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Program Accomplishments

2009 Highlights      

  • Hired 84- youth during 10-week summer internship program run the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, a total payroll of $105,000.
  • Coordinated the efforts of 17 local employers who also hired youth interns providing professional development and on the job training
  • Completed 1800 sq. ft, three-story mural and community garden with15 local youth
  • Distributed 10,000 Foreclosure Response brochures to local renters and property owners
  • Promoted the opening of 3 new schools in East Garfield Park. Westinghouse College Prep High School, the first select enrollment HS on the West Side in 30 years, Garfield Park Prep Elementary, a share tenant in Faraday Elementary, and Urban Prep High School, an all boys school, opened as a share tenant in Cather Elementary
  • Partnered in the mobilization of 11,000 residents to play and exercise car-free during August 1st Open Streets event along the 8-mile boulevard system from Logan Square to Little Village
  • Provided after school programming to 70 youth which included 30 weeks of job readiness and environmental awareness instruction
  • Installed 8 community-managed open space projects in the neighborhood by local gardeners and block clubs

Current 2010 Highlights

  • Partnered with Safer Foundation to secure 2-year grant for Green Job training program. The program will provide green job work experience and job training program for 50 ex-offenders
  • Assisted $55 million City Program to purchase and rehab foreclosed homes.  Several units have already been purchased in East Garfield Park
  • Partnered with Bethel New Life and Metropolitan Tenants Organization  to open the Garfield Park Housing Resource Center which will educate tenants to have a voice in decisions that affect affordability and availability of decent and safe housing
  • Continued to offer Healthy Living Classes and Programs to local residents
  • Launched the Garfield Park Retail and Real Estate Initiative, a resource center providing no-cost supportive services to local businesses and entrepreneurs
  • Partnered in the mobilization of 11,000 residents to play and exercise car-free during August 1st Open Streets event along the 8-mile boulevard system from Logan Square to Little Village
  • Provided after school programming to 70 youth which included 30 weeks of job readiness and environmental awareness instruction
  • Installed 8 community-managed open space projects in the neighborhood by local gardeners and block clubs