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M AY 13-M AY 19, 2009
"O R C T" FROM TH STR
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From the Director
By Bruce Crane StreetWise Executive Director
hat a difference a few weeks can make! In the April 1 issue of StreetWise, I introduced myself as the new Executive Director of StreetWise. In the April 8 issue I wrote about The Trouble With Angels (written by Robert Wilson and sung by Kathy Mattea) is you can never find one when you need one. I also highlighted many wonderful angels who help StreetWise. I wondered: how can we better connect StreetWise to other angels in our community? In the April 15 issue I wrote about how making a difference in another’s life can make for a good day for all. And then on April 15, we had a press conference to let the public know of our financial difficulties. We felt it was the right thing to do, to be open with the public, before it was too late. From its inception 16 years ago, about half of our budget has come from the advertising and the sale of our newspaper, and more recently, our magazine. The balance of our budget has come from foundation grants and individual donations. In the recent past, revenue from the sale of our magazine and
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advertising has increased slightly, but revenue from grants and donations has dropped off dramatically. These reduced donations were exceeding our internal cost reductions, and our ability to grow the magazine’s revenue in the short term. Thus, we were looking at a significant loss for the coming months, with no ability to meet our obligations in that time frame. We were overwhelmed with the support of our local media. They attended the press conference, and covered our plight on TV, radio, and newspapers. They brought a depth and compassion to their coverage that we never imagined. As a result, angels were connected to StreetWise in a huge way. With large and small donations, people said “I can help, I want to make a difference.” The difference was staggering to us. It has given us the funds we need to go on, to get through more than just the short term, and the time we needed to make necessary improvements to the StreetWise business model. This outpouring has had three immediate impacts upon me. First, I am heartened by the support of the Chicago community, and very appreciative that we will continue to serve the many current and future vendors. Second, I feel a sense of obligation and responsibility to our hundreds of new donors and angels to make their financial support be a success in assuring our long term survival. Third, I feel energized by this outpouring to redouble my efforts and am more confident than ever that StreetWise makes a difference, a much needed difference. I believe the Directors on the board of StreetWise feel the same as well. On behalf of the many people whose lives benefit and even depend on StreetWise, I thank all of our donors and customers who support both StreetWise and their vendor with every issue of StreetWise. I wish you all a “good day;” you have made a wonderful difference.
Wanted: StreetWise Ad Representatives Interested in helping fight homelessness in Chicago while making some money at the same time? Do you have strong sales and customer service skills? Help up sell advertising in StreetWise. Send your resumé to advertising@streetwise.org.
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Executive Director/Publisher Bruce Crane
Editor-in-Chief
Suzanne Hanney suzannestreetwise@yahoo.com
Director of Distribution Greg Pritchett
gpritchett14@yahoo.com
Production & Marketing Manager Ben Cook
bcook@streetwise.org
Director of Advertising & Corporate Development Grace Federighi grace@streetwise.org
Advertising Sales Executive Michael Montes
Advertising Sales Executive Mary Faith Hilboldt
Proofreader
Robert Cass
Board of Directors Rob Federighi President
John J. Leonard
Pete Kadens Vice President
StreetWise Founder Lofchie & Associates, Inc.
Judd R. Horwitz Treasurer
DLA Piper US LLP
Morgan Stanley
ChicagoBroker.com
Judd Lofchie
SoCore Energy
Judd R. Horwitz & Co. P.C.
Ray Gillette Secretary
Adam Meek
Timothy Ray
Neal, Gerber, Eisenberg LLP
Jonathan Reinsdorf Stonegate Development Partners, LLC
Non-Profit consulting
Lee Barrie
Patricia Tillman
Kurman Communications, Inc.
Vendor Representative
Richard Boykin
The Forward Group
Danny K. Davis
AT&T Global Services
Barnes & Thornburg LLP U.S. Congressman, 7th District, Illinois
Pam Frye
Kevin Ward
Jeannie Weaver Ira Williams CEDA
Retired
Mission Statement: To help people help themselves to self-sufficiency through gainful employment. StreetWise is published weekly and is sold by the poor and homeless of Chicago. StreetWise is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization and is a member of the North American Street Newspaper Association.
1201 W. Lake, Chicago, Illinois 60607 Office: 312.829.2526 Fax: 312.829.2623
www.streetwise.org M AY 13-M AY 19, 2009
From our vendor’s children From the Kids Children of StreetWise vendors have written hand-written thank you notes to all those who stepped up to help StreetWise survive, enabling their families to remain stable and secure.
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Our Columnists Why StreetWise?
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Our weekly and bi-weekly contributors tell why they donate their time and expertise to write for StreetWise.
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Volunteer Network volunteer network StreetWise Contact: Michael Speer at 312. 829.2526 Address: 1201 W. Lake St. Chicago Tasks: Aid in adult education, including computer assistance, GED studies and job readiness training. Time commitment: Flexible Become a Vendor. Prescreening 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Ask for Michael or Greg.
The Illinois Hunger Coalition The Illinois Hunger Coalition is seeking a volunteer to work at our downtown Chicago office. We are a statewide non-profit organization that combats hunger and poverty through education and advocacy. We also run a Hunger Hotline (1.800.359.2163) which provides a number of services including: referrals to food pantries and free and reduced-price clinics; referrals to the WIC program; and referrals to programs that help cover the cost of utilities and housing. We also prepare food stamp applications and applications for free medical insurance over the telephone. Please contact Diane Doherty at 312.629.9580 or email dianedihc@aol.com with subject titled “VOLUNTEER” if you are interested in this opportunity.
Connect with other not-for-profits Due to the cost of printing our volunteer network is usually only featured online. As a thank you to all in the not-for-profit community, it is printed in full in this issue.
but must be at least conversational in either Spanish or Polish. We are also in need of Volunteer Physicians and Specialists. Volunteer Physicians and Specialists must be licensed in Illinois. Volunteers are needed for day, evening and Saturday clinics. Time commitment: Generally 1-2 times per month.
UNITY Hospice
Due to limited space, StreetWise will be cycling through various volunteer contacts throughout the month. For a full listing, please visit the new StreetWise Web Site at www.streetwise.org
Contact: Dorris Mitchell, 312.949.1188 Address: 439 E. 31st St. Tasks: Provide support to terminally ill patients and their families. Duties include visiting with patients, reading, friendly conversation, sharing a meal, light errands, and companionship. Time commitment: Flexible, usually 8-hour training commitment required.
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The Chicago Recovery Alliance Contact: Dan Bigg, (312) 953-3797 Address: Many sites throughout the city Tasks: Syringe exchange, medical care, overdose program, safe sex/injection education, substance abuse and shelter referrals, legal assistance (training included for all services). Time commitment: Flexible; site visits last 2 hours. Email: cra@attglobal.net Website: www.anypositivechange.org
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To the people who made it happen: Thank You! StreetWise is still here to provide the impoverished people of Chicago an opportunity for a better life thanks to the kind hearts and actions of many generous donors. page
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Community Health Contact: Kelly Jordan, kjordan@community health.org www.communityhealth.org or call 773.395.9901 ex. 23 Address: 2611 W. Chicago Ave. Tasks: CommunityHealth is a free health clinic offering free primary and specialty care as well as medication. We are looking for volunteer Polish and Spanish interpreters. Interpreters need not know medical terms
streetwise
volunteer
Thanks to long term supports page 4 Our Contributing Writers page 5 Children of StreetWise page 6 From our vendors page 7
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Our Columnists page 8-9 Feature Story page 11-13
W W W. S T R E E T W I S E . O R G N O V E M B E R 5-11, 2008
Volunteer Network page 14
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Thanks to Our Writers
The men and women who contribute their talent to our pages Adeshina O. Emmanuel Jr. is a lifetime Uptown resident, and a student at Harold Washington College, where he serves as Editor-In-Chief of the school's student newspaper, The Herald. He also contributes to The Conduit and Underlined, two online entertainment and lifestyle magazines. For StreetWise, Adeshina has previously penned an article about artist Daniel Heyman's Abu Ghraib Detainee Interview Project, and another article on the efforts to preserve legendary muralist William Walker's All of Mankind mural. Veronica Hinke is a Chicago-based freelance journalist. She reports for many news outlets, most frequently for Pioneer Press and the New York Post. She is a 2008 literature grantee of Chicago’s Community Arts Assistance Program, an award that helps fund her non-fiction book project about a street artist. Rebecca Sarwate is a near-lifelong resident of the greatest city in the world, Chicago, and darned proud. She lives on the North Side with her beloved husband, Aditya, and their two cats. In her spare time Rebecca is a blogger and avid reader of, well, anything. She couldn't be happier to be part of the StreetWise family. Dave Boe worked at the Daily Herald for 24 years. For 15 of those years he was the Herald’s automotive writer and editor. He is also past president of the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA), based in Chicago. Jacquée Thomas is the former columnist for Letter from Chicago that ran weekly in newspapers outside Chicago. She is the authoress of A Poet's Moon, and of the new poem book Growing Up (the pain, the joy, the discoveries). For more information, visit jacuqee-t.com, or her company web site DetourProductions.biz. Noleen Kelly Power hails from Dublin, Ireland. She studied Social Science at University College, Dublin and Photography at Dublin Institute of Technology. After college she spent a year traveling the world on a shoe-string budget with her husband, Joe. Currently raising two small children, she plans to concentrate more on writing after returning to the workforce. Temple Hemphill is a Chicago-based journalist, author, media professor and children’s advocate. If you know of a Chicagoan significantly impacting the community, please send spotlight suggestions to templehemphill@alumni .indiana.edu; write “The Good Life” in the subject field. Jo Freeman is a political scientist and attorney. Jo's new book, We Will Be Heard: Women's Struggles for Political Power in the United States, has been published by Rowman and Littlefield. Her previous book is At Berkeley in the Sixties: Education of an Activist (Indiana U. Press 2004) and before that, A Room at a Time: How Women Entered Party Politics, (Rowman and Littlefield, 2000) was reviewed by Emily Mitchell, a Senior Women Web Culture Watch critic. You can read more of her inauguration coverage at seniorwomen.com/authors/authorpageFreeman.html. Mary Faith Hilboldt is a freelance writer and blogger, with a B.A. in journalism from Marquette University, and a certificate from Stanford University for a mass media institute in T.V. producing. Barrett Newell is a former StreetWise intern and recent journalism graduate of Loyola University Chicago. He has an interest in arts journalism and has also interned for the Chicago Sun-Times. Sydney Corryn—a current StreetWise intern—attended Homewood-Flossmoor High School in Flossmoor and is a freshman at Columbia College Chicago. A Journalism and Cultural Studies major, she is a member of the Student Professional Journalism Chapter. She hopes to write about social, global and political issues.
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Fiona Weeks is a high school student who is invol ved with the Cindy Bandle Young Critics Program through Goodman Theatre. The program gives 30 female high school juniors the opportunity to see and review shows at the Goodman. The girls also get to work with professionals who are members of the Association of Women Journalists. The program’s purpose is to train and encourage young women with an interest in journalism because the field, especially in terms of theater criticism, is dominated by men. The AWJ professionals who are involved in the program are Cheryl Corley, Martha Steketee, Kerry Reid, Anitra Schulte, Dawn Raftery, Caryn Rousseau, Sarah Nordgren, Marla Seidell, Hilary Powell, and Jan Lisa Huttner. Kenya Harrison Bonner is a Chicago freelance writer. Her previous stories in StreetWise have been about AfricanAmerican artist Robert Colescott, an art exhibit by Illinois prison inmates at the Chicago Cultural Center and about actor Jasmine Guy as the producer of the play, For Colored Girls Who Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf. Rebekah Mercuri obtained her B.A. in fiction writing from Columbia College. She has written an experimental novel and is currently writing a romance book as well as blogging on her Web site: chicmomblog.com. Kenshata Harris was an intern at StreetWise and a magazine journalism major at Columbia College Chicago. Harris has written Q&As on associate editor Shirley Henderson, of Ebony magazine and Web editor Eileen Smith of Texas Monthly. Mike Cook attended Calumet High and the University of Chicago. Currently residing in North Lawndale, Mike has written theatre reviews for the North Lawndale Community News as well as stories on education and culture. A playwright, his plays There They Stood: Robeson & O'Neill, Drums of the Night Gods, and The Fire and the Storm have been produced in Chicago, Los Angeles, Tucson and the University of Iowa, where he taught theatre.
Nancy Gerstein is a certified hatha yoga teacher with the Himalayan Institute of Yoga Philosophy and Science, wellness workshop facilitator, and author of Guiding Yoga’s Light (Human Kinetics, 2008). Nancy can be reached at nancygerstein @yahoo.com. Staci Lynn Boyer is an award-winning Master Trainer with a Master of Fitness Sciences certified through the ISSA and ACE. She is also an author, fitness educator, motivational speaker, figure competitor, wife and mother! Her experiences span from 12 years as a Navy Hospital Corpsman to 20 years in the fitness industry as a personal trainer, media representative, group exercise instructor, and general manager for Bally Total Fitness. Now owning her own business, Motiv8n U Personal Training, she is pursuing a Master’s in Social Work while preparing for her motivational book due out through Medallion Press in 2010. Helen Kiernan is chief editor of Elephant 'zine (www.elephantzine.weebly.com) and received a bachelor's degree in poetry from Columbia College, Chicago. Lynn Sanders is an award-winning writer and the president of Park Avenue Productions, whose focus is to serve nonprofit clients with “multimedia that makes a difference.” She has written freelance articles as well as created promotional videos, speeches, live shows, lyrics, press releases, and marketing material. Sanders is committed to the needs of education, health care, the environment, human rights, and social justice. Angela Houghton holds an undergraduate degree from Iowa State University, and a master's degree from the University of Leicester in England. Houghton has written for the Iowa State Daily newspaper, ethos magazine, and several newsletters. After many years working for museums in the U.S. and the U.K., Angela is now taking time to focus on her writing and family. She is currently working on her first book.
Leila Noelliste covers courts, legal affairs and religion for the Kankakee Daily Journal in Kankakee, Ill. She previously covered youth and education for the Chicago Defender.
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From our vendors’ children
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What selling StreetWise means to our vendors Patricia Tillman
Percy Smith
Vendor #1233
Vendor #5653
Vendor Representative to the Board
Hosts drug recovery meetings at StreetWise office Has a college degree
First, I want to thank God for making it all happen. And I want to thank everybdy who helped save StreetWise. Thanks to them I can continue to pay my bills, help my kids take music lessons, keep food on the table. People need to know that this was a quick fix and we have to continue to raise funds for the longevity of StreetWise. I ask for their continual support in the months and years to come. Just by continuously buying magazines from the vendors is a tremendous way to help. Even though the organization itself is in better shape, the men and women who’s livelihoods depend on their sales still rely on their customer’s support. With the blessing of StreetWise’s continual existence I’m now working to put together a college fund for my kids. They want to be doctors and lawyers, and it’s time that I start saving some money to allow them to have the bright futures that they deserve. (See note from Pat’s kids on proceeding page.)
I’m just happy that I can be a part of keeping it alive. I’m going to continue doing my part by selling more papers and putting in a couple more hours, whatever I can do to help this organization stay alive. This is a great organization. People helped keep this place alive for me to come through these doors, so I want to help other people in that same light. People should be proud to keep StreetWise a live and growing. I can’t say enough about how much I appreciate StreetWise. This is a part of my good life. When I sell StreetWise it doesn’t feel like a job, it feels like a vacation. I get to talk to people and share some kind words and laughs at my location. I know my customers care about me and support my efforts, which keeps me afloat both financially and mentally. Sometimes things in my life do go bad, but StreetWise is always there.
Alexander Chatman
Robert Brown
Vendor # 8118
Vendor #1954
Used to sell books door to door
Also delivers pizzas
Initially I came to StreetWise with the idea of being an advertiser. My original business was selling a hardback book entitled The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia when I came to the office to discuss advertising. At that time Greg was doing a vendor orientation. That day I left here as a vendor. It really drew me in that I could save up the seed money I needed by selling the magazine. The first six weeks I was here as a vendor, the thing that was going through my mind was, What would be best for StreetWise? So that is my goal today: to build seed money for my sales business venture and to do what I can to help StreetWise promote itself. As an independent vendor, I have my business. My business will prosper more if StreetWise is in the forefront. I would like to say to all the men and women who stepped up when StreetWise was in need that they will be tremendously blessed. I have been praying for them. By donating to StreetWise, you have allowed thousands to be fed off of a couple loaves and fish. I hope that those who have contributed feel encouraged by their good works and tell others about StreetWise.
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Involved in the Disability Pride Parade
Has almost completed his final round of improv classes at iO and is the first to attend on scholarship People really depend on this paper. I’m one of them. I do deliveries when I’m not selling StreetWise. Because I sell StreetWise, if my car breaks down I can get it fixed—I don’t have to rely on somebody to loan me the money. I have a reason for selling StreetWise—I want people to know I sell this paper so that I can keep going. A lot of people out there selling are in the same place I am: they’re trying to get through school and they need a job with flexible hours. I think a job like StreetWise is a job that should never be lost—it helps people to get back on their feet when they’re down and get from point A to point B. If you lose your job, this is the only place that will get you back to work the next day. At a lot of places you might hear, ‘Well, you’re overqualified, you’re underqualified, you’re too old.’ If that’s the case, you’re just right for StreetWise. StreetWise started the way every paper in the world started: somebody had to sell it to eat. Selling StreetWise does not make you a bum or on drugs, it means you need help, and that vendor is trying to do the right thing until something better comes along.
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Columnists
Ginny and Chef J have shared their expertise with StreetWise readers for two years.
Trainer John Godoy approached StreetWise with a column just in time for our magazine.
Lee Barrie and his wife, Cindy Kurman, serve as PR consultants as well as board members.
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Ginny and Chef J. both have given years of effort to the tragedy of homelessness. Both have a personal understanding of the problem. Ginny’s sister, Susie, died alone in a homeless shelter. A talented professional artist, she fell victim to drug and alcohol addiction and lost her job, her husband, her home, and her self-respect. Ginny was too young to help. Chef J. grew up in the housing projects of South Boston. His mother, an orphan, raised six children by herself. He grew up in a world of “skid row” homelessness, drugs, gangs and despair. Many of the Chef’s childhood friends, and one of his brothers, later died homeless. A few years ago Chef J. noticed a homeless man selling StreetWise in front of Starbucks. Over the next few months he watched this vendor slowly transform from a tattered, dazed panhandler, to a clear-headed, well-mannered businessman. The vendor went on to open his own successful limousine service! Chef J. was astounded. That experience led him and Ginny to contact StreetWise. They both knew it was doing something wonderful—StreetWise was bringing people back from the edge. This paper was giving people back dignity and purpose. StreetWise was hope. Ginny and the Chef could not go back in time. They could not save her sister or his brother. However, they both knew, StreetWise could save others. They knew. If they could, they must help. From that day on, Ginny and the Chef have written for StreetWise.
Writing for StreetWise has been an extremely rewarding experience in that it has allowed me to fulfill an intrinsic desire to give back to the community. I believe in the idea that teaching a man to fish will serve him better than simply giving him a fish, and I hope my articles inspire, encourage, and give at least a little hope to both those who read them and sell the magazines that feature them.. De spite always giving what I could to those who were down on their luck, I nevertheless felt a desire to do more. StreetWise has allowed me to do just that. I am always in awe of the people who, despite their circumstances in life, choose to make the best of it. The StreetWise vendors who day in and day out sell magazines to make a living could just as easily quit, give up, and drown in self-pity. I am bo th humbled and inspired by their desire to better their situation, support their families, and get on their feet. If I can have even a small part in that, I am truly fortunate.
Contributing to StreetWise is a joy. We believe strongly that the Chicago community includes everyone, and StreetWise makes it possible for those Chicagoans who need help the most to have a chance to earn a living with dignity. From the beginning, we took a major role in transforming StreetWise from a newspaper to a magazine. Our reason was simple: we wanted more people to buy it, not simply because it he lped the vendor, but because it was a good read and had something unique to offer. We and many others have worked hard to contribute good, informative content that motivates people to seek out StreetWise so they will better understand this exciting city, while helping our vendors earn a living for their families. Our approach to writing our dining column each week is to give Chicagoans, each week, anoth er reason to love their city, because when people love their city, they often feel more inclined to reach out to everyone who lives here—especially those who need help the most. In every issue we tell Chicagoans about many of the lesser known or new neighborhood restaurants that are a joy to visit. We hope by sharing our dining experiences that we will encourage others to journey forth around town and partake of the great places—and the great people—that make Chicago the wonderful food city it has become.
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Columnists Since the early ’90s when I moved to the city for my first job at Marshall Field’s on State Street, I was always impressed by the work ethic of the people of Chicago. The Chicago History Museum is full of profiles of hardworking Chicagoans, proud of the sometimes gritty industries that prospered and made the city what it is today. I have also admired StreetWise, since its inception in 1992, for its concept of assisting people down on their luck by giving them an opportunity to work and rebuild. I have stopped over the years to talk to the vendors, to hear their stories. The common theme is always the same. They were hard workers who fell into some bad circumstances, many times an illness they could not afford or other situation that physically kept them from working. They are so appreciative to StreetWise for giving them the chance to get back on their feet. Consistently I heard how difficult it was for them to consider begging when they wanted to work as they always had but did not know where else to turn. Streetwise gave them an alternative they could feel proud of, and the start of a plan for their turnaround. In these tough economic times, as many people find themselves in a similar situation of starting over, the hope that Streetwise offers resonates. Most people derive self-confidence and self-respect from their occupation. And while they may joke about a dream life of leisure, they feel best about themselves when they are making a solid contribution to the work force. While I write a small column for StreetWise about fashion and shopping, underlying the articles are stories of Chicago’s great artists and entrepreneurs who have worked hard and taken many risks. Thanks to recent contributions, Chicago’s rich work ethic will continue to be represented by StreetWise vendors as they move on to bigger and better things in our city.
Julie Cameron writes about independent shops for StreetWise
Ruth L. Ratny, Reel Chicago I am outraged and pained that people have to go hungry and homeless in the richest country in the world. I could rant for hours about it. Instead, I contribute to local organizations that provide food and shelter. I don't know the recipients of those contributions, but I do know I can directly help a StreetWise vendor on the corner. What's that saying? "The journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step"? I keep loose dollar bills in my pocket to give to StreetWise vendors and other needy souls I may encounter. The vendors can keep the magazine--it gives them an extra opportunity to sell. If I've had a good week, or the weather's miserable, I'm pleased to give them a few more dollars if it means an extra bowl of hot soup or a place to sleep for the night. What disturbs me most is the myriad of shoppers who rush by carrying bags from good stores and, with eyes averted, ignore the poor guy on the corner as if he doesn't exist. If they've already spent a hundred dollars for the stuff in those bags, why can't they spend two dollars more on a good cause?
My friends hate it when we encounter a StreetWise vendor because they know I'll prod them into coming up with a few bucks. When they balk, saying the guy should get a job (what planet are they living on?), I tell them they can afford it and they ante up. And that's the point—$2, or however much we choose to give a StreetWise vendor, isn't going to break us. We're going to eat well. We will sleep in a snug bed under a roof that is ours. We can well afford those few dollar bills. What we can't afford is to ignore our fellow man in need. Ruth L. Ratny is celebrating her 30th year as chronicler of Chicago's film and video industry. She currently publishes ReelChicago.com and has written a movie about gospel great Mahalia Jackson, the Oprah of her day, whose dream of racial equality 60 years ago was fulfilled when Barack Obama became president. The movie will be filmed in Chicago, where Jackson lived most of her life, later this year.
Richard Pegue, 1943-2009
Jim Memolo, WGN radio Just in time to distract us from the reality of America's economic hangover comes spring time and the busiest time of the sports calendar. The beer garden at Wrigley Field is warming up, the Sox keep the South Side moving, and the Bulls and Black Hawks have provided bonus excitement. Obscured in the wins and losses is the simplicity of sports that may clarify, or at least contrast, our real lives. For me, sports has always been a wonderful escape from the subtle shades of real life. As much as radio shows and columnists may render judgment on athletes, ultimately the winners and losers are simply quantified and qualified by the scoreboard. There is no element of influence or politics or circumstance, although the defeated sometimes retreat to such claims. You compete, you win or lose. And the best part is, if you did lose, you get to try again. I have been writing for StreetWise for over a year and beyond the enjoyment of expressing opinion, I appreciate the guarantee of unfettered and unfiltered honesty. You may not agree with this column or anything else in the paper. But, unlike any other media outlet, you can be sure it has not been influenced or altered. Short of simply printing a score for every sports situation, StreetWise is the closest thing to a scoreboard I could find.
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Richard Pegue was one of the first columnists to write for StreetWise on a weekly basis. With his column—which came in at the buzzer but never after—Richard brought our readers a wealth of dusty knowledge and the Best Music of Our Lives. Richard believed strongly in StreetWise’s mission, and on occasion he would even help a venRICHARD PEGUE dor break in a new spot by promoting the event beforehand on the radio and then by selling StreetWise newspapers right alongside them. Despite the health problems that plagued Richard in his last years, he always wrote about his favorite music, even if it was on the laptop his wife brought him to use in his hospital room. He loved good music, good food, and helping others. Richard was a model giver whose presence is severely missed by everyone at StreetWise who knew him from his weekly visits.
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StreetWise Feature
By Suzanne Hanney Editor-Chief
Rob Federighi As the chairman of the board of directors for StreetWise, there are many people to thank for the amazing outpouring of support we received recently. Each member of the board of directors has found a way to be actively involved; whether helping to plan events, contacting his or her networks to inspire donations, or working directly with the vendors, they've all chipped in to help pull us through this difficult time. The StreetWise staff has worked--and continues to work--tirelessly to publish the magazine and service the vendors. In a time of great uncertainty within the organization, it is a real testament to our staff that we did not lose any employees; each one has remained committed to our vital operation. Many thanks to our incredible families, who made substantial donations. [Michael T. and Lori Clune gave $75,000; Greg Zeman donated $35,000; Brooke Baxter and Wood Chatham gave $20,000, James and Kay Mabie $25,000. We are blessed to have found such incredible supporters for our mission. Our gratitude also goes out to the donors who contributed more than 250 donations through our Web site, Facebook, and e-mail circulations.This support illustrates to us that the people of Chicago value the work that our vendors are doing to create better lives for themselves. We also would like to recognize those who have supported us through the years, from the many service providers who donate or offer their services at greatly reduced rates to granters and donors who helped before they even knew a crisis existed. Finally, I'd like to thank our vendors, who have endured a tough economy and some rocky times with the organization but have remained optimistic and positive in their sales approach. While we pride ourselves on creating this income-producing opportunity for them, our business model wouldn't work without their dedication. In the next few weeks we will be rolling out more details about how we are molding our business model to ensure that we create an organization that is sustainable for the future. As many businesses have revamped their tactics during this recession, StreetWise vows to do the same. Thank you to everyone for your amazing support!
Michael Clune "My wife, Lori, and I have had a long-term 'soft spot' and desire to help the homeless, going back 15 years, when we helped out in one of Lake County's PADS shelters, and for the past eight years through my involvement on the board of directors at Mercy Lakefront
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PHOTO BY CINDY KURMAN
The people who made it happen
From left, Board President Rob Federighi, Lee Barrie, and Board Vice-President Pete Kadens
(formally Lakefront SRO). We are the largest provider of supportive housing both locally and nationally; we strongly believe that everybody has a fundamental right to a safe 'roof over their heads.' I have gotten to know and recognize many of your StreetWise vendors downtown near my office and made a pact with myself that I would never pass by one without stopping and at least giving whatever note I had in my pocket. We know what StreetWise does and provides for these vendors, and we just could not let your publication close. So while this was a spontaneous decision, it was also a very easy one. God bless your work and keep going.We are also looking at providing handicap ramps at your facility through Clune Construction. Thank you."
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take a stand against poverty, injustice and struggle. These problems are not far away, not just images on a news feed, but right here on our doorstep and now more than ever we must answer the call to help our neighbors and treat them as we would want to be treated. If we all reach out in our local communities, our efforts will ripple nationwide and create a prouder, more productive, more humane America. As Wood says, "We are big believers in the fact that change starts to take root at the local level." We are really very new to Chicagoland. Wood moved here from New York one year ago to start a new job and I followed—with our many rescued animals in tow—a few months later. Wood is a portfolio manager at
This support illustrates to us that the people of Chicago value the work that our vendors are doing to create better lives for themselves.
Brooke Baxter & Wood Chatham
Wood and I are honored to be involved with StreetWise because we believe in the power of individuals to make their own future and the power of the local community to support those individuals toward success, stability and self-esteem. In a world where so much seems to be falling down around us, it is important to remember that there are accessible, everyday ways in which we can have an impact and W W W. S T R E E T W I S E . O R G
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Alyeska Investment Group. I have my own business called Four Legs & A Soul, which provides problem solving, communication and healing services for animals. As we are so new to Chicago, StreetWise is one of the first charitable organizations we are getting to know; Wood had many positive experiences [on his way to work from the Ogilvie station everyday]. But we have always
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StreetWise Feature PHOTO BY BEN COOK
Ald. Manuel Flores (1st Ward) discusses how he believes StreetWise can be an example to efforts around the city
PHOTO BY BEN COOK
Brooke Baxter PHOTO BY BEN COOK
James Mabie
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supported local charities that are making a tangible difference in their community. We support a conservation organization called Teatown Lake Reservation, which is in the heart of the Hudson Hills and Highlands in New York. Besides being an important local voice and resource, Teatown is a replicable model for regional environmental action. Not only do they do wonderful things for the Hudson River Valley, linking people to nature in an increasingly urban and suburban world, but Teatown provides an example for organizations around the country of how to effect positive change by working with children and their parents as well as lawmakers; like-minded local entities and businesses; avid conservationists; recreational hikers; and of course, their neighbors. Local organizations like StreetWise and Teatown work because they bring the community together in action. Similarly, we have always supported wellrun local animal rescue organizations because they are the groups on the front lines each day and they are also the ones with the least funding. Large national or global charitable organizations play an incredibly important role in our society, but local groups often have a close-up view of the face of the problem; their ability to walk amongst those in need and understand their immediate struggle allows local organizations like StreetWise a crystal clear window into the problem and how to help. Imagine the world if we all did what we could within our own communities, if we all woke up and reached out and lent a hand. It would be an extraordinary place. W W W. S T R E E T W I S E . O R G
James Mabie “This took me about a nano-second to respond to after I saw the publicity in the Tribune,” said James W. Mabie. “This is exactly what Chicago is all about—helping the people who are in need, people who could be out there with a tin cup instead—but are working. This is an extraordinary effort, in my opinion, and hopefully we can provide this opportunity to more people. I’m delighted that StreetWise is alive and well, and is moving forward and it is a tribute to Chicago to be able to respond in this way.” Mabie and his wife, Kay, have also donated in the past to Chicago Public Radio, the Chicago Symphony, the Emergency Fund, and the Cara program. James has been a board member of Chicago Public Radio, the Cara Program, Thresholds Inc. and Chicago Media Action and a trustee of the Chicago Symphony. The Mabies have been honored by the Chicago Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Alderman Manuel Flores “I became involved in the battle to save StreetWise after I became aware of the seriousness of the financial situation that this iconicmagazine was facing,” said Ald. Manuel Flores (First Ward) about the resolution he introduced at the March 18 Chicago City Council meeting that led to an April 15 press conference and hearing before the City Council’s Committee on Human Relations. The hearing gave vendors and board members a chance to tell their stories to Chicago,
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and the committee agreed to further probe reporters that StreetWise was one of the few how StreetWise could fit into the city’s work- boards on which he remained after he was force development and Plan to End elected to Congress. He commended execuHomelessness policies. tive director Bruce Crane and the board of Flores’s resolution referred to the paper’s directors for holding an organization together founding in 1992, its status as the longest- that reduces homelessness and heightens standing near-homeless aid publication in the awareness of the issue, all while allowing indiUnited States, its aid to over 8,000 vendors viduals to help themselves. “It helps people to recover from addictions since its founding (including 230 this year alone), and its attention to vendors’ social-serv- and not find themselves back in correctional ice needs and the downturn institutions,” Davis said. “It’s in the economy, which led gratifying for me to see to the decline in advertising men and women reclaimrevenue and donations last ing their lives.” Last year the fall. Second Chance Act, a bill Board chair Rob Federighi coauthored by Davis, was Large national or global had said that if StreetWise passed by Congress and did not raise at least charitable organizations play an signed by President Bush; it $75,000, it would be forced incredibly important role in our will provide funds to agento close in 45 days. The society, but local groups often cies that reduce recidivism. The congressman also organization subsequently have a close-up view of the face pledged $1,000 and invited raised $200,000. of the problem; their ability to at least 100 Chicagoans to “StreetWise’s major value walk amongst those in need and promise the same amount. is that it develops entrepreThe Congressman neurial attributes and prounderstand their immediate responded on May 4 to the vides self-empowerment to struggle allows local question: some of Chicago’s most organizations like StreetWise a diverse and disadvantaged crystal clear window into the ‘Why I stick with people,” Flores said May 1, problem and how to help. StreetWise and what it calling StreetWise a “longmeans to me’ time progressive publica-Brooke Baxter “Chicago is without a tion.” “I felt that this magadoubt one of the most fascizine was too significant to nating and desirable cities be allowed to fail, and I in this country in which to did not want to disappoint live, work, and dream. the people who sell this Unfortunately, to many of magazine.” our citizens life is not about dreams, hope, Alderman Burnett anticipation and positive expectation. Instead, Ald. Walter Burnett Jr., whose 27th ward it is one long nightmare punctuated with includes the StreetWise offices, said the during homelessness, unemployment, drug addiction, the April 15 press conference that the organi- criminal activity, in and out of jail and correczation gives homeless people a chance to own tional facilities with little or no hope for the their own business, "to feel they have it going future. Fortunately, for many of these men and on," that is -- pride, a reason for getting up every day. The magazine also covers issues in women there is something called ‘Streetwise’, the community that might not interest main- a concept, an organization, an opportunity, a resource, a place, a business, a conveyer, a stream media, Burnett said. "I think StreetWise has a needed purpose in newspaper which they can buy and sell, a our community," Burnett said May 1. "They place to work, to earn a living, to create a give people a sense of confidence, charity, sense of self-worth, of individual fulfillment, of and independence. They don’t give folks a pride and hope for the future. Streetwise is a fish--they teach them how to fish. They take unique social service organization which propeople out of being homeless, or having other motes self-help, it is not a handout, but it is challenges, to giving them a sense of pride and indeed a hand-up. It has a dedicated board, a a sense of being in our society. But at the same great staff and wonderful volunteers and an time, they report uncensored on issues in our editor who will do whatever is necessary, like taking long bus rides and walks in ice, snow community and they give us the real deal." and serious cold weather to get a firsthand U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis story. During the April 15 City Hall press conferI am proud to be a member of The ence that preceded a hearing before the Streetwise Board of Directors and thank all of Chicago City Council’s Committee on Human its supporters for helping to ‘keep hope alive’, Relations, U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-IL) told for so long as there is life, there is hope!”
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF WWW.ALDERMANBURNETT.COM, WWW.ALDE MANBURNETT.COM/
StreetWise Feature
Congressman Danny K. Davis
Alderman Burnett
Available at www.streetwise.org
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Volunteer Network StreetWise Contact: Bruce Crane at 312.829.2526 Address: 1201 W. Lake St., Chicago Tasks: Aid in adult education, including computer assistance, GED studies, and job readiness training. Time commitment: flexible Become a vendor: prescreening takes place Monday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. Ask for Bruce or Greg. The Illinois Hunger Coalition The Illinois Hunger Coalition is seeking a volunteer to work at our downtown Chicago office. We are a statewide nonprofit organization that combats hunger and poverty through education and advocacy. We also run a Hunger Hotline (1.800.359.2163) that provides a number of services, including referrals to food pantries and free and reduced-price clinics, referrals to the WIC program, and referrals to programs that help cover the cost of utilities and housing. We also prepare food-stamp applications and applications for free medical insurance over the telephone. Please contact Diane Doherty at 312.629.9580 or e-mail her at dianedihc@aol.com with the subject heading “VOLUNTEER” if you are interested in this opportunity.
The Chicago Recovery Alliance Contact: Dan Bigg, cra@att.global.net Address: many sites throughout the city Tasks: Syringe exchange, medical care, overdose program, safe sex/injection education, substance abuse and shelter referrals, legal assistance (training included for all services). Time commitment: flexible; site visits last two hours Web site: www.anypositivechange.org Community Health Contact: Kelly Jordan, kjordan@communityhealth.org or call 773.395.9901, ext. 23 Address: 2611 W. Chicago Ave. Tasks: Community Health is a free health clinic offering free primary and specialty care as well as medication. We are looking for volunteer Polish and Spanish interpreters, who need not know medical terms but must be at least conversational in either Spanish or Polish. We are also in need of volunteer physicians and specialists, who must be licensed in Illinois. Volunteers are needed for day, evening, and Saturday clinics. Time commitment: generally one or two times per month Web site: www.communityhealth.org VITAS Healthcare Contact: Beverly Carnes-Brinson, volunteer services manager, 773.533.2890 Address: 700 N. Sacramento Tasks: Patient care at home or in a nursing home, inpatient unit, administrative, bereavement. Training: VITAS Healthcare in Chicagoland Central is offering free hospice volunteer training as a community service to persons interested in providing support to the terminally ill and their families. In this comprehensive session, you will gain knowledge about the hospice philosophy, death and dying issues, and grief and bereavement. Time commitment: flexible Court Appointed Special Advocates Contact: LaDora Robinson-Locke, 312.433.4928 Address: 1100 S. Hamilton St., 8 West Tasks: Act as a nonlegal advocate and friend for a child in the court system (training provided). Time commitment: one year Metropolitan Tenants Organization Contact: Rebecca McDannald, 773.292.4980, ext. 223 Address: 1180 N. Milwaukee Ave., 1st fl. Tasks: Take calls on tena nts’ rights hotline, data entry. Time commitment: eight-hour training session, but hours are flexible Web site: www.tenants-rights.org Access to Recovery Contact: Vince Gillon, 773.407.9030 Address: 113 Custer, Evanston Tasks: Assist with office duties pertaining to ATR clients; help with computer tasks, such as creating resumés, employment search, and online applications. Time commitment: flexible E-ma il: carepoint@ameritech.net Web site: www.carepointoutreach.org
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Albany Park Community Center Contact: Michelle Fleming, 773.433.3737 Address: 5121 N. Kimball Ave. (near CTA Brown Line Kimball stop)
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Tasks: Tutor immigrants and new readers in English and literacy skills; training provided. Time commitment: two to four hours per week Blue Gargoyl e Adult Learning Program Contact: 773.955.4108, ext. 308, or e-mail volunteer@bluegargoyle.org Address: 5638 S. Woodlawn Tasks: Tutor adults in reading, writing, and/or math, and/or job skills and computer skills. Time commitment: minimum of two hours per week after completing training Erie Neighborhood House Contact: Susana Ortiz, 312.563.5800, sortiz@eriehouse.org Address: 1347 W. Erie St. Tasks: Tutor adults in English as a second language; Language Exchange Spanish/English; GED reading, writing, and math; literacy in Spanish; citizenship exam preparation. Time commitment: once or twice a week Freedom Ambassadors Become a Freedom Ambassador! Inspire people to be informed, active citizens and protect their rights. Ambassadors share information and provide assistance to visitors at the new McCormick Tribu ne Freedom Museum, 435 N. Michigan Ave. For more info call Nathan N. Richie, education programs manager, at 312.222.3211, or e-mail him at nrichie@freedommuseum.us. Gads Hill Center Contact: Adriana Moreno Nevarez, 312.226.0963, ext. 244 Address: 1919 W. Cullerton Tasks: Tutor/mentor teenagers for a college preparatory program in Pilsen, tutor for homework in an after-school program; newspaper club tutor, sports teacher. Time commitment: two hours a week for two months Literacy Chicago Contact: Zaundra Boyd, 312.870.1100, ext. 108, zboyd@literacychicago.org Address: multiple sites throughout Chicago Tasks: Community Adult Learning Centers—volunteer tutor training in adult literacy and English as a second language Marillac House Contact: Maureen McGrath , 773.722.7440 Address: Chicago’s West Side Tasks: Enabling clients and the community to attain their full potential is a value we embrace, but we need a network of friends to make it happen. We need YOU! Visit www.marillachouse.org. Please consider giving two hours, one day a week, to help with one of our tutoring programs: (1) adult tutoring in reading, writing, and math, as well as GED preparatory courses; (2) tutoring school-age children (Mon-Fri 3-5 p.m.): help with homework, etc.; (3) tutoring and mentoring ages 13-16 (MonFri 3-5 p.m.): help with homework, cultural field trips, sports, arts and service projects. Parkway Community House Contact: Joanne Jones, 773.493.1306 or jjones@hullous.org Fax: 773.493.9392 Address: 500 E. 67th St.
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Volunteer Network Tasks: Tutor adults in reading, writing, math, and computer skills. Time commitment: two hours a week (flexible) after 12hour training South-East Asia Center Contact: Peter Porr, 773.989.6927 Fax: 773.989.7755 Address: 5120 N. Broadway Tasks: Volunteers needed to teach English or citizenship to adult immigrants in Uptown. Time commitment: Free 12-hour training and ongoing professional support provided. Work one-on-one with your student for two hours a week. Call Carol Williams, ESL coordinator, at 773.989.6927, or e-mail seacesl@yahoo.com for more information. Youth Service Project Contact: Gina Zuniga-Baldwin, 773.772.6270 Fax: 773.772.8755 Address: 3942 W. North Ave. Tasks: Tutor young adults preparing for the GED exam; training provided. Time commitment: 90 minutes per week, daytime or evening hours Austin People’s Action Center Contact: Carolyn Williams, 773.473.7270 Fax: 773.378.8773 Address: 5125 W. Chicago Ave. Tasks: Maintenance on shelter, groundskeeping. Time commitment: flexible Hope House Contact: Clarola Scott, 773.521.0529 Address: 3551 W. Roosevelt Tasks: Administrative, professional services, and food preparation/service. Time commitment: flexible; minimum of four hours per month Lake View Shelter Contact: O’Brien, 773.327.1389 Address: 835 W. Addison Tasks: Preparing and serving meals. Time commitment: flexible Lincoln Park Community Shelter Contact: 773.549.6111 (day), 773.871.1841 (evening) -even if you’re late, call a staff person. Tasks: Provide overnight supervision of shelter residents, prepare meals, provide sack lunches, teach life skills classes, work front desk. Time Commitment: flexi ble E-mail: lpcsinfo@lpcsonline.org Residents for Effective Shelter Transitions (REST) Contact: Kari Aosved, 773.784.0909 Address: 941 W. Lawrence, 4th fl. Tasks: Food prep/serving, assisting overnight guests, administrative aid, group labor projects. Doctors and RNs for weekly free clinic. Donations welcome. Time commitment: flexible; one-session orientation training Web site: www.restweb.org Chicago Rape C risis Hotline Contact: Elizabeth, 312.252.0520, ext. 12 Tasks: Help survivors of sexual assault and abuse.
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Answer the only 24-hour, toll-free, citywide rape crisis hotline in Chicago. Provide crisis intervention and referrals to other counseling, medical, legal, and housing agencies. Nonjudgmental listeners needed. Although only women can answer the hotline, both men and women are needed to do outreach. Free training is provided and begins soon. Time commitment: 50-hour training, 12 hours a month on hotline; outreach is flexible Deborah's Place Contact: Rebecca Milbert, 773.638.6537, or sign up online at www.deborahsplace.org Address: North, Near North, and West Sides of Chicago Tasks: The mission of Deborah's Place is to break the cycle of homelessness for women in Chicago. Volunteers can help DP programs by assisting with meal service, tutoring participants, doing landscaping projects, and helping with fundraising events by serving on a volunteer board. Time Commitment: flexible; minimum of four hours per month; volunteer orientation required Sarah’s Inn Contact: 708.386-3305 Fax: 773.261.0755 Address: P.O. Box 1159, Oak Park, IL 60304 Tasks: Help manage a 24-hour crisis hotline. Other direct-service volunteer positions include assisting in support groups for women, children, and the men’s Skills for Non-Violent Living program. Bilingual (SpanishEnglish) volunteers are especially needed. Completion of a comprehensive 40-hour domestic-violence intervention program is required. Time commitment: flexible Goldie’s Place Goldie’s Place offers the following four programs to assist participants to become self-sufficient and financially independent: (1) through the Job Coaching Program, participants assess their skills and interests, develop skills for conducting a job search, complete the Online Skills Assessment, participate in Job Club and Employability Workshops, develop skills for resumé preparation, receive and pursue job placement referrals,
receive and pursue referrals for Vocational Training and Education, receive support and follow-up in seeking employment, and receive and pursue job leads; (2) through the Tutoring/Mentoring Program, participants increase and/or improve basic academic skills and prepare for and secure academic certifications (GED, etc.); (3) through the Clothes Closet Program, participants receive appropriate clothing and accessories for interviews and daily wear and receive consultation in wardrobe planning; and (4) through the Dental Services Program, participants receive a screening and examination of their dental needs, have their teeth cleaned, and receive treatment (fillings, extractions, etc.). Lake View YMCA Contact: John Caolan Address: 3333 N. Marshfield Ave. Tasks: Resident social services, job training, medical and mental health services. Time Commitment: flexible The Night Ministry The Night Ministry is looking for volunteers to help with our direct-service programs: Health Outreach Bus and Homeless Youth Services. Training is provided for all volunteers. All volunteers build accepting, nonjudgmental relationships with the youth and adults we serve. Volunteers with our Health Outreach Bus provide hospitality to bus visitors of all ages. Volunteers with our Homeless Youth Services programs can help with group programming and mentoring. Small groups can provide meals at our street outreach locations. For more information, visit www.thenightministry.org or call Gail Bernoff at 773.784.9000, ext. 6015. Interfaith Housing Center of the Northern Suburbs Contact: Margaret Feit Clarke, 847.501.3278, ext. 501, or margaret@interfaithhousingcenter.org Address: 620 Lincoln, Winnetka Tasks: Interfaith Housing Center offers a free home-sharing service that matches working individuals seeking affordable housing with home owners who have an extra room in their home to rent. Web site: www.interfaithhousingcenter.org
StreetWise’s headquarters relies on the goodwill and hard work of volunteers to strengthen our mission and services to those in need. The following are current volunteer positions available at our office: •Donated Clothing Coordinator •Office and Office Filing Organizer •Kitchen and Supplies Organizer •Computer Guru •Tutoring/Mentoring •Fundraising Events Support •Advertising Researcher •Grant Writer or Researcher •Sell Subscriptions to Corporations/Businesses To find out more about how you can help, e-mail Pam Frye at pamfrye1@comcast.net
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•Outreach/Recruitment of New Vendors •Distributor of StreetWise flyers to those in need •Heating/Cooling serviceperson •Writer for StreetWise magazine
Note For volunteers working at the StreetWise office, hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Occasionally on Wednesdays and Thursdays a staff member is present until about 7 p.m. Volunteers need to communicate the times they are planning on working at the office to make sure the appropriate people are available to assist and so that we can notify the front office person that you are expected.
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