Teamwork Englewood latest news

2018 Business Plan: Pitch Competition

Tue, 20 Nov 2018 12:00:00 -0600

Join us for the 2018 Business Plan: Pitch Competition where business owners Pitch their business for a chance to win a share of $40,000 cash prizes. See flyer for additional details.

We Are Hiring!

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 12:00:00 -0600

We are seeking a Director of Operations to manage the design and delivery of programming, oversee contracts and departmental budgets and work with the organization's leadership team. If you or somone you know qualify, submit a cover letter and resume for consideration to info@teamworkenglewood.org.

Teamwork Englewood 2017 Spotlight

Fri, 26 Jan 2018 12:00:00 -0600

We are proud to present the TWE 2017 Spotlight. This report showcases the hardwork and dedication of the Teamwork Englewood staff, and the relentless committment of the Greater Englewood community members. Inside, you’ll find highlights of our impressive departments, testimonials from stakeholders, and hopefully, the inspiration for you to get involved.

Englewood Quality of Life Plan II Celebrates Its One Year Anniversary

Tue, 14 Nov 2017 12:00:00 -0600

On Saturday December 2nd 11AM-12:30PM, at Volunteers of America (6002 S. Halsted), the Englewood community will celebrate the one year anniversary of the Englewood Quality of Life Plan (EQLP). In April 2015, Englewood residents celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the 2005 Englewood Quality of Life Plan I. In January 2016, the community reconvened to begin the work of drafting an updated community-driven Quality of Life Plan. Attendees met to address issue areas deemed most important to the community. Each task force developed visions, goals and strategies to restore Englewood as one of Chicago’s leading communities. The steering committee convened, representing each aldermanic ward, business and community leaders. The result was a comprehensive plan focusing on Health & Wellness, Education & Youth Development, Jobs & Economic Development, Public Safety, and Housing & Public Spaces.

Since the EQLP’s inception, Teamwork Englewood has served as the lead convener. "Bringing the community together to plan and envision a brighter future is why Teamwork Englewood is very proud to take a proactive role in convening the stakeholders of Englewood. We can create a premiere community when we do it together." Perry Gunn, Teamwork Englewood Executive Director. The planning and implementation has been a collaborative effort across various local organizations and agencies. These partners include, but are not limited to Chicago Public Schools Network 11, AARP, R.A.G.E- Residents Association of Greater Englewood, Mikva Challenge, Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce, Children's Home & Aid, Inner City Muslim Action Network, St. Bernard Hospital, Voices of West Englewood, LaTanya & the Youth of Englewood, Southwest Federation Block Clubs of Greater Englewood, Heartland Health Alliance, Chicago Police Department 007^th District, Whole Cities Foundations, and Grow Greater Englewood. Local Initiatives Support Corporation Chicago (LISC) and McCormick Foundation are the sponsors.

But collaboration extends beyond organizations. The EQLP touts a membership of over 200 committed Englewood and citywide residents. Since the regeneration of the EQLP, residents have responded to the call to lead these taskforces, and serve as the foot soldiers. For some, the EQLP is their first time being civically engaged. For others, they are continuing a legacy of service and activism, "I am continuing the work my late mother and late grandmother began as advocates for social justice, having walked with Dr. King and following the teachings of the Black Panther Party. I focus on Public Safety because of the violence I experienced as a child. I want a peaceful city, community, neighborhood and block. My legacy of civil rights activism instilled the value of servitude and citizenship into my attitude." Ms. Coretta (CJ) Pruitt, EQLP Public Safety Taskforce Champion.

Over this first year, the EQLP has claimed many successes due to the hard work of Englewood’s residents and supporters. #EnglewoodRising is the marketing and rebranding campaign that showcases nuanced and positive images and narratives of Englewood that mainstream news outlets do not carry. The Health & Wellness Taskforce is developing the Health Navigators Resource Team, through a partnership with Heartland Health Alliance. It will educate and train residents on health issues and connect them with the best resources. Through support of the McCormick Foundation, members have created the Englewood Quality of Life Fund and Impact Englewood Fund to fund local projects. Jobs and Economic Development Taskforce promotes the Englewood Women’s Initiative, which is a collaboration across Chicago Foundation for Women, ACCION, JARC, Family Rescue, Metropolitan Family Services, Demoiselle 2 Femme, Chicago Women in Trades, and Women’s Business Development Center, to equip Englewood women to obtain economic security. And for the second year in a row, the Englewood Business Plan Competition, sponsored by Walter Robb, former CEO of Whole Foods, will grant ten finalists with cash prizes to advance their business.

Englewood Women's Initiative: Supporting Veterans

Wed, 01 Nov 2017 12:00:00 -0600

Are you a women veteran living in Englewood looking for pathways to success and economic security?

If you are, the Englewood Women's Initiative or "EWI" is for you. Women veterans living in Englewood, recognized for honorably serving our nation, are invited to a special EWI session on Wednesday, November 8 from 5pm -7pm at Volunteers of America Hope Manor II located at 6002 South Halsted Streets.

Discover career and entrepreneurship options that are available for you or connect with organizations that can assist with addressing domestic issues, financial repair, job preparedness, re-entry and education advancement.

It's all available for you - our women veterans -Wednesday, November 8 from 5-7pm at Volunteers of America Hope Manor II located on the corner of60th and Halsted Streets.

Click here to RSVP!

The Englewood Women’s Initiative is presented by Chicago Foundation for Women, Teamwork Englewood and the Englewood Quality of Life Jobs and Economic Development Task Force.

Allow the EWI to assist you with building the future you desire!

Convening with a Chicago Grant Maker

Fri, 13 Oct 2017 12:00:00 -0600

This article is taken from the Bulletin.

Something to Celebrate: Englewood Square

Tue, 03 Oct 2017 12:00:00 -0600

ENGLEWOOD — Whole Foods and Englewood Square marked its first anniversary in Englewood Monday with a big celebration featuring the mayor, aldermen and local entrepreneurs.

“It’s a good day for me,” said Ald. Toni Foulkes (16th). “I’ve been walking these streets since I was seven.”

“I know that JoAnn is watching,” Foulkes said about the late Ald. JoAnn Thompson (16th), who had the vision for Englewood Square.

Read the full story here!

Childcare Business Development Opportunity Open Through October 4 for Englewood Women Entrepreneurs

Fri, 29 Sep 2017 12:00:00 -0600

The Englewood Women’s Initiative (EWI) in partnership with Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC), invite women entrepreneurs to participate in the WBDC fall childcare business development program. The EWI is a one-year pilot program designed to provide Englewood women with support services and pathways to generate a sustainable $40,000 annual income and create economic stability for themselves and their families.

Entrepreneurship is one pathway. EWI partner, Women's Business Development Center will offer instruction to women entrepreneurs on how to start or build an existing childcare business. The program is FREE and provides participants with the tools needed to be successful in business. The WDBC program is open to all women including EWI participants.

The Englewood Quality of Life Plan, Jobs and Economic Development Task Force in association with Teamwork Englewood and Chicago Foundation for Women present the Englewood Women's Initiative (EWI). The EWI opportunity is limited and offered exclusively to women living in the 60621 or 60636 Englewood, Chicago zip code areas.

Women interested in the EWI opportunity can apply and obtain full information regarding eligibility, additional program offerings and support services through Teamwork Englewood (773) 488-6600 or online at www.teamworkenglewood.org.

Englewood Quality of Life Quarterly Meeting (Q3) Update

Thu, 21 Sep 2017 12:00:00 -0600

This past EQLP Quarterly meeting, we had audience of about 60 community members. Catch up on some updates from each taskforce.

Tonika Johnson

Jobs & Economic Development

Business Plan Competition -- $40K raised for the pot, more possibly coming. Also looking for in-kind donations that would be helpful for business development. Applications are rolling in. The Business Plan Competition pitch day is Dec. 14th at TWE, 10AM-1PM

Public Safety

Rock the Beat is still going strong. There will be another edition on Thursday October 4th, 2017 from 4-7PM on 69th & Wood.
Recently started working more heavily with CAPS. We will be contributing to the design of a training/curriculum to teach 7th District officers how Englewoodians want to be protected and serviced with a restorative justice lens.

Health & Wellness

Diligently working with Heartland Alliance on the Health Navigators work, also working with a Cuban delegation of doctors in town for the year. The Cuban delegation is advising on community centered health care and health outreach/organizing.
The taskforce is pursuing an AARP healthcare grant.

Housing & Public Spaces

EPAC is working with Chicago Community Loan Fund and other agencies to ensure that Englewood developers and contractors are able to access opportunities within the Chicago Rebuild Training Pilot Program. The next scheduled meeting is Thursday October 19th, 2017 10AM-12PM @ TWE.
Members are actively engaged with collecting letters from housing professionals ot address CCNRA.
Refining infrastructure for addressing homelessness and public spaces.
Large Lots
The next Housing Taskforce meeting is Tuesday October 10th 5:30-7PM at Volunteers of American 6002 S. Halsted.

Education & Youth

Launched the Parent Ambassador training program to build capacity within the parent advocacy space for folks who are not already engaged with an LSC or PAC.
Still working on expanding AARP Experience in schools
Working with Union League Boys and Girls Club on supporting the newly established B&G Clubs in Englewood schools
Launch of the Youth Action Council, a Civic Learning Initiative for highschoolers who live in Englewood or go to school in Englewood.

Tonika Johnson

All taskforces are shifting their focus to refining the implementation strategy and implementing over the next month.

The things we do to survive

Tue, 05 Sep 2017 12:00:00 -0600

Ray Rogers has a second lease on life. On April 11^th, 2017, he was released from prison after completing half of a 15-year sentence for a felony charge. Now, at 37, he is taking full advantage of better options to live a life that he never knew existed. “Growing up, I didn’t know anything about getting a legitimate job. What I’m doing now, waking up and going to work, that wasn’t something I saw often. Everyone I knew worked in the streets. It was all about survival. What I’m now doing is something new.” Rogers grew up down south, with his mother, as his father was absent. He did not have any role models or other positive images to look up to.

“I was just surviving. When I look back, I wasn’t doing it [ involved in the streets] for materialistic reasons. I was surviving the best way I could. And that’s how I’ve learned how to do it. That’s what it’s like, living in the streets. Then I had kids. When I had them, I had to take care of them, I had my own place. Then I got caught up.”

Upon returning to society, Rogers connected with the Teamwork Englewood’s Re-Entry Services Department. Thanks to our Re-Entry Department team members, Mark Mitchell, Maanasi Laird, and a partnership with the Dakota Rim Assembly plant, Rogers has just completed his first three months as a fulltime Assembly Line Operator. After the three-month probation period, he is now eligible for health and retirement benefits, counseling services, and other resources to support an improved quality of life. “Now that I’m coming up on four months, I can start thinking about going back to school. This job will pay for my tuition.”

Seeing school as a viable option is something new for Ray. He recalled growing up and being told to go to school. “When I was young, I would be asked, 'Where do I see myself in the future?' You can’t even see that far. You’re living for today and hoping you don’t die tomorrow. They say, ‘go to school’, and I'm trying to figure out what I would do if I did go to school. There’s no direction or guidance. If you don’t have someone positive in your life, and no one to guide you, you’re going to be a product of your environment.”

Ray is thankful for this opportunity and sees this as a platform to continue to grow. “I am learning how this business is run, about the operations, and more about the company, and can see myself taking on a managerial role.” He discussed a desire to pursue entrepreneurship, and use it as a vehicle to support other people who have lived a life like his. “I want to open my own restaurant and provide jobs for formally incarcerated men and women. I see my purpose coming true and I know that I can play a part in helping those people who are and were on the streets, just like me.”

When Rogers was released, he found shelter in a halfway house. Prior to working at the plant, he was employed by a temp agency, and doing odd construction jobs for a contractor. He’d make $70 a day in cash, with no benefits. These positions did not provide stability, and made it impossible for landlords to rent to him. Now that he’s employed, he’s making plans to finally get an apartment. “I have a daughter here in Chicago, who lives with her mother. I have not been able to see her because I live in the halfway house. I don’t want my daughter coming here to see me. When I get my new place, I will be able to see her and take care of her."

Ray doesn’t regard himself as a motivational speaker, but knows that he can help change lives by sharing his story. “The best part about my life is that my story isn’t over. I’m just getting started. When I was in prison, I had a lot of time to think about my choices. I was doing a lot of negative things back then. And now I challenged myself to do positive things. I had to step outside myself, if that makes sense, and have a conversation to commit to doing things better. I want to exemplify the message I am sharing with other people by living it.”

Rock the Beat: Jobs on the Block

Thu, 31 Aug 2017 12:00:00 -0600

This summer, the Englewood Quality of Life Public Safety Taskforce took to the streets to address the needs of some of the neighborhood’s most vigorous crime beats. “Rock the Beat”, promoted positive loitering, a strategy used by community members to let their presence be known.

On Thursday August 30^th, “Rock the Beat” presented “Jobs on the Block”, a job fair. This was a result of a partnership with Resident Association of Greater Englewood (RAGE), and Cherice Price, the Teamwork Englewood Workforce Development consultant. Public Safety Taskforce and RAGE members welcomed nearly 400 community residents. Among the hiring businesses and companies were Cintas (Bedford Park and Chicago locations), Georgia Pacific, Chipotle (63rd Halsted and Oak Lawn locations), Cook DuPage Transportation, Cricket Wireless, Illinois Department of Employment (Resources), Elite Staffing, United Parcel Services (UPS), Seville Services, and Lyft.

The job fair took place at the RAGE headquarters on 66^th & Union. "Jobs on the Block" served as a direct response to elements missing in the neighborhood. “We are repurposing the open space to bring in jobs and address the needs of the community. Normally, we would have beat parties, but people would always ask, ‘What about the jobs?’, well here you have it.” Asiaha Butler, EQLP Public Safety Taskforce Champion and President & Founder of RAGE.

Job seekers were encouraged to dress professionally and have their resumes. However, if they didn’t meet these recommendations, they weren’t left out. Thanks to a donation from Inner Voice, Inc., men had the opportunity to get a new suit to wear and keep for their interviews. Computers were available to print resumes and apply to jobs available from the employers.

Job fair attendees came for different reasons. They were either looking for a new job or to make a transition into a new career. As one attendee walked out the door, he stated, “This is just what I needed!” Community member, Chris Randle, a new UPS hiree shared, “They’re going to help me go back to school. I’d like to go into culinary arts. And down the line, I’d like to open my own restaurant. This makes the community better. This will provide the youth with more options. If they see this as an option in their community, they’re likely to do that than be involved in crime and violence.”

To learn about future “Rock the Beat” events, check out the Englewood Portal calendar of events page.

[Youth Speak] I don't mean to brag but... allow me to for a second

Tue, 01 Aug 2017 12:00:00 -0600

Being a teen is hard. Being a Black teen is even harder. Being a Black teen on the southside of Chicago… we’re merely trying to survive, and no I'm not exaggerating. Walking outside and finding trouble isn't hard to do. So with that being said Englewood Codes, Mr. Scott Steward, and Project Tech Teens was my way out.

I tried out the Englewood Codes program, and from there an entire world opened for me. After my program ended, I stayed another year to served as an assistant with Mr. Steward, coding coach for Englewood Codes, and Founder of Project Tech Teens. This role provided me with visibility to onlookers: I received a job from Mr.Gunn, Teamwork Englewood Executive Director, to fix technical difficulties throughout the US Bank Building, where the TWE office is located. Over the years, the Teamwork Englewood community has embraced me and exposed me to various opportunities. I was introduced to Coder Space, founded by Demond Drummer, a Teamwork Englewood alum. At Coder Space, I was able to learn various tech languages, construct websites, and work with developers who represented major companies, like Microsoft.

Being in these rooms, and finding that I was usually the only person of color, specifically only Black person, I started to dig a little deeper. From my research, there are many opportunities in the world of tech, and there are so many people, like me, who are unaware of the possibilities. I wanted nothing more than for people, who looked like me, to know about this lucrative world of endless possibilities, to be involved, and to take advantage.

There are times when I am delivering a presentation in a room full of professionals. I am usually the only woman of color, and the youngest. You can clearly see the looks on their faces; as if they’re waiting for me to fail. I want to see more of me in that room so badly. After Coder Space, I took the skills i learned, applied them to my school work, and other opportunities came along the way. It’s hard to choose my proudest moment, but a favorite of mine is when I founded and taught my school’s first ever after school coding class. I couldn’t have imagined this in my wildest dreams.

Let’s not forget that I have been a full time student this entire time. I was able to juggle school, ranked among the top 15 students in my class, and compete in sports as the running team captain for varsity soccer. I applied to 20 colleges and received a total of 11 acceptances, one being an Ivy League. Combining my love of both art, technology, and being a self proclaimed art junkie, I decided to attend Howard University, class of 2021, for the Fall 2017 semester. For the summer, I’m working as a Junior Graphic Designer for Diversity MBA magazine, and for “Step Up”. I just received another job offer with Quake Tech, I hope I have time!

I want to be someone's inspiration, showing them that there is hope for kids like me. I'm going to send a special message for past, current, and future Englewood Codes participants:

“In the beginning, it may seem confusing, but take these skills you acquire, the speeches Mr. Steward shares, and own them. Take your future and make it as amazing as possible. So with these odds stacked against us, and getting the short end of the stick, you dang right, you better brag! You deserve it.”

[Youth Speak] I've learned more from"Englewood Codes" than coding

Tue, 25 Jul 2017 12:00:00 -0600

For the past few weeks, I have been involved in the Englewood Codes program, as an After School Matters youth participant. Our program instructor is Scott Steward, of Project Tech Teens, and Lynnette Hazzard of Teamwork Englewood. This coding experience has already been an enormous part of my life. I have learned several key steps to being successful and developing a better character. These are lessons that I will apply to my everyday life. I am more articulate, and have developed a strong stance in my beliefs, and I speak with confidence. This tells me, and shows others, that I am successful. My Englewood Codes experience has presented a huge opportunity, by introducing me to the tech field. A career in technology isn't the only career I want to pursue, but it is an option for my future success.

Englewood Codes can guarantee a person that they will learn something new everyday. One of the best lessons I learned was, "No idea is a bad idea". And let’s not forget, I’m learning how to code. Mr. Steward does a great job of making comparisons between the concept of coding and life. This helps us better understand it. Life is like coding, because you can program yourself with your own language; your brain is your operating system, your mindset is your script, your swagg is your design, and your flaws are your errors.

Mr. Steward does a great job of using Hip-Hop music to teach our lessons. His lesson around teamwork was based on Jay-Z’s “4:44” album. In the track called, “The Story of O.J”, Jay raps about how famed football star, O.J. Simpson, believed that his fame would not make him a target to injustices that most Black people in America faced. He would try to outshine his team mates. He may have even thought he was above the law. Mr. Steward showed us that this is no way to operate. And emerging coders, it’s a lesson that we have to consistently use, as we are working in groups to develop a mobile app. I was taught not to lead by example, but lead with your team, never leave a man behind; you know how the saying goes: “All for one, and one for all.”

Teamwork Englewood, Project Tech Teens, and After Schools Matters has made this coding program an exciting experience for me. It comes at a time when I have recently graduated from 8th grade, and onto a new phase in my life, high school. When I go off to college, I may possibly minor in a STEM related field. And in the future, I hope to have Google buy a product from my company.

"Tiny Homes" are coming to Englewood to address youth homelessness

Tue, 25 Jul 2017 12:00:00 -0600

The Tiny Homes Englewood community meeting started off with a spoken word by two artists from Kuumba Lynx. Their piece was appropriate for the meeting; speaking about violence, community-police, and still maintaining hope. It was a great way to present to the community an aspect of the programming that Tiny Homes occupants will have access to.

Tiny Homes is a new housing solution to help youth combat homelessness. They will be erected on S. Wood St. between 63rd & 64th Street. Eligible occupants are between the ages of 18-26. Youth will have the opportunity to focus on their education and finding gainful employment, instead of worrying about rent and a place to stay. A partnership with City Colleges of Chicago will allow youth to enroll in vocational programs and Kennedy King. Program specifics are being negotiated. In addition to educational support, occupants will work with case managers to receive academic, personal, and behavioral health services to support their success.

"Homelessness is a circumstance, not a condition", stated Leslie Taylor, La Casa Norte Youth Empowerment Specialist. The programs and resources the Tiny Homes will offer will support youth in changing their circumstances.

Sol Flores, La Casa Norte Founding and current Executive Director, made it clear that La Casa Norte chose Englewood for a specific reason. "Yes, La Casa Norte has Latin roots, but since we've started, we have serviced the Black community where 65% of our clients are Black. We get calls from the local high schools. We currently have an overnight shelter and drop in center on 47th & Wood. We want to be good neighbors, and that's why we're here! We want to plug into the Englewood Quality of Life Plan and help achieve those outcomes!"

The Englewood Tiny Homes will serve as a pilot. There will be ten units, and youth can stay the duration of their program, ranging between 12-16 months. There will be a Community house in the center of the homes, for entertainment and communal purposes.

At present, the estimated cost to develop is $1.5 million. This could fluctuate depending upon the environmental needs to remediate the land. The estimated date to open will be 2019.

The mission of La Casa Norte is to serve youth and families confronting homelessness. We provide access to stable housing and deliver comprehensive services that act as a catalyst to transform lives and communities.

Pride Action Tank is a new, results-driven group that addresses challenges facing individuals and groups within LGBTQIA communities through a collaborative process of inquiry, advocacy and action.

For more information on Tiny Homes, check out this one pager.

"Englewood Women's Initiative"

Tue, 25 Jul 2017 12:00:00 -0600

"Stormy July weather with torrential thunderstorms did not prevent Englewood women from braving the elements to attend the Englewood Women's Initiative launch, presented by Teamwork Englewood, the Englewood Quality of Life Plan, and Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW). The initiative aims to increase women's economic security in the Englewood community speicifically."

Check out the rest of the article here.

Englewood Women's Intiative Kick Off

Wed, 12 Jul 2017 12:00:00 -0600

On Wednesday July 12th, 2017, the Englewood Women's Initiative hosted its kickoff at the Teamwork Englewood office.

Despite of the torrential rain, we generated a great crowd that included potential applicants, Advisory Board members, sponsors, supporters, new advocates, the curious, and the media.

Attendees are eager to get involved, learn new things, and even meet new people.

"This creates an opportunity to bring othgether people areound women who are moving in good circles." Chardonnay Peterson, kickoff attendee. She attended the event, bring along her best friend's mother. "I believe there will be positive women participating in this program. It's the type of crowd we all should be with."

Please check out the WBEZ recap, featuring Rosalind.

For more information on EWI, and how to sign up, check out the EWI site.

City of Chicago "Thrive Zones" Helps Englewood Thrive

Fri, 07 Jul 2017 12:00:00 -0600

The City of Chicago announced the 51 recipients of Thrive Zone inaugural class. There will be nine Englewood businesses benefiting from the initiative. All nine businesses were a part of the "Englewood Thrive Zone Collaborative".

The Englewood Thrive Zone Collaborative is a group of independent business owners and entrepreneurs seeking to leverage their "collective independence" by supporting each other in a unifying manner. Each member of the collective contributes their knowledge and expertise to enhance and support the business efforts of the entire collective. The overall objective of the collective is to enhance the viability of the Englewood community through business development and community engagement.

There are five core businesses in the Englewood Thrive Zone Collaborative:

Powell's Co-op Barbershop & College
Marie|Wesley
BEEHYYVE
Ellie's Urban Grill
Englewood Kitchen

The Greater Englewood Community Development Corporation was a lead community partner. The Englewood Quality of Life Plan Jobs & Economic Development Taskforce, and Residents Association of Greater Englewood played an integral role in helping to facilitate the relationships between the independent businesses within the collaborative.

Here is a complete list of the 51 recipients.

Englewood Women's Initiative Provides Pathway to Stable Jobs and Careers

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:00:00 -0600

Women living in Englewood are eligible to participate in this FREE program. The initiative is sponsored by Chicago Foundation for Women and is presented by the Quality of Life Plan, Jobs and Ecponomic Development Task Force through Teamwork Englewood. Interested women can apply online and register for the kick-off event here.

This initiative aims to track 50 or more Englewood women toward manufacturing and construction careers or entrepreneurship opportunities that put them on a path to earning $40,000 a year. Our primary goal is to increase the economic security of women, so that they can support their families, increasing their children’s chances for success, and contribute to the economic stabilization of their neighborhoods and communities.

We will achieve this through a collaboration of eight agencies providing a range of services –from financial coaching and job training to domestic violence counseling and legal aid– that take a holistic approach to addressing women’s unique needs.

Collaborators include: ACCION Chicago, Chicago Women in Trades, Demoiselle 2 Femme, Family Rescue, Jane Addams Resource Corporation, Metropolitan Family Services, Teamwork Englewood and Women’s Business Development Center.

For more information, check out the Englewood Women's Initiative page.

Englewood Women's Initiative Provides Pathway to Stable Jobs and Careers

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:00:00 -0600

EPAC Hosts Its Inaugural Meeting

Thu, 15 Jun 2017 12:00:00 -0600

It has been rumored that Englewood is ripe for development and investment. With the recent construction and increased popularity of Englewood Square, these rumors are coming to fruition. Englewood is a historic southside community, that has a legacy of once being a vibrant and economically stable community. However, due to divestment and population decrease, the community now has a reputation of violence and destitution. Despite the ailments that plague hte community, residents have mobilized and organized to create the Quality of Life plan, and EPAC is situated within that.

"EPAC is to serve as a team of experts that will support the local ward offices that services the Englewood community on economic development that is most appropriate and sensitive to the needs of Englewood" Rosalind Moore, Program Director of Teamwork Englewood.

There were thirty people in attendance, with representation from the City of Chicago Department of Planning & Development, the 16th, 17th, and 20th ward offices, Matanky Realty Group, McLaurin Development Partners, Redacre Solutions, JAQ Corporation, Antioch Community Social Services, Neighborhood Housing Services, Fresh Start Home Community Development Corporation, Whole Foods, Chicago Community Loan Fund, Camiros, LTD, Ratio, DL3 Realty, and Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce.

The EPAC's purpose is to fully inform the community about requests made for zoning changes and their potential impact. Determine the needs and best interests of those impacted by any changes. Effectively engage with the ward offices that represent the Englewood community.

"Over the years, many plans have been made about the Englewood community. Very few of them have been implemented, and no one knows where they are housed. For that reason, EPAC will be a data repository so these plans can be actualized" Leon Walker, EPAC Chairman and DL3 Realty, Managing Partner.

EPAC is not a legal entity. EPAC is not a 501c3 and there are no fiduciary responsibilities. It has no decision-making powers on proposed projects. The committee is fully advisory, and will provide its content expertise on housing, urban planning & development, and investing, to support local aldermen when they assess zoning amendment applications.

Teamwork Englewood is the manager of the Englewood QLP as well as the fiscal sponsor of the EPAC. Any questions should be referred to Nicole Johnson, EPAC Program Manager njohnson@teamworkenglewood.org.

Englewood Quality of Life Quarterly Meeting

Wed, 14 Jun 2017 12:00:00 -0600

All five taskforces of the Englewood Quality of Life Plan met on Wednesday at Volunteers of America site to discuss their progress and acheivements over the second quarter.

Health & Wellness

Addressing strategies 1,2,4 with partnerships from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois to acquire a Community Outreach van. The Taskforce is also the recipient of the Healthy 2.0 grant.

Next meeting is on June 24th, 5:30-7PM at St. Benedict the Africa.

Youth & Education

Placing emphasis on strategies 4&5 by providing stipends for five high school students to participate in an ambassador program for high school students. In partnership with Children's Home & Aid, they are collaborating with local Englewood businesses and organizations to employ youth participating in the One Summer Plus summer jobs program.

Meetings will now be held on the fourth Saturday. The next meeting is June 24th 11AM-1PM at Teamwork Englewood.

Housing & Public Spaces

Housing & Public Spaces has been working diligently with Commissioner Richard Boykin's office regarding the Cook Country Revitalization Act (CCNRA). Thus far, some major wins are the expansion of eligible recipients, to include all employees from city, county, and state government agencies, and employees must have been employed with those agencies for at least two years.

The taskforce is actively pursuing strategy 3, and 4. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday June 21th, 5:30-7PM at Volunteers of America 6002 S. Halsted.

Jobs & Economic Development

The taskforce has hosted three small business trainings so far. They will be launching the Englewood Women's Initiative on July 12th. RSVP here.

Public Safety

The Public Safety taskforce is the recipient of a $10,000 grant from the Chicago Fund for Safe & Peaceful Communities. This grant will be used to support "Rock the Beat", as well as "So Fresh Saturdays". They are also developing a community steering committee with the 007 Police District.

The next QLP Quarterly meeting is Thursday September 21st, 2017 5:30-7PM at Volunteers of America.

Englewood Quality of Life Public Safety Taskforce “Rocks the Beat”!

Thu, 25 May 2017 12:00:00 -0600

This week, the Teamwork Englewood Englewood Quality of Life Public Safety Taskforce, was awarded a $10,000 check from the Chicago Fund for Safe & Peaceful communities. The call was for projects to run or create a summer program that is designed to promote peace, build trust and strengthen relationships across ages. Funds ranged from $1,000 to as much as $10,000. Projects were encouraged to include seven proven field principles:

Recreate a sense of community
Provide access to ancient and modern technology
Provide a sense of connectedness
Provide opportunity to learn social & emotional skills
Increase self esteem
Provide an adult protective shield
Minimize trauma

The QLP Public Safety Taskforce will implement “Rock the Beat”. The planned activities include, reclaiming vacant spaces in designated police beats and organizing block clean ups, distributing tool kits to start block clubs, creating youth block ambassadors, supporting the So Fresh Saturday series in the parks, drumming circles, barbecues, and creating a movie night/ mock drive-ins on the vacant spaces. Events will kick off the first week of June with “So Fresh Saturdays” and will go until the end of September.

“Rock the Beat” is a massively collaborative effort across various Englewood community organizations: 7th District CAPS office, Target Area Development, Resident Association of Greater Englewood, Chicago Park District, Increase The Peace Englewood, Englewood Clergy Association, Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence, Mothers Against Senseless Killings (MASK), Sons and Daughter of Englewood, Southwest Block Club Federation of Greater Englewood, PEACE Center, Original 6th Street Beach Drummers, Voices of West Englewood, and the Eartheart Foundation, State Rep Sonya Harper and the various alderman that govern the Greater Englewood area.

“Our anticipated outcomes are to facilitate a deeper dive of community engagement block by block, in designated beats that experience the most criminal activities. We hope to decrease this activity after planning a variety of positive loitering strategies. We hope to support the creation of more block clubs, develop youth leaders as block ambassadors who may fall victims to violence, build relationships with residents to help them feel safer, and empower them with tools needed to sustain our strategies after the influx of activities” Asiaha Butler, President of Resident Association of Greater Englewood and QLP Public Safety Taskforce Champion.

For more information on the events and progress of “Rock the Beat”, follow these sites:

Teamwork Englewood and Resident Association of Greater Englewood.

"Welcome to Englewood" Sign Unveiling

Fri, 12 May 2017 12:00:00 -0600

On Friday May 12^th, The Englewood community unveiled its first “Welcome to Englewood sign”. It is located on the northwest corner of 63^rd & Yale, near the Dan Ryan 63^rd street exit. “The sign is all about welcoming you to a community that is thriving”, Perry Gunn, Executive Director of Teamwork Englewood.

The idea of a sign was made possible by the hardwork and dedication of a lifelong Englewoodian, Rashanah Baldwin. She took the time to speak with many residents across the community, and ask them what it was that they wanted to see. “I listened to my residents. I went on a listening tour. I went around and asked my residents "What do they want to see happen in this community with this fund from LISC Chicago?" One of the things they suggested was a landmark sign to express the good in Englewood to bring about beautification.”

Rashanah Baldwin serves as a community leader, and birthed the idea of “Good in Englewood”. This sign is an extension of her work. She strives to show that Englewood’s character is beyond the depressing news we are constantly bombarded with on mainstream outlets. The overall goal is to place a sign at various key entry points throughout the community.

The artwork of the “Welcome to Englewood” sign was created by Leonard “GLC” Harris. He is a two-time Grammy Award winning artist, native Englewoodian, and community activist. He played an integral role in ensuring that Dyett High School was an open enrollment art’s high school on the southside of Chicago.

There were various community organizations that helped make this possible. The Greater Englewood Community Development Center (GECDC) ensured that the lot was clean and available for the sign. Once it was decided that a sign would be created, the members of the Englewood Quality of Life plan voted on various art work.

“Over the past year and a half, the stakeholders of Englewood have come together to create a Quality of Life Plan. We’ve been working really hard on a vision for a better community for us and everyone.The Englewood QLP came together and talked about the need of having a welcoming sign coming into the Englewood community. We want this to be the preeminent place on the Southside. This sign is all about welcoming you to a sign that is thriving.”

The "Welcome to Englewood" landmark sign is funded through the Innovation Grant from Local Initiatives Support Corporation Chicago (LISC).

Check out the Facebook live footage here.

Juan Salgado, CCC Chancellor, Comes to Kennedy King College in Englewood on First Day

Mon, 01 May 2017 12:00:00 -0600

Monday May 1st, 2017 marked the City of Chicago Chancellor, Juan Salgado's first day on the job.

He started the day at Olive Harvey College, and transitioned to hosting a press conference at Kennedy King College in the Englewood community. The press conference began by introductory remarks by a Kennedy King student.

Mr. Salgado shared his vision for the community colleges in the midst of the overwhelming budget crisis. He ensured that regardless of hte financial circumstance, that the colleges would maintain a student centered approach to learning and development.

This is a time where City Colleges is undergoing significant changes in leadership. With the incoming Chancellor, there will be vacancies at Truman College, and Olive Harvey, and Kennedy King. At Monday's press conference, Salgado annouced the two interim presidnets for Truman and Olive Harvey. Dr. Shawn Jackson from Chicago Public Schools and Felicia Davis from the Office of the Mayor. Dr. Jackson, an African American male, is expected to train the next generation of educators, and create a diverse pipeline of educators leading to Chicago classrooms. Mr. Salgado cited a study that suggested that school drop outs among Black students decreased by 29%, when they had a Black teacher lack students who had a Black teachers in 3rd-5th, their chances of dropping out decreased by 39 percent.

Felicia Davis comes to City Colleges as a new construction program will be initiated at Olive Harvey. She will be taking an active role in bringing the colleges to Springfield. Mr. Salgado remarked, "You know what we're going to do? We're going to bring the Latino and Black causes together by next before!"

When the Community Takes to the Streets... and Cleans Them

Mon, 24 Apr 2017 12:00:00 -0600

On this past Saturday, nearly 400 Englewoodians and friends from across the city took the streets and cleaned them.

After the work, we celebrate!

This year marked the 5th Annual Englewood Unity Day. The day is a tag to the city wide Chicago Clean & Green. Residents of all ages, and abilities came out to clean up. Supplies were proivded by the City of Chicago Streets and Sanitation department.

Site locations ranged from 82nd & Ashland to 59th & Halsted.

The participating organizations include Teamwork Englewood, the Office of Illinois State Representative of the 6th District Sonya Harper, Imagine Englewood If, Resident Association of Greater Englewood (R.A.G.E.)., 007th District Police Station, Antioch MB Church, Canaan Community Church, Sage Equity Holdings, Action NOW, Voices of West Englewood, Mothers Against Senseless Killings (M.A.S.K.), Urbanity Beauty, LaTanya & The Youth of Englewood, Nicholson STEM Academy, Phoenix Diverse Holistic Collaborative, Growing Homes, buildOn, Growing Home Inc, The Rise Foundation, Edmonds Homeowners, and Monster Education Foundation. “We’re hoping for an amazing turnout! This day is not just one day of cleaning; we’re coming together for each other and for our environment. We celebrate our Unity with our neighbors, co-workers, friends, showcasing our mutual respect for each other and nature” Geri Harston, Executive Director, Imagine Englewood If.

There are so many individuals and organization in the Englewood community doing amazing work. Unity Day is a powerful time, because it welcomes all the brilliant individuals and groups in the community to come together to clean up our neighborhood in the name of love. “Our association has participated with Greater Englewood Unity Day and Celebration since the idea was birthed from the late Mrs. Jean Carter-Hill, founder of Imagine Englewood IF. We anticipate that each year this cleanup and celebration will grow, our members are excited to be a part of this new tradition of Greater Englewood!” - Asiaha Butler, Founder and President of R.A.G.E.

The clean up ended with a large communal celebration at Imagine Englewood. Volunteers enjoyed hotdogs, sauages, salad, and music!