moment to complete the survey online at surveymonkey.com/r/ChicagoBACP. Survey responses will remain anonymous.
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Northside Community Resources' SARFS Program
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The Small Accessibility Repairs for Seniors (SARFS) program provides safety, security, and accessibility improvements and repairs to help seniors remain in their homes. These repairs may include grab bars, lever faucets, door repairs, floor repairs, bathroom repairs, kitchen repairs, and carbon monoxide detectors. To be eligible for this program, seniors must be a resident of the City of Chicago, live in Wards 38, 39, 40, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, be 60+ years old, and have an income of less than 80% of the Area Median Income.
For more information, contact Violet Espinoza from Northside Community Resources at 773-338-7722 ext 21 or violet@northsidecr.org.
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Chicago Monuments Project
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Photo Credit: Block Club Chicago
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Monuments and memorials have become a focal point for conversation, protest and activism in the city of Chicago. In response, the City has created a committee to review the city’s collection of monuments and recommend solutions. The Chicago Monuments Project intends to grapple with the often unacknowledged – or forgotten – history associated with the City’s various municipal art collections and provides a vehicle to address the hard truths of Chicago’s racial history, confront the ways in which that history has and has not been memorialized and develop a framework for marking public space that elevates new ways to memorialize Chicago’s true and complete history. To learn more and share your thoughts, please visit www.ChicagoMonuments.org – and join the conversation on social media using #ChicagoMonuments.
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File Your Taxes with Tax Prep Chicago
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The City of Chicago will offer free, confidential tax help through mid-April in partnership with Ladder Up. Trained volunteer tax preparers can assist you in completing and electronically filing Federal and Illinois tax returns for Tax Year 2020 and, in some cases, for prior years. They'll also be able to help determine if you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), and other tax credits!
The tax filing deadline is Thursday, April 15! For more information, visit www.taxprepchicago.org or call (312) 588-6900 to schedule an appointment and see if you qualify.
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Call or email the Rogers Park Community Response Team!
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The Rogers Park Community Response Team is an action-oriented group created in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. RPCRT was created by 49th Ward Alderwoman Maria Hadden in coordination with local service providers and community organizations. Partners include IL State Representative Kelly Cassidy, Protect RP, Northside Community Resources, Loyola Community Nursing Center, and hundreds of deeply committed community volunteers.
We are working together to support each other. We will do so, to the best of our combined ability care for all of our RP family, with fierce love and compassion. We want every Rogers Park resident to know that you are cared for and not alone.
Contact us at rpcrt49@gmail.com or call our Support Hotline at 773-831-7668. Volunteers are available to answer your questions and direct you to resources now.
Please also take a moment to look at the Rogers Park Community Response Team's robust website, rpcrt.org. This website acts as a centralized location where a variety of resources can live to help residents in the wake of COVID-19.
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Chicago Vendor Impact Fund
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As part of the City’s efforts to increase the capacity and competitiveness of our local, diverse vendor community, the City is pleased to announce the launch of the $25 million Vendor Impact Fund. The Vendor Impact Fund will provide priority access for City vendors certified as Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (MBE), Women-Owned Business Enterprises (WBE), Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises (VBE), and Business Enterprises Owned or Operated by People with Disabilities (BEPD) to loans from the federal Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and 7(a) loan program. The City and its partners will seek to provide all Vendor Impact Fund loan applicants with the best offer available and will work with applicants to determine which product is the best fit. All loan applications will be administered through Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF) with the support of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses.
For more information, eligibility requirements, and to apply, click here.
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Shuttered Venue Operators Grant
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The Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, signed into law on December 27, 2020. The program includes $15 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance.
Eligible applicants may qualify for SVO Grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. $2 billion is reserved for eligible applications with up to 50 full-time employees.
For eligibility requirements, more information, and to apply, visit the SBA's website.
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COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans
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In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners, including agricultural businesses and nonprofit organizations in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories can apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). The EIDL program is designed to provide economic relief to businesses currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue due to coronavirus (COVID-19).
For eligibility requirements, more information, and to apply, visit the SBA's website.
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Payment Protection Program Application Now Open
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The Small Business Administration (SBA) opened another round of Payment Protection Program (PPP) loans this week. The latest PPP loans were included in the second federal relief package passed in late December 2020.
On Monday, businesses that did not receive a loan during the first round of the PPP became eligible to apply for a First Draw PPP Loan at participating Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). On Wednesday, certain businesses that have already received a PPP loan through the first round became eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan through a participating CDFI. After these first two tiers, PPP will open for applications through all participating lenders, including traditional banks.
As a reminder, businesses apply for Paycheck Protection Program loans through a bank, credit union, CDFI, or other lenders. Initially, businesses will only be able to use CDFIs to receive loans in order to promote access to capital. For a list of Illinois CDFIs, click here. Please note that some CDFIs may not be participating in the program- please contact your preferred lender to determine if they are participating. The program will then open up to all participating lenders, including traditional banks, at a later date.
To learn more about the PPP, please visit these links:
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Rogers Park Business Alliance COVID-19 Resources
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The site maintains updated information on how we can support our small business community as well as resources for businesses in how they can adapt during this unique and challenging time. From their site:
Rogers Park Business Alliance is proud of the caring, work ethic, dedication and resiliency of our community. We firmly believe that, together, we will meet the challenge that we are all faced with today and going forward.
Out of an abundance of love and concern for the health of our community we are closing our offices. Based on recommended precautionary measures and public health guidelines, team RPBA will be working remotely until given the all clear. We are available via phone and email. We appreciate your patience at this time. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at (773) 508-5885 or info@rpba.org.
You can view our growing list of Rogers Park businesses that are open and/or receiving donations. You can also checkout the Chicagoland Dining at a Distance list.
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Apply to be a Mikva Summer Fellow
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Mikva Challenge is seeking 17-20-year-olds for its Summer Fellows internship program. As a part of the Mikva Summer Fellows (MSF) program, you will be placed in a paid summer internship in the office of a city, county, state, or federal lawmaker. You will work 30 hours a week for 6 weeks between late June and early August, and be paid $15 per hour.
In addition to working in an elected official’s office, Mikva Summer Fellows will be part of a professional development cohort focused on developing work readiness skills including communication, collaboration, critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork. Fellows will meet weekly with Mikva staff to create career goals, complete workforce readiness assessments, and track their progress in the program. Please submit your initial application HERE by April 10th.
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Chicago Botanic Garden Employment Opportunities
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The Chicago Botanic Garden has a variety of seasonal and year-round job opportunities. For more information, visit their careers page at chicagobotanic.org/jobs. Applications are accepted online only via employment@chicagobotanic.org.
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Greencorps is Now Hiring!
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Greencorps offers seven to nine months of employment and on-the-job training in ecological restoration, green infrastructure, tree care, and landscaping. Training happens both in the classroom and in the field with the Chicago Park District, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, and other project partners. Graduates of the Greencorps program have gone on to work for major companies such as Cardno, Christy Webber, Safety Kleen, and AES. Typical job titles include Landscape Maintenance Foreman, Restoration Technician, Driver, Groundskeeper, Pesticide Applicator, and Hazardous Material Technician. To learn more about Greencorps and apply, click here.
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LUCHA Hiring Outreach & Engagement Specialist
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Organization Overview
Since 1982, LUCHA (Latin United Community Housing Association) an Illinois 501(c)(3) corporation has served thousands of moderate and low-income families with Affordable Housing Development, Emergency Housing Repair and Assistance, Home Buyer Counseling, Foreclosure Prevention and Legal Assistance. LUCHA owns and operates 198 units of affordable housing in the West Town, Humboldt Park and Logan Square Communities of Chicago.
Program Overview
The Community Alliance Initiative is a program conducted in collaboration with the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) to work in targeted communities (Armour Square, Humboldt Park, Jefferson Park, Logan Square, and Rogers Park) with the goal of increasing the participation of Latinx, and other underrepresented groups taking advantage of CHA housing, business, and employment opportunities.
Job Role
- Conduct outreach to targeted households and local community organizations, agencies, institutions, and elected officials
- Schedule, promote, and hold workshops on CHA housing, business, and employment related programs.
- Conduct follow up services with interested workshop participants
- Enter and manage data regarding program participation
- Maintain ongoing relationships with local collaborating groups
- Support other LUCHA housing related initiatives when called upon
Educational Requirements
Required: Undergraduate degree (BA/BS).
Other Qualifications/Requirements
- Bilingual (not limited to Spanish/English) highly desired.
- Familiarity with client management systems
- Experience with MS Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
- Must be effective public speaker
- Social service, educational, or community organizing experience working in diverse lower income communities
- Must be able to work in client centered manner and be able to identify and respond to specific client needs
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Willing to work flexible hours.
- Owning a car with a valid driver’s license a plus.
- Ability to represent LUCHA in a positive and professional manner at all times.
- Residents of the target communities are encouraged to apply.
Contact: Maria Galarza, 773-276-5338 ext.#239 or mgalarza@lucha.org
LUCHA is 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and an equal opportunity employer. To learn more about LUCHA, please visit www.lucha.org.
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City of Chicago Hiring:
Asphalt & Concrete Construction Positions
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The City of Chicago is looking to fill positions for asphalt and concrete jobs. The city offers competitive compensation as well as benefits, including a pension and healthcare. For more information and to apply, visit the City of Chicago's careers page.
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Find a Career with S&C Electric Company
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S&C Electric in Rogers Park is hiring several key positions to join their team. S&C Electric is a 100% employee-owned team seeking several team members in the Rogers Park community to keep the lights on across the globe.
To learn more and apply, visit ww.sandc.com/careers.
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Doctors Test Centers (DTC) Job Opportunities
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The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) has long been an economic engine for the City and region at large. They recently announced that they will begin offering the most comprehensive COVID-19 testing of any airport in the country at O’Hare and Midway International Airports.
The program will require a workforce to fill the more than 100 available positions. Doctors Test Centers (DTC) has been selected as the vendor to assist the CDA with the endeavor. They have a variety of employment opportunities open and are seeking applicants. For more information, visit DTC's website here.
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