Kelly's Update

Last week, I had the pleasure of joining approximately 50 colleagues from all over the country at a National Conference of State Legislatures convening on criminal justice policy solutions in San Antonio. Unfortunately, I also tested positive for Covid this weekend after my return, so this is going to be a quick update. It’s been more than a year since I’d last gotten infected and I’d been meaning to get my updated shot for the last few weeks, but time got away from me. I read that the San Antonio area was experiencing a surge in cases after the confusion of the new vaccine guidelines, so it bears repeating that in Illinois, there are no barriers to getting an insurance covered booster. While you’re there, get your flu shot. Here’s more information on the steps Illinois has taken to ensure access to science based vaccine data.

I’m also very sad to miss a program tomorrow afternoon that I've been looking forward to for a while. My dear friend and Rogers Park neighbor, Professor George Otto is the featured speaker at a program sponsored by Loyola University on the 87th Anniversary of Kristallnacht and the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. He was a child in Warsaw, Poland during the war and will share his memories as a young boy experiencing the occupation and persecution of the Polish and Jewish communities. He’s shared some of those memories with me informally and I promise you won’t regret spending an evening with this remarkable man I am lucky to call my friend and neighbor. Use the following link to sign up as registration is required: https://libcal.luc.edu/event/15175543. For more information, see our Neighborhood Shoutout. 

The office is closed tomorrow in observance of Veterans Day. I’m sorry to be missing so many in-person events this week, but as my symptoms improve, I’ll get back on the Zoom train for meetings. Don’t forget our LGBTQ+ Rights in Illinois Seminar with our friends from the ACLU of Illinois on Thursday. For more information, see below.

Need to Know Info

This Thursday, November 13th, our office will be hosting a seminar in partnership with the ACLU of Illinois on the Illinois Human Rights Act and the SAFE-T Act! This event will be in person, at our district office, at 5:30pm. Advanced registration is required. Use the QR code or follow this link to register!

In observance of Veterans Day, our office will be closed today Tuesday, November 11th. If you need to contact us, you can email us at info@repcassidy.com and we will reach out when we return.

Federal courts ordered the federal administration to continue paying for SNAP (food stamps) during the government shutdown. IDHS and the State of Illinois are reviewing these orders. SNAP November benefits remain on hold by the federal government until further notice or order by the courts. Even if the courts order payment, it is uncertain how long it will take for SNAP payments to be made.

Benefits from months prior to November can still be used.

IDHS will keep customers updated on this evolving situation.

• SNAP information and food resources are available here: SNAP Federal Impact Center

For resources, please refer to our Constituent Service Guide under the "Food/Food Pantries" section.

Above you can find a list of food resources in the district. You can also check the Greater Chicago Food Depository's website to see a larger list of city wide food banks.

All of these great organizations are doing what they can to feed our neighbors already. With this influx of neighbors in need, they will need our help to serve even more members of the community. You can use the QR codes above to donate to the amazing work that these organizations do.

Instacart is offering active SNAP customers 50% off their next grocery order — up to a $50 discount. This special offer is designed to immediately help families stretch their grocery dollars, allowing them to keep nutritious staples and daily essentials in their carts and on their tables.

All eligible customers who used EBT SNAP benefits to get groceries delivered via Instacart at any point in October will receive an individual discount code via email in the coming days. This offer can be redeemed nationwide from any one of the nearly 180 retail banners and 30,000 stores that offer SNAP payments via Instacart, up to 100,000 redemptions — representing a commitment of up to $5 million in direct relief for families on SNAP. 

At the same time many families are preparing for a lapse in SNAP benefits, food banks are bracing for a surge in demand. This time of year is already a strain on these local organizations, as food insecurity historically intensifies heading into the holiday season. This year, the lapse in SNAP benefits, coupled with federal employees who may be missing paychecks, could make the lines at food bank doors even longer. 

To help food banks stock up on the exact items they need, Instacart is immediately expanding their nationwide Community Carts Campaign, nearly tripling the size of the program to support over 300 Feeding America food bank partners and agencies across the country during this heightened time of need. 

Senator Simmons’ office is accepting donations of non-perishable food, reusable grocery bags, new toiletries/diapers/cleaning supplies. Drop off donations Monday-Friday from 10am-3pm at 1040 W Bryn Mawr. For questions, email senatormikesimmons@gmail.com or call 773-769-1717.

Our office is partnering with R Public House and Women & Children First to collect new and lightly used winter items for Care For Real! You can help out a neighbor in need this winter by donating items such as winter coats, gloves, mittens, scarves, and hats at one of our drop off locations.

District Office of State Rep Kelly Cassidy

1507 W Morse Ave

R Public House

1508 W Jarvis Ave

Women & Children First

5233 N Clark St.

On Wednesday, November 12th, from 6:30pm-8pm, SEIU is hosting a virtual ICE training for childcare and early learning workers, both home or center based. With caregivers continuing to be targeted by ICE, endangering our kids and communities, come learn how to be prepared. To register, click here.

Our office received a new restock of Know Your Rights cards and a small supply of ICIRR Family Support Network Hotline yard signs. We also continue to have whistles and other Hands Off Chicago signs as well (pictured). To ensure we have what you need, please call us ahead of stopping by at 773-784-2002.

You can also visit our Know Your Rights Resources page for more information and resources.

Our office now has free "Protecting Chicago" signs for local businesses! If you are a business owner in the district and would like one of these signs, feel free to call our office or stop by for one. Thank you to the folks over at Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth's office for the signs!

Instructions on how best to fill out the ICE Privacy Waiver, English (Left) and Spanish (Right). Click any image to download a PDF.

The office of Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky has provided us with ICE Privacy Waivers. These forms should be filled out by anyone at risk of detention and kept with important paperwork so that Congresswoman Schakowsky's office and/or legal representation can help as quickly as possible if you or a loved one is detained. Instructions for filling out the form and the form itself can be found above. Click on any image to be taken to a downloadable PDF. Since these forms are being filled out in advance, they should not be dated. Additionally, you should also leave the recipient portion blank to be filled in later.

In the event that a loved one is detained, contact Congresswoman Schakowsky's office at 773-506-7100 and let them know that you have already filled out an ICE Privacy Waiver form. After contacting them, it is also recommended you fill out their digital case work form.

The Illinois Secretary of State has announced its third year of the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award. This award was created by the National Association of Secretaries of State following U.S. Congressman John Lewis' death in 2021 to encourage young people ages 18 to 25 to demonstrate civic engagement in the spirit of the late U.S. Congressman.

The 2025 award process and application details can be found here.

The deadline for completed submissions is Monday, November 17, 2025 at 5:00pm by email to jlyouthaward@ilsos.gov.

Neighborhood Shoutout

Please join the Loyola Department of History, University Libraries, and Polish Studies Program to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the End of World War II with this opportunity to learn lessons of courage and resilience from Professor George Otto. 

A World War II survivor, born in Warsaw in 1929. Professor Otto will share his vivid memories of the Nazi invasion of Poland in 1939 and the occupation that followed bringing violence against and persecution of the Polish and Jewish communities. 

Professor Otto taught Management and Economics at several universities and has been a leader at Truman College and in the Polish American community. 

Tuesday November 11th

4:00 to 5:30 p.m.

Coffey Hall, McCormick Lounge, 1st floor

Enter through the southwest door to Coffey Hall, near the west side of Piper Hall.

Register here.

District Events

Join Friends of the Edgewater Library and Edgewater Village Chicago on Sunday, November 16th at 2pm for a bookmark making extravaganza! Supplies will be provided. Bring your friends and family and make a unique gift!

Support your favorite local businesses this holiday season! Now through December 31, 2025, collect receipts from at least four independently-owned Rogers Park businesses and earn up to $75 back.

This year, it is starting three weeks earlier to help local shops thrive and yes, your Small Business Saturday and Mercadito purchases count toward your rebate!

Don’t wait! Shop early, save your receipts and get rewarded for supporting the vibrant Rogers Park community.

Click here for more information.

Each Monday Jarvis Square Tavern will be featuring food from restaurants in Rogers Park that are seeing a decline in business due to ICE activity in the neighborhood. They will also be putting together whistle kits for neighbors. Join them starting at 5pm on Mondays.

Jarvis Square Tavern

1502 W Jarvis Ave

Únete a la oficina del Ward 48 y NIJC para actualizaciones sobre la aplicación de la ley por parte del ICE en Chicago y información sobre servicios legales

Miércoles 12 de noviembre

6:00 - 7:30 PM

Senn High School Cafetería - 5900 N Glenwood Ave

Join the 48th Ward office and NIJC for a presentation about recent ICE activity and enforcement and how to be prepared. Presentation will be in Spanish with English Translations.

Wednesday November 12th

6:00 - 7:30 PM

Senn High School Cafeteria - 5900 N Glenwood Ave

Registro

You are what you eat, so Vivent Health + TPAN wants to help you build a better you! They will be discussing the power of food and the benefits of good nutrition and eating habits. They will teach you new ways to feel full, the holistic benefits of certain foods, and pathways to food access. This is a free, in-person workshop. Partner organizations will be present to provide information on local services and food opportunities. This is an excellent way to meet people in the community and help create a healthier Chicago. They hope to see you there.

Wednesday, November 12

5:30 - 7:30pm, Presentation at 6:00pm

Vivent Health + TPAN

5537 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640

Please register ahead of time here.

The City of Chicago Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights, along with CPS Parent University, Indo American Center, Cook County Public Defenders Office, Community United Organization, Metropolitan Family Services, United African Organization, Northwest Center and Family Focus, will be hosting a virtual immigration information session.

This virtual event is for CPS parents and Schools to be inform of recent immigration updates. We know that immigration issues are broad and often complex to understand. During this event, we will be sure to provide up-to-date information on changes in immigration law related to new policy, increased ICE activity, how to create an Emergency Family Plan, and how you can support the community 

Thursday, November 13 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

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.

The Health Care Committee of Edgewater Indivisible is hosting a meeting on changes to Medicaid and Medicare. Join them to learn about changes to the programs and to have an opportunity to ask questions.

Care for Real

5840 N Broadway 2nd floor

Thursday November 13th

1:00-2:00pm

See your local park in a new light! The Nature Oasis Community Bonfire Series invites community members to experience their park by firelight. Spend the evening in the park meeting your neighbors, learning about local wildlife and warming up next to a fire! Join them within the first 15 minutes of the event for a brief lesson on campfire building.

Friday, November 14th

5:00pm-7:00pm

Berger Park

6205 N. Sheridan Rd.

El Comité de Derechos de los Inmigrantes y Refugiados de la Ciudad de Chicago y la Concejal Maria Hadden, Distrito 49th, la Concejal Silverstein, Disitrto 50th, El representante Huynh, la concejala Angela Clay, la concejala Leni Hoppenworth, el concejal Martin, Rogers Park Business Alliance, Arise Chicago, y Centro Romero, están organizando un evento para informar a las empresas y empleados locales sobre cómo prepararse para posibles redadas y auditorías del gobierno federal.

Hablaremos sobre cómo proteger los derechos de empleados y clientes durante las interacciones con las autoridades federales de inmigración. También proporcionaremos recursos de "Conozca sus derechos" que puede compartir con su personal y la comunidad.

Cuando: Martes 18 de noviembre a las 10am-11:30am 

Donde: Inglesia Unida de Rogers Park 1545 W Morse Ave Chicago IL 60626

Se requiere registro presencial o virtual y este evento será en español

*This event will only be in Spanish.

The City of Chicago's Immigrant and Refugee Rights Committee and Alderwoman Maria Hadden, Alderwoman Debra Silverstein, Representative Hoan Huynh, Alderwoman Angela Clay, Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, Alderman Matt Martin, Rogers Park Business Alliance, Arise Chicago, and Centro Romero are hosting an event to inform local businesses and employees about how to prepare for potential federal government raids and audits.

The Chicago City Council’s Committee on Immigration & Refugee Rights, Chaired by Ald. Andre Vasquez, invites you to join their tentatively monthly Immigration Briefings virtual series to ensure we all understand the changes to immigration law occurring at the federal level and their practical effects on Chicagoans. 

They will discuss changes that may be brought by presidential actions, congressional actions, federal agency policy changes, and judicial actions. The Council knows that immigration issues are broad and often complicated to understand so they're partnering with immigration attorneys to provide some insight. 

This event will be only English.  

Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 1PM.

Virtually; registration is required.

Community Agreements for Participants:

1. No screenshots, no sharing slides from this event externally; you may be subject to future removal

2. Removal of disruptive and/or hateful and/or harmful behavior

3. Automatic removal of: AI aides, phone call-ins (since you cannot rename yourself) and those who do not add first and last name, initials or organization name on your profile. 

Mercadito is a vibrant craft fair hosted by Rogers Park Business Alliance that celebrates the creativity, culture, and entrepreneurial spirit of Camino Clark.

At Mercadito, local artists and small business owners showcase handcrafted goods that reflect the neighborhood’s unique traditions and diversity — from jewelry, pottery, and artwork to baked treats, stationery, home décor, and accessories. Every piece tells a story rooted in Rogers Park’s cultural heartbeat.

Special Additions for this year:

Free Gift Wrapping from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., courtesy of St. Jerome Church. While it’s a free service, donations benefiting St. Jerome are appreciated. (Limit 2 gifts per person; oversized items not accepted.)

Free Ponche from La Casa Vieja. Served while supplies last.

Click here to see a list of vendors.

Santa Claus returns to The Guesthouse Hotel on Sunday, November 23 from 11AM-4PM to kick off the holiday season with a special photoshoot! Bring the whole family for professional photos with Santa and make this year’s holiday memories extra special.

This festive occasion allows families to reserve a spot ahead of time and capture wonderful memories with Santa Claus by professional photographer Juancho SC. Photos will be made available to you after the shoot for your personal use.

Theatre

Enjoy two hour long solo performances from local creatives, comics, and performers at Berger Park, 6205 N. Sheridan.. There will be a short intermission between shows. You can learn more here.

Written by: Marjorie Muller

Directed by: Kayla Menz

16-year-old Dot still hasn’t gotten her period. Lucky for her, there’s a Witch in the woods who can get it started. However, in exchange, Dot must offer her the life of a man who has wronged her. And who better to offer than a math teacher? When Dot gets her elusive first period and becomes witness to the Witch’s murder, they become bonded in literal blood, sending Dot down a path of self-understanding, bitterness, and perhaps a little bit of violence too (as a treat). The Sporting Life is a ‘this girl is a woman now’ story brutally snapped open to expose the, sometimes literal, entrails of growing up girl.

The Sporting Life runs October 17th-November 22nd

The Factory Theatre

1623 W Howard St

You can learn more and purchase tickets here.

Theatre Above the Law presents Black Comedy, a farce by Peter Schafer.

Struggling sculptor Brindsley Miller and his fiancé Carol are having a party with the aim of impressing Carol's bombastic father, Colonel Melkett, and millionaire Georg Bamberger. They hope the two men might purchase some of Brindsley's sculptures. Without permission, they have borrowed the furniture of their fussy neighbor, Harold, to make their own flat more presentable. Just before the guests arrive, the main fuse blows, plunging the flat into darkness. What follows is a frantic romp with unexpected visitors, mistaken identities, and surprises lurking in every dark corner. Only we, the audience, can see the action that ensues in the dark. As you might expect, the results are chaotic, disastrous and downright hysterical.

Jarvis Square Theater

1439 W. Jarvis

November 21-December 21.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Youth & Teen

Need help with your homework? Want to improve your math, writing, or reading skills? The Teacher in the Library is back at the Rogers Park Library!

Location: Rogers Park Library, 6907 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60626

The teacher will be available at the following times:

Monday, 4 PM to 7 PM.

Tuesday, 4 PM to 6 PM.

Wednesday, 4 PM to 7 PM.

Thursday, 4 PM to 6 PM.

For more information, call (312) 744-0156.

The Teacher in the Library is funded by the Chicago Public Library Foundation, 

dedicated to the curious.

ComEd today announced it is now accepting applications for $175,000 worth of college and trades scholarships made available through its Future of Energy scholarship program. Now through November 16, 2025, students who are pursuing a future career in energy, either through a trades training program or a STEM-related college major, can apply for scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

The Future of Energy scholarship program offers financial assistance to cover tuition and education-related expenses for both college and trade programs. The program awards up to $10,000 for college STEM programs, and up to $2,500 for trades schools, such as electrical and line work, HVAC, mechanic/electric vehicle, drafting and design, and plumbing and construction. In addition to the financial award, selected applicants enrolled in a college program may also be eligible for internship opportunities with ComEd.

To qualify for scholarships, students must be enrolled in an eligible two or four-year college or trade program, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8, and submit an application along with two references. Find more information or apply for the ComEd Future of Energy scholarship at ComEd.com/FutureofEnergy.

For more information on ComEd's workforce and education programs, please visit ComEd.com/CleanEnergyJobs.

Hiring

Visit an American Job Center to access employment resources, information about job training and more. Each center has knowledgeable staff that provides 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

Are you ready to make a difference in your community? The Chicago Fire Department is hiring licensed Paramedics/EMT-Ps to join their team of dedicated professionals saving lives every day.

Starting Salary: $74,626 (effective 1/1/2026)

Application Deadline: 11:59 PM CT on December 2, 2025

Requirements:

• Illinois Paramedic/EMT-P or pending IDPH license

• Valid U.S. driver’s license

• Attach all required documents at the time of application

Apply today and answer the call to serve!

Scan the QR code or visit this link for details.

Greater West Town will start new vocational classes December 1st for

Shipping & Receiving Training, and Wood Products Manufacturing Training.

Both classes run for 12 weeks and are free to income-eligible participants.

Illinois residents who are 18 years old or over and low-income eligible can train at no cost. For decades these programs have successfully equipped community residents with technical, in-demand skills and placed them in jobs in their industries with decent wages. The courses include basic math and reading skills, lifting the academic proficiency of students; as well as career readiness classes to aid participants in a successful job search. Job placement and transportation assistance are included.

To sign up and learn more visit their website here.

It’s that time again, Illinois! IDOT is hiring 1,600+ temporary Winter Highway Maintainers across the state for the 2025–2026 snow and ice season. Help maintain and repair roads, bridges, and more — and keep Illinois moving safely this winter.

Requirements:

✔️ HS diploma or equivalent

✔️ CDL B with N or X (Class A by year 3)

✔️ 1 year clean driving record

You can apply here!

Compassionate caretakers wanted! Join Misericordia, Heart of Mercy and be part of a community where every day is about connection and empowerment. As a Direct Support Professional, you’ll work with residents with disabilities, helping them achieve goals and thrive. If you’re seeking purpose-filled work, click here to learn more and get started.

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626