Dear Reader,
Welcome to another edition of the Phalanx Family Services pullout section of the Chicago Leader print newspaper. Many exciting things have occurred in the Phalanx universe since we last met. On July 31st, we hosted our 9th Annual Back-to-School event; it was a resounding success with volumes of free food, exhibitors, games, rides, and giveaways. We had our biggest turnout ever for any of our annual events, by far.
Throughout the summer, we also hosted the weekly Summer Kickback Series funded by My Chi My Future. My hat goes off to our corps of young people who collaborated and planned the series of Friday evening social events such as a movie night, luau, and water party, among others. In addition to promoting and supporting our weekly kickbacks, the staff of our new Youth Resilient Violence Prevention program also hosted their own weekly pop-ups.
On Thursday evenings in various locations throughout Roseland and West Pullman, they engaged community youth in positive summer activities. They barbequed, served free food, hosted games, and promoted our various programs, services, and opportunities to community residents.
We also have new programs on tap for the fall. For example, the Illinois Youth Investment Program (IYIP) will connect youth ages 16-24 to training and employment opportunities beyond the summer. In addition, as a part of our Chicago Connected program, “Tea Talks with Tammy” will provide a concierge-style service for CPS parents introducing them to our array of wraparound, training, and employment programs and services.
As the Chicago Quality of Life Plan has shifted to “Health Disparities” affecting our communities on all fronts, including COVID, we continue to encourage community residents to get tested, vaccinated, and boosted. We must remain vigilant until COVID is completely eradicated. The end of the pandemic can only happen if we step up to the challenge and work together.
Lastly, the City of Chicago will be undertaking a major infrastructure project to prevent lead contamination in our city’s water system. Over the next decade, water service lines will be replaced throughout the entire city, and homeowners will receive a bill for the work beginning at $16,000. However, there is a grant program to help low-income homeowners get the job done for free.
Phalanx Family Services is a community partner; not only to get the word out but to help homeowners apply. Please see the “Chicago Homeower” ad for more information.
With so much to offer, we are confident you will find something of interest and benefit to you and your family in this pullout section. Thank you for your interest in us. We look forward to serving you and hope to hear from you soon!
Sincerely,
Tina Sanders
CEO
Phalanx Family Services
Featured and Top Image by Aaron Burden Courtesy of Unsplash – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Phalanx Family Services
