Washington Park Consortium - Latest news

Our Plan: 'Historic, Vibrant, Proud and Healthy'

6/1/2009, 8:36 PM

Thursday, April 2, 2009

After a year of discussions and workshops involving more than 200 local stakeholders, the Washington Park quality-of-life plan has been finalized and sent to the printer.

Download the plan here.

Excerpt from the plan

"In December 2007, the newly elected Alderman, Willie B. Cochran, convened a quality-of-life planning process to begin shaping this new chapter in our history. Through monthly meetings and workshops over the following year, we engaged more than 200 people and learned from each other that Washington Park has many assets still. We hammered out a vision and defined a new path that respects our history while responding to new opportunities.

Ald. Cochran outlines the planning process at an early meeting.

Eric Young Smith

"Now is a critical moment for Washington Park. Thanks to long effort by our churches, property owners and community organizations, the neighborhood is building again. There are new brick townhouses on Michigan Avenue and other streets, freshly rehabbed condominiums in six-flats and greystones, and several recent non-profit housing developments. In 2008, the University of Chicago purchased land and buildings along Garfield Boulevard west of the park, seeking a long-term stake in our neighborhood. And while this plan was being developed, Chicago was preparing its bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games, with Washington Park at the very center of the festivities.

"Neighborhood stakeholders consider the Olympic bid and the University of Chicago land purchases as both opportunities and threats. While they may bring new investment and trigger implementation of projects in this plan, they also could repeat urban-renewal mistakes of the past that displaced residents or reshaped communities without the input of local residents. We intend to be full participants in decisions about our neighborhood’s future, and will use this plan to guide development.

"We face other challenges as well. The loss of some 9,000 housing units since 1970 and a recent wave of foreclosures mean that many buildings are boarded and some blocks have only a few buildings left – or none at all. We have been one of the city’s poorest neighborhoods for many years, with roughly half of individuals and families living below the poverty level in 2000. Five of our six local elementary schools perform in the bottom half of all Chicago schools, according to a 2004 analysis by IFF (formerly Illinois Facilities Fund). And for children and families throughout the neighborhood, safety and gang activity are major concerns.

Building on strengths

Creating an inviting and safe environment is a priority of the plan.

Patrick Barry

"But the potential remains to thrive once more. CTA Green Line and Red Line stations provide excellent access to downtown. The Dan Ryan Expressway is steps away. We have major employment centers nearby, including the University of Chicago, with 15,000 employees, Midway Airport, and the southwest industrial corridor. And our vacant land represents opportunities for in-fill housing, commercial development and new green space, all of which can be accomplished without displacement of residents.

"Most importantly, both newcomers and longtime residents see Washington Park on the rise. Before the nation’s economic crisis slowed down the housing market, we experienced major new investment in housing by both black professionals and working-class families who want to contribute to the area’s rebirth. The Washington Park Chamber of Commerce was formed to support business development, and churches stepped forward as leaders for the community’s future."

Download the plan.

Bad economy a good time to learn about money

2/15/2009, 2:54 PM

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Richard Muhammad

Hard times can make people a little stingier and more aware of what they do with money. The South Side Community Federal Credit Union, based in Washington Park, is offering a series of financial education classes and sees the current economic downturn as a time to teach lessons about handling money and improving personal finances.

“The series is to take advantage of the economic climate right now while people are paying a lot more attention to their money and the impact it is having on the economy,” explained O.S. Owen of the Center for Economic Progress during a recent Saturday morning spent taking money-conscious South Siders through a Tax Boot Camp and Identity Theft session. The training was held at the credit union’s offices, located at 5401 S. Wentworth Ave., Suite 25. The sessions aim to increase awareness about finances and uncover ways families and individuals can increase income and reduce debt, Owen said.

O.S. Owen of the Center for Economic Progress, left, teaches class as part of financial education series offered in partnership with the South Side Community Federal Credit Union.

Richard Muhammad

The small group allowed Owen to spend a couple hours Jan. 31 answering questions and talking about taxes and tax credits, household budgets, credit reports and free services the center offers as part of its mission to primarily serve low- and moderate income families. This is the third year the Center for Economic Progress and the South Side Community Credit Union have partnered to increase financial awareness and, hopefully, put some money back in the pockets of workshop participants.

When it came to taxes, Owen stressed the need to get every available credit, in particular for families earning less than $45,000 a year. There are refundable credits, which bring money back from taxes paid, and non-refundable credits that lessen your tax liability, he said.

Every household should have a tax plan when it comes to the W-4, which is used to determine how much is deducted in federal taxes, Owen said. The W-4 withholding form can be changed every other payroll period, he continued. You can elect to put more money in your pocket at certain times, he said.

Taxpayers should monitor their withholding, Owen continued. For example, if a taxpayer decides to have a lot of deductions taken for the first six months of the year, the second half should be fewer deductions and more take home pay. But if a taxpayer chooses to limit taxes paid over the first half of the year, it is imperative to increase deductions in the last six months to avoid a hefty tax bill.

The center offers free tax services to families that don’t make a lot of money and over 10 years the center has returned over $200 million to the community, Owen said proudly.

Tax time, which is now, is also the time to fill out the free form to qualify for free federal aid for college, Owen said. The forms require much of the same information and the FAFSA form for aid can be updated, meaning it can be filled out now and changed after taxes are filed, he added.

'It's not how much you make, it's how much you save'

Alongside taking every available credit is the need for a basic budget or spending plan, Owen noted. “The most important budget is the one on that runs our household. To save money need to know what it takes to cover home expenses. It’s not how much you make, it’s how much you save,” he said.

Owen, who is a senior trainer for the center, also encouraged participants to join credit unions, which have a non-profit mission and can sometimes do things larger for-profit banks can’t do. Even if you have a checking account elsewhere, join a credit union and take advantage of its services, he said.

The South Side Community Federal Credit Union is devoted to building wealth and financial literacy, especially for low- and moderate income residents.

Richard Muhammad

Credit reports, which can determine everything from the ability to get a home loan or to getting a job, should be reviewed at least once a year, Owen said. Consumers are entitled to one free credit report annually and if there are problems a 100 word statement can be added explain to circumstances that caused the problems, he said.

Owen also advised the session’s participants to think beyond dollars and consider how they spend their time. Income is a measure of economic status at a particular juncture, but goals and spending time working toward goals helps bring success, he said.

“My question basically was how do I get to save money since in this environment we’re having, I’m spending far more than I am intending to,” said Cheryl Aaron, a 58-year-old member of the South Side Community Credit Union. “People just don’t know. They’re walking around here lost. No one is teaching them about how to deal with their finances,” she said. In the discussion, Aaron was shown how she could deposit some of her check into one account and hold on to part of it, pay herself first and better control spending.

Twenty-eight year old Kianna White picked up tips that she said would help her and family members. She was especially happy about the information regarding college financial aid applications and paying for college. She plans to share that information with a cousin, who is preparing to pursue higher education. “It was a good session. I learned things I didn’t know,” said White, who started working at the credit union a month earlier.

A recent class at the credit union covered taxes and ID theft.

Richard Muhammad

The South Side Community Credit Union’s trainings will run through March. The first session was a foreclosure prevention resource fair at the Washington Park Refectory, which included Aldermen Willie Cochran (20th Ward) and Alderman Pat Dowell (3rd Ward). WVON-AM radio host Cliff Kelley moderated the Jan. 24 discussion and Gregg Brown, CEO and president of the South Side Community Federal Credit Union led the discussion. After the foreclosure resource fair came the Tax Boot Camp, Credit Basics and Restoration, and Basic Banking and Budgeting classes. The remainder of the schedule includes Investing for Retirement and Estate Planning (Feb. 21), Bankruptcy or Consumer Debt Counseling? (Feb. 28), Foreclosure Prevention Workshop (Feb. 28), Your Health is Your Wealth and Graduation (March 7) and Road to Home Ownership Workshops (March 14 and March 21).

Free Financial Education classes

2/15/2009, 2:49 PM

Thursday, January 29, 2009

FREE

FINANCIAL EDUCATION CLASSES
AT
SOUTH SIDE COMMUNITY FEDERAL CREDIT
UNION
Learning to achieve a solid financial profile is more important than ever today!!!!!!!!
FORECLOSURE PREVENTION RESOURCE FAIR
Washington
Park
Refectory at 55^th King Drive
Saturday, January 24, 2009 – 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

If you are having trouble paying your mortgage or facing eviction due to foreclosure, attend this foreclosure

resource fair and receive answers from a panel of professionals that could help you save your home and understand your rights as a tenant.

TAX BOOT CAMP AND IDENTITY THEFT

Saturday, January 31, 2009 – 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Tax season is here.

Get information on recent tax law changes and credits for the 2008 tax filing season.Your identity is of value – Learn how to protect it.

CREDIT BASICS AND RESTORATION

Saturday, February 7, 2009 – 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Learn how today’s economy will affect your credit and borrowing power.

You will also receive information on repairing, restoring, maintaining and securing your credit.

BASIC BANKING AND BUDGETING

Saturday, February 14, 2009 – 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Learn banking concepts and its benefits.

Learn how to create a budget and how it can help you stay in control of your finances.

INVESTING FOR RETIREMENT AND ESTATE PLANNING

Saturday, February 21, 2009 – 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Get information on the safest way to invest your dollars for maximum returns.

Learn how and the importance of preparing a Will.

BANKRUPTCY VS. CONSUMER DEBT COUNSELING

Saturday, February 28, 2009 – 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Learn the difference between filing bankruptcy and participating in a consumer debt counseling program.

Get information on consumer rights under the Fair Credit Billing Act and communicating with your creditor.

FORECLOSURE PREVENTION WORKSHOP

Saturday, February 28, 2009 – 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

If you are at risk of losing your home or facing eviction due to a building foreclosure, this workshop is for you.

Get the help you need to learn how to avoid foreclosure and receive a one-on-one post workshop consultation with a housing counselor.

YOUR HEALTH IS YOUR WEALTH

AND
GRADUATION
Saturday, March 7, 2009 – 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Learn the connection between your health and your wealth and the importance of financial wellness.

You will receive a Financial Education Certificate if you have attended at least four financial education classes.

ROAD TO HOMEOWNERSHIP

Part I - Saturday, March 14, 2009 – 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Part II - Saturday, March 21, 2009 – 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Learn step by step the process of acquiring and maintaining homeownership.

Also, learn how to avoid predatory lending.Included with this class is a one-on-one counseling session to be eligible for a HUD Certified Homebuyer Certificate.

All classes will be held at South Side Community Federal Credit Union, 5401 S. Wentworth Avenue No. 25, unless otherwise specified.

Call 773-548-8859 to register now !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Space is limited.

Credit union invests in Washington Park

7/4/2008, 6:34 AM

Friday, July 4, 2008

Richard Muhammad

Like any financial institution, the South Side Community Federal Credit Union has to watch its bottom line.

But unlike banks, pay day lenders, and currency exchanges motivated by making a profit, the nearly five-year-old institution, housed near the Red Line "El" Station at Garfield Boulevard, is devoted to building financial assets within the community.

Gregg Brown, South Side Community Federal Credit Union CEO (left), shares a moment with Lonnie Richardson, who helped found the institution and now serves as a board member.

Richard Muhammad

The credit union was established basically to equalize economic power and fight poverty," said Gregg Brown, the credit union's CEO. By improving financial literacy and providing access to credit and saving services, the credit union hopes to keep more money in the pockets of members.

In a philosophical and literal sense, the credit union belongs to the community. Opening a savings account means essentially purchasing shares and becoming part owner. "Having been a banker for over 24 years, I understand that to save a community we must save in the community," Brown said.

His co-workers include an assistant manager, a seasonal teller, a mortgage officer and a loan counselor. With just over 2,000 members and $3.5 million in assets, the South Side Community Federal Credit Union is one of the fastest growing in the country, added Brown.

Beyond savings, checking and individual development accounts, the credit union has established a non-profit South Side Community Economic Development Center and provides free financial, education, and home ownership counseling.

Opening an account costs as little as $25 and keeping a $5 share gives account holders voting power at annual meetings, the ability to serve as board members, and the opportunity to get involved in the institution's growth. The credit union evolved from the desire of Washington Park and nearby residents for a financial institution sensitive to the needs of low-income families.

Gregg Brown, CEO of the South Side Community Federal Credit Union.

Richard Muhammad

One in four Americans has a credit union account but residents of most low-income neighborhoods, said Brown, don't have access to a community development credit union devoted to serving the underserved.

Getting one in Washington Park didn't come easy. Yet after legal work, surveys, a feasibility study, a business plan, and two and a half years of organizing, the South Side Community Federal Credit Union was born.

On its first day of business 175 members joined, depositing $235,000 – more than some credit unions receive in several years, Brown noted. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, belongs to an organization or goes to school within the service area, or who has a family member that joined, Brown said.

Youth accounts can be opened for $5. Faith-based development accounts, holiday and vacation club accounts and credit builder loans, personal computer loans, auto loans and affordable mortgage loans are also available.

A LISC grant allowed the credit union to start a checking account program this year, which was a significant step, said Brown, because the financial services industry sees checking accounts as a consumer's primary financial institution need.

Once customers establish checking accounts they typically avail themselves of other financial services, he said. Unlike banks, which may grudgingly loan money in their service areas to meet legal requirements, 100 percent of the money that comes into the credit union is used in the neighborhood, Brown said.

Few fees, higher interest rates on deposits and lower interest rates on loans are among the benefits that Brown hopes will attract even more residents to his business.

By Brown's count, 45 percent of the Washington Park community is unbanked and wary of traditional lenders. Currency exchanges can charge $300-$400 a year to cash checks — money that could be saved, Brown added.

Many people are still learning about the value of the credit union and most growth has come through word of mouth and community presentations, said Brown, who is planning a marketing campaign and working with the Washington Park Neighborhood Association to get the word out.

Additional plans include initiating a membership drive, expanding home ownership counseling for residents with bad mortgages, and teaching the benefits and challenges of home ownership to renters. Brown would like to take the gospel of economic self sufficiency into the churches and convince them to allow the credit union to hold 10 percent of tithes to fight poverty in the neighborhood.

"We can't say we love and value community but all of our investments are somewhere else," Brown said.

Washington Park regroups

6/26/2008, 8:55 PM

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Richard Muhammad

A revamped New Communities Program for Washington Park is sparking excitement and discussion as newcomers and veterans of the five-year-old effort have been convened by Ald. Willie Cochran (20th).

Alderman Cochran

The new group, called Washington Park NCP, aims to produce a quality-of-life plan and more neighborhood progress.

Following the city's Olympic bid and election of a new 20th Ward alderman, LISC sought to strengthen the Washington Park NCP program to take full advantage of the new opportunities.

St. Edmund's Redevelopment Corp. agreed to step down as a lead agency and be part of the newly formed Washington Park NCP Steering Committee.

"People want economic and community progress and want to take part in the process of building community," said Cochran, who previously served as NCP/Woodlawn's organizer.

Murray Johnson of the Washington Park Neighborhood Association (WPNA) likes the changes. It was difficult before to get everyone to pursue a common agenda, he said.

Planning chart for session.

Creating a new plan, expanding outreach to stakeholders and having the alderman convene meetings should work, said Johnson, who has participated with WPNA and NCP for four years.

"Once the organizations start working toward one focus, one cause, we will be successful. Nothing can stop us," he said.

Training and orientation sessions have been held to acquaint leadersand residents with how the processworks. The task force also heard from staff and leaders of other NCP programs in the Quad Communities and Chicago Lawn.

"All of us play an important role in community building," said Greg Brown, president and CEO of the South Side Community Federal Credit Union, "and having an opportunity to make (new) connections will help to facilitate that process even further."

Newcomer Leticia Johnson, a volunteer at the KLEO Community Family Life Center, called the orientation meeting "awesome." She's especially interested in short-term projects that fit the center's mission to offer job prep, tutoring and youth programs.

"We need folks at the table in order to make some decisions," said State Sen. Mattie Hunter, who lives in the area. "If we all get together and pool all of our resources, we can make a major difference out here."

Washington Park leaders in training

5/14/2008, 1:38 PM

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Richard Muhammad

Some 20 neighborhood residents gathered in a community room at St. Edmund's Episcopal Church Nov. 18, 2006 for phase two of sessions presented by the Washington Park Leadership Development Training Institute.

"Understanding Policy and Legislation" was the topic of the Saturday session led by John Paul Jones, director of community outreach for the Neighborhood Capital Budget Group. The bi-monthly training lasts six months and is expected to conclude in May, said New Communities Program director Tasha Baker, of lead agency St. Edmund's Redevelopment Corp.

Leadership training is especially significant given Chicago's bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics and proposed changes in Washington Park, said Jones. As the Olympics proposal and other developments move forward, there is an expectation and often a requirement for community input, he noted.

Residents, in particular, and other community stakeholders must be engaged, Jones stressed.

Without engaged leadership, a neighborhood can easily be bypassed as decisions are made, he explained.

Jones led the group through defining public policy, tracking legislation, examining the role of lobbyists, critiquing public subsidies, tax dollars and capital improvements, and similar topics.

His presentation ranged from where to look for city money to install lighting and curb cuts to how to engage in democratic processes at the city, county and state level.

The idea is to broaden residents' conversations with government officials about policy needs to protect their interests and to increase their wealth, Jones said.

Training provides definitions, possible strategies

Washington Park has often had a difficult time assembling leaders to talk things through, he noted. "This is a whole new ballgame. They are now ready to begin some policy work and legislation, and that should help them achieve many victories," said Jones.

"Stakeholders have to assemble, they have to be clear about what they expect, from not only themselves but from others – and set the pace. Again, outsiders will be looking for a venue. I think people who work in good faith do want to communicate with the constituencies, but [Washington Park] will have to provide that venue," Jones added.

Willie Cochran, a training participant, was struck by the topics presented and how much residents could learn. It was "a great meeting," and very informative about legislation, lobbying and community organizing, he said.

"This session has given us the ability to increase the capacity of our local agencies. And our local agencies, if given the opportunity, working hand in hand with government could increase overall government and community effectiveness," said Cochran.

"It was a wonderful morning and afternoon on gaining insights on how governments work," added Edward Chaney, membership chair for the Washington Park Neighborhood Association.

Increased knowledge, input and impact

"The more they become savvy about the items, the better they'll be able to protect themselves from economic disruptions, or at least, compete with the new stakeholders that will be coming their way," said Jones, in laying out the value of the training.

Jones hopes to come back to Washington Park to talk about putting together special funds, whether for college scholarships, home improvements for longtime residents or money to support other redevelopment. It's more than someone just paying for pop at a block club party, he said.

"Washington Park is overwhelmed by new private investors, who need to know they must give something back to the community … not just to give to City Hall, but to give to the community," he said.

The Washington Park Leadership Development Training Institute is run by the Washington Park Neighborhood Association and the New Communities Program. The training was sponsored by LISC/Chicago and the Woods Fund of Chicago.

The goal is to empower residents and develop a core group of leaders, said Baker. Phase One of the training included community engagement and neighborhood relations, she said.

Mixed feelings about Olympic bid

Having attended five core group meetings about the Olympics, Baker has seen mixed reactions. "The residents have been told, no one has invited them to the table and gave them a thorough understanding" of the process, she said.

There are worries the city will mandate expensive improvements for home and condo owners, questions about who will pay for new developments, and concerns about whether there will be place for current residents, Baker said.

Others think the idea is wonderful and will bring jobs, she continued. But, Baker added, if residents don't qualify for the jobs, training will be needed.

Getting residents to think through opportunities, problems and options is important given the assorted questions and mixed feelings. "This kind of training is crucial because it teaches people how to get involved step by step, without theatrics, knowing the core information. So when you go to the table, you know what people are talking about and you can add to the process," she said.

Washington Park job fair draws 1,600

5/14/2008, 1:35 PM

Wednesday, October 4, 2006

Richard Muhammad

About 1,600 people ages 16 to 65 turned out for a resource and job fair recently hosted by Mainstream Living to connect area residents with jobs – or the skills to find a job.

Tamika Tagub, 21, said the event, held Sept. 20 at the Chicago Park District's Harris Park, provided a chance for people to gain employment and ways to better themselves.

"They offered jobs, help learning how to do resumes, help filling out applications. They gave you applications to fill out," said Tagub, who applied to several companies, including Walgreens, the post office and an insurance agency.

Exhibitors, who included employers and service providers, manned tables in two huge rooms at the park's community center. Displays, brochures, and applications filled tables as conversations filled the air. Participants learned about potential careers and career starters. 20th Ward Ald. Arenda Troutman partnered with the fair's organizers to make it happen.

Having the employers and service providers in one place was a "great" idea, said Tagub. "It's hard for some people to get [jobs], and they brought an opportunity to come and get jobs here," she said.

"More people, if they knew about it, would have come out," added Shaquendo Britton, 32, who applied for several positions.

Resource for community, employers

Bob Corbett, who represented energy companies Exelon and ComEd, did brisk business. He talked with potential applicants about their work experience, interests and desired career paths, and he gave tips on the best way to post resumes online.

Exelon/ComEd job requirements range from a G.E.D. to four-year college degrees, Corbett noted. A meter reader, for example is an entry-level position that pays $14 to $15 an hour. But an overhead electrician earns $100,000-plus, with salary and overtime, he said.

"We just wanted to make sure that [attendees] are aware of the fact that these kinds of good paying jobs with good security and good benefits are available," Corbett said. "Unless you really get to know what kinds of jobs a company has, you might have a certain view of them and just not have any idea that there is something there for you."

Corbett said he expected a lot of people to post resumes online after the event, which he added was a great opportunity for companies because it cost only staff time.

Other employers, like the U.S. Census Bureau, offered a chance to get a job and have a greater impact on the neighborhood. Though the next national census won't happen until 2010, other important data collection is happening.

"The surveys that we are doing determine how much federal money comes into certain areas around the country," said recruiter Charles Slater.

Given the continued problem of undercounting African Americans, Slater hoped to find employees who can do a more thorough job of counting. Though the position is entry level, it can lead to a long-term career, he said.

Center adds family to employment equation

The job fair is more than a one-day affair, said Dorothy Taylor, of Mainstream Living, which helps with employment, job preparation, skill training, and education. Employers who participate in the job fair are sought out for jobs during the year as are previous job fair participants, she added.

Work is done with the entire family, not just the individual job seeker, she said. That might mean help with housing, or child care while a parent is working, Taylor explained. "We kind of embrace the whole family and the support system that needs to go around it," she said.

The employment work is a collaborative effort between St. Edmund's Redevelopment Corp. and Mainstream Living, where Taylor serves as executive director. This is Mainstream Living's first foray into partnering with St. Edmund's under the New Communities Program.

The job center is a little over a year old but has only been recruiting for the last three months. More than 100 people have been enrolled in services in the last 90 days, according to Taylor. Bringing services and jobs together helps get those who aren't quite ready for work prepared, as many in the 20th Ward and Washington Park need to be, she said.

The myth that people don't want to work went out the window in Washington Park eight years ago, said Taylor, who cited numbers at usually 2,000 to 3,000 people per job fair, which shows people are eager for employment.

Her organization, located at 5912 S. State St., is looking to move into a larger space to provide more services, like offering e-mail addresses and internet access, resume writing, and a place to call or fax potential employers.

"This is designed to make a difference in a neighborhood that's been left behind," said Tasha Baker, NCP director for Washington Park.

Aldermen discuss S. Side redevelopment

4/24/2008, 8:40 PM

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Richard Muhammad

Aldermen from four wards assembled in the Grand Ballroom on Cottage Grove Avenue in the heart of Woodlawn recently to talk about issues related to South Side development, offer some hope, and share thoughts on obstacles to progress.

ShoreBank, a South Side lending institution, sponsored the forum, held Sept. 11, as part of its "ShoreBank Knowledge Exchange," a series of gatherings devoted to real estate and development issues. After participants milled around, had cocktails and posed for photos, the gathering was called to order.

Joseph Hasten, ShoreBank's new CEO, opened by sharing his bank's plans to stem foreclosures sparked by increased home loan interest rates. Sub-prime and adjustable rate mortgage loans, usually with low teaser rates that increase over time, have pushed many homeowners into financial trouble as mortgage payments explode and refinancing is difficult because of pre-payment penalties.

South Side foreclosures called threat to neighborhoods

ShoreBank will fight to keep foreclosures from stopping progress made in South Side neighborhoods like Woodlawn, Bronzeville, South Shore, Englewood and South Chicago, Hasten said. Everyone might not be able to be helped, but ShoreBank is committed to tackling the problem, he said. The bank hopes to rescue thousands of homeowners on the south side of the city.

The mortgage crisis isn't over Hasten warned. Two-thirds of loans with adjustable mortgage rates haven't changed yet, he said.

People were given loans they didn't understand, said ShoreBank's CEO. But if the predatory lenders lose in the shake-up, that's a good thing, he said.

"It's taken 30 years to revive these wonderful neighborhoods by increasing the value of housing stock, home ownership and generally improving the neighborhoods," Hasten noted. "We don't want to see that fall back at all."

Hasten appealed to real estate agents, mortgage brokers, city agencies and alderman to help let people know that they can get help and need to move quickly. Aldermen Willie Cochran (20th), Pat Dowell (3rd), Freddrenna Lyle (6th) and Sandi Jackson (7th) sat on a small stage, made brief statements and took questions from the audience.

Aldermen share hopes, challenges to redevelopment

All talked about efforts to bring development projects into their wards and spoke favorably about the Olympics – though concerns about how to make sure their constituents benefit remain.

Alderman Cochran

The forum was orderly though one protestor shouted questions at Dowell about jobs and opportunities for blacks. Michelle Collins, a ShoreBank senior vice president, was the evening emcee and read questions to the panel.

Jackson and the other aldermen urged homeowners to call 311, the city service number, at first sign of trouble in making a mortgage payment. Operators from 311 will put homeowners in touch with housing counselors, she said. Neighborhood Housing Services is also a resource for people who need assistance, the aldermen added.

This is a nationwide problem but hits our community harder, said Jackson. Call non-profits and aldermen, who are bringing in experts for forums on homeownership and foreclosures, she said.

Lyle responded to questions about plans for the old site of Kennedy-King College in Englewood and another site in her ward, near 83rd Street. Discussions about the old Kennedy King site are starting, but no definite plans have been made, she said. Lyle said future meetings to get community input are coming.

The future of 83rd and Stewart, at the last briefing for aldermen, focused on Lowe's, Best Buy, Bed Bath and Beyond, and two or three other small retailers, she continued. But, Lyle added, it has been difficult getting a major retailer.

There are talks about maybe having a Wal-Mart nearby, but residents are terrified about having an additional 25,000 cars a week coming into the neighborhood, she said. Lyle opposes the Wal-Mart.

Dowell said her ward's 3,000 vacant lots were the most in Chicago, and most are city-owned lots. Land should be freed up for use, whether commercial development or acquisition of lots adjacent to homes, she said. There is also the possibility of creating a program that has a not-for-profit hire ex-offenders to clean and maintain the lots, Dowell said.

Jackson talked about development plans for the 580-acre former USX Steel site in South Chicago. MacCaffrey and Associates has pretty much bought the entire area, with 100 acres going back to the city, she said. City streets will extend into the site to provide access to the lakefront, Jackson said.

It's projected that over 10 years some 17,000 homes will be constructed along with a mall, high school and health facility, she said. The mall should include the likes of Macy's, Carson's, Whole Foods, Starbucks, and the Cheesecake Factory, Jackson said.

The developers aren't going to do everything themselves and will parcel off sections for others to handle, she said.

Development will move forward in four stages, with the first stage focused on street construction followed by development of the mall, nearby houses, the school and medical facility, she said. That will take about two years, Jackson said.

Affordable housing must be in the mix to keep old residents from being priced out of the neighborhood, she said.

Some of the Olympic construction and activity should take place at the USX steel site, Jackson added. We don't have to tear up existing neighborhoods or landmarks, she said.

A 7th Ward market analysis is underway to help figure out what businesses should be marketed and would appeal to the community and surrounding areas, Jackson added.

Lyle stressed the need for African Americans to engage in entrepreneurship and support entrepreneurship. The old large-scale manufacturing jobs are gone and aren't coming back, she said, and most jobs are created by small businesses anyway.

Jobs, services critical for ward progress

Institutional racism remains a barrier when politicians want to move black neighborhoods forward, said Lyle.

All of the aldermen on the panel serve wards where jobs and services are critical needs, Cochran noted. Money that should be kept inside the community is seeping out and spending is going to other retail areas, he said.

Cochran said a federal program that does railroad improvements and will allow passenger and freight to move at the same time is coming to his ward. It will create some jobs, he said.

With plans for an Olympic stadium in Washington Park, Cochran would love to have the games in his ward. Still, he added, development must result in opportunity for neighborhood residents. There are "angry men who want to work," said Cochran.

"It is not acceptable not to have a percentage of black men and women on these jobs sites," he said. "We need you business people, bankers and contractors to understand this is important."

Special delivery from the new alderman

4/24/2008, 8:17 PM

Friday, March 16, 2007

Richard Muhammad

The Washington Park Neighborhood Association received an unexpected "special delivery" when Alderman-elect Willie E. Cochran showed up at the group's regular March meeting.

Alderman Willie Cochran addresses Washington Park Neighborhood Association as WPNA president Murray Johnson listens.

Richard Muhammad

The March 14 evening was supposed to be devoted to association elections, regular business and a dialog with U.S. Postal Service employees Stephanie Hartman, south side area manager of customer service and operations, and Valerie Carter, manager for customer service for Jackson Park Station, about chronic problems with mail delivery.

Neither post office manager showed up.

So Cochran, who was an unexpected participant at the meeting, was invited to share some thoughts and take some questions.

Cochran, who will officially be sworn in May 21, started by saying that mail service problems weren't limited to Washington Park and were found throughout the ward.

He shared the personal experience of having campaign materials returned to his office that he later had volunteers or paid workers deliver to the same addresses on envelopes, waving a stack of returned mail sent back to Tasha Baker, director of the New Communities Program in Washington Park .

Campaign mailings cost $6,000 to $10,000 apiece and trays of mail that should have gone to voters were returned, he said.

Time to come together

Shared problems are a reason why barriers between neighborhood in the 20th Ward – which includes Woodlawn , Washington Park, parts of Englewood and the Back of the Yards communities – must be broken down, said Cochran.

"We have to come together as a community," said the local businessman and former organizer for the New Communities Program in Woodlawn. To help inform constituents and promote greater access and unity, Cochran announced rotating meetings would be held in different areas of his ward, and there would be a regular meeting at his ward office. A newsletter and monthly appearance on a local radio station will also keep people informed, Cochran said.

His plans include having a liaison for area churches in the 20th Ward office.

It would be good to have leaders and organizations from different areas to come together, he said. "There are good things going on and we can strengthen one another. We have to become strong again," Cochran said.

Positive work is being done across the ward, but you don't hear about it, he added. When it comes to tackling mail delivery and other problems, ward residents must go forward together, he argued.

"We have to show our power as a community," Cochran said.

Conversations about development underway

Cochran told the audience that his business outreach had already begun. The huge number of vacant lots in the ward are opportunities for new development, he said.

A representative from Harris Bank meets the new 20th Ward alderman.

Richard Muhammad

Cochran added that a meeting was scheduled with grocer Ultra Foods to discuss the possibility of opening a store in the 20th Ward. Discussions with Wal-Mart and other businesses are also underway, he said.

Developers will come before community residents and share their plans for building in the ward and for supporting local schools, churches and civic organizations, Cochran said.

With the city's bid for the 2016 Olympics, it's time to talk to unions about training area residents for work, to the University of Chicago about expansion plans, and to get ready for a flurry of activity to fill those vacant lots, said Cochran. He added:

"We don't want to look back 30 years from now and say what we should have done in 2007."

In taking questions from WPNA members, Cochran asked for help compiling lists of young developers, construction companies, tradesmen and other businesses. From that list can come introductions and referrals for possible contracts, he said.

Protections for longstanding residents, especially senior citizens, need to be put in place to protect them from increased taxes and the negative impact of Olympic-driven development, Cochran said.

The role of community organizations

In an interview, Cochran also talked about the importance of organizations like the Washington Park Neighborhood Association, which hosted a candidates forum and a leadership training session he attended.

"Community organizations empower the people in the community and so I am an advocate of community organizations and community participation and listening to what the community has to say," said Cochran.

"That's the every reason I'm here tonight because I know how important it is to have contact with people. And I want to be accessible. I want to be able to listen to what the community is saying and I want to be responsive to those things," he said.

Alderman Cochran reaches out to a constituent.

Richard Muhammad

Cochran added that his background in community organizing taught him neighborhood groups are important. "Community organizations can do a lot of work that needs to be done that can assist a public official in accomplishing goals that need to be accomplished. They are methods by which the community has a voice," he said.

It's good for residents to be more involved in community organizations and public processes, Cochran said. More people need to get involved, he said.

900 join in the fun at 'Getting It Done'

4/24/2008, 7:40 PM

Patrick Barry

They came from 24 Chicago neighborhoods and 56 cities for a whirlwind of workshops, tours, hallway skull sessions and even dancing. It was LISC/Chicago's first national conference for community development practitioners, and by the looks on people's faces, it was a heck of a good time.

Called "Getting It Done: New Tools for Communities," the conference drew an overflow crowd of 900 movers, shakers and "community heroes" to the UIC Forum at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Hosting it all were the 14 lead agencies of the New Communities Program (NCP), and they outdid themselves with elaborate table displays, enthusiastic spokespeople and deeply knowledgeable presentations across 17 hours of action on March 26 and 27.

Parent-Mentors tell their stories during Logan Square tour to McAullife Elementary School.

John Booz

"We are meeting at a moment in history that is full of promise," said keynote speaker Jonathan Fanton, president of the MacArthur Foundation, which has committed $50 million to the 10-year NCP effort. "I think we are on the cusp of another era of domestic reform . . . and we know that energy must come from the neighborhoods and not from Washington , and that community development organizations are the critical drivers of change."

The conference focused on "new" tools to make change happen, but NCP director Susana Vasquez pointed out that the "strong hammer" of organizing was pioneered long ago by Saul Alinsky, and that some Chicago organizations have been in the game for 40 years. "What is new," she said, "is that after 11 years of learning while doing, we are able to host this conference. There are no outside experts here. Every panel, every workshop and every tour is led by Chicago's very own cutting-edge leaders in comprehensive development, who are eager to share this approach because it is working."

View hundreds of photos on LISC/Chicago's Flickr page.

Laughing while learning

When attendees packed into eight workshops on the first afternoon, what they found was purposefully entertaining, from a neighborhood girl's lovely demonstration of violin playing to a football-passing exercise that was turned into an opportunity for live blogging.

Participants turned into actors for a role-playing exercise in the Engagement workshop.

Eric Young Smith

In the engagement workshop, participants paired off for one-on-one interviews, then were recruited to role-play a tense community meeting after a child was shot. Portraying a grieving mother, pompous alderman and jaded police commander, the actors elicited gales of laughter, but then the group settled into serious discussion of how to make such meetings work.

Developer Adam Troy of Mahogany Ventures told participants in the deal making workshop how a scrappy new organization, the Quad Communities Development Corporation, landed an $80 million housing and retail development. "They didn't have an appointment. They bum-rushed us, and they did it successfully. What got them in the door is that they were deal-ready. They came in with the information (and market data we needed)."

A violin demonstration in the Playing workshop drew applause from Lawndale Christian Development Corporation's Tracie Worthy, left, and Kim Jackson.

Eric Young Smith

The peer learning would continue the next day with three breakfast sessions, five bus tours and 12 roundtables, but Wednesday night was reserved for fun. First came hors d'oeuvres and drinks as Aldermen Ed Burke (14th) and Willie Cochran (20th) honored 43 "community heroes" with awards that Cochran likened to "a kiss on the cheek, a pair of cufflinks (and) a bouquet of flowers." Each hero or group received $500 to spend on a community project of their choosing.

Nearly 200 participants then boarded buses for "neighborhood nightlife," including a Garfield Park Conservatory tour, music at the Grand Ballroom in Woodlawn and a Puerto Rican dinner and salsa lessons at the Humboldt Park Boathouse. One group tearing up the dance floor was from Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation in New York City , and they stuck around on Friday to take a tour of Auburn Gresham.

The NCP approach

Underlying the conference was a shift that began 11 years ago when Chicago community development leaders organized a self-reflection series called the Futures Forum. Three large non-profits had recently folded and the old bricks-and-mortar approach didn't seem adequate to address urban ills. The forum recommendation was to "go comprehensive" – working across a broad front from health care and safety to schools and youth programming – which ultimately led to the New Communities Program.

Nightlife at Woodlawn's Grand Ballroom included live music and dancing.

Eric Young Smith

Other LISC offices adopting the same method sent more than 250 representatives from 20 cities. At a breakfast session for LISC staffers, Jim Capraro of Greater Southwest Development Corporation explained the critical role of community-level intermediaries, called lead agencies. "Being a neighborhood lead agency does not mean that you are leading the race and everyone else is losing," he said. "It's like being an orchestra conductor; you have to have willing musicians (community partners) to play the music."

For all the laughter and good feelings, the sessions covered tough topics, too, from the "black/brown challenge" of building relationships in mixed Latino/African-American neighborhoods to the hardball tactics that community leaders must master to take on the power structure.

Rubbing shoulders with other practitioners produced "a lot of energy" for Armeather Gibbs, CEO of United Way of Rhode Island . "You want to go home and do a million things," she said.

And for workshop presenter Shirley Reyes, the conference provided another step in her own development as a leader. "In the beginning, I was just a housewife lady, (and) I started to get depressed," recounted Reyes, who became a parent mentor at her local school and now is a parent-mentor coordinator for the Logan Square Neighborhood Association. "Before I did this, I couldn't talk up here like this. Now I'm nervous, but actually I can talk. (This program) changed my life."

The event drew a capacity crowd of 900 from all over the country.

Eric Young Smith

Contributors to this report were Maureen Kelleher, Elizabeth Duffrin, Richard Muhammad and Ed Finkel.

'Akwaaba:' First class medical facility welcomes residents from Washington Park

4/24/2008, 6:21 PM

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Richard Muhammad

When Dr. John Awah decided to open a medical center, he looked north and south, east and west. His decision to build the three-level Korle Bu Medical Center at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Garfield Boulevard, in Washington Park, drew cautions.

Dr. John Awah and Genya Harley at the Korle Bu Medical Center.

Richard Muhammad

"You'll have problems with security, the area isn't a good location, don't do it," he was told.

The Ghanaian native and staff physician at two area hospitals didn't let the negative warnings affect him. He purchased the land and had the facility built from the ground up.

Judging from a tour that started in his office and encompassed all three levels of the first class facility, south side residents stand to benefit from his decision.

A photo in the lobby proclaims the traditional Ghanaian greeting "Akwaaba," or welcome.

Accompanied by marketing manager Genya Harley, Dr. Awah met with Tasha Baker, director of the New Communities Program in Washington Park, who welcomed him to the neighborhood.

She thanked him for his interest in serving Washington Park residents, including tenants in over 500 units of housing owned by St. Edmund's Redevelopment Corp., the NCP lead agency.

Baker discussed forming a partnership with Dr. Awah, and working together to inform residents about health issues and dispensing information at a health fair and other community-based events.

Elderly residents often don't have an understanding of prescribed medication and ask her for help, Baker said.

"Akwaaba," or welcome, is the first thing patients see upon entering the Korle Bu Medical Center.

Richard Muhammad

Baker talked to Dr. Awah on Jan. 31 about how to reach residents, the lack of medical care in the neighborhood, and offered to help spread the word about the services offered at Korle Bu Medical Center, which is pronounced "corley-boo." The facility opened in November 2006.

The Quality of Life Plan for Washington Park, which gives a roadmap for community redevelopment, is very strong on "brick and mortar," but lacking in its health focus, said Baker. She asked Dr. Awah to help improve the health part of the plan.

Baker was also impressed with the doctor's bedside manner as she overheard patients talking about the excellent treatment they received. Harley called the highly animated and energetic Baker "a blessing."

Having someone with knowledge of the community, who invites you in and offers to help make connections is important, she said.

"The idea of a comprehensive medical facility and location of the center was carefully selected due to its strategic position; a stand alone medical center in the community gives a sense of ownership to the local community," Harley said.

Genya Harley, left, and Dr. John Awah of Korle Bu Medical Center, meet with Tasha Baker, director of the New Communities Program in Washington Park.

Richard Muhammad

The facility, which looks deceptively small from the outside, houses a pharmacy, dental clinic, X-ray and other screening equipment, a sleep center, an eye clinic, weight loss clinic and multiple examination rooms. Dr. Awah calls it a hospital without the beds. Korle Bu is also the name of a hospital in Ghana.

Korle Bu Medical Center accepts various medical insurance plans and has a sliding fee scale, based on income, for those without medical coverage. Transportation to the medical center is available for patients.

Whether it's the music of Michael Jackson of the sounds of the late crooner Luther Vandross oozing out of speakers, flat screen TVs in waiting rooms, African or African American art that adorns the walls, the center makes a strong statement: You are at home, you are welcome here.

Read more about Korle Bu Medical Center: http://www.korlebumedicalgroup.com/contact.html

Heroes: Murray T. Johnson, Gregg Brown

4/24/2008, 6:08 PM

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Community Heroes are individuals who offer their passion, strength and talent to improve their neighborhoods, benefiting people who may never know them by name, but who will reap the rewards of their work. The Community Heroes for Washington Park are Murray T. Johnson and Gregg Brown. They were selected, along with 26 others from across the city, by the New Communities Program lead agencies and their partners. Congratulations to these extraordinary "ordinary" people for their steadfast commitment to improving Chicago neighborhoods.

MURRAY T. JOHNSON

A resident of the Washington Park neighborhood for 56 years, Murray Johnson understands the challenges facing his neighborhood and the importance of resident-driven change. Under Murray 's leadership, the Washington Park Neighborhood Association (WPNA)—the first organization led by community members in the area—was created in 2003. One of Murray 's greatest accomplishments through the WPNA has been instilling a sense of community pride in others, and empowering residents to voice their opinions about how to improve Washington Park . Murray has been married to Willie Johnson for 45 years, and has five sons and 10 grandchildren. He is also a trustee at the Greater Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church and president of the 5800 Wabash Block Club.

GREGG BROWN

Gregg Brown, president/CEO of South Side Community Federal Credit Union, believes that economic empowerment is the first step toward alleviating poverty. With Greg at the helm, the Credit Union serves as a neighborhood based alternative to currency exchanges, payday lenders and high-cost financial services in the area. The Credit Union, the first and only community development credit union in Chicago owned and managed by African-Americans, offers financial education classes, free homeownership workshops and one-on-one counseling to Washington Park residents. Greg sits on the board of the National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions and the Bronzeville Community Development Partnership. He is a devoted husband and father, as well as an accomplished poet and author.

Out of the trenches, onto center stage

4/24/2008, 6:06 PM

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Richard Muhammad

The ornate Red Lacquer Room of the Palmer House Hilton Hotel was packed as the crowd circulated between tables amid flashes from digital cameras, the roving lenses of video cameras, and tables piled high with breakfast rolls beside coffee urns and juice stations.

The several hundred attendees at the Nov. 30 NCP Leadership Assembly had a chance to network before and after the formal presentations.

Alex Fledderjohn

Despite the event's downtown feel and location, the morning was devoted to honoring Community Heroes for efforts to turn around often-written-off, abandoned and forgotten neighborhoods, and to celebrate their success. It was a day to spotlight what Near West Side resident Wilma Ward called "grassroots, in-the-trench work."

Ward, who is active with the Near West Side Community Development Corp., readily admitted she wasn't used to the fuss. "I just work," she said. Work was the common connector for the 28 people chosen by 14 lead agencies and their partners in the New Communities Program, a long-term community planning and revitalization effort supported by LISC/Chicago.

Event organizers called Community Heroes "individuals who offer their passion, strength and talent to improve their neighborhoods, benefiting people who may never know them by name, but who will reap the rewards of their work."

That work ranges for partnerships with police to enhance public safety, to collaborating with city officials to build a senior center, to coaching basketball, helping ex-offenders, resurrecting abandoned buildings to create affordable housing and recruiting businesses to open up shop in city neighborhoods.

The day included speeches, slide shows, pictures and finally the presentation of awards to two neighborhood leaders from Auburn Gresham, Chicago Southwest, East Garfield Park, Englewood, Humboldt Park, Little Village, Logan Square, North Lawndale, Pilsen, Quad Communities (Douglas, Grand Blvd., and North Kenwood-Oakland), South Chicago, Washington Park, West Haven and Woodlawn.

Rare recognition for community builders

"So often we rarely say thank you to the folks that are really helping out, the ones that we depend on. The ones that we know will be out there whenever we need them to be out there, and when we don't know we need them to be out there, they're out there. So, this is great, we should do it every year. It gives them more energy to keep doing whatever they are doing," said Ald. Latasha Thomas of the 17th Ward.

"I always worked in the community, and I thought, 'I'll never leave. This is where I was born and raised. This is where I was educated; this is what I believe in.' I'm concerned about our community, I love our community. And, I guess that's what brought me here today," said Julia Lopez, a proud South Chicago resident. Lopez works as a social service coordinator at Villa Guadalupe, a senior center.

As chairperson of the Senior Service Coalition of Southeast Chicago, she was instrumental in bringing a senior center to the place where she was born. It was a struggle to achieve a dream she held for seven years.

The quiet sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a church across the street from her office, brought comfort in the tough times.

But with the center a reality and sharing a room with other committed neighborhood builders, Lopez was happy and humbled. "The light is shining in Southeast Chicago. When the steel industry went down, I saw the devastation, which made me very sad. You know how people say, 'It needs to be what is used to be?' We said, 'No, it needs to be better and we can do it, if we come as one.' I'm overwhelmed, I'm really overwhelmed."

"I've always had the philosophy that working hard in your community should be like breathing: it should be a natural thing. It shouldn't really be special. Because to improve the quality of life in one's community is benefiting yourself, in a sense," said Dwayne Truss, a Community Hero from East Garfield Park, whose passion is education.

"When you interact with your neighbors, network with your neighbors, help kids especially, solidify education, it just benefits everybody – business community, churches, community organizations across the spectrum," he said.

Thirteen-year-old Jessica snapped pics as her father and mother, Mark and Jessie Sarate, were honored for their service to Little Village Youth through coaching and organized sports. "For the first time, I got to see how many people are involved in this project and I'm glad that they were here," said Mark Sarate, who put action behind his belief young people are precious.

Pilsen "Hero" Elvia Rodriguez, left, and César Nuñez, NCP organizer with Little Village Community Development Corp., listen to another Assembly attendee.

Alex Fledderjohn

"They're our next generation coming up. I just feel that it's important that we reach out to them to let them know that there are other alternatives to living on the street, being involved in gangs and drugs. And, also to let them see all the advantages that could be within the community," he said.

James Drake, a Community Hero for Auburn Gresham, called the event "fantastic."

"It's significant because it recognizes the people that are within the neighborhoods and the blocks themselves that are not on payroll. A lot of the stuff we're doing is voluntary work, and we're working hard try to get our communities up and running," said Drake, whose activism goes back some 25 years.

"I work a lot with CAPS (community policing), and you fight to try to make sure your corners and that your neighborhood is safe and stuff like that. And then it looks like you take two steps forward and get knocked back three – you don't give up. It's good that our efforts are being recognized. I just feel great."

Awards another way to focus on neighborhoods

Honorees also clearly felt the day was more than a day for personal achievement; it was another opportunity to highlight the good in their neighborhoods, and to inspire others to join the effort.

A "Community Investment Portfolio" was unveiled at the NCP Neighborhood Assembly. It consisted of 14 projects being pursued in NCP neighborhoods and that need additional investment to proceed.

"I am a very strong believer in partnerships and bringing together experts to share their knowledge and their expertise to address the needs of the community. I think that creates an awesome, awesome focus, and not only to prepare a plan but to actually implement that plan," said Ofelia Navarro, the executive director of the Spanish Coalition for Housing and a Community Hero for Humboldt Park.

The NCP process is marked by creation of an extensive multi-year Quality of Life Plan, where residents and other stakeholders forge a vision and strategy for the future.

"I'm not really a spotlight type of person. But to spotlight the work that we are doing, and the organization, and the work that we're doing in the community brings attention from experts and others that can provide the support that's needed in order to make these programs happen," said Navarro, whose area is housing counseling and advocating for affordable housing. She has worked Humboldt Park for 15 years.

Like others, Wilma Ward of West Haven felt the recognition was important because it underscored NCP's value in pulling individuals together, Ward said.

"When you are doing something in a community, wherever you are doing it, you need to deal with the people who live there because they know best how to deal with what they need. Not wants, needs," she said.

Community Hero Michelle Scheidt, of Metropolitan Family Services in Southeast Chicago, echoed that sentiment. "We've worked very hard with a wide variety of stakeholders at the table, and we know that the support of LISC and the other funders, who are a part of the initiative, is just critical to our efforts to improve the community and to keep moving forward," she said.

Tasha Baker (right), NCP director for St. Edmund's Redevelopment Corp. in Washington Park, makes a point to a colleague.

Alex Fledderjohn

According to Scheidt, two things make NCP work: First, the relationship —building, networking and multi-stakeholder collaborations – from funders, to community leaders to organizations and residents. Second, NCP provides needed resources.

"Without those resources, all the great dreams in these plans would just be pie in sky. But the resources give us the ability to make it real," said Scheidt. She was worked in South Chicago for 16 years and been involved NCP for seven years.

Scheidt also summed up the motivation for honorees, no matter what neighborhood. "We share the same goals; it's for the betterment of the community, for the betterment of the residents. That's why we're all doing this work," she said.