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Woodlawn's Grove Parc Wins HUD CHOICE grant

1/23/2012, 3:57 PM

First-ever Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Grant Awarded to Woodlawn
$30.5 Million to POAH will Yield $270 Million in Investments
HUD award means boost for housing, retail, education and public safety initiatives

Chicago – Change is coming to the Chicago’s Woodlawn community. Secretary

Shaun Donovan, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, announced that the Woodlawn community will be the recipient of a $30.5 million grant for a comprehensive and integrated development and revitalization plan.

The awarding of the first ever ‘Choice Neighborhoods Initiative’ grant went to the national
non-profit group, Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH), who proposed that their transformation of the former 504-unit all Section-8 Grove Parc Plaza Apartments, along Cottage Grove between 61st and 63rd Street, into Woodlawn Park, a new mixed-income, mixed-use development, will serve as the anchor for a comprehensive Woodlawn revitalization.

Responding to a competitive process, in which more than 64 other applicants vied for the federal funding, POAH enlisted a variety of other partners to address the comprehensive approach and financial ‘match’ demanded by HUD. POAH put together a proposal that expects to leverage the $30.5 million into $272 million of total development in the area over the next three years.

The critical ‘first partner’ in the application is the City of Chicago which will work with POAH in land acquisition, financing, planning and a host of other activities.

While POAH and the City of Chicago took main responsibility for the preparation of the application, this process is truly a community effort, involving 20th Ward Alderman Willie Cochran and numerous community organizations, including Woodlawn NCP, Woodlawn Children’s Promise Community, and many others.

Among the key elements of the proposed transformation plan are:

Housing & Infrastructure
•   Demolition of existing, distressed 504-unit Section 8-assisted Grove Parc Plaza complex, with 100% preservation of affordability through 1-for-1 unit replacement onsite or nearby in mixed income settings.
•   Creation of Woodlawn Park, a healthier mixed-use, mixed-income community on the former Grove Parc site featuring 420 ‘green’ housing units and 95,000 square feet of retail and community space along the South Cottage Grove Avenue corridor.

•   Direct investment in existing Woodlawn multifamily housing stock, including investment in foreclosed and abandoned properties through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) and other programs – supporting the renovation or new construction on vacant sites of a total of 575 ‘offsite’ mixed income dwellings.
•   Infrastructure investment in critical community improvement including community space, new parks and green space, transportation infrastructure and a recreational facility.

Education
•   The Woodlawn Children’s Promise Community (WCPC), in conjunction with the Urban Educations Institute (UEI), has designed a comprehensive educational initiative designed to improve access and outcomes from early childhood through college, for all Woodlawn children.
•   The WCPC initiative will deploy field tested UEI early childhood and college readiness
programs, extended day programs, expanded access to technology in the classroom and beyond, staffed Help Desks to provide one-stop-shopping for WCPC resources and family, and social supports delivered through Jane Addams Hull House – all in the context of overarching school reform and teacher initiatives carried out by WCPC and Chicago Public Schools.

Economic Development
•   WCN plans a new 15,000 square foot community resource center at the heart of the Woodlawn Park development that will feature a satellite Center for Working Families, providing tailored skill-building and job connections to assisted residents and their neighbors.
•   Onsite staff from Jane Addams Hull House will connect assisted residents to a range of programs and services through Hull House, University of Chicago affiliates and other community organizations and religious institutions.
•   Local hiring will be a key priority during constructions and ongoing operations of proposed WCN developments and the WCN will build job placement programs with key employers including University of Chicago.

Public Safety
•   The WCN will implement a coordinated gang violence initiative that incorporates a range of national gang intervention best practices, and provides resources for safety-related capital improvements in the neighborhood.
•   The initiative will integrate data-tested anti-gang enforcement strategies – including more intensive community policing and coordination with ‘civilian community watch,’ block clubs and parent school patrols; abatement of nuisance properties and gang headquarters in coordination with planned NSP development efforts – with expanded support, services, education and alternative activities for youth.

The Partners:
•   Preservation of Affordable Housing, Inc. (POAH) is the Lead Applicant for the CNI, with the City of Chicago as its Co-Applicant.
•   In addition, the Woodlawn Children’s Promise Community, the Woodlawn New Communities Program, and Jane Addams Hull House Association are key partners leading the WCN’s education, community engagement, and resident services components.

Chicago is one of just five cities nationwide to receive the first-ever Implementation Grants
awarded under HUD’s Choice Neighborhoods Initiative, a new strategic approach intended to help transform high-poverty, distressed neighborhoods into communities with healthy, affordable housing, safe streets, and access to quality educational opportunities. Chicago joins Boston, New Orleans, San Francisco and Seattle to receive a combined $122 million.

Parkway Gardens goes to the Chicago Children's Museum

9/9/2011, 9:48 AM

Friday, July 1, 2011

Ryan K. Priester

Saturday June 11^thwas a day of firsts.

For many of the children gathered together by Officer Jennifer Maddox, the day would be the first trip to downtown Chicago, the Chicago Children’s museum, or, perhaps most urgently, the first time many of the children had seen a bridge drawn to full mast.

“We are going to fall in!” was the excited cry of Parkway Gardens children as the van stopped on Lake Shore Drive just south of Navy Pier.

Officer Maddox seized the moment.

She allowed the children to get out of the stopped van to engage their imaginations and behold the site of road opening into the mist filled sky to allow boats pass beneath their feet.

This was another first.

NCP Woodlawn collaborated with the chair of the Early Childhood Committee of Woodlawn, Mrs. Joyce Nimocks, to arrange a trip for 25 children and 4 parents from the Parkway Gardens housing project to attend the Chicago Children’s’ Museum.

The Chicago Children’s Museum graciously provided tickets and a day of wonderful memories for the children of Parkway Gardens.

Children from Parkway Gardens enjoyed the hands on nature of the museum and made excellent use of the interactive play space at the museum.

The children were so filled with excitement and glee they were noticed by the musuem staff and selected to become active participants in the final show.

Parkway Children leapt at the chance to join and were all smiles as they stole the show at the museum.

POAH honors Bishop Brazier at the opening of Woodlawn Park

2/28/2011, 12:29 PM

Monday, February 28, 2011

Maria Plati

Chicago community leaders and elected officials joined the leadership of the
national nonprofit, Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH,) to ‘raise-a-wall’ marking the construction of the first phase of Woodlawn Park, a development that will revitalize a long troubled neighborhood on the south side.

The project represents an innovative approach to urban revitalization that will create attractive housing for all income levels, a walkable streetscape, urban recreation opportunities for children and support services for residents including job training summer youth nutrition and safety programs.
Woodlawn Park also aligns with HUD Choice Neighborhoods initiative by linking housing improvements to appropriate services, schools, transit, stores and access to jobs. One block of the 504-unit Grove Parc Plaza development at 63rd and Cottage Grove Avenue has been demolished and construction has begun that will create 67 market rate and affordable transit oriented apartments along Cottage Grove Avenue. When complete, Woodlawn Park will include 420 residential units on the Grove Parc site and 65,000 square feet of retail and commercial space. The project will provide more than 100 full-time construction-related jobs during the four year development period, as well as creating permanent jobs in the neighborhood.
In addition, POAH will purchase and rehab approximately 300 existing apartments in the community as it reconfigures Grove Parc’s affordable housing, shifting the existing Section 8 subsidy in healthier configurations both on and off the current Grove Parc footprint. About 210 property based Section 8 units will be preserved on-site in addition to market rate and affordable units.
77 W. Washington Blvd., Suite 1005, Chicago, IL 60602, 312 283 0032, www.poah.org
“Today’s wall raising is a symbolic step towards the progress of this redevelopment,” said Amy Anthony, President of POAH. “There will be more phases to celebrate over the next few years which will ultimately produce a bustling community that embraces social and economic diversity for the entire neighborhood.”
There was a moment of reflection during the ceremony to honor the contributions of Bishop Arthur M. Brazier, who was critical to the planning and implementation of the project. Congressman Bobby L. Rush (1st CD), an ordained minister, delivered an invocation in memory of Bishop Brazier.
“There is no way that we can replace the gentle heart and boundless determination that Bishop Brazier brought to some of the most pressing challenges facing Chicago,” said Anthony. “With the passing of Bishop Brazier, this celebration takes on even greater meaning for us as he was an
early and consistent supporter of POAH’s efforts to revitalize Grove Parc Plaza Apartments.
“Our investment in Woodlawn Park is intended to create an environment that surrounds residents with the resources and support they need to maintain stable housing and to achieve their goals and aspirations,” said Anthony.
This neighborhood revitalization effort is made possible through key contributions from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), and the City of Chicago.
Highlights of the first phase of Woodlawn Center South:
• 67 new affordable and market rental units in Phase 1 with an eventual total of 420 mixedincome
units and 80,000 square feet of retail, youth center and community space
• All phases will be green and LEED-certified; Phase 1 will be LEED Gold and will
include solar thermal hot water system, extensive stormwater retention and landscaping
to replace paved lots
• Innovative urban revitalization approach, deconcentrating poverty on-site while
achieving full preservation of affordable units through reinvestment in distressed housing
stock in surrounding neighborhood;
• Community benefits include local hiring commitments, community and youth recreation spaces, new retail amenities, and new resources for community-wide investments POAH is an Illinois-incorporated, mission-driven housing nonprofit with offices in Chicago and Boston that specializes in the preservation of at-risk subsidized multifamily housing. POAH owns and operates more than 6,600 affordable housing units in nine states and the District

Woodlawn Mourns the Passing Of Bishop Arthur M. Brazier

10/27/2010, 12:52 PM

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

L. Lane

Bishop Arthur M. Brazier laid his hands on the community of Woodlawn. You would be hard pressed to find one complete block in Woodlawn that has not been touched by Bishop Brazier. Whether it be affordable housing that he enabled, a block club that he met with, a church that he prayed with, or a school that has more hope, Bishop Brazier's lifetime of service to the Woodlawn community in unparalleled.

In addition to the members of his church, The Apostolic Church of God, Bishop Brazier loved no one more than the perennial youth of Woodlawn. Bishop's hope for the children of Woodlawn is that they grow up feeling safe and have the opportunity for a well-rounded education. In his pursuit of this vision, that these children would live in a community of choice, Bishop was persistent and focused. Bishop practiced place-based community development from the time he helped to found The Woodlawn Organization until he relinquished the chairmanship of the Woodlawn Children's Promise Community in mid-October. While TWO and its development arm WCDC would grow to serve the greater south side, Bishop kept creating entities that could focus on another aspect of Woodlawn's development.

Bishop created the Woodlawn Preservation and Investment Corporation to preserve the affordability of the Woodlawn Garden apartments and restart the building of market based homes in Woodlawn. The Fund for Community Redevelopment and Revitalization partnered on new home development and acquired vacant lots in Woodlawn for redevelopment. When one of his longstanding partners, the Local Initiative Support Corporation, developed its New Community Initiative as a new collaborative approach to community development, Bishop took stock of what had been achieved thus far and agreed to forge ahead with this new model of community change.

The New Communities Program-Woodlawn in its current formation is the beneficiary of Bishops thoughtful leadership. The Woodlawn community is highly organized and has strong, long-term leaders and could not move forward with just one lead organization as is the genesis of the NCP model. Bishop Brazier set a table where the long-term leaders and emerging leaders of Woodlawn could break bread every two weeks and develop strategies to address all of the emerging issues facing Woodlawn. Out of that fellowship has emerged a group of leaders who may disagree on approach, but have learned to work together for the common goals of the community. They (we) have learned to leverage resources and partnerships and the importance of relationships. Together they (we) have created some ground breaking initiatives, from the Music is MAGIC program to the Woodlawn Children's Promise Community.

The leaders of NCP-Woodlawn and the Woodlawn Children's Promise Community are committed to the vision that Bishop led us to see. They (we) understand why they (we) have been asked to a seat at this collective table. And they (we) are clear on what they (we) have been called to do. As their (our) humble leader and founder Bishop Arthur M. Brazier did for all of his life, serve the children and families of Woodlawn.

1000 Man March A Success

8/9/2010, 5:28 PM

Laura Elberly

An estimated 2000 Woodlawn residents, including more than 750 African-American men, joined hands with Mayor Daley, local elected officials and community leaders on a hot July Saturday to showcase a coordinated push for linking together community services and residents in need in Woodlawn.

Post March Rally

The 1000-man March, organized by the New Communities Program's NCP Woodlawn affiliate and the Woodlawn Children's Promise Community, which is bringing comprehensive programs to 10

Woodlawn schools

, focused on spotlighting community agencies and services and connecting with residents in need of assistance. More than 40 agencies, churches and community groups participated in the march, according to Terrance Miller, co-organizer of the march along with Ryan Priester of NCP Woodlawn and Joe Brown (a Woodlawn community advocate)

Mayor Daley stressed, “That everything is not negative in Woodlawn.There are good families, good churches.There are wonderful students right here in Woodlawn.This is an inspiration.I hope the press asks the people why the people march and what they are saying”.

Arvin Strange (NCP Woodlawn Program Director) noted that “the march was a powerful demonstration by the community to improve its quality of life and highlighted not only the issue of safety but the need to organize the community, improve schools, preserve affordable housing, create jobs, and reduce healthcare disparities in Woodlawn.”

NCP Woodlawn Welcomes New Housing Development

5/26/2010, 4:40 PM

Woodlawn Center South is a 67-unit affordable housing development for low and moderate income families and individuals and is the first phase of the larger redevelopment of the existing Grove Parc Plaza, a distressed 504-unit Section 8 complex being demolished and rebuilt as a mixed-income community named Woodlawn Park. The developer and sponsor is Preservation of Affordable Housing Inc. (POAH), a national affordable housing nonprofit with a local office in Chicago.

Woodlawn Park will be an environmentally sustainable, transit-oriented development. About 40% of the existing project-based Section 8 subsidized units will be preserved onsite within a mixed-income, mixed-use community providing approximately 65,000 ft. of commercial and retail space in later phases.

The first phase, Woodlawn Center South, is located at the terminus of the CTA Green Line el, and will be a sustainable, transit-oriented development. It will consist of two LEED-rated 33-unit and 34-unit 3-story walkup buildings constructed mainly of brick masonry veneer on opposite sides of Cottage Grove Avenue between 62nd and 63rd Streets. Amenities will include private rear yards for all three-bedroom family nits, a tot lot play area, and extensive green building enhancements. POAH has also obtained funding for solar thermal hot water.

The plan for the site begins with the demolition

of eight existing, “project”-style buildings, all of which are vacant. Demolition began in early April with construction scheduled to begin in June.

Funding partners for the project include Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) including tax credits, stimulus funding and a loan from the State Low Income Housing Trust Fund, an equity investment from JPMorgan Capital, construction financing from JP Morgan Chase Bank, HOME funding from the City of Chicago and bridge loan funding from The Preservation Loan Fund administered by LISC.

The project has received the strong support of Alderman Willie B. Cochran (20th Ward), State Senators Kwame Raoul, Mattie Hunter and Jacqueline Collins, and State Representatives Will Burns and Ken Dunkin.

NCP Woodlawn Organizes A March Against Violence

5/21/2010, 5:13 PM

Terrance Miller (photos by Lonnie Richardson)

CAPS, NCP Members, and Commander Flectcher of 003rd District

Woodlawn’s March against Violence

On Saturday May 1, 2010 men women and children assembled at Apostolic Church of God to march against violence in Woodlawn.

The driving forces behind this event were members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the University of Chicago Office of Civic Engagement, CAPS (Ms. Faye Paterson) and the Woodlawn Public Safety Initiative (NCP Woodlawn).

The march kicked off with an inspirational prayer from Reverend Dr. Byron Brazier Pastor of Apostolic church. The prayer was followed by words of encouragement from Alderman Willie Cochran of the 20^th Ward,

Commander Fletcher of the 003 District Police Department and Mr. Rudy Nimocks of the University of Chicago’s Office of Civic-Engagement.

Jared White, a student at the University of Chicago made this a reality.

Jared rallied his Alpha brothers and they came out in big numbers to support this march.Marching to the cadence and chant of “stop the Violence save our children, stop the violence save our family” the marchers were the envy of neighborhood onlookers and supporters.The march was well organized and as the march proceeded many neighbors joined.The growing energy and camaraderie proved to be powerful and encouraging.

The marchers traveled west one block to 63^rd St^, and Kimbark, south to 62^nd,St.,and then proceeded west to Evans. At Evans the marchers went south to 63^rd and Evans. At 63^rd and Evans the marchers headed back east on 63^rd St.

In a surprise move the marchers stopped between Cottage Grove and Maryland a designated hot spot, where the marchers continued to chant, with a loud unified voice “stop the violence save our children, stop the violence save our family.”

The on lookers and local merchants stopped with amazement as the marchers showed a powerful show of support for peace in the community.The march concluded at Apostolic Church of God.

Building a youth movement against HIV/AIDS, disease

7/28/2009, 4:12 PM

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Richard Muhammad

MAGIC’s National Teen Test Day is an example of the Woodlawn non-profit’s determination to grapple with serious issues and have young people save themselves when it comes to things that affect their lives. Teen Test Day, which is actually a year round program, hosts an annual major health and awareness fair devoted to testing and prevention of HIV/AIDS and other diseases.

Sakinah Muhammad, left, and MAGIC youth demonstrate oral quick swab HIV test.

Richard Muhammad

The group was founded almost two years ago by Vanessa Muhammad, Carlos Meyers and Kenneth Parker to address the problem of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted disease epidemics plaguing inner city youth.

The goal is a teen-led movement built on awareness, responsibility and healthy choices. The foundations of the movement are testing, partnerships and peer to peer contact to increase knowledge about HIV/AIDS and general health issues.

“We’re going to do our best to make sure that the complacency of youth is eliminated, because we’re going to be leaders for ending the spread of HIV and AIDS especially among young African Americans, 13-24, half of new cases are in that demographic,” said Allen Linton II, a 19-year-old college sophomore and MAGIC leader.

The disease impacts everyone, whether you have it or not, said Linton. It impacts how people interact with friends and family and impacts schools and workplaces, he said. Knowledge can slow down and end the disease, which can be acquired through one bad decision or one partner, Linton noted.

“IF you’re not going to help yourself, you can’t expect anyone else to help you,” he said.

Forging effective partnerships

A commitment to stopping the spread of the AIDS pandemic and other diseases has brought Teen Test Day and its young leaders to the attention of major partners. Talks are underway for a month-long focus on adolescents and HIV/AIDS in April through a partnership with Stroger Hospital and the Centers for Disease Control, said Muhammad.

Vanessa Muhammad, Teen Test Day co-founder

Richard Muhammad

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, observed Feb. 7, found MAGIC group members participating in the Black Life Is Worth Saving forum at Malcolm X College. The group’s namesake event, Teen Test Day, was held Jan. 3 at the South Shore Cultural Center and drew 2,000 people, according to organizers. The all-day affair included disease testing, a press conference and mayoral proclamation, a demonstration of the quick swab HIV test, games, a martial arts demonstration, a live radio broadcast from a hip hop station, food and 42 organizations delivering everything from asthma to vision screenings and offering tons of information. It closed with an evening hip hop concert, with tickets disbursed after taking an HIV/AIDS test, and a jazz concert.

Participants walked away with test results and University of Chicago Medical Hospital doctors and professionals were on hand to offer counseling, one year of free medical assistance and after care for anyone who tested positive, Muhammad said.

Carlos Meyers, co-founder Teen Test Day

Richard Muhammad

HIV/AIDS is not a death sentence, you don’t have to be a millionaire to get treatment while research, testing and awareness fairs are used to prevent infection, Linton said. “We have to take the steps to use all these resources and to maximize what we have now and improve what we have in the future. Helping out now sets us up for a better future,” said the second year University of Chicago student.

Chloe Rose Jackson, a 16-year-old, booked acts, planned activities, and met with representatives of radio stations, community groups and churches to connect with potential Teen Test Day partners. She also underwent six-weeks of training about HIV/AIDS.

“If we don’t know that’s just another body dying and for us to come speak to each other ourselves l think it’s more effective. We hear adults speaking about it all the time, every day, and it seems that it doesn’t connect to us. If you know about it, then you can change. If you don’t know life is going past in like seconds,” she said.

Jackson is motivated by compassion for peers who have suffered from pregnancy and contracted diseases but don’t have treatment. “A lot of people are not scared anymore to be tested. A lot of people last year we like, ‘Oh, I’m scared.’ Everything is confidential,” she said.

The story of Teen Test Day was covered by community and daily media, including the Associated Press, with stories picked up by the New York Times, BBC News, and publications in Canada and Africa, said Muhammad.

'The statistics are real'

“The impact of Teen Test Day is starting to resonate internationally as the rates of adolescent and young adult sexually transmitted infections and HIV infections continue to rise,” said co-founder Carlos Meyers, who is MAGIC’s director of adolescent and young adult health advocacy. “If the problems are not addressed with the urgency they deserve … our future is in dire jeopardy.”

Chloe Rose Jackson, MAGIC youth leader

Richard Muhammad

Teens from MAGIC will partner with the University of Chicago Medical Center March 7 for the “Our Daughters, Our Duty” conference at Kennedy-King College, said Muhammad. The conference will focus on prevention of the HPV virus and cervical cancer and teens will speak and distribute information, she said. The University of Chicago will train teens about the health issues Feb. 28 at MAGIC’s offices as part of the group’s leadership development mission.

“We need to know what it is ailing us,” said community epidemiologist Yaa Simpson, of The Association of Clinical Trial Services. She is also a MAGIC board member and specializes in HIV-AIDS. Black youth ages 13 to 24 are heavily impacted by STDS and HIV. Just seven percent of Chicago’s population, the age group accounts for 47 percent of nearly 34,000 STD and HIV cases, Simpson said, citing 2006 statistics from the city Dept. of Public Health.

“The statistics are real. The Black community is disproportionately impacted We have more numbers and we need to get that number to zero for everybody, but definitely for Blacks. How else are we going to get there, if we don’t get our young people involved and to be the leaders they need to be?” Simpson asked.

Entrepreneurs today — no wait for tomorrow

2/18/2009, 10:40 PM

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Richard Muhammad

Talk of product expenses, hourly price rates, industry competitors, customer service, marketing strategies, and business pitches might seem odd for teenagers. But young people at Sunshine Gospel Ministries recently tossed around business lingo readily.

Ashley Jones, with her mother, Chotsani Baylis, shows off her perfect attendance award. She did not miss one day in the 10-week entrepreneurship program.

Richard Muhammad

The youth were participants in the Small Business Expo held Dec. 11 at Sunshine’s Woodlawn headquarters on East 61st Street as part of a program sponsored by the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) and After School Matters.

The youth developed business proposals — and were paid to do so — as part of a technology curriculum at Sunshine Gospel Ministries, with After School Matters paying stipends based on program attendance.

From the PowerPoint presentations flashed via an electronic clicker on a flat screen TV to the natty business attire of some presenters, it was clear the young entrepreneurs were serious about their work – and nearly all put in extra time on their presentations, according to program staffers and parents.

Kiara Davis' business would teach older people, in particular retirees, how to use computers.

Richard Muhammad

The ideas were varied and innovative. They ranged from a talent agency, to a music studio for young people, a Caribbean restaurant, a mommy-friendly beauty salon, a computer instruction service for the elderly, and a resume prep service especially for people trying to switch careers in a bad economy.

Brittany Fisher won first prize and $100 for her Dynamic Resume service idea. With the downturn in the economy, the young entrepreneur's idea was to specialize in helping people who are trying to change careers and to specialize in helping people who were hard to employ — all at a reasonable price.

But as the judges from NFTE, After School Matters, and Sunshine Gospel Ministries observed, there were no losers here. The 10-week program pushed the youth to create businesses, said Lew Williams, a judge from Sunshine Gospel Ministries. Youth focused on their interests and talents, but they were told to think beyond just getting jobs in appealing areas — and to focus on making jobs for themselves.

Barbara Brown and daughter Cassandra Williams, who came dressed to business-impress for her presentation.

Richard Muhammad

“They need to know that they could operate without being dependent on someone to hire them in,” said Williams. “And at the same time, if the business becomes profitable, which we really hope it does, they can hire on other people and help the economy to start to thrive again.”

All of the participants did great and presented ideas they focused on for five weeks, he said. The presentations included business plans, long and short range personal goals, qualifications they possess to make the businesses successful now – and a social responsibility, or "give-back," component.

It was also a time to dream, learn business concepts and acquire skills such as being on time and operating Microsoft Office, PowerPoint and other software. “Not everybody wants to be an entrepreneur,” said Vince McCaskill, an expo judge and director of Sunshine’s community technology center. “But I think the main thing they all gain is that to be a good entrepreneur, you need to be a good employee. Those are the cross set of skills we’re trying to build in our youth.”

Ashley Jones shows off her concept, which combines food and fun.

Richard Muhammad

Maurice Moore, a 17-year-old, presented Class X-Muscle, which was his concept for a business that specializes in car art. “It seems like this is a growing business because everywhere I go, I see people with their names or favorite characters on their cars,” said Moore. “It felt good because I got to put my love of cars and art together.”

The competition involved two rounds of idea pitches before two sets of judges. Four winners in the first round went on to repeat their presentations for a second group of judges.

Barbara Brown, whose sharply dressed daughter Cassandra Williams won honorable mention in the competition’s first round for her catering business, looked forward to seeing the presentations become reality. What made her proud? “To see her in action and actually presenting her plan made me proud as a parent and educator,” said Brown. “To see and hear our children do something positive and to speak positively unlike we’re portrayed in the news most times.”

Youth had to include short- and long-term goals in their PowerPoint presentations.

Richard Muhammad

Chotsani Baylis watched daughter Ashley Jones present her Entre Tainment restaurant concept. The 10th grader envisioned a place to play, socialize and eat. Her competition is Dave & Busters, which provides food and arcade games. Baylis was proud of her daughter, who received an award for perfect attendance, came in during her day off, and arrived early to complete her PowerPoint.

“They all worked real hard,” Baylis said. She was impressed by the youths’ willingness to speak before the judges and audience – something she would have been nervous doing.

Students self-select for the entrepreneurship program and pass interviews to join, said Keri Teplitzky, NFTE program director. Eighteen youth were interns at Sunshine Gospel Ministries. Students in 40 city high schools participate in the NFTE program, which has served over 9,000 Chicago youngsters since 2003.

Joel Hamernick, executive director of Sunshine Gospel Ministries, offered to find mentors for youth ready to pursue their business dreams. Referrals may come from word of mouth or from teachers, counselors or others who know about the program, which is advertised in schools, or in Sunshine Gospel Ministries’ case, through its other programs.

Richard Muhammad

“Our biggest goal is that students have to create a business idea based on the skills and resources they have today so that they can do something even part time or after school,” said Teplitzky. “They can use their passion and their skills and their resources that they have and start making a business.”

In the spring, the youth will come back and build on their presentations, adding financial information and sales forecasting. There will be another competition to win a slot representing Sunshine Gospel Ministries in a May citywide competition.

Joel Harmernick, executive director of Sunshine Gospel Ministries and one of the judges for the four finalists, promised to find mentors if any youth wanted to pursue their business ideas.

It was exciting to see teens who see themselves “as people who will produce things much bigger than who they are,” he said. “The goal of our community technology center is access, training and entrepreneurialism, and this is a piece in the entrepreneurialism side."

Healthy hearts focus of February, free screenings offered

2/18/2009, 8:59 PM

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Richard Muhammad

When it comes to women, hearts and February, there first thing that may come to mind is Valentine’s Day, but hold on a minute. February is also National Heart Month and the first weekend in the month was devoted to highlighting the need for women to be especially careful when it comes to heart health. And a partnership with Advocate Health Care will allow some women in Illinois to receive free screenings the week of Valentine’s Day.

The Health Committee for the NCP Program in Woodlawn is focusing on National Heart Month with its upcoming "Ask the Doctor" interactive session. Dr. Thomas Fisher, of the University of Chicago, will take questions during a Feb. 11 presentation at 6250 S. Park Shore East. The program begins at 6 p.m.

The “Go Red for Women” weekend, Feb. 6-8, included programs and activities to interest women and GoRedForWomen.org offered women an easy way to evaluate their risk factors and consider changes to improve their health status. The website also provided a personalized action plan that can be taken to a doctor for evaluation and approval.

To raise awareness of heart disease, Dr. Damon T. Arnold, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, along with the American Heart Association and members of the Conference of Women Legislators, celebrated Women’s Heart Disease Awareness Month at the State Capitol and encouraged Illinois residents to wear red on Friday, February 6, 2009—National Wear Red Day.

The “Go Red for Women” movement encourages everyone to wear red as a simple, yet powerful way to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke.

Although heart disease is sometimes thought of as a “man's disease,” it is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States, and women account for 52.8 percent of the total heart disease deaths according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, almost one in three women will die of heart disease. The latest statistics showed more than 13,000 women in Illinois died from heart disease in 2006.

In recognition of Women’s Heart Disease Awareness Month, Advocate Health Care, in partnership with the Conference of Women Legislators and area legislators, is offering free cardiac screenings for women at several locations during the week of Valentine’s Day. The following Advocate hospitals will be providing free cardiac screenings to women over the age of 45:

Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital, Chicago
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, Barrington

To register for one of these screenings or to find out about additional screenings and classes at other Advocate sites, please call 1-800-3-ADVOCATE (1-800-323-8622).

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. In 2009, an estimated 785,000 Americans with have a new coronary attack, and about 470,000 will have a recurrent attack. Heart disease is a term that includes several more specific heart conditions. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease, which can lead to heart attack,” according to the Centers for Disease Control.

You can lessen your risk factors for heart disease by getting regular check-ups, knowing your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers and keeping them under control; following your doctor's recommendations for diet and exercise; taking medications as prescribed; by stopping smoking or not starting; doing at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day; eating a healthy diet that includes vegetables, whole grain foods and fish; limiting foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol; limiting salt and sodium intake and limiting alcoholic beverages on average to one drink or less per day.

Ask The Doctor

1/18/2009, 8:11 AM

Sunday, January 18, 2009

NCP/Woodlawn and TWO Health and Human Services Committee

Overview

The Ask the Doctor initiative was borne out of discussions that arose from the Life Smart for Women Program at the St. Ailbe Catholic Church developed and funded by the state of Illinois Department of Public Health. The program was managed there by the Health and Wellness Ministry and was subsequently transferred to the Woodlawn community, New Community Program/Woodlawn (NCP) and The Woodlawn Organization (TWO) Health and Human Services Committee.

What is it

The Ask the Doctor program is one that engages community stakeholders to express medical concerns anonymously. The questions are responded to and explained by a physician in a seminar format at a Woodlawn community facility. This approach encourages people to ask questions they have always been afraid to ask, but always wanted to have answered, without embarrassment.

How it began

This initiative began with stakeholders submitting medical questions on index cards to NCP/TWO committee members that were later given to the participating physician for review to ensure appropriate responses. Meetings were advertised thru diverse media and scheduled to ensure availability to the community at large. The 1st meeting, held on April 8, 2008, was held at the Bessie Coleman Library on 63rd St. Subsequent meetings were held at 6250 South Park Shore East. Attendance has grown from 6 attendees initially to an average of 35-40 people per session. In addition to the medical content, socialization is inherent and light refreshments are provided. Each session is 1.5 hours in duration.

Program Expansion

Dr. Thomas Fisher, M.D.

The program has expanded from responding to anonymous questions to reviewing the 7 part PBS Documentary Series, “Unnatural Causes.” A lively and probing discussion follows review of the video and is conducted by our partner physician, Thomas Fisher, M.D., assistant professor of emergency medicine at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Program Expansion: PBS Documentary, “Unnatural Causes”

Topics included in the documentary are:

“In Sickness and In Health,” which raises the question “Is inequality making us sick?”

“When the Bough Breaks,” a segment that examines the mystery of the Black-white infant mortality gap.

“Becoming American,” which sheds light on the shifting health status of newly arrived Latino immigrants.

“Bad Sugar,” a two topic presentation with Part 1 exploring the causes and effects of diabetes within two Native American communities; Part 2 “Place Matters” connects the dots between health, wealth and zip codes.

“Collateral Damage” traces the health challenges of Marshall Islanders from the South Pacific to Springdale, Arkansas. The second part of this segment explores the toll taken by layoffs and job insecurity in Western Michigan.

Future Goals

The Health and Human Services Committee, NCP Woodlawn and TWO will continue to address the issues of health education, screening and promotion.

While the program has been open to a diverse group, our central population has been middle aged and senior participants. We will actively pursue youth, and teen parents. We hope to achieve this goal through partnerships with the NCP Youth Committee and community agencies.

Ask The Doctor is one of many efforts by the the Health and Human Services Committee of NCP Woodlawn and TWO.

LISC Names Bishop Brazier as First Senior Fellow

11/14/2008, 10:45 AM

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Bishop Arthur M. Brazier has been named the first LISC/Chicago Senior Fellow. Bishop Brazier is a nationally renowned civil rights leader and a founder of The Woodlawn Organization (TWO) in Chicago, a participant in LISC’s New Communities Program.

Bishop Arthur Brazier

Richard Muhammad

He also founded a community development corporation, the Woodlawn Preservation and Investment Corporation (WPIC), and served as a vice president for the Center for Community Change in Washington, D.C.

After decorated service in WWII, Bishop Brazier entered the pastorate of Apostolic Church of God in Woodlawn, which he then built into the largest congregation in the city of Chicago. He recently retired after 48 years as pastor.

During the year-long fellowship at LISC/Chicago, Bishop Brazier will make several presentations on his experiences in community development and will advise on a number of Chicago and national projects, including national LISC’s Sustainable Communities program, which is replicating many of the principles and practices from the New Communities Program in 10 cities around the country.

“Improving my community isn’t a job, it’s been my whole life,” said Bishop Brazier. “Working with LISC has always been an effective way to improve the quality of life for those around me, and I hope to continue this work in my new role as Senior Fellow,” said Bishop Brazier, in a South Street Journal news article.

The South Street Journal also quoted LISC Chicago executive director Andy Mooney, who said the non-profit was honored to have the longtime community leader on board. “His insight, passion and experience will be tremendous assets to LISC/Chicago, National LISC and our partner organizations, just as they have been an asset to his community and the city for years,” said Mooney.

This story is compiled from an article that first appeared in the Fall 2008 issue of Working Capital, the quarterly newsletter of LISC/Chicago, and the South Street Journal.

Genetics, race, health and history

11/13/2008, 10:43 PM

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Richard Muhammad

Dr. Rick Kittles took Woodlawn residents on a journey through genetic science, history, and medical research to explain how these areas intersect and impact the lives of African Americans.

Dr. Rick Kittles, Ph.D., talked about genetics, health and the Black community.

Richard Muhammad

Dr. Kittles, an associate professor at the University of Chicago, used humor and plain talk to describe differences in genes and how they impact health.

With the medical industry eyeing preemptive over curative approaches to diseases, Blacks need to get involved in medical research and policy—including wary participation in clinical trials and making sure Black scientists and professionals are doing the research, he said.

Everyone has a different genetic makeup and the variations in genetic makeup in different racial groups are part of the reason why some people are more prone to diseases than others, he said. Sickle cell disease in Black Americans can be traced back to a gene that helped them survive malaria in tropical Africa, he explained. The gene was valuable in the African context but in America, where malaria is not a problem, the sickle cell trait restricts oxygen and blood flow, leading to painful and sometimes serious flare-ups, he said.

Blacks in Africa didn’t use salt in their diets, but salt was part of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and is used throughout the cooking and preservation process in America, Dr. Kittles said. But the majority of Blacks are salt sensitive and when salt gets into the kidneys it impacts blood pressure, he explained.

Dr. Kittles doubts race-based medicines will work, but sees more individualized medicine that takes genetics into account as a distinct possibility and a definite area of interest. Technology is allowing for comparisons and the ability to hold vast amounts of data on a single computer chip, said the researcher who holds a PhD. in biological sciences from George Washington University.

Dr. Kittles has focused on the issues of race, genetic differences and how stress, poverty, racism, environment and other issues influence health and disease. He has spent much time studying prostate cancer and its disproportionate affect on Black men.

Researchers are shifting their focus to see where genetics and outside factors meet and impact health, he said. It doesn’t mean a onetime battle with a landlord over a rent payment or the inability to get a cab, but looking at the lifelong impact of racism and negative social factors, Dr. Kittles said.

Audience listens during presentation at Bessie Coleman Library.

Richard Muhammad

The diversity found in Blacks and Latinos make the groups attractive subjects for studies, he said. Blacks should be well-informed and involved in the decision-making and actual research, Dr. Kittles stressed.

Genetics account for race and traces from different races can be found in Blacks and Whites in the United States, Dr. Kittles noted. But racial definitions in America are connected to slavery, racial oppression, segregation, anti-race mixing laws and the one-drop rule, he said. The one-drop rule meant a single drop of Black blood meant you could be sold as a slave instead of an heir to a White slave master father’s fortune, said Dr. Kittles.

Though a light-skinned Black like Halle Barry may carry more European genetic material than some Whites, the actress is deemed a Black woman in American society, he noted.

Dr. Kittles pointed out that about 30 percent of Black men have European DNA and he carries a German Y chromosome. “It doesn’t help. If the cops pull me over I’m not driving while having a European Y chromosome. I am Driving While Black. I can’t put it on the mortgage application, cabs they don’t see it,” he said, as the audience laughed.

Dr. Kittles is also the owner of African Ancestry, Inc., and explained how genetics can help trace the roots of Black ancestry. Given slavery and segregation, African Americans often get stuck in the 1850s or 1860s when trying to research their roots, he said. DNA testing can often point out the area of Africa or other parts of the world ancestors came from, he said to the audience at the Bessie Coleman Library on 63rd St.

The audience listened intently as Dr. Kittles talked about African migration, genetic richness, and how sedentary and western lifestyles have taken Blacks out of a natural existence and opened the door for health problems. In Nigeria, everyone walks or rides bikes and obesity isn’t a problem, he said. In Maywood, Ill., Black people with a similar genetic makeup are overweight and suffering from high blood pressure and major health problems, Dr. Kittles said.

Dr. Kittles also worked on the PBS Series “African American Lives,” which traced the genetic and personal history of several prominent Blacks, including TV show queen Oprah Winfrey, comedian Chris Rock, civil rights leader Al Sharpton, businesswoman Linda Johnson Rice and religious leader T.D. Jakes.

Woodlawn residents had a chance to learn how DNA can be used to trace African ancestors.

Richard Muhammad

An interest in why some people get sick and others don’t and physical differences he saw in high school classmates led to Dr. Kittles’ work in genetics. His interest in learning where he came from resulted in genealogical work. It turned out that his scientific knowledge helped trace his roots and others were interested in using the same tools.

“The way Dr. Kittles presented the information was very much professional. It was on target, it was humorous, light-hearted at times but also serious and balanced,” said Chandrea T. Hopkins, a Woodlawn resident and member of the Kenwood Point Homeowners Association. The presentation also challenged parents to look at what they are feeding children and consider fixing meals at home, she said.

Annie Pope, chair of the Health and Human Service Committee for NCP Woodlawn and TWO, said the point of the session was to get the word out about health. Her committee sponsored the event. “If we gain knowledge it puts us in a position to do something about things that are really happening to us,” she said. “We bring with us our history and we need to understand that history. It’s a cumulative kind of situation. If we understand that history it puts us in a better position to bring about change.”

Future planned Health Committee events include sessions on aging, depression and Alzheimer’s disease and drug and alcohol abuse.

Information Is Power When It Comes to Health

7/10/2008, 11:13 AM

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Richard Muhammad

Woodlawn residents will have the opportunity to undergo kidney screening July 26 thanks to the NCP Woodlawn Health and Human Services Committee. The screenings will run from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Jackson Parkside Apartments, located at 6040 S. Harper Avenue.

The screening is another example of how a small but determined group of neighborhood residents and stakeholders leverage relationships to promote health education and provide access to health services.

Colleen Fuller, left, gets help from Barbara Burgess at kidney screening in Woodlawn earlier this year.

Eric Young Smith

“We know that kidney disease is very prevalent among African-Americans. We know that African-Americans have high blood pressure. They have diabetes and these are the forerunners to kidney disease, especially when they go untreated, which is often the case,” said Annie R. Pope, who has lived in Woodlawn for 13 years. Pope and Joyce Nimocks, who has lived in Woodlawn for 38 years, are leading the committee.

Whether the screenings and information sessions are in senior buildings, apartments managed by The Woodlawn Organization or the Bessie Coleman Library, the old adage information is power takes new meaning as the women say literally thousands of dollars worth of services have been delivered.

“We’ve been able to bring quality services to the Woodlawn community as a result of this committee and as a result of the committee’s ability to partner with significant experts and resources,” said Pope.

A kidney screening early this year provided about $1,000 worth of medical work per person and 43 to 47 people participated in the session. That comes out to $43,000-$47,000 worth of services, Pope said. The health committee works with the American Kidney Fund’s MIKE (Minority Intervention Kidney Education) initiative to provide kidney screenings.

Barbara Tood watches as Jackie Cook draws blood at screening.

Eric Young Smith

The extensive screening includes a urinalysis, blood pressure check and blood tests are used for 30 different health values, Nimocks explained. The tests cover things like cholesterol levels, levels of iron and liver function, she said. Screening participants are also told how to handle health issues that surface. Best of all, when an official looking, post-screening package arrives, the information inside is easy to understand, Nimocks continued.

The screening and tests results are so thorough that after Nimocks participated in a screening, her personal physician canceled annual blood work and simply put the screening results in her medical file.

What drives the group? “I think the impetus is the recognition that there is such a disparity in terms of health issues for African-Americans,” said Pope. “We just believe that if we are better informed about health care issues and how to manage ourselves, hopefully it will lead to a better outcome.”

The group’s work is shaped by community health issues and partners assist in areas of concern or provide facilities, the women explained. Feedback comes directly from participants and through interaction at neighborhood meetings. None of the Quality-of-Life Plan features can be accessed if residents are sickly or dying prematurely, they added.

“This is especially a benefit for those who don’t have health insurance,” Pope noted.

The committee has created an “Ask The Doctor” forum, which allows residents to write questions down for Dr. Thomas Fisher, of the University of Chicago. After an initial round of anonymous questions, the audience asks follow ups. The health committee showed a documentary about urban health issues and had Dr. Fisher lead a discussion and answer questions. The group will soon plot out the “Ask the Doctor” schedule for next year. Dr. Fisher is also affiliated with Community Solutions In Action.

From left, Barbara Burgess, Annie R. Pope, Mabel Wayne, Courtney Nicholas, Carol Phillips and Joyce Nimocks at screening organized by Woodlawn health committee.

Eric Young Smith

A seminar on DNA and its relationship to health issues will be presented by Dr. Rick Kittles, PhD., an associate professor of genetic medicine at the University of Chicago Cancer Center, Saturday, August 23, 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the Bessie Coleman Library. A diabetes screening to be conducted by University of Chicago medical students at 6250 S. Park Shore Ave. at the Park Shore Apartments is slated for August.

The current health committee is about a year and a half old, but Pope and Nimocks have been part of the NCP process for five years. Another key committee member is Carol Phillips, a TWO building manager at 6052 S. Harper Ave., Smith-Blair Building senior housing, who has opened her doors for screenings and meetings. TWO’s Ingrid Silmon and Myra Johnson Nash, Patricia Tatum Smith, R.N., Violet Johnson and University of Chicago medical employees Dawnavan Davis and Susan Peters round out the group.

“We’re a small committee trying to do big things,” said Nimocks.

Check Out The Strand Artists Lofts in Woodlawn

10/6/2008, 10:18 PM

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Starving artists may at last be able to find a place to live at The Strand Artists Lofts in Woodlawn. Three community meetings about the affordable, south side condominium

Artists rendering of The Strand Artists Lofts in Woodlawn.

development are scheduled, including Saturday July 12, Sunday July 20, and Saturday July 26. Meetings will be held at the Grand Ballroom located at 6351 S. Cottage Grove Ave. (1/2 block from The Strand).

The Strand Hotel was a major commercial and entertainment venue during the roaring 1920s.

The Strand Artists Lofts is steps away from the Chicago Transit Authority’s 63rd Street Green line station and Cottage Grove Avenue bus line. Just a few blocks south is the planned Lerner Center for the Creative and Performing Arts at the University of Chicago.

The complex will complement the building’s historic architecture and will feature an intercom system, hardwood floors, large sliding windows, on-site parking, wide doorways and halls, an elevator and other amenities.

The Strand Artists Lofts will offer 36 homes, ranging from 960 to 1060 square feet. Prime ground floor commercial space is also available. Housing preference will be given to applicants who can demonstrate an active pursuit and commitment to an art form through a body of work, experience, and/or training. Candidates will be interviewed by a panel of arts and community representatives.

Interested? Click here for more information.

Please RSVP by phone (773) 784-7900 or by email to noelia.vega@ameritech.net.

University of Chicago Medical Center GIVES BIG

5/24/2008, 10:46 AM

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Arvin K. Strange

U of C volunteers carefully plant flowers and spruce up Grove Parc site for summer

Alex Fedderjohn

University of Chicago med personnel volunteers assisted with beautification efforts in Grove Parc on Saturday, May 17, 2008. The project was well appreciated and well-received by U of C's Grove Parc neighbors.

61st Street Farmer's Market Opens

5/21/2008, 8:58 PM

Thursday, May 15, 2008

The 61^st Street Farmers Market aims to create an oasis in the local ‘food desert’ by providing residents throughout the Woodlawn neighborhood and the neighboring areas with the opportunity to buy fresh, regionally grown farm products that are nutritious and affordable, and that cater to the culinary needs of Southside Chicago’s diverse population. In addition to providing nutritious foods, the ‘Market School’ will provide nutrition education programming for children and adults throughout the summer. We will also offer chef demos on food preparation.

Time: Saturdays, May 17-Oct 25, 2008
9am-2pm
Location: 61^st Street, between Dorchester and Blackstone Avenues

View an audio slideshow of opening day here.

The 61^st Street Farmers Market is a program of the Experimental Station, an independent and not-for-profit incubator of innovative cultural, educational, environmental projects and small-scale enterprises.

We thank our many volunteers and partners for their generous support, including: Alderman Willie B. Cochran, LISC/NCP, LaSalle Bank, The University of Chicago Office of Community Affairs, The University of Chicago Cancer Research Center, The Kovler Diabetes Center.

http://www.experimentalstation.org/about

WECAN Weatherization Workshop is a Rousing Success

5/21/2008, 2:57 PM

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Arvin K. Strange

Gail Taylor of Woodlawn Community Service Corporation shares information regarding city services with community resident.

Alex Fedderjohn

WECAN held a weatherization workshop at AKA Community Center, 6228 South
Ingleside Avenue, on Saturday May 17, 2008. The Workshop was a huge success with Woodlawn residents. WECAN partnered with Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS), Woodlawn Community Service Corporation, The Cook County Assessor's office and the South Side Federal Credit Union.

Residents enthusiastically participated in the following information sessions:

WECAN accepted applications for weatherization grants and provided information on weatherstripping techniques.
NHS provided a foreclosure specialist with information on loan re-financing.
The Cook County Assessor's office provided information on obtaining senior exemptions and handicap exemptions.
The South Side Federal Credit Union provided information on the advantages/benefits of using credit unions.
The Woodlawn Community Service Corporation shared information about city services available to residents.

Woodlawn's Community Heroes for 2008

5/22/2008, 3:46 PM

Friday, May 16, 2008

Arvin K. Strange

As the Executive Director for Metropolitan Area Group for Igniting Civilization, Inc. (MAGIC), Bryan Echols has worked close to 10 hours a day for 5 years helping to build the organization, even though he was paid a meager stipend of $600 monthly in the early going. Under his watch the Metropolitan Area Group for Igniting Civilization (M.A.G.I.C) has launched exciting programs for teens, such as a young women's leadership development program, mural arts programs, youth organizing training, and the NCP-funded gem Woodlawn String Instrument Program.

In addition to his MAGIC duties, Bryan has chaired the Woodlawn Social Service Network, comprised of human service providers who meet regularly to help facilitate collaboration and cooperation on issues.

He has also become a big brother and counselor to youth and always encourages them to develop a spiritual side so that good decision-making becomes more intuitive and easier to execute. From the Woodlawn Heroes mural at the Harris Park Center, to the African mosaics enhancing the playground on 62nd and Kimbark, to the melodic sounds of string instruments coming out of Carnegie Elementary, evidence of Bryan Echols' acts of heroism abound in Woodlawn.

40 youngsters join Woodlawn Little League

4/14/2008, 1:29 PM

Monday, April 14, 2008

Renita Austin

Baseball, America’s favorite past time, has made it to Woodlawn in the form of the Woodlawn Little League!!!

In the recent past, this sport has been all but non existent to the youth in Woodlawn and other areas in the 20th Ward, though Woodlawn is known as home of such great and legendary baseball players as Minnie Minosa and others. To change that situation, the New Communities Program of Woodlawn with the support of LISC and the MacArthur Foundation has assembled a little league developmental camp for youth who are 12 years and under to train them in the fundamentals of baseball.

The league focuses on the fundamentals of swinging, throwing and catching.

Renita Austin

The youth committee of NCP/Woodlawn and its chairman, Mr. Joseph Strickland, recognize that our youth should not only be exposed to a great sport such as baseball, but also have some very vital life skills taught and reiterated, such as team building, sportsmanship, and even conflict resolution. It is the goal of the youth committee and the faithful volunteers of the little league developmental camp to assist our youth in being the best that they can be.

The Woodlawn Little League began on March 15, 2008 with 40 youth from the Woodlawn community and their parents attending the first session. We were able to get eight volunteers who are from the Woodlawn community or have ties to the community. Semi–pro baseball players as well as high school baseball coaches have participated as volunteer coaches and trainers.

View more photos of the Little Leaguers and volunteers in a web album here.

NCP Woodlawn looks forward to working with youth in transitioning into one or more little league baseball teams in the near future. NCP/Woodlawn thanks all of their partners who helped to make this camp happen: Hyde Park High School for the use of their gymnasium, LISC for seed funding, the volunteers for their time and effort, and last but not least the youth and their parents for actively participating in this effort and being a joy to work with.

Woodlawn New Communities Program - Home page

Woodlawn's Grove Parc Wins HUD CHOICE grant

Parkway Gardens goes to the Chicago Children's Museum

Friday, July 1, 2011

Ryan K. Priester

POAH honors Bishop Brazier at the opening of Woodlawn Park

Monday, February 28, 2011

Maria Plati

Woodlawn Mourns the Passing Of Bishop Arthur M. Brazier

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

L. Lane

1000 Man March A Success

NCP Woodlawn Welcomes New Housing Development

NCP Woodlawn Organizes A March Against Violence

Terrance Miller (photos by Lonnie Richardson)

Building a youth movement against HIV/AIDS, disease

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Richard Muhammad

Forging effective partnerships

'The statistics are real'

Entrepreneurs today — no wait for tomorrow

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Richard Muhammad

Healthy hearts focus of February, free screenings offered

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Richard Muhammad

Ask The Doctor

Sunday, January 18, 2009

NCP/Woodlawn and TWO Health and Human Services Committee

Overview

What is it

How it began

Program Expansion Dr. Thomas Fisher, M.D.

Program Expansion: PBS Documentary, “Unnatural Causes”

Future Goals

LISC Names Bishop Brazier as First Senior Fellow

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Genetics, race, health and history

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Richard Muhammad

Information Is Power When It Comes to Health

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Richard Muhammad

Check Out The Strand Artists Lofts in Woodlawn

Thursday, July 10, 2008

University of Chicago Medical Center GIVES BIG

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Arvin K. Strange

61st Street Farmer's Market Opens

Thursday, May 15, 2008

WECAN Weatherization Workshop is a Rousing Success

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Arvin K. Strange

Woodlawn's Community Heroes for 2008

Friday, May 16, 2008

Arvin K. Strange

40 youngsters join Woodlawn Little League

Monday, April 14, 2008

Renita Austin

Program Expansion

Dr. Thomas Fisher, M.D.