Kelly's Update

I went straight from getting home and unpacked on Monday to joining with my colleague Sen. Elgie Sims at the opening session for this year’s National Conference of State Legislators Criminal Justice Fellows. Sen. Sims and I were fellows together in an earlier class and were happy to share our experience as alumni, as well as to present an overview of Illinois’ PreTrial Fairness Act, covering both the passage of the historic law through implementation. After, we took the group to visit the courthouse at 26th and California, where we met with Judge Mary Cay Marubio, the Presiding Judge of the Pretrial Division of the Cook County Circuit Court. Attendees, which included legislators from other states including New Mexico, Texas, Tennessee, and Delaware along with subject matter experts and researchers were able to observe an assortment of pretrial detention hearings to gain a greater appreciation for how much thought and attention goes into the hearings. This is a stark contrast to our previous experience in bond court, where cases moved as if on a conveyor belt, with little to no examination of the defendant’s circumstances or risk factors with a menu of bond levels that only determined if someone had sufficient wealth to buy their freedom regardless of the risk of further criminal behavior or safety risk. 

Most of the participants come from states with a commercial bail bond industry, which presents an additional challenge to passing bail reform of any kind legislatively we didn’t face in Illinois. We shared the challenges we faced, as well as advice about how to build a meaningful coalition designed around inclusion and implementation. Participants were especially interested to hear the role that advocates against gender based violence played in the crafting of the law, ensuring that victims gained a voice in the pretrial detention process. The ability to push back against the opposition’s downright false narrative predicting “the end of days,” or suggesting we’d experience “The Purge,” with facts about public safety and particularly victim safety was key to the implementation of the law. We also made sure that talks with groups in opposition were always open, and shared the importance of making sure that the law reflected issues that opposition raised that could be addressed.

Now that I’m really really home, I’m looking forward to getting out into the neighborhoods and reconnecting with friends and neighbors. I did manage a quick trip to the Glenwood Sunday Market for MY own personal first day. I hated to miss the first day last weekend, but there were bills, and budgets to pass…and bullies to check. If you’re on my Facebook page, you may already know that my former colleague Jeannie Ives published a piece on her platform calling me “more unhinged than ever” for my floor speech calling out the members on the other side of the aisle who have risen nearly every day to attack trans kids as if they sincerely believe in protecting anyone when in fact it was revealed in multiple conversations over the last week that to them, it’s all a game. I questioned the humanity of anyone who would consider it a fun game to bully kids and faced yet another censure motion. Interestingly enough, the author decided to use really cute pictures of us and printed a transcript of my speech that is anything but unhinged in the way I described their truly unhinged behavior.

With summer fully underway, look for us out at street fairs and events. Our interns are getting the hang of the office, now that I’m back, getting to know them and helping them to achieve their summer goals is a priority. I’m looking forward to Artists of the Wall next weekend and guess I’d better figure out what we’re going to paint on our section of the wall. The last couple of years, our spot has been near Alderwoman Maria Hadden’s. She and Natalia meticulously plan their design every year and it’s always fabulous. Sometimes, I get there with a vague notion of what to paint, but usually it’s a pretty spontaneous event. The theme this year is All Together Now, which leaves us maybe too many options. Whatever we do, I’m sure it’ll turn out great.

Our garden is starting to really take shape and I’m about to make our dinner with some pesto from our first harvest of arugula. I can’t wait till things really start coming in and we can eat from the garden every day!

You can watch Rep. Cassidy's remarks from the House Floor she discussed in last week's newsletter above.

Need to Know Info

Our office is excited to announce our upcoming event! We are partnering with the West Ridge Community Response Team to host Pokémon & Pride: Trans Youth Resource Fair. We are encouraging friends and family to come out and show your support for the Trans youth in your life! We will have local elected officials and some amazing organizations on hand to offer resources, plus we will be giving away sets of Pokémon Trading Cards and have Pokémon GO lures active! June 20th from 5:00pm-7:00pm at the Glenwood Ave Alfresco, on Glenwood Ave between Lunt and Morse, right off the Morse Redline stop. Come and share in your love of Pokémon and the Trans community!

Thank you to our elected partners, Alderwoman Maria Hadden, State Senator Mike Simmons, Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, Cook County Board Commissioner Josina Morita, State Senator Ram Villivalam, and State Representative Kevin Olickal.

And our community partners, Chicago Therapy Collective, Trans Up Front Illinois, The Center on Halsted, Vivent Health + TPAN, Wonder Woods Chicago, and The Children & Family Benefits Unit of CPS.

Click above for a message from Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is warning Illinoisans to keep on the lookout for text message scams claiming to be from the “Illinois State Department of Motor Vehicles” that threaten to suspend vehicle registration and driving privileges.

The text messages are phishing attempts designed to trick residents into giving up personal or financial information. Recipients should not respond or open any links found in unsolicited texts and emails.

“Phishing scams are unfortunately an increasingly prevalent threat in our modern society, seeking to cheat Illinoisans out of their personal information and hard-earned money,” Giannoulias said. “Please remain vigilant to avoid these scams and report them to protect yourself and others from falling victim to fraud schemes.”

The office only sends text messages to remind residents about scheduled DMV appointments. It does not send text messages regarding driver’s license or vehicle registration status.

Illinoisans are encouraged to report scam attempts to the Federal Trade Commission by visiting reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Northside Community Resources & The Northside Community Development Corporation are hosting their 13th Annual Northside Housing Fair, which is being held on Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Truman College (Cafeteria), located at 1145 W. Wilson Avenue in Chicago. Doors will open for onsite registration at 9:30 a.m., for attendees who have not preregistered.

Learn about home-buying processes, financing solutions, fair housing practices, and many other housing resources and services available to the public. In addition, this event will feature mini-workshops on topics such as Credit & Home-buying 101 and Tenants' Rights & Fair Housing. Each year, this event has resulted in countless people achieving homeownership, securing and maintaining rental housing, and even avoiding foreclosure.

This is a free event!

To learn more, click HERE!

The Transfemicide Working Group is holding 3 Community Meetings to hear from YOU on how to make Chicago safer for the trans and nonbinary community.

The meetings are being held on June 10 6:30p-8p at the Amundsen Park Fieldhouse (Westside), July 10 6:30p-8p at the Jackson Park Fieldhouse (Southside) and July 30 6:30p-8p at Broadway Armory Park (Northside). 

It is an opportunity to share your experiences and tell the City ways in which we can work to ensure the safety of trans and nonbinary people.

This working group stems from an executive order by Mayor Brandon Johnson, you can read more about here.

The City of Chicago provides financial assistance for job training through the Workforce Solutions program managed by the Department of Planning and Development. The program subsidizes training for incumbent workers and new hires for qualified Chicago businesses. Reimbursement grants up to $250,000 may fund up to 100% of eligible expenses for businesses seeking to train current employees and/or new hires. Grants do not have to be repaid.

Those interested in the program can attend an informational webinar at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 10 to learn more and get insight into the application process. Applications open city-wide on June 16th.

Learn more about the program, register for the webinar, and to keep up to date when the application goes live click here.

Are you or a loved one looking for in-home care? Soulful Hands Home Care is a trusted Black woman-owned agency offering affirming in-home care for LGBTQ+ Elders in Chicago. Their caregivers are trained in LGBTQ+ cultural competency, they offer inclusive care plans that honor lived identity and chosen family, and compassionate, personalized care in the comfort of your home. To schedule your free consultation, call 312-324-4150 or visit Soulfulhandshomecare.com.

Neighborhood Shoutout

Dress Your New Body is a consultation and styling service, operating in New To You thrift store. The service was founded by Missy Thrasher-Lyon, a cis woman, along with her trans wife. The couple partnered with the United Church of Rogers Park to offer styling for trans and gender-nonconforming folks at the beginning of their transitions. The program is low-cost and serves clients of all ages. Dress Your New Body is located at 1545 W Morse Ave, Chicago, IL 60626.

You can read more about them in this article from Block Club!

Fundraisers and Surveys

Extreme heat is a growing public health threat in our city, especially for vulnerable communities. The Defusing Disasters Project—a collaboration between community members, academics, health care professionals, and government agencies—is developing a citywide Heat Vulnerability Index (HVI) to identify areas most at risk and shape life-saving heat resilience strategies. 

As we approach the anniversary of the 1995 Heat wave, they need your input! Your vote could save lives. Their team has drafted 30 community-informed policy and program recommendations to address heat-related health risks. They're asking you to help choose the top 7 ideas to advance to the City Council for action. 

The deadline to take the survey is June 10th at 5:00pm.



You can take the survey by:

Clicking here for English

Clicking here for Spanish

Chi City Bakes is having their Summer Community Bake Sale on Sunday, June 22nd at Gracie O'Malley's Edgewater (6334 N. Clark St.). All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Broadway Youth Center.

Partnering with neighborhood establishments and nonprofit organizations based in and serving Chicago communities, Chi City Bakes hosts fun and impactful community bake sales throughout the city. They sell treats and donate all proceeds to these important causes.

You can sign up to bake treats for the event here.

District Events

The walking tours are back, and now is the time to sign up by going to www.EdgewaterHistory.org.

Enjoy views of the historic homes of Edgewater in our own unique outdoor museum. Edgewater has four historic districts designated by the U.S. Department of the Interior and many blocks filled with historic homes.

There is a limit of 20 in each tour. Our tour guides, who will have microphones, will lead you through the tour, and share with you our researched brochure. The fee for each tour is $15, which supports the Edgewater Historical Society Museum.

They have 8 tours available, you can read more about them and sign up for a tour here.

Monday, June 9 at 6:00 pm at the Broadway Armory (5917 N. Broadway): 20th District Council June 2025 monthly meeting. We will be learning about and providing feedback that will inform the ongoing CPD Workforce Allocation Study. We will also have the opportunity to take action in support of a fully-funded Public Health and Safety budget for Chicago for 2026. As always, we encourage 20th District residents to join us and share your questions and concerns about policing in the district. See you there!

Centro Romero's Annual Health Fair 2025 take place at 6216 N. Clark on June 10th from 9:00am-2:00pm. This event focuses on health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. This event is free and open to all!

Some neighbors in Rogers Park have started a bi-weekly litter pick up and happy hour. From their event page:

Join us for an hour of making a positive impact on our community by participating in a litter cleanup in the beautiful neighborhood of Rogers Park.

We'll provide all the necessary equipment and guidance to ensure a successful cleanup effort (including bags, gloves, hand sanitizer, and paper towels).

After our cleanup, we'll gather at Candlelite bar for a well-deserved happy hour to throw one back.

This is a great opportunity to give back to the environment while also enjoying the company of like-minded individuals. Come make a difference and have a good time with us in Rogers Park!

If you're driving, there's usually free parking on Ridge Blvd or W Birchwood Ave.

If you can't make it, please update your RSVP so we know how many supplies to bring and how many people to make the reservation for at the bar!

You can RSVP here.

Midsommarfest returns to Andersonville for its 59th year—and it’s your official invitation to celebrate in the streets and kick off Pride season with joy, visibility, and community.

Join us for three nights and two days of celebration as over 80,000 neighbors, friends, and chosen family come together for this iconic Swedish summer tradition. Expect live music across multiple stages, mouthwatering local eats, one-of-a-kind vendors, and endless fun up and down Clark Street. Opening ceremonies and the raising of the annual raising of the maypole takes place at 11AM on Saturday, June 14.

Friday, June 13 | 5–10PM

Saturday, June 14 | 12–10PM

Sunday, June 15 | 12–9PM

Foster to Gregory

Show your support and help keep the party going—pre-sale packages are available now!

You can find a list of Vendors here.

Indigenous people are central to the story of popular culture in the Western Hemisphere and popular culture is important to many Indigenous people and experiences. Will Hansen, co-curator of the exhibition Native Pop! at the Newberry Library, will share highlights from four centuries of Indigenous creators, athletes, activists, and fans engaged with pop — from pamphlets to comic books, and from daguerreotypes to video games.

Registration is recommended but not required. You may register on the library’s website, by phone, or in person at any Chicago Public Library location.

Held in partnership with Friends of the Edgewater Library.

The 32nd Annual Artists of the Wall Festival is coming up, this beloved painting event is truly a celebration of community, creativity and music for everyone to enjoy. Held each summer over Father’s Day weekend, neighbors of all ages come together to collaborate on the 600-foot mural at Loyola Park Beach between Farwell and Morse Avenues. The artists finished works remain until May of the following year when the wall is again prepped, whitewashed and readied for the next eager participants.

Theme: All Together Now

Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025 and Sunday, June 15, 2025

Location: Pratt Beach at Farwell and the Lake

Join Femme De Violette and her fabulous cohort of plus size performers for an unforgettable extravaganza presented in collaboration with Fat Theatre Project! $20 gets you entry to this evening of sensational performances, NA beverages, and incredible raffle prizes. Bring tips, your biggest smile, and your loudest cheering voices, and join for this one-of-a-kind event on June 21!

Doors open at 7:30PM and the show begins at 8:00PM

The Coach House Theater at Berger Park located at 6205 N. Sheridan Rd.

This show is for adult audiences only.

Tickets can be bought here.

Get ready to shine bright at Jarvis Square Family Pride! We're looking forward to a fantastic day dedicated to connecting, celebrating, and having an absolute blast with all our amazing families. Come share in the happiness and feel the warmth of our incredible community. It's going to be a day full of smiles, fun, and pride!

Sunday, June 29th | 12-9 PM | Jarvis Square (1500 block of Jarvis)

Is your organization looking to get in at the ground level of a BRAND NEW summer street festival in Chicago? Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is working with Criterion Productions to launch Edgewater Music Fest later this year and they need your help!

SEP 5-7. Broadway & Thorndale. 3 days. 2 stages. 

30+ touring, buzzworthy, and local bands booked by Kickstand Productions. Local food. Local drinks. Kids activities. And more.

They're looking for event sponsors, retail vendors, food vendors, and artisans to help build Edgewater Music Fest into the can't-miss event of late summer. 

This is an awesome opportunity to engage new audiences and put your business on the map, all while supporting the Edgewater business community. 

The Edgewater music fest is accepting applications till August 1st, for retail vendors, food vendors and food truck vendors.

Theatre

Based on the novel by H.G. Wells

Adapted by ensemble member John Hildreth

Directed by ensemble member Heather Currie

Jeff recommended!

Breaking news: the Martians have landed…in Chicago! Our world is watched keenly and closely by intelligences greater than ours, yet just as mortal. They regard Earth with envious eyes as they craft their violent plans to destroy us. How on Earth will we survive? This world premiere adaptation of the novel by H.G. Wells brings razor-sharp satire to this infamous thriller. Ensemble members John Hildreth and Heather Currie, the team behind Cat’s Cradle, reimagine this sci-fi masterpiece for a modern audience.

Running May 23 – July 13, 2025

$25 Previews: May 23 – June 1 (Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m.)

$45 Regular Run: June 6 – July 13 (Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m.); Military, senior, and student discounts available

Tickets can be purchased here.

Theatre Above the Law presents the Jeff Awards recommended play Matt & Ben by Mindy Kaling (The Office, Mindy Project) & Brenda Withers May 30-June 29 at The Jarvis Square Theater, 1439 W. Jarvis.

The comical play explores what if Matt Damon and Ben Affleck did not write Good Will Hunting but instead it fell from the ceiling, or sky as it were. This 75 minute play is performed by 2 local actresses as both Matt and Ben. Yes, both. The audience chooses each performance who will portray Matt and who will play Ben.

Performances are 7:30pm Fridays and Saturdays and 3pm Sundays. Tickets are available at theatreatl.org. Use the discount code C-look into my eyes for $15 tickets (subject to availability, online only).

For questions, please email tony@theatreatl.org.

Weekly Farmers 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, June through 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 our local food shed, our mission is to make sustainable, regionally produced foods accessible to our whole community. 

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

Youth & Teen

PAID Summer Youth Film Camp Opportunity in Rogers Park this August thanks to a grant from DCASE's Neighborhood Access Program! Are you 16-19 and like art, music, or film? APPLY!

Location: Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N Glenwood Ave, Rogers Park

Pay: $15/hour (yes, you get paid to learn about professional filmmaking!)

What You’ll Do:

- Help make a short film (written by collective members) with professional filmmakers

- Gain hands-on experience making a film

- Build a supportive and fun community

Camp Dates:

Sat, July 12

Sat, July 26

Mon–Fri, Aug 4–15

You can get more information and apply here.

Volunteer at Care for Real with their Summer Teen program and make a difference in your community! Care for Real volunteers help serve neighbors in need at their brand new Edgewater location and their site in Rogers Park. With volunteer shifts for teens 6 days a week, they aim to have opportunities that work for your busy schedule. Their teen volunteers help carry Care for Real through the busiest season, packing groceries, helping distribute food, and assisting in their clothing closet. Teens age 14+ can come on their own to volunteer, or they can come with a parent/guardian.

Sign up for an account to schedule shifts to volunteer this summer. If you already have an account, search for the word "teen" under the events listing to choose your shifts. Invite a friend to join you or meet new people at CfR! They can sign off on any required hours for school or other service learning requirements.

Summer is almost here! Make sure your kids have a wild time - register them for Lifeline's summer drama camp! We'll build magical worlds as creatures and bugs of the forest, construct creative characters, imagine new worlds, and go on theatrical adventures!

Did you know that all of Lifeline Theatre's productions begin as books? Summer campers have the opportunity to follow Lifeline's unique model and create short plays. Brigade campers (6-10 year olds) will adapt the books Du Iz Tak? and The Perfect Plan, while Theatre Intensive campers (10-13 year olds) will collaborate as an ensemble and use the book Ten Word Tiny Tales to Inspire and Unsettle as a creative jumping off point for their original play. All campers will share their original pieces on the Lifeline stage on their final day of camp! 

Chicago nonprofit After School Matters (ASM) is now accepting Chicago teens for their Summer programs running June 23 - August 1. Teens ages 14-18 can choose from hundreds of programs in the arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM, to discover their passions and develop new skills for life beyond high school.

This Summer: 

• Chicago teens ages 14 & 15 can choose from programs offering stipends for participation. 
• Chicago teens ages 16+ can choose from Internship programs, which will provide an hourly wage of $16.60/hour. 

Applications are now open and can be found here.

For more information about ASM and how you can support Chicago teens, visit: www.afterschoolmatters.org

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is now accepting applications for the 2025-26 Student Advisory Council (SAC). The ISBE SAC provides students with an opportunity to build advocacy and leadership skills and lend their voices to policy development and important issues in education. The SAC meets with stakeholders, policymakers, and community partners virtually and in-person each month to examine research, brainstorm new ideas, and develop policy recommendations to present to the Board from a student perspective.​ You can learn more about the board on ISBE's Student Voices Page.

Applications are open until June 30th. You can apply here.

Hiring

Mintex, Inc., a call center service company, is hiring! The position involves reaching out to consumers to collect payment on delinquent accounts. Applicants must be Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) customers.

Cook County is hiring! The Cook County Job Fair is on Thursday, June 26, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM for on-the-spot interviews and opportunities across multiple government sectors.

Secure your future in public service—register now here!

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626