Kelly's Update

I’m going to lead with the best part of the last two weeks. Some of the team and I got to visit the amazing facility that Tree House Animal Foundation has built in Rogers Park near Touhy and Western. One of my dearest friends serves on their board, and I developed a friendship with one of their veterinarians when I adopted one of his favorite kittens at the last shelter he worked at, so I was happy to come talk about their efforts to engage in animal welfare policy, their trap neuter release working cats program, and one eyed kittens. I’m excited to work with their coalition on policies to help make veterinary care more accessible and ensure shelters are able to provide care for the seemingly endless supply of stray animals. 

We also talked about how much our family has enjoyed fostering pets and the intense need for more folks to take on this critical work. We’ve been on a bit of a foster hiatus of late as schedules have just been too complicated and focusing on the critters who live with us permanently has taken priority, but we’ll definitely do it again. Over the years, we’ve taken in cats in need of quarantine for minor illnesses to prevent outbreaks in shelters, older cats and dogs too stressed for the shelter making it hard for potential adopters to see their true personalities, abandoned kittens in need of bottle feeding, and a litter of kittens and their mom. Folks often say they just don’t think they can foster because it would be too hard to give them away at the end. And I’m not saying I don’t have an attachment to every pet we’ve fostered, but the flip side of being sad about not having them with you is meeting a new person who loves pets as much as you do and getting to see how the animal you helped rescue is living their best life in a home you helped to find. And even if you “foster fail” it’s the best F grade you’ll ever get!

Shelters all over the city are bursting at the seams right now, so if you think that you might be able to help, whether jumping into the deep end with a mom and litter of kittens or just providing a break for a couple of weeks to allow a pet to decompress enough to impress potential adopters, I urge you to take the leap. It’s so worth it, and provides critically needed support and relief to overcrowded shelters. 

To learn more about Tree House’s foster program, visit here.

Rep. Cassidy and Mark Primiano from Tree House Humane Society

Rep. Cassidy and staff visiting the cats at Tree House!

We’re very much in the heart of summer and it’s so fun to hit the farmers markets and have so many delicious options to choose from. If you have a favorite market or a favorite vendor, let me know…I love making the rounds of all the farmers markets in the district!

Staff from RPBA, Team Cassidy, and Alderwoman Hadden's Office enjoying RPBA's Ice Cream S!

49th Ward Alderwoman Hadden, RPBA Executive Director Sandi Price, and Rep. Cassidy

Office staff attending the Chicago Ducky Derby, hosted by the Special Olympics

Need to Know Info

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is happy to announce the reopening of the Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP) that provides emergency rental assistance to tenants currently in eviction court. CBRAP is designed to ensure vulnerable and underserved Illinois communities continue to have a vital safety net to help prevent homelessness.

CBRAP will provide up to $10,000 in emergency rental assistance to households currently going through the eviction court process due to non-payment of rent. Program funds can be applied to past due rent, up to $700 for court costs, and up to two months’ future rent. Approved grant payments are made directly to the housing provider/landlord on behalf of the tenant and the housing provider/landlord must agree to dismiss the eviction proceedings. This ensures that the tenant can remain safely housed as they regain their financial footing.

This rental assistance does not need to be repaid. Other eligibility requirements for CBRAP assistance include that the rental unit must be in Illinois, and the household must earn at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). For this round of CBRAP, households are only eligible for assistance once and cannot reapply for funding after receiving an initial payment.

Eligible tenants and landlords can start an application online at www.illinoishousinghelp.org. 

CBRAP resources and marketing collateral can be found at www.illinoishousinghelp.org/resources.

We have added some updates and new resources to our Know Your Rights and LGBTQ+ Preparedness web pages, as well as a new Reproductive Rights page. To see what's new, visit our website at:

repcassidy.com/reproductive-rights

repcassidy.com/lgbtq-preparedness

repcassidy.com/know-your-rights

Stop by our district office located at 1507 W Morse Ave for a free box of NARCAN. Otherwise known as Naloxone, NARCAN is a rescue medication that can be administered by anyone trying to help someone facing an opioid overdose. See above for instructions on how to administer Naloxone.

Lambda Legal has made a guide that offers practical strategies for travel, documentation, and safety planning in 2025. Whether you’re renewing a passport, preparing for a trip, or deciding how and when to update your documents, this resource is here to support your decisions—with tools to help you stay informed, prepared, and empowered.

This is in addition to their Identity Document Guidance for Transgender, Nonbinary, Gender-Nonconforming, and Intersex People page.

Chicago Public Library is excited to announce a partnership with the AI Safety Awareness Project to offer a series of workshops on artificial intelligence this August. The AI Safety Awareness Project is a volunteer organization dedicated to raising awareness about modern AI, highlighting its benefits and risks, and informing the public on how they can contribute to AI safety. 

CPL is offering two types of workshops at various library locations throughout August: one for a general audience and another specifically designed for seniors and older adults. No prior experience or knowledge of AI is required - everyone is welcome to come and learn together!

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Workshops:

Monday, August 18 at 5:30pm at Mayfair branch, 4400 W. Lawrence Ave

Wednesday, August 20 at 6pm at Portage Craigin branch, 5801 W. Belmont Ave

Friday, August 22 at 10:30am at Jeffrey Manor branch, 2401 E. 100th St

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Workshops for Seniors:

Monday, August 11 at 1pm at North Austin branch, 5724 W. North Ave 

Friday, August 15 at 2pm at Whitney Young branch, 415 E. 79th Street  

Monday, August 25 at 1pm at Woodson Regional, 9525 S. Halsted St  

Tuesday, August 26 at 2pm at Budlong Woods branch, 5630 N. Lincoln Avenue  

Saturday, August 30 at 10am at West Pullman branch, 830 W. 119th 

Join these informative sessions and gain a better understanding of artificial intelligence and its impact on our world. 

The State of Illinois Communication on Equity and Inclusion (CEI) invites Illinois veteran owned business owners to join them for the Veteran Business Advantage: Unlocking Surplus Resources & State Certification workshop on August 12, 2025, from 10 AM – 11:30 AM. This unique virtual training workshop will provide an overview of CEI’s Veteran Business Program, ensuring that participants understand the benefits of State certification, the application process and how to do business with the State of Illinois. This opportunity will also provide veteran business owners with information regarding the GSA Federal Surplus Program, and information regarding the availability of VOSBs and SDVOSBs to obtain FREE surplus property via the GSA Federal Surplus Program, and low-cost surplus property through the State of Illinois Surplus Program.

Register today at this link: Overview | Veterans Business Advantage: Unlocking Surplus Resources & State Certification

While the warm weather shows no signs of stopping, the preparation for the holiday season begins! The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is seeking a local artist to create original artwork for their 2025 Holiday Campaign. The selected design will be featured across the business district and on digital platforms. Artists should submit a sketch of a festive, community-focused poster design that captures the spirit of the Andersonville holiday season. This paid opportunity includes a complimentary 2025/2026 Chamber membership. For more details, click here.

Neighborhood Shoutout

Interns Ro (left) and Fiona (right) with Rep. Cassidy

We wanted to shout out our fabulous summer interns for National Intern Day! National Intern Day was celebrated Thursday, July 31st this year and is observed on the last Thursday of July. Our intern Fiona has finished out her internship last week and our intern Ro has one more week with us.

They have done such excellent work, getting to meet a lot of you at events out in the district and learning about and sharing constituent resources. They will be missed and we wish them a great fall semester and school year!

Back to School Drives & Events

It's back to school season!

Our office is hosting a School Supply Drive from August 5th-15th in partnership with R Public House in Rogers Park and Women & Children First in Andersonville. Supplies can be dropped off at either location, in addition to our District Office at 1507 W. Morse Ave. You can use the QR Code above or click here to be taken to our Amazon Wishlist!

Thank you for supporting the students of the 14th District!

You can help make the start of the school year brighter for the students at Gale Elementary School! With the new school year approaching, they are in urgent need of school supplies to help their students begin the year fresh and prepared. Please consider donating new or unused items to support these students in our community!

Supplies can be shipped or dropped off during summer business hours (9:00 AM—3:00 PM) at Gale Elementary School, 1631 W. Jonquil Terrace, Chicago, IL 60616. The drive will run through August 13th.

You can find a list of School Supplies needed broken down by grade here.

They will also then be having a Back to School event on Friday, August 15th from 11:30am-2:00pm, at the chool.

Join the Violence Prevention team for a back-to-school event on August 22 from 5-8 pm at Pottawatomie Park, where there will be backpack and school supplies giveaways, food, drinks, and games. *Everything is first-come, first-served.

Únase al equipo de Prevención de Violencia para un evento de regreso a clases el 22 de agosto de 5 a 8 p. m. en el Parque Pottawatomie, donde regalarán mochilas y útiles escolares con comida, bebidas y juegos para disfrutar. *Todo es mientras que duren los materiales

Friday August 22nd

5:00pm-8:00pm

Pottawatomie Park

7340 N Rogers Ave

Willye White Park has been at the heart of Howard Street for 25 years—bringing together neighbors of all ages for play, connection, and community. From family outings to local events, it’s been more than just a park—it’s been a gathering place.

Come celebrate this milestone with an afternoon full of food, music, storytelling, a magic show, games, a bounce house, and plenty of surprises. Let’s honor the past and celebrate the joy this space continues to bring.

12 p.m.: Event opens, story time with In the Spirit and food by Urban Tables

1 p.m.: Snow cones & popcorn available; magic show with James Sanden

2 p.m.: 25th Anniversary Resolution Presentation with past & present community leaders & elected officials

3 p.m.: Event concludes

 ** Come back for an outdoor movie "Minecraft" in the park at 7:30 p.m. **

Brought to you by RPBA, Howard Street / Jarvis Square Special Service Area #19, Chicago Park District, Howard & Evanston Community Center, the 49th Ward, Family Matters, North of Howard Together, Father Arms Ministry and the support from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

District Events

Friends of the Edgewater Library are accepting gently used books through Sept. 14. Books may be dropped off in bags or boxes inside the Edgewater Branch library at the bin near the circulation desk. Book donations will become a part of the Edgewater Library's Annual Used Book Sale in October. With all proceeds supporting materials and programming at the branch.

August 11- September 14th

Edgewater Library

6000 N Broadway

The Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest is a much-anticipated annual tradition in the Rogers Park neighborhood, showcasing the work of over 130 artists and more than two dozen music and dance performances, as well as live arts demonstrations, an activities area for kids, and open studios. Attendees can browse and buy artwork from 150+ local & visiting artists spanning all genres, from traditional woodworking and ceramics to digital drawing and avant-garde mixed media. The Fest is free and always will be. 

On August 17th, Brave Space Alliance is hosting The Dignity Dash: “Running for Our Lives” 5K at AIDS Garden Chicago—a day of remembrance, resilience, and radical care.

A message from Brave Space Alliance:

This isn’t just a run. It’s a movement.

Due to government budget cuts, all of our CDC HIV funding will be eliminated in July. We're literally “Running for Our Lives”—for those we’ve lost to HIV and transphobia, and for those who still need us here. Your partnership in this campaign can directly replace the funding we’re losing, ensuring Brave Space Alliance’s HIV prevention and support services continue uninterrupted.

By supporting the Dignity Dash, you’re helping our community not just survive, but thrive.

For more information, visit their website.

Join Loyola's Office of Neighborhood Initiatives for their campus plan town hall. This meeting is directed to stakeholders in the Roger's Park and Edgewater neighborhoods.

Register here.

Thursday, September 4

6:00-7:00 pm

Flanner Hall

1068 W Sheridan Rd

You can join your neighbors for free, family and pet-friendly performances every Wednesday evening through August 20, 2025 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the beautiful garden behind the Edgewater Historical Society Museum at 5358 N. Ashland Ave. Evenings of free musical entertainment by local musicians, and chances to visit with neighbors and make new friends.

Edgewater Historical Society Museum Garden

5358 N Ashland Ave

Wednesdays, 6:00pm-8:00pm

You can find the schedule of performances here. Performance schedule is subject to change.

Get ready for the first street festival in Edgewater since 2019! Between Thorndale and Ardmore, enjoy over 30 musical performances and vendors lined up all weekend.

The Indo-American Center is hosting a free Immigration Law Open House for 2 days, from 4 PM - 7PM for the next two months. The Immigration open house, located at 6328 N California Ave, will provide consultations only and are limited to 30 minutes. Walk-ins are also welcome.

You can register online here.

Theatre

In the pursuit of joy, does method matter? Two siblings - opposites and estranged - take one last shot at putting grief behind them to create the joy they both seek. But their daring project can only succeed if they can accept each other's special magic. A world premiere original play by Chicago playwright Kimberly Dixon-Mays, Rabbits In Their Pockets began in Lifeline’s 2024 BIPOC Developmental Workshop.

Running September - October

Join Chicago Tap Theatre at Loyola Park on Saturday, August 23rd for a free dance day! All ages are welcome.

Weekly Markets

The Edgewater Monday market is Chicago's only Monday farmers market featuring a diverse lineup of more than 40 vendors, including food, activities and more!

The market is every Monday from 3pm - 7pm through the month of September in the Broadway Armory parking lot (5917 N. Broadway).

Check out a list of vendors here.

The Andersonville Farmers Market is back at a brand new location at 1500 W Winona! The market will be there every Wednesday through October 22nd from 3pm to 7pm featuring over 40 local vendors!

Click here for a list of vendors and pop up vendors!

Glenwood Sunday Market (GSM) is a farmers market in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, devoted to providing local, sustainably grown, and produced foods that are also organic whenever possible. Composed entirely of farmers and food artisans who work in a local food shed, their mission is to make sustainable, regionally produced foods accessible to the whole community. 

You can learn more about vendors and food access programs here!

Situated just outside the district, the Argyle Night Market is an annual event that features food from local Argyle restaurants plus live cultural and musical performances on Thursday evenings each summer. This free outdoor event draws an average of 5,000 visitors each week and continues to grow in popularity. Part market, part street festival, this vibrant and award-winning event is located on Argyle, the city’s first shared street.

Thursdays

5:00pm-9:00pm

Argyle between Kenmore and Sheridan

To see vendors and entertainment schedule, visit their website here.

Youth & Teen

Calling all school-aged youth! Join the Chicago Public Library's 81 Club! With the 81 card, you gain access to electronic databases, homework help, ebooks and audio books, and are eligible to take home 5 library items. Already a CPS student? Just ask a librarian about the card at your local branch!

Hiring

The MWRD is an award-winning wastewater and stormwater management agency. They have been protecting Lake Michigan, the Chicago River and other local waterways from pollution for over 130 years. And for 20 years they have been leading efforts to reduce flooding throughout the Chicago region. They have contributed to technological advances that have changed how the world treats wastewater and how communities manage stormwater and flooding.

If you are looking for new career opportunities, consider the MWRD. You can visit their online employment center to apply and learn more about employment opportunities and the selection process. 

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626