Kelly's Update

As I sit on the House floor in the final hours before the Third Reading deadline, I’m pleased to have sent eight bills over to the Senate for consideration. They join another bill that’s still pending in the Senate from last Spring, HB3711 which represents the work to address the horrific abuses revealed in a Tribune investigation into sexual abuse of patients by medical providers. We are still negotiating final language with the Illinois Health and Hospital Association and hope to finish our work shortly. 

On Thursday night as we left the floor after 10pm, I learned that former House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie had died. She was my seat mate on the floor for the first seven years I served and when I tell you I had the best seat in the House, that’s not an exaggeration. When you’re appointed to the House, you move into the office, floor seat, and parking space of your predecessor, which are always much larger/better positioned than a brand new member would be assigned and appointees are quickly informed that they shouldn’t get too comfortable as they’ll be bumped by someone with more seniority at the beginning of the next term. My predecessor Harry Osterman had long sat next to Barb, so in addition to his double office and close to the Capitol parking space, I got that seat. I very quickly made clear that I was fine losing the office and the parking space, but that I would defend that seat with my very life. 

Leader Currie was probably the smartest person I’ve ever known and getting to see her exercise her amazing skills up close was literally a daily master class in policymaking, debate, leadership, and humanity. She delighted in talking to the boys when they visited and set up their fort under my desk and quickly discovered that they were a great source of intel for cool gifts for her grandchildren. I knew her for many years before I entered the General Assembly through my work with Chicago NOW and had looked up to her from the moment we met, so I especially treasure having gotten to share the last years of her amazing career with a front row seat. There have been some amazing tributes written about Barb and her impact on our state, some citing her impact on women in politics, others calling out specific accomplishments, but my favorite referred to her as the one of the most consequential legislators the state produced in the 20th century. 

Barbara Flynn Currie, Hyde Park's state legislator for 4 decades, dies at 85 

Barbara Flynn Currie, 40-year veteran of Illinois House, trailblazer for women in Springfield, dies

Barbara Flynn Currie, 'trailblazer who opened doors for generations of women' dies

With third reading deadline behind us, I’ve advanced eight bills to the Senate: 

HB4075 cleans up the process for objections to the 3 year old law creating a process for people with certain criminal convictions to access name change proceedings,

HB4255 builds on our state’s humane policy of prohibiting the use of elephants in traveling exhibitions and adds similarly vulnerable animals such as non-human primates, bears, and big cats to the law,

HB4428 will mandate that defendants on pre-trial release receive at least 2 text reminder notices for upcoming court dates,

HB4826 prohibits the issuance of continuing professional education credits for practices that are prohibited in the state,

HB4834 will purge records of testosterone prescriptions from the Prescription Monitoring Program and will prohibit inclusion of medications used in abortion or gender affirming care if the federal government adds them to the list of scheduled drugs,

HB4839 allows the Department of Public Health to create a new form that will allow funeral homes to provide services to families who experience a spontaneous pregnancy loss prior to 20 weeks gestation and for any termination of pregnancy. (Current law only allows for a fetal death certificate to be issued in the event of a spontaneous loss after 20 weeks of gestation),

HB4966 calls on the Department of Children and Family Services to take proactive steps to ensure that any youth being placed out of state maintains the same rights as they would enjoy in Illinois,

and HB5411 will allow Certified Veterinary Technicians in the state to provide rabies vaccinations under the direct supervision of a Veterinarian.

These are in addition to HB3711 which will create procedures and accountability measures for medical professionals and facilities that abuse patients. This bill is from last spring and is still being negotiated, but I anticipate we’ll be moving it soon.

It was another busy and fun filled weekend in the district too. On Saturday, we had a great time at Care For Real’s 2nd Annual Trivia Night Fundraiser. Our table was certainly not Jeopardy ready, but we had a good time raising money for an organization that has done so much to support our neighbors in Edgewater and Rogers Park. Sunday was the ultimate Andersonville day: we started with a delicious brunch from Lady Gregory’s, then met 14th district resident and environmental leader Jen Walling for the Illinois Environmental Council’s Earth Day Pop Up Flash Tattoo fundraiser. We chose the belted kingfisher from the flash art of the talented artists at Evoke Tattoo Studio. The kingfisher is particularly special to Candace and me because one flew through our wedding out in Wyoming and when we visit my brother in Florida, we spend time out on his patio where a kingfisher has taken up residence hunting in his canal. Of course, you can’t go to Andersonville without doing a little shopping, so we hit The Brown Elephant where Candace scored an authentic Members Only jacket, then over to Rattleback Records for some new vinyl. Finally, I was pleased to get to help The Swedish American Museum kick off their 50th anniversary celebrations alongside Congressman Mike Quigley, Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, and staff from Senator Mike Simmons’ office. The museum is such a treasured part of the community - I have fond memories of taking my kids to the Children’s Museum of Immigration as well as attending so many wonderful neighborhood gatherings in their gorgeous (and growing!) space. If you haven’t checked it out, make a point of getting over there.

This week is another week where the House is the only chamber in session, with the Senate flying solo the following week. The chaos of last week’s absolute crush of humans trying to move around the Capitol and meet with members was insane, and it’s precisely because we’ve organized the calendar so badly. The Senate hasn’t really sent a lot of bills over to us for consideration, having extended their deadlines when they left Springfield after cancelling their Friday session, so it’s not entirely clear how much we have to work on, but it will be good to have some time to sort through the debris of this week’s chaos and get set for the second half of session. To any constituents who were not able to connect with me last week, I’ll have some availability to meet either in person or virtually during the Senate only week when I’m hoping to catch up in the office and finalize some negotiations. We did manage to connect with a few different lobby groups including Abundant Housing Illinois, The Illinois Arts Alliance, Centro Romero, ONE Northside, and a few others.

Need to Know Info

SNAP customers can now check to see if they are subject to, are meeting, or may be eligible to seek an exemption from work requirements. Use the ABE: SNAP Work Requirements screener. 

Additional Information on New SNAP Work Requirements  

Before the federal budget bill, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) applied to adults ages 18-54 who had: 

• No kids under 18 living at home 
• No disabilities

Now, more people must meet or be exempt from work requirements, like: 

• People who are homeless  
• People with kids at home who are only 14 or older 
• Veterans 
• People with no disabilities, ages 55-64  

Important Dates: 

May 1, 2026: ABAWDs who do not meet or who are not exempt from work requirements will lose benefits. 

IDHS has sent initial notices of these federal changes along with a copy of an exemption form, to all current and new ABAWDs. 

Illinois DHS will also continue to provide updates on: snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov  

Beginning in 2027, new federal requirements may require some adult Medicaid customers to report work, school, or training activities. Many customers will be exempt, and no one will be required to take action until they receive direct notice from the State. However, in order to receive up to date information, you must make sure your contact information is correct.

To view or update your contact information, scan the QR code in the above flyer, use this link, or call 877-805-5312.

City Clerk Anna Valencia is bringing back Amnesty April! The Office of the City Clerk is waiving City Sticker late fees and back charges for drivers from April 1-30, 2026.

For more information from The Office of the City Clerk, please click here.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is inviting entrepreneurs, small business owners and aspiring founders to attend the office’s first-ever free Business Services Resource Fair, an event designed to help Illinoisans turn business ideas into real opportunities. Hosted in partnership with state, county and city agencies, as well as private-sector business development organizations, the fair will bring together the people and resources entrepreneurs need to start, grow and sustain a successful business – all under one roof.

Register here.

CPS' Capital is holding community meetings as an opportunity to share information with families about the district's capital planning process and provide input to help inform the district's FY27 Capital Plan.

As part of their commitment to engaging families around the district’s budgeting process, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is seeking feedback as they prepare their 2027 Fiscal Year Capital Plan by collecting your input to help the district understand what investments would have the most positive impact on CPS children. Your input is key to achieving the district’s commitment to community engagement and equity during the budgeting process.

CPS Capital would love for you to be a part of this conversation. If you are interested in attending, you can register here.

Meeting Schedule

• April 21: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (English/Spanish, Colman Admin Office; 4655 S. Dearborn St.)
• April 21: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (English/Spanish, Colman Admin Office; 4655 S. Dearborn St.)
• April 28: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Spanish Only, Virtual)

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is leading a statewide housing planning effort this year, the Illinois Housing Blueprint. The Illinois Housing Blueprint will be a tool for municipalities, state agencies, nonprofits, and local leaders across the state to better understand how housing fits into the economic fabric of their region and to support targeted, community-specific policy and investment decisions.  

The Blueprint aims to amplify the voices of Illinoisans living and working in communities across the state. IHDA will be hosting listening sessions across the state in the coming months and they invite you to join them for a session in your community. Please note all in-person sessions will be conducted in English and they will also have a statewide virtual session conducted in Spanish.

Southwest Region – Wednesday, May 6 in Belleville 

Southern Region – Thursday, May 7 in Marion 

West Central Region – Wednesday, May 20 in Macomb 

Northwest Region – Thursday, May 21 in Moline 

Northeast Region – Wednesday, June 3 in Chicago 

Statewide Session in Spanish - Tuesday, June 9 (Virtual) 

Central Region – Tuesday, June 16 in Springfield 

North Central Region – Wednesday, June 17 in Peoria 

Southeast Region – Thursday, June 18 in Effingham 

East Central Region – Thursday, June 25 in Champaign 

Northern Stateline Region – Tuesday, July 14 in Rockford 

Northeast Region – TBA in Kankakee 

You can RSVP for listening sessions here.

Union Pacific’s Community Ties Giving Program is now accepting applications from local organizations for grants. The Union Pacific takes pride in the role they have played in helping communities thrive and believe the impact they can have on local communities is greatest when it is authentic to their history and reflective of the company they are today. As such, they have carefully aligned their Local Grants cause areas to their company's unique heritage, strengths, and assets. Specifically, they are prioritize funding for direct services and efforts that build the capacity of organizations focused on the following causes within their local operating communities: safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability.

Applications are open until April 30th! More information and applications can be found here.

Mariyana T. Spyropoulos, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, is holding Amnesty Week! This is your opportunity to make payments for moving traffic violations without the added collection fee. April 27th-May 1st.

Click here to go to their website.

Neighborhood Shoutout

High Voltage Records is officially opening its doors in Rogers Park after years of tabling and online sales! Their GRAND OPENING is this Saturday, April 25th from 10AM-7PM at 7013 N. Sheridan Rd. Stop by, bring some friends, and support a brand new local record shop right in the neighborhood.

After opening day, High Voltage Records will only be open on weekends (for now). You can follow their Instagram for updates!

Let's come out to the grand opening and show some community love to this great new local business!

District Events

Edgewater Mutual Aid has released the dates of their April Food Distributions. Doors open at 11:45am and numbers are being distributed at noon! Their free food and supplies distribution takes place in the dining hall on the east side of Edgewater Presbyterian Church. They have groceries, KN95 masks, Covid tests, toilet paper, laundry detergent, clothing and more!

There is a random number system for the distribution line, which is equitable and reduces the need for neighbors to arrive early to the church.

Edgewater Presbyterian Church

1020 W Bryn Mawr Ave

State Senator Mike Simmons invites you to an in-person Town Hall focused on Spring Policy Updates, SNAP and Medicaid Information, and Community Updates on Thursday, April 23rd from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.  

Welles Park Fieldhouse

2333 W. Sunnyside Ave

Chicago, IL 60625

(in Lincoln Square)

The event will include... 

• Senator Simmons' Spring 2026 Legislative Updates, including the passage of a Senator Simmons' Ban on Rental Junk Fees, protecting LGBTQ+ rights, improving property tax administrative processes, transportation and bike grid updates, and expanding the Jett Hawkins Act
• Community Updates including Weiss Hospital and Uptown DHS permanent location progress 
• SNAP/Medicaid work requirement reminders and help

Questions? Email senatormikesimmons@gmail.com or call 773-769-1717.

You can RSVP here.

Dine out for a cause in Andersonville on Thursday, April 23!

Dining Out For Life helps ensure people affected by HIV can access essential services. When you dine at a participating restaurant on April 23rd, a portion of your bill will be donated to Vivent Health + TPAN, an organization providing critical care, including mental health services, substance use treatment, HIV testing, and support for LGBTQ+ youth. Show up, eat well, and give back! Takeout, gift cards, and direct donations all count too.

A list of participating restaurants and the discounts they are offering can be found here, along with more information about Vivent Health+TPAN and future Dining Out for Life events.

Youth Fest is a vibrant community celebration designed to bring people together with free food, carnival games, music, performances, and fun activities for kids and families. Come out on April 25th from 12:00–4:00 PM to Pottawattomie Park for an afternoon of connection, culture, and community.

This event is hosted by the Chicago Chapter of the National Student Refugee Coalition (NSRC), a student-led nonprofit dedicated to uplifting and empowering refugee and newcomer youth through meaningful community engagement. 

Saturday, April 25 •5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Meet at Igor’s Bike Shack 3650 N. Recreation Drive. Meet at 4:45 PM, roll out at 5:00 PM.

Chicago’s lakefront isn’t just great for biking — it’s also one of the best bird migration corridors in the country.

The ride will be lead by a ride leader from the Chicago Ornithological Society, who will help everyone spot and learn about the birds that pass through the lakefront every spring.

Expect:

A 2-hour relaxed ride

Bird spotting along the lakefront

BIRDO - like BINGO, with birds

A fun mix of bikes, nature, and good conversation

You don’t need to be a bird expert or a bike expert! Just come curious and ready to ride.

Independent Bookstore Day (IBD) is a one-day national party celebrating indie bookstores on the last Saturday in April. This April 25th, across the country, each store creates its own unique events—including guest authors, special kids’ story times, readings, contests, giveaways, sales, and more. In Chicago, there is the Chicagoland Bookstore Crawl.

This year, Chicagoland is BACK with 80+ bookstores joining the celebration with the annual Chicagoland Bookstore Crawl! Each year, independent bookstores across the greater Chicago area–from Antioch to Homewood and St. Charles to the Loop–the Chicagoland Bookstore Crawl encourages book lovers to indulge in bookstore tourism by visiting 10 or more stores in a single day.

You can learn more, see a list of participants, and plan your route at their website here!

Join RPBA and the Glenwood Sunday Market to see the Chicago Stars take on the Boston Legacy at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium on Saturday, April 25th at 5:30pm! For each ticket you purchase, GSM will get a portion of proceeds donated back. Bring the whole family!

Secure your tickets now and be part of the action!

To purchase a group of 10+ tickets, please contact Megan Graham - mgraham@chicagostars.com or (773)-880-2453.

Join the Edgewater Environmental Coalition and other local environmental organizations for Love Our Lakefront, a celebration of nature in the city! Activities include a nature walk, a tree tour, beach stewardship, resource & craft fair, and more!

This event will be hosted on Sunday, April 26th from 9am-1:30pm at 5800 N Marine (Kathy Osterman Beach). Learn more and register online here!

Howard Street Community Cleanup E-Town v. Rogers Park

Sunday April 26th

Palm House Parking Lot, 619 Howard St, Evanston

Join Climate Action Evanston and Howard Street Special Service Area #10 for a hands-on, community cleanup with a twist. Litter League turns picking up trash into a friendly competition where they sort what they find into compost, recycling and landfill and then go out for drinks! Form a team or join one when you arrive.

Show up ready to move, connect, and make an impact.

The City of Chicago Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights along with Parents University from Chicago Public Schools (CPS), the Indo American Center, the Cook County Public Defender's Office, United Community Organization, Metropolitan Family Services, the United African Organization, Immigration Attorney Rocio Velazquez Kato and Family Focus, will offer a virtual information session on immigration.

This workshop is for community members impacted or interested to learn about the latest developments in immigration. We know that immigration issues are broad and often complex. During this event, we will provide up-to-date information on changes in immigration law related to public charge and increased ICE activity and what to expect with this current administration. 

When: Tuesday, April 28th, from 6pm-7:30PM 

Where: Virtual; once you register you will receive the Zoom link one day before the event. This event will be only in English. 

You can register here.

Valborg is a Swedish tradition that marks the arrival of spring and is often seen as an opportunity to bid farewell to the winter months. One of the central elements of Valborg celebrations in Sweden is the lighting of large bonfires. These bonfires are typically lit in public spaces, such as parks or community squares, and people gather around them to socialize, sing songs, and enjoy the warmth of the fire. In addition to bonfires, other common activities during Valborg include singing traditional songs, particularly ones associated with spring and nature.

The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce invites the community to gather around the fire for their third Valborg in Andersonville! In addition to the festivities and in celebration of Earth Month, they will have eco-friendly and sustainability resources available.

You can learn more and see a list of participants here.

The Edgewater Environmental Coalition has released a calendar of all of their recurring volunteer days. They will be posting for one-off volunteering opportunities as they progress through the season. For now, you can see what kind of days they offer from Vedgewater Volunteer Days, Beach Stewardship days, Parkway for Pollinator Days and more!

You may drive, walk, bike or ride a bus along Clark Street regularly, but do you know the story of the neighborhood's oldest commercial hub? This presentation and walking tour will give you the opportunity to slow down, look around and see for yourself how Clark Street has evolved over time.

The event will start with a talk by neighborhood historian Glenna Eaves, introducing you to the people and businesses that served and sustained the community for more than a century. Tickets are not needed to attend the presentation, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the Rogers Park Library.

After the presentation, ticketed participants will walk with Glenna up Clark Street from Morse to Greenleaf Avenues. Tour takers will see for themselves what has changed and, surprisingly, how much remains in place. The walking tour will take 80-90 minutes.

Where: Rogers Park Public Library, 6907 North Clark Street

When: Saturday, May 2. Presentation at 12 noon. The one-hour tour will leave from the library at about 1:15.

Cost: Tickets for the tour are $25, or $20 with Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society member discount. The is no charge to attend the presentation only.

Tickets can be reserved here.

Skip the waitlist and win BIG with Aville Grows!

Now's your chance to be a part of Aville Grows, Andersonville's vibrant community garden just in time for spring! To raise funds for 2026, they are raffling off one of their garden beds to one lucky winner (can be shared by a household). For $10 per entry, you can win a "turn key" filled garden bed, a spot in the highly-sought gardens, and a waived yearly membership fee. A total value of over $400!

And yes, multiple entries are encouraged to help increase your chances. Best of all, the proceeds will go to help the gardens continue to grow including things like new fences for both lots, new beds to raffle off to the next phase of Aville Gardeners, and a large community table for a planned event space.

They will be announcing the lucky winner after Spring Up Fest on May 3. Don't miss this chance to DIG IN and grow bright with your own garden bed. Good luck, garden lovers!

You can enter the raffle here!

The Unitarian Church of Evanston is holding their annual Rummage Sale on May 1st & 2nd! Their annual Rummage Sale helps them deepen their community relationships while serving as a vital source of funding in support of their mission to nurture the human spirit for a world made whole.

Unitarian Church of Evanston

1330 Ridge Ave

Evanston, IL

Hey local musicians and performers, this one's for you!

Loyola Park Advisory Council is looking for bands, musicians, and performers to take the stage at the Artists of the Wall Festival, happening over Father’s Day weekend (June 20–21, 2026) in Loyola Park.

Compensated gig

Free for the community to attend

One of the best weekends of the year

Applications are due May 2—don’t sleep on it!

Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/aotwmusic

Know someone who should be on that stage? Share this opportunity and spread the word!

Theatre

Written and directed by Jackie Taylor

We can’t think of a better way to kick off the 50th Anniversary Season than to bring back The Jackie Wilson Story! Jackie Wilson premiered at the Black Ensemble Theater in 2000. This outstanding production started its successful national tour in 2002. The tour included a record-breaking run at the famous Apollo Theater in New York. In 2012, Jackie Wilson made history by opening the new Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center. This award-winning production continues its historical run as it opens our 50th Anniversary season. Experience this tribute to the most dynamic and electrifying entertainer of all time, Mr. Excitement – Jackie Wilson.

Black Ensemble Theater

4450 N Clark

You can get more information and purchase tickets here.

A world premiere rock musical based on Norse mythology at the Lifeline Theater!

Music and Lyrics by George Howe

Book by ensemble member Christina Calvit

Developed with and directed by ensemble member Heather Currie

Welcome to the greatest rock ‘n’ roll show not on Earth! LOKI arrives at Asgard, bringing chaos, comedy, and three monstrous (maybe) children. LOKI tangles with Odin, Thor, and the mysterious Freya; each with their own agenda; their own secrets—but all paths lead to one eternal question: In an us vs. them world, can we envision a new mythology?

Content Advisory: This production contains simulated violence, explicit language, and mature themes. Recommended for audiences ages 13+.

LOKI runs from April 24 – June 14, 2026 at the Lifeline Theater with the following pricing options:

$30 Previews: April 24 – May 2 (Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2:30 p.m.)

$55 Opening: May 3 at 2:30pm (Ticket includes access to the Opening Reception with complimentary drinks & light bites)

$45 Regular Run: May 8 – June 14 (Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m.); Military, senior, and student discounts available.

Youth

Refugee Education & Adventure Challenge (REACH) is pleased to open up registration for their 2026 Summer Adventure Camp. Eligible youth are refugee and asylum-seeking youth (boys and girls) between the ages of 10 and 18, who primarily live in Chicago's north side neighborhoods (Rogers Park, West Ridge, Albany Park, Edgewater) or nearby suburbs.

Summer Adventure Day Camp Sessions:  REACH will offer four weekly day camp sessions (Mon-Thurs, 10 am - 4 pm) during which participants will engage in adventure sports and place-based education activities such as archery, climbing, kayaking, canoeing, nature hikes, fishing, forest restoration, and river clean-ups. [REACH will coordinate bus or van transportation based on enrollees' residential neighborhoods. However, some families may need coordinate their own transport to the pick-up location.]

Session One: June 29 - July 2

Session Two: July 6 - July 9

Session Three: August 3 - August 6

Session Four: August 10 - August 13

Summer Adventure Overnight Camping Trips:  REACH will offer three overnight (1 night / 2-days) tent camping trips (one girls only, one boys only, one co-ed), including team building activities (scavenger hunts, improv skits), nature education (macroinvertebrate investigations, outdoor cooking, habitat assessments), adventure sports (kayaking, climbing, hiking), and leadership development (problem solving, cooperative learning). [REACH will transport all participating youth via van or charter bus rentals.]

Girls' Only Camping Trip: Sat-Sun, July 11-12, 2026

Boys' Only Camping Trip: Sun-Mon, July 12-13, 2026

Co-Ed Camping Trip: Sat-Sun, August 15-16, 2026

Family Picnic & Award Ceremony: This is an end-of-summer celebration for all participating youth and their family members. 

Family Picnic: Saturday, August 22, 12-3 PM

You can fill out the preliminary registration form here - REACH Summer 2026 Pre-Registration Form, and a home visit will be scheduled with each family to complete the registration interview process. 

Remember: all camps are FREE, but registration will be limited to 30 youth per weekly session. Registration closes on June 5, 2026, or when camps reach capacity. 

Specific questions about summer camp registration can be directed to Shana Wills at swills@reachinchicago.org or Ellie Hease at ehease@reachinchicago.org.  

Summer Session enrollment is now open at Lakeside Swim School, where they offer tailored coaching for adults and kids of all ages and abilities. Their warm pools and friendly coaches create a relaxed and comfortable environment to take your swimming to the next level. They offer the one-on-one attention that swimmers need to improve, at their own pace. 

Under the instruction of their experienced coaches, you will learn new drills, refine techniques and track your progress with the aid of underwater video feedback.

Whether you are first time swimmer or seasoned triathlete, after taking lessons they guarantee you will be encouraged by the results you see.

To see dates and times or to learn more about Summer Session, click here.

Four dynamic positions are available in parks over the summer for ages 16 and up: Lifeguard, Recreation Leader (for day camp), Special Recreation Leader (for day camps for kids and adults with intellectual disabilities), and Junior Laborer (landscape maintenance). Additional positions are available for ages 18+. 

To learn more and apply, go to their website here.

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to income-eligible Chicago residents pursuing higher education. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000 and may be applied toward tuition and institutional fees for the Fall 2026 semester/quarter. In 2026, the city is investing in the whole student by providing additional resources such as financial education and personal development. Learn more and apply online by May 6. 

The Office of the Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton is excited to announce the launch of the “Illinois to America: Stories that Shape Us” student essay contest for America’s 250th Anniversary. This contest is open to students in 6th-12th grade.  

Winners will have their essays displayed in the Lt. Governor’s Chicago and Springfield offices and highlighted at the Lt. Governor’s tent at the state fair. In addition, they will receive a letter, certificate, and Challenge Coin from the Lieutenant Governor. There may also be some special surprises!  

The contest is open from April 13th through 11:59pm CST on May 31st. Winners will be announced on July 4th. To learn more about the guidelines and submission process, visit the contest website.

If you have any questions, please reach out to mahi.patel@illinois.gov or ltgov.policy@illinois.gov.  

Hiring

The Senior Program Officer collaborates closely with the Director of Programs to ensure that CFW’s grantmaking strategies align with the Foundation’s strategic plan, values, and commitment to trust‑based philanthropy. They identify and recommend new and emerging opportunities that deepen CFW’s impact and respond to the evolving needs and priorities of community organizations across the Chicagoland region.

The Senior Program Officer leads the Foundation’s core grantmaking activities and coordinates CFW’s trust‑based process. This includes organizing a cross-section of CFW’s stakeholders to ensure that the community voice is centered and to promote transparency and shared learning.

As the primary point of contact for grantee partners, the Senior Program Officer provides relationship‑centered support—offering clear guidance on funding opportunities across CFW’s portfolios and initiatives, connecting organizations to resources, and ensuring a responsive, accessible application experience. They cultivate authentic partnerships grounded in mutual respect, open communication, and a commitment to long‑term impact.

The ideal Senior Program Officer is a skilled relationship builder and thoughtful project manager who brings curiosity, humility, and strong interpersonal and leadership skills. They model CFW’s culture of community, transparency, equity, and shared power in all aspects of their work.

To learn more and apply, click here.

Habitat for Humanity Chicago is hiring three seasonal (May/June-December) Senior Crew Leaders to join their construction team.

A Senior Crew Leader assists in running the daily build site operations, including completing the day’s work plan, solving problems, and ensuring volunteers and homebuyers have a meaningful experience on the build site.

Learn more about the position and apply here.

Visit an American Job Center to access employment resources, information about job training and more. Each center has knowledgeable staff that provide assistance to people who need career assistance. Assistance is available to youth and adults. All services are free.

Please call in advance to get information about hours, orientation, and workshop details.

1145 West Wilson Avenue

Room 1917

Chicago, IL 60640

(773) 831-5221

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626