Kelly's Update

We had a very eventful week in Springfield last week. Usually the week after third reading deadline is a bit more calm as we start the process of moving the bills sent over by the Senate. Since the Senate extended their third reading deadline, we really didn’t have many Senate bills but we sure found a way to stay busy.

On Tuesday, we learned that we would be considering HB910, the mega projects/Bears bill that Speaker Pro Tempore Kam Buckner led negotiations on. I have never been a fan of corporate tax giveaways, having voted against multiple bills over the years spawned by a corporation threatening to leave the state if we don’t give them more money. We were also briefed on two possible amendments to the Illinois Constitution: one to codify the Voting Rights Act in our state constitution in advance of the expected gutting of federal protections this year and a second that would have allowed Illinois to impose a surcharge on taxpayers earning over one million per year. In all three cases, we were told time was of the essence. The Bears were pushing for answers to decide between Indiana and Arlington Heights, and both constitutional amendments were brand new legislation that would require action on six separate days, setting up a race to get the resolutions to put them on the ballot through both chambers before the May 3rd deadline for them to be able to appear on the November ballot. Since we were in session alone last week and the Senate will be alone this week, the only way to have an amendment on the ballot was to get it done right away. I’ll go through each item separately to provide as much detail and context as possible.

Why I voted against the Mega Projects bill:

HB910 is frequently cited as “the Bears bill” but in truth, it’s been around for a while and is something Governor Pritzker has touted as a critical tool to entice big investments in our state. At its core is a principle known as PILOT or Payment In Lieu Of Taxes, which allows a project developer to negotiate with local taxing authorities to reduce the overall tax burden on a project by freezing a property’s assessment and providing a negotiated payment to the taxing body. In the bill, there’s language around additional payments to local schools, as well as property tax relief for impacted homeowners. In reality, it seems that any property tax rebates generated under the formula would be pretty minimal and honestly, the greatest form of property tax relief I can imagine is making corporations pay their fair share and relieving the burdens on homeowners and renters. In addition to the property tax cut, developers would also be eligible to apply to have the state sales tax on all construction materials waived. We were unable to get solid answers about how much that could cost the state, but if you think about all of the materials that would go into building a project like what the Bears are proposing, it’s a big number for sure. There are a handful of other provisions in the bill, including a new bond program to encourage the development of entertainment venues in Chicago and across the state, a program to facilitate development and reuse of abandoned railroad properties, and a program to encourage redevelopment in downtown Springfield, which is desperately needed. 

At the end of the day, I couldn’t vote for it. I appreciate all the work that went into trying to craft a balanced package. Having negotiated some really big bills over the years, I know how challenging that is. And, having spent so much time in meetings with folks with budget asks having to tell them how tight the budget is, that we simply do not have the resources to address their needs - whether that’s restoring cuts to homelessness prevention services, or cuts to HIV/AIDS programs, or the need to dedicate significant resources to ensuring our violence prevention systems are stable and able to cover all of the areas in need, or any number of other deeply worthy programs, I can’t go back to those folks in good conscience and say we were able to figure it out for the Bears.

Voting Rights Act Amendment (HJRCA28)

With the United States Supreme Court set to reverse protections for minority districts in the remapping process, Speaker Welch proposed an amendment to our state’s constitution that would codify the priority to protect minority communities' abilities to have their voices heard electorally by prohibiting the practice that led to the passage of the federal law in the first place - dividing up minority communities into multiple legislative districts to dilute their influence. The language is relatively technical, but simple - it lays out the factors to be considered in crafting legislative maps, requiring districts “to be substantially equal in population; to ensure that no citizen is denied an equal opportunity to participate in the political process and to elect representatives of his or her choice on account of race; to create, where practical, racial coalition or influence Districts; to be contiguous; and to the extent practicable, to be compact.” HJRCA28 passed the House on a vote of 74-38 and is now awaiting action in the Senate. As noted above, it must be passed by both chambers by May 3rd to be eligible for the November General Election ballot. Fun fact: Governors don’t sign constitutional amendment resolutions - all that’s required is a supermajority of both chambers. 

Millionaires’ Surcharge Amendment (HJRCA21)

This is something we’ve long talked about and has been a priority for the coalition of advocates and legislators supporting progressive revenue solutions for quite some time, but it seemed as if the idea was off the table for the year until we got to session last week. A quick effort to gauge support for an existing proposal that had not been fully vetted was launched in the hopes of securing the 71 votes needed to qualify the amendment for the ballot. There were serious questions about the proposed language in the amendment, which probably led some members to hesitate and given the timeline, amendments were just not possible. Among those were two that seemed most concerning to the folks I spoke to: first, it codified the amount of income at $1 million rather than contemplating inflation and triggered conversations about the challenges of trying to fix a problem created by a constitutional amendment which is rightly difficult to amend and second, by using language about education funding that was counter to our long standing evidence based funding formula. While I was supportive of the effort, I too had concerns about unintended consequences but was encouraged by the discussions on follow up legislation to address at least the EBF issue. Ultimately, there simply wasn’t enough support for this proposal, but I firmly believe that if we had been able to work on the language and socialize the idea with our colleagues without the pressure of that deadline there would be enough support in the chamber. I’m just sorry that we didn’t get that opportunity.

We are home this week and it’s good to have a minute to reconnect at home and in the district and try to get caught up on things here. When we get back to session next week, we’ll pretty much be in session for all of May leading up to our scheduled adjournment on May 31st. The Senate is in solo this week, and we expect that they’ll finish up their 3rd reading work and we’ll have bills to move when we reconvene. 

Interns Jordan and Antonella enjoyed a wonderful day visit to Springfield with our Chief of Staff Taylor. They received a tour of the State Capitol Building and House floor, along with a visit to President Abraham Lincoln's house and neighborhood. Kelly had the opportunity to formally recognize them both in session before they travelled back to the district office!

Tree House Humane Society, who we have been working on HB5411 with, along with other animal organizations were at the Capitol for their lobby day last week. Staff and members LOVED meeting the visiting pups on the lawn. Pictured above is Eleanor from the Animal Protective League of Springfield and Sagamon County!

Kelly also received the Humane Legislator Award from Humane World for Animals for her commitment to supporting animal protection in Illinois!

Planned Parenthood also had their lobby day last week. Kelly spoke at their kick-off for the day at the Illinois State Museum.

It was our intern Jordan's last day with the office last week, and we wanted to give him a farewell lunch AND help out a great cause! We ordered food from Replay in Andersonville, who were participating in Dining Out For Life with a percentage of their food sales that day going towards Vivent Health + TPAN.

From their website:

Dining Out For Life is an annual dining fundraising event raising money for community-based organizations serving people living with or impacted by HIV.

Need to Know Info

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: 

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  

Beginning in 2027, new federal requirements may require some adult Medicaid customers to report work, school, or training activities. Many customers will be exempt, and no one will be required to take action until they receive direct notice from the State. However, in order to receive up to date information, you must make sure your contact information is correct.

To view or update your contact information, scan the QR code in the above flyer, use this link, or call 877-805-5312.

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.

Join Alderwoman Maria Hadden for her second town hall of the year on Thursday, May 7th from 6 pm-8pm at Jordan Elementary School in Rogers Park.

Our office will be tabling along with other elected officials in the area. Come meet your neighbors, learn about ways to get involved in your community this summer, and hear from leaders about all of the exciting things happening in the 49th Ward!

For more information, reach out to office@49thward.org.

The Office of U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth invites you to attend a virtual informational session on Social Security. Representatives from the Social Security Administration will join virtually to present on topics including:

• Social Security retirement
• Social Security disability
• Online accounts
• And more!

Register here to participate in the webinar.

Should you have any questions or need accommodations, please email events@duckworth.senate.gov.

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is leading a statewide housing planning effort this year, the Illinois Housing Blueprint. The Illinois Housing Blueprint will be a tool for municipalities, state agencies, nonprofits, and local leaders across the state to better understand how housing fits into the economic fabric of their region and to support targeted, community-specific policy and investment decisions.  

The Blueprint aims to amplify the voices of Illinoisans living and working in communities across the state. IHDA will be hosting listening sessions across the state in the coming months and they invite you to join them for a session in your community. Please note all in-person sessions will be conducted in English and they will also have a statewide virtual session conducted in Spanish.

Southwest Region – Wednesday, May 6 in Belleville 

Southern Region – Thursday, May 7 in Marion 

West Central Region – Wednesday, May 20 in Macomb 

Northwest Region – Thursday, May 21 in Moline 

Northeast Region – Wednesday, June 3 in Chicago 

Statewide Session in Spanish - Tuesday, June 9 (Virtual) 

Central Region – Tuesday, June 16 in Springfield 

North Central Region – Wednesday, June 17 in Peoria 

Southeast Region – Thursday, June 18 in Effingham 

East Central Region – Thursday, June 25 in Champaign 

Northern Stateline Region – Tuesday, July 14 in Rockford 

Northeast Region – TBA in Kankakee 

You can RSVP for listening sessions here.

Union Pacific’s Community Ties Giving Program is now accepting applications from local organizations for grants. The Union Pacific takes pride in the role they have played in helping communities thrive and believe the impact they can have on local communities is greatest when it is authentic to their history and reflective of the company they are today. As such, they have carefully aligned their Local Grants cause areas to their company's unique heritage, strengths, and assets. Specifically, they are prioritize funding for direct services and efforts that build the capacity of organizations focused on the following causes within their local operating communities: safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability.

Applications are open until April 30th! More information and applications can be found here.

Mariyana T. Spyropoulos, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, is holding Amnesty Week! This is your opportunity to make payments for moving traffic violations without the added collection fee. April 27th-May 1st.

Click here to go to their website.

Poetry Magazine would love to consider your poems for a special issue honoring one of the great literary cities: Chicago. This open call is for poets born and/or raised in the city and writers who have lived in Chicago for around seven years at some point in their lives. Those seven years don’t need to be continuous.

They are looking for poems that engage with Chicago’s history, its architecture and art, the geography, the parks and landmarks, other Chicagoans, the restaurant at the end of your street—anything about the 77 neighborhoods, or those outposts serviced by the CTA, that makes Chicago the city of Big Shoulders. They welcome poems in a variety of forms, including lineated poems, prose poems, video poems, and visual poems.

The issue is planned for 2027 in honor of Chicago’s 190th birthday and Poetry’s 115th year of publication in the city. The deadline to submit is May 15, 2026, and notifications will be sent in fall 2026.

For more information and instructions on how to apply, click here.

Have you ever thought about becoming a teacher but felt like it was out of reach? No matter your starting point, becoming a teacher is possible! Whether you're switching careers, returning to school, or exploring your options, teaching offers a fulfilling path with great benefits.

In this video, meet Destiny, Flavio, and Adekoyejo-three individuals who took the leap and followed their hearts. Their journeys weren’t traditional, but with perseverance and support, they are now either on the path to becoming licensed teachers or have recently stepped into the classroom as licensed teachers. 

Your journey can begin today! If you've ever dreamed of teaching in a classroom and making a difference, now is the time to take that step. Grow Your Own Teachers Illinois is a non-profit organization that recruits and supports racially diverse and community-connected individuals to become licensed teachers.

We See the Teacher in You. Become one!

Visit BeTheTeacher.org to learn more.

Neighborhood Shoutout

This year’s Indie Bookstore Day may be over, but giving back to the community happens year round!

Until May 2nd, Women and Children First Book Store in Andersonville will be hosting a donation drive to send books from the Chicago Books to Women in Prison wishlist to incarcerated women across the city.

You can purchase books from the wishlist to donate in store or online here. Help them reach their goal of $1000 for the week and support this amazing cause!

District Events

Hello Howard will be bringing back their Family Days: STEAM and Stories programming this summer, from now till October! Located at the Hello Howard Community Garden (Howard/Ashland), these informational sessions will take place on Saturdays (11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) and Wednesdays (5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.), where attendees will keep a garden journal, create art projects, and learn plenty of science and engineering lessons. All are welcome! Fill out this form if you are interested.

Valborg is a Swedish tradition that marks the arrival of spring and is often seen as an opportunity to bid farewell to the winter months. One of the central elements of Valborg celebrations in Sweden is the lighting of large bonfires. These bonfires are typically lit in public spaces, such as parks or community squares, and people gather around them to socialize, sing songs, and enjoy the warmth of the fire. In addition to bonfires, other common activities during Valborg include singing traditional songs, particularly ones associated with spring and nature.

The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce invites the community to gather around the fire for their third Valborg in Andersonville! In addition to the festivities and in celebration of Earth Month, they will have eco-friendly and sustainability resources available.

You can learn more and see a list of participants here.

Join RPBA for a fun-filled Día del Niño celebration with Colectivo Clark! As part of Camino Clark’s Cultural District Designation, this event honors Rogers Park's Mexican heritage with hands-on activities for kids, including piñata-making, salsa recipe creation, a collective art piece, and more! This event will be on April 30, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at St. Jerome's Church (1709 W Lunt). Check their website for more details.

Your favorite summer outdoor music series returns! Join SSA54 and Loyola University for the First Friday music series, kicking off on May 1 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. along Sheridan Rd between Devon Ave and Pratt Ave. Enjoy performances on Sister Jean Plaza by the Loyola Red Line station and outdoor patios at Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Mama’s African Cuisine, Khmai, The 400 Theater, Great Wall, Arepa Pa’ Los Pana, and Giordano’s.

First Fridays will be on May 1, June 5, and September 4, so mark your calendars now!

You may drive, walk, bike or ride a bus along Clark Street regularly, but do you know the story of the neighborhood's oldest commercial hub? This presentation and walking tour will give you the opportunity to slow down, look around and see for yourself how Clark Street has evolved over time.

The event will start with a talk by neighborhood historian Glenna Eaves, introducing you to the people and businesses that served and sustained the community for more than a century. Tickets are not needed to attend the presentation, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the Rogers Park Library.

After the presentation, ticketed participants will walk with Glenna up Clark Street from Morse to Greenleaf Avenues. Tour takers will see for themselves what has changed and, surprisingly, how much remains in place. The walking tour will take 80-90 minutes.

Where: Rogers Park Public Library, 6907 North Clark Street

When: Saturday, May 2. Presentation at 12 noon. The one-hour tour will leave from the library at about 1:15.

Cost: Tickets for the tour are $25, or $20 with Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society member discount. The is no charge to attend the presentation only.

Tickets can be reserved here.

The United Church of Rogers Park is hosting its 42nd Annual Community Feast on May 2, providing a free meal for Rogers Park residents in need. Come join UCRP from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 1545 W Morse Ave for a pancake breakfast and a bake sale. There is a $9 suggested donation for those who are able to donate.

You're invited to the meeting of Rogers Park Circle, a women's networking event for small business owners in the Rogers Park community. This event will be on the first and third Wednesdays of the month, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., located at Culture of Safety (6970 N Clark).

You can register for this event here.

The Unitarian Church of Evanston is holding their annual Rummage Sale on May 1st & 2nd! Their annual Rummage Sale helps them deepen their community relationships while serving as a vital source of funding in support of their mission to nurture the human spirit for a world made whole.

Unitarian Church of Evanston

1330 Ridge Ave

Evanston, IL

Chicago finally has an illustrated guide to the housing types that shaped this city from its earliest days through the Second World War. A must-read for curious Chicagoans – anyone who’s wondered how the bungalow became iconic, what defines a greystone, or why we had alleys before cars. Author and School of the Art Institute professor Carla Bruni shares a behind-the-scenes look at creating this best-selling book, along with the stories behind some of Chicago’s most beloved homes, with time for audience Q&A.

Saturday, May 2, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

Edgewater Branch, Chicago Public Library

Betty A. Barclay Community Room

6000 N. Broadway, Chicago 60660

Skip the waitlist and win BIG with Aville Grows!

Now's your chance to be a part of Aville Grows, Andersonville's vibrant community garden just in time for spring! To raise funds for 2026, they are raffling off one of their garden beds to one lucky winner (can be shared by a household). For $10 per entry, you can win a "turn key" filled garden bed, a spot in the highly-sought gardens, and a waived yearly membership fee. A total value of over $400!

And yes, multiple entries are encouraged to help increase your chances. Best of all, the proceeds will go to help the gardens continue to grow including things like new fences for both lots, new beds to raffle off to the next phase of Aville Gardeners, and a large community table for a planned event space.

They will be announcing the lucky winner after Spring Up Fest on May 3rd. Don't miss this chance to DIG IN and grow bright with your own garden bed. Good luck, garden lovers!

You can enter the raffle here!

Spring Up Fest blossoms May 3 at 10am! Music, crafts, and food will be just a few of the reasons to celebrate spring with Aville Grows.

Spring Up Fest is a family-friendly outdoor event that will include food for purchase, a free workshop, private garden tour, and a raffle for one of the highly-sought after garden beds (online bidding starts soon!). All proceeds will help Andersonville's community garden fund items like new fences for both lots, beds for the next phase of budding gardeners, and a large community table for their planned event space.

All community members will be welcome to put their "stamp" on the new garden with community crafts, like painting rain barrels and their tool shed. And you can get inspiration from local Andersonville artist Shan Landis, who will be on site creating a special custom art piece for the gardens.

Lots of ways to get dirty and have fun in the sun. And all for a good cause.

You can find out more information and get tickets here!

5339 North Ashland Avenue

Chicago, IL 60640

Hey local musicians and performers, this one's for you!

Loyola Park Advisory Council is looking for bands, musicians, and performers to take the stage at the Artists of the Wall Festival, happening over Father’s Day weekend (June 20–21, 2026) in Loyola Park.

Compensated gig

Free for the community to attend

One of the best weekends of the year

Applications are due May 2—don’t sleep on it!

Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/aotwmusic

Know someone who should be on that stage? Share this opportunity and spread the word!

Chicago Northside AARP Community Group's next meeting is Tuesday May 5th at 12:30pm-Third Space at Lake View Presbyterian Church,716 W. Addison St. To participate via Zoom, they ask that you email northsideaarpcommunitygroup@gmail.com before March 4th.

Author Victoria Granacki will share the moving story of her father’s service in the South Pacific during WWII, including serving as General MacArthur’s mapmaker.

Just before the Great Depression, the Granacki family moved from Wisconsin to Chicago, in the heart of Humboldt Park's Polish neighborhood. Victoria's father, Leon, learned his art skills at Lane Tech High School, which led to a commercial art career before he was drafted in 1941.

Sponsored by Friends of the Edgewater Library.

The event is free and copies of the book will be available for purchase

Edgewater Branch Library

6000 N. Broadway

1:00 pm on Saturday, May 9.

Chicago Therapy Collective is excited to announce an upcoming event collaboration and fundraiser with Kiki Queens! May 8–9, the Kiki Queens are hosting Fantasy Island: Divas in Paradise, at the Rhapsody Theater in Rogers Park, with 100% of ticket sale profits going directly to CTC.

This show follows a mismatched crew of castaways who wash ashore on a mysterious, uncharted island – only to encounter globe-trotting burlesque showgirls, swashbuckling gay pirates, and a temperamental volcano goddess. It’s a campy, adults-only musical extravaganza packed with sequins, show tunes, and plenty of double entendres.

For dates, showtimes, and tickets, click here.

The Rhapsody Theater

1328 W. Morse Ave.

Chicago, IL 60626

Rogers Park Business Alliance invites you to Mercadito, a one-of-a-kind craft fair celebrating local culture, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Mercadito brings together an eclectic mix of small, local businesses and independent creators offering handcrafted goods you won't find on big-box shelves. Think artisan bells, handmade jewelry, unique cat toys, stained glass, sweet treats, pottery, stationery, and more. Whether you're looking to shop small, discover something unexpected, or connect with your community, this is the place to be.

May 10th, 10:00am-3:00pm

GROW/PROGRESANDO

7056 N. Clark St.

In honor of National Speech Language Hearing Month, Northwestern University will be hosting a Healthy Hearing event on May 15. If you are experiencing bothersome ringing in your ears or you have been having difficulty understanding speech in groups or crowded places this would be a great resource for you!

RSVP today for free hearing screenings, hearing device demonstrations, and more. Call 847-491-3165 to RSVP today.

Chicago’s African & Caribbean diaspora is taking the streets of Rogers Park! The 3rd Annual Howard Street Carnaval, featuring a vibrant parade and festival honoring traditions from across the African and Caribbean diaspora, will be taking place on Saturday, May 16, at Willye B. White Park (1610 W Howard). Interested in learning more? Visit HowardStreetCarnaval.com.

Theatre

A world premiere rock musical based on Norse mythology at the Lifeline Theater!

Music and Lyrics by George Howe

Book by ensemble member Christina Calvit

Developed with and directed by ensemble member Heather Currie

Welcome to the greatest rock ‘n’ roll show not on Earth! LOKI arrives at Asgard, bringing chaos, comedy, and three monstrous (maybe) children. LOKI tangles with Odin, Thor, and the mysterious Freya; each with their own agenda; their own secrets—but all paths lead to one eternal question: In an us vs. them world, can we envision a new mythology?

Content Advisory: This production contains simulated violence, explicit language, and mature themes. Recommended for audiences ages 13+.

LOKI runs from April 24 – June 14, 2026 at the Lifeline Theater with the following pricing options:

$30 Previews: April 24 – May 2 (Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2:30 p.m.)

$55 Opening: May 3 at 2:30pm (Ticket includes access to the Opening Reception with complimentary drinks & light bites)

$45 Regular Run: May 8 – June 14 (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.

Written by Caridad Svich

Directed by Kamille Dawkins

In this play with broken songs, Shakespeare’s Ophelia rises out of the water dreaming of reclaiming her life. She finds herself in a neo-Elizabethan Appalachian setting where Gertrude runs a brothel, Hamlet is a Rude Boy and nothing is what it seems. In this mirrored world of word-scraps and cold sex, Ophelia cuts a new path for herself. 

The Factory Theater 

1623 W. Howard St. 

Chicago, IL 60626

Performances

April 10-May 24, 2026

To learn more and purchase tickets, click here.

Octet

by Dave Malloy

directed by Keira Fromm

music directed by Nick Sula

choreography by Laura Savage

Raven Theatre

6157 N Clark St

April 30 – June 7

In an anonymous meeting room, a group of people —always eight—gather to sing. Best known for the Broadway hit NATASHA, PIERRE, & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812, Dave Malloy’s OCTET uses chamber-inspired a cappella music to explore the total impact of life online. Hailed by the New York Times as “the most original and topical musical of the year” for its 2019 Off-Broadway premiere, this inventive and acutely relevant piece reflects the perils of the digital age.

You can learn more and purchase tickets here.

Youth

Refugee Education & Adventure Challenge (REACH) is pleased to open up registration for their 2026 Summer Adventure Camp. Eligible youth are refugee and asylum-seeking youth (boys and girls) between the ages of 10 and 18, who primarily live in Chicago's north side neighborhoods (Rogers Park, West Ridge, Albany Park, Edgewater) or nearby suburbs.

Summer Adventure Day Camp Sessions:  REACH will offer four weekly day camp sessions (Mon-Thurs, 10 am - 4 pm) during which participants will engage in adventure sports and place-based education activities such as archery, climbing, kayaking, canoeing, nature hikes, fishing, forest restoration, and river clean-ups. [REACH will coordinate bus or van transportation based on enrollees' residential neighborhoods. However, some families may need coordinate their own transport to the pick-up location.]

Session One: June 29 - July 2

Session Two: July 6 - July 9

Session Three: August 3 - August 6

Session Four: August 10 - August 13

Summer Adventure Overnight Camping Trips:  REACH will offer three overnight (1 night / 2-days) tent camping trips (one girls only, one boys only, one co-ed), including team building activities (scavenger hunts, improv skits), nature education (macroinvertebrate investigations, outdoor cooking, habitat assessments), adventure sports (kayaking, climbing, hiking), and leadership development (problem solving, cooperative learning). [REACH will transport all participating youth via van or charter bus rentals.]

Girls' Only Camping Trip: Sat-Sun, July 11-12, 2026

Boys' Only Camping Trip: Sun-Mon, July 12-13, 2026

Co-Ed Camping Trip: Sat-Sun, August 15-16, 2026

Family Picnic & Award Ceremony: This is an end-of-summer celebration for all participating youth and their family members. 

Family Picnic: Saturday, August 22, 12-3 PM

You can fill out the preliminary registration form here - REACH Summer 2026 Pre-Registration Form, and a home visit will be scheduled with each family to complete the registration interview process. 

Remember: all camps are FREE, but registration will be limited to 30 youth per weekly session. Registration closes on June 5, 2026, or when camps reach capacity. 

Specific questions about summer camp registration can be directed to Shana Wills at swills@reachinchicago.org or Ellie Hease at ehease@reachinchicago.org.  

Summer Session enrollment is now open at Lakeside Swim School, where they offer tailored coaching for adults and kids of all ages and abilities. Their warm pools and friendly coaches create a relaxed and comfortable environment to take your swimming to the next level. They offer the one-on-one attention that swimmers need to improve, at their own pace. 

Under the instruction of their experienced coaches, you will learn new drills, refine techniques and track your progress with the aid of underwater video feedback.

Whether you are first time swimmer or seasoned triathlete, after taking lessons they guarantee you will be encouraged by the results you see.

To see dates and times or to learn more about Summer Session, click here.

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to income-eligible Chicago residents pursuing higher education. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000 and may be applied toward tuition and institutional fees for the Fall 2026 semester/quarter. In 2026, the city is investing in the whole student by providing additional resources such as financial education and personal development. Learn more and apply online by May 6. 

The Office of the Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton is excited to announce the launch of the “Illinois to America: Stories that Shape Us” student essay contest for America’s 250th Anniversary. This contest is open to students in 6th-12th grade.  

Winners will have their essays displayed in the Lt. Governor’s Chicago and Springfield offices and highlighted at the Lt. Governor’s tent at the state fair. In addition, they will receive a letter, certificate, and Challenge Coin from the Lieutenant Governor. There may also be some special surprises!  

The contest is open from April 13th through 11:59pm CST on May 31st. Winners will be announced on July 4th. To learn more about the guidelines and submission process, visit the contest website.

If you have any questions, please reach out to mahi.patel@illinois.gov or ltgov.policy@illinois.gov.  

Hiring

Join the Northwestern University Team: Exciting Opportunities Await for Evanston and Chicagoland Community Members!

This fair is open to all Evanston and Chicagoland residents. Free admission for all and resume critique services are avalible for all who pre-register and submit their resumes before the event!

The fair will take place Wednesday, April 29th from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Rotary International (1560 Sherman Ave, 1st Floor) in Evanston.

For more information, contact jonathan.kimmel@northwestern.edu.

The Senior Program Officer collaborates closely with the Director of Programs to ensure that CFW’s grantmaking strategies align with the Foundation’s strategic plan, values, and commitment to trust‑based philanthropy. They identify and recommend new and emerging opportunities that deepen CFW’s impact and respond to the evolving needs and priorities of community organizations across the Chicagoland region.

The Senior Program Officer leads the Foundation’s core grantmaking activities and coordinates CFW’s trust‑based process. This includes organizing a cross-section of CFW’s stakeholders to ensure that the community voice is centered and to promote transparency and shared learning.

As the primary point of contact for grantee partners, the Senior Program Officer provides relationship‑centered support—offering clear guidance on funding opportunities across CFW’s portfolios and initiatives, connecting organizations to resources, and ensuring a responsive, accessible application experience. They cultivate authentic partnerships grounded in mutual respect, open communication, and a commitment to long‑term impact.

The ideal Senior Program Officer is a skilled relationship builder and thoughtful project manager who brings curiosity, humility, and strong interpersonal and leadership skills. They model CFW’s culture of community, transparency, equity, and shared power in all aspects of their work.

To learn more and apply, click here.

Habitat for Humanity Chicago is hiring three seasonal (May/June-December) Senior Crew Leaders to join their construction team.

A Senior Crew Leader assists in running the daily build site operations, including completing the day’s work plan, solving problems, and ensuring volunteers and homebuyers have a meaningful experience on the build site.

Learn more about the position and apply 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

Care for Real is currently looking for 4 more volunteer drivers to join their Sunday Home Delivery team! If you fit the following requirements, this team is a good fit for you:

• Able to lift boxes weighing approximately 25lbs  
• Access to a personal vehicle  
• Pass a background check  
• Available on Sundays between 12-2pm. Commitments can be occasional or regular (weekly, once a month, etc.)  

Email them at volunteer@careforreal.org if you're interested in joining the Home Delivery team as a driver! 

They also have a number of upcoming volunteer opportunities in the community during the month of May. See the flyer above for dates and locations! Sign up for a shift here.

The Queer Future project will be asking participants at North Side Queer Pride

2026 to imagine, write, draw, print-make, and tell stories through

interviews about visions of the future as we imagine it. Using various

mediums for art-making, community members will be asked to respond to

the question: "What is the queerest possible future you can image?" Fest

goers that participate will get to contribute to a larger collaborative zine,

as well as assemble smaller take-home art pieces during the festival.

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626