Kelly's Update

We kicked off last week with a deep dive into the factors in play as we work towards a transit bill for Veto Session in October. We worked with Leader Ann Williams’ team to put together an informative and interactive presentation that featured our colleague Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado and Amy Rynell from Active Transportation Alliance with some important background and context for the current challenges faced by all of the area’s transit systems. As I’ve mentioned in previous newsletters, the bulk of the work and negotiation on governance reform has been completed, with a proposed unified governance system known as the Northern Illinois Transit Authority that will work towards a more seamless and transparent system better equipped to allow for smoother rider experiences. We ended the session deadlocked on how to pay for the needed improvements and reforms, and that has been the focus of the House Transit Working Group, co-lead by Rep. Delgado. We offered participants a chance to weigh in on some of the many possible funding sources being discussed by the working group and found the discussion that ensued really engaging and decided to work on a more robust survey that we plan to share out in next week’s newsletters along with a recording of the session.

I’ve been part of the Community Corrections Task Force since its creation in 2024. The task force, created by PA 103-0982, is charged with studying and developing innovative ways to introduce community-based corrections and rehabilitation into the State’s correctional system. Our meeting last week, which began to distill the research and presentations we’ve had over the last several months, was timely as I got to participate in a bipartisan Public Safety Bootcamp hosted by a criminal justice research organization called Arnold Ventures.

I was invited to participate in the 2 day intensive summit attended by legislators and researchers from 26 states to present on my legislative work to provide relief to incarcerated survivors of gender based violence whose abuse was a factor in their interaction with the criminal justice system as well as my work over the years to focus law enforcement and prosecutorial resources on high risk domestic violence cases. I was joined in the conference in New Orleans with my colleagues Leader Jehan Gordon-Booth who presented on Illinois’ groundbreaking PreTrial Fairness Act, and our new colleague Rep. Lisa Davis, a public defender when she’s not in session with us. It’s always helpful to have multiple members at an event like this as the breakout sessions are all so good, it’s too hard to choose what to learn more about, so it was fun to do double duty with her. I’m excited to explore policy initiatives related to the sessions I participated in, including exploring solutions for the recently announced data challenges in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

The schedule continues to fill up as we get closer to convening our Veto Session. I’m looking forward to getting a briefing from the Illinois Department of Insurance on Auto and Home Insurance Industry challenges later this week as we continue to hear from constituents about their concerns about unprecedented rate hikes and hoping to hear about policies we can support to bring relief to neighbors concerned about costs.

(Left to right) Rep Ann Williams, Rep Kelly Cassidy, Rep Eva-Dina Delgado, and Amy Rynell of Active Transportation Alliance.

Taylor, our Chief of Staff, tabling at the Broadway Armory Mobile City Hall Event!

City Clerk Anna Valencia stopped by to offer remarks and talk to constituents.

Need to Know Info

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

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.

Know Your Rights Cards

Click the image above to get a printable PDF of an English/Spanish Know Your Rights card. We also have these available at our office and will have them with us at any events we are tabling at.

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 virtual option below!

Virtual (WebEx)

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

This past Saturday, community members celebrated the Grand Opening of Mama's African Kitchen Restaurant and Bar at 6606 N Sheridan Road! We are thrilled to see another restaurant open in the district. Give them a visit!

District Events

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.

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 Rogers Park Singers is a small group of 15+ individuals with a variety of vocal ranges and experience levels who love to sing together. Their goal is to provide an opportunity for singers to participate in a choral community, improve individual vocal skills, and experience choral performances. RPS is an inclusive group that practices and performs a variety of genres, both sacred and secular. Members are not just from Rogers Park but come from across the city. The choir has developed a supportive and fun community while working hard on improving their skills and creating beautiful music. The choir rehearses on Saturdays from 12pm-1:30pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church (1500 W. Elmdale) and performs occasionally at local community events and concerts. Anyone interested in the choir is encouraged to check out their website and fill out an interest form. Each 10 week session costs $120, but no interested members will be turned away for lack of experience or inability to pay the session fee.

Fall 2025 Session Dates: September 27, October 4,11,18,25, November 1, 8, 15, 22

Congressman Mike Quigley is hosting a Senior Fair and Vaccine Clinic on Thursday, September 25th from 9:30am-1:00pm at the Northeast Levy Center (2019 W Lawrence Ave). Though this event is *technically* not in district, we encourage our constituents to attend and learn more about federal, state, and local agencies. Flu shots will also be available on site.

Laura Crotte and Trenza Corazones troupe will gather by the water with masks and natural instruments to perform stories dancing to the Summertime. Celebrating the water present in our parks, they will explore the nature, origins, and power of this precious element. This bilingual, interactive performance welcomes young audiences and their families to weave and braid, with rhymes and songs, ancient myths and legends that honor the treasure of our rivers, creeks, and lakes.

Monday Sep 22, 2025

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Berger Park

6205 N Sheridan

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.

CMAA provides free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to adult immigrants and refugees with limited English proficiency in both Chicago and Elgin. Classes range from beginner to advanced levels, focusing on preparing students for workforce integration and participation in society. Higher-level students can attend civics-focused ESL classes that include information about citizenship, health resources, and community resources relevant to life in Chicago and beyond. All classes incorporate employability skills and workforce readiness, ensuring students are prepared for the Chicago job market or further education opportunities.

Classes are available mornings, afternoons, and evenings throughout the week, as well as on Saturdays. Fall classes begin on October 13th. Students are encouraged to commit to the full length of the class term for maximum benefit.

Please check out their website for more information and to sign up.

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.

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.

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!

A new adaptation of Chekhov's The Seagull created by Instrumental Theatre Company, directed by Skylar Grieco. Working together as an ensemble, they have been adapting the text, creating original music, and finding unique ways for this piece to blend together and deepen the connection between audience and performers.

The Seagull runs September 11th - 27th.

Berger Park Mansion

6205 N Sheridan Rd

Thursday & Fridays @ 7:00 PM

Saturdays @ 5:00 PM

You can find out more and get tickets here.

Based on the book by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin

Originally published by Simon & Schuster, used with the permission of Pippin Properties Inc

Adapted by ensemble member James E. Grote

Music and lyrics by George Howe

Directed by ensemble member Amanda Link

It’s Halloween! Duck, Pig, Cow, and Hen can’t wait to throw a party. But when mean ol’ Farmer Brown refuses to allow the festivities, it’s going to take some clever trickery to enjoy the tasty treats. Join the beloved barnyard crew as they teach Farmer Brown that sometimes a little scare can be big fun, in this musical adaptation from the beloved Click, Clack, Moo series. 

Recommended for kids 5 and up and their families. Click Clack BOO! is the fifth musical adaptation in Lifeline’s popular Click Clack Moo series.

For more information and tickets 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

Click on image above to obtain full job listing.

The PRB is currently seeking candidates for a newly-created Commissioner role. Commissioners must be attorneys licensed in the State of Illinois. This is a part-time contractual role that will be paid an hourly rate. 

Illinois Senate Bill 19, which recently became law, allows the PRB to “appoint commissioners to assist it in such manner as it directs and may discharge them at will.” Commissioners must be attorneys licensed to practice in the State of Illinois. They are required to take trainings at the start of their service and before they take part in any hearings, as well as continuing education throughout the year. Commissioners will be compensated for the training hours. The PRB is in the process of identifying an initial group of Commissioners to help pilot this new role. During this pilot phase, the precise work that Commissioners will perform is subject to change.

To apply or learn more about this opportunity, please email a resume, including a list of references, to the PRB Chief of Staff, Melissa Brandenburg at Melissa.m.brandenburg@illinois.gov. 

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