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Redwood Literacy Launches Reading for All Campaign
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Redwood Literacy has launched a campaign to stop the school-to-prison pipeline. The campaign aims to close the reading gap so students can have the literacy skills they need to succeed in school. For more information and to make an online contribution, visit readingforall.com.
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Community Engagement Opportunities
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24th District Community Conversation: Immigrant Community
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The 24th Police District is hosting a community conversation to discuss concerns and questions of the rich and diverse community in its district. The meeting will take place on Saturday, October 23, from 3-5 pm at the Ismaili Jamatkhana Center, 1124 W. Rosemont.
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Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society Historic House Walk
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Once again, the Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society had to adjust plans for its major fundraising event, the annual Historic House Walk. The ongoing pandemic means that, like last year, they're going virtual, but with a unique twist.
Each live online episode will tell the story of one Rogers Park/West Ridge home and its place in our neighborhood’s history, followed by a pre-recorded guided tour from the current residents. We’ll end with time for questions and conversation among participants.
Zoom with them from 1:30-3:00 p.m. in the comfort and safety of your own home on four Sunday afternoons to see and hear the story of four beautiful homes. Then, join in person to wrap up the event on Sunday, December 12, 2:00-5:00 p.m. at a special Holiday Open House and a behind-the-scenes tour of Lang House, 7421 North Sheridan Road, our neighborhood’s beautiful and historic event venue.
Tickets are $10 per Zoom episode. The four-episode package is $30 or $25 with a member discount. The Holiday Open House will be a separately ticketed in-person event with full Covid-19 precautions in place.
More information and tickets are available on the historical websites online.
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The Chicago Park District is excited for Halloween in the Parks! From kid-friendly events like pumpkin patches and Halloween parties, to haunted houses and fall festivals, there is something for everyone. Click here for a list of upcoming events happening the entire month of October. The event series is presented by Mars Wrigley and supported by Xfinity.
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C24/7 Annual Night of Hope
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C24/7 hosts its annual Father's Arms Ministries Annual Night of Hope. Come celebrate with a fun evening of food, drinks, live music, and encouraging stories of lives changes through C24/7.
The event will take place at the Women's Club of Evanston (1702 Chicago Ave, Evanston) on Friday, November 5, from 7-10 pm. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit C24/7's website.
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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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Stormwater Tips from the Department of Water Management
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The Department of Water Management reminds us that we still need to deal with stormwater in the fall and winter months. Stormwater management can greatly reduce backups and flooding in basements when water and waste in overwhelmed sewers have nowhere else to go. By reducing your water output during storms, making sure only rain goes down the drain, disposing of fats, oils, and greases properly and disconnecting your downspout you can help keep our sewers flowing and water out of your basement.
- Sweep up leaves from driveways, sidewalks, and streets.
- Clean roof gutters and drains of leaves.
- Keep nearby catch basin grates clear of yard waste and trash.
- Don’t litter or dump anything in storm drains. Storm drains are for rain only.
- Avoid running a dishwasher or washing machine during storms.
- Use a commercial car wash or wash your car over grass or gravel instead of on a driveway or in the street.
- Do not dump fats/oils/greases in private drains.
- Disconnect your downspout from the sewer system. See DWM’s website for a guide on downspout disconnection.
- Before winter, empty your rain barrel and store in a garage or shed.
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Child Care Assistance Available for Unemployed Parents
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The Illinois Department of Human Services recently announced an expansion of the Child Care Assistance Program. Families interested in applying for support through the Child Care Assistance Program can contact Illinois Action for Children, the local Child Care Resource & Referral Agency (CCR&R), here.
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Legal Aid Chicago Low Income Taxpayer Clinic
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On January 1st, Legal Aid Chicago officially began operating its federally funded Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC). The LITC represents low-income clients in disputes with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and educates individuals about their rights and responsibilities as taxpayers through community outreach programs. They also strive to assist low-income taxpayers whose primary language is not English.
Legal Aid Chicago provides free tax advice and representation to individuals and families in Cook County whose income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level (currently $32,200 for a household of 1, $43,550 for a household of 2, etc.) with active disputes with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding their federal income taxes, including:
- IRS audits, including audits based on the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) & Child or Dependent Credit
- IRS debt collection attempts, including federal tax liens
- Employee/Independent Contractor Misclassifications and 1099 income reporting issues
- Tax return preparer fraud
- Innocent and injured spouse relief
- Tax-related identity theft
- Representation before the U.S Tax Court
Taxpayers needing assistance can call Legal Aid Chicago at (312)341-1070 or apply online at legalaidchicago.org.
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LCBH Rental Assistance Programs
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The Lawyers Committee for Better Housing (LCBH) is helping connect eligible Chicago residents to rental assistance. If you are experiencing financial hardship and are having a hard time paying rent and utilities, you may qualify for rental assistance. Call LCBH's Social Services Department at 312-784-3527 and ask to speak to a case manager to see if you are eligible.
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Emergency Rental Assistance Application Open
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All Chicago opened a streamlined, online application for rental assistance under the Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) through the Illinois Department of Human Services. The online application is available at allchicago.org.
Eligible households may receive up to 12 months of rental and utility arrears assistance, plus an additional 3 months if needed to ensure housing stability.
An eligible household is a rental household in the City of Chicago in which one or more individuals meets the following criteria:
- Qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19;
- Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and
- Has a household income at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI).
The application requires limited documentation to reduce barriers to the assistance. For tenants and landlords who need help or do not have sufficient internet access, All Chicago has partnered with Catholic Charities, Heartland Human Care Services, Lawyers Committee for Better Housing, Phalanx Family Services, and Spanish Coalition for Housing to provide assistance with the application process.
We encourage our community partners to spread the word for eligible households to apply directly online, by calling 311 or 312-744-5000 and asking for short-term assistance, or by contacting one of our tenant/landlord representative partners listed above.
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Un[ ]spoken Supports Residents' Mental Health & Healing
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‘Un[ ]spoken,’ is a citywide campaign to combat the negative stigma surrounding mental health and increase awareness of the publicly funded resources. Through this new citywide campaign, the City of Chicago will encourage residents to speak out and help break down the stigma surrounding mental health and connect them to the mental health services available in their community. More info here.
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Heartland Alliance Offering Free Online English Classes
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Heartland Alliance is offering free online English classes Monday through Friday! For more information, call or text 872-315-5383 or email VELT@hearlandalliance.org.
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Enroll in Smart 9-1-1 to Save Time and Lives in an Emergency
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The Office of Emergency Management and Communications encourages residents to sign up for a Smart911 safety profile in order to provide 9-1-1 with critical information that can better assist first responders in an emergency. A Smart911 profile can automatically provide the call taker with any personal details. To create a Smart911 profile, download the Smart911 mobile app or visit Smart911.com.
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Safer Foundation Second Chance Program
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The Safer Foundation has a second change program to helps connect people with arrest and conviction records to employment opportunities. For more information, visit Safer Foundation's website at saferfoundation.org, or call 312-922-2200.
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Peoples Gas Heating Assistance Program
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Peoples Gas has options to help customers struggling to pay their natural gas bills. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides financial assistance to help customers with limited income pay their energy bills. Grants are also available through the Peoples Gas Share the Warmth program.
The Community and Economic Development Association (CEDA) manages both programs and is taking applications by phone. To see if you are eligible or to apply, call CEDA at 800-571-2332.
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Utility Billing Relief (UBR) provides low-income City of Chicago residents with a reduced rate on their water, sewer, and water-sewer tax as well as debt relief for those who demonstrate they can manage the reduced rate bills for one year. Benefits for UBR participants include:
- A reduced rate on water, sewer, and water-sewer tax.
- No late payment penalties or debt collection activity including water shut-off.
- Debt forgiveness after successfully completing one year with no past due balance.
Operating in partnership with the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA), who operates the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the UBR program will utilize their expertise and extensive network of partner organizations to conduct outreach and enroll homeowners.
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Which City programs or Operations should the Office of the Inspector General Audit in 2022?
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The APR 2022 Plan Survey seeks input from community members regarding concerns about the economy, effectiveness, efficiency, and integrity of City programs and priorities for improvement. Your input will help inform which projects appear on our 2022 Annual Plan.
See the draft plan here for more information on proposed projects, details on the process, and a summary of audits published in 2021. The survey will take approximately four (4) minutes to complete.
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City Launches Business Recovery Payment Plan Program
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In accordance with the City’s plan to provide critical financial relief to Chicago’s business community, the Department of Finance is excited to launch the Business Recovery Payment Plan Program. This program allows eligible business license holders to enter into a payment plan with as little as $25 down with terms up to 60 months. This will remove barriers for business owners that owe City debt and allow them to resolve holds on their business licenses with minimal burden. The Business Recovery Payment Plan Program is available through June 30, 2022, for most debt types.
For more information on the program and FAQs, visit the city's website.
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ComEd Small Business Assistance Program
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ComEd's Small Business Assistance Program provides eligible small business customers, with a one-time grant of up to $1,000 towards a past due balance, once every 12 months. Eligible customers may also place a remaining balance into a payment plan of up to six months.
Eligibility:
Small business customers applying for this program must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Have an active ComEd service account (includes customers disconnected within the past 30 days).
- Use less than 1400 kilowatts (kWs) of peak demand. This includes customers who are
0-100kW or watt hour. To confirm the amount of kWs your business uses, reference your ComEd bill (see sample bill).
- Have a past balance, per the bill due date.
- Have not received Nonprofit Special Hardship grants in 2020.
For more information and to apply, visit ComEd's website.
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CIADC Youth Pathways Program for Students in Grades 6-12
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The Chicago Industrial Arts and Design Center (CIADC) is a Rogers Park non-profit organization providing creative industrial arts education to Chicagoland Youth and Adults. CIADC offers FREE afterschool classes to Chicago Public School students in grades 6-12, giving more accessibility to hands-on applications relating to STEM, Trade, and Art/Design career pathways.
More information on our Youth Pathways Program can be found at https://www.ciadc.org/youth-classes-grades-6-12.
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Real Estate Workshop for Juniors & Seniors
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Related Midwest has launched the Related Real Estate Club for high school juniors and seniors to gain exposure to different careers in real estate and at Related, including architecture and design, construction, marketing and leasing and development for affordable and market-rate housing. It’s a two-week, virtual workshop that takes place Monday-Friday for one hour after school.
For more information and to apply, visit their website. Related can make available a small stipend for students who participate.
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SUFEO Helpline Provides Free Legal Help on School Issues
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Loyola's free legal helpline for the 2021-2022 school year is now OPEN. Stand Up For Each Other (SUFEO) Chicago is a group of law students that provides free legal assistance, all under attorney supervision, to K-12 students facing:
- Inadequate special education services
- Suspension, expulsion, and other discipline
- Bullying, harassment, and discrimination
- COVID-19 issues and remote learning barriers
- Other school-related legal issues
If you work with any K-12 students or their parents/guardians who need help understanding their school rights, please encourage them to call the helpline at 773-800-0338.
Additionally, SUFEO Chicago offers free know-your-rights trainings and education law workshops to students and their parents/guardians and service providers, both virtually and in-person. Please contact SUFEO's Outreach Coordinators Sarah Bianchi and Brittany Haracz at sufeo-chicago@luc.edu with the subject line "Outreach Inquiry" for more information.
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CPS Launches a Children & Family Benefits Unit
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Chicago Public Schools has launched a new program, the Children and Benefits Family Unit. The goal of the unit is to make sure that every student has proper medical care. They achieve this by focusing on 3 points: enroll, engage, and utilize. The Children and Benefits Family Unit help parents understand their options for Medicaid and other government benefits and help them apply and/or renew their benefits. The program also helps families utilize their benefits by connecting them with a primary care physician.
For more information, visit cps.edu/cfbu or call 773-553-KIDS (5437).
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Collective Resource is Hiring
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Collective Resource Compost, a specialty waste hauler that collects food scraps for composting, is hiring. They work out of a site just over the border in Skokie (near McCormick, between Howard and Touhy). The Driver / Compost Service Specialist job starts at $16 per hour and goes to $17 after a 90-day review. They're looking for people who are reliable, hard-working, tech-capable, and committed to reducing environmental harm.
Learn more at: collectiveresource.us/join-our-team/.
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The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Chicago has three exciting employment opportunities in their organization. NAMI Chicago is an inclusive employer that welcomes and encourages everyone who is guided by compassion, integrity, and the desire to create connections, to consider joining its dedicated team.
Below are links to the details of the current vacant positions in the Training and Education Department at NAMI Chicago. This department provides information and tools to communities on mental health awareness and crisis Intervention.
Training and Education Instructional Designer
Training & Education Manager I
Training and Education Manager II
Please apply at www.namichicago.org/career
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CTA Second Chance Program Fall Hiring Event
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The CTA's Second Chance Program is hosting a fall hiring event. This program allows people with barriers that have kept them from employment an opportunity to work with the CTA earning a starting wage of $15/hour.
To learn more, complete a survey of interest at CTASecondChanceInterestFall.QuestionPro.com. Once you have completed the survey, the CTA will send an invitation to attend an in-person event to learn more.
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CPS is Hiring Lunch Attendants
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CPS is hiring lunch attendants across the district! Employees get to work a regular Monday to Friday schedule with holidays off. Positions include medical, dental, and pension benefits.
For more information and to apply, visit cps.edu/careers.
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Thresholds provides services and resources for persons with serious mental illnesses and substance use disorders in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. They work with many populations, including youth and young adults, veterans, young mothers, deaf, and individuals experiencing homelessness, among others.
Learn more and apply today at thresholds.org/careers.
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Care for Real is adding to its team! The new position, Bilingual Program Associate, will work directly with clients of the Rogers Park Food Pantry. Over a third of the guests to the pantry are Spanish-speaking and this position works with them and all guests to the pantry to ensure all are served with dignity and compassion.
For more information and to apply, visit Care for Real's website.
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Howard Area Community Center is Hiring
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Howard Area Community Center is seeking qualified candidates for several positions. They're currently seeking two part-time administrative assistants for its early childhood program, teachers for early childhood learning, a reentry coach, and a reentry navigator.
For more information, email thorne@howardarea.org.
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Apply to be a Parent Mentor
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Loyola University Chicago is seeking well-qualified individuals to serve as part-time, seasonal Parent Mentor Coordinators in four Chicago Public Schools: Sullivan High School, New Field Primary, McCutcheon Elementary, and Clinton Elementary.
Each school will host one Parent Mentor Coordinator who will supervise a cohort of eight Parent Mentors in their assigned school. The Parent Mentor Coordinator position will pay $18/hour for up to 18 hours a week for the entirety of the 2021-2022 school year. Ideally, Parent Mentor Coordinators are parent leaders, meaning they come to the work with a parent perspective.
Interested candidates can email Mitch Hendrickson at mhendrickson3@luc.edu with their resume and brief cover letter.
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Apply to be a Crossing Guard
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Earlier this year, the City of Chicago transferred the crossing guard program from OEMC to Chicago Public Schools. During this transition, many crossing guards decided to retire or resign while school was not operating in person due to the pandemic.
As we have CPS has returned to in-person learning, they have been working hard to fill vacant positions. They are still seeking applicants to fill the positions to help families and children safely get to and from school.
To apply to become a crossing guard, please follow the steps below:
- Please visit the CPS Careers Website at cps.edu/careers
- Click on "CPS Job Board" at the bottom of the page.
- On the top of the next page, click on "Basic Search."
- Type "Crossing Guard" into the "Keywords" field.
- Click on the Crossing Guard job posting for the location you want to apply to, and follow the instructions to fill out the applications.
If you have any questions, please contact Crossingguard@cps.edu.
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Greater West Town Training Programs
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Greater West Town Community Development and Project has over 30 years of expanding economic opportunities in education, job training, and job placement for Chicago. Check out the academic and location opportunities available to Chicago residence now, then schedule your orientation today. For more information, please call 312-563-9044 or visit http://GWTP.org
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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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Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare Job Openings
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Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare is hiring several key positions to join their team.
As one of the leading community mental health organizations in Illinois, Trilogy is committed to excellence, diversity, and opportunity. They are a mission-driven organization as committed to innovative practice models in mental health treatment as they are to helping our employees do their best work.
Working at Trilogy is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors and help strengthen the community.
For more information on current job openings, visit Trilogy's Careers website at trilogyinc.org/careers.
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Heartland Alliance Job Openings
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Heartland Alliance has several positions open across Chicago. These positions include a bilingual mental health clinical practitioner, a clinical supervisor, an LPN, case managers, and more.
Heartland Alliance works to advance human rights and champion human dignity by providing services and promoting solutions to achieve a more just global society. Heartland Alliance's mission is to advance human rights and respond to the human needs of endangered populations—particularly the poor, the isolated, and the displaced—through the provision of comprehensive and respectful services and the promotion of permanent solutions leading to a more just global society. Their approach is multi-faceted and intentional and intersects through three focus areas: health and healing, safety and justice, and economic opportunity.
For more information on job openings, visit Heartland Alliance's Careers website by clicking here.
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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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