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.

Taste of North Lawndale

CCIL, along with other community supporters, will be participating in the Taste of North Lawndale Family Festival on Saturday, August 2, 2008.

Celebrating its seventh year, A Taste of North Lawndale Family Festival 2008 is quickly earning its reputation as a popular neighborhood festival. This community event is a spin off the famous Taste of Chicago, and is intended to give residents a taste of the many resources available to them inside and outside North Lawndale, while letting them enjoy the community’s many other diverse features including music, art, and other forms of entertainment. North Lawndale Community News is the proud sponsor of this event.

Taste of North Lawndale

Saturday, August 2, 2008

11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Douglas Park Pavilion - 1401 S. Sacramento (Ogden/Sacramento)

There will be food vending, face painting, t-shirt making, magicians and a Jumping Jumboree throughout the day. A tentative event schedule is listed below.

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Choir Performances

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Taste of North Lawndale Talent Show

4:30 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. - Jazz performance by Ray Silkman

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Stage performances by Twista and Speedknot Mobstaz

Come out and join in on all the fun!

Sizzling with Success...

CCIL Foodservice Training Program Gives Hope to Three Ex-Offenders

CCIL honored three foodservice graduates on Monday, July 7, 2008. Tesa Brown, Tyrone Simmons and Andrew Murphy all successfully completed an intense nine-week training program preparing them for jobs in the food industry.

Foodservice Training Program graduate Andrew Murphy comments, "I was really bad off before I started this program. I could barely read. CCIL has helped me readjust and reposition my life. I appreciate the people at CCIL and am grateful for the Foodservice Training Program."

In partnership with Aramark and the Mayor's Office of Workforce Development (MOWD), CCIL's foodservice training program has been sizzling with success since its inception in February 2006. With a focus on work ethic and structure, non-violent ex-offenders 21 years and older get a jump start on their career path.

"The training program is challenging. We cover a great deal of material in just nine weeks, including hands-on and in-the-field experience. Tesa, Tyrone and Andrew are to be commended on their gallant efforts. I'm so proud of them for making a commitment and seeing this training program through," said Bob Joens, CCIL Foodservice Director.

Family members of the trainees gathered with CCIL staff and Aramark General Manager Ginger Knowles to celebrate this accomplishment.

CCIL participates in 23rd Annual Hunger Walk

CCIL staff, volunteers, residents and more than 5,000 others joined in the march against hunger on Saturday, June 14, 2008. The 23rd Annual Hunger Walk will directly benefit participating food pantries that are member agencies of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, including CCIL.

Many agencies recently have experienced increasing demand while food supplies from the federal government have dwindled. The Greater Chicago Food Depository's Annual Hunger Walk is a unique fundraiser that helps agencies support their food programs.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Hunger Walk this year!

About CCIL's Community Food Pantry...
CCIL proudly announced the grand opening of a new service in November 2006 – a Community Food Pantry. CCIL, in partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD), opened its doors to the public and is providing emergency food to the community in North Lawndale. Between 200-250 families (averaging 6 people per family) visit CCIL's Community Food Pantry every week. Every year at least 9,500 families are served and more than 10,000 pounds of food is distributed monthly from the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

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.

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.