Kelly's Update

We had a lovely visit with my son at University of Michigan, which was a nice cap to a week where I tried to balance efforts to finish negotiations on bills with the need to catch up on work in district and connecting with friends and family for pretty much the last time until we get to adjournment at the end of May. We have two weeks to finish work and pass bills over to the Senate, so it’s really time to figure out what is ready to move and what might have to be a summer project. 

Last week also brought an unpleasant jolt with the United State’s Supreme Court’s decision in the Chiles v. Salazar case challenging Colorado’s ban on the abusive practice sometimes referred to as “conversion therapy,” the act of attempting to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity under the guise of a legitimate mental health practice. All major medical organizations condemn the practice under their codes of ethics and acknowledge the incredible harm it can do, with youth who experience these efforts experiencing much higher rates of suicide and self harm. Many who heard the news thought that the 8-1 decision was a devastating blow that invalidated the Colorado law as well as the other 26 state laws on the topic. 

While the decision was not good news, it wasn’t the fatal blow some took it as. The case before the court was not on the merits of the law, but rather questioned the level of legal review scrutiny that courts have to apply in evaluating the constitutionality of the law. In short, the Supreme Court sent the case back down to the lower court for review under the strict scrutiny required when considering restrictions on free speech. For now, our law remains in effect and we continue to work with our partners to contemplate what efforts might be required once the Court takes more decisive action.

As this news sinks in I'm reflecting on the incredible strength and resilience of the survivors that Daniel Biss and I met with as we crafted our state's ban over 10 years ago. To each and every survivor out there, I promise to never stop fighting for you.

For the last several years, I have worked in partnership with Alderwoman Maria Hadden and my colleagues Reps. Kam Buckner and Justin Slaughter to advance a bill that would bring reform to the ways that law enforcement serve warrants and conduct raids so that no one has to experience the horror that Ms. Young did on the night that her door was kicked in in a no knock raid on the wrong address. Since that night 7 years ago, Ms. Young has been advocating for a law at the city and state level that would protect others from her experience. Monday morning, we convened a hearing of the Judiciary Criminal Law Committee for a Subject Matter Hearing on HB1611, The Anjanette Young Act. The bill reflects the work of legal and law enforcement experts seeking ways to ensure the safety of both residents and officers in serving warrants. Approximately 30 states have eliminated the practice known as “no knock warrants,” with the primary change being a mandate to wait 30 seconds before breaking down a door, with important exceptions available under exigent circumstances requiring swift action. Additional reforms include prohibitions against officers pointing a gun at a child absent a clear threat, and limiting raids to more serious crimes. In Ms. Young’s raid, she was held naked and handcuffed while she begged them to understand they were in the wrong home. Witnesses shared stories of other cases, including the Mendez family where officers held 2 brothers, aged 4 and 5 at the time, at gunpoint. The city just entered into a $2.5 million settlement based on the abuses the family experienced during the raid on their home. Additional testimony came from Alderwoman Hadden with an update on the city’s efforts to reform their processes, former Rep. Ed Sullivan on behalf of the IL State Rifle Association which supports the bill due to the risk of armed confrontations stemming from no knock raids, as well as attorneys who have represented families impacted by wrong raids. Reps. Buckner, Slaughter, and I will continue to work towards passage of the bill before the end of the 104th General Assembly.

This week is another week of House only session days on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. While my attention will be largely focused on Springfield for the next couple of weeks, our team remains ready to help address issues that pop up in the district. Over the last few weeks, we’ve handled cases for constituents seeking assistance with state benefits, continued working with local small businesses on the Small Business Security Grant Program that’s already granted $360,200.00 to 41 businesses in the community, researched a recent change in Illinois Department of Natural Resources practice that has made it difficult for undocumented folks to purchase fishing licenses (and are still looking for a solution), and compiled nearly a dozen cases of families trying to access decent health care for their incarcerated loved ones. Constituent service is our district office priority and I never get tired of encountering someone who got support for a challenging issue who shares how our team treated them with respect and understanding. You’d be surprised by how many ways our team can help you, so if you’re struggling with any issues with state government, give us a shout and we’ll see if we can help!

With her time in District last week Kelly was able to visit and speak with a class of Loyola law students.

Need to Know Info

Antonella Sessa is a sophomore at Northwestern University studying Political Science and International Studies. She is originally from Norridge, Illinois and has gone to school and worked in Chicago and the surrounding area her entire life. Antonella is interning with us through Northwestern’s Chicago Field Studies program for the spring. She recently finished a research internship for the City of Park Ridge, Illinois Mayor’s Office where she led efforts to implement affordable public transportation options for the senior citizen population. She has also worked at Trader Joe’s as a Crew Member for the past four years and loves having the opportunity to engage with the community in any way! On campus, she is the Vice President of Education for Open Democracy Northwestern, a campus activism and budgeting organization, serves as a Student Resource Advisor for Northwestern’s Department of Campus Inclusion and Community, and is training for an Olympic-length triathlon as a member of the Northwestern Club Triathlon team. She has had strong passions for civics and government for as long as she can remember, and cannot wait to meet and work with as many of the wonderful people of the 14th District as possible!

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  

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.

The application deadline for this program is THIS FRIDAY, April 10th (4/10).

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

North Side Queer Pride is being proposed by a collaborative group of neighbors, small business owners, artists, and community organizations who care deeply about our community. We are looking to align existing pride events under one umbrella to create a vibrant, inclusive weekend of celebration.

Your thoughts will help inform and create the weekend of celebration. Please take 5 minutes to complete the survey and help build a fabulous weekend.

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If you get a text claiming to be from the "DMV" or "Illinois Secretary of State" threatening suspension or enforcement - DO NOT click on any links or reply. The Illinois Secretary of State will never send texts for payment or personal information. Stay vigilant and report scams by sending the message to scamalert@ilsos.gov. 

Additionally, the Cook County Circuit Court does NOT send text notices of court hearings or traffic violations. If you receive this kind of text from the Clerk's office, please do not scan QR codes or share any personal information.

City Clerk Anna Valencia is bringing back Amnesty April! The Office of the City Clerk is waiving City Sticker late fees and back charges for drivers from April 1-30, 2026.

For more information from The Office of the City Clerk, please click here.

Spring has sprung! With the weather beginning to turn, there's no better time to put up a new "Please pick up after your pet" yard sign in your yard or parkway. The 48th Ward office has free signs while supplies last! Stop by 1129 W Bryn Mawr to claim yours. 

On Saturday, April 18th, the 40th Ward Office is hosting a Bears-themed shred event at 5333 N. Western Avenue from 11:30am-2:00pm (or until trucks are full)! Bring up to two boxes to shred (no spiral bound notebooks, please). You can also recycle any expired or unused medications with the Cook County Sheriff's Office and hard-to-recycle materials with the Mobile CHARM center (check out cookcountyil.gov/CHaRMCenter for a list of accepted items). The Friendship Center will also be accepting donations of cleaning supplies, hygiene products, and kitchen items-bring any of these items to donate if you're able to help our neighbors in need!

Neighborhood Shoutout

Congratulations to North Side Housing and Supportive Services and the Open Studio Project. Last year, they began a partnership where the Evanston-based art therapy group would come and work with men experiencing homelessness. What they set out to create at North Side Housing was simple but powerful: a space where men can make art, build trust, and feel seen.

From their announcement:

Homelessness is more than the absence of stable housing. Homeless people struggle to survive every day, enduring prolonged instability, chronic stress, exposure to violence, and profound social isolation — all of which can create significant mental health challenges.

Many of our shelter residents have experienced extended periods of homelessness and carry complex trauma, so finding the words to describe what they’ve endured can be incredibly difficult.

Our art therapy program provides a clinically grounded, trauma-conscious approach to support healing. By offering a safe, non-verbal outlet to express themselves, it enables residents to process trauma, reduce stress, and express emotions in a quiet way that feels comfortable.

Beyond emotional processing, art therapy also:

✔️ Reduces stress and anxiety

✔️ Fosters connection and community

✔️ Strengthens self-esteem in the creation process

✔️ Leaves participants with a tangible representation of both their pain and their resilience.

You can learn more and support the work they do here.

District Events

Join the Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights (CIRR) for a virtual event geared toward community members affected by recent immigration enforcement activities or interested in learning how to create a family emergency plan and how to prepare a temporary guardianship agreement in case of ICE detention.

Register here.

The 48th Ward office along with Uptown/Edgewater and northside partners are hosting a Small Business De-Escalation workshop for local business owners! This training will be led by Thousand Waves Martial Arts & Self Defense for customer-facing small business employees. Topics include boundary setting, de-escalation, and safe intervention. To sign up, please click here.

Every summer, the Waterfront Café presents complimentary music by local musicians. They are looking for groups who can help create a relaxing and inviting environment for their dining guests while not being too distracting from engaging dinner conversations as well as respecting the open-aired environment of Berger Park. Any interested musicians can send inquiries, music links, and relevant information to waterfrontcafechicago@gmail.com.

Synapse Arts is currently hosting adult movement classes that are rooted in a values approach. They serve families and professional dancers year-round and periodically provide intensive study at other locations through workshops and residencies. Current classes are taught at the Berger Park Cultural Center where Synapse Arts works as an Arts Partner in Residence with the Chicago Park District.

You can learn more and sign up for classes here.

The Final 5 Campaign and Circles and Ciphers is excited to invite you to join them for a very special moment as they officially launch The Final 5 Campaign's "ONNA WAY BACK Reentry Toolkit" during their upcoming Reentry Resource Fair in collaboration with Circles & Ciphers. This event represents an important step forward in their collective work to support young people returning home and ensuring they have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.

The event will include a variety of resources and opportunities for returning citizens and community members, including:

• Free haircuts

• Free food

• Restorative circles

• Employment opportunities

• Education opportunities

• Community resources, support services and more!

Event Details:

April 10, 2026

12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

1643 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL

Rad Pop! Vintage Emporium is back with their famous Edgewater Vintage Crawl and starting out strong with a spring edition! You are cordially invited to stroll around the neighborhood and visit your favorite local-small-sustainable businesses while they serve snacks and refreshments!!

The federal Clean Air Act requires most gasoline-fueled vehicles 4+ years old to get an emissions test every two years. Due for a smog check? Stop by the Ismaili Jamatkhana parking lot between 10am and 4pm on Saturday April 11 for free emissions testing. The 48th Ward is looking for volunteers! Email info@the48thward.org to sign up to direct vehicles and assist with other aspects of this event.

Start your morning off right with Edgewater Chamber of Commerce and Colvin House.

Coffee, breakfast bites, brief introductions, open networking, and an opportunity to linger and work from Colvin House, if you're not in a hurry to get back to an office somewhere. 

Make sure to register in advance here.

THU 4/16

9am to 10:30am

Colvin House

5940 N. Sheridan Road

The 49th Ward Office will be hosting a neighborhood cleanup on Saturday, April 18th from 10:00am - 1:00pm. Supply pick up will be at the Ward Office (1447 W. Morse Ave) from 10am-12pm. You can sign up here!

Bring your crew. Make it a night. Support a worthy cause. 

Join Care for Real’s Trivia Night on Saturday, April 18 and turn a fun night out into real impact for neighbors facing food insecurity. 

Whether it’s a group of friends, family, coworkers, or fellow volunteers, this is a great chance to come together for a great night and a great purpose. Fill a table, claim some bragging rights, and help Care For Real continue to serve the community. 

Purchase a table, tickets, or donate if you can’t make it at careforreal.org/trivia.

Looking for a pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon? Meet up at the Edgewater Library for adult coloring, a popular therapeutic activity used to reduce stress, improve mindfulness and foster creativity.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the benefits of coloring can include improved sleep and decreased fatigue, fewer body aches, and decreased anxiety and depression. And besides, it’s fun!  

All materials and light refreshments will be provided.

Edgewater Library

6000 N Broadway

Sunday, April 19, 2026 

2:00PM – 4:00PM

Registration is recommended but not required. Please register online or at the Edgewater Branch reference desk.

Celebrate spring, community, and fresh food at Spiral Into Spring, a festive evening supporting Glenwood Sunday Market’s mission to make nutritious, locally grown food accessible to all. Enjoy delicious bites, drinks, local vendors, and lively carnival-style games, all while helping SNAP customers double their dollars to purchase fresh, healthy food.

What to Expect

GSM Vendor Sneak Peeks & Samples: Get a taste of the market before the 2026 season begins.

Carnival Games & Raffles: Try your luck and win raffle tickets for great bundles of prizes.

Giving Moments: See how your donations create hope and stability in our community with SNAP.

For more information and tickets, click here.

CALLING QUEER ARTISTS! Brave Space Alliance is looking for artists in the community to spotlight in their merch this Pride Month! (Black, trans artists highly encouraged 🏳️‍⚧️)

We are looking for designs that highlight trans and queer joy, center trans and LGBQ+ pride, and show off your identity as an artist. 🎨 Five pieces will be chosen to be BSA’s limited edition 2026 Pride Month sticker designs and their artists will be compensated and spotlighted on BSA’s socials and in-person Pride events.

Submit up to three designs by April 20th here.

Email any questions to ElaM@bravespacealliance.org!

The Edgewater Environmental Coalition has released a calendar of all of their recurring volunteer days. They will be posting for one-off volunteering opportunities as they progress through the season. For now, you can see what kind of days they offer from Vedgewater Volunteer Days, Beach Stewardship days, Parkway for Pollinator Days and more!

Vendor Applications and Opportunities

Artist and Vendor applications are now being accepted for the 25th Annual Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest!

The Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest is Rogers Park’s annual outdoor celebration of arts and community, run by a volunteer planning committee to showcase our neighborhood’s arts, talents, and businesses. For more information, visit glenwoodave.org.

In 2025, 88.9% of vendors felt they were able to have positive interactions with their customers at the Fest. Join us for a weekend of art, community, and fun!

Click here for Artist Application.

Click here for Food Vendor Application.

Rogers Park Business Alliance is excited to invite you to be a part of their Mother's Day - MERCADITO on Sunday, May 10th | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.! Take advantage of this unique opportunity to showcase your products, connect with local buyers, and join a vibrant community market.

Whether you sell crafts or unique goods, we want you to be part of this exciting event! Reserve your spot today and don't miss out! 

You can apply here: Mother's Day - Mercadito 2026 Application

The deadline to submit the form is April 03, 2026.

For more information or questions, feel free to contact RPBA at cjuarez@rpba.org.

Theatre

Written and directed by Jackie Taylor

We can’t think of a better way to kick off the 50th Anniversary Season than to bring back The Jackie Wilson Story! Jackie Wilson premiered at the Black Ensemble Theater in 2000. This outstanding production started its successful national tour in 2002. The tour included a record-breaking run at the famous Apollo Theater in New York. In 2012, Jackie Wilson made history by opening the new Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center. This award-winning production continues its historical run as it opens our 50th Anniversary season. Experience this tribute to the most dynamic and electrifying entertainer of all time, Mr. Excitement – Jackie Wilson.

Black Ensemble Theater

4450 N Clark

You can get more information and purchase tickets here.

Cyrano

By Michael Dalberg

Directed by Tony Lawry

March 13-April 12

In this Original TATL adaptation by Michael Dalberg (Grimm, The Blood Countess, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) Cyrano cannot share her love to the multi-courted Roxanne. Thus, she speaks her truth through dim witted Christian, Roxanne’s true desire. In a romantically comical retelling of the classic, body image, self-doubt and misogyny are central themes. With some food fights along the way you’ll see that sometimes love is right in front of your nose!

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 3pm at the Jarvis Square Theater located at 1439 W. Jarvis. Please visit theatreatl.org for tickets.

Use the Rogers Park coupon code unclecardinal at checkout for $10 OFF THE REGULAR $25 ticket price. Subject to availability, not valid opening or closing weekends.

Rent

Directed by DeRon Williams

Book, Music and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson

March 26 - April 12

Newhart Family Theatre (Loyola University)

Lower East Side of New York City. End of the millennium. Mark and Roger are roommates, and they can’t afford rent (again). But they don’t let that stop them from enjoying life while they can. They find solace in their community of fellow artists and activists who are also trying to make ends meet as they struggle through life, love, their art, the AIDS crisis, and paying (or not paying) rent. Jonathan Larson’s final musical still resonates today about the importance of trying to get your voice heard, even if it seems no one is listening.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Written by Preston Max Allen

Directed by Landree Fleming

March 19 – April 18, 2026

Schwartz Stage at Raven Theatre

6157 N Clark St

Set in present day New York City and Greenwich, Connecticut, this world premiere is the queer and trans rom-com you’ve been waiting for. After his partner of five years abruptly ends their relationship, 28-year-old Adam must navigate the world of dating for the first time since coming out as a trans man. But Adam’s hopes for a fresh start are quickly derailed when a chaotic new girlfriend, the return of his ex, and long-ignored personal demons force him to finally confront his complicated relationship to his own identity.

You can learn more and buy tickets here!

April 2-18, 2026 (Wed-Sat)

Berger Park Coach House Theater

6205 N Sheridan Rd

Kassandra at the Top of the World is an exploration of the Greek prophetess cursed never to be believed. This piece finds Kassandra on a mountaintop, bearing witness to the annihilation of humanity from climate collapse—at once mythic and urgently contemporary. She battles inner demons, the ghosts of the past, and a fear of the future.

This piece is appropriate for audiences 14+.

The Coach House Theater is wheelchair and walker accessible. Please call 773-761-0376 with any access needs.

Purchase tickets here.

Youth

Summer day camp registration is coming April 20 & 21! In preparation, the Chicago Park District invites the public to an informational webinar to learn about new improvements to the 2026 Summer Day Camp sign-up process, including a new interactive map to highlight real-time camp openings & a revamped preparation checklist.

Visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/day-camp to submit your questions about the Summer Day Camp registration process & register for the webinar being offered at 12pm & 6 pm on Tuesday, April 14.

Four dynamic positions are available in parks over the summer for ages 16 and up: Lifeguard, Recreation Leader (for day camp), Special Recreation Leader (for day camps for kids and adults with intellectual disabilities), and Junior Laborer (landscape maintenance). Additional positions are available for ages 18+. 

To learn more and apply, go to their website here.

Discover new worlds at Lifeline Theatre’s Drama Camps! Children explore their imaginations and hone their natural performing abilities while gaining sound theatre training in a fun-filled atmosphere. Lifeline's camps not only teach kids how to embody characters and act out stories, they also help them to gain confidence, express themselves, and work patiently and respectfully with each other. For ages 4-14.

Register by April 1st to get 15% off! You can learn more and register here.

Click image above for downloadable pdf

In honor of Dr. Carl Bell’s Memorial Award, this year’s topic underscores a focal point of Dr. Bell’s work. Dr. Bell developed community-based mental health initiatives which encouraged inclusivity in psychiatry developing stronger communities. This year’s essay topic: The 24/7 digital world allows the ability to “always be on". Does this promote engagement on issues (such as climate change, politics, social media outlets, etc.), or does it create a path for emotional burnout, or a combination of both? What are strategies to maintain a positive outlook?

The award recipient will receive a $500 cash prize. Their submission will also be presented at the 2025 IPS Annual Meeting and published in “Mind Matters,” the official IPS newsletter publication and invited to our Annual Meeting in September. Second and third place award recipients will receive a $250 cash prize.

Deadline for Essay Submissions: May 15, 2026

To learn more or to apply click here.

Hiring

The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is hiring! They have a variety of openings across the state, including:

✔️ Equal Opportunity Compliance Officer

✔️ Backend Grant Program Manager

✔️ Northern Stateline Senior Regional Manager

✔️ West Central Senior Regional Manager

You can learn more and apply here.

The Membership & Events Manager will oversee Edgewater Chamber’s membership sales, member database, benefits, business outreach, and contact management system while simultaneously facilitating Edgewater Chamber’s events & programs, including (but not limited to) street festivals, networking events, education programs, vendor fairs, and community events. This position will work closely with the Executive Director to design and facilitate programming, partnerships, and initiatives that drive membership, revenue, and engagement in Edgewater Chamber. This position acts as the go-to resource for businesses in the community to engage with Edgewater Chamber and learn about chamber membership, business services, and events. 

To learn more and to apply click here.

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.

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.

Harry S. Truman College, in partnership with Equus Workforce Solutions and the Illinois Department of Employment Security, is hosting their Spring 2026 Career & Internship Fair. This event brings together job seekers, career resources, and employers from multiple industries.

Event Details:

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Harry S. Truman College – Main Lobby

1145 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago, IL 60640

To register, click here.

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