Dear Community Members,
For over 55 years, PLCCA has operated on a simple, powerful belief: we provide a hand up, not a hand out Inspired by the vision of our founder, Bishop Dr Claude Porter, we don’t just offer services we create pathways toward independence, dignity, and a better quality of life
Empowering the Community: The PLCCA Resource Guide
Last month we were thrilled to unveil the new look of our digital monthly newsletter! This month we are proud to share our new Community Resource Guide, carefully curated to connect residents with a vital network of tools needed to thrive available in both English and Spanish
Inside you will find up-to-date listings and contact information for critical community pillars, including housing, food pantries, job training programs, legal aid, healthcare, and more
Make sure to download your copy today!
Save the Date: Bridging the Gap 2026
Join us and our presenting sponsor: Amazon for a historic movement. Our Bridging the Gap & Community Resource Fair is more than a celebration it is a call for unity and progress.
Kick off: 10:00 AM at Winfield Scott Park
The Experience: Celebrities, Drumline & Youth Village & Kidz Zone
A true family affair so mark your calendars! Subscribe to our newsletter for updates
With appreciation and commitment,
ClaudetteP.Harrell President&CEO
CenteredinCommunity:PLCCA Celebrates 100 Years of Excellence at Broadview’s 6 Annual Juneteenth Celebration th
History, honor, and community spirit took center stage as the PLCCA family joined the Village of Broadview for an unforgettable Juneteenth Celebration Celebrating "100 Years of Black Excellence, " the milestone event beautifully reflected resilience, heritage, and unity.
The highlight came when Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson invited PLCCA’s President & CEO, Claudette Harrell, on stage. In a moving moment of recognition, Mayor Thompson announced a spectacular tribute: PLCCA founder Bishop Dr. Claude Porter will be honored with a dedicated lamp post banner at 21st and Roosevelt Road
Our impact is driven by strong community partnerships, proving that "teamwork makes the dream work "
PLCCA was incredibly proud to stand alongside local leaders, partners, and neighbors to honor our rich past while looking forward to a bright, collaborative future.
Thisyear’sparadeismorethanacelebration;itisa profoundrecognitionofavisionaryleaderwhoselife’s workhasbeendedicatedtoservice,faith,andcommunity empowerment.Throughour"OneLegacy,Many Bridges"initiative,sponsorshavetheuniqueopportunity toaligntheirbrandwiththevaluesofunityandexcellence thatBishopPorterhaschampionedfordecades.
Defendiendo a las familias Empoderando a las personas
CHICAGO The Proviso Leyden Council for Community Action (PLCCA), in partnership with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), participated in the annual Juneteenth Celebration at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center on June 13.
The community outreach initiative paired the cultural celebration of African American history with direct action, successfully connecting local residents to essential legal and employment resources. During the event, PLCCA personnel administered 40 fingerprinting services to community members The background clearance processing is a critical component for individuals navigating employment readiness, licensing, and professional advancement opportunities
In tandem with the screening services, PLCCA staff provided on-site legal advocacy. Representatives offered legal information, direct referrals, and navigated support systems for attendees seeking access to justice resources
According to organizational leadership, the joint effort was designed to address systemic barriers in underserved communities by meeting residents directly within their neighborhoods
"PLCCA's participation in the Juneteenth celebration strengthened community partnerships and increased vital awareness of available services," said Rashad Williams, Senior Director of Administration at PLCCA "This outreach underscores our continued commitment to empowering underserved communities through advocacy and direct service delivery."
The DuSable Museum event brought together city leaders, advocates, and neighborhood residents to commemorate the holiday while building long-term community infrastructure.
CHICAGO — Driving forward a shared mission of community empowerment, leadership from the Proviso Leyden Council for Community Action (PLCCA) joined forces with faith leaders and state officials at Interfaith Illinois’ inaugural public meeting on June 24 Held at the historic Pleasant Ridge Missionary Baptist Church, the assembly brought together grassroots advocates, neighborhood stakeholders, and policymakers dedicated to fostering social progress, equity, and collective community power
The event’s keynote address was delivered by Illinois Speaker of the House and 7th District State Representative Emanuel "Chris" Welch. Speaker Welch emphasized the critical intersection of legislative action and grassroots mobilization, highlighting how legislative progress at the state level directly fuels the excellence and freedom of local neighborhoods. His address underscored the importance of unified community action in dismantling systemic barriers and creating sustainable opportunities for families across Illinois
Amplifying this message of action and purpose, PLCCA’s President and CEO, Claudette P. Harrell took the stage to address the congregation The executive presentation focused on bridging the gap between state-level policy and street-level execution by raising vital awareness of PLCCA’s comprehensive social service portfolio.
From workforce development and mental health support to re-entry infrastructure and family wellness resources, PLCCA’s leadership detailed how the organization actively transforms legislative funding into measurable community progress By meeting residents directly within a sacred community space, the presentation reinforced PLCCA's long-standing commitment to serving as an accessible, empowering anchor for underserved populations
Organizers called the collaboration between Interfaith Illinois, state leaders, and PLCCA a blueprint for regional progress. By aligning political will with spiritual and civic advocacy, the initiative aims to inspire purpose, safeguard freedom, and build the infrastructure needed to power lasting community excellence.
MAYWOOD Local advocacy groups and service providers are joining forces to champion community safety and personal growth through the launch of the "Aim for Peace" initiative, a comprehensive community engagement and re-entry support program
Designed to serve Maywood and its surrounding neighborhoods, the program recognizes and celebrates individual efforts toward personal development, positive decision-making, and violence prevention Organizers state the initiative provides an uplifting, supportive framework where residents can celebrate their commitment to personal goals, accountability, and community-wide peace
The "Aim for Peace" program is a collaborative effort jointly sponsored by the Proviso Leyden Council for Community Action (PLCCA), Intervention Prevention Service, Reimagine Violence Prevention, Access to Justice, JAC-Reentry, and 180 Behavioral Health. The coalition aims to build upon existing grassroots connections, empower returning citizens and individuals affected by violent crime, and foster long-term community progress.
To encourage positive social interaction and strengthen neighborhood unity, the event featured interactive exhibits, live music, food, a DJ, games, and a community dance competition.
In addition to the festivities, PLCCA delivered direct financial support by distributing twenty $100 Visa gift cards to participants across its Reimagine Violence Prevention initiative, behavioral health services, and re-entry program The event doubled as a vital resource hub, equipping residents with essential tools for re-entry, mental health care, violence prevention, workforce development, and family wellness
According to a joint statement from the participating organizations, the "Aim for Peace" initiative is designed to function as both a cultural celebration and a critical resource deployment strategy
Each year, PLCCA hosts a two-day staff retreat to align every department with the agency’s mission, purpose, and community services. This year’s event placed a powerful emphasis on launching PLCCA’s new Strategic Planning initiative Serving as a dynamic platform to identify organizational strengths and future goals, the retreat featured insightful department presentations, collaborative discussions, and team-building sessions
The retreat opened with a warm welcome from President and CEO Claudette P. Harrell, followed by inspiring remarks from PLCCA Board Chairman David Quas The morning featured distinguished guest speakers, including U.S. Congressman Danny K. Davis (7th District of IL) and Illinois Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford (4th District of IL), before each department presented its specialized role within the agency.
Day two commenced with an opening address by Chief Operating Officer Beverly Porter Smith, who introduced guest facilitator Donald J. Dew, MSW, ACSW, President/CEO of Habilitative Systems Inc
ajor highlight was the engaging Legacy Panel Discussion, ch reflected on PLCCA’s history and the enduring legacy nder Bishop Dr. Claude Porter to guide the agency's direction. The panel featured Ms. Claudette P. Harrell, everly P. Smith, Board Members Jacob Mathew and “Hank” Johnson, Al Randall (NBC 5 Chicago), and Lisa on (Family Engagement Coordinator, Children & Family es).
rmal strategic planning sessions were guided by expert ltants from Health Management Associates, including ct Matter Experts Teresa Garate, PhD, and Alexa James, CSW, alongside Project Manager Veena Sundar
nd strategic alignment, the retreat fostered deep nal connections among staff in a relaxed, celebratory nment filled with department-themed music, interactive games, and a shared lunch leaving the entire team energized to power progress and purpose across the community.
At PLCCA, our Providing A Hand Up mission is simple: we are here for you We strive to create a safe, welcoming space where our community can access the essential resources they need to thrive. From fresh food and warm clothing to vital program information and support services, we are dedicated to uplifting our neighbors and ensuring no one has to face challenges alone.
Are you 16-24? If you're facing some hurdles to finding a job, our program
