CCIL Connections 2008

Bricolage Dedication a Huge Success
CCIL and the Chicago Public Art Group (CPAG) welcomed board members, young professionals, volunteers and community members to its dedication highlighting the visually stunning mural circling the exterior wall at 2750 W. Roosevelt Road. Heartfelt comments were provided from a variety of speakers including CCIL Executive Director Judy McIntyre, CCIL Board Member Michael Frigo, CPAG Program Manager Brenda Vega, CPAG Artists Damon Lamar Reed and Max Sansing, CCIL residents Johnathan Williams and Kevin Hill. Guests enjoyed delicious refrehsments while mixing and mingling and posing for pictures by the vibrant mural. This bricolage project was a collaboration of CCIL, CPAG, North Lawndale citizens and CCIL residents. Funding was made possible by the Guthman Fund. A very special thank you to Albert Tanquero for his vision and follow through - this beautiful creation wouldn't be possible without his diligence and determination. Please stop by and see the mural for yourself as it truly is a work of art, one to be admired and experienced in person! CCIL is located at 2750 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL (California/Roosevelt).

CCIL marches in Billiken Parade

“Go CCIL!” was one of many encouraging shouts we heard from the crowd while marching by with our CCIL banner and signs during the 79th Annual Bud Billiken Parade. This well-known parade has touched more than 50 million children and their families throughout the years.

Our group of parade walkers was applauded and well received. I’ve always been proud to work at CCIL and support this mission, but even more so after hearing, “CCIL – you give people second chances” and “There goes CCIL, there goes my family” as we walked along the parade route.

Thanks to everyone who supported CCIL at the parade or in spirit…we appreciate it!

Please know we’re all making a positive difference and are touching lives…even when we least expect it. Contributed by Jenny Brandhorst

CCIL & the DASA Cuts

The Division of Alcohol Abuse and Substance Abuse (DASA) of the Illinois Department of Human Services recently sent letters to at least 150 agencies cutting program funds. CCIL doesn't receive DASA money, however, the Resident Recovery Program (RRP) housed on CCIL's premises directly suffered from the cuts. Simply put, approximately 16 CCIL residents participating in the RRP program found themselves homeless. It's disheartening to think that agencies, like CCIL, dedicated to helping transform lives are being stripped of much needed funding. Worse yet, the individuals and families seeking assistance have little to no resources. CCIL sympathizes with its sister agencies during this difficult time. Let us know your thoughts on this crisis - we want to hear from you!

Mural, Mural on the Wall…

CCIL’s beautiful bricolage dedication scheduled for August 14, 2008

CCIL and the Chicago Public Art Group (CPAG) welcome the public to attend a dedication highlighting the creative genius and hard work that went into completing a visually stunning mural in the North Lawndale community. The presentation will include statements from CCIL and CPAG Executive Directors Judy McIntyre and Jon Pounds, CPAG artists and CCIL residents. Guests are welcome to tour CCIL’s state-of-the-art facility, light refreshments will be served. The bricolage project was a collaboration of CCIL, CPAG, North Lawndale citizens and CCIL residents. Funding was made possible by the Guthman Fund.

“The mural is so colorful and full of life. It’s almost impossible for me to try and describe it with words, it’s a creation people need to see and experience for themselves. Random onlookers have stopped me on the sidewalk expressing their excitement about the mural’s vibrancy. We’re most grateful to the Guthman Fund, CPAG, Damon Reed, Max Sansing and the many volunteers who contributed in helping to beautify and make a positive impact on the North Lawndale community,” comments Judy McIntyre, CCIL Executive Director.

Dedication Details…
Who: Public is welcome
What: Dedication of the CCIL & CPAG Bricolage
Where: CCIL Main Campus – 2750 W. Roosevelt Road
When: Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 5:30 p.m.

CPAG Executive Director Jon Pounds adds, “The bricolage project at CCIL is an instant classic. It includes a beautiful building, a wall that wraps a corner inviting the eye to follow, and an inspirational mural full of color.”

Contact Chris Wiens at cwiens@ccilworks.org for more information.