Friday, June 27, 2008

CCIL Recognized By Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois For Its Community Service

CCIL announced today that it has been recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois for its success in expanding access to health care and improving the well being of the community, and has been awarded a $5,000 grant to continue its important efforts. This is the first time CCIL has been awarded funding for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Health grant.

“Many of Chicago’s impoverished and homeless have not had access or utilized health services. CCIL’s health resources provide needed, onsite healthcare to ensure the physical wellness of clients. We’re excited to receive this grant and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois,” said Judy McIntyre, CCIL Executive Director.

CCIL is one of 185 organizations to receive a grant or donation this year from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, which focuses its giving in three key areas: health services for the uninsured and underserved, human services and education. Additional information about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois’ charitable giving program is available at www.bcbsil.com/about_us/involvement.htm.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

1st Presbytery of Deerfield Visits CCIL


The exterior brick wall circling CCIL's campus is coming to life as the Chicago Public Art Group, members of the neighborhood and CCIL residents work side-by-side in creating a bright, colorful mural capturing the energy and essence of the community. CCIL is thankful for the continued support of the 1st Presbytery of Deerfield.


Photo: Executive Director Judy McIntyre poses in front of the mural with members of the 1st Presbytery of Deerfield.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Celebrate Success - CCIL's Landscape Program


For more than 16 years, CCIL's Landscape Program has provided successful job training and employment for homeless individuals. You can help support this endeavor by attending CCIL's 5th Annual Celebration of Success event Thursday, June 19, 2008. CCIL is pleased to honor Jesse White, Illinois Secretary of State, at the event.

"I am indeed honored to be recognized by an organization that does such wonderful work in helping, training and employing homeless individuals," said White.

This event is a tribute to the beautiful flora lining the Magnificent Mile, Lake Shore Drive, LaSalle Street and other city boulevards stemming from CCIL's award-winning Landscape Program. Past events have allowed auction-goers to bid on a brilliant display of celebrity-autographed painted terra cotta planters. The terra cotta planters have evolved and now auction-goers can bid on original works of art created by CCIL residents and some of Chicago's most promising artists.

Celebration of Success details...
  • Who: The public is welcome to attend

  • What: Celebration of Success event honoring Jesse White, Illinois Secretary of State. Live and silent auctions, music, refreshments and gourmet hors d' oeuvres. Tickets are $150/person or $1,400/group of 10.

  • When: Thursday, June 19, 2008 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

  • Where: Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington, Chicago, IL

Contact Chris Wiens at 773-435-8358 for more information.

Founded in 1909, CCIL empowers Chicago families to overcome poverty and homelessness by teaching self-reliance. CCIL provides comprehensive basic human services - including housing, meals and healthcare - so families can concentrate on rebuilding their lives. Families referred to CCIL are prepared to help themselves, and CCIL's unique emphasis on employment readiness enables families to build financial security. Ongoing assistance ensures families enjoy continuing success, strengthening our community with every household reached.





Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Friendly Reminder: Hunger Walk 2008


Support CCIL by walking in the Greater Chicago Food Depository's Hunger Walk

CCIL staff, volunteers, residents and more than 4,500 others will join the march against hunger on Saturday, June 14, 2008. Funds raised during the Greater Chicago Food Depository's 23rd Annual Hunger Walk directly benefit CCIL's Community Food Pantry. Registration is at 8am, step off is at 9:30am.

In addition to the 2.5 mile walk, this event features an array of fun activities for the whole family. Festivities include entertainment by the Jesse White Tumblers and choral groups. Face painting, caricature artists, jugglers and stilt walkers will also be in the area. Hunger Walk participants receive an event t-shirt, goodie bag, beverages and snacks.
CCIL is going with a red theme this year. So if you’re joining us and have a red t-shirt to wear that would be wonderful. Look for CCIL’s banner, CCIL signs and red shirts in the morning before step off time.

Cross your fingers for sunshine and we hope to see you there!

Call Bob Joens at 773-435-8331 to pledge your support.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Women's Program at CCIL

CCIL recently received funding from Access to Recovery (ATR), a program of the Illinois Department of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (DASA), to launch a single women’s program. This program is in its infancy and at this time only single women who are recovering from substance abuse issues have funding clearance. The women have case management support and are assisted with job training, job placement and permanent housing needs, identical to services provided single men entering CCIL.

Single women are one of the most rapidly expanding homeless populations. According to the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, there are approximately 73,656 homeless individuals in Chicago. Thirty five percent of that number is single homeless women. CCIL plans to build on its ATR launch in serving single, homeless women.

Contact Mary Shaver at mshaver@ccilworks.org for CCIL program information.