Kelly's Update

With school back in session and the Labor Day holiday in the rear view mirror, we’ll be returning to our regular weekly newsletter schedule starting 9/15/25. Much of last week’s schedule was consumed by meetings, press conferences, and briefings on the anticipated arrival of ICE agents and/or the National Guard after days of often contradictory threats and statements from the federal government. We’re sending out this week’s newsletter on Friday rather than waiting until Monday to make sure that folks have as much safety information as possible in light of these threats. 

Given the lack of specifics being shared with the city and state, it’s difficult to say with any certainty what to expect, but also important to get as much information and resources out to targeted and impacted communities as possible to try to mitigate the harms this invasion will cause. Our Know Your Rights Resources page will be the best way to stay on top of developments and resources and we’ll keep our social media accounts updated as we learn more.

Background information can be found in articles here and here, but please keep in mind this information is continuously changing.

If you do nothing else, please visit the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights site and download these basic safety tips. While you’re at it, put the Family Support Hotline (855-435-7693) in your phone right now so that if you see ICE activity in your area, you can easily report it. The Family Support Hotline is connected to a region wide network of rapid response teams who are dispatched to confirm reports of ICE activity as well as to document their actions and to provide support for folks who are taken into custody and the people left behind. 

Ultimately, what’s most important is that whatever happens, we keep each other safe. There will most likely be significant protests, and reports from other cities that have seen federal action indicate that interactions with the occupying agents are volatile at best. If you do participate in protests, even if you’re an experienced activist, it’s critically important to be sure to take steps to ensure your safety.

As we learn more about this situation, we will share details on social media and if needed, share via special newsletters.

I’m looking forward to the Edgewater Music Festival this weekend. Our team will be at the fest tabling and I’ll be popping in and out as I make my way all over the district.

Kelly at the Street Naming Ceremony for the new Bob Newhart Way this morning.

Kelly speaking at the Breakers last Tuesday.

Need to Know Info

Are you concerned about public transit? So are we! Our office is partnering with the office of State Rep Ann Williams to host a Public Transit Town Hall. Please join us at the Center on Halsted as we discuss the current transit situation. You will also hear from State Rep Eva-Dina Delgado, co-chair of the House Public Transit Working Group and Amy Rynell, Executive Director of Active Transportation Alliance.

Center on Halsted

3656 N. Halsted

Monday, September 8th

5:30pm

As our office has been out at events throughout the summer, we have met many constituents who've had great questions about the transit situation. If you would like the opportunity to have your question asked during the town hall or if you cannot make it in person but would like to watch online, please fill out the form here.

The Illinois Immigration Information Hub is a partnership between leading immigrant rights organizations, legal aid providers, and state and local government partners in Illinois. United in their commitment to empower immigrant communities with accurate and comprehensive information, they developed a centralized place for individuals and families to access reliable resources, legal guidance, and community support.  

The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights (IMRR) is expanding their Know Your Rights campaign and launching their next phase: the Family Preparedness Campaign. The campaign provides immigrant, refugee, and mixed-status families with tools and resources to prepare in case of family separation due to federal immigration enforcement. Thursdays in September they are hosting workshops in partnership with organizations such as the Chicago Legal Protection Fund and the Chicago Public Library, offering step-by-step guidance on creating safety and communication plans. 

You can register online here for workshops in English and Spanish.

You can find IMRR's Resource Hub site here.

Please click on any of the images below to be taken to documents and resources that have been shared with our office to help organize and prepare for the upcoming possible occupation of Chicago.

Mapping Community Defense and Care in Our Neighborhoods Worksheet

This worksheet is a tool to help you and your people map existing resources and relationships in your area, identify gaps, and determine how you can reinforce the lines of care and defense your communities need.

Updated Resource Guide for Possible Deployment of Federal Immigration Officers and National Guard

A guide full of links and resources to help prepare and guide you through the possible deployment of Federal Immigration Officers and the National Guard.

Fighting Against Fascist Oppression Documents in English and Spanish

English

Spanish

Ald. Hadden and her team at the 49th Ward Office recently put together a document compiling various resources that we may need over the coming weeks and the remaining years of this administration. Fighting Against Fascist Occupation is a living document that will be updated by the 49th Ward team as new information and resources become available. Please read it, use it, and share it widely.

Join the 48th Ward team on September 13th from 10am-1pm for a Mobile City Hall at Broadway Armory Park! Access city services right from your Ward.

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.

The Illinois Department on Aging is hosting constituent engagement sessions across Illinois to gather input on its Multi-Sector Plan for Aging. While the in-person events are out of district, please refer to the two virtual options below!

Virtual (WebEx)

Monday, September 8th at 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Thursday, October 2nd at 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Please click here to register.

Family Service & Mental Health Center of Cicero now offers Mental Health First Aid Training FREE of charge. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among youth and adults. This evidence-based training originated in Australia and it is now taught worldwide. It is an all-day training, and participants will receive a certificate that is good for three years. This training is ideal for HR staff, community workers, parent ambassadors, first responders, teachers, etc. They provide the training in both English and Spanish.

They offer training at their agency monthly, alternating in English and Spanish. They can also come out to you! They can provide training in your office at your convenience.

If you or your agency is interested, you can reach out to Corina Martinez at cmartinez@cicerofs.org.

Illinois Pride Connect is a new statewide resource hub and first of its kind legal hotline that expands access to legal information and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals across Illinois. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), in collaboration with community partners, will lead the initiative.

Supported by a $250,000 investment from the State of Illinois and $100,000 in philanthropic support for legal staffing and statewide accessibility, IL Pride Connect provides two key tools: a digital resource hub and a free legal hotline.

The initiative was developed with the guidance of LGBTQIA+ led organizations and legal advocates statewide and will be led by the Legal Council for Health Justice.

You can check out their website here, or call their Legal Hotline Monday-Thursday from 9:00pm - 4:00pm at 855-805-9200.

Neighborhood Shoutout

Edgewater Music Festival is BACK! The first Edgewater Music Festival since 2019 starts TODAY, September 5th, and the fun will continue through the weekend. Head out to Broadway and Thorndale for 30+ music acts, 80 different food/drink/shop vendors, and a whole lot of fun. Click here for more info!

District Events

Raise awareness and funds for refugees by cycling in Syrian Community Network’s Ride for Refugees challenge through September 21st! You can participate from anywhere. Just set your goal for the number of miles you aim to ride in the month and a monetary goal for donations raised. All funds will go to support programs for immigrants and refugees at Syrian Community Network! In 2025, they worked with 1,500+ individuals from more than 40 countries through their Case Management, Education, and Immigration Legal Services.

Reach out to their Director of Development, Lauren, with any questions at lauren@syriancommunitynetwork.org or 312-532-6692. 

Friends of the Edgewater Library is accepting gently used books through Sept. 14th. 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. All proceeds support materials and programming at the branch.

August 11th - September 14th

Edgewater Library

6000 N Broadway

In recognition of their 35th Anniversary, Friends of the Edgewater Library kicked off a special book fund called Befriend A Book. Now they are inviting YOU to join in the fun!

Just donate $35—or whatever feels right—to help boost the library’s collection. Every dollar goes straight to the book fund and helps add awesome new titles to the shelves for children, teens, and adults.

And here’s the best part: Books bought through Befriend A Book will feature a special bookplate showing that you helped bring it to life. Talk about leaving your mark on the library! 

Want a little extra sparkle with your gift? You can even dedicate your donation in honor of, in celebration of or in memory of someone, or for a special or meaningful occasion. Just leave them a note in the message box when donating!

You can read more about the program and donate here.

Edgewater Historical Society is partnering with Edgewater Public Library to host Rogers Park author Liam T.A. Ford in a discussion about his new book, Soldier Field: A Stadium and Its City. Learn more about the stadium that has stood central to Chicago's political, cultural, and sports life.

The 49th Ward Annual Shred-A-Thon is happening on Sunday September 21st from 10am-2pm in the Byline Bank Parking Lot at 6950 N Clark St!

Only bring sensitive paper documents to shred. Limit is 2 Bankers Boxes per 

person (no businesses or organizations). Please remove all paper clips and binder clips from your documents. Staples are fine! 

You must stay until your documents are reviewed and approved for shredding.

The Indo-American Center is hosting a free Immigration Law Open House from 4 PM - 7PM on select upcoming days. 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.

Taste of Uptown is BACK! The 9th Annual Taste of Uptown celebrates Uptown's amazing cultural and culinary diversity. This restaurant crawl will feature small bites and samplings from Uptown eateries. Participants will receive an event "passport" to keep track of their samplings, with a choice from two different routes. For tickets and more information, please click here.

Theatre

Theatre Above the Law is hosting bingo night! Join us at R Public House on Monday, September 15th at 7pm for an evening of bingo! Win prizes, have a drink, and enjoy a game of bingo with friends.

Curious Theatre Branch and Prop Thtr are pleased to announce the dates for the 36th Annual Rhinoceros Theater Festival, Chicago’s longest running theatre festival. The 2025 Rhino Fest returns September 4 - 28 ​​at Facility Theatre, 1138 N. California Ave. in Humboldt Park, Labyrinth Arts Club, 3658 N. Pulaski Ave. in Avondale and Jarvis Square Theatre, 1439 W. Jarvis Ave. in Rogers Park. For more than three decades, Rhino Fest has endeavored to welcome as many theater and performance companies and artists from Chicago and across the nation. Tickets to the 2025 Rhinoceros Theater Festival are offered at pay-what-you-can pricing, with a $20 suggested price and are on sale at RhinoFest.com.

To see a full listing of shows playing at the Jarvis Square Theatre as a part of Rhino Fest 2025, Click here.

A world premiere play by Kimberly Dixon-Mays and directed by Christopher Wayland:

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 6th-October 5th

Lifeline Theatre

6912 N Glenwood Ave

Tickets can be purchased here.

The Edgewater Public Library will be hosting sister-poets Anara Guard and Gay Guard-Chamberlin on Saturday, September 13th from 2:00 to 3:30pm. Learn tips and techniques along with inspiration for your own writing and insights on wordcraft and storytelling!

Raven Theatre is hosting 3 single-day theater camps on CPS days off - designed for kids who love stories, adventure, and imagination! From 9am-3pm, campers dive into the worlds of their favorite books, exploring characters, plots, and magical adventures through acting, movement, improv, and hands-on projects. For more information and to register, click here!

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!

Youth & Teen

Beginning September 6th, the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago will launch the second year of their Water Works Youth Workforce Development and Career Exploration Program at the Lake View YMCA (3333 N Marshfield Ave).

Water Works is a paid, 11-week program for youth ages 16 to 24, combining swim instruction with career exploration in aquatic professions such as lifeguarding, swim instruction, and other water-related fields. Participants earn a stipend while gaining critical water safety education and building job readiness skills.

Their mission is to reach under-resourced communities that have historically faced barriers to water safety education and career pathways.

Program Details

Dates: September 6 – November 22, 2025

Schedule: Tuesday–Friday, 4–7 PM; every other Saturday, 9 AM–3 PM

Location: Lake View YMCA – 3333 N Marshfield Ave

Eligibility: Ages 16–24 (additional qualifications discussed during interviews)

Compensation: $16.60/hour stipend

Apply Here: 2025 Water Works Application

This fall, After School Matters is offering hundreds of programs across the city between September 23rd and December 13th. Programs are available to Chicago high school teens ages 14-18. Pursue a new passion, build community, and earn money at the same time! For more details, click here.

Illinois now offers students more lunchtime choices, including new plant-based meals. Besides being packed with all the daily fiber, protein and nutrients students need to learn, grow and lead healthy lives, and fully aligning with USDA nutrition requirements, plant-based lunches have additional health benefits for your student!

Asking your public school to serve your child a plant-based meal comes at no extra cost. You can use this form to request plant-based meals.

Hiring

Join State Rep. Kevin Olickal, State Senator Ram Villivalam, Alderman Debra Silverstein, the Illinois Department of Employment Security, Illinois workNet Center, the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, and Business & Career Services for a job fair in the 50th Ward.

September 18th from 10:00am-2:00pm

Northtown Library

6800 N Western

Job Seekers register here.

State Representative Hoan Huynh in partnership with the Illinois Department of Employment Security, Equus Workforce Solutions, and Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership present a Fall 2025 Job and Resource Fair to provide employment opportunities and community resources for community members.

Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 10 am - 1 pm

Truman College

Cafeteria in the Main Building

1145 W. Wilson Ave. Chicago, IL 60640

Registration required:

Job Seekers can register here.

Employers can register 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.

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. Also, 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