Greater Humboldt Park Community of Wellness

New Muevete Schedule Now Available

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 12:00:00 -0600

The new Muevete schedule has been published! Muevete is an innovative program which provides free exercise opportunities to the Greater Humboldt Park community.

Muévete Classes Start Up in Humboldt Park

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 12:00:00 -0600

Muévete is a physical activity initiative of Community Organizing for Obesity Prevention (CO-OP) Humboldt Park. Muévete is free and promotes culturally relevant physical activities by any means, for women and the entire family. For more information, please contact Leony Calderon at: muevete@prcc-chgo.org or 773-278-6737.

Schedule:

Dance-Aerobics: Mon. Wed. & Fri. 6:30-7:30pm, 1440 N. Sacramento Blvd

Yoga & Resistance: Tue. & Thu. 1-2pm & Tue. 6-7pm, 2753 W. Division St.

Yang Style Tai Chi: Mon. & Wed. 6-7pm, 2753 W. Division St. (call for registration)

Zumba: Tue. & Thu. 5:00pm-6:00pm 2753 W. Division St.

Walking: (Seasonal Apr.– Oct. ) Mon. Wed. & Fri. 12n-1pm 2753 W. Division

Biking: (Seasonal Apr. – Oct.) Tue. 6-7pm 2459 W. Division St.

Additional Physical Activity Available

April 6: Mercy Home for Boys & Girls Presents: Intervention Strategies For Adolescents In Crisis

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:00:00 -0600

Presented by:

Mark Sanders LCSW, CADC

Date: Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Time: 9:00am-12:00 p.m. (registration begins at 8:30 a.m.)

Location: 1140 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607 – Multi-Purpose Room

Adolescents in crisis are vulnerable to truancy, academic problems, gang affiliation, substance abuse, and crime. This skill-building workshop will outline:

Ten Risk Factors for Adolescents in Crisis;
Factors that Protect Adolescents from Destructive Peer Affiliation,
Academic Decline
Substance Use; Helping Adolescents Develop Indomitable Spirit as an Intervention Strategy; and
15 Intervention Strategies for Adolescents in Crisis

Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC, is a member of the faculty of the Addictions Studies Program at Governors State University. He is an international speaker whose presentations have reached thousands throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, and the Caribbean Islands. He is the author of four books, four workbooks, and twelve CDs that focus on strategies for working with adolescents. He has had two stories published in the best selling New York Times book series Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Registration: To register for an event, visit www.mercyhome.org/speakerseries/april

Cost: The cost for this event is $25.00 for non-MHBG employees. This fee can be paid online with credit card or on the day of the event with cash or check made out to “Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.”

For more information, please:

Visit www.mercyhome.org/speakerseries,
Email speakerseries@mercyhome.org
Become a fan of www.facebook.com/MercyHomeAdmissions and receive Speaker Series updates

March 26: "Tobacco in the Ranks"

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 12:00:00 -0600

This panel discussion will take place at the National Mexican Museum of Art, 1852 W. 19th Street, on Sunday, March 29 from 1-5 pm. It is sponsored by Vida Media and Radio Arte. More information can be found at www.radioarte.org.

May 12th: Caring for the Caregiver, A Compassion Fatigue Workshop for Professionals

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 12:00:00 -0600

Facilitated by Mary Andrus, ATR, LCPC and Kira Travis, MT-BC, this workshop will allow participants to explore the stressors that impact their work as well as use art making and music as opportunities to release the stress that could cause burn out.

In completing this self-care workshop, participants will:

1. Identify three components of compassion fatigue

2. Complete a self test on Professional Quality of Life

3. Demonstrate two ways to reduce stress at work

This workshop is offered by the Greater Humboldt Park Community of Wellness in conjunction with the Behavioral Health Forum scheduled for May 1^{2th from 2:30 to 4:30} at Casa Central.

Mary Andrus ATR, LCPC is an art therapist, currently works in the Behavioral Medicine Unit at Norwegian American Hospital. She has worked as an art therapist in Chicago for over 10 years and has presented workshops at numerous national and local conferences. She is President-Elect of the Illinois Art Therapy Association, is an adjunct professor at Adler School of Professional Psychology and has a small private practice.

Kira Travis MM, MT-BC is a board certified music therapist. She has worked with the mentally ill for 7 years. She has an interest in creating a healthy environment through music for her patients as well as co-workers. She is bilingual in Spanish and previously directed the worship band for a local Hispanic church for 5 years.

Cost:

$10 suggested donation will support this and other wellness programs of the Greater Humboldt Park Community of Wellness- this donation can be made online at www.ghpcommunityofwellness.org or in person on the day of the workshop in the form of cash or check.
2 Continuing Education, (CE’s) will be offered through Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA) for $10. Money will be collected at the workshop in form of cash or check.

Space is limited so please confirm your space by May 6^th 2011

Fax this form to: 773-278-3531, questions can be directed to mandrus@nahospital.org

PRESS CONFERENCE MARCH 10--Cutting Medicaid Rates: Poor Policy, Poor Math

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 12:00:00 -0600

A press conference organized by the Greater Humboldt Park Community of Wellness, a grass-root community-based health coalition, will take place at Norwegian American Hospital Professional Building 1044 North Francisco 5^th floor Conference Room on March 10^th at 11am.

This press conference is in response to the widely-felt concern that the Governor’s proposed $552 million Medicaid cut to hospitals, nursing homes and other providers will have a devastating impact on the wellbeing of hundreds of thousands Illinoisans and the financial stability of many hospitals across the state, especially Norwegian American Hospital.

Norwegian has been serving the community areas of Humboldt Park, West Town, Austin and Logan Square for over 115 years. These communities are home to mostly African American, Puerto Rican and Mexican residents who are uninsured or underinsured. As a result, Norwegian provides a large share of non-reimbursable charity care. Furthermore, these communities have been found by public health researchers to have higher rates of asthma, diabetes, obesity, and HIV/AIDS when compared to city and national rates. Cuts to Medicaid would devastate Norwegian and ultimately negatively impact the already dire health status of the communities it serves.

Community, safety-net hospitals, like Norwegian, not only provide culturally and linguistically appropriate accessible services but are also vital economic engines for their community by providing living-wage employment to local residents who in return invest their individual incomes in purchasing goods and services in the communities they live and work in.

The state should consider the long-lasting negative effects of imposing Medicaid rate cuts to hospitals and the health care system. Hospitals are vital components of communities, providing essential services including stability, care, and employment to residents. All residents of Illinois should be able to confidently rely on local hospitals at all times to meet their needs.

Video from Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:00:00 -0600

Created by LISC/Chicago and now attracting nearly 1,400 leaders each year, CNDA is the nation’s largest awards program dedicated to neighborhood-based development.

A total of 10 awards were given out: seven for various aspects of community development leadership (recognizing programs, projects and individuals) and three sponsored by the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation for Architectural Excellence in Community Design. Many of the awards were accompanied by monetary gifts, ranging from $2,000 to $20,000.

Before the ceremony, attendees listened to a panel of mayoral candidates discuss their approaches to the city’s neighborhoods.
“Our neighborhoods continue to grow and strengthen thanks to the work and dedication of community advocates, who are committed to our city’s most important assets, its neighborhoods,” said CNDA Chair Christopher G. Kennedy, president of Merchandise Mart Properties and chairman of the University of Illinois’ board of trustees. “We know our neighborhoods are strong and will continue to grow because of the wide variety of people and organizations we have honored.”

The Greater Humboldt Park Community of Wellness was recognized as The Chicago Community Trust Outstanding Community Strategy of the Year

Here is the wonderful video about the Community of Wellness that was shown at the awards ceremony.

This is a great accomplishment for the Community of Wellness. We should all be proud that our collective efforts are being recognized and celebrated!

Thank you for all that you do for the health and wellness of Greater Humboldt Park!

Community of Wellness wins The Chicago Community Trust Outstanding Community Strategy of the Year Award

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:00:00 -0600

(From the LISC Website)

What makes a community healthy? Is it the presence of existing health care centers? Manageable numbers of preventable health conditions? Broad educational initiatives? In Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood, despite the presence of community health centers, residents suffer from preventable chronic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, as well as HIV/AIDS. If the resources are already present, how does one fix this seemingly intractable problem?

The Greater Humboldt Park Community of Wellness uses a grassroots, highly-localized approach to tackle the neighborhood’s health issues, rather than looking to external organizations and resources for more help. It works through community groups to educate people about making healthier lifestyle choices through healthy diets, exercise and self care. At the same time, it’s focused on ensuring the community can better support people in sustaining healthy choices. For instance, a new Diabetes Empowerment Center provides a centralized, safe space for exercise, cooking classes and other related services. In addition, the Walkability Assessment Project was created to address safety concerns, like poorly-lit streets and potholes, which have prevented residents from walking in the neighborhood.

Founded in 2005 with seed support from LISC/Chicago’s New Communities Program and other funders, the Community of Wellness has evolved into a broad coalition of organizations and individuals including health care providers, human service agencies, advocacy groups, research institutions, schools and institutions of higher education.

For its dedication to the wellness of the residents of Greater Humboldt Park and its comprehensive and innovative services, The Greater Humboldt Park Community of Wellness is awarded The Chicago Community Trust Outstanding Community Strategy of the Year Award.

Feet on the Ground: Greater Humboldt Park Community of Wellness featured in DePaul Distinctions

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 12:00:00 -0600

Click here to read the full story on the partnership between the Greater Humboldt Park Community of Wellness with students from DePaul University's School for New Learning.

Worksite Wellness Toolkit

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:00:00 -0600

Click here to access the Community of Wellness' Worksite Wellness Toolkit, discussed in our quarterly meeting on January 19, 2011.

January 20, 2011: Book Signing, Discussion and Programs Showcase

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 12:00:00 -0600

Urban Health introduces one of the most comprehensive data sets describing the health of local communities within one city. It describes how a landmark health survey in Chicago generated dramatic data that are allowing investigators throughout the city to move from data to action and from observation to intervention. It provides a new model for combating health disparities that includes the collection of local health information, the genuine engagement of community members and organizations, and the implementation of interventions for sustainable change. Urban Health provides a detailed description of how the community-focused collection and analysis of health data can serve as an impetus for improved well-being. Such data galvanized the formation of the Greater Humboldt Park Community of Wellness.

Please RSVP to Community of Wellness (773) 772-8240

Block -By-Block : The Greater Humboldt Park Community Campaign Against Diabetes is hosting free physical activity.

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 03:34:00 -0600

1-Muévete -Resistance Training & Yoga
Every Tuesday & Thursday-1-2pm
2753 W. Division St.
(If you have a floor mat, bring it!)

2-Muévete-Dance-aerobics
Monday Wednesday & Friday. 6:30-7:30pm
1440 N. Sacramento

3-Muévete -Biking
Every Tuesday 6pm-7pm (Apr. 1-Oct. 31)
2459 W. Division St.
(Don’t have a bike? Bring your ID, CicloUrbanowill lend you one)

Clinicians, health organizers challenge feds

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:46:00 -0600

This article, featured on the LISC-Chicago New Communities Program website, describes the scope and activities of the Humboldt Park Health Forum. Read the full article here.

Helping Her Live: Gaining Control of Breast Cancer

Fri, 29 May 2009 10:57:00 -0600

The Helping Her Live/Apoyandola a Vivir (HHL) program at Sinai Urban Health Institute (SUHI) located in Mt. Sinai Hospital is committed to eliminating the disparities found in breast cancer mortality rates between minority and white women. Funded by the AVON Foundation the goal of the Helping Her Live program is to ensure that women in Humboldt Park and North Lawndale do not die unnecessarily from breast cancer.

The Helping Her Live project hopes to empower women with knowledge on breast health, help women who are 40 years and older obtain annual screenings, and work with women and healthcare facilities to eliminate delays in obtaining test results and ensure follow up as needed. The staff of HHL anticipates accomplishing these goals by providing free workshops and Hotline services.

Helping Her Live community health educators at the Wellness as a Way of Life Resource Fair.

Raymond V. Hall

HHL community health educators are available to make a 30 minute interactive presentation in Spanish or English for anyone in the community interested in learning about breast health. Workshops present information on breast health, how to get low cost or free mammogram in your area, what to do if you have an abnormal mammogram, how to resolve a suspicious result, and how to obtain necessary follow up treatment services.

The HHL hotline (1-877-437-5432) is designed to help women navigate the healthcare system in their area and find services that are accessible to them. The Hotline serves as a tool for scheduling mammography appointments, receiving free or low cost mammograms (if the caller is uninsured), understanding mammography results, reminding women of their annual mammograms, and providing callers with answers to any questions or concerns they may have regarding breast health.

To learn more about the HHL program visit www.HelpingHerLive.org or you can call 1 877 HER LIF 2 (1-877-437-5432). To learn more about the Sinai Urban Health Institute, visit the Web site at www.suhichicago.org

"Everyone Matters" a Success!

Mon, 18 May 2009 03:57:00 -0600

Members of the Behavioral Health Task Force at the Wellness as a Way of Life Forum, May 16, 2009.

The Behavioral Health Task Force of the Community of Wellness organized a week of events from Monday, May 11^th through Saturday, May 16^th designed to raise awareness around depression in Humboldt Park entitled “Everyone Matters…Wellness as a Way of Life”.The week featured interactive workshops focused on different aspects of depression.

Many local organizations participated in the planning and execution of the week; Association House of Chicago, Casa Central, C4 (Community Counseling Centers of Chicago), Erie Family Health Center and Roberto Clemente High School all hosted events.

Events included two plays by Erasing the Distance (a non-profit group that sheds light on mental illness through theater), workshops focused on art therapy, depression in children and adolescents, and the impact of depression on the Latino community.

Wanda Figueroa addresses the forum audience.

The series concluded with the Wellness as a Way of Life Forum. The Forum began with a panel discussion, moderated by Viviana Ploper of C4. The panel began with speeches by Wanda Figueroa, the director of Behavioral Health Services at Association House and Carmen Casas, the Deputy Chief Probation Officer, Cook County Juvenile Court. Both speakers focused on the impact of depression on the greater community and the resources available to those in need of treatment for depression. Two community members then shared their personal experiences of dealing with depression and how they were able to seek treatment.

Steve Figueroa of Association House leads a workshop on depression and substance use.

Smaller group sessions facilitated by different organizations in the community followed the panel. The group sessions included presentations on post-partum depression, substance abuse, the positive impact of health lifestyles on depression, depression in seniors and art therapy. The forum concluded with a resource fair where participants could find out more about local resources related to behavioral health.

Daisy Del Valle of La Casa Norte shares resources with a participant.

The Behavioral Health Task Force hopes to make “Everyone Matters…Wellness as a Way of Life” a yearly event. For more information about the Task Force, please contact Vicki Hadaway: vhadaway@casacentral.org

These events were made possible through the generous support of LISC-Chicago.

Kelly Hall YMCA Open in West Humboldt Park

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 10:26:00 -0600

Kelly Hall YMCA officially opened its doors on January 15, 2009. Kelly Hall is the product of collaborative efforts between the YMCA, Archdiocese of Chicago and the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Kelly Hall will serve as a resource to the community of West Humboldt Park with programs for youth, families and seniors. The new facility also has a fitness center and gymnasium, giving residents more opportunites to lead active lives.

To learn more about the programs offered at Kelly Hall, visit the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago website: http://www.ymcachgo.org/programs/KellyHallYMCA.php

To see pictures of the the newly renovated building and the grand opening, visit the Our Lady of the Angles Mission website: http://www.ourladyoftheangelsmission.com/

Community Beat: What's Community Organizing? Humboldt Knows

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 05:51:00 -0600

Read a blog posting about the release of "The Next Five Years: Raising the Stakes,” the update to the New Communities Program quality-of-life plan for Humboldt Park.

http://communitybeat.blogspot.com/2008/11/whats-community-organizing-humboldt.html

Experts Foretell Diabetes Epidemic, Glaring Social Costs

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 05:46:00 -0600

An article describing the economic and social impacts of Diabetes on Chicago communities and specifically in Humboldt Park. Publication of the Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University.

Link to artilce here