News from HPKCC's Co-laborers in the Community

Descriptions, News and Announcements from our co-laborers in the Community

A service of Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference and our website www.hydepark.org. Don't forget to join the Conference and support our programs too! Feed us material to strengthen this page.

Visit our comprehensive directories: Community Resources and Non Profit Organizations of Hyde Park-Kenwood (includes a section, Nonprofit- and Community-building Resources), Helpers for Nonprofits. Nonprofits and media. Find more directories and resources in Calendars and Directories home. See also Good Neighbors and volunteer-generosity opportunities and our Help Line page.

Nonprofits: Is your entry outdated or have mistakes? Tell us at hpkcc@aol.com.
Navigator to the partner programs here.

For more on Little Black Pearl Art and Design Center, Hyde Park Art Center see our Arts News page.
Friends of Blackstone Library, Harper Court Arts Council, Hyde Park Alliance for Arts and Culture, Hyde Park Neighborhood Club programs and Southside Preservation Action Fund have their own pages.
Hyde Park Alliance for Arts and Culture, Hyde Park Jazz Society see also their websites and comments in our Arts News and Arts Directory.
Coalition for Equitable Community Development: See its website. Our track and additional info are in a separate page.

Meetings and fundraisers
Navigator to partner programs.

HPKCC helps program at Neighborhood Club, which is launching updates and fund drive

 

Meetings and fundraisers

Music teachers aid food programs- Herald, June 2, 2010

A local food program that continue to report a record surge in need is being lent a hand by some local artists this week. The Hyde Park and Kenwood Interfaith Food Programs are reporting a doubling of users of it food panty and an increase in visitors to its soup kitchen's four meals per week. More than 800 people visit its Saturday food pantry at Hyde Park Union Church, 5600 S. Woodlawn Ave., each month, according to Rev. Susan Johnson, head of th church. More than 200 people are visiting the soup kitchen, she said. '

"This is obviously very important right now," said Elaine Smith, a music instructor who is the founder and a past president of the Music Teachers of Hyde Park, a group that will raise money for the programs through a "Performathon" this weekend. Current music teachers President Andrea Holliday agreed. "We sense the pressure on the hunger project mounting since the recession began," Holiday said. "Things have gone from bad to way worse for a lot of folks."

The timing couldn't be better, Johnson said. "The summer is always harder for us, Johnson said, explaining that the children of lower income families who are fed by chicago Public Schools food programs during the school year ar often left out in the summer, meaning they have to find a nourishing meal wherever they can. "We'll have more children on our docket all summer," Johnson said. "during the year, we hardly see children in the soup kitchen.

The Performathon is a two-day-long performance by students of the Music Teachers of Hyde Park, where residents can sponsor a student who wil perform works of their own choosing during a recital at Montgomery Place, 5550 S. Shore Drive, and a Saturday recital at the Blackstone Public Library, 4904 S. Lake Park Ave. Holliday noted the proximity of Montgomery Place to the annual 57th Street Art Fair, happening at the same time. "Our principal venue at Montgomery Place is a pretty short stol away from the art fair," she said.

beyond the weekend event, Johnson said the program is accepting monetary donations, durable goods and toiletries. Also clothing, especially professional clothing is needed. The Hyde Park Hunger Programs accept monetary donations and are always on the lookout fort the following items: tooth paste, tooth brushes, dental floss, canned goods, fruit juice and sources of protein. The program does not have the space currently to store fresh food donations. Any large organizations considering a donation should call the church first to determine need. 773 363-6063, susan@hpuc.org. The recession has driven many middle- and working-class Hyde Parkers into underemployment and unemployment, according to Johnson, and these families largely make up the spike in need. Johnson urges all Hyde Parkers to make donations, no matter how modest. "Even when we're in a recession, I continue to feel the best way is for everyone to give a modest donation so that if anyone has a problem, the need can be met," Johnson said, adding that support of the program is in keeping with Hyde Park's character. "That's the reputation Hyde Park has," she said.

[How to help through the Performathon:] Visit the Music teachers of Hyde Park web site -- mthp.org -- and click on "Performathon" on the right hand side of the front page. from there, you can see the Performathon schedule and schedule a pledge form. Send an e-mail to info@mthp.org and you will be connected to a teacher whose students you can pledge support to. Write a check and send it to MTHP, 1456 E. Park Place, chicago, IL 60637. Write "hunger" in the memo space.

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OWL monthly with special topic presentations- 1st Saturdays 1 pm at First Unitarian except July-September; June's is on 2nd Saturday.

Overall pattern: re-gains in services and nonprofits are being made in summer 2010, but changes at the Neighborhood Club create a challenge to heft and under-one-roof character of senior programs. Successes noted for week of Aug. 30 include at Chicago Child Care Society (a former Blue Gargoyle program), Neighborhood Club senior program relocations looking better, GenTech camp students prove ready inventors of aps.

WHO'S HERE ? Not all are, but this list will send the named who are not to their pages or websites. For the main listings of contacts and missions visit Community Nonprofit Organizations. HPKCC is concerned that they all be able to weather the economic storm and state financial crisis and can find more ways to work together.


Blackstone Branch Library for the library's fabled story, including 2009 restoration of the murals. Programs (CPL website).

Friends of Blackstone Library is HPKCC's newest committee, having been welcomed in August 2008. FOB meets first Wednesdays, 6 pm in the library--the city's first branch--4904 S. Lake Park. Contact Brenda Sawyer, call the library at 312 747-0511. A growing array of children's and youth programs, book clubs, and Friend's series of programs with local authors/
See the monthly schedule in Friends of Blackstone Page.

 

Chicago Child Care Society- more under The Next Step. 5467 S. University Avenue. 773 643-0452.
Exec. Dir. Nancy Johnstone. http://www.cccsociety.org. Development Erin C. Walton, 773 256-2459, ewalton@cccsociety.org. Co-director Deb hagman-Shanon.
Child Welfare Programming- Curt Holderfield.
Since 1849, when established as an orphanage after the great cholera epidemic, CCCS is Chicago's and Hyde Park's oldest child welfare agency. Mission is to safeguard vulnerable children and reinforce their families first is their aim. Recently received a major grant from the University of Chicago. Funding at the center has been stable, being mostly federal or private, including for early childhood, but state and other cuts and delays threaten girl-oriented foster care, tutoring and mentoring children, and people taking in children of relatives.
Right at Home Parent-Baby Drop In, Thursdays 10:30-noon at the Townhouse, 5459 S. University.
Child and Family Development Center serves 2-5s in Community Day Care for working parents.
There is also Homeless Day Care and Protective Day Care. Takes both community and DCFS kids including pick up to and from shelters. "
Clinical family services such as foster care and adoptions. Licensed therapists.
Next Step program prepares teenage mothers and dads for college.
From CCCS: Our mission statement: CCCS exists to protect vulnerable children and
strengthen their families. We strive to be among the premier providers
of high quality and effective child welfare services. We serve both
children and families in the following programs:

* Child and Family Development Center (CFDC): day care program with children between ages of 2 to 5 years old.

* Counseling program: family oriented counseling for the agency's foster care programs and the CFDC program.

* Education Support Program: provides services to children who are experiencing academic, behavioral and attendance difficulties and are at risk of expulsion or dropping out of school.

* The Extended Family Support Program provides short term support to individuals caring for related children.

* The Teen Alliance Program: provides DCFS wards with a unique foster care experience.

* The Safe Life Program: is an HIV/AIDS prevention and education program aimed at providing information to adolescents about sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS.

* The Teen Parenting Initiative Program serves pregnant and parenting teens that are enrolled in the Chicago Public Schools.

* The Next Step Program is a college readiness program with mentoring support for high school mothers with one child.

In summer of 2010, CCCS assumed a former Blue Gargoyle literacy/GED program for parents of children 0-3, thanks to a grant from the Barbara Bush foundation. The program starts October 1. CCCS will also have a new Early Head Start program and expanded HIV program. The former, made possible by a large grant, includes home visitation -- 4 home visitors will each visit 12 families a week. The HIV program is for youth and one of few agencies that actually received more from the state. It includes not only focus groups (small-group orientation on lifestyle changes) but for CCCS to teach its HIV education presentation in schools , testing, counseling.

(Our) Common Threads will hold classes in gardening and cooking with much more this summer in conjunction with St. Paul and the Redeemer and Kenwood Park. This org. is the foundation of Oprah's chef Art Smith. 312 876-1289. More info in Good Neighbor page.

Hyde Park Art Center 5520 S. Cornell. 773 324-5520.

Hyde Park Art Center responds to economic slowdown, encounters criticism, is defended

February 4 2009 Hyde Park Herald, Will hold town meeting Feb. 9. By Kate Hawley

The flagging economy has prompted the Hyde Park Art Center's board of director to eliminate four staff positions as part of an effort to cut expenditures by about 15 percent. ...The four positions represent about a quarter of the center's staff. "We would love to keep those positions, but there's been a decline in revenues, both contributed and earned," said Executive Director Chuck Thurow. "It was strictly because of financials." "It's tough times for all the arts organizations," he added. "In this kind of dramatic downtown, the arts organizations seem like a luxury of some kind." Strong questions were asked,a nd a public meting was held, which answered most people's concerns.

Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce now located at 5501 S. Everett, 60637. 773 288-0124. Executive Director Lenora Austin, President Greg Teague. Works collaboratively with many organizations. contact@hydeparkchamberchicago.org.

Hyde Park Disabilities Task Force. A coalition of several organizations including HPKCC, HP Chamber of Commerce, Older Women's League, and the 5th Ward, it seeks recognition of rights, respect and fair treatment, and to ameliorate less accessible or misused facilities public (like sidewalks and intersections) and private for those with disabilities. Visit Disabilities and Business Packet pages. Contact hpdisabilities@aol.com (please use instead hpkcc@aol.com or contact@hydeparkchamberchicago.com).

Hyde Park Historical Society: Visit our page, At and About the Society. President Ruth Knack.
5529 S. Lake Park Avenue, 773 493-1893.

Late February Hyde Park Historical Society Annual Dinner- and a full suite of year long programs and exhibits. Important archives maintained at Regenstein Library Special Collections; library in the headquarters.

HPKCC collaborates with the Society for accurate collective memory and its dissemination and on preservation issues, which are a major component of neighborhood quality of life and "community", an in support for ad hoc advocacy groups such as that for the Point. We jointly promote the Hyde Park Preservation Working Group.

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Hyde Park Jazz Society and Jazz Festival. See details in Cultural and Arts Directory and the Jazz Festival page (latest is facts-demographics-opportunities provided by). http://www.hydeparkjazzfestival.org. http://www.hydeparkjazzsociety.org. The wildly successful Hyde Park Festival (last Saturday in September) is a project of Hyde Park Alliance for Arts and Culture (http://www.hypachicago.org), Hyde Park Jazz Society, and University of Chicago.

Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference. www.hpkcc.org, hpkcc@aol.com. About. More information.

Hyde Park and Kenwood Hunger Programs.
Barbara Currie appeals for help for local hunger programs. Nexus for this area is the Hyde Park and Kenwood Hunger Program, centered at Hyde Park Union Church, 5600 S. Woodlawn and satellites at churches to the north. There is also a monthly Saturday breakfast at United Church. See in Helpline for more. Watch for announcements of benefit concerts in November and December.

Donations can be made online at http://www.hpuc.org/Other/Hunger_Programs.html, or checks can be made out to the Hyde Park and Kenwood Hunger Programs , c/o Hyde Park Union Church, 5600 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago, Il 60637. For further information on the program, please call Rev. Susan Johnson at 773 363-6063.

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Hyde Park Kiwanis

President Marianne Bagnoli
Contact Rosemary and Dick Snow (treasurer) or John Will at 1507 E. 53rd St. Box 120, Chicago, IL 60615. 773 324-8645. Jon Will: 1507 E. 53rd St., PMB 120, 60615, 773-643-8089, Fax 773 643-8091, jnwassoc@sbcglobal.net. Call 773 955-5035.
For more information about Kiwanis projects or to participate contact Jon Will at jnwassoc@sbcglobal.net. Local- in the district website, http://www.iikiwanis.org. Nationally, Kiwanis.org.
Meets 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 12 pm, Ramada Inn, 4900 S. Lake Shore Drive. Call 324-8645.

Since 1921. We're a group of men and women, business and professional leaders of Hyde Park who are members of a world-wide service organization founded in 1916. It is non-sectarian, apolitical an non-discriminatory. Our cause: to serve kids!
Holds a spring benefit, supported by Ald. Preckwinkle and the Herald. More updated is in the Community Nonprofits Directory.

Purpose: To raise money for charitable purposes locally and nationally, including Christmas gifts for local indigent children, supporting the Neighborhood Club, supporting a camp for disabled children, research in medicine related to children, and the 57th Street Children's Book Fair in September. And it fosters sociality and the business community. Watch for the peanut vendors several times a year-next September 24, 2004. Looking for young additions! Children can enter through the Builders and Key clubs.
"We're a group of men and women in Hyde Park who are members of a world-wide service organization founded in 1916. The Hyde Park Club dates from 1921 and is composed of business and professional leaders; it is non-sectarian, apolitical and non-discriminatory. Our cause: to serve kids!"
Activities:
-Support Hyde Park Neighborhood Club
-Cosponsor 4th on 53rd July community parade
-Support the Blue Gargoyle Youth Center's Tutorial Program
-Underwrite the board and room costs of a physically handicapped child at Kiwanis Twin Lakes summer camp
-Cosponsor the 57th Street Children's Book Fair
-Prepare food and gift baskets for needy families during the holiday
-Mentor a family from St. Martin De Porres battered women's center going off welfare
-Sponsor and actively support the Kenwood Academy and King High School Key Clubs

A recent activity was taking kids from St. Martin De Porres center to Universoul Circus. Another is to sponsor a morale-builder gift to four families with mentoring and support added.

Peanut Days last Friday in September, annual fundraiser for charities and projects in March at Seven Ten Pin.

 

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Hyde Park Neighborhood Club: 5480 S. Kenwood, 773 643-4062. Celebrating 100 years.
New programs! (773) 743-4062. Visit their refurbished website! linked above.
See also more on the club and its offerings, needs in the Neighborhood Club Programs page.
Interim Director Jennifer Bosch, jennifer_bosch@hpnclub.org. (given elsewhere as jennifer.bosch@hpnclub.org.)
Board president Bethany Pickens. Advancement/development/outreach Beth Parker. Youth and other programs Abigail Hymen.

Motto: "Where Generations Grow Together" "As we celebrated the beginning of our second century of service to Hyde Park and surrounding neighborhoods, we've adopted a new graphic look for the Club, a place where generations grow together. The new programs we launched this spring (2010) support stronger families, increase empathy and understanding across generation, gender, and economic boundaries, and address community-wide concerns about literacy, health and wellness, and teen safety. Become a fan on Facebook."

In August 2010 the Club formally announced it is become a youth-only center.

Releases:

Main release August 20

Hyde Park Neighborhood Club
5480 South Kenwood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60615

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT: Beth Parker 773-643-4062 x23 beth.parker@hpnclub.org

hyde park neighborhood club announces “Strategy for a second century”

Club sees vital youth programs as the best way to serve the community

Chicago, IL (August 20, 2010). The 101 year-old Hyde Park Neighborhood Club recently announced its “Strategy for a Second Century.” The plan calls for a restructuring of programs to launch in September, 2010. The Club’s sole focus will be on programs that benefit youth (ages 0 through 18) and their families. According to board president Bethany Pickens, “The Club was originally founded to keep kids out of trouble and to make them into healthy, well-educated, well-rounded adults who could get jobs and take their place in the community. In order to help the most people, we are building on our strongest programs—for youth.”

The Club’s plans include a new youth literacy center, expanded intergenerational program, a computer lab, and classes in entrepreneurship and financial management, photography, robotics, and wellness. According to Executive Director Jennifer Bosch, “We will offer top quality services for ages 0-18 under one roof. With our $200,000 State capital grant, we’ll make improvements that allow us to serve children from infancy through age 5 with our early childhood partners. We will also be able to significantly increase our childcare license and invest in our classroom facilities, allowing us to serve more families. Everyone here is excited about the possibilities.”

The building work will also include a professional-quality kitchen for cooking classes, fire alarm upgrade, and repairs to the locker rooms and roof.

The Club’s current youth program partners will continue: Baby PhD, Little Inspirations pre-school, Miss Tammie’s Montessori, We Got Game, L’il Kickers. Other groups who rent space at the Club will be phased out over the coming year as their contracts expire; single-use rentals will also be phased out by Fall, 2011.

“Once we committed ourselves to the youth program expansion, we realized that there was no way to maintain our senior programs, which have seen declining enrollment,” said Bosch. “We’re working with the City, local churches, and nonprofits on finding new locations for the programs. It’s important to us that everyone will have a place to go.” Except for the intergenerational youth literacy program, senior programs will end at the Club on September 24.

“While some people may be surprised,” says Pickens, “we expect that everyone will be pleased by the priority we place on our youth. The board is 100% behind this plan. Youth violence, high school graduation rates, literacy, and childhood obesity are problems crying out for attention. Kids need us more than ever.”

Bosch and board members consulted with local leaders and nonprofit advisors before taking this step. So far, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. State Senator Kwame Raoul backs the plan, too. “As a youngster I personally benefitted from the Club’s programs. I believe strongly in their mission and feel that this is the best way for the Club to help the community.”

 

Letter to supporters dated August 23, 2010

We wanted you to be among the first to hear about our Strategy for a Second Century. We hope you'll be as excited as we are about the dawn of a new day for the Club.

Our aim: to focus solely on programs that benefit youth (ages 0-18) and their families.

In our 101st year, we are returning to our roots as an organization founded to channel after-school activities to develop educated and productive young citizens. we are therefore streamlining to deliver the best quality services to the largest number of people. Because today more children need help with literacy, mentoring, and homework, the Club is building on its successful youth programs already in place. We are poised to meet the need.

Last month, you probably read in the Hyde Park Herald about a $150,000 capital grant the Club received. We recently learned that we received another $50,000! Together with funds from an early childhood education center, which will provide dynamic learning opportunities and address some of th most critical education issues our communities face. Other projects: a new computer lab, professional quality teaching kitchen, and a new fire alarm system. The gym and locker rooms will be repaired, and we'll use funds from our donors to replace dilapidated classroom furniture and athletic equipment and to install a volleyball system.

We'll be enriching our signature your programs with entrepreneurship adn financial management, robotics, photography, health & wellness, and cooking. Already, 95% of our youth finish their homework before they leave the Club every day. Imagine the impact we'll have with so many more children coming through our enhanced programs!

Despite our best efforts to grow the senior programs, there is limited attendance on a regular basis, and the programs are no longer viable. As a result, senior programming will end Friday, Sept. 24. We are working with the City, local churches, and nonprofits on relocating the remaining programs to nearby venues if possible.

By contrast, building on our intergenerational program launched in 2009, the Club is expanding its volunteer program to bring people of all ages to work with our youth. We warmly encourage everyone to take an active role in developing these future productive citizens.

We will also phase out all rentals by Fall 2011, with the exception of our youth program partners. Of course, the Club's gym remains available for large public events like the Pancake Breakfast, community meetings, and a polling place.

Our board and government officials are 100% behind the new "Strategy," and we are certain that it will gain widespread support.

Our investment now in our youngest community members will have long-term, positive results. For more information, please see the enclosed fact sheet. We hope we can continue to count on your support.

Sincerely, Bethany V. Pickens, President, Board of Directors.


Strategy for a Second Century- Fact Sheet

The Hyde Park Neighborhood Club proudly announces its "Strategy for a Second Century." A new restructuring of programs will launch in September, 2010. The Club's sole focus wil be on programs that benefit youth (ages 0 through 18) and their families. In our 101st year, we embrace our heritage as an organization founded to channel the after-school activities of youth and to develop healthy, educated, and productive citizens.

Hyde Park Neighborhood Club Mission Statement
The Hyde Park Neighborhood Club is dedicated to the support of youth ages 0-18 in a safe, nurturing environment. We help neighborhood families and schools to develop healthy, well-rounded young people by providing enriching activities, leadership models, a pride of place, and a sense of community. Adopted by the Board of Directors on August 20, 2010.

Why will there be a restructuring of programs?
We are streamlining our offerings to deliver the best quality services to the greatest number of people. This means that the Club is building on the strong and successful youth programs already in place. In addition, the Club has taken into consideration the following facts:

The Club builds on the strength of its programming for youth and families.
Continuing programs include

Continuing partnerships with early childhood providers and athletics

New programs for youth and families

Good news about the building and equipment

Other changes coming to the Club

Where can seniors go for services?

The Club's financial picture
The Club has struggled the past few years, with a deficit for fiscal year (FY) 2010 and a projected deficit for FY 2011. Last FY, the amount of teh deficit was roughly equivalent to depreciation, which means that the Club is holding its own on a cash basis. All components of the Club's income have been low due to the recession. The Club anticipates an increase in fee-based revenues, grants, and corporate support due to the Strategy for a Second Century. The Club has also found, through interviews with donors and other stakeholders, that they enthusiastically support the Club using its resources wisely for youth programming the addresses such issues as youth violence, low high school graduation rates, poor literacy rates, and childhood obesity.

________________

Basically, the Strategy involves a major remodeling into an early childhood through youth (age 18) center. Highlights will include a daycare center, a tutoring center, and a wide variety of programs for children and teens. Club spokespersons say they are making a serious effort to relocate and in some way continue off site popular though dwindling programs, especially for seniors including Golden Diners. Parts of the changes are government funding and programs, part private. All have strict rules that require limited access- but the club remains committed to an intergenerational experience and learning approach.
Board leaders have set forth a cogent case for both necessity and desirability of the change including that regulations make it very hard to intermingle the age groups, and the youth component had growing demand while the senior did not. Nevertheless, numerous persons are upset that there will be fewer resources for seniors and feel that not enough effort was made to find ways to charge moderate fees and seek donations. Still, a bottom line was requirement for restricted access in a facility serving small children.

The Herald of September 1 2010 reported progress on relocating senior programs and clubs.

Churches and a least one local nonprofit organization are stepping up to assist teh Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., after reading the Herald about plans to relocate their senior programs.

Ronald McDonald House Director Mardelle Gubdlach called the Neighborhood Club last week to discuss what of the club's many programs might be relocated to their building, according to Beth Parker, director of institutional advancement for the club. In a phone interview Monday, Gubdlach confirmed that some of the regular bridge groups that met at the club would be received with open arms at the house, 5444 S. Drexel Ave.

Other representatives of the club said conversations were underway with some local churches to relocate other senior programs. Parker said multiple offers of assistance needed to be sorted through before the club knew which programs would go where. "Actually, at this point, we have duplicate offers -- we have some options, so we need to work out the best set of circumstances," Parker said. Parker said staff at the club was concerned that the participants in the programs understand how seriously they are taking the relocation.

"It's been really great to see how people are ready to step up and find a place. We really, really want all the elders who have been coming to our programs to know that we care about them and we really care about making sure that they can keep their group together," Parker said, adding that the outpouring of support was a welcome sign. "It's really gratifying to see that a lot of other people care as well and we are going to be able to work this out," Parker said.

Margaret Huyck, HPNC board secretary and an activist with Older Women's League Hyde Park and National, set forth her perception of the whole story, including WHY A SENIOR CENTER WILL NOT WORK IN HYDE PARK. Herald letter September 1.

To the Editor: Thank you for recognizing that the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club si moving toward a "new day" in crafting a program designed for our second century of service to the community. This change has been developing over the past two years, as we have struggled to identify a mission that will inspire our supporters -- foundations, government agencies and the community. Many of us have worked hard for several years to develop the senior programs at the club. I chaired the Senior Advisory Council, coordinated a successful grant proposal to the Retirement Research Foundation to hire a wonderful senior programs director, and worked with her. In spite of her excellent, diligent and creative work, it proved very difficult to attract seniors to the educational, recreational, wellness and nutrition programs offered. She became discouraged by this, and by some management problems, an left before the grant period ended. In any event, it was clear that we could not sustain a professionally led senior program.

The Chicago Department on Aging does provide partial funding for the Golden Diners programs which as been meeting at the club. They cover the costs of food and staff to serve the food; they do not provide any overhead for space use and maintenance. The host agency must provide sufficient janitorial service, utilities, etc. The CDOA has been pushing the club to more participants (at least 30/day) or close the progam. In addition, the CDPA already funds senior centers which they consider "near enough" for our residents to use, and they are unwilling to consider funding an independent program. Other agencies have very narrowly defined criteria for programs they wil fund for seniors, none of which our club could support. In other words, we tried very diligently to build, or at least sustain, programs we felt were responsive to the needs of our community seniors. In spite of the efforts, only 35-40 unique individuals are using the adult services provided at the club. I recognize that the club has provide a very welcome, comfortable "home" for the few seniors who use it regularly; however, the club could not raise the funds needed to pay for the overhead to maintain the space and services needed by the programs. We need to make more efficient, cost-effective use of the space.

HPNC has developed excellent and successful programs for young children and youth and their families. These services are very much needed in our community. Agencies are willing to fund these programs, parents are willing to pay for some of the services and the community is wiling to provide general operating support for them. Looking at the realities, this is a way for the club to fulfill the original mission in a way that fits the needs as we move into our second century of service.

During our conversations with community members about the programs they would like to have at the club, many of them indicated they would like to be involved in positive ways with the youth in the community. The HPNC has provided, and will offer even more such intergenerational programs. I hope all the elders will volunteer to share time, wisdom and skills with others in this way.

I am also on the coordinating committee for the Hyde Park Village. The Villages are a membership organization designed to help older individuals remain in their communit8es by supporting each other. Many of the villages offer programs very similar to those we envisioned for the HPNC. We invite everyone to become informed about the HPV, and join us in organizing this new venture.

The current staff at the HPNC has been working heroically to save the the club, and worked with the board to draft a mission statement that will move us into the next century of service. We all, including elders, need to support this venture, because we want the youth and families in our community to thrive.

I also appreciate your editorial concern that the club transition the the senior programs to other venues and know the staff are very serious about relocating the senior programs; several have already found new homes, and others will soon do so.

Another letter, to OWL members, from Margaret Huyck:

...We understand that some of the people who counted on the HPNC to provide programs are very disappointed that these are being phased out. The Club clearly has decided that "A place for everyone" is not realistic, since the community is not supporting this mission. "Generations growing together" is still in the mission -- but it means that the seniors get involved in programs that support the youth, and their families; there are many ways in which we can support the younger generations in tutoring, reading, sharing skills, etc.

The challenges with Golden Diners are several. While the CDOA (Chicago Department on Aging) pays for food and servers, it does not offer any overhead -- but it does have very strict requirements for cleanliness in the kitchen/serving area and in the dining area. This means that janitorial services must be allocated for that specific purpose; it is not something that can be delegated to volunteers. Because the diners often linger, which is natural, it means that the entire kitchen/ dining space is designated for that purpose, and cannot be available for clients who could pay for overhead. The CDOA has been nagging HPNC for several years to get more regular people into Golden Diners -- they want at least 30/day, and the Club has rarely met that. When our Senior Program Director, Jessica, was with us, she worked very hard to increase the census, providing transportation, distributing information about the program, etc. -- but we still rarely met the required goals. Thus, we had to conclude that we do not, in fact, have a large enough constituency to support this program.

I believe that most of the senior programs will find a new home. We have firm offers for some, and several offers for others. In an ideal situation, we could have one wonderful community center where we all gathered together -- but I just haven't seen the community will to make that happen. The HPNC has been in acute crisis for at least 2 years, and this has been widely publicized. I think the current staff have done a remarkable job of figuring out how to redirect the vision for the next century in ways which will allow the HPNC to survive.

I think the Senior Advisory Committee has done everything we could to develop the senior programs. But, even with the skilled leadership of Jessica, the programs did not grow. The individuals who did participate in the program did not, usually, contribute to the programs. I find it difficult to understand anyone who says that they were not approached for contributions, when the Herald and all the solicitation letters were clear that the Club was in financial crisis. We do expect seniors to contribute to the Club, if they value the programs offered; if they do not have much to contribute, they can encourage their neighbors who have more resources to contribute. The HPNC will only survive if we, as a community, support it. If we don't, even this version will disappear.

Space is not free. The overall operating expenses just to keep the Club open, heated/ air conditioned, insured, minimally staffed, with minimal communication capabilities is substantial -- $30/sq foot comes to mind, but I don't want to be held to that. If we are to provide "free meeting space" then we have to raise enough money from foundations or the community to cover that. Many foundations won't contribute if they cannot see that the community provides full support to the organization. That is our challenge.

You are correct that the Village right now does not have a full schedule of offerings. We invite all of you to get involved in indicating what you want and need -- and how much you are willing to contribute to make the services available. All the Villages are largely self-supporting, from membership fees; all also have some provisions for discounted memberships.

I will be happy to discuss these issues further with you, and I know that Beth Parker (the HPNC development director), Jennifer Bosch (the interim Executive Director) and Bethany Pickens (the Board Chair) will also be happy to answer questions. Please do not go on rumors or conjectures; please check out the facts, and give us your support!

Margaret Hellie Huyck

A critical senior, Bonnie Orton, says the Workout Program was growing in a September 1 Herald letter. Added note by the Herald: The phrase quoted from last week's article "In addition, the programs have, on their own, been petering out" is a paraphrases and not a direct quote form Bosch.

Regarding the article on the Hyde Prk Neighborhood Club -- particularly the analysis of the current programs that influenced the board decision to eliminate senior programs -- and as a longtime participant in the Senior Exercise Program, I question the basis for Executive Director Bosch's statements that "...the (senior) programs have, on their own, been petering out" and "For the past few years, participation has been diminishing."

For at least seven year, I have seen the number of regular participants in the Senior Exercise Program (Tuesday and Thursday mornings) increase from 10-15 to nearly 30. Comparing the benefits of this progam (improved general health, physical fitness, support weight loss/diet regimen, promote socialization with peers) with HPNC expenses (occupation of available space twice weekly for 45 minutes assuming thea heat, electricity and janitorial services are included in the club's general expense), elimination of this program -- a unique and definite community asset -- just does not compute. We do not pay for the space, but on the other hand how much could we possibly cost considering that our very capable and enthusiastic instructor's salary is not a club expense?

The HPNC Board of Directors chaired by Bethany Pickens is to be applauded for their efforts to develop a mission, goals and objectives that will hopefully stabilize and grow the programs during this period of reorganization. Perhaps in the not-too-distant future the fitness and other valuable community resources for seniors may be restored.

In the meantime, any offers to provide space for 30 enthusiastic seniors to exercise twice weekly for 40 minutes per session should be referred to appropriate HPNC staff.

Noel Brusman says in Herald letter Sept. 1 that we should support the Neighborhood Club.

The Hyde Park Neighborhood Club has announced that it is changing its mission to focus solely on the needs of children (from 0 to 18) and their families. The Club has obtained grant money from several sources targeted solely for this kind of programming, badly needed to supplement our community donations. s we are all aware through stories in the Hyde Park Herald over the past few years, the HPNC has suffered severe financial difficulties. They must operate within their budget, using both the grant money and donor gifts.

I recently met with Jennifer Bosch, executive director of the HPNC and Beth Parker, director of institutional advancement, and learned that they need the space in the building for their growing youth programs. currently, many of the rooms are empty except for a few hours per day. Once the building renovation work is done, all the rooms will be occupied with youth programming.

They are trying hard to find space elsewhere for senior citizen activities, and it would be outstanding if some churches stepped int this void.

I asked Ms. Bosch if folks from OWL or the Village had a problem with this shift in focus and she said the people she had talked to did not. i am sure there wil b e opportunities for seniors to find new venues to socialized with and support one another, missions undertaken by OWL and the Village. Hopefully, seniors will volunteer for the intergenerational literacy adn mentoring program to help the club succeed in its new mission.

The Neighborhood Club needs and deserves our support more than ever. if we pout and say we'll make no more donations or otherwise turn our backs, we will kill this Hyde Park treasure. One person called the HPNC to protest the shift in emphasis and, when asked how often that person uses the current senior programs, answered, "I've never set foot in the place, but I like knowing it's there."

Well, it won't be there if we don't stand behind it. We oldster have received m any blessings in our long lives. Now it's time to approve of and support the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club as it embarks on a focused mission to serve the young.

 

Here is what the Herald said about it at the end of August.

Editorial August 25 2010: Welcoming change at the Neighborhood Club (and some caveats)

The Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., visited the Herald offices last week to announce a bold new plan for the club that will narrow its focus to work exclusively with youth and their families. New programming will include daycare facilities and a literacy center. The group is even rewriting their mission statement to reflect this new direction.

This is good news for the group, which in recent years reached the brink of dissolution -- though it has come back from that brink in the last couple of years under the able leadership of Jennifer Bosch, who is spearheading this remake. Hyde Parkers have long complained about the dwindling relevance of the club--and voiced uncertainty about its relevance exactly because its purpose wasn't clear. This rebranding, as it were, of the club should end some of that talk.

The cost of this shift is to the senior citizen programming at the club, which includes a weekday lunch program. Bosch said the club is looking hard for a new spot for the program and feels certain that other activities will also find new homes. The weekly Mah Jongg group, she predicts,m will move to someone's home....

The relocation of the senior programming will be an important gauge of the club's ability to implement its new, ambitious agenda -- which goes hand-in-hand with investment in the physical facility using a recently promised $200,000 capital grant from Springfield. If they are unable to successfully relocate the Golden Diners program, which still has regular users and is a needed social service in the community, what wil that say about their commitment to servicing our neighbors? The same amount of inventiveness and commitment is needed to make both sides of the transition happen.

In the meantime, we support Bosch's bold new vision for the club. She demonstrates a level of leadership that is long overdue there. She, along with club board president Bethany Pickens, have our best wishes. We are hopeful that they will usher a vibrant Hyde Park Neighborhood Club into its second century.

__________

Club's new day- HPNC revamping to serve more young people

The Hyde Park Neighborhood Club... is narrowing its focus and rewriting its mission in an effort to remake its image an build its bank. Already known for its many popular children's programs, like the Tot Lot, which looks after youngsters during the day, the century-old community center is now exclusively developing programs surrounding young people, according to Neighborhood Club Executive Director Jennifer Bosch. "[We are] serving only youth from here on out," Bosch said, adding that programming will include activities for whole families based on the needs of children.

The move necessitates the elimination of many programs for senior citizens, including the Golden Diners program, which provides meals for seniors at a modest cost. The program will be phased out as of Sept. 24. Though the club is seeking out a new location for the meals, it has this far come up short. "We are looking diligently for new locations," Bosch said.

While revamping the club and adding programming would have squeezed the seniors out anyway, Bosch said state law related to a new daycare center being built in the club meant adults coming to the center would have to pass background checks and other processing, making keeping programs unrelated to youth impractical. In addition, the programs have, on their own, been petering out, Bosch said.

"For the past few years, participation has been diminishing," Bosch said. The new rules also mean daytime meeting space will also have to be youth-oriented, meaning regular meeting space for community groups will no longer be available. Large community meetings, however, will still be possible in the club's gym, Bosch said.

The club will be adding programming for children up to five years old adn swelling the total number of youth who can be served at existing programs, according to Bosch. A new literacy program, healthy cooking classes for entire families and other health-related programs are all part of the club's revamped mission, which focuses on health and young people, according to Bosch.

Bosch characterized the decision a a lie-or-death one for the club, saying sine she became executive director just more than two years ago, she and the board had been mulling the question "are we going to close the..." [rest of article missing].

 

Hyde Park Neighborhood Club seeks seniors to volunteer and read with children aged 6-9 about a half hour at its Children's House program, esp. about 2:30. Or on literacy with 9-12 year old Mondays and or Wednesdays after school. Contact Emily Schuttenberg, Emily.schuttenberg@gmail.com, or 773 255-3505. As to whether this is still the case- inquire at the club, as background checks will now be required of non-youth.

In 2010, the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club proudly celebrates the beginning of its second century of vital service to Hyde Park and the south side of Chicago. HPNC strengthens our community and fosters individual development by complementing and enriching classroom learning for children and youth and by promoting social interaction and wellbeing among seniors. Each day, more than 300 people participate in HPNC programs. This is truly a place “where generations grow together.” Space in the HPNC headquarters, which includes a community garden, is available for rental. HPNC is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

Can the Club find the resources and discipline to provide low-cost classes and serve our neediest ages as a true community center? And will the whole community embrace it? We think the answer is "yes." -


July 21 2010 letter to the Herald from President Bethany Pickens Neighborhood Club appreciates support

The Neighborhood Club extends its thanks to both the Hyde Park Herald and our community for continued support you show us. Editorial coverage helps people learn about our new programs. And with donations from our community, we provide local children and youth with the quality care and education they need.

The coming months will bring some exciting changes here. Soon we will announce a community forum in which we will present our strategy for a second century of service. We have listened to your compliments, criticisms, ideas and suggestions, and we believe our plans offer what you want and need.

Our capital upgrade grant is going to help us kick off those plans, and we will make certain every dollar is spent supporting growth, maintenance and stability. We want to point out that this grant, which comes through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, would not have been possible without the staunch support of state Sen. Kwame Raoul (D-13). Knowing that the educational cuts at teh city and state levels would impact our local families, he fought hard to make certain the Neighborhood Cub's funding was a priority. Raoul knows how hard we are working to address the educational gaps our families face, and he is helping us improve our foundation so that we may build a new future.

State Rep. Barbara Flynn Curie (D-25) also sponsored the Neighborhood Club for additional capital improvement funds, though that request did not make it to the final bill. We are grateful to them both for their support and their willingness to fight on our behalf in these difficult times. Their actions speak volumes about the importance both Raoul and Currie place on our youth and their future.

 

Club launches capital campaign, facilities upgrades with grant, new programs- June 23 Herald. (See more above)

A state grant that found it way out of the morass in Springfield is the foundation of an ambitious facelift at the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, according to the club's head. "This is a fantastic opportunity for us," said club board President Bethany Pickens. The $150,000 grant will be dedicated to improvements tot he club that will expand the capacity of the more-than-100-year-old community organization. The improvements will be coupled with a dramatic expansion of the club's focus on health and wellness.

This increased emphasis is, in part a reflection of changing priorities in the philanthropic world. "A lot of grant monies right now are available for health and wellness initiatives, focusing on systemic change. If you can educated people at a young age about taking care of themselves, if you can impact a family, then that change is broader based," said Neighborhood Club Executive Director Jennifer Bosch.

The announcement also suggests that the club, which in recent years weathered some financial difficulty, is experiencing a comeback -- though Bosch is quick to qualify that possibility. "We're certainly not in a position where we're free from worry," Bosch said. "We have been really, really focused on very, very conservative fiscal management, which has helped us control our expenses, and we've spent a lot of time working on the quality of our programs over the past two years, and so our revenues and enrollment numbers have gone up for our youth programs significantly. So that keeps us going and keeps things in the black, so the speak."

Bosch said the increased emphasis on health and wellness makes sense given the club's existing programming which includes sports and exercise for young people as well as nutrition. "Moving into healthy lifestyles education for the whole family is a natural next step for us." Bosch said.

New adn improved services will include an expansion of he number of children between the ages of five and 12 served by the club and workshops where staff will develop strategies with families about how to introduce healthier foods in the face of such barriers as the greater expense of higher quality food.

While the grant, awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce nd economic Opportunity, is a boon to the club, service expansion anticipates a commitment by the community to help develop resource to support the growth of the club. "We would be able to hopefuly7 apply for more grants because we have the facilities to support [health and wellness through the capital improvements], but .... all of that stuff takes time, and that's why our local commitment is so important -- because that gets us through the toughest times in those cycles. As we build and we want to improve upon our programs, those base funds help us get there. That's why we need our community to support us," Bosch said.

In return, he added, the club has a responsibility to the community. "That's why we also have to be direct with our community and be very wise with the money they give us and really focus our services," Bosch said.

Herald applauds the new Neighborhood Club in June 23 editorial

The resilient staff and board members at the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club have fought too hard to restore the club's conditions to breathe a sigh of relief at the news of a new $150,000 capital grant for needed improvements and repairs to the building- so we'll do it for them. Whew.

These people deserve an enormous amount of credit -- above al club Executive Director Jennifer Bosch and club board President Bethany Pickens -- for swimming upstream against obstacles that have proven insurmountable to many other not-for-profit organizations. Underenrolled programs are now to capacity, with waiting lists demonstrating an additional need. The vision of the club has gone from a vague sense of some place where children and seniors hang out to a razor-sharp mission to not only ensure services delivered of the highest quality but also an increased emphasis on health and wellness going forward. Finally, this capital grant runs counter to pretty much all the news we've been haring from Springfield these days. Money going from Springfield to a not-for profit seems like a minor miracle. [Thanks to Rep. Currie and Sen. Raoul.]

We must emphasize that this credit should include all of the staff of the Neighborhood Club. Everybody there is working hard to ensure that the organization's offerings are high quality and everybody should be praised for that.

This is a brand new day for the Neighborhood Club, and we urge the community to give them a second look. Stop by and see what's going on there. Check our calendar for the many offerings there. More than that, during the period when the club began drifting in terms of quality and communication to the neighborhood, many people reduced or stopped altogether their giving to the club. That is a rational response to a place that is of uncertain relevance...

The Hyde Park Neighborhood Club as it is currently operated is not only a worthwhile but also an essential feature of our neighborhood. We predict their value will only increase over the next decade, as services to young people are stripped out of our public schools and other not-for-profits fail to weather the current economic storm. For these reasons, we suggest that Hyde Parkers get to know the new Neighborhood Club and its stellar staff and consider whether high-quality, local services for young people and the elderly -- and, in coming months, health and wellness education for entire families -- is something worth supporting. We think it is.

 

Reaching out, raising cash. Hyde Park Herald, November 4, 2009. By Daschell M. Phillips

Having raised enough money to avoid the fate of many defunct non-profits in the city, the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, or HPNC, plans to keep the momentum going with the hiring of Beth Parker. Parker is the club's director of institutional advancement. With this position, she will handle development, fundraising and outreach to the community... "I was attracted to the mission of the club," Parker said. "Children and seniors mean a lot to me."

She is currently seeking volunteers for an intergenerational program called Generations Together that she launched this fall. "All the volunteers have to do is come in and read to the children in our program," Parker said. "This lets children know that someone cares for them." She said that when visiting her mother and mother-in-law, who live in nursing homes, she notices how seniors light up when children come in the room, so the relationship would also be beneficial to the volunteers.

The Club's focus is now on children and seniors: NEW MISSION STATEMENT:

The Hyde Park Neighborhood Club strengthens our community and fosters individual development by complementing and enriching classroom learning for children and youth and promoting social interaction and wellbeing among seniors.

Release, February 2010: Golden troubadours recruiting for spring
Singing seniors at the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club

Chicago, IL (February 16, 2010). . . Love to sing the great old songs of yesteryear? The Golden Troubadours invite new members to “sing their hearts out” on Tuesdays at 1:00 PM at the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club. It’s a free sing-along fest of favorite songs from Broadway, Tin Pan Alley, and the great American songbook. Even better, there’s no performance pressure—just a chance to get together with friends and sing. You might even call it dinner theater: the Troubadours usually eat lunch together with the Golden Diners from 11:30 to 12:30 and stay on for the singing. For information call the Club at 773-643-4062. The Hyde Park Neighborhood Club is located at the intersection of 55th Street and S. Kenwood Avenue.

Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference is pleased to announce a grant of $2,400 in June 2010 to Hyde Park Neighborhood Club for the CTA passes for the component of its Summer Teen Program that makes teens learn their city and find interesting places and report on them and in the process get used to using public transportation.

HPKCC helps Club’s teens learn city via transit. As in Conference Reporter August 2010 Vol. 16 No. 2, adapted and expanded from July 7 HP Herald with a couple of suggestions from the Club. By Gary Ossewaarde

For a second year, Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference is pleased to underwrite transit cards for teens in Hyde Park Neighborhood Club’s Summer Teen camp.

In this program, one of several for children and youth at the Club, young teens learn self-reliance in using public transportation options, many through do-it-yourself finding, mapping, and research trips that lead to engaged citizenship. Each trip supported a variety of lesson topics that changed weekly, as well as exposure to new places and people, and to teh environmental and personal advantages of making transit a first and primary choice.

Abigail Hymen, Director of Youth Programs, wrote regarding the 2010 program:
"This summer, our Teen Program will continue to educate on the importance of public transportation but we are also making certain our kids are school ready, college ready, and job ready. Learning will be fun, with engaging research projects and trips to archives, museums, [and] historical sites. We have planned college visits for those who are considering their next step in higher education. To give our teens food for thought about career choices, they will be taking "behind the scenes" tours of sites such as NBC and teh CTA [12 in all]. We will put their train and bus know-how to the test with two exciting, week-long events: Where in the City? and The Amazing Race."

The Conference is pleased to help the Neighborhood Club continue to grow its overall strength and relevance to the neighborhood, in this case by increasing out-of-school enrichment and learning options for youth. Such enrichment is also a major focus of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference Schools Committee. We believe organizations and centers such as the Neighborhood Club can bring flexibility and seek funds that the schools often cannot.

A large number of the teens in Neighborhood Club programs come from Canter Middle School and Kenwood Academy; teh younger participants come from a variety of local public and private schools, and nearly all live within a two-mile radius. Teens in the programs are passing their classes, and 93 percent leave each day with their homework done. Some programs are free or have case-by-cases access to assistance.

The Club's child and youth programs are high quality, varied, and include strong intergenerational experience. We believe that even in troubled times our community's suite of such specail places and programs can and should flourish and can provide synergy to schools' programs. Of course we also believe that programs in the schools can and must be re-grown, expanded and enriched.

Our Transit and Access Task Force, whose chairman, James Withrow, worked with Neighborhood Club Director Jennifer Bosch to initiate HPKCC's collaboration, is pleased to see young people learning to use their transportation options and getting around the city--a trend that has been noted citywide and nationally. Perhaps th is program can inspire the rest of us to do likewise.

HPKCC is therefore pleased to join many others who are supporting Hyde Park Neighborhood Club as it continues to renew and grow its services as a center for all ages, and as it renew its facility at the start of its second 100 years.

 

The key programs:

Children and Youth:
Tot Lot
After School grades K-6
Teen Programs grades 7-10
Money Talks Teen Financial Empowerment Program grades 7-10
Summer Camp grades K-10

Seniors
Golden Diners
Knitting
Bridge
Mah Jongg
French
Computer
Exercise....

Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference is pleased to announce the start of new collaboration with the Neighborhood Club, beginning with funding of a key component of a summer youth program that introduces the teens to public transportation and gets them around the city and its happenings. Please view description of this program in a special page.

Sarah Diwan of Baby PhD Childcare Network praised HPNC for speed in getting Tot Lot + child programming going fast.

Seniors perspectives, need for a neighborhood center converge in collaborative meeting, effort summer 2008

Hyde Park Older Women's League, which is focusing on how to make Hyde Park a more seniors-friendly community, met in forum with board members, the interim director, and friends of Hyde Park Neighborhood Club at the Club May 3 to brainstorm on ways to improve senior-friendliness in general, and how the Club can serve seniors' needs. The energy was strong, and the conversation, and it's hoped action, will continue. The Club is under financial strain but determined to be truly "a place for everyone."

__________________


Hyde Park Transitional Housing Project: (Visit also the website of Coalition for Equitable Community Development.)

Meets 3rd Monday 7 pm at Augustana Church.
At/c/0 5655 S. University Avenue, Chicago, IL 6o637. President Rev. Celeste A. Frazier.
 Meets at Augustana Lutheran. Call Allan at 773 643-8061, hpthp@yahoo.com. THP website,
http://www.hpkifc.org/HydeParkTransitionalHousing.htm.
Download brochure and quarterly newsletter.
Helps families become self sustaining in mentored housing settings for up to two years. Volunteers needed and trained.
For more information visit the hydepark.org Ending Homelessness page. A quarterly brochure is available.
Currently houses 3 families, whom it is training for self -sufficiency. For more information visit the hydepark.org Ending Homelessness page. A quarterly brochure is available from the org.

 

Hyde Park and Kenwood Interfaith Council performs a host of services to the community and its ongoing conversation. Services include food pantries. See in Faith Communities, Helpline, Nonprofits or Resources.

 

Little Black Pearl and Design Center
1060 E. 47th St. 773 285-1211.

Black Pearl ramps up to meet needs in and out of schools, partner with a special charter
Hyde Park Herald, July 28, 2010. By Daschell Phillips
After a yearlong review, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) held a public hearing last Monday for the Joshua Johnston Charter School, which was proposed by Little Black Pearl Art Center and Prologue Alternative School. CPS officials said the school's unique student target and CPS's budget are what kept the proposal in pending status for so long. Joshua Johnston, which would be named after the first African American slave to become an artist, would be an open enrollment program that serves youth between the ages of 16 and 21 who are at risk of dropping out of school. The school would focus on fine arts and design, academics and entrepreneurial education.

At Monday's hearing, which was attended solely Prologue staff, parents and students and Little Black Pearl staff, testimony was given about how Prologue has helped students of dropping out make it to college. Shertina Boykin, who graduated from Prologue this year, said "I've been to four different schools, and Prologue was the last stop for me. Schools like [Joshua Johnston] are needed to help stop the dropout rate," she said.

Regina Jones, whose son Patrick White is a graduate of Prologue, said the school's programs are an important part of what makes the school successful with at-risk youth. "Parents don't rely on students needing extra services, but when my son was given services outside of school I found they were very much needed," Jones said. The art and entrepreneurial, classes at Little Black Pearl are a part of those supplemental services offered to the students at Prologue.

Since 1999, Little Black Pearl has been providing art programs to schools with high numbers of at-risk students and in 2008 Little Black Pearl partnered with the CPS Department of Dropout Prevention and Recovery Arts Program. So when Prologue teamed up with arts center to create an official charter school to target this group of students they knew it would be beneficial to the school system. Although CPS was acquainted with Little Black Pearls' work, the Joshua Johnston Charter SChool did not make Ron Huberman's list of new charter school recommendations in November 2009 because officials wanted to make sure that CPS had the proper tools to evaluate the proposed school model, said Rachel Ksenyak, interim director of recruitment and selection in the CPS Office of New Schools. Ksenyak said once the idea was further evaluated by CPS third-party provider School Works and experts from other charters across the country that use a similar model, the Joshua Johnston proposal was left pending a little longer because CPS's budget wasn't finalized.

The school, which is expected to open in the fall, will start out with 150 students and bed housed in the Little Black Pearl studio at 1060 E. 47th St. while the search for a larger space int Kenwood area takes place, said Monica Haslip, executive director of the Little Black Pearl. Now that the hearing has taken place, Huberman's recommendations will be discussed at the next CPS board meeting on July 28.

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Older Women's League (OWL) Illinois and Hyde Park

Chicago Tel. no: 312 347-0011 (watch for revision)
http://www.owlillinois.org. http://www.owlillinois.org/ch_hydepark.html.
Allison Hartman (Illinois Chair) Lorie Rosenblum. E-mail Alice Brown, alice.brown@ameritech.net. Co-Presidents Ken Schug and Judy Roothaan, judy.roothaan@gmail.com. Ellie Hall. Older Women's League of Hyde Park and Illinois (OWL)
http://www.owlillinois.org/ch_hydepark.html, http://www.owlillinois.org
Hyde Park Chapter: Judy Roothan, Ken Schug. E-mail Alice Brown, alice.brown@ameritech.net. Judy Roothaan.

Open to anyone of all ages. Presents programs and advocates on issues of interest to midlife and older women, and advocates for policy changes on the state and national level. Areas of interest: personal & financial security, health and prescription drugs, image of midlife and older women, access to housing and housing alternatives, ending discrimination against women and the elderly including in the workplace, caregiving. Works on accessible and convenient transportation, traffic interface, sidewalks and crosswalks, snow removal et al.
The Hyde Park Chapter meets alternate (even) 1st Saturdays, 2 pm (earlier social) at First Unitarian Church (Chris Moore Parlor), 5650 S. Woodlawn.

Open to anyone of all ages. Presents programs and advocates on issues of interest to midlife and older women, and advocates for policy changes on the state and national level. Areas of interest: affordability. transportation and accessibility, personal & financial security, health and prescription drugs, image of midlife and older women, access to housing and housing alternatives, ending discrimination against women and the elderly including in the workplace, caregiving. Senior friendly and accessible community.
For OWL monthly newsletters visit http://www.owlillinois.org/ch_hydepark.html.

Ronald McDonald House at U of C Medical Center

5444 S. Drexel Ave. Director Mardelle Gubdlach. Provided a place for families of hospitalized children to stay. Also open for several neighborhood activities clubs.

Seminary Co-op Bookstores, other bookstores:
Our bookstores are key resources, especially in that they give so much to and for kids, schools, Blue Gargoyle, Neighborhood Club etc. and bring authors into the neighborhood.
Seminary Co-op was founded in 1961 to reduce book costs for University students and staff and grew, buying the old Staver Bookstore in 1983--a mind-boggling phenomenon of room after room, and took over the Newberry Library bookstore in River North in 1995. It offers significant discounts to members and access to larger buying groups. Seminary's goal is to provide the community with bookstores that customers can be pleased to be members of and support with their patronage. Seminary Co-op achieves this through selection and display of feature books, customer-owner service that goes beyond the trade standard, supporting local institutions, and 150 authors brought to the community yearly. The Co-op has actively worked on the local and national scene for literacy and free speech.

Among our for profit bookstores, which have also been generous collaborers in the community, Powell's Bookstore and its manager Brad Jonas deserve special mention.


South East Chicago Commission

1511 E. 53rd Street, Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 324-6926. Fax 773 324-6685
Executive Director: Wendy Walker Williams, as of March 1 2010. Board President Shirley Newsome.
Website http://www.hydeparkchicago.org
Purpose: to monitor and improve public safety, housing, code enforcement and community development and planning. Funded and in part community arm of the University of Chicago. Founded in 1952/3. Undergoing major structural and mission change. It will concentrate on economic and community development in a larger area.

Founded by the University and community members in 1952, it had a major role in determining and managing Urban Renewal, then housing, zoning (much later taken over by aldermen), development, and crime/public safety monitoring and analysis. A major civic organization, It is now undergoing changes under a new University of Chicago regime. Here is what the Herald could report August 19, 2009: (By Daschell M. Phillips)

She said the commission's new focus is currently being revised. The commission is also reducing the number of its board members from 77 to 21. Newsome said the large number of board members was difficult to manage. "We could never get a quorum and the only time th whole board came together was during our annual meeting and our annual awards dinner," said Newsome. "We found tha a lot of board members no longer lived in the city or had expired."

 

_________________________________________________

Park Advisory Councils:
Programmatic committee affiliate: NPAC/Nichols
HPKCC-hosted website, back office services: JPAC/Jackson

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