Kelly's Update

Some of you may remember that last year, I had a session resolution to use the stairs in the Capitol as a way to force myself to get some exercise. I was pretty successful in sticking to the resolution and actually got a kick out of all the colleagues and friends in the building who joined me as “stair buddies” over the course of session. Well, a couple of months ago, I got an email from the Respiratory Health Association inviting me to take part in their annual “Hustle Up the Hancock” fundraiser and decided that would be the perfect way to take that resolution to the next level this year. Of course, I didn’t really think through that the event was on February 22 so there wouldn’t be many session days to get myself in true climbing form. I thought about joining a gym, but honestly I am not really a working out in front of people person, so I eventually invested in a small stair climber machine that I’ve been using almost every day. My oldest son is joining me in the climb and has been a great motivator/cheerleader, so I’m looking forward to it even if I am questioning my sanity in agreeing to climb 1,632 stairs for fun…


I spent the last week of January on an amazing trip to Belfast, Northern Ireland where I joined with a group of juvenile justice experts to meet with the leadership of the Youth Justice Agency to explore the ways that Northern Ireland has found success in their approach to children in conflict with the law - so much so that when we visited, there were only four young people in custody at Woodlands, the country’s only secure facility for children. Northern Ireland’s entire criminal justice system operates through the principles of restorative justice, but that’s most clear in examining how they address issues of at-risk youth and children in conflict with the law.


The troubled history of Northern Ireland is something I’ve grown up with a deeper understanding of than most of my peers as a first generation child of an Irish immigrant. I grew up hearing stories of The Troubles, and have vivid memories of watching the world news as a little girl with my dad waiting for any mention of the hunger strikers. The Belfast Accords were not just a peace agreement ending the sectarian violence that defined Belfast for so many years, it also represented a chance for Northern Ireland to consciously build their government. Most significantly, the concepts of restorative justice are infused throughout their criminal justice system, with a significant impact on the ways that young people are addressed.


In 1990, the United Nations Compact on the Rights of the Child was introduced. It has been signed by 140 countries, including the US which signed the treaty in 1995. However, our country is the only country signing onto the UNCRC without having our national government ratify the agreement. The UNCRC is central to the Northern Ireland approach to children who run afoul of the law. You might notice I haven’t used the words juvenile justice yet. I spent the week unlearning the word “juvenile,” Northern Ireland has adopted what they call a “child first” approach to the issue. In a week of meetings with policy leaders and practitioners in the Youth Justice Agency, the Public Prosecution Service, and the Northern Ireland Police Service, I didn’t hear the word “offender” or “juvenile,” even though we were talking about the full spectrum of behavior that could bring a young person into the YJA. It’s about a lot more than just language though. Every decision is based on the balancing factors of restorative justice, which at its core is meant to restore everyone involved in a criminal incident to full engagement in their community. This balances the needs of victims, offenders, and the community with a fundamental belief that we all function best when we are all fully engaged in community. This isn’t a pie in the sky approach that denies that there are folks who have needs that make living in community impossible, but a reality based focus on giving everyone the tools they need to move on and heal from traumatic events.


The decision to ground all policies related to children in the criminal justice system in the principles of the UNCRC was not a small or symbolic act. It’s a policy decision grounded in the understanding of the developmental needs of children, informed by science. Fundamentally, a child’s brain and particularly the frontal lobe which is responsible for judgement and decision making, is not fully developed until sometime in their mid-20s. While children are certainly capable of truly heinous acts and should be held accountable, it’s also important that the response to those actions be rooted in developmental science focused on addressing the harm caused by the child while also addressing the issues that led the child to take the actions that brought them into contact with the criminal justice system.

"Our group was made up of legislators (Rep. Maurice West and Rep. Michael Crawford), staff from the Juvenile Justice Initiative, judges, probation professionals, and advocates for criminal justice reform. Having the opportunity to take a Black Taxi Tour of Shankhill and Falls Road and the peace murals areas with guides who’d grown up there and experienced The Troubles firsthand was an experience I will carry with me."

I came home just in time for the Equality Illinois annual gala, affectionately referred to as Queer Prom in our house. This year was special for a lot of reasons, the most simple being that joy is resistance. But it was also just days into Channyne Lynn Parker’s new role as CEO of Equality Illinois and she had strong words to share with us.

"The Equality Illinois Gala is always a highlight of the year, with the annual parade of electeds always a crowd favorite. We somehow managed a picture of a ton of our House Democratic Caucus members too!"

Last Friday was the last day to introduce bills for the Spring Session. You can see the bills I’ve introduced here. Be sure to click “filter primary sponsor bills” to see just the bills that I am the lead sponsor for. Inevitably, there are a couple of last minute requests to get a bill into the system with a plan to transfer them to their intended sponsors, so we’ll do a run down of our introduced bills for next week’s newsletter once the dust has settled.


We head back to Springfield next week on Tuesday to start working through bills. I expect that we’ll start to see bills assigned to committees late this week or early next week so that we can start holding hearings. Wednesday will bring us the Governor’s State of the State/Budget Address. With all of the uncertainty around the federal budget and threatened cuts on top of cuts we’ve already incurred, I am not expecting a “happy” budget speech. Our state has taken significant steps over the years to protect as much as we can from the Trump administration’s attacks, both in policy and budget areas, but we are extremely limited in our ability to replace lost federal dollars. I have been part of multiple groups looking at progressive revenue options both within our legislative body as well as groups of like minded state legislators across the country sharing ideas, but we’re all painfully aware of the challenges of raising revenue at a time when so many people are struggling to make ends meet. At the same time, our constituents are losing benefits they count on for housing, health care, food, and so much more, so we continue to look for ways to provide as much protection for as many people as we possibly can for as long as we can.


I can’t believe that I am excited about a return to temperatures in the 30’s, but here we are. Enjoy this heat wave while it lasts!

Need to Know Info

Office Closures - Water Maintenance, Lincoln's Birthday, and Presidents Day

Our office will be working remotely on Wednesday, February 11th due to sewage maintenance in the area. Please see Alderwoman Hadden's Facebook page for more information on the work.


We will then be closed on Thursday, February 12th in honor of Abraham Lincoln's birthday.


We will be remote and online on Friday, February 13th as usual.


Additionally, our office will be closed on Monday, February 16th in honor of Presidents Day. We will be back in the office on Tuesday, February 17th.


You can reach out to our office at info@repcassidy.com, and we will get back to you when we return.

SNAP Program Work Requirements Are Now In Effect

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: 


February 1, 2026: ABAWDs who do not meet or who are not exempt from work requirements may only get SNAP for 3 months in a 3-year period.  


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  

14th District Small Business Security Infrastructure Program

The 14th District Small Business Security Infrastructure Grant has launched an emergency door-buzzer initiative in response to the fear and disruption caused by recent ICE/CBP operations in local commercial corridors.


Funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and led by State Representative Kelly Cassidy in partnership with Rogers Park Business Alliance (RPBA), the program has already delivered over $320,000 in security support to 45 neighborhood businesses.


This new effort will provide and install basic door entry control systems for up to 90 vulnerable, for-profit brick-and-mortar businesses within the 14th District. Eligible businesses must be located in the district, be in good standing with the State of Illinois, hold a valid Chicago business license, and complete the required application.


For more information on who qualifies and how to apply, visit the grant website here.

RPBA 8 Week "Grow" Program

GROW is an entrepreneurial training program dedicated to and designed for future entrepreneurs interested in starting a business. This yearly program, sponsored by Rogers Park Business Alliance, allows community members to formalize their business ideas through a dynamic and interactive curriculum! 


The Complete Program consists of 8 sessions, 2 hours each. You will learn the basics on how to develop your business idea, write your business plan and establish your business.


GROW: The 8 Week Program

When: Thurs, Mar 12 - Apr 30, 6 - 8pm

Where: Online


No cost, register here. Interviews are required. 

Illinois Accountability Commission (IAC) "Operation Midway Blitz" Misconduct Form

The Illinois Accountability Commission has opened a form to report misconduct of federal officers during the ICE operation “Midway Blitz.” 


“Operation Midway Blitz” was an Immigrations and Customs Enforcement operation from September 2025. This form is looking for reports of misconduct carried out by federal agents between September and the end of 2025.


Below is the link to the interest form from the Illinois Accountability Commission.


Illinois Accountability Commission (IAC) Misconduct Information Form

ComEd 2026 Power for Good Grants

ComEd is now accepting grant applications for three of its Power for Good Grant Programs. This year’s annual program will provide a total of $515,000 in funding to municipalities and nonprofit organizations to strengthen environmental

sustainability efforts, advance public safety and clean transportation projects and broaden access to arts programs.


The three Power for Good grant programs accepting applications are Green Region, administered by Openlands; Powering Safe Communities, administered by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus; and Powering the Arts, administered by the League of Chicago Theatres.


Organizations and municipalities are encouraged to apply for these grant programs and visit ComEd.com/Grants for application instructions. Applications will be accepted for all three grant programs through 5 p.m. CT on March 13, 2026.

Pro Bono Therapy for Immigrant and Refugee Communities

Healing Without Fear is an initiative to provide compassionate, trauma-informed mental health care to individuals and families affected by the current immigration, detention and deportation crisis here in Chicago. They have a confidential network of mental health clinicians who volunteer their time and talent to offer pro bono therapy sessions. These sessions are available to children, adolescents, and adults experiencing stress, trauma, or other mental health challenges related to the current immigration, detention, and deportation threats.


They offer at minimum five therapy sessions (with the possibility of extension), provided by licensed clinicians at no cost. Spanish-speaking therapists are available but in limited quantities.


If you know of individuals or families who may benefit from these services, please have them fill out this form. Once the form is complete, someone from Healing Without Fear will follow up.


If you have any questions, please reach out to healingwithoutfear@gmail.com.

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois Mobile Crisis Program

Experiencing a mental health crisis? Be prepared in case you or someone you know needs immediate support. Lutheran Social Services of Illinois' Mobile Crisis Team offers free, confidential help 24/7 and can come to you anywhere on Chicago’s north and northwest sides. Call 833-610-5774 (press 1) to speak with a trained professional who can help guide next steps.


If your business or organization would like crisis cards to share—or if you’d like one for yourself—please contact Tanya.Fisher1@lssi.org to arrange a drop-off.

Free Winter Weekdays for Illinois Residents at The Art Institute

The Art Institute of Chicago extends free admission to all Illinois residents this winter from January 5–February 27 on weekdays from 11 a.m. through closing (5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and 8 p.m. on Thursdays).


You can reserve your free tickets online in advance; your resident status will be verified using the zip code associated with the billing address provided.


If you’re unable to reserve tickets in advance, please stop by the admissions desks on the day of your visit for assistance.

Illinois Child Tax Credit is Doubling

If you’re a worker or parent in Illinois, filing your taxes this year can put hundreds– even up to $650– back in your pocket.


Illinois has DOUBLED the Child Tax Credit and expanded the Earned Income Credit, making these benefits available to more families. These credits come back to you as cash that can help you cover everyday expenses like groceries, rent, utility bills, childcare, and school supplies.


But there’s an important catch: you must file a return to receive these credits. Even if you earned little or no income last year, you may still qualify, so make sure to file a return!


Free and low-cost tax help is available across Illinois to help families file securely and claim every dollar they’re eligible for. Go to MyTaxIllinois.gov to learn more and start filing today.

Ride Safe. Ride Smart. Ride Ready.

The Illinois Secretary of State’s office has launched Ride Safe. Ride Smart. Ride Ready.—a new initiative focused on public education, updated driver training, and modernized safety laws to help keep everyone safe on the road.


The multi-pronged campaign combines public education, updated driver training and a push for modernized safety laws to keep pace with the fast-evolving micromobility industry. As e-bikes and similar devices become faster, heavier and more powerful, Illinois law has not kept up – putting lives at risk.

 

“Micromobility technology is advancing faster than our rules,” Giannoulias said. “Some of these devices now travel at highway speeds, yet there are few clear standards, age limits and safety requirements. We need common-sense solutions that reflect today’s reality and make our streets safer for everyone”.


You can learn more at ILSOS.gov/oneroad.

Human Services Professional Loan Repayment Program

The Human Service Loan Repayment Program (HSLRP) is a statewide initiative that is designed to support and strengthen Illinois’ human services workforce. The program provides student loan repayment assistance to qualified human services professionals who work at human service organizations that receive state funding.


These loan repayment programs are active and available to professionals throughout the state. You can use the link here to apply.


You can also check out an FAQ here.

In-Person Early Voting Begins This Week

Any voter in Chicago can vote at any Early Voting site, no matter where they live in the city. Voters can choose whatever voting site is most convenient for them.

All Early Voting locations are ADA-compliant and fully accessible to voters with disabilities. 


February 12, 2026 - Downtown Chicago Early Voting begins for the March 17, 2026 Midterm Primary Election at two locations:


137 South State Street - NEW LOCATION FOR THE DOWNTOWN SUPERSITE!

69 W. Washington Street, 6th Floor


Weekdays: 9:00am - 6:00pm

Saturday: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Sunday: 10:00am - 4:00pm


March 2nd Early Voting locations open in all 50 Wards in the City.

You can click here for a list of early voting locations.


March 2 through March 17

Weekdays: 9:00am - 6:00pm

Saturday: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Sunday: 10:00am - 4:00pm

Election Day (March 17): 6:00am - 7:00pm

Neighborhood Shoutout

Theatre Above the Law has 5 Jeff Nominations

Congratulations to the crew at Theatre Above the Law for their 5 Jeff Award nominations!


Tony Lawry nominated for Best Director for Matt and Ben. 


Greta Geiser nominated for Best New Work for The Pyg Hypothesis.


Connar Brown Sprenger nominated for Performer in a Principal Role for Matt and Ben. 


Kendal Romero nominated for Performer in a Principal Role for Matt and Ben. 


Sarah Wisterman nominated for Performer in a Supporting Role for The Pyg Hypothesis.


A little about the Jeff Awards:


Recognizing theater excellence and honoring theater artists has been our mission at the Jeff Awards for more than 50 years. As a champion of the rich arts community, the Jeff Awards celebrates the vitality of Chicago area theater with its recommendations, awards, and honors. We are one of the most active and engaged theater awards organization in the country. Annually, the Jeff Awards evaluates over 250 theatrical productions and holds two awards ceremonies highlighting artistic and technical excellence over the past season. These initiatives help foster the growth of companies, encourage artists, bring new appreciation to diverse storytelling, and cultivate civic pride in the achievements of the Chicago theater community.


Congratulations to everyone nominated and congratulations to everyone at Theatre Above the Law!

District Events

Bingofesten

Bingofesten returns to Bramble Arts Loft at 5455 N Clark on Tuesday, February 10 at 7PM! $5 a card, each giving you chances to win great prizes from local Andersonville businesses and all bingo proceeds support ASCA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to keep Andersonville sustainable and vibrant!


Bramble Arts Loft

5545 North Clark Street

2nd Floor Chicago, IL 60640


You can get more information and buy tickets here.

Loyola Park Family Sweetheart Dance

Come out to Loyola Park's Family Sweetheart Dance this Friday!


Bring your sweethearts—kids, caregivers, grandparents, and loved ones of all kinds—for an evening of music, dancing, and community fun. This family-friendly event is a chance to celebrate love, connection, and time together in a warm and welcoming space.


There will be crafts, snacks, and family photos. This event is free!

We hope you’ll join us for a joyful night at the park and make some special memories with your family and neighbors.



We look forward to dancing with you!

Loyola Park Black History Month Celebration

Join in celebrating Black History Month next Sunday at the Loyola Park Fieldhouse!


This gathering is an opportunity to come together as a community to honor Black history, culture, and contributions, and to celebrate the stories, creativity, and resilience that continue to shape our neighborhoods and our shared future. 


Sign up to help set up and clean up this great annual event!

Taoist Tai Chi Studio

In the coming weeks, Taoist Tai Chi will be having classes on Thursdays at the Ebenezer Lutheran Church and Sundays at The Hive. Check them out!

48th Ward Participatory Budget Voting is Open

Help the 48th Ward office spend up to $1 million in public infrastructure funds! Over the past few months, neighbors have shared project ideas online and at community meetings and now, it's time to vote! Voting is open online and in person Friday, January 30 - Sunday, March 1.


You can see a list of proposed projects here.

You can vote online here.

Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County Office Hours at Loyola University

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County (VACCC) will be conducting regular monthly office hours at several of the largest universities in Cook County!


Beginning this year, VACCC staff will be on campus at:

• University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)

• Loyola University Chicago

• DePaul University

• Prairie State College


Through these partnerships, the VACCC is bringing VA claims assistance, benefits navigation, referrals, and support services directly to Veteran students on campus. Their goal is to make it easier for student Veterans to access the benefits and resources they’ve earned.


At Loyola office hours will be every second Wednesday of the month from 8:30am-4:30pm at Military Veteran Student Services, 6443 North Sheridan Road, Suite 171, Granada Center.

State Senator Mike Simmons Hosting Town Hall

State Senator Mike Simmons invites you to an in-person Town Hall focused on ICE, SNAP, and Policy on Thursday, February 12th from 5:30-6:30pm. 


The location will be at the Clarendon Park Fieldhouse (4501 N Clarendon Ave, Chicago, IL 60640) in Uptown. 


The event will include...

  • Senator Simmons' Spring 2026 Legislative Agenda, including Countering ICE, Regulating Data Centers, Publicly Financing Elections, Modernizing SNAP, and more in over 50 bills filed!
  • Assistance with SNAP work requirements that went into effect on February 1st, 2026
  • Latest Updates on ICE/Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Rapid Response Organizing


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


RSVP Here.

Two Piece Music Festival

Looking for something to do on Valentine's Day? Attend a music festival to raise money for Circles & Cyphers, a local hip-hop infused restorative justice program in Rogers Park. Located at United Church of Rogers Park (1545 W Morse Ave), this concert will feature a variety of duos performing for the community. Doors open at 1:00 p.m. on February 14 and the first performer goes on at 2:00 p.m. The event will conclude at 11:00 p.m.


Get tickets and see list of performers here.

Treat Yourself Valentine Pop-Up Market at Jarvis Square

Treat yourself! Shop from over 25 Artisans inside the businesses that line Jarvis Square! Just steps from the Jarvis Red Line stop!

Edgewater Historical Society Book Discussion Group

Join the Edgewater Historical Society to discuss Onward to Chicago: Freedom Seekers and the Underground Railroad in Northeastern Illinois, a history showing how Chicago's once small Black community assisted people escaping both the South and the Fugitive Slave Act. It highlights the diverse individuals-Black and white, men and women- who aided freedom seekers.


Books will be available at the first floor circulation desk. This program is in partnership with the Edgewater Branch.


Edgewater Library

6000 N Broadway

February 14th at 10:00am.

World Refugee Day Chicago Fundraiser: "Breakaway" Film Screening

World Refugee Day (WRD) Chicago / Refugee Action Network, in collaboration with SIAM Studio- Jake Siam Solomon, is screening "Breakaway," a documentary that follows two players from the WRD Chicago Refugee World Cup for more than a year as they build hope, connection, and community in a new home through sport and resilience. Snacks and refreshments will be served. 


Q+A discussion with the film's central figures follows the screening. 100% of funds raised through this film screening support the World Refugee Day Chicago 2026 events.


February 15th, 4:00pm-6:00pm

Swedish American Museum

5211 N Clark St.


For more information and for tickets you can visit their website here.

Inside the Gunder Mansion at Berger Park

The Berger Park Advisory Council is having an open house for the Gunder Mansion on February 20th. This open house is an opportunity to share information, ask questions, and help shape a shared vision for this important community asset.


Friday, February 20th

Doors open at 6:30pm

Gunder Mansion, Berger Park

6205 N Sheridan Rd

Life Within the Lens

In honor of Black History Month, the film series, "Life Within the Lens," which showcases some of Chicago's talented Black creators, will occur on Monday, February 23rd at the Music Box Theater (3733 N Southport Ave). The event will run from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and will feature a post-screening Q&A and a gathering in the Music Box Lounge.


You can access more information and tickets at this link.

Rogers Park Library Open Mic Monday Nights

The Rogers Park branch of the Chicago Public Library is now hosting a monthly open mic night! Participants have five to seven minutes to share their creative work with the community or sit in the audience to cheer on the community. The first open mic night will be on Monday, February 23rd, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the community room of the Rogers Park Library (6907 N Clark St).

Vendor Applications Now Open for Midsommarfest

Residents and visitors alike eagerly anticipate the arrival of Andersonville Midsommarfest, an annual celebration which transforms Clark Street into a haven of music, dance, and community spirit. Inspired by the Swedish Midsommar tradition, the festival takes place the second weekend in June, ushering in the summer season with a diverse array of festivities. Attendees can expect a dynamic lineup of live musical performances across multiple stages and a curated street fair featuring an eclectic mix of food vendors, artisans, not-for-profits, and local businesses.


If you are interested in applying, click here. The deadline is March 22nd.

Theatre

A Valentine's Day Reading of The Princess Bride

Join the Theatre Above the Law ensemble and Friends for a one time only event. The Princess Bride: A Valentine's Reading. Attendees will be treated to Dark Chocolate dipped Strawberries and some bubbly before the reading. A themed dinner pairing with Taste Food and Wine is also available. Limited tickets for both available at theatreatl.org.


This special event will go to support Theatre Above the Law's student matinee performances of their next production with students from Chicago Math and Science Academy. TATL is covering the cost totaling $1,200. $600 has already been raised! If you can’t make the reading, please consider making a donation.


Saturday February 14th

6:00pm Tasting, 7:30pm Performance

Jarvis Square Theatre

1439 W. Jarvis 

Chicago, IL 60626

Caryl Churchill's Top Girls

From an Algonquin round table boasting some of history’s most notable women, to the halls of the Top Girls Employment Agency, Marlene’s exchanges with the women around her create a vivid and compelling exploration of their aspirations through time. Heralded as one of the best British plays of the 20th century, Caryl Churchill’s TOP GIRLS directed by Lucky Stiff navigates the shifting dynamics of a patriarchal society.


Throughout the run, TOP GIRLS will be presented alongside Raven Theatre resident company The Story Theatre’s World Premiere of POT GIRLS by Paul Michael Thomson, directed by Ayanna Bria Bakari. POT GIRLS is a smoky riff on TOP GIRLS that pays loving homage while charting bold new ground. Celebrating The Story Theatre’s seven-year residency at Raven, this collaboration reflects a mutual desire to expand artistic partnership between the companies.


TOP GIRLS

by Caryl Churchill

directed by Lucky Stiff

February 12 – March 22


Tickets can be purchased here.

Kubrickian

Trapped in a white space, three men who should be focused on escape or explanation can’t seem to stop talking about acclaimed film director Stanley Kubrick. This trippy existential show is a haunting and hilarious look at masculinity, creativity, and capitalism.


The Factory Theatre

Written by Zack Peercy

Directed by AJ Schwartz


Previews: Feb 13, 14, 15

Previews: Feb 13-15, Friday & Saturday @ 8:00pm, Sunday @ 3:00pm

Show dates: Feb 20 – March 15, Friday & Saturday @ 8:00pm, Sunday @ 3:00pm


You can find more information and purchase tickets here.

Another Night @ BET

The purpose of these curated nights is to grow and engage the BE community in new, innovative ways - from showcases and game nights, to screenings and themed parties. It's only right to kick things off during Black History Month, so join us on February 19th as we celebrate Black Love and History! 


Join the Black Ensemble Theater in their coming events! Click the flyer above to purchase your tickets.

Kitty and The Beanstalk

Lifeline Theatre presents a world premiere adaptation based on Jack and the Beanstalk.


By ensemble member Jess Wright Buha in collaboration with Miles and Molly Buha

With music by John Szymanski

Directed by ensemble member Calvin Adams


In the alleys of a sunless Big City, sibling stray cats Kitty and Tom use the garbage around them to make their world a more magical place. But when Kitty trades one of Tom's precious creations for some magic beans, Tom angrily throws them away–only to have them sprout into a magnificent beanstalk. When they climb it, they discover why the sun has vanished from the city below (hint: a giant is involved). 


A world premiere with music for kids ages 4-10 and their families.


You can purchase tickets here.

Youth

The Township Officials of Illinois 2026 Scholarship

Each year, since 1989, the Township Officials of Illinois Scholarship Fund awards funds to graduating high school seniors to continue their education at Illinois colleges/universities. A total of $403,500 has been awarded to 236 students.


Find more information and applications here.

Hiring

Greencorps Chicago is Recruiting!

Greencorps Chicago, the City of Chicago’s green industry job training program for individuals with barriers to employment, is hiring! Greencorps Chicago is currently recruiting potential candidates for this year’s Employment & Training Program. During the nine-month program, Greencorps Chicago trainees earn a starting wage of $18.50, and receive practical experience, professional development, and classroom & field training in a variety of environmentally-related jobs with skills that are easily transferable to other industries. Trainees are offered several professional certifications including Defensive Driving, First Aid/CPR, HAZWOPER, OSHA 10-Hour Safety, Chicago Wilderness Prescription Burn Class, and the Illinois Pesticide license. Throughout the program, trainees are supported with wrap-around social services, a stable income, and assistance finding full time employment upon completion of the program. 


To learn more and to apply click here.

Obama Presidential Center Hiring

The Obama Presidential Center is hiring! With multiple positions available for many of their roles, this is a rare opportunity to join a team from the very beginning and help shape a world-class institution. The Obama Presidential Center is more than a few buildings; it's a hub for citizenship and a place where people can come together to make a difference. Be a part of a mission that will inspire generations to come!


To see a list of positions available and to apply visit their website here.

American Job Center at Truman College

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

Sincerely,


Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District




Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy


1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626


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773-784-2002 (phone)

Info@repcassidy.com

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