WSU Event Calendar

Calendario de Eventos de WSU

For more information, please contact the person listed in the invite or email info@westsideunited.org.

Para más información, por favor comuníquese con la persona indicada en la invitación o escriba a info@westsideunited.org.

[Virtual Town Hall] The Power of Community Trust: Vaccination Truth Over Myths / [Foro Comunitario Virtual] El Poder de la Confianza Comunitaria: La Verdad sobre las Vacunas vs. Los Mitos
Oct
14

[Virtual Town Hall] The Power of Community Trust: Vaccination Truth Over Myths / [Foro Comunitario Virtual] El Poder de la Confianza Comunitaria: La Verdad sobre las Vacunas vs. Los Mitos

The West Region Healthy Chicago Zone – Sinai Community Institute, Inc., in partnership with Equal Hope, Enlace Chicago, Erie Neighborhood House, and West Side United, is proud to host a Virtual Town Hall:

 The Power of Community Trust: Vaccination Truth Over Myths
 Tuesday, October 14th
 10:00 – 11:00 AM CST
 Zoom (link via QR code below)

Featuring:
Bishop Horace E. Smith, M.D.

Board President, Chicago Board of Health

 Scan the QR code to register and join us!

—

La Zona Oeste de Healthy Chicago – Sinai Community Institute, Inc., en colaboración con Equal Hope, Enlace Chicago, Erie Neighborhood House y West Side United, se enorgullece en presentar un Foro Comunitario Virtual:

 El Poder de la Confianza Comunitaria: La Verdad sobre las Vacunas vs. Los Mitos
 Martes, 14 de octubre
 10:00 – 11:00 AM CST
 Zoom (enlace mediante código QR abajo)

Con la participación de:
Obispo Horace E. Smith, M.D.

Presidente de la Junta de Salud de Chicago

 ¡Escanee el código QR para registrarse y acompañarnos!

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Flex Friday
Oct
17

Flex Friday

Join us for FREE 1-hour fitness session that’s fun, energizing, and designed for everybody and every level.

This is more than just a workout. It’s part of the West Region’s Healthy Chicago Zones mission to improve life expectancy and wellness across the 9 West Side communities.

Come ready to move, have fun, and energize your Fridays!

Led by Matt Stennis

Sports Performance Trainer (B.S. Kinesiology)

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Food Equity Collaborative
Oct
23

Food Equity Collaborative

Please join us for the West Side United Food Equity Collaborative Meeting. RSVP is required, and space is limited to please be sure to register here!

This convening will bring together west side organizations, that are passionate about improving access to nutritious foods for our neighbors. This gathering will serve as a space to share best practices and to collaborate to support west side food systems. We are excited to share about the food access work being supported by West Side United (WSU), but we are equally as enthusiastic about learning from all of you!

Agenda

  • 9:30 am: Networking: Coffee and Light Breakfast provided by Austin based caterer, KHC Catering

  • 10:00 am: Program Begins: Ice Breaker

  • 10:15 am: Unite Us Presentation: This online referral platform has a database of resources available in Chicago. Make sure your organization is on the platform and learn how to make referrals that can improve access and awareness of community food (and other) resources.

  • 11:00 am: West Side WIC Alliance, Lurie Children's Hospital: Learn how send referrals using the CDPH OneChiFam Free Unite Us Platform: We will feature CDPH WICs as the referral partner 

  • 11:15 am: Legler Regional Library Presentation: Learn about the first of its kind, newly opened onsite library food pantry! 

  • 11:30am: Meeting Concludes  

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Flex Friday
Oct
24

Flex Friday

Join us for FREE 1-hour fitness session that’s fun, energizing, and designed for everybody and every level.

This is more than just a workout. It’s part of the West Region’s Healthy Chicago Zones mission to improve life expectancy and wellness across the 9 West Side communities.

Come ready to move, have fun, and energize your Fridays!

Led by Matt Stennis

Sports Performance Trainer (B.S. Kinesiology)

View Event →
Flex Friday
Oct
10

Flex Friday

Join us for FREE 1-hour fitness session that’s fun, energizing, and designed for everybody and every level.

This is more than just a workout. It’s part of the West Region’s Healthy Chicago Zones mission to improve life expectancy and wellness across the 9 West Side communities.

Come ready to move, have fun, and energize your Fridays!

Led by Matt Stennis

Sports Performance Trainer (B.S. Kinesiology)

View Event →
Oct
3

[Virtual Forum] Illinois Healthcare Transformation 1115 Waiver Annual Public Forum

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services will hold a virtual public forum on the state’s Healthcare Transformation 1115 Medicaid waiver. The purpose of the forum is to provide an update on progress of the waiver and to solicit comments.

Please register in advance here. 

A full notice of the Public Forum with instructions on how to submit public comment can be found here. Healthcare Transformation 1115 Waiver

The HFS Healthcare Transformation Waiver is a comprehensive approach to improve overall health by addressing root causes of health disparities. Offering the Illinois Medicaid program more flexibility, this federal 1115 waiver provides coverage for health-related social needs. It is a cornerstone of the state's vision to increase access to more equitable healthcare. Through the waiver, HFS is engaging with stakeholders, customers and sister agencies to lead the way in building more effective and people-centric healthcare.

Gov. Pritzker Announces Federal Approval of 1115 Waiver, Expanded Medicaid Coverage

From the announcement:

“This is a transformational moment for our state, enabling us to continue to fulfill our vision to increase access to more equitable healthcare,” said HFS Director Elizabeth Whitehorn. “By covering health related social needs services under Medicaid just like we cover traditional healthcare, we hope to improve overall health for some of the most vulnerable populations in our state.”

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Food As Medicine. Food For Life.
Oct
2

Food As Medicine. Food For Life.

Now, more than ever, it is important that we spread the enthusiasm for the work we and our partners do in North Lawndale. We encourage you to bring a friend or two! You can share stories of the great work you are doing and invite them to become involved – either with their time or treasure.

Please RSVP for yourself and your guests by replying to this email or emailing Brendan Helm at brendanh@harmonycommunitycares.org.

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Garfield Park Garden Network Community Gardens Tour
Aug
23

Garfield Park Garden Network Community Gardens Tour

Register now for the Garfield Park Garden Network Community Gardens Tour on Aug. 23 from 9am - 2pm!

Board the bus at the Garfield Park Field House (100 N Central Park Ave) and visit 6 community gardens and an urban farm. Then we’ll head over to The Hatchery (135 N Kedzie Ave) for lunch and an opportunity to purchase some of the produce that was grown in the gardens, an amazing selection of vendors at the Market, and a tour of The Hatchery's.

The tour bus can then take you back to the Gold Dome, or you can depart from the Hatchery. The Kedzie Green Line station is right at the corner.

The garden tour is FREE! Boxed lunches are $15 and include a sandwich, salad, drink and dessert. Space is limited on the bus, so reserve your seat and register ASAP!

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Congressman Danny K. Davis' Back to School Picnic and Parade
Aug
16

Congressman Danny K. Davis' Back to School Picnic and Parade

Join Congressman Danny K. Davis for the annual Back to School Picnic and Parade! Celebrate the start of the school year with a fun parade through the neighborhood, followed by a community picnic at Columbus Park. Enjoy activities including Technology in the Park and a Health Fair, all designed to support and uplift our community. Bring your family, friends, and festive spirit! Vehicle participants are welcome to join the parade.

Please register to secure your spot.

Location

Parade: Central (5600 West) and Bloomingdale (1500 North)

Technology in the Park & Health Fair: Columbus Park, 5701 W. Jackson, Chicago

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Summit of Hope Women’s Expo
Jul
10

Summit of Hope Women’s Expo

Join West Side United, Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Department of Corrections, and the Cook County Sheriff for the Women Connections Summit of Hope. The Summit is a community expo, bringing together local service providers to create a "one-stop" environment for invited parolees and probationers to obtain necessary assistance to move past barriers, which may prevent an individual from leading a successful life.

Register
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Garfield Park Health Expo
Apr
26

Garfield Park Health Expo

Join us for the Health, Sports, and Fitness Expo at The Hatchery on April 26th from 10 AM to 2 PM. This event will bring together various health and fitness resources and is a great opportunity to network and learn about wellness and fitness. We hope to see you there!

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HCEZ March Flex Fridays Fitness Class
Apr
4

HCEZ March Flex Fridays Fitness Class

Join us for free, fun, and energizing community exercise classes designed to get you moving and grooving! These adult fitness classes are open to all levels, so everyone is welcome. Please wear athletic clothing and gym shoes, and don’t forget to bring water and a towel!

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Our Moments, Our Story.

Want the facts about vaccines? 💉 Join us for a virtual town hall, “The Power of Community Trust: Vaccination Truth Over Myths”, where trusted leaders share the truth and build community trust. Hear from experts, including Bishop Horace
Want the facts about vaccines? 💉 Join us for a virtual town hall, “The Power of Community Trust: Vaccination Truth Over Myths”, where trusted leaders share the truth and build community trust. Hear from experts, including Bishop Horace E. Smith, M.D., President of the Chicago Board of Health. 📅 Tuesday, Oct 14
🕙 10–11 AM CST
📍 On Zoom (scan the QR code to join)  Let’s come together for the facts, the truth, and healthier communities. 💙
On Tuesday, October 14, West Side United’s Executive Director Ayesha Jaco and Dr. David Ansell, Senior Vice President for Community Health Equity at Rush, will join national leaders for the National Health Equity Grand Rounds — a virtual
On Tuesday, October 14, West Side United’s Executive Director Ayesha Jaco and Dr. David Ansell, Senior Vice President for Community Health Equity at Rush, will join national leaders for the National Health Equity Grand Rounds — a virtual event highlighting how health systems and communities can work together to advance equity. This session will explore how partnerships, policy, and local leadership are reshaping the future of health. 💪🏽 🗓 Oct. 14 | 2 p.m. (CT) Register with the link in our bio!
FLEX FRIDAY IS BACK! 💪 Get moving with FREE 1-hour fitness sessions that are fun, energizing, and open to all levels. 📅 Dates: October 10, 17, 24 🕛 Time: 12–1 PM 📍 Location: Sinai Community Institute – Townhall (2653 W Ogden Ave)
FLEX FRIDAY IS BACK! 💪 Get moving with FREE 1-hour fitness sessions that are fun, energizing, and open to all levels. 📅 Dates: October 10, 17, 24 🕛 Time: 12–1 PM 📍 Location: Sinai Community Institute – Townhall (2653 W Ogden Ave) 🏋️ Instructor: Matt Stennis, Sports Performance Trainer Come ready to move, have fun, and fuel your Fridays with energy!
Peace Runners 773 encourages you to take the first step—literally. 👟  This nonprofit is dedicated to advancing health equity by empowering, educating, and raising awareness around holistic wellness—physical, mental, and social. Their mission goes beyond movement: they’re creating safe, inclusive spaces where underserved communities can thrive. Through their holistic approach, Peace Runners 773 is leveraging the COLLAB Network to partner with other West Side organizations and tackle food insecurity head-on. Recently, they teamed up with the Garfield Park Community Council to promote The Neighborhood Market—supporting healthy choices and reinvesting directly into the West Side.  #WestSideUnited #FoodInsecurity #WestSideChicago #GarfieldPark
Last week, Jessica Morrissette, WSU’s EA, proudly represented West Side United and West Side Healthy Parents & Babies — taking home Silver at the @publicityclubofchicago Awards! 🏆💙   In partnership with @luriechildrens and with
Last week, Jessica Morrissette, WSU’s EA, proudly represented West Side United and West Side Healthy Parents & Babies — taking home Silver at the @publicityclubofchicago Awards! 🏆💙   In partnership with @luriechildrens and with support from @jasculcaterman, WSU was honored with a Silver Trumpet for Media Relations—Nonprofit, recognizing our work to connect expectant parents with resources and education for healthy pregnancies.   Through this program, we’ve helped West Side families thrive — even earning recognition from Vice President Kamala Harris.   We’re deeply grateful to our partners and to PCC for this honor!
Yesterday, the COLLAB Network gathered for Session 6 at the Lawndale Christian Conference Center!   After breakfast and networking, attendees learned about qualitative and quantitative data collection tools, including ways to measure fruit and vegetable consumption and perceptions of healthy food access.   Guest speakers Diana Lemos and Kieran Todd from @amermedicalassn shared insights into using qualitative methods to adapt and improve program design, answered questions, and sparked great discussion.   The morning wrapped up with feedback and next steps to keep building momentum together. 💡   #WestSideChicago #HealthyWestSide #COLLABNetwork #HealthEquity #FoodInsecurity
Take the First Step with us at the 17th Annual @lawndale5k on Saturday, September 27, 2025!   Since 2008, this walk/run has brought our community together to celebrate wellness, perseverance, and connection on the West Side. 🌱 Proceeds support
Take the First Step with us at the 17th Annual @lawndale5k on Saturday, September 27, 2025!   Since 2008, this walk/run has brought our community together to celebrate wellness, perseverance, and connection on the West Side. 🌱 Proceeds support Fitness Rx, a program that provides free memberships to neighbors with chronic illnesses.   Every journey begins with one step. 💪 Let’s cross the finish line together!   📍 Lawndale Christian Fitness Center 🗓️ Saturday, Sept 27, 2025 👉 Learn more here: www.lawndale5k.org   #Lawndale5K #TakeTheFirstStep #WestSideStrong
Above and Beyond Food Pantry’s mission is clear: to alleviate hunger and break down the barriers that come with it by ensuring access to nutritious, sustainable food options. As a proud member of the COLLAB Network, they’re going beyond just providing groceries—they’re connecting with partners, expanding services, and meeting people where they are to create lasting impact. From fresh food to vital resources like state IDs, social security cards, and birth certificates, Above and Beyond is making sure families don’t just survive, but thrive. #WestSideUnited #FoodInsecurity #WestSideChicago #Lawndale
Yesterday, our very own Ayesha Jaco appeared alongside  Dr. Ansell and Rev. Marshall Hatch Sr. on @wbezchicago’s In The Loop to discuss the health discrepancies between Black and non-Black Chicagoans. Even as the gap narrows slightly
Yesterday, our very own Ayesha Jaco appeared alongside  Dr. Ansell and Rev. Marshall Hatch Sr. on @wbezchicago’s In The Loop to discuss the health discrepancies between Black and non-Black Chicagoans. Even as the gap narrows slightly post COVID-19, we have lots of work left to do.  Visit the link in our bio to listen to the full episode!  #WestSideUnited #WestSideChicago #WestSideStrong #HealthEquity
Meet Angela Taylor, Wellness Director of Garfield Park Community Council 👋 As a part of the COLLAB Network Angela and the Garfield Park Community Council can point out red flags and take the proper steps to fix them. With a grocery store underway, the community will have a hotspot to obtain healthy foods to make for a healthier west side 🍎 Stay tuned to learn about how other organizations are using the COLLAB Network to build a stronger West Side.  #WestSideUnited #FoodInsecurity #WestSideChicago #GarfieldPark
Strong businesses. More jobs. A thriving West Side. 🌱 Swipe to see how West Side United invested in our neighborhoods in 2024 — and the impact it made. Read the full 2024 Impact Report with the link in our bio! #WestSideUnited #WestSideChi
Strong businesses. More jobs. A thriving West Side. 🌱 Swipe to see how West Side United invested in our neighborhoods in 2024 — and the impact it made. Read the full 2024 Impact Report with the link in our bio! #WestSideUnited #WestSideChicago #ImpactReport #HealthEquity
“Community is what’s going to move and catapult stability forward,” says Wendy Daniels, Director of Food Services at @brkthru The COLLAB Network gathered for its 6th session on Monday, August 18th, hosted by Breakthrough FamilyPlex—a multifaceted nonprofit in East Garfield Park committed to helping neighbors not just survive, but thrive. A huge thank you to the Breakthrough team for welcoming us and to all the participating organizations for contributing to a day filled with connection, collaboration, and learning. #WestSideUnited #WestSideChicago #EastGarfieldPark #FoodInsecurity #FoodPantry
Universidad Popular is another organization working hard to feed the West Side as a member of the COLLAB  Network.  With the COLLAB Network, Universidad Popular collaborates with other organizations to connect people in need of healthy food with groups who can provide them with the food they need.  We look forward to the collaboration between organizations to ensure West Side residents receive the food and care they need for a healthier life. 💙 #COLLABNetwork #WestSideUnited #CommunityPowered #WestSideStrong #FoodIsMedicine #HealthEquity
Building healthier diets one pantry at a time. Pilsen Food Pantry is one of the 20 organizations working to combat food shortages and insecurity on the West Side through the COLLAB network. Through the COLLAB network, the Pilsen Food Pantry can analyze and utilize data to strategize and push a more effective approach to combating food insecurity in the community. There’s still more to come from the many organizations taking part in this initiative. Let’s work together to combat food insecurity for a healthier West Side! 💙 #COLLABNetwork #WestSideUnited #CommunityPowered #WestSideStrong #FoodIsMedicine #HealthEquity
Meet the Pentecostal Church of Holiness, another community-based organization participating in the COLLAB Network and working towards a healthier West Side. From planning to implementation to replication. By joining the COLLAB Network, the Pentecostal Church of Holiness has laid the groundwork to address food shortages and inaccessibility affecting West Side residents. Stay tuned for more COLLAB Network stories from the organization leaders themselves. Let’s build a healthier West Side together 💙🌱 #COLLABNetwork #WestSideUnited #CommunityPowered #WestSideStrong #FoodIsMedicine #HealthEquity
At @thebeelovecafe, people are seen, felt, heard, and valued.  We sat with Dezaray Gallegos, an employee of The Beelove Cafe, whose career goals were ignited by the community support. With the community behind her, she hopes to make an impact on others in her future career. We’re dedicated to creating bright futures by building careers that foster a stronger West Side community. 💙 #VociesOfTheWestSide #WestSideStrong #WestSideChicago
Austin Coming Together is one of the 20 community-based organizations in the COLLAB Network working towards the health of West Side residents. As a part of the COLLAB Network, Austin Coming Together evaluates and develops new strategies to support the organization’s efforts in accessible, healthy food for everyone. Stay tuned to meet and learn more about the other organizations coming together with the COLLAB Network to ensure a healthy West Side 💙 #COLLABNetwork #WestSideUnited #CommunityPowered #WestSideStrong #FoodIsMedicine #HealthEquity
“This building is our love letter to the community.” In this edition of Voices of the West Side, we sit down with Khelan Todd, Chief Impact and Innovation Officer at @nlen_jobs. Hear his thoughts on increasing employment on the West Side by breaking down barriers and leveraging enterprises like @thebeelovecafe to create transitional job opportunities. Together, we can build a thriving West Side! 💙 #VoicesOfTheWestSide #WestSideStrong #WestSideChicago
📣 Come out to the Health & Community Resource Fair TODAY at the Tim McCormick Community Center (1133 W. 13th St.)! 🕚 11 AM – 4 PM This free event will include: ✅ Health Screenings ✅ Immunizations ✅ Eye, Dental & Physical Exams ✅ Com
📣 Come out to the Health & Community Resource Fair TODAY at the Tim McCormick Community Center (1133 W. 13th St.)! 🕚 11 AM – 4 PM This free event will include: ✅ Health Screenings ✅ Immunizations ✅ Eye, Dental & Physical Exams ✅ Community Resources ✅ Food, Fun & Activities for Kids #WestSideUnited #HealthEquity #CommunityCare #WestSideChicago #OneFamilyIllinois
West Side United is proud to serve the Chicago community—and this past year, we’ve made some powerful strides!
 The theme of this year’s Annual Community Convening was Catalytic Investments on the West Side—highlighting the spark that bold, intentional investments can ignite. 💥
 ⚡ Since 2017, we’ve invested over $19 million into West Side communities through social impact investing
⚡ Fillmore Linen Service created 73 new jobs—77% of which went to West Side residents
⚡ We’ve directed $237 million in procurement to local businesses
 We also hosted an incredible panel on the Racial Equity Rapid Response Team, reflecting on the city’s COVID-19 response and hearing insights from Chicago’s leading health equity experts. 🎤
 Thank you to everyone who attended our Annual Community Convening! Let’s keep the momentum going—West Side United is committed to building health and wellness equity across Chicago’s historic West Side. 💙
Want the facts about vaccines? 💉 Join us for a virtual town hall, “The Power of Community Trust: Vaccination Truth Over Myths”, where trusted leaders share the truth and build community trust. Hear from experts, including Bishop Horace On Tuesday, October 14, West Side United’s Executive Director Ayesha Jaco and Dr. David Ansell, Senior Vice President for Community Health Equity at Rush, will join national leaders for the National Health Equity Grand Rounds — a virtual FLEX FRIDAY IS BACK! 💪 Get moving with FREE 1-hour fitness sessions that are fun, energizing, and open to all levels. 📅 Dates: October 10, 17, 24 🕛 Time: 12–1 PM 📍 Location: Sinai Community Institute – Townhall (2653 W Ogden Ave)
Peace Runners 773 encourages you to take the first step—literally. 👟  This nonprofit is dedicated to advancing health equity by empowering, educating, and raising awareness around holistic wellness—physical, mental, and social. The
Last week, Jessica Morrissette, WSU’s EA, proudly represented West Side United and West Side Healthy Parents & Babies — taking home Silver at the @publicityclubofchicago Awards! 🏆💙   In partnership with @luriechildrens and with
Yesterday, the COLLAB Network gathered for Session 6 at the Lawndale Christian Conference Center!   After breakfast and networking, attendees learned about qualitative and quantitative data collection tools, including ways to measure fruit and v
Take the First Step with us at the 17th Annual @lawndale5k on Saturday, September 27, 2025!   Since 2008, this walk/run has brought our community together to celebrate wellness, perseverance, and connection on the West Side. 🌱 Proceeds support
Above and Beyond Food Pantry’s mission is clear: to alleviate hunger and break down the barriers that come with it by ensuring access to nutritious, sustainable food options. As a proud member of the COLLAB Network, they’re going beyond
Yesterday, our very own Ayesha Jaco appeared alongside  Dr. Ansell and Rev. Marshall Hatch Sr. on @wbezchicago’s In The Loop to discuss the health discrepancies between Black and non-Black Chicagoans. Even as the gap narrows slightly
Meet Angela Taylor, Wellness Director of Garfield Park Community Council 👋 As a part of the COLLAB Network Angela and the Garfield Park Community Council can point out red flags and take the proper steps to fix them. With a grocery store underway,
Strong businesses. More jobs. A thriving West Side. 🌱 Swipe to see how West Side United invested in our neighborhoods in 2024 — and the impact it made. Read the full 2024 Impact Report with the link in our bio! #WestSideUnited #WestSideChi
“Community is what’s going to move and catapult stability forward,” says Wendy Daniels, Director of Food Services at @brkthru The COLLAB Network gathered for its 6th session on Monday, August 18th, hosted by Breakthrough FamilyPle
Universidad Popular is another organization working hard to feed the West Side as a member of the COLLAB  Network.  With the COLLAB Network, Universidad Popular collaborates with other organizations to connect people in need of healthy foo
Building healthier diets one pantry at a time. Pilsen Food Pantry is one of the 20 organizations working to combat food shortages and insecurity on the West Side through the COLLAB network. Through the COLLAB network, the Pilsen Food Pantry can anal
Meet the Pentecostal Church of Holiness, another community-based organization participating in the COLLAB Network and working towards a healthier West Side. From planning to implementation to replication. By joining the COLLAB Network, the Pentecos
At @thebeelovecafe, people are seen, felt, heard, and valued.  We sat with Dezaray Gallegos, an employee of The Beelove Cafe, whose career goals were ignited by the community support. With the community behind her, she hopes to make an impact o
Austin Coming Together is one of the 20 community-based organizations in the COLLAB Network working towards the health of West Side residents. As a part of the COLLAB Network, Austin Coming Together evaluates and develops new strategies to support t
“This building is our love letter to the community.” In this edition of Voices of the West Side, we sit down with Khelan Todd, Chief Impact and Innovation Officer at @nlen_jobs. Hear his thoughts on increasing employment on the West Si
📣 Come out to the Health & Community Resource Fair TODAY at the Tim McCormick Community Center (1133 W. 13th St.)! 🕚 11 AM – 4 PM This free event will include: ✅ Health Screenings ✅ Immunizations ✅ Eye, Dental & Physical Exams ✅ Com
West Side United is proud to serve the Chicago community—and this past year, we’ve made some powerful strides!
 The theme of this year’s Annual Community Convening was Catalytic Investments on the West Side—highlighting t