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Ald. Yancy Is Recognized for Coalition-Building and Small Business Advocacy

The Small Business Advocacy Council (SBAC) has announced that Ald. Desmon Yancy is a nominee for two of their premier recognitions: the 2026 Coalition Builder and Advocate of the Year - Politician awards.

The Coalition Builder Award nomination goes to those who bring together stakeholders to benefit small businesses. To qualify, nominees must demonstrate collaboration, coordination, and strategic leadership that build strong alliances that drive meaningful, collective impact.

The Advocate of the Year - Politician award recognizes an elected official who has a strong, consistent record of supporting small businesses in Illinois. From championing legislation to engaging directly with business owners, this leader advances a pro-small-business agenda and works to create a healthier business environment.

"I am honored and truly grateful for this recognition, and I remain committed to advocating for small businesses--the backbone of our economy--and building strong coalitions with and for them so our communities can grow," responded Ald. Yancy upon learning of the nominations.

Award winners will be announced at the SBAC's annual Advocacy Awards Celebration on November 12th in the West Loop. 

Small Business Improvement Fund Grants Available

Affected by the July 27th Storm?

You Can Still Apply for Disaster Relief

Fifth Ward residents, businesses, and nonprofit organizations are eligible for financial assistance from the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA). For more details, click here.

What Types of Disaster Loans are Available?

Business Physical Disaster Loans – Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery, and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.

Home Disaster Loans – Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.

The application deadline for physical damages related to this disaster is October 19th.

The SBA is operating a disaster loan outreach center at the Hazel Crest Municipal Building, 3601 183rd Street, Hazel Crest, 60429, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To discover whether you qualify for a loan program, click here.

Don't Let a Missing Birth Certificate Block Your Voting Rights

Did You Miss the Free Property Tax Redemption Help Desk?

If you missed the September 17 opening of Cook County's new Property Tax Redemption Help Desk, you can still get free one-on-one legal assistance as you navigate the county’s complex property tax redemption process.

Attorneys from Legal Aid Chicago will provide pro bono legal guidance to residents seeking assistance with redemption issues, court notices, filing requirements, statutory deadlines, and other legal questions about the redemption process. Help Desk services, a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Clerk’s Office and Legal Aid Chicago, are offered by appointment only.

Participants must be pre-screened for eligibility and have an appointment. Please note that the Help Desk attorneys offer advice only, not extended legal representation.

The Help Desk is open on the third Thursday of each month from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Clerk’s Real Estate and Tax Services Department located at 118 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Room 434.

To complete the screening process and make an appointment, email [email protected].

Meet Our New Operations Director

Mikail Redmond brings leadership and operations experience across healthcare, transportation, business, and community-based organizations. He attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he studied finance.

A longtime South Side resident, Mikail sought this role with the 5th Ward because of his commitment to public service and his belief that effective government should be responsive, accountable, and work for the people it serves. As Operations Director, he hopes to strengthen the ward office's systems and teamwork so every constituent receives professional, compassionate service and a clear path to resolution.

Leverage the City of Chicago's

Job Search Resources

The City of Chicago has created an online resource for those searching for positions in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. You can find these opportunities listed year-round on the Careers page on the City's website. Job seekers are encouraged to add this resource to their job search arsenal.

This Week's Featured Job Announcements:

Chicago Department of Public Health postings

The Chicago Department of Mental Health also has several openings. Interested candidates may apply for these or other positions via the City of Chicago’s Department of Human Resources website.

Weekly until November 30^th

Learn about Water-Related Careers

Take Care of Yourself!

Free or Affordable Healthcare Services

Commissioner Bill Lowry's

Annual Health & Resource Fair

What Else Is Going On in the 5th?

At the Obama Presidential Center

Click the calendar for details.

Thursdays through October 8: Walk at the OPC

Walk at Your Pace at the Obama Presidential Center

The Obama Center has launched a weekly exercise program called "At Your Pace," in partnership with Peace Runners 773, a non-profit organization that advocates for health equity.

Each session begins at Jackson Park Field next to Home Court with a guided warm-up, followed by a group walk or run. The route travels through the OPC campus and surrounding park. There's no performance pressure. You can take breaks whenever you need to, and move in a way that feels right for you.

September 3 and every Thursday until October 8, 2026

9:15 a.m. Check in/Registration

9:45 a.m. Dynamic Warm-Up

10 a.m. "At Your Pace" Program

11 a.m. Cool Down

The "At Your Pace" program is free, and registration is optional.

In Our Gardens

September Saturday Mornings

Supporting Our Seniors

Help Build a List of

Research Priorities for Seniors

Final Free Summer Museum Days

Schedules

• Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Free for Illinois residents on Sept. 21-23 and 27-30; griffinmsi.org.

• Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St. Free for Illinois residents on Sept. 24; chicagohistory.org.

• Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive. Free for Illinois residents on Sept. 21-25 and 28-30; naturemuseum.org.

Free Year 'Round: Our Public Libraries

On to Higher Learning

The fair will include:

• College representatives from various HBCUs providing on-site information about their institutions
• A college-planning resource corner
• A chance for seniors to enter a book scholarship raffle

Pre-register at www.ipcdf.org/events.

The annual HBCU College Fair is hosted by Imani Pearls Community Development Foundation (IPCDF), the nonprofit arm of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated^®, Chi Omega Omega Chapter.

Younger Scholars!

Add This to Your Calendar

SCHOOL SUPPLIES GIVEAWAY

If you couldn't attend our Back-to-School Celebration and would like free school supplies, simply drop by the Fifth Ward office at 2230 East 71st Street. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have plenty of bookbags and other classroom needs on hand.

Live in a Safer Community

Attending 2nd or 3rd District Community Policing (CAPS) meetings provides opportunities to connect with your local beat officers, address your concerns, and exchange valuable information. All of it contributes to a safer, stronger community.

Not sure of your beat number? Call (312) 747-7004. Learn more.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Make Halloween Safe for the Kids and Community

Does your nonprofit organization have a program or event that Fifth Ward residents should know about?

Please send your information and flyer at least two weeks in advance to [email protected]

ALWAYS KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE FIFTH!

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