Month: November 2010

AUSTIN COMING TOGETHER, A NEEDED CONCEPT, AN ORGANIZATION TO FILL THE NEED

Austin Coming Together, ACT is a relatively new organization of organizations. Its mission is to create an intermediary infrastructure of sustainable resources, systems and networks that provide economic and educational opportunities that improve the quality of life within the Austin community.  ACT describes its method of achieving its mission, its Theory of Change, as follows:…

Comprehensive Effort will Keep Young People Safe; Offer Mentoring, Job Opportunities

The Illinois Neighborhood Recovery Initiative is a comprehensive effort to strengthen and revitalize urban communities. It’s goal will be accomplished by: engaging young people; offering job training for adults and small businesses; providing funding for small businesses.  This public-private partnership will reach an estimated 18,000 youth through programs such as: Mentoring Plus-Jobs, which will provide…

FREE HOME WEATHERIZATION

Saturday, Novermber 20, 2010       10AM to 3PM Greater Galilee, 1308  S. Independence Blvd, 773 521-4330 Weatherization work may include attic and wall insulation, furnace and boiler improvement, window and door improvement Assistance may include light and gas bills Renters are welcome to apply with owner’s consent

CANA MAKES 2ND STAND AT POLICE BOARD MEETING

Once again CANA members stood out and up at the Police Board meeting on November 18th. There were 14 members in attendance, a 75% increase in our number. After picking up copies of the minutes of the previous meeting, we took “our” seats on the front two rows directly in front of the panel of…

WINNERS SPORTS BAR MAKES COMMUNITY FEEL A SENSE OF LOSS

On Wednesday evening, at 6:20PM when Ron and I entered the 15th District meeting room, we joined 13 other members of the community already waiting for the start of the scheduled 6:30PM meeting. As we scanned their faces and demeanors, and noted the faint smell of alcohol in the room, we surmised that most if…

BEING OVER 40 IS QUITE WONDERFUL, THE MONTHLY MEETING

Our November meeting was held on Tuesday, November 16th at 6:30PM. Once again more than 41 business owners, renters, building owners, homeowners, youth, seniors, and church members came together to work for change in our community. There were 20 who had come for the first time to meet with us. Our message is reaching and…

FURNACE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM NOW OPEN

EMERGENCY HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM We urge you to take advantage of the heating assistance program and to distribute this important information to others. The Emergency Housing Assistance Program provides low-income families with grants to finance the cost of emergency furnace repairs and replacements. Repairs are made on a first-come, first-served basis.  Applicants for this program…

MONTHLY ALDERMAN MEETING PROVIDES UPDATES ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTS

Alderman Deborah Graham provided a brief summary of the developments and issues she has been working on for the 29th Ward. They included: Special Service Area-a financial tool to bring additional services to the ward Promise Project-a multi-faceted proposal modeled after the Harlem Promise Zone Bars and liquor sales on Madison and Division streets Hub…

HANDLING PROBLEM BUILDINGS in our community

 Several state and local departments came together on October 27th  to inform residents of the services and processes in place to address buildings which are believed to be the source of problems in the community.  Representatives were there to collect address information on problem buildings from residents and to provide their phone numbers for direct…