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WARD SERVICE OFFICE
1447 W. MORSE AVE
CHICAGO, IL 60626
773-338-5796
www.49thward.org
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Neighbors,
Alderwoman Hadden is on medical leave through the end of 2025 following her hysterectomy in mid-November. She is on pace for her recovery and appreciates all the well-wishes she has received from everyone to date.
The 2026 budget impasse continued this week, with ongoing negotiations scheduled through the weekend and into the upcoming week. On Wednesday,27 alders introduced an alternative revenue plan to Mayor Johnson's proposed 2026 budget. The efforts spearheaded by City Council eliminate the head tax and replace the revenue with an increased garbage fee, an increased wholesale liquor tax, an increase to the homeshare tax, and the expansion of video gaming machines citywide. The alternative budget proposal restores the full advance pension payment and avoids borrowing for firefighter backpay.
In response, Mayor Johnson put forward modifications to the proposed head tax. The latest head tax proposal would increase the fee to $33 per employee and raise the employee head-count threshold for eligible businesses. Instead of applying to businesses with 100 or 200 employees, the head tax would now apply to businesses with 500 or more employees, targeting some of the largest corporations in Chicago. The Office of Budget and Management made available analyses of the modified head tax to demonstrate its impact on the top 20 publicly traded companies when combined with the Trump cuts, as well as a breakdown of industry types that would contribute to the modified head tax.
Next week, City Council will convene Monday through Thursday, and again on Tuesday, December 23, to work toward a budget resolution and avoid a government shutdown. City Council is legally required to pass a balanced budget by December 31, 2025, to avoid any disruptions to services. The Committee on Finance and the Committee on Budget have been scheduled for Tuesday, December 16, in hopes that alderpeople will have reached a resolution by then. The legislative team continues to closely follow budget negotiations and will share updates with 49th Ward constituents as they become available.
In Alderwoman Hadden's absence, Shenicka Hohenkirk, the Director of Ward Services, and Leslie Perkins, the Chief of Staff and Policy Director, will be managing the ward. Continue to contact our amazing team at [email protected] or 773-338-5796 with all your service requests and community questions. Maria will be out through the end of the year, but will be checking in with the team on a weekly basis for any urgent matters.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Click the links below to select the section that you want to read!
- CELEBRATIONS & APPRECIATIONS - good news for the week!
- WARD UPDATES - Community announcements, city services, and zoning/development updates
- INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATES - City services and infrastructure notices
- COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - local events and ways to get involved
-NEED TO KNOW INFO - alerts, services, and government resources
- ROGERS PARK ARTS - events, theatre, and other public arts news
- YOUTH SHINE IN 49 - school news, scholarship opportunities, and youth employment offerings
- COMMUNITY AID - organizational and personal requests for support,
-VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES - Opportunities to give back to the community
- ADDITIONAL RESOURCES - links to resources included in previous sections of the newsletter
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Celebrations & Appreciations
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The first night of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, begins Monday, December 15th, at sundown. To those who celebrate, have a very happy Hanukkah!
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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS RESOURCES
As Operation Midway Blitz continues and ICE agents have been active around the City, we want to remind neighbors of our Fighting Against Fascist Occupation resources. Know your rights, stay safe, and stay informed. Find our guide here. |
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FOOD ACCESS RESOURCES
Our office recently published a special edition of the newsletter with expanded resources for those experiencing food insecurity in the wake of SNAP cuts due the Trump Administration refusing to continue services. Find our guide here. |
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Bitterly Cold Temperatures and Sub-zero Wind Chills December 13 and 14
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The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) wants to remind residents to be prepared for the cold and snow. OEMC will work closely with the National Weather Service (NWS) to monitor weather conditions throughout the season 24/7 and will alert the public to severe weather or extreme cold. It’s important to be prepared and take safety precautions.
The National Weather Service in Chicago is forecasting periodic snow chances through the end of the week with bitterly cold temperatures and sub-zero wind chills in store for the weekend.
Warming Centers available on Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14**
- Garfield Center at 10 S. Kedzie, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. each day.
- Chicago Public Library locations, open during operating hours
- Chicago Park District locations, open during operating hours.
- Chicago Police Districts, 24 hours.
For hours and locations, Contact 3-1-1 by downloading the CHI311 app, go online at 311.chicago.gov or dial 3-1-1. Residents may also visit Warming Centers - Map | City of Chicago | Data Portal.
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VACCC Office Hours December 15th
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The VACCC is here to serve the Veterans of Cook County! During office hours, their team will be providing assistance with emergency financial services, including help with rent and mortgage payments, utilities, food, and transportation. Stop by the 49th Ward Service Office (1447 W Morse) from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, December 15th, to take advantage of these incredible resources.
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Filming Notice December 17 & 18
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Please be aware that Open 4 Business Productions, LLC will be filming scenes for "Chicago Fire" on December 17 and 18. Please see the above flyer for parking restrictions from 1241 W Loyola to 1201 W Loyola, effective December 10 through December 19. Please also note that Loyola Ave (Lakewood to the eastern alley) will be closed on December 16, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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7644 N Sheridan Community Survey Results Coming Soon
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On November 19th, Alderwoman Hadden and the 49th Ward Office hosted a community meeting regarding a proposed development for the property located at 7644 N. Sheridan. You can watch a recording of the community meeting here. To view the presentation slides, please click here.
The applicant, 5T Management, plans to build a five-story, mixed-use building containing 44 residential units and ground-floor commercial space. The unit breakdown includes 4 one-bedroom units, 28 two-bedroom units, and 12 three-bedroom units. All units will remain affordable, with three units set aside for households earning 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI), twenty-four set aside for households earning 60% AMI, and the remaining (seventeen units) for households earning 80% AMI. 5T will use Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) issued by the Department of Housing to finance the building, locking in its affordability for a minimum of 30 years.
We have closed our two-week community survey, where constituents shared their opinions on the proposed development. We are compiling the results and will share them in a future newsletter.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our Infrastructure and Communications Coordinator, Zach Joseph, at [email protected], or call our office at 773-338-5796.
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Live Love Shop Rogers Park this Holiday Season!
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Join the Rogers Park Business Alliance (RPBA) as it launches its annual Live Love Shop Rogers Park rebate program. This program encourages people to shop local for the holiday season while providing them with the opportunity to save big. Collect $150 or more in receipts from at least 4 different independently-owned businesses in Rogers Park between Saturday, November 26, and Saturday, December 31, and receive a $50 rebate (or a $75 rebate for collecting $200 in receipts).
Click here for details on the Live Love Shop Rogers Park rebate program.
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Cook County Treasurer Launches Property Tax Payment Plan to Ease Financial Burden Ahead of Holidays
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Property owners unable to pay their tax bills in full by December 15th can opt into the Cook County Treasurer's free online financial planning tool to make smaller, more manageable payments over time. The Payment Plan Calculator helps property owners:
- Set up a schedule to pay off a tax bill in smaller installments rather than all at once.
- Choose between making payments once or twice a month.
- Create a personalized plan for catching up on delinquent taxes if you owe more than $100.
And you don’t have to wait to sign up. You can register now at cookcountytreasurer.com. For more instructions, visit the Cook County Treasurer's website here.
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Need assistance with snow shoveling this winter?
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The 49th Ward is proud to bring back its Snow Squad for this winter season! This program will connect interested volunteers and those who need assistance to shovel walkways and keep sidewalks safe this winter.
If you are a senior or a person living with a disability and you are a 49th Ward resident who needs help with shoveling snow this winter, please complete this form.
If you would be interested in volunteering to shovel snow for your fellow neighbors, please complete this form.
Note: This does NOT GUARANTEE snow will be shoveled; rather, our office will share the location you submit with our Snow Squad Volunteers. Once someone is available, they will stop by to shovel for you.
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Tree Trimming Occurring December 15
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The Bureau of Forestry, a division of the Division of Streets and Sanitation, will be conducting tree trimming for the 6600 block of N Newgard, the 1200 block of W Pratt, the 6400 block of N Bosworth, and the 1200, 1300, and 1500 blocks of W Arthur on Monday, December 15th. Similar to street sweeping notifications, trees will be posted with signage in advance of tree trimming.
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DWM Sewer Rehabilitation Work
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Neighbors, please be advised that the Department of Water Management (DWM) began a Sewer Lining project on November 24, 2025, and will have 75 calendar days to complete their work. This work will occur on the sewer west of N Greenview Ave from the alley south of W Pratt to W North Shore.
DWM will be sending letters to residents located in the immediate area to provide notification of the work once they begin lining the sewer mains. No parking signs will be posted in the immediate area one workday prior to the start of any scheduled work. It will be necessary to close some lanes, but the streets will remain open to traffic. Work is typically completed during working hours, and Cure In Place Pipe (CIPP) is non-destructive and requires little to no excavation, limiting the impact to residents.
The rehabilitation work includes cleaning the sewers and the installation of CIPP. The installation of CIPP consists of lining the existing sewers and generally does not require excavation, except when repairs are required prior to lining of the sewer main, catch basin lateral connections, catch basin structures, or manhole structures.
Typical work includes the following:
• Main sewer cleaning and televising
• Catch Basin (drainage structures on the curbside) cleaning, televising, and lining of the pipe connections to the main sewer
• Catch Basin and Sewer Manhole structures lining
• Main Sewer Lining immediately followed by the reinstatement of house drain services and catch basin pipe connections
• The lined sewer will be televised to ensure that the work was done properly
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our office at [email protected] or at 773-338-5796.
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New Life Community Church Movie Night Today
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New Life Community Church is hosting a free Holiday Movie Night on Saturday, Dec. 13th at 6 p.m. for the community! Free hot chocolate, popcorn, and candy for the movie will be offered, and you will have a chance to win an Amazon gift card. It will be shown on a big screen at CMSA - 7212 N Clark St.
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24th District Council Meeting December 14
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The next meeting of the 24th District Council will take place on Sunday, December 14, at 3:00 p.m. at A Just Harvest Wellness Center (7637 N. Paulina). The agenda will include a review of the 2026 calendar and council goals. Food will be provided by A Just Harvest.
Zoom option available:
Anyone may submit written public comment by delivering it at the public meeting or by emailing it to [email protected]
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Chicago Kurdish Film Festival December 14
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The second edition of the Chicago Kurdish Film Festival will be taking place on December 14th at Damen Cinema, Loyola University (6511 N Sheridan Rd).
This festival, organized by the Kurdish Cultural Center of Illinois (KCCI)—a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization—will feature a selection of Kurdish films that celebrate the rich culture, history, and artistic expression of the Kurdish people. The event aims to foster cultural exchange, raise awareness, and promote unity within Chicago’s diverse communities. For more info, click here.
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Willye B White Cocoa With Santa December 20
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Join the Chicago Park District for a free Cocoa with Santa event at Willye B. White Park (1610 W Howard). Ages 1-8 are all welcome, and the event will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Make sure to bring your camera!
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Culture of Safety Self-Defense Workshop January 17
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Join Culture of Safety Saturday, January 17th, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. for their next Self-Defense workshop. Learn how to feel and be safer, stronger, and more self-confident through their empowerment-based workshop. This workshop for adults (age 18+) includes both physical resistance skills to slow down an attacker and get away to safety, as well as communication strategies to deter violence before it starts. Their workshops are always interactive, engaging, accessible for all bodies and abilities, and trauma-informed. Open to adults of all genders and gender identities. Register online: https://bit.ly/CoSSelfDefense26
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Culture of Safety Classes Start January 11
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Weekly community Tai Chi classes at Culture of Safety resume Monday, Jan 19th. Start your new year with improved calm, coordination, balance, and more! Classes are on Mondays at 7 pm, taught by Sifu Rodrigo. Suggested donation of $15/session. Learn more or register online: https://cultureofsafetychi.com/wellness/taichi/
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Free Meditation Beginner Classes
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Join Culture of Safety for a FREE Meditation Beginners Series (in the samatha tradition), starting Jan 11th. They meet Sundays, 10 am-11:30 am, Jan 11th-March 22nd. Visit them online for more info or the sign up: https://cultureofsafetychi.com/wellness/samatha-meditation/
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Events at the Rogers Park Branch Library
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The Rogers Park Branch Library (6907 N. Clark) offers a variety of events and programming for people of all ages. Make sure to check out a list of their upcoming events and register to attend one. More information is available on its website here.
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Chicago Park District Interest Form
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As the Chicago Park District prepares to celebrate its Centennial in 2034, it is developing a Centennial Plan for Historic Assets - a roadmap to preserve, restore, and reimagine our parks’ historic treasures for the next hundred years.
They want to hear from you! Tell them which historic buildings, landscapes, sculptures, murals, or park features matter most to you - and which might need some extra care or attention.
Use the form below to share your favorite Park District treasure. Submissions will be accepted from November 7 through December 15, 2025. COMPLETE THE FORM HERE
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OEMC Winter Preparation Tips
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The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) encourages residents to be prepared for the Winter Season. Public safety is the top priority, and staying safe during the winter months requires taking steps now to winterize our homes and cars and prepare our families when the cold, wind, ice, and snow come our way. You can find the warming center nearest you by visiting the Warming Center Portal (https://buff.ly/eVOZg7i)
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Sidewalk Shoveling Requirements
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As a reminder to all residents and businesses, per the Municipal Code of Chicago, property owners and occupants are responsible for keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice. Many of our neighbors rely on walking and public transportation as their primary way to get around the city. Without a wide, clear path through the snow and ice, it makes it difficult for pedestrians (especially people with disabilities, seniors, and children) to walk to their destination safely.
If you have a neighbor who needs assistance clearing the sidewalk, pitch in to help out!
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Recycle Your Holiday Lights With The City
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Don’t let broken holiday string lights tangle up your holidays -- recycle them with us! Please drop off your non-working holiday string lights between now and January 29th at our office (1447 W. Morse Ave), and Reduce Waste Chicago will take them to be properly recycled. Be sure your lights are separated from other decor and are free from other packaging. No plastic bags, please!
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Become an Election Judge for the March 17 Primary Election
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Are you interested in being a poll worker for the March 17, 2026, Midterm Primary Election? Go to pollworker.chicagoelections.gov to learn more and apply. You must be a US citizen and a registered voter in Cook County - and you can earn up to $230 for your service. If you are bilingual in Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean or Tagalog, the Board of Elections is requesting your support. Do you know a high school junior or senior with a GPA above 3.0 and an interest in government? Let them know they can serve as an election judge and see how democracy works from behind the polling place curtain.
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Help shape OIG’s project priorities for 2026!
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The City of Chicago Office of Inspector General (OIG) has published two draft documents that share details of proposed projects under consideration for 2026. Both documents are posted on OIG’s website for public review and comment.
Community feedback helps OIG prioritize projects for the coming year to align with what is of most concern and importance to all Chicagoans. OIG invites you to explore both draft plans and encourages you to provide your feedback by taking the community feedback survey at igchicago.org/survey.
OIG is accepting community prioritization feedback through December 31, 2025.
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DOH Emergency Heating Repair Program Now Available!
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The Chicago Department of Housing has launched its Emergency Heating Repair Program (EHRP), which offers income-eligible Chicagoland properties with repairs or replacement of their furnace or boiler. The property must be the homeowner’s primary, owner-occupied residence within the city of Chicago. Qualified contractors perform the work at no cost to the homeowner, with funding provided through the Department of Housing (DOH). For more information on eligibility and applying for the EHRP, call 311 or visit www.chicago.gov/ehrp.
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2025 marks the 6th year that the Chatham Business Association (CBA) has been in partnership with ComEd. Their team of Community Energy Assistant Ambassadors (CEAAs) offers residents bill payment assistance & energy efficient programs for those who qualify, as well as tips on how to manage energy use. Check out these programs that the CBA offers! Please visit ComEd.com/SAM
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CEDA Utility Assistance Resources
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The Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA) has provided us with resources for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)! Apply here and reach out to their office for more questions.
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Access Supplemental Nutrition Programs through WIC CEDA
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If you are pregnant, a caregiver, or a mom with a child under 5, you can get access to supplemental nutrition programs through WIC CEDA (1516 W Howard). Reach out via phone at (773) 338-7334 or by email at [email protected].
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Individual Artists Program Grant Open
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Apply for a 2026 Individual Artists Program (IAP) grant to support your work or artistic practice through the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events! IAP grants support artists across all artistic disciplines, including Film & Media Arts, Literary Arts, Music, Performing Arts (Theater/Dance), and Visual Arts/Design. Learn more and apply by January 15, 2026, at ChicagoCulturalGrants.org.
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Choose The Theme For Artists of The Wall 2026
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The Loyola Park Advisory Council is beginning planning for Artists of the Wall 2026, and they need your help choosing this year’s theme!
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Theatre Above The Law Presents: Black Comedy
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Theatre Above the Law presents Black Comedy, a farce by Peter Schafer at the Jarvis Square Theater (1439 W. Jarvis), November 21 - December 21.
Tickets available at theatreatl.org
Struggling sculptor Brindsley Miller and his fiancée, Carol, are having a party with the aim of impressing Carol's bombastic father, Colonel Melkett, and millionaire Georg Bamberger. They hope the two men might purchase some of Brindsley's sculptures. Without permission, they have borrowed the furniture of their fussy neighbor, Harold, to make their own flat more presentable. Just before the guests arrive, the main fuse blows, plunging the flat into darkness. What follows is a frantic romp with unexpected visitors, mistaken identities, and surprises lurking in every dark corner. Only we, the audience, can see the action that ensues in the dark. As you might expect, the results are chaotic, disastrous, and downright hysterical.
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Lifetime Theater: 2025/26 Season Showings
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Lifeline Theater's artistic ensemble announces its 2025-26 season of Big Stories, Up Close. This 43rd year for the Rogers Park nonprofit theater begins in September 2025 and includes three MainStage productions, three KidSeries productions, and three concert readings, as well as the fourth annual BIPOC Showcase.
Main Stage Season:
- Jacob Marley's A Christmas Carol, Nov. 28-Dec. 21 (opens 11/30/25 at 2:30 p.m.)
KidSeries Season:
- The Conducters, in association with Kerfuffle, December 6-21 (opens 12/6/25 at 11am)
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DanceWear Share Library Offers Free Dance Apparel
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Synapse Arts is excited to share their DanceWear Share Library! Hosted by Synapse and Loyola Park, the library has new and gently used dance shoes, leotards, and other apparel and accessories available for the young generation of dancers - free of charge. The library works on the honor system; community members are invited to take what they need and anyone is welcome to donate gently used dance shoes or apparel, except tights. For more information, and to request dance apparel, please contact Synapse Arts at [email protected].
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Gale Community Academy's Holiday Toy Drive
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Are you looking to make a difference this holiday season? Gale Community Academy (1631 W Jonquil) is holding a holiday toy drive, accepting donations for its pre-K through 4th-grade students now through December 16th. They are accepting a variety of gifts this season, all of which you can find in the flyer. Questions? Contact 773-534-2100 or [email protected].
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Black Student Achievement Committee Currently Accepting Applications
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The Board of Education for the City of Chicago (Board) Black Student Achievement Committee (BSAC) is currently accepting membership applications. The BSAC will appoint 14 members to each serve a 1-year term. Applicants must reside within the city of Chicago and, if selected, complete the CPS New Volunteer Application.
Those who successfully complete the volunteer application will complete an onboarding process before their names are released publicly. Committee onboarding includes, but is not limited to, participation in CPS’ Mandated Reporter, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Open Meetings Act (OMA), and Ethics trainings. The BSAC plans to appoint its new members in early 2026.
Apply online beginning Monday, Nov. 24 to Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Click HERE to access the application.
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Fight Like a Girl is a boxing and leadership development program that helps girls aged 10 and up build confidence, develop a growth mindset, and, build healthy habits. Participants will learn the fundamentals of boxing and how to transfer lessons from boxing into other areas of their lives. Fight Like a Girl is run by Box United, a nonprofit on a mission to help girls use boxing to build physical and mental well-being.
The following locations are free programs for all Chicago girls.
North Side: Rogers Park
Sign up here!
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Loyola University Center for Research and Child Development Seeks Volunteers
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The Center for Research on Child Development (CRCD) at Loyola University Chicago. The CRCD is providing families in our community with the opportunity to take an active part in science by participating with their children in research at Loyola. They are seeking interested families to volunteer for studies on infant and toddler development. To learn more about their work, you can view their website at loyolacrcd.org.
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Family Matters Enrollment
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Family Matters (7731 N. Marshfield) is accepting new students from PreK - 3rd grade. Your student will receive individualized instruction, opportunities for music, theater, German wheel gymnastics, Latin dance and so much more!
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Chicago Youth Service Corps
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Chicago Youth Service Corps is a year-round program that provides paid opportunities for youth ages 16-24 to engage in community service, project-based learning, and leadership development. Chicago Youth Service Corps celebrates and welcomes diverse backgrounds and encourages you to bring your experience, background, and traditions to your service.
For more information and to apply, click here!
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Mary Crane Center Rogers Park - Enrollment Available for Free Head Start Program
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Mary Crane Center's Rogers Park location at 1545 W Morse Ave is currently accepting applications for enrollment in their Head Start program! The free services include year-round childcare for working families and/or students, scholarship opportunities, free nutritional meals and snacks, and much more! Mary Crane Center's services are available all year round, including when school is not in session.
If you're interested in learning more, you may call the Mary Crane Center team at 773-262-1390
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RPBA is excited to join Tapestry 360 for their annual toy drive. Bring any new, unwrapped toys to their office (1448 W Morse Ave) and drop them inside our holiday box. Toys will be delivered to pediatric patients of Tapestry 360. RPBA & Tapestry 360 will be accepting toys until December 15th at 5 p.m. You can purchase items from their Amazon wish list here.
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ONE Northside and Communities Partnering 4 Peace will be holding a toy drive this holiday season for kids impacted by gun violence, and you can help! Order gifts for kids ages newborn to 16 years old online and ship them directly to arrive before December 11th, drop off at ONE Northside (4750 N Sheridan, Ste 200) on December 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., or donate directly to their team at bit.ly/cp4pgive.
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Tesla Training Center Sock Drive
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Tesla Training Center (6910 N Clark St) is hosting a sock drive to help keep our unhoused neighbors warm this winter. Please consider donating a new pair of socks at their center anytime from December 1 to December 20. Socks are one of the most requested items for people in need. A single pair can make a meaningful difference in someone’s comfort and warmth.
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Apna Ghar Marathon Sponsorship Available
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Apna Ghar is now recruiting individuals interested in achieving their fitness goals and completing the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. They have 30 guaranteed charity slots available on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants will train for this world-class race and support a meaningful cause. Each runner will help raise vital funds for survivors of gender-based violence. You can join their sponsorship at this link.
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State Sen. Mike Simmons Mutual Aid Food Drive
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Senator Mike Simmons’ office is accepting donations of non-perishable food, reusable grocery bags, and new toiletries/diapers/cleaning supplies. Drop off donations Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. -3 p.m. at 1040 W Bryn Mawr. For questions, email s[email protected] or call 773-769-1717.
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Praxis Team Business Coalition
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The Praxis team and other Rogers Park businesses have created a business coalition against ICE that is partnering with community members to provide trainings, supplies, and gathering spaces. Here's more information on Instagram!
If your business wants to sign on, please fill out https://praxischi.com/no-ice/#sign. If you're a community member or group who wants to partner to host a workshop or gathering space, please fill out https://praxischi.com/no-ice-rp/#request
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Hamdard Health Alliance Offering PrEP Resources
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Hamdard Health Alliance is a Federally Qualified Health Center offering free and confidential PrEP navigation to help people prevent HIV and stay on top of their sexual health. They offer personalized support, affordable care through a sliding scale fee, and a discount pharmacy right next door. You can find them at 1542 W Devon Ave, and can contact them at either 773-465-4600 or at [email protected].
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GoFundMe for 10 ONENorthside Parent Mentor Families!
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ONE Northside is home to 60 Parent Mentors who volunteer inside CPS elementary classrooms across 8 Far North Side schools, building stronger relationships between parents, teachers, and students. Currently, 10 Parent Mentor families are at risk of being unable to pay rent at the end of this month due to missing work out of fear for their safety and the delayed voucher payments resulting from the federal shutdown.
Local organizers are raising emergency funds to cover urgent rent payments for 10 Parent Mentor families. If you are able, please donate and share this with the community. It is crucial that we support our community members during this unstable and fearful time. You can access their GoFundMe here.
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Whistles Available at Red Vault
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Red Vault, located at 6534 N Clark St, is offering free whistles to warn the community when ICE is in the neighborhood. They will be open Monday - Saturday: 10am - 10pm, and Sunday: 11am - 10pm.
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Loyola University ICE Map Tracker Live!
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The Loyola Phoenix, the official student newspaper of Loyola University Chicago, has launched an ICE tracker where constituents can report ICE sightings in the ward. You can access the map here and read more about using the map here.
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New Medical Lending Closet!
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We’re excited to share that our community now has a new Medical Loan Closet at 2495 W Howard St, Evanston, IL! This is a free resource where neighbors can obtain items like walkers, wheelchairs, shower chairs, and other medical equipment. Some equipment we currently have includes tub benches, shower chairs, knee scooters, toilet risers and toilet rails, ice boxes, and rollators!
It’s all about neighbors helping neighbors—making sure that no one has to go without the equipment they need to stay safe and comfortable at home. Items are available by appointment, and the closet also welcomes donations of gently used equipment.
If you’d like to borrow, donate, volunteer, or learn more, call 312-620-7136 or email [email protected].
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Protecting Chicago Resources Available!
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As part of Mayor Johnson's Executive Order 2025-6 Establishing the Protecting Chicago Initiative, the Mayor's Office has launched the Protecting Chicago website, which can be found at: chicago.gov/protect Protecting Chicago aims to make available information and resources that allow every resident—regardless of background, immigration status, or neighborhood—to live with safety, dignity, and peace of mind. This initiative is Chicago’s commitment to promote the well-being of our communities and to safeguard the rights of all Chicagoans.
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Trilogy Winter Clothing Drive 2025
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Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare is accepting donations at their Winter Clothing Drive now through February 2026! You can drop off any gently used winter clothing at their building, located at 1400 W Greenleaf Ave.
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Free Legal Services for Chicagoans
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The Criminal Justice Legal Services Initiative (CJLSI) aims to increase access to free legal services for Chicagoans who need them most right within your community areas. Led by Cabrini Green Legal Aid (CGLA) in partnership with the Department of Family and Support Services, this initiative provides vital legal education on topics such as criminal record sealing and expungement (for both adults and juveniles), constitutional rights under the 4th, 5th, and 6th Amendments, and navigating interactions with law enforcement.
If you have a criminal record or want to better understand your rights, the Criminal Justice Legal Services Initiative (CJLSI) is here to help. This free program—offered by Cabrini Green Legal Aid (CGLA) provides legal education on topics like sealing or expunging adult and juvenile records, education on your 4th, 5th, and 6th Amendment rights, and what to do when interacting with police. If you're interested in clearing your record, CGLA can also connect you with a free attorney to help start the petition process or if you are interested in having a professional come speak to your community about this topic, contact Cabrini Green Legal Services today to get started, www.cgla.net (312) 738-2452.
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If you or your organization is in need of Know Your Rights resources, scan the QR code on the flyer above to request a workshop!
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Opportunities to Volunteer for Our Office!
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Our office needs you! We have a variety of events coming up and will need your help! If you would like to help our office with tabling, flyering and upcoming events you can sign up to volunteer here.
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Help Senn High School Students With Work-Based Learning!
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Invest in the future of our community and connect with students at Senn High School! Senn is looking to connect our motivated students with local professionals for valuable work-based learning and career experiences.
We are compiling a directory of local professionals interested in:
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Speaking at career day events
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Mentoring students one-on-one
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Providing job shadow or internship opportunities (some students may be able to leave school up to two hours early for these experiences)
If you are eager to build partnerships and connect with talented students, please take a moment to share your interest through this quick form: https://forms.gle/FJGXnJjDXaukAqkK6
We look forward to helping students find success within our community. For questions, please reach out to Dr. Fink at [email protected]
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Volunteer to be a Partner In Learning Tutor/Mentor!
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Now recruiting volunteers for Family Matters' Partners in Learning one-to-one tutor/mentoring program!
Adult volunteer tutors/mentors meet with their individually matched youth partner for one 90-minute session per week. All experience levels are welcome. Program staff create a personalized lesson plan for every session, and all training and materials are provided.
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Volunteering with Seniors with H.O.M.E
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Do you enjoy bringing joy to older adults and their families? Come and volunteer with H.O.M.E.!
Sharing your Time, Talent, and Joy makes all the Difference in our Intergenerational Senior Communities in Edgewater and Rogers Park. Sit and Knit, sing a song, or help our staff with a party or activity. Anyone can participate and share a talent, skill or interest in something special with our community members. H.O.M.E. may be able to provide materials if needed.
Please contact Nikki Moustafa at [email protected] or 773.262.3389
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Howard & Evanston Area Community Center Volunteer Opportunities
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Howard & Evanston Area Community Center has a variety of volunteer opportunities to help give back to our community. Their volunteer opportunities include food pantry shifts, adult education tutoring, and reading programs.
For more information and to sign up, call 773-262-6622 or click here.
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Be a Guest Chef for Seniors with H.O.M.E!
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Do you enjoy cooking? Do you enjoy bringing joy to older adults? Become a Guest Chef at H.O.M.E.!
Sharing your Time, Talent and Joy makes all the Difference in our Good Life Senior Living Communities in Edgewater and Rogers Park. Anyone can participate so bring yourself, your friends and family or your co-workers to cook for our community members (about 10-15ppl). If you need financial assistance, H.O.M.E. can provide ingredients.
Please contact Nikki Moustafa at [email protected] or 773.262.3389
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Volunteer for Animal Care and Control
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Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) is seeking volunteers to help connect families with pets, walk and play with dogs, care for cats, provide one-on-one enrichment, and assist at special events. All volunteers must be at least 18 years old and attend an orientation. For more information, click here.
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Nourishing Hope Needs Volunteer Drivers
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Nourishing Hope is one of the largest food pantries in Chicago that has been around for over 50 years. The Home Delivery program serves homebound folks who live in our community; many of these clients are elderly, disabled, chronically ill, and/or food insecure. Their program allows clients to receive pantry food by delivering it directly to them at their homes which eliminates barriers for them to receive fresh, quality food.
Nourishing Hope is in great need of more delivery drivers for their program. Drivers will get about 8 to 10 food orders for folks in the nearby community that need their food delivered. A typical shift lasts from about 10:30 - 12:30pm on a Saturday morning. The volunteers will show up with their car to our Hub location (located at 5151 N. Ravenswood), load up with their deliveries, and then be on their way to drop them off at each community members' house.
For more information and to sign up, please scan the above QR Code or email [email protected].
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GirlForward Seeks Volunteer Mentors
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GirlForward is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers for our Mentoring Program, which matches women mentors with girls resettled through the refugee resettlement program. As a mentor, you will be paired with a mentee in grades 9-12 and will meet with her for at least two hours per week to talk about school, relationships, and careers, and to do fun and engaging activities together. As a mentor, you will make a one-year commitment to GirlForward and will receive trainings to prepare you for this role.
To learn more and apply, click here!
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Access these resources by clicking the buttons below!
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Connect with Your Elected Officials
Want to get connected with your other elected officials? Find links to sign up to their newsletters and website information below!
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