August 30, 2023
AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2023 QUARTER 3
THE AUSTIN COMMUNITY PUBLISHED ITS FIRST QUALITY-OF-LIFE PLAN CALLED AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. (AFT) IN 2018. THIS QUARTERLY PUBLICATION DESCRIBES HOW AUSTIN COMING TOGETHER (ACT) IS SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY TO IMPLEMENT AFT AND OTHER EFFORTS.
The Austin community celebrates the start of a landmark project
IT TAKES A VILLAGE PAGE 3 | A LOOK INSIDE THE EMMET SCHOOL PAGE 4
MEET THE KEY PLAYERS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ASPIRE CENTER CONSTRUCTION PAGE 7
Special thanks to these Austin Forward. Together. quality-of-life plan legacy investors:
Since 2010, Austin Coming Together (ACT) has facilitated collaboration to improve education and economic development outcomes in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. Today, we serve a network of 50+ organizations committed to improving the quality of life in the Austin community. Our strategic plan is called Thrive 2025 and outlines how we will mobilize our resources to achieve four impact goals by the year 2025: Quality Early Learning, Safe Neighborhoods, Living Wage Careers, and Stable Housing Markets.
Officers
CHAIR
Larry Williams
Broker, State Farm Insurance
SECRETARY
Bradly Johnson
Chief Community Officer, BUILD Inc.
TREASURER
LaDarius Curtis
Senior Director of Community Engagement & Health, West Side United
Leadership
Darnell Shields
Executive Director
Andrew Born Strategic Advisor
Operations
Deirdre Bates*
Director of Operations
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Darnell Shields
Austin Coming Together
Directors
Sharon Morgan
Director of Graduate Support & Community Outreach, Catalyst Schools
Reverend Reginald E. Bachus Pastor, Friendship Baptist Church
Tenisha Jones
Vice President of Community & Government Engagement, Catholic Charities
Dearra Williams
Executive Operations Lead/ Assistant to the CEO
Strategic Initiatives
Sandra Diaz* Service Delivery Enhancement Manager, Austin Community Hub
Emone Moore Engagement Coordinator, Austin Community Hub
A House in Austin
Academy of Scholastic Achievement
Austin Childcare Providers Network
Austin Community Family Center
Austin Weekly News (Growing Community Media)
Be Strong Families
Beat the Streets Chicago
Reginald Little
Business Development Specialist, Great Lakes Credit Union
Dawn Ferencak
Senior Marketing Strategist, Chicago Parent Deborah Williams-Thurmond
Community Outreach & Engagement Specialist, Habilitative Systems, Inc.
Ruth Kimble
Founder & CEO, Austin Childcare Providers Network
Jerrod Williams
Law Clerk, Illinois Appellate Court
Max Komnenich
Associate Principal, Lamar Johnson Collaborative In Memoriam
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jack Macnamara
1937–2020
FOUNDING BOARD CHAIR
Mildred Wiley
1955–2019
Dollie Sherman Engagement Specialist, Austin Community Hub
Ethan Ramsay Lead Organizer, Austin Forward. Together.
Grace Cooper Project Specialist, Austin Forward. Together.
Natalie Goodin Micro Market Recovery Program Coordinator
Nicholas Galassini Micro Market Recovery Program Intern
Marketing & Development
Alicia Plomin*
Director of Marketing & Development
Scott Prywitch
Marketing & Development Coordinator
*Also part of the ACT Leadership Team Join the ACT team! Job openings at AustinComingTogether.org/Careers
i.c. stars
IFF
Bethel New Life
Beyond Hunger
BUILD Inc.
By The Hand Club For Kids
Cara
Catholic Charities
Chicago Austin Youth Travel Adventures
Chicago Community Loan Fund
City of Refuge
Defy Ventures Illinois
Erikson Institute
Friends of the Children
Friendship Community Development Corp. of Austin
Greater West Town Community Development Project Housing Forward
Institute for Nonviolence
Chicago
Jane Addams Resource Corporation
Kids First Chicago
KRA Westside American Job Center
Learning Edge Tutoring
Legal Aid Chicago
Manufacturing
Renaissance
Mary Shyrese Daycare
Maryville Academy
Mercy Housing Lakefront
New Moms
OAI, Inc.
Oak Park Regional Housing Center
Open Books
PCC Community Wellness Center
Project Exploration
Renaissance Social Services, Inc.
Sarah’s Inn
South Austin Neighborhood Association
St. Joseph Services
St. Leonard’s Ministries
Stone Community Development Corporation
The Catalyst Schools
The Journey Forward
The North Avenue District, Inc.
Towers of Excellence
UIC Jane Addams
College of Social Work
VOCEL
Westside Health Authority
West Side Forward
Worldvision
Youth Guidance
On July 27th, scores of Austin residents and local leaders gathered at the site of the future Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation on the Northeast corner of Madison and Central to celebrate its path toward progress and the impact it will bring to the community. With the vision of the Aspire Center becoming a reality, the entire Austin community was welcomed to the site for a landmark celebration!
Fulfilling a key focal project from the Austin Forward. Together (AFT) quality-of-life plan, Westside Health Authority (WHA, an ACT member organization) in partnership with Austin Coming Together (ACT) plans to repurpose a closed three-acre Chicago Public School building to create a space where partners can work in collaboration, intersect programmatic initiatives and provide services to residents from one central location. In redeveloping the building space, the location is primed to become the physical embodiment of “collective impact” and a vital community anchor for systemic change.
Establishing the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation in the closed Emmet School strongly dovetails with many of Austin’s AFT quality-of-life plan strategies in economic development and youth empowerment. These include strategies to:
• Expand and support local resources like boot camps and apprenticeships in highdemand economic sectors such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and building and trades
• Build a new Manufacturing Training Center in Austin
• Invest in entrepreneurship development programs
• Incorporate a co-op model for local restaurants, grocery stores, and housing
• Attract major commercial anchors
• Establish physical places where youth can gather and community-based organizations can offer services
• Enhance the trauma support service system for youth and families
• Create paths for youth interactions with mentors and role models
The celebration kicked off with remarks from key developers of the projects. Quiwana Bell, Chief Development Officer of Westside Health Authority spoke on the importance of the deep level of community involvement that has sparked the opportunity to revitalize the vacant site.
Later in the program, various individuals were recognized and presented with awards for their support and dedication to the project. 101st District Representative La Shawn K. Ford and 29th Ward Alderman Chris Taliaferro were honored with an award for their steadfast advocating of the project in acquiring funds on the city and state level, while 37th Ward
Alderman Emma Mitts and 28th Ward Alderman Jason Ervin were thanked for their support as well.
In addition to the recognition of these elected officials, a group of women community activists were praised for walking and praying over the site, showing faith that it would be transformed for community use.
THE WOMEN HONORED:
Ruby Bailey
Kimberly Bright
Mildred Edwards
Queen Esther Forrest
Jackie Guider
Sharon Minor
Mary Joyce Nunn
Erica Perkins
Rosetta Perkins
Jackie Reed
Tina Walker
Vera Wardlaw
Calisa Williams
After being part of the planning for the site since its inception, I am confident that the incredible innovation seen throughout the project’s development will open so many pathways for Austin residents.
Following the ceremony, attendees enjoyed food from Uncle Remus Chicken, El Azteca Tacos, and Forty Acres Fresh Market, danced to music from DJ Jody Bady, and had the opportunity to engage with a variety of community resource tables.
Thanks to all who joined me at this magnificent community event! With construction already underway at the Aspire Center, the site is slated to open in 2024. n
To learn more, visit austincomingtogether.org/aspire-center
It takes a village. No one person, organization, or entity can move this community forward. It takes all of us.
DARNELL SHIELDS, ACT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
For many Austin residents, the vacant lot at the corner of Madison and Central continues to be a bitter reminder of the deep-rooted disinvestment that pervades the community. Until its closure, the lot at this bustling intersection was home to Robert Emmet Elementary School. The school, which served generations of Austinites, closed along with several other Chicago Public Schools in 2013.
The loss of Emmet Elementary was lamented by the many former students who called it home in their formative years. After its closure, the abandoned school grounds started to decay and slipped into disrepair, effectively becoming an eyesore for all to witness.
Conversations surrounding the reuse and repurposing of the former school site began in 2016. Ideas such as a community health campus proposed by a non-local developer drew community interest into conversations, leading to more dialogue on its potential use. For some time, community skepticism and apprehension slowed the progression of further development. Many residents believed a constructed site led by outside entities would irreparably harm the community, citing the deep-rooted history of systemic discrimination in
Austin. Through more engagements, residents began to urge the project to attach existing community resource partners. During these discussions, the project shifted its focus to a site for job training programs. The community felt more inclined to move forward with a plan knowing that local partners and organizations would take part.
Ultimately, Westside Health Authority purchased the site in 2018 and with support from community stakeholders the project blossomed into the Aspire
Center for Workforce Innovation after its inception in 2020. After several funding commitments to the project were made, the Center broke ground on May 3, 2023, and construction commenced.
The development of the Aspire Center is a special moment for generations of Austinites. By repurposing the former Emmet School site, the community is reigniting their legacy and reclaiming a piece of their history. n
“I was heartbroken by the school closing. Growing up in this neighborhood, I still miss it over 60 years later. The Aspire Center will bring so much renewed hope to Austin residents. I wish them all the best. FORMER EMMET STUDENT AT THE COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
Following its closure, conditions of the Emmet School worsened immensely as the site became abandoned.
Construction is now underway after an official groundbreaking in May 2023.
TASK FORCE CHAIRS
Briana Shields
Briana Janeé Arts
Kenneth Varner Healthy Schools
Campaign
Dearra Williams
Austin Coming Together
TASK FORCE CHAIRS
TASK FORCE CHAIRS
TASK FORCE CHAIRS
STRATEGY LEADS
Lasondra Kern
Community Resident
Suzanne McBride
Austin Talks
Michael Romain
Community Stakeholder
Alicia Plomin
Austin Coming Together
Cindy Gray Schneider
Spaces-n-Places
Jai Jones
PSPC, The Chicago Community Trust and Community Member
TASK FORCE CHAIRS
Jerrod Williams
South Austin
Neighborhood Association
Heather Sattler
Community Development Consultant
STRATEGY LEADS
Erica Staley
Manufacturing Renaissance
Emily Peters
Jane Addams Resource Corporation
Tina Augustus Chicago West Side Chamber of Commerce
Roxanne Charles West Side Forward
Melissa O’Dell Defy Ventures
Fanya Berry
Community Resident
Crystal Bell
Ella Flagg Young
Elementary School (retired)
Charles Anderson
Michele Clark High School
STRATEGY LEADS
Ruth Kimble
Austin Childcare
Providers Network
Madelyn James
Austin Childcare
Providers Network
Pam Price
Chicago Public Schools
Cata Truss
Community Resident
Athena Williams West Cook
Homeownership Center
Allison McGowan
Community Resident
STRATEGY LEADS
Shirley Fields
Community Resident
Rosie Dawson Westside Health Authority
Bradly Johnson BUILD Inc.
Marilyn Pitchford
Heartland Alliance
STRATEGY LEADS
Adam Alonso BUILD Inc.
Edwina Hamilton BUILD Inc.
Gina Young
Catholic Charities
TASK FORCE CHAIRS
D’elegance Lane
Community Stakeholder
STRATEGY LEADS
Deonna Hart BUILD Inc.
Gina Young
Catholic Charities
Aisha Oliver
Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
TASK FORCE CHAIRS
Deborah Williams-Thurmond
Habilitative Systems Inc.
STRATEGY LEADS
Arnold Bearden
Community Resident
Crystal Gardner
Protest to the Polls
Sharif Walker
Athena Williams West Cook
Homeownership Center
Baxter Swilley
Oak Park Regional Housing Center
Bertha Purnell
Mothers OnA Mission28
Jose Abonce
The Policing Project
Ruby Taylor
Taproots, Inc.
Helen Slade
Territory NFP
Dollie Sherman
Austin Coming Together
Chris Thomas YourPassion1st
Bethel New Life INTERESTED
There are many partners involved in this momentous project that have made significant development contributions from its inception all the way to its eventual grand opening. We must recognize the hard work, devotion, and diligence they have evidently demonstrated throughout the course of developing the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation.
The co-developer on the project who will expand their resource connection arm, the Austin Community Hub, into the Aspire Center
Mission: To increase the collective impact of our member organizations on improving education and economic development outcomes for the Austin community
Provides architectural design and engineering services for the project
Mission: To reduce the inefficiency and risk inherent in the design and construction process by leveraging the knowledge and capabilities of its development and construction partners for the benefit of its clients
Assists and provides legal services to the project
Mission: To provide legal services for community development projects involving housing, schools, healthcare facilities, community centers, business incubators, industrial facilities and more, both at the local and national levels
Aids in the project by consulting for new market tax credit and tax incremental financing
Mission: To connect non-profit organizations, mission-oriented for-profit companies, and real estate developers making catalytic investments in economically distressed areas to critical financing
Owns the property of the Aspire Center and are the co-developer on the project
Mission: To use the capacity of local residents to improve the health and well-being of the community
The general contractor of the project, leading all construction services
Mission: To provide a full range of construction services to satisfied customers in the Chicagoland area and beyond
Provided predevelopment and bridge lending services to the project
Mission: To strengthen nonprofits and the communities they serve by providing leadership, capital, and real estate solutions
The owner’s representative of the project who provides construction management services
Mission: To provide real estate consulting services as the Owner’s Representative to help clients solve challenges, minimize risk and maximize outcomes
The lead on public relations and event management for the project
Mission: To provide public relations and communications work that advances people, communities, and ideas intersecting with community development and economic opportunity, diversity, equity and inclusion, transportation and public transit, healthcare, and education
A historic preservation consultant for the project
Mission: To support healthy, vibrant, and meaningful communities by presenting and demonstrating how design adds value to the built and social environments
