Southwest Community Coalition

About the SCC

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The Southwest Community Coalition (SCC) is an initiative funded by The Safety Net Works of the State of Illinois. The SCC is comprised of 14 coalition members from the Chicago Lawn and Gage Park area on the southwest side of Chicago. The Safety Net Works is a direct service response initiative that encompasses a preventive and rehabilitative approach to addressing youth violence in Illinois.

The Southwest Community Coalition (SCC) works to coordinate services for the community’s children, youth and their families. Each organization has substantial experience facilitating programs, services, and campaigns together. SCC combines public and community resources to help young people avoid acts of crime and violence to which they are so vulnerable.

Graffiti and Grub

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On June 19th, the SCC Sponsored the opening of Graffiti and Grub. Youth from the southside side community worked, volunteered, and performed at the event, which brought together community members, youth and state representatives to celebrate the opening of this exciting new community-driven project on the Southwest side.

The event included a meal of locally grown foods, an interactive game night, performances by the Stick and Move Bboy Crew, DJing by Zulu Nation, and spoken word and hip hop performances by Amina and other local artists. For more photos from the night, click here.

Youth Address Neighborhood Violence with Website

2009-06-23T00:13:00.000-05:00

Click the Photo below to visit a web design project created by youth of the Southwest Youth Collaborative's Youth Liberation Institute. In a web design workshop, youth were given simple web design tools and decided what kind of web project they wanted to create.

The resulting website, "Violence on the Streets of South Chicago", shares some short histories, stories, and news clips around southside violence, in addition to some video links and a GIS mapping of local shootings.

Community Safe Zone Testimonial

2009-06-23T00:06:00.001-05:00

On February 19th, over sixty concerned community members gathered to discuss plans for this year's Community Safe Zone, a collaborative effort to address the continuous rise of violence that affects the lives of youth and their families on Chicago's Southwest Side. After initial addresses by organizers from the Inner-City Muslim Action Network and Southwest Organizing Project, attendees broke out into smaller groups to discuss three of the issues that plague our communities: public safety, unemployment and housing. The evening ended with a prayer, and a pledge to bring others to similar meetings in the future.

Graffiti and Grub

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Playing the Dozens... Not So Funny?

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In an audio documentary piece entitled "The Art of Signifying", 16-year old Nonso from Gage Park High School interviews residentss about the game of "Dozens," noting how the game has changed from the harmless banter of past generations to something more sensitive. His piece, created as part of the Youth Radio project at the Southwest Youth Collaborative, brings added context to today's version of the game.

Click the photo below to tune in:

Photo: Nonso airing and discussing his piece on air at Chicago Public Radio's Vocalo.org studio.

Stop the Violence Against Women: Youth-made film

2009-06-22T23:34:00.012-05:00

Enjoy this 11-minute video made by young women from the Southwest Side who wanted to share stories and address issues of violence against women.

Stop the Violence Against Women from Southwest Youth Collaborative on Vimeo.

Upcoming Events by Coalition Members

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Youth Programs & Resources

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Arab American Action Network (AAAN)

773-436-6060

3148 W. 63rd St.

Chicago, IL 60629

www.aaan.org

Services Provided:

After School Matters (ASM): tutoring program for selected youth involving creative writing, poetry, hip-hop, and spoken word events. Nine-hour commitment per week.

AYWA: Alliance of Young Women Activists: safe space for women, political education on topics like sexism & patriarchy; social activities.

Contact: Gihad 773-444-9774; 773-436-6060 x105

Elementary after school program

Contact: Halima Bahri 773-436-6060 ext 107

High School after school program

Contact: Gihad 773-444-9774

Summer Camp: Registration in April

Youth Organizing/Leadership Development

Contact: Gihad 773-444-9774

Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN)
773-434-4626
2744 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.imancentral.org
info@imancentral.org

Services Provided:

After School Matters (ASM): tutoring program for selected youth. Starts in February and August and runs for 6 months at a time.

Kids and Docs: Film making workshop; 6 months long; once a week on Saturdays.

Contact: Jeremiah and Shawn

Leaders of the New School: Youth work with established artists learning to be activists through art; selection process at different points in the year.

Contact: Asad

Pillars of IMAN: Young men’s leadership development program

Rep Your Hood: 40 state-funded jobs during summer, job fair, planned Safe Zone Block Party Day in summer

Rights of Passage Program: 6-month youth leadership development program; 10 youth participate two times a week.

Contact: Shamar

Latino Organization of the Southwest (LOS)
773-925-0397
6507 S. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60629
chicagolos.blogspot.com

Services Provided:

Gang Prevention: Workshops at local schools for parents, faculty, youth, and police department.

Contact: Luis Mendoza 773-719-9376

GED Classes in Spanish

Contact: Carlos Heredia

Los Y Los Project: group for youth to develop leadership skills, knowledge about the community; connects kids to alternative schools; opportunities for service learning hours; peer advisory board at police department. Ages 12 to 18. Meetings held every two weeks.

Contact: Luis Mendoza 773-719-9376

Metropolitan Family Services - Midway (MFS)
773-884-3310
3843 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.metrofamily.org

Services Provided:

Counseling Services for children, families, adults and seniors: addresses special needs, situational and behavioral problems. Excludes psychiatric services, but referrals are made to their SE location. Cost: Sliding scale based on income, charges for no-show appointments. Appointments scheduled on weekdays.

Free Family Violence Intervention Program: outreach, education, counseling, safety planning, case management, legal assistance for survivors of partner abuse and their children.

Mentors of Mothers (MOMs): services for pregnant and parenting teens in CPS; group sessions for healthy parenting.

Locations: 3843 W. 63rd St Chicago, IL 60629

Some high schools in Chicago Lawn and West Englewood

School-based Services: classroom workshops for school-aged children and their families enrolled in neighborhood schools. Involves skill-building in conflict resolution, violence prevention, and communication. Individual and group counseling.

Location: Certain schools in the community

Southside Teens About Respect (STAR): classroom workshops for adolescents in local schools for healthy relationships and dating violence prevention as well as peer leadership and activism.

Youth Center: after-school and summer youth development programs with tutoring, sports, drama, and peer mediation, for ages 6-17. Programs typically run from September to May, so check in May for openings.

Contact: Liz Amarillo (Intake Coordinator) 773-884-3310

National Block Club University (NBCU)
1-800-861-6541
6610 S. Albany Ave.
Chicago, IL 60629
www.nationalblockclubuniversity.com

Services Provided: Combating crime and facilitating violence prevention by helping people sow seeds back into their communities. Create "Villages" of 10-20 blocks where youth build relationships with neighbors. Resources provided by local organizations. $5 monthly membership--can sell raffle tickets to compensate for monthly fee; $1 per month commitment is asked from residents of villages.

Community meetings: all communities come together to debrief about previous weekend trips and village work on the fourth weekend of every month.

Essay Contest: 3-sentence essay contest with $100 prize for youth members of NBCU.

Pennies to Africa: Youth-led fundraiser for partnering African countries.

Work, Recreation, Training (WRT): Monthly trips when youth travel to cities to help set up villages by going door to door, contributing to communities through community service activities, life-skills training, having fun together through recreational activities, and learning how to do grassroots organizing in communities. Out of town overnight trips: ages 14-21 and local city trips: ages 5-13 every third weekend of the month.

20 Career Clubs: for youth interested in particular careers; business people from various careers mentor and provide more first-hand information about their work.

Contact: Jamika & Syron Smith 1-800-861-6541

Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP)
773-471-8208
2609 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.swopchicago.org

Services Provided:

The VOYCE Project: Program at Gage Park High School for these students to decrease drop-out rates and increase effectiveness of CPS in 12 high schools through leadership development and youth organizing.

Contact: Elisha Hall ext 773-471-8208

Grow Your Own Teachers (GYO): Initiative to bring in more community-based teachers to neighborhood schools.

Contact: Imelda Salazar 773-471-8208

Mentoring Program: at Fairfield and Marquette schools for boys.

Contact: Joshua Salters 773-471-8208

Parents as Mentors: SWOP refers parents to elementary schools to provide mentoring and tutoring

Contact: Stephanie Garza 773-471-8208

Southwest Youth Collaborative
773-476-3534
6400 S. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60629
www.swyc.org
info@swyc.org

Services Provided:

21^st Century Learning Center at Gage Park High School, 5630 S. Rockwell St.: Program for Gage Park High School students to enhance academics and develop college readiness.

Contact: Duan Rounds 773-738-4129

Computer Lab: Computers available for use on weekday afternoons.

Contact: David

Education Rights Campaign

Contact: Laura Ramirez 773-476-3534 ext 227

Education Talent Search (ETS): AVID tutoring program at Hubbard High School, tutoring services and career planning at Marquette Park Elementary School. After school programming at Peck Elementary School: mural arts, drama, and dance classes.

Contact: Camille Williamson 773-476-3534 ext 242

GED Classes

Contact: James Hollins 773-476-3534 ext 237

Generation Y: Youth organizing for human rights campaigns.

Contact: Eliza

Graffiti & Mural Arts

Contact: Trinidad

Greater Lawn: After-school program at Chicago Lawn Methodist Church on St. Louis St. and 63^rd Place. Tutoring, life skills, and multi-cultural recreational activities provided. Students from 1^st grade to 8^th grade are eligible. Enrollment is based on a first-come basis. Summer programming offered as well.

Contact: Sandra Sosa 773-434-2001

Media Masala: Media arts program youth learning digital recording, filming, and video editing.

Contact: David

Southwest Athletic Club (SWAC): soccer, basketball, coaching club and martial arts for

ages 7-19.

Contact: Regi 708-702-4722

Specialized Services: Case management for youth wanting assistance in goal setting and support and accountability in goal achievement.

Contact: Camille W.

Tutoring

Contact: James Hollins 773-476-3534 ext 237

University of Hip Hop: breakdance, hip hop dance, mural arts and music

Contact: Trinidad

Workforce Development: Job readiness training, including resume development, job placement and job hunting skills.

Ages: 15-24

Times and Duration: Varies—talk to Maggie; Job Readiness Training 4PM on Tuesdays

Contact: Maggie Bonjean 773-476-3534 ext 261

West Communities YMCA
773-434-0300
6235 S. Homan Ave. Chicago, IL 60629
www.westcommunitesymca.org

Services Provided: Membership for fitness center with swimming pool as well as access to other YMCA locations. Monthly rates: Single adult - $35, Family - $50, Youth (18 and under) - $15, Seniors - $33. Membership based on income so households earning less that $55,000 per year qualify for a 35-95% discount.

Aerobics: (ages 16 and up) free with membership, $25 for 6 week session for program members. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9-10am and Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:15-6:15pm.

After school Program: Homework assistance, arts and crafts, swimming, soccer, occasional field trips; ages 5 to 12; children selected through Action For Children (child care subsidy program); Monday to Friday 2:30 - 6pm on school days; non school days 9 to 6; subsidy and private pay.

Contact: Rose Lane-Brown or Jose Jimon

CPR, First Aid, AED, and Life Guarding Certification: schedule set as participants sign up; classes run for 8 weeks with practicum/demonstration and written exam for life guarding;

$35 for CPR; $95 for all certification; $125 for lifeguards.

Family Fit Program: workout program for children and their families involving fun activities with health, wellness and nutrition education; Mondays and Fridays 5:30-6:30, 6 week sessions; free for members, $25 for non members.

Contact: Rose Lane-Brown, Executive Director

Kickboxing: Ages 16 and up; 7-8am and 6 to 7pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Swim Club: for Junior guards (betas) leads to certification for life guarding. Available for ages 10 to 18, weekdays from 5:30-6:45pm.

Contact: Kevin Cameron

Swimming lessons: starting at 6 months of age; discounted for members: $25 for 8-week session; $45 for non members; lessons are usually from 5:30-6:30pm.

Swim Team: recreational team that preps for competitions. Membership-based for ages 8-13, weekdays from 5:30-6:45.

Yoga: Ages 16 and up, twice a week; $15 for members and $30 for non-members for a 6-week session.

Utilities Assistance

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Latino Organization of the Southwest (LOS)
773-925-0397
6507 S. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60629
chicagolos.blogspot.com

Services Provided:

CEDA: assistance with electric, gas bills in winter

Power-up Program: Assistance during the summer to restore electric services. Requirements: head of house needs to bring W-2 forms, paystubs, and SS cards for all house members.

SANAD - Social Service Assisting Neighborhood Arab American Development
773-436-7989
3301 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629

Services Provided: CEDA: assistance with heat and gas bills in winter; homemaker program for seniors; assistance with weatherization of homes.

Teen Parents

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Metropolitan Family Services - Midway (MFS)
773-884-3310
3843 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.metrofamily.org

Services Provided:

Children's Centers: half-day Head Start for children ages 3-5 yrs., full-day child care and childhood education for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years in Chicago Lawn and West Englewood. Workshops, classes, and family events for parents. Programs operate during weekdays and costs are determined through income-based sliding scale.

Locations: Midway Head Start: 6422 S. Kedzie, Chicago, IL 60629

Midway Children's Center: 3215 W. 63rd Chicago, IL 60629

Healthy Families: home visit program for first-time pregnant women to teach child development and baby health care and enhance parenting skills.

Mentors of Mothers (MOMs): services for pregnant and parenting teens in CPS; group sessions for healthy parenting.

Locations: 3843 W. 63rd St Chicago, IL 60629

Some high schools in Chicago Lawn and West Englewood

Parents Plus: drop-in parenting programs for parents with children ages 0-3 involving parent-child play activities, field trips, parent education, skill building, resources and literacy for parents. Program days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:30am to 11:30am; Starts in September and ends in May so check in May for openings.

Support Groups

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Latino Organization of the Southwest (LOS)
773-925-0397
6507 S. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60629
chicagolos.blogspot.com

Services Provided: Free women’s support groups for Spanish speakers who are victims of domestic violence.

Contact: Adriana 773-540-4033

Metropolitan Family Services - Midway (MFS)
773-884-3310
3843 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.metrofamily.org

Services Provided:

Mentors of Mothers (MOMs): services for pregnant and parenting teens in CPS; group sessions for healthy parenting.

Locations: 3843 W. 63rd St Chicago, IL 60629

Social Services

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Arab American Action Network (AAAN)

773-436-6060

3148 W. 63rd St.

Chicago, IL 60629

www.aaan.org

Services Provided: Assistance with public aid programs Monday – Friday 10-4

Contact: Samira Ahma ext 104

Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN)
773-434-4626
2744 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.imancentral.org
info@imancentral.org

Services Provided: Project Restore: advocacy and organizing group aimed at supporting newly released incarcerated youth.

Latino Organization of the Southwest (LOS)
773-925-0397
6507 S. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60629
chicagolos.blogspot.com

Services Provided: Assistance with DHS programs such as food stamps--Link Card, medical cards (Medicaid)

Contact: Rosie

Parenting Support

2009-06-18T03:11:00.008-05:00

Metropolitan Family Services - Midway (MFS)
773-884-3310
3843 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.metrofamily.org

Adoption Preservation: home-based interventions, counseling, crisis intervention, and 24-hour on-call assistance for families with adult guardians; weekdays by appointment; sliding scale based on income.

Children's Centers: half-day Head Start for children ages 3-5 yrs, full-day child care and childhood education for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years in Chicago Lawn and West Englewood. Workshops, classes, and family events for parents. Programs operate during weekdays and costs are determined through income-based sliding scale.

Locations: Midway Head Start: 6422 S. Kedzie, Chicago, IL 60629

Midway Children's Center: 3215 W. 63rd Chicago, IL 60629

Healthy Families: home visit program for first-time pregnant women to teach child development and baby health care and enhance parenting skills.

Mentors of Mothers (MOMs): services for pregnant and parenting teens in CPS; group sessions for healthy parenting.

Locations: 3843 W. 63rd St Chicago, IL 60629

Some high schools in Chicago Lawn and West Englewood

Senior Caregivers: supportive services for families and caregivers ages 60 and over who are raising children including assessment, referrals, educational groups, and some counseling.

Mental Health

2009-06-18T03:11:00.007-05:00

Metropolitan Family Services - Midway (MFS)
773-884-3310
3843 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.metrofamily.org

Services Provided: Counseling Services for children, families, adults and seniors: addresses special needs, situational and behavioral problems. Excludes psychiatric services, but referrals are made to their SE location. Cost: Sliding scale based on income, charges for no-show appointments. Appointments scheduled on weekdays.

Legal Assistance

2009-06-18T03:11:00.006-05:00

First Defense Legal Aid (FDLA)
1-800-LAW-REP-4 (1-800-529-7374)
6400 S. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60629
www.first-defense.org

Services Provided: Immediate and free legal help to anyone arrested or detained by the Chicago Police Department. When necessary, FDLA volunteer attorneys will go down to the police station, interview the arrestee, inform him/her of basic constitutional rights and police procedures, give information about bond and serve as a link between the arrestee and his/her family and friends. FDLA’s services cover the initial and most critical stage of police detention, immediately after arrest.

Free emergency hotline for people in Chicago Police Department custody and their families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Streetlaw: educational program to teach at risk youth and adults their rights when dealing with police, including instructions on what to do and say when one is stopped, arrested or questioned by the police. Occurs 2-3 times per month, scheduled on an as-requested basis.

Contact: John Hayes: (773) 434-4162, fdlegalaid@gmail.com

Metropolitan Family Services - Midway (MFS)
773-884-3310
3843 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.metrofamily.org

Services Provided: Legal Aid: legal assistance and community education for domestic violence, family and elder law, housing and consumer issues for low-income individuals including collections, loans, evictions, and tenant/landlord disputes.

Locations: 3843 W. 63rd St Chicago, IL 60629

One N. Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60602

Immigration & Citizenship Assistance

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Arab American Action Network (AAAN)

773-436-6060

3148 W. 63rd St.

Chicago, IL 60629

www.aaan.org

Services Provided: Assistance with immigration forms Monday and Wednesday 10-2. Immigrant rights advocacy and organizing: collaborate with ICIRR, CAAAELTI--immigrant coalitions.

Contact: Muna Hammad ext 109

Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN)
773-434-4626
2744 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.imancentral.org
info@imancentral.org

Services Provided: Immigration Rights Committee: advocacy for protection and rights of immigrants.

Latino Organization of the Southwest (LOS)
773-925-0397
6507 S. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60629
chicagolos.blogspot.com

Services Provided: Citizenship classes 6-8PM every Tuesday evening.

Contact: Alejandra Cabrera

Assistance with immigration forms

Contact: Rosie

Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP)
773-471-8208
2609 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.swopchicago.org

Services Provided: Citizenship program.

Contact: Maureen Fitzpatrick

Housing

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Greater Southwest Development Corporation
773-436-1000

2601 West 63rd Street
Chicago, IL 60629

greatersouthwest.org

Services Provided: Housing and financial counseling.

Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN)
773-434-4626
2744 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.imancentral.org
info@imancentral.org

Services Provided: Transitional housing facility

Latino Organization of the Southwest (LOS)
773-925-0397
6507 S. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60629
chicagolos.blogspot.com

Services Provided: CEDA: assistance with electric, gas bills in winter

Power-up Program: assistance during the summer in restoring electric services.

Requirements: head of house needs to bring W-2 forms, paystubs, and social security cards for all household members.

Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, Inc. (NHS)

773-329-4185 (English)

773-329-4181 (Español)

1279 N. Milwaukee Ave., 5^th floor

Chicago, IL 60642

nhschicago.org

Services Provided: Foreclosure prevention, refinancing; foreclosure workshops offered Mondays 6-8pm in South Chicago.

SANAD - Social Service Assisting Neighborhood Arab American Development
773-436-7989
3301 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629

Services Provided: CEDA: assistance with heat and gas bills in winter; homemaker program for seniors; assistance with weatherization of homes.

Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP)
773-471-8208
2609 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.swopchicago.org

Services Provided: Partnering with neighborhood housing and religious institutions to target and prevent foreclosures.

Contact: Maggie Peralas

Health & Medical Services

2009-06-18T03:09:00.007-05:00

Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN)
773-434-4626
2744 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.imancentral.org
info@imancentral.org

Services Provided: Free Health Clinic for all ages: Non-emergency primary healthcare services including physicals, immunizations, and diabetes screenings. Open on Sundays: 10:00AM- 2:00PM; Thursdays: 1:00PM-4:00PM.

Health Chicago Lawn (HCL)
773-884-4925
2701 W. 69th St. Chicago, IL 60629

Services Provided: Member organizations participate in monthly workgroups and bi-monthly coalition meetings for topics of awareness and access to comprehensive health and social services, healthy lifestyle and wellness, and healthy behaviors and safety.

Contact: Ilana Gotz Bodini or Ted Lally 773-884-4931

Latino Organization of the Southwest (LOS)
773-925-0397
6507 S. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60629
chicagolos.blogspot.com

Services Provided: Prostate and cervical cancer education.

Contact: Hector & Wanda

Metropolitan Family Services - Midway (MFS)
773-884-3310
3843 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.metrofamily.org

Services Provided: Healthy Families: home visit program for first-time pregnant women to teach child development and baby health care and enhance parenting skills.

West Communities YMCA
773-434-0300
6235 S. Homan Ave. Chicago, IL 60629
www.westcommunitesymca.org

Services Provided: Family Fit Program: a workout program for children and families involving fun activities with health, wellness and nutrition education. Mondays and Fridays 5:30-6:30, 6 week sessions.

Cost: free for members, $25 for non-members

Contact: Rose Lane

HeadStart

2009-06-18T03:09:00.004-05:00

Metropolitan Family Services - Midway (MFS)
773-884-3310
3843 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.metrofamily.org

Services Provided:

Children's Centers: half-day Head Start for children ages 3-5 yrs. And full-day child care and childhood education for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years in Chicago Lawn and West Englewood. Workshops, classes, and family events for parents. Programs operate during weekdays, and costs are determined through income-based sliding scale.

Locations: Midway Head Start: 6422 S. Kedzie, Chicago, IL 60629

Midway Children's Center: 3215 W. 63rd Chicago, IL 60629

GED Classes

2009-06-18T03:08:00.011-05:00

Daley College

773-838-7800

7500 S. Pulaski Rd.

Chicago, IL 60652

Services Provided: Free GED classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in the morning and evening. Need to bring I.D. and proof of address.

Kennedy King College

773-602-5340

6301 S. Halsted St.

Chicago, IL 60621

kennedyking.ccc.edu

Services Provided: Free GED classes; students choose how frequently they attend from 2 to 4 days a week.

Latino Organization of the Southwest (LOS)
773-925-0397
6507 S. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60629
chicagolos.blogspot.com

Services Provided: GED Classes in Spanish

Contact: Carlos Heredia

Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP)
773-471-8208
2609 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.swopchicago.org

Services Provided: GED Classes at Maria High School for young adults and adults. Classes in English: Monday-Thursday 6-9pm, Classes in Spanish: Monday-Thursday in mornings.

Contact: Sarah Mesick: 773-471-8208

Southwest Youth Collaborative
773-476-3534
6400 S. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60629
www.swyc.org
info@swyc.org

Services Provided: GED classes; sessions start in September.

Contact: James Hollins 773-476-3534 ext 237

Food Assistance

2009-06-18T03:08:00.009-05:00

Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN)
773-434-4626
2744 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.imancentral.org
info@imancentral.org

Services Provided: Food pantry on Sundays provided for supplemental food supply. Appointment and drop-off services available.

International Human Relations Council (IHRC)
773-436-7989
3302 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629

Services Provided: Fight The Hunger Day for all ages. Event held once a year.

Contact Fatema: 773-436-7989

SANAD - Social Service Assisting Neighborhood Arab American Development
773-436-7989
3301 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629

Services Provided: Food Pantry first and third Friday of each month, opens at 9am (people usually line up an hour earlier).

St. Rita's Church
773-434-9600
6243 S. Fairfield Ave. Chicago, IL 60629

Services Provided: Food Pantry (call for time and day)

Fitness

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Southwest Youth Collaborative
773-476-3534
6400 S. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60629
www.swyc.org
info@swyc.org

Services Provided: Southwest Athletic Club (SWAC): soccer, basketball, coaching club, and martial arts for ages 7-19.

Contact: Regi 708-702-4722

West Communities YMCA
773-434-0300
6235 S. Homan Ave. Chicago, IL 60629
www.westcommunitesymca.org

Services Provided: Membership for fitness center with swimming pool, as well as access to other YMCA locations. Monthly rates: Single adult - $35, Family - $50, Youth (18 and under) - $15, Seniors - $33. Membership based on income, so households earning less that $55,000 per year qualify for a 35-95% discount.

Aerobics: (ages 16 and up) free with membership, $25 for 6 week session for program members. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9-10am and Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:15-6:15pm.

Commit to be fit Program: Free program for members only: introduction to all fitness equipment, 12 week program involving 4 individual appointments with fit coach and 8 weeks of working on goals. Appointments on Mondays and Fridays. Ages 12 and up.

Contact: Rose Lane

CPR, First Aid, AED, and Life Guarding Certification: schedule set as participants sign up; classes run for 8 weeks with practicum/demonstration and written exam for life guarding;

$35 for CPR; $95 for all certification; $125 for lifeguards.

Contact: Rose Lane

Kickboxing: Ages 16 and up; 7-8am and 6 to 7pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Swim Club: for Junior guards (betas) leads to certification for life guarding. Available for ages 10 to 18, weekdays from 5:30-6:45pm.

Contact: Kevin Cameron

Swimming lessons: starting at 6 months of age; discounted for members: $25 for 8-week session; $45 for non members; lessons are usually from 5:30-6:30pm.

Swim Team: recreational team that preps for competitions. Membership-based for ages 8-13, weekdays from 5:30-6:45.

Contact: Jose Jimon

Water fitness classes: free with membership, $25 for 6 weeks for non-members.

Yoga: Ages 16 and up, twice a week; $15 for members and $30 for non-members for a 6-week session.

Family Services & Support

2009-06-18T03:07:00.003-05:00

Metropolitan Family Services - Midway (MFS)
773-884-3310
3843 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.metrofamily.org

Services Provided: All services at 3843 W. 63^rd location unless otherwise specified. Primary contact for all services is Liz Amarillo, the intake coordinator.

Children's Centers: half-day Head Start for children ages 3-5 yrs. And full-day child care and childhood education for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years in Chicago Lawn and West Englewood. Workshops, classes, and family events for parents. Programs operate during weekdays and costs are determined through income-based sliding scale.

Locations: Midway Head Start: 6422 S. Kedzie, Chicago, IL 60629

Midway Children's Center: 3215 W. 63rd Chicago, IL 60629

Counseling Services for children, families, adults and seniors: addresses special needs, situational and behavioral problems. Excludes psychiatric services but referrals are made to their SE location. Cost: Sliding scale based on income, charges for no-show appointments. Appointments scheduled on weekdays. Comma after services, write out SE

Elder Abuse Investigation: investigates reports of abuse for seniors 60 yrs. and older; when reports are substantiated, immediate protective services are provided; risk reduction planning; legal services; elder abuse hotline.

Healthy Families: home visit program for first-time pregnant women to teach child development and baby health care and enhance parenting skills.

Legal Aid: legal assistance and community education for domestic violence, family and elder law, housing and consumer issues for low-income individuals including collections, loans, evictions, and tenant/landlord disputes.

Locations: 3843 W. 63rd St Chicago, IL 60629

One N. Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60602

Mentors of Mothers (MOMs): services for pregnant and parenting teens in Chicago Public School; group sessions for healthy parenting.

Locations: 3843 W. 63rd St Chicago, IL 60629

Some high schools in Chicago Lawn and West Englewood.

Senior Caregivers: supportive services for families and caregivers ages 60 and over whom are raising children including assessment, referrals, educational groups, and some counseling.

Parents Plus: drop-in parenting programs for parents with children ages 0-3 involving parent-child play activities, field trips, parent education, skill building, resources and literacy, for parents. Program days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:30am to 11:30am; Starts in September and ends in May, so check in May for openings.

Location: Certain schools in the community

Employment Services

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Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN)
773-434-4626
2744 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.imancentral.org
info@imancentral.org

Services Provided: IMAN Career Development Initiative (ICDI):GED and basic computer literacy training, job hunting skills, career development; taught in English and Spanish.

Ages: 18 and up

Times and Duration: evening, weekend, and daytime classes with a 5-week curriculum.

Contact: Veronica Zapata

Free Access to Computers
Mondays & Wednesdays 1:30-4:30pm
Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:30-12:30pm

One-On-One Resume Assistance
Mondays & Wednesdays 2:00- 4:00pm
Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:00-5:00pm

ICDI Computer Fundamentals
Mondays – Thursdays / 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Saturdays / 10:00 am -1:00 pm
Saturdays / 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm (Spanish)

Southwest Youth Collaborative
773-476-3534
6400 S. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60629
www.swyc.org
info@swyc.org

Services Provided: Workforce Development: Job readiness training, including resume development, job placement and job hunting skills.

Ages: 15-24

Times and Duration: Varies—talk to Maggie; Job Readiness Training 4PM on Tuesdays

Contact: Maggie Bonjean 773-476-3534 ext 261

English as s Second Language (ESL) Programs

2009-06-18T03:06:00.005-05:00

Arab American Action Network (AAAN)

773-436-6060

3148 W. 63rd St.

Chicago, IL 60629

www.aaan.org

Services Provided: Free ESL Program: civic engagement, adult education in southwest suburbs location.

Ages: Adults

Latino Organization of the Southwest (LOS)
773-925-0397
6507 S. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60629
chicagolos.blogspot.com

Services Provided: Free ESL Classes in mornings 9-11AM; Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Evening 6-8:30; Monday, Wednesday, Friday.

Ages: Adults

Contact: Carlos Heredia

Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP)
773-471-8208
2609 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.swopchicago.org

Services Provided: Free ESL program in Maria High School and Daley College.

Contact: Maureen Fitzpatrick 773-471-8208

Education Support: After School Programs & Tutoring

2009-06-18T03:05:00.006-05:00

Arab American Action Network (AAAN)

773-436-6060

3148 W. 63rd St.

Chicago, IL 60629

www.aaan.org

Services Provided:

After School Matters (ASM): tutoring program for selected youth involving creative writing, poetry, hip-hop, and spoken word events.

High School after school program

Contact: Gihad Ali 773-444-9774

Elementary after school program

Contact: Halima Bahri 773-436-6060 ext 107

Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN)
773-434-4626
2744 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.imancentral.org
info@imancentral.org

Services Provided:

After School Matters (ASM): tutoring program for selected youth. Starts in February and August and runs for 6 months at a time.

Metropolitan Family Services - Midway (MFS)
773-884-3310
3843 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.metrofamily.org

Services Provided:

Contact: Liz Amarillo (Intake Coordinator) 773-884-3310

Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP)
773-471-8208
2609 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.swopchicago.org

Services Provided:

The VOYCE Project: Program at Gage Park High School for these students to decrease drop-out rates and increase effectiveness of Chicago Public School in 12 high schools through leadership development and youth organizing.

Contact: Elisha Hall ext 773-471-8208

Grow Your Own Teachers (GYO): Initiative to bring in more community-based teachers to neighborhood schools.

Contact: Imelda Salazar 773-471-8208

Parents as Mentors: SWOP refers parents to elementary schools to provide mentoring and tutoring

Contact: Stephanie Garza 773-471-8208

Southwest Youth Collaborative
773-476-3534
6400 S. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60629
www.swyc.org
info@swyc.org

Services Provided:

21^st Century Learning Center at Gage Park High School, 5630 S. Rockwell St.: Program for Gage Park High School students to enhance academics and develop college readiness.

Contact: Duan Rounds 773-738-4129

Education Rights Campaign

Contact: Laura Ramirez 773-476-3534 ext 227

Education Talent Search (ETS): Programming at Hubbard High School and Peck, Marquette and Eberhart elementary schools providing academic assistance, career exploration, and financial counseling for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who want to pursue post secondary education opportunities. Assistance also provided to individuals who have been academically dismissed and want to reenter the educational system at a high school or by attending an institution of higher education.

Contact: Camille Williamson 773-476-3534 ext 242

Greater Lawn: After-school program at Chicago Lawn Methodist Church on St. Louis St. and 63^rd Place. Tutoring, life skills, and multi-cultural recreational activities provided. Students from 1^st grade to 8th grade are eligible. Enrollment is based on a first-come basis. Summer programming offered as well.

Contact: Sandra Sosa 773-434-2001

Tutoring

Contact: James Hollins 773-476-3534 ext 237

West Communities YMCA
773-434-0300
6235 S. Homan Ave. Chicago, IL 60629
www.westcommunitesymca.org

Services Provided: After School Program: Homework assistance, arts and crafts, swimming, soccer, occasional field trips; ages 5 to 12; children selected through Action For Children (child care subsidy program); Monday to Friday 2:30 - 6pm on school days; non school days 9 to 6.

Contact: Rose Lan or Jose Jimon

Domestic Violence Support

2009-06-18T03:04:00.009-05:00

Arab American Action Network (AAAN)

773-436-6060

3148 W. 63rd St.

Chicago, IL 60629

www.aaan.org

Services Provided: Free support for victims of domestic violence.

Latino Organization of the Southwest (LOS)
773-925-0397
6507 S. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60629
chicagolos.blogspot.com

Services Provided: Free women’s support groups for Spanish speakers who are victims of domestic violence.

Conctact: Adriana - 773-540-4033

Metropolitan Family Services - Midway (MFS)
773-884-3310
3843 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.metrofamily.org

Services Provided:

Free Family Violence Intervention Program: outreach, education, counseling, safety planning, case management, legal assistance for survivors of partner abuse and their children.

Southside Teens About Respect (STAR): classroom workshops for adolescents in local schools for healthy relationships and dating violence prevention, as well as peer leadership and activism.

Contact: Liz Amarillo – Intake Coordinator

SCC Brochures in English and Spanish

2009-06-18T02:28:00.014-05:00

Click the images below to download the SCC Youth Services Brochure. You may have to right click on them and choose "save as" to download the file.

C Click here for English version

Click here for Spanish version

Contact Us

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For More Information:

For SCC inquiries, contact Project Coordinator Harish I Patel at:

harishi@swyc.org or 773.476.3534

If you have question about any Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) program, call or visit your FCRC. We will answer your questions. If you do not know where your FCRC is or if you are unable to go there, you may call the automated helpline 24 hours a day at:

1-800-843-6154
1-800-447-6494 (TTY)

Speak to a representative between:

8:00am - 5:30pm
Monday - Friday (except state holidays)

For answers to your questions, you may also write:

Illinois Department of Human Services
Bureau of Customer and Provider Assistance
100 South Grant Avenue East
Springfield, IL 62762

Visit the DHS Website at:
www.dhs.state.il.us

The Safety Net Works Initiative

2009-06-18T01:54:00.013-05:00

The Safety Net Works is an initiative designed to stop the the tragic and unacceptable loss of life of too many young people in Illinois, and instead, instill hope for the future. The initiative combines and coordinates public and community resources through community coalitions to help young people avoid acts of crime and violence to which they are so vulnerable.

Each Southwest Community Coalition (SCC) member provides specific services and activities that fall into their areas of expertise and experience. These participating organizations have substantial experience coordinating programs, services, and campaigns together, many sharing both organizational and individual members as well as common concerns about the productive development of youth and ending violence in the community.

Click here to visit the Safety Net Works official website.

Coalition Members

2009-06-18T01:52:00.017-05:00

Arab American Action Network (AAAN)

773-436-6060

3148 W. 63rd St.

Chicago, IL 60629

www.aaan.org

First Defense Legal Aid (FDLA)
1-800-LAW-REP-4 (1-800-529-7374)
6400 S. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60629
www.first-defense.org

Gage Park High School
1-773-535-9230
5630 S. Rockwell St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.gageparkhs.org

Health Chicago Lawn (HCL)
773-884-4925
2701 W. 69th St. Chicago, IL 60629

Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN)
773-434-4626
2744 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.imancentral.org
info@imancentral.org

International Human Relations Council (IHRC)
773-436-7989
3302 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629

Latino Organization of the Southwest (LOS)
773-925-0397
6507 S. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60629
chicagolos.blogspot.com

Metropolitan Family Services - Midway (MFS)
773-884-3310
3843 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.metrofamily.org

National Block Club University (NBCU)
1-800-861-6541
6610 S. Albany Ave.
Chicago, IL 60629
www.nationalblockclubuniversity.com

SANAD - Social Service Assisting Neighborhood Arab American Development
773-436-7989
3301 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629

St. Rita's Church
773-434-9600
6243 S. Fairfield Ave. Chicago, IL 60629

Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP)
773-471-8208
2609 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
www.swopchicago.org

Southwest Youth Collaborative
773-476-3534
6400 S. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60629
www.swyc.org
info@swyc.org

West Communities YMCA
773-434-0300
6235 S. Homan Ave. Chicago, IL 60629

www.westcommunitesymca.org

View Southwest Community Coalition in a larger map

Directory of Youth & Family Services Now Available!

2009-06-18T01:25:00.010-05:00

The SCC Directory of Services is designed to facilitate coordination of referrals between SCC member organizations to enhance services for community members. This directory was comprised by interviews of service-providers across the southwest side of Chicago.

Click the Image Below to download the .pdf file of the SCC Directory. Depending on your browser, you may have to instead right-click the image and choose "download file" or ''save as''.