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Neighbors, This week, our Community Safety Committee gathered to share information on violence prevention efforts in the 26th Ward. I began the meeting by calling the Teen Curfew Ordinance a threat to civil rights and challenged city officials to create safe spaces where young people can gather. Dr. Perez provided an update on The Violence Prevention Research Project. The research team will interview violence prevention organizations and share their findings with community residents, grant funders, and policymakers. We also celebrated the success of the Memorial Day Peace Walk and the Puerto Rican People’s Parade, highlighting strong community turnout, active youth engagement, and meaningful collaboration among organizations. The committee also addressed ongoing challenges like safety protocols, trash cleanup, and the need to respond effectively and compassionately to incidents of transphobia and violence. We discussed ways to improve incident response plans and conduct outreach in areas with resident concerns. As the weather warms up, we’ve noted an increase in certain crimes around the ward—although overall crime statistics remain slightly lower than in June 2024. As we prepare for the summer months, I encourage everyone to stay alert and reach out if you have any concerns regarding public safety. We remain dedicated to the safety and well-being of every resident in the 26th Ward. Together, We Keep Us Safe! |
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Community Conversations at Chema’s and Las Moradas
As we work toward long-term community safety solutions, it’s equally important that we stay grounded in what we hear face-to-face. That’s why we’re continuing to meet directly with neighbors to listen, learn, and act together. Thank you to everyone who joined me at Chema’s for Ward Night on Monday and at Las Moradas for Coffee with the Alder today. These spaces are powerful reminders of how much we learn when we sit down, listen, and build together. I heard concerns about rising property taxes, neighborhood safety, off-leash dogs, sidewalk repairs, and the need for more affordable housing. I’m working closely with the Cook County Assessor to support residents in appealing unfair tax hikes, especially in areas seeing the sharpest increases, and to clear up common myths about how property values are assessed. I also reaffirmed my vote against the SNAP curfew. I’ve spent my career working with young people, and I believe in investing in their future, not criminalizing their presence. At Las Moradas, I was especially grateful to hear directly from our elders. Their voices ground our work and push us to fight harder for dignity, care, and stability across every part of the ward. I hope to continue to hear directly from you at more of these events and in community. |
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Criminal Records Event Provides Pathways to Relief Access to safe, affordable neighborhoods is only one part of community well-being. True justice means ensuring our residents also have the tools to move forward, especially those who’ve been impacted by the criminal legal system. On Wednesday, we partnered with Cabrini Green Legal Aid, Alderman Anthony Quezada, State Representative Lilian Jiménez, and Commissioner Jessica Vasquez to host a successful Know Your Rights workshop at Blackhawk Park. Neighbors learned about records relief options, how to start the expungement process, and support available to help clear barriers preventing people from moving forward. Thank you to everyone who showed up to advocate for themselves or a loved one. Events like this remind us that justice isn’t just about the system; it’s about ensuring people have access to the tools they need to rebuild their lives. To learn more on how to get criminal records expunged, visit Cabrini Green Legal Aid. |
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One Fair Wage Whether it’s the right to a second chance or the right to a fair wage, we’re committed to fighting for dignity and opportunity across all sectors, including in our city’s restaurant industry. On Monday, I joined TNT Rooftop Restaurant owners, Mayor Brandon Johnson, Cook County Commissioner Tara Stamps, Alders Mike Rodriguez and Anthony Quezada, and the One Fair Wage coalition to celebrate the July 1 increase for the minimum wage for tipped workers. We also celebrated the recipients of the High Road Restaurant Kitchens Award recipients, all Black and Brown-owned restaurants committed to race, gender, and wage equity in the service industry. Despite what opposition has been saying about the impact of One Fair Wage, the data doesn’t lie: restaurant workers have been seeing strong tips and steady employment, 50% fewer Retail Food Establishment Licenses were cancelled in 2024 compared to 2023, and Chicago continues to be at the top of the culinary scene. |
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Strengthening Animal Care Through Collaboration and Equity Equity shows up in many forms, including how we treat the animals and families who rely on a system of care. That’s why we’re also digging deep into how the city can do better when it comes to animal services. As many of you know, Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) is a regulatory City of Chicago department that supports and manages animal emergencies. Since March, the Committee on Health & Human Relations, my team, and I have been working closely with animal advocates, organizations, and the CACC to better understand and address the challenges of animal care. What has started as a call of concern from constituents has transformed into an understanding of three main areas of improvement for CACC: 1) euthanasia rates, 2) volunteer onboarding and training, 3) and communication efforts.
The Committee on Health staff and my staff have been meeting monthly to curate a roundtable in July between many phenomenal organizations, including Heartland Animal Shelter, Best Friends Animal Society, Lola Foundation, One Tail at a Time, and Paws for a Cause, and CACC so that we can collaboratively address the areas of improvement. I believe that transparency and solution-oriented problem solving are bedrock to government.
I want to name that racial and class inequities permeate many spaces, including in animal care. You know that I believe in addressing root causes as the most humane, and sometimes radical, response to many challenges, and animal care is no different. When the cost of living increases and families have to make difficult decisions between paying rent or taking care of a beloved pet, having systems of support can be lifechanging. I am hopeful that our CACC roundtable will provide a better understanding of our networks both in government and in our communities. Thank you to Julie and Rasa, who have been steadfast in this work. Your insight and advocacy have been invaluable. |
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Honoring Excellence in Education Of course, none of our work would be possible without the people who plant seeds in the next generation. This month, we proudly celebrated a local educator who’s been doing just that for over 20 years. We’re proud to celebrate Mrs. Kim Chambers of Maternity B.V.M. School in Humboldt Park, who was awarded the inaugural Impact Educator of the Year Award by Big Shoulders Fund of $10,000.
For over twenty years, Mrs. Chambers has shaped generations of students, led graduation ceremonies, prepared eighth graders for high school, and helped build scholarship opportunities. Her impact is so deep that whenever alumni return to the school, the first person they ask for is Mrs. Chambers. She is more than an educator; she is a mentor, a leader, and a beloved figure in our community. Thank you, Mrs. Chambers, for your unwavering commitment to our youth. The 26th Ward is lucky to have you. |
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First Trans Pride Festival I’d like to finish on a high note. This year, we make history in Humboldt Park. On Thursday, July 10, we will proudly host Transilience, Chicago’s first-ever Trans Pride Festival, right here in the 26th Ward. This is more than a festival; it’s a refusal to let trans, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming communities be pushed to the margins. It’s joy as resistance and visibility as power. Transilience will showcase the brilliance that lives beyond the binary, from drag and dance to live music. It’s open to everyone, all ages, and completely free. I’m honored that our ward is home to this powerful moment. We will continue to create space for our queer and trans neighbors not just to survive, but to thrive, to celebrate, and to lead. |
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Every conversation, every action, and every celebration reflects the heart of this ward, rooted in care, grounded in justice, and always building toward something better. Thank you for continuing to walk with us. In Solidarity,
Alderperson Jessie Fuentes |
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The San Juan 5K is hitting Humboldt Park, and I want you to run it with me! Whether you’re racing for time or just having a good time, this is a celebration of culture, community, and movement.
👟 Use code 26thwardruns for $5 off
🎯 Help us reach our goal of 1,000 runners
📍 Humboldt Park
🔗 Sign up to Run/Walk! |
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Coffee With Your Alder 7/19 |
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El Corillo Original de Humboldt Park |
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⛔️ Hermosa Park located at 2240 N Kilbourn is under construction and CLOSED to the public. All programming has been moved to Blackhawk Park, including day camps. For more information, call 312-746-5014.
Humboldt Park Pool and Inland Beach will opened Saturday, 6/21 |
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Humboldt Park Library Now Open! |
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| Seating is limited but all services are open.
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Cicero Ave. Land Use Study |
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We need to hear from YOU! Please take a few minutes to complete the community survey for the Cicero Avenue Land Use Study. English and Spanish versions are available. The Department of Planning and Development, is evaluating existing conditions along Cicero Avenue between West Irving Park Road and West Grand Avenue. Encompassing 2.75 miles, the study will determine recommendations for land use improvements along the corridor that foster economic vitality, cohesion, safety and other local goals, based on input from community partners, business owners, residents and elected officials. The study area includes portions of the Portage Park and Belmont Cragin community areas. Click here to learn more. |
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| Construction season has begun! Don't forget to check out ChiStreetWork for updates on upcoming work in your neighborhood. |
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Street Sweeping Map & Schedule |
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Street Sweeping takes place between April and November. |
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Boulevard Landmark District Extension Project |
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The “Logan Square Boulevards District” is a significant part of our community's history and character. An extension of this Landmark District is currently being considered. This process typically takes 6 to 9 months and includes communication and notices throughout the process.
This project builds on decades of historic preservation work and reflects the ongoing commitment of the 26th Ward to encouraging sustainable development and maintaining the unique identity of our neighborhoods.
You can learn more about the project, review FAQs, and submit your thoughts at the26thward.org/boulevard-landmarking. |
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The 26th Ward's zoning process requires anyone requesting a zoning change to first complete a zoning intake form. After review, they present their request to the Zoning Advisory Committee and answer questions. In some cases, they may also present at a community input meeting. |
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We are currently reviewing zoning change requests for the following properties. |
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1631 N. Spaulding Ave 1751-53 N Spaulding Ave 1701 North Kimball 1459 N. Talman Ave
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| 2735 W North Ave 3652 W North Ave 1247 N California 1739 N Drake
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Summer Meals for Children & Teens |
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The Humboldt Park Branch will be hosting summer meals for kids and teens all summer long! Healthy and nutritious summer meals provided by the Greater Chicago Food Depository are available at the library Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:30-2:30pm, while supplies last. Program flyers are attached and the event calendar is linked below! Please feel free to share with anyone who may benefit from a delicious meal. |
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The Wasteshed Summer Internships |
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| Are you between the ages of 15 and 22 and want to grow your skills in arts education while making a real impact in your community?
📣 The WasteShed is hiring Youth Summer Interns—learn, create, and lead with purpose this summer.
✨ Open to youth across Chicago
🔗 More info and application
This program is made possible in part by the Illinois Arts Council. |
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Noble School Food Pantries |
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| Noble Schools will be hosting a Summer Food Service Program at several of our campuses across Chicago. This program provides free meals to all eligible children in the community and is part of our commitment to supporting students and families beyond the school year. |
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| My Block, My Hood, My City
Our third annual Downtown Day aims to bring 1,000 youth—primarily from Chicago’s South and West sides—into the heart of our cultural and business corridors for a day of exploration, belonging, and new opportunities!
Sign up to enjoy downtown! |
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HPH Car Wash Fundrasier 6/28 |
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| 🚗💦 Support the Humboldt Park Patriots!
Get your car squeaky clean and help our youth athletes gear up for a successful season. The Humboldt Park Patriots are hosting a Car Wash Fundraiser
🗓️ June 28 & July 12
🕗 8 AM – 12 PM
📍 Burr Elementary, 1621 W Wabansia Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 Every wash helps build opportunities on and off the field. Come through and show your support! |
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New Life Tuesdays Community Meals |
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| Join us at Hairpin Arts Center for "On Being," a powerful group show exploring identity, emotion, and the human experience through layered works in various media. Curated by Ingrid TS Rodriguez and featuring artists Brianna Ortiz Van Schoyck, Cassidy Early, and TJ Kiser, this exhibition invites you to reflect, connect, and celebrate community.
Saturday, June 28 from 6–10 PM
On view: June 28 – August 2
2810 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
🔗 RSVP: eventbrite.com link
Don't miss this vibrant call to witness our inner and collective worlds through art.
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Humboldt Park Community Clean-Up 6/28 |
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| 🌿Join the Chicago Parks Foundation for a community clean-up at Humboldt Park and help us show love to the spaces that bring us joy. Bring your friends, your energy, and your commitment to care.🌿 🧹 Meet at the Boathouse: 1301 N Humboldt Dr at 10 AM to 2 PM. 🖐️ All ages welcome and supplies provided 📲 Sign up to clean the park! Let’s make this the first of many. We plan to continue clean-ups on the last Saturday of each month through September: 🗓️ May 31, June 28, July 26, August 30, and September 27 |
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City of Chicago Budget Engagement Roundtable 6/28 |
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| The City of Chicago invites you to join the City at one of three Budget Engagement Roundtables to receive an overview of the proposed budget and to share your insights and ask questions about the City’s priorities.
Sign up to participate |
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Transilience Humboldt Park Festival 7/10 |
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| 🌈 Chicago’s first-ever Trans Pride Festival is here!
Join us for Transilience on Thursday, July 10 from 6 to 8 PM at Humboldt Park (1440 N Humboldt Blvd) for an all-ages, joy-filled celebration of trans, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming brilliance. Expect dance, drag, circus arts, music, puppeteering, and more, all for free! Let’s uplift each other, create space, and celebrate community beyond the binary.
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Transfemicide Ordinance Community Meetings 7/10 |
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| 📣 The City of Chicago wants to hear from you. Join the Transfemicide Ordinance Community Meetings to share your experiences, uplift trans voices, and help shape a safer, more supportive city for all.
🗓️ Meetings run from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the following locations:
• July 10 – Jackson Park Fieldhouse
• July 30 – Broadway Armory Park
This is a safe space for open dialogue and community-driven solutions. Let’s build a better Chicago together. |
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Pride Community Night 7/17 |
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| Join us for PRIDE Community Night!
We're celebrating LGBTQ+ joy, connection, and community.
LoSAH Center of Hope (3555 W Armitage Ave) on Thursday, July 17 6 to 7:30 PM
Expect food, art, resources, and space to meet and connect with other queer folks. All ages and identities welcome! Free to attend—RSVP appreciated but not required. |
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| 🐾 Thinking about adopting a pet? Now’s the time!
One Tail at a Time is offering 50% off adoption fees at their Bucktown and Everyday Adoption Centers.
This initiative supports families, reduces overcrowding at Chicago Animal Care and Control, and helps build a more compassionate, no-kill Chicago.
📩 your next best friend might be waiting! |
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CEDA Utility Relief Programs |
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Free Entrepreneurial Training - Apply by 7/7 |
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🚀 Small business owners—ready to scale up?
Apply now for Scaling for Success, a free 8-week virtual cohort from the Center for Changing Lives! Get expert training on pricing, federal contracts, insurance, taxes, and more—plus a certificate of completion and a chance to join a pop-up market.
✅ No-cost training for IL entrepreneurs
🗓️ Apply by July 7: www.cclconnect.org/eec
📩 Questions? frontdesk@cclconnect.org | 773-342-6210 |
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Seniors Community Care Program |
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Call for Vendors: Pop Up Market |
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Heat Resilience Policy & Program Community Survey |
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Donate to Meals on Wheels |
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| 🍽️ Hunger Takes No Summer Vacation
Funding cuts are putting Meals on Wheels Chicago at risk—while demand keeps growing. Help us keep the doors open for homebound seniors.
💙 Start a virtual pantry drive or become a monthly Meal Maker today: www.mowc.org/donate
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NEW Illinois Immigration Info Hub |
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Cannabis Expungement Project |
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| New Leaf Cannabis Expungement Project is a network of 17 nonprofits that helps anyone ever charged with a cannabis offense anywhere in Illinois clear eligible cannabis and non-cannabis cases from their record.
Our services are free.
New Leaf is state-funded and was formed after the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act was passed in 2019. |
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Avoid Bird Alert: Protect Yourself & Your Pets |
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| 🐦 H5N1 Bird Flu: What You Need to Know 🦠 Protect yourself and your pets from H5N1 bird flu by avoiding contact with sick or dead birds and their droppings. If handling is necessary, wear protective gear like gloves, goggles, and an N95 mask. 🐾 Keep pets safe! Don’t let dogs or cats interact with wild birds or contaminated areas. If they come into contact, wash them immediately and monitor for symptoms. 🍗 Always cook poultry and eggs thoroughly to kill any potential virus. For more info, visit: Chicago Department of Public Health |
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City of Chicago - Know Your Rights Guide |
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The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) provides this Rights Card to protect you during interactions with law enforcement or immigration officials. 📞 Family Support Hotline:
Call 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693) for assistance in English, Spanish, Korean, or Polish. ✅The right to remain silent. ✅The right to refuse answering questions without legal representation. ✅The right to contact an attorney or organization for help. Print and carry this card to assert your rights and ensure your safety in uncertain situations. For more information, visit www.icirr.org/family-support |
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Intake for People Experiencing Homelessness |
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| 🏠 24/7 Intake Location for People Experiencing Homelessness
For single adults in need of shelter, the Shelter Placement and Resource Center (SPARC) offers:
✅ Open 24/7 with a 200-person capacity
✅ Meals, showers, laundry, and shelter placement services
✅ On-site assistance and 3-1-1 shelter requests available around the clock
📍 Location: 2241 S. Halsted St. (S Halsted St. & W 23rd) |
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Court-Based Rental Assistance Program |
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Chicago Senior Risk Assessment Program |
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| The Chicago Seniors At Risk Assessment Program provides free fire/fall safety assessments for individuals ages 65 or over and those with a disability.
Chicago Fire Department members will assess the home for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as other fire and fall hazards.
Call to schedule an appointment. Phone: (312) 747-6691 |
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Chicago Rents connects landlords with tenants through various housing subsidy programs, offering guaranteed rent, vacancy filling, and personalized support. Created in response to COVID-19, it centralizes property partner relationships and helps Chicagoans in need of housing. For additional information, please visit: allchicago.org/chicagorents. If you are a landlord interested in joining the Chicago Rents program, you can click here to apply. |
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12 District Police Oversight |
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The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) has introduced a new and improved interactive calendar, which you can click here to access. One of the key features of this calendar is the inclusion of the yearly meeting calendar for both the Commission for Public Safety and your Local District Councils. By simply visiting this website, you can find the dates, times, and locations of all scheduled meetings. 14th Police District Council Join elected District Councilors every first Saturday of the month at 1pm to work for better police accountability, restorative justice, and evidence based approaches to public safety. |
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| Chicago Board of Elections is HIRING!
Various full-time positions avilable.
Apply by sending your resume to HR@CHICAGOELECTIONS.GOV
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📣 Join us on June 28 for the Early Learning Careers & Education Pathways Expo at Malcolm X College!
Meet over 50 employers and education partners with job opportunities in teaching, family support, admin, and more.
🗓️ June 28, 2025 | ⏰ 10 AM–2 PM
📍 1900 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago
Limited space—register today!
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| OEMC currently has four job postings on the City’s website ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Salary: $50,424 Annually Job Posting:Jun 12, 2025 | Requisition ID:410015 GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT OF SPECIAL TRAFFIC SERVICES Salary: $94,992 Annually Job Posting:Jun 9, 2025 | Requisition ID:409282 TRAFFIC CONTROL AIDE-HOURLY Salary: $22.04 Job Posting:Mar 19, 2025 | Requisition ID:411598
Apply HERE |
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| Ready for a new career?
GWTP has trained over 2,000 people for good jobs with real career paths. No high school diploma or GED required, and programs are free for eligible applicants.
✔️ Short-term training
✔️ Industry certifications
✔️ Job placement support
✔️ Background friendly
✔️ Transportation and other services included
📲 Call 312-563-9570 to schedule a tour or register online today!
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| Are you a skilled and passionate healthcare professional looking to make a meaningful impact in the community? Humboldt Park Health (HPH) is seeking dedicated Physicians and Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) to join our team.
View open position HERE |
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| Click Here to view and apply for Chicago Department of Public Health jobs |
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If you know someone looking for reproductive justice resources in Chicago, they can go to this Department of Public Health resource page to use the City’s digital community resource directory. There is also a free talkline (1-888-493-0092) where operators are available to share information on various reproductive justice options. |
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| If you need assistance with a city service, let us know! You can submit your request through our website, by giving us a call, or submitting a request directly to 311.chicago.gov. Our team is here to provide the support you need and ensure our community thrives. |
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Share Feedback for a Healthier & Sustainable Community |
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