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Root2Fruit touts impact of ASAP Safe Zone

3- day activation shar how they decreased violence around Austin Town Hall

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

Root2Fruit is sharing what it about community-led safety initiatives around Austin Town Hall with others on the West Side.

The nonprofit organization, equips young people with the tools and relationships they need to thr helped lead to a 69% decline in violence in the Austin Safety Action Plan Safe Zone in the last 5 years, according to Chicago Police De par tment data.

It’s been so successful that last the Chicago City Council reco gnized the city’s first Safe Zone — the area around Austin Town Hall where young people lead cleanup ef for ts and build community relationships to create a safer neighborhood

CommunityCorey wins grant to tell West Side stories

Corey

Dooley Johnson uses storytelling, characters, and creative programming to inspire Chicago youth

By HECTOR CERVANTES Contributing Reporter

A $3,500 grant awarded to CommunityCorey from the 2026 Chicago Fund for Safe and Peaceful Communities will help expand literacy, arts and entrepreneurship programming for West Side youth this summer, continuing an ef fort that founder Corey Dooley Johnson says is aimed at building safer communities through creativity and opportunity.

“While I am a proud Austin resident, I’m an en prouder resident of the greater West Side. What drives my work is being creative and a survivor of gun violence. I’ve used those traumas and experiences as fuel for my creativity and that’s where my art really comes from, the self-expression that comes from overcoming challenges,” Johnson said.

“It’s a specific area that the kids identified during the pandemic as spaces that reminded them of good times throughout their childhood,” said Aisha Oliver, founder and strateg y lead of Root2Fruit Youth Foundation, the nonprofit that helped create the Safe Zone.

Now, Root2Fruit is sharing the philosophy of the ASAP Safe Zone model with other local organizations, officials and residents. This included a three-day activation event over the weekend at Alt Space, 5645 W. Corcoran Place. The goal

of the live demonstration was to show how to convert young people into active partners in community-driven solutions for building a better neighborhood

See SAFE ZONE on pa ge 8

CommunityCorey is a community development organization founded by Corey Dooley Johnson that combines business, education and grassroots initiatives to promote economic opportunity, literacy, healing, and neighborhood revitalization on Chicago’s West Side

“If people were to ask about me, I would say

See COMMUNITYCOREY on pa ge 9

TODD BANNOR

alt_ Chicago Executive Director Jordan Campbell addresses the Practice & Presence event on June 6.

Once controversial, Austin’s Space 01 provides arts opportunities

The gallery moved from Logan Square due to license issues, noise complaints

By IGOR STUDENKOV Contributing Reporter

Artist and musician Trejon D’Angelo Williams, a resident of Garfield Park, hopes the Space 01 gallery he runs will provide opportunities for other artists and encourage West Siders to interact and engage with art.

Originally located in Logan Square, the gallery reopened in the northeast corner of Austin almost a year ago. It is tucked away on the second floor of a nondescript industrial building at 4850-60 W. Bloomingdale Ave. Since reopening, Space 01 has hosted several exhibitions, and is hosting a pair of workshops this week and launching another exhibition at the end of June

In a recent interview with Austin Weekly News, Williams didn’t shy away from the controversy that led to the move.

Space 01 was cited for allegedly not having the proper license to hold events Police , investigated noise complaints, and Williams was arrested for allegedly shoving a police officer. He denied the allegations, and said that the experience continues to shape his art and his vision for the gallery.

work at Chicago music scene], and I didn have a space where I could make things,” he recalled.

When Reese died in April 2024, he and co founders Hope Barkov and Aliah Robinson took over the storefront. Williams said tha “it meant a lot to me, what [Reese] was do ing,” and he wanted to carry on her legacy in some form. He also wanted to create a spac that would support other artists, whether it is by showing their work or by organizing events that would help artists network.

The name “Space 01,” Williams said, came about because the founders kept refer ring to the storefront as “the space.”

“I was arrested for running this art galler y, I was put in jail for it, and I don’t know why to this day.”

Since Wiliams never ran a business before, he said that he wanted to specifically make sure that he had his licenses and permits in order. But that was precisely what became an issue. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the city cited Space 01 three times throughout the spring and summer of 2024 for not having a Public Place of Amusement License, which is required for events if the organizers charge admission and at least 100 people attend Williams maintained that he never violated the terms of the license, and that he only collected donations at events

TRE JON D’ANGELO WILLIAMS Space 01 gallery owner

Williams grew up in a suburb of Dallas and moved to Chicago four years ago. As he navigated a new city, he heard about Logan Square Immersive Arts Co-Operative headed by fellow artist and musician Octavia Marie-Madeleine Reese. Williams recalled that the co-op, which operated out of storefront at 2334 N. Milwaukee Ave., was just what he needed.

“I found out about the space through [my

He told Austin Weekly News that police officers visited the gallery several times – something that he described as harassment.

Chicago Sun-Times quoted local Ald. Daniel La Spata (1st) as saying that police were responding to noise complaints. When the police went in on Aug. 21, 2024, Williams got arrested for allegedly shoving one of the officers.

Chicago Sun-Times spoke to several neighboring business owners following the arrest, and they voiced support for Williams and said that the complaints were overblown.

He told Austin Weekly News that he was convicted of a misdemeanor charge and sentenced to community service.

‘Easte rn Soldier’ by Bria Br idges.

In August 2025, he reopened Space 01 at its current location. Williams said that he was looking for something closer to where he currently lives, and a listing he saw on Craigslist was a good fit.

He said that the first floor is mostly leased to businesses, while artist studios fill the second floor. Williams said that although the new space is “somewhat less accessible” than a street-level storefront, it’s “more accessible in terms of creating art” because it gave him more room and more opportunities to customize the gallery depending on what he’s doing.

Williams is photographer, a musician, a graphic designer, a video editor, and he has recently been trying painting. He said that his work is influenced by his personal experience, including his arrest.

“I want to try to normalize [art that resists the systems of power], so people aren’t afraid to make the art that is reflective of what they feel and resists the forces that are trying to prevent us from making things and going about our lives and supporting each other.” Wiliams said. “I was arrested for running this art gallery, I was put in jail for it, and I don’t know why to this day, and I want to make sure it doesn’t happen in the future.”

Williams said he regularly works with Walls Turned Sideways, an East Garfield

Park art center, and Alt Chicago, an Austinbased art education and community improvement hub. Collaboration, he said, has always been an important part of who he is as a person and an artist.

“Whatever I can do to help artists in this community, and make connections –it’s an ongoing mission,” Williams said. “I love to make things, and I love to help wherever I can.”

In the past few months, Space 01 hosted several exhibitions that either featured other artists or Williams and another artist. It will host two workshops next week – a critique workshop on June 11 at 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and a figure draining session on June 13 at 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

On June 27, from 7 to 10 p.m., the gallery will have an opening reception for Williams’s first solo exhibition: Seeds, an audiovisual art installation drawing on work he created over the past five years. The installation will be on display for about a month, though it will only be available by appointment.

“Most of the shows here, I would like them to be interactive, instead of you just go in, look at something on the wall and leave,” Williams said. “For me personally that’s the experience I would like to have [at a gallery]. I would like to feel welcome, feel like I can engage with the work, that’s mainly what I’m trying to do here.”

TRE JON D’ANGELO WILLIAMS

Pilot for Black vampi series completed

Austin couple hosts private screening

By DEBORAH BAYLISS Contributing Reporter

The West Side couple developing a Black vampire-based television series have completed the pilot and the script for the second episode.

They’ve also outlined all eight seasons and are preparing to host a private screening and industry mixer this month.

Well established in the Austin business community, Margaret and William Mojica, the husband and wife team behind the series titled “Shadows, Chicago Underworld,” also run Kingdom Business Builders – the parent company of Mojica Media House, Artist Room Café at 5125 W. Madison St., and Picture Perfect Hair Studio – located next door

Inspiration for the series comes from Margaret’s love of vampire films and her discovery that the Lincoln Park Zoo was built on top of the for mer Chicago City Cemetery — an eerie historical detail that plays a key role in the storyline.

The vampire character Kofi is based on one of the people who still rests on the zoo grounds.

Featuring a cast of Black vampires, Shadows centers on actors Matthew Kenner as Aaron Nikan, Felecia Young as Zaria Bola Osundairo as Kofi Waya

“I connected with Margaret through our first film that I did with her which I she was the producer of, ‘Friend and Lovers,’ that’s on Amazon Prim dairo told the Austin Weekly. “I was the mai character in that film. What attracted me to the role in Shadows was, when I look character Kofi, it reminds me of exactly I am. The character is very strong and powerful and very observant.”

Filming which took place at various locations throughout the city, wrapped in September last year with post-production taking additional time as the team worked through editing, sound design, visual effects, and overall polishing the project.

“Like many independent productions, much of the work happened after filming wrapped,” Margaret said.

Fusing history with myth, the Waya twins were turned into vampires during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

The story places the trio at the heart of what the Mojicas describe as a modernday thriller driven by ancient vampires, political corruption, and a fragile supernatural treaty on the brink of collapse beneath the streets of Chicago, a concept that came together in 2025.

“I reconnected with my cinematographer, who loved the idea and agreed to help bring the proof of concept to life,” said Margaret, the project’s creator and director Osundairo, told Austin Weekly News previously, that he connected with Margaret through a previous film.

The team’s next goal is to build on the series’ momentum by connecting with producers, investors, networks, and distribution partners interested in moving the project into its next phase of development.

“We also want to continue growing our creative team so we can produce not only Shadows but other film and television projects currently in development through Group and Mojica Media

Reaching this stage is a significant accomplishment for the Austin couple with so much already on their plates.

“It required a lot of dedication, teamwork, and time management,” Margaret said. “My husband William and I operate multiple businesses while balancing family responsibilities, so many days involved wearing several hats at once. We simply stayed committed to the vision and worked on the project whenever time allowed.”

The private screening and mixer is scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m., June 13 at the Artist Room Cafe

“We invited industry professionals, media representatives, and creative individuals from across the entertainment community,”

DEBORAH BAYLISS

Filmmakers and entrepreneurs, Margaret and William Mojica inside their Artist Room Cafe, 5125 W. Madison St.

Margaret said of the event. “Of course, we would love for executives to attend, but we’re equally excited about bringing together filmmakers, actors, writers, producers, and other creatives for networking opportunities. The goal is to create connections, build relationships, and introduce people to the project.”

Challenges along the way are expected

“As an independent production with a small team, there were challenges throughout the process,” Margaret said. “Scheduling was probably one of the biggest hurdles because we had to coordinate multiple cast and crew members while balancing everyone’s personal and professional commitments.”

The screening is a way to showcase what they’ve already accomplished through the proof of concept.

Thanking her cast, crew, supporters and everyone who lent their talents to the project, Margaret added that the actors were remarkably understanding and flexible, which made the entire process far smoother.

“Their shared belief in the project kept everyone aligned and working together to bring it to life,” she said. “I also want to give special thanks to the locations that opened their doors to us and allowed us to film in their establishments, including Kennedy Rooftop, Dearly Beloved Chicago, Bad Axe Throwing, Jones Funeral Home, and Shooter Society Studios.”

The Mojicas encourage local creatives, filmmakers, actors, writers, and entrepreneurs to come out and connect.

“Projects like this are only possible when a community comes together to support one another,” Margaret said. “We’re proud to be creating independent films right here in Chicago, and we’re excited to see what opportunities come from this screening and the relationships built through it.”

Gar eld Park to get new Little League eld with arti cial turf, batting cages

By MICHAEL LIPTROT

Parents, parkgoers and perhaps the West Side’s next baseball prodigy should get ready for a new Little League field coming to Garfield Pa rk this fall.

Chicago Park District officials broke ground last week on a Little League baseball diamond at Garfield Park, 100 N. Central Park Dr. The field in the park’s southwest corner will re place one of the park’s nine baseball diamonds and will be the home field for the Garfield Park Little League.

T he field will have ar tificial turf, a backstop, player benches, bleachers, a warning track and an outfield fence, according to materials provided by the park district. Batting cages, improved stormwater infrastructure and a new asphalt pathway from the main park track are also planned for the baseball field.

City and league leaders are hopeful the new field will further inspire young peo-

ple to get active at the pa rk

“When I see young people, we always have to think about how ing to raise them up. We happen to use baseball on my side. Baseball is bait,” said Frank Brim, president and founder of Garfield Park Little at the groundbreaking. “Love, these young people is what we for our community.”

Speakers at the groundbreaking sai baseball and other sports are important to West Side children being productive and building life skills.

Park District o cials broke ground Tuesday on a new youth baseball

Gar eld Park, 100 N. Central Park Drive

T he Garfield Park Little League has seen significant success, Brim said. Alumni include high school freshman Paris Head of Lane Tech Colle ge Prep and Aarion Gould of Kenwood Academy, who are all-conference and nationally ranked players.

“This does re present more than just a baseball field. It re presents the spirit of excellence, because that’s what we ’re at,” said Brim, rebuking narratives of Gar-

field Pa rk and the West Side “Gun violence is legitimate, it happens, but we have to teach our children the important things to associate yourself with. How to say no … how to rise above this, this ZIP code. You’ re not measured by [your] ZIP code.”

T he $1.2 million project is using $1 million in local tax increment financing district funds and $200,000 from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

T he park district is planning more improvements at parks across the city using

$45 million in funding from tax increment financing sur pluses that were disbursed to city agencie s. T he $45 million in funding allowed for the creation of the Chicago Grows To g ether Initiative to lead park improvements on the South and West sides, Park District CEO Carlos Ramire z-Rosa told Block Club Ramire z-Rosa said this is the largest tax-dollar sur plus the district has received. West Side park improvement projects planned through the initiative include gym floor re placements at Austin Town Hall Park and Columbus Park.

Block Club Chicago

MICHAEL LIPTROT/BLOCK CLUB CHICAGO

diamond in

Parks provide backdrop for half-marathon race

West Side Wellness Fest features local running groups

By HECTOR CERVANTES Contributing Reporter

The 2026 Bank of America Chicago 13.1 Half Marathon brought crowds of runners and spectators to Chicago’s West Side as the race winded through Garfield Park, Humboldt Park and Douglass Park on Sunday

Ahead of the race, org anizers hosted the West Side Wellness Fest in Garfield Park on Saturday featuring free community programming including youth races, a 1.31-mile walk and a shakeout run led by Peace Runners 773. The event served as a celebration of West Side neighborhoods, promoting wellness, inclusion, and community eng agement while building excitement for race day.

Peace Runners is a West Side based running group that was founded on the belief that exercise can support both mental well-being and community safety using group runs and workouts to create positive public spaces where residents feel supported, connected and safe.

Ricky Williams attended the Chicago 13.1 Half Marathon to cheer on his daughter as she completed her first half marathon. Holding a sign that read “Bling Bling, She’s a Running Queen,” Williams shared how his daughter overcame early struggles with running to take on the 13.1-mile race.

“She joined the Peace Runners about eight months ago and she’s been running every week with them,” Williams said. Williams believes having the race run through the West Side helps challenge negative perceptions of the neighborhoods by bringing visitors into the community and showcasing attractions that many people, even Chicago residents, may not know about.

“I’m a retired police officer, so I used to work on the West Side all the time. I think this half-marathon, the way it’s organized and the route they’ve chosen, is actually better in some ways. I’m not trying to put down the Bank of America Marathon Chicago Marathon, but even though that race goes along the lakefront, it’s harder for spectators

to get down there,” Williams said.

Similarly, David Ruiz. the founder of the Tortugas Run Club appreciated how the race 13.1 took place on the West Side.

“This race is nice because most other races are in the middle of downtown, but this one brings you to a part of the city that people don’t usually visit. You’ve got to live here to be here. In the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, you’ve got a lot of outof-towners, but with this race, you’re running through West Side neighborhoods and seeing a part of the city that many people don’t get to experience,” Ruiz said.

Tor tugas Run Club, based in the Pilsen neighborhood, was among the Chicago running groups that participated in the community shakeout run hosted by Peace Runners 773 the day before the Chicago 13.1 Half Marathon on the West Side

When it comes to running, Ruiz said the growth of running clubs across Chicago since the pandemic has made the spor t more accessible, with groups now established in neighborhoods throughout the city. He noted that because there are clubs meeting on different days and at different times, it is easier than ever for people to find a running community that fits their schedule and interests

Runners pass suppor ters along Gar eld Park.

“These races are always inspiring. If you’ re there cheering and watching. While you’ re running, it might not feel that way. But watching it is one of the most inspirational things you could do,” Ruiz said.

Gracie Ascencio, a for mer Chicago resident who now lives in the western suburbs, traveled to Garfield Park to cheer on her partner, Roldan, as well as several friends participating in the race.

“Garfield Park is very beautiful. We’re by the pond, surrounded by trees, green-

ery, shade and a bree ze. There’s a lot of good energy with the music and the drums,” Ascencio said.

A key takeaway for Ascencio is the strong sense of community created by neighbors cheering on friends and partners.

“We’re here to support our friends, be together, make signs, use cowbells, and cheer on strangers. In a world that’s increasingly isolated and individual, these races help create a sense of community that isn’t easily found elsewhere,” Ascencio said.

HEC TO R CERVANTES

Juneteenth and Pope Leo: America’s Good News for the world

From the West Side to the Vatican, Rev. Hatch meets Pope Leo

It was an opportunity I could not af ford to miss. As an African American pastor in the Black Church tradition there was no way I was going to miss a chance to meet the first American pope. At the beginning of the week, I volunteered to serve as a member of the Chicago mayor’s dele gation to meet with Pope Leo in Rome. Thirty-six hours later, I found myself standing face to face with the pontiff in a regal room in the Vatican.

A few minutes earlier he spoke to our group and shared that his mother’s family had mi grated north from New Orleans. In our brief one on one exchange, I shared that my family had migrated north to Chicago from Mississippi. It was my way of telling him that I understood our unique mutual connection in the American story.

I thanked him for the clarity of his global moral witness. I was convinced that the timing of this pilg rimage to Rome was divine. It was just days after the Pope had issued an apolo gy for the church’s role in the human catastrophe of the transatlantic enslavement of African people that be g an in the seventeenth century, the effects of which continue unto this day. It was also the week of the reveal of his first encyclical, extolling the doctrine that humanity trumps technolo gy as the most magnificent, sacred creation. T he Pontiff ’s God ordained message to the world, “Magnifica Humanitas,” unequivocally declares that technology must serve the needs and interests of the whole of humanity and not the other way around

That T hursday afternoon, there stood the American Pope and the African American Pastor, with intense focus eye to eye, each with unique southern roots. We each brought to the encounter pride and heaviness, having processed the weight of our histories and the burdens of the present.

It was not lost on me that it was just days from our nation’s Juneteenth 2026 holiday. Our nation’s newest holiday commemorates the June 19, 1865 Galveston,

Texas announcement of the abolition of race-based slavery and emancipation from servitude in the United States. It occurs just weeks before the traditional national July 4th Inde pendence Da year would commemorate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s birth in 1776.

But July 4th never really represented freedom for all Americans. Native Americans were victims of ongoing campaigns of ter ror, stolen land, and g enocide. Africans we still enslaved. Immigr from Europe and Asia still second class citizens Women were still disenfranchised and could not v was not until the civil war ended and the constitution was amended that all Americans could envision an inclusive, ne bir th of freedom. It would not be Thomas Jefferson nor George Washington, b would be abolitionist Har riet Tubman and Frederick Douglass who would become the mothers and fathers of the vision of America as a beacon of liberty and freedom for peoples all over the world. In a real sense, it is Juneteenth, not the Fourth of July, that reflects the real promise of America.

In this season where the very idea and ideal of America is under attack from enemies of democracy within and without, I would propose that Juneteenth is the real preeminent American holiday. Our current crisis in identity gives us the oppor tunity to correct the record. Th e African American spirit of Juneteenth can help all of us recapture an American dream of freedom and justice for all. The current president would probably never conceive that the present assault on constitutional gover nment presents a unique oppor tunity to be truthful about our stories of national origin and the ways the Juneteenth commemoration can present new opportunities to reimagine and reclaim the American dream.

T he first American pontiff with his New Orleans roots has the capacity to see our nation and the world through the eyes of faith. The truth of America

through the nar rative of Juneteenth is much more dynamic than fancifu l mytholo gies of July 4th. It is the dif ference between hanging on to the fallacie s of making America “g reat again” versus energizing eng agement in the ongoing enter prise of perfecting the union and inspiring peoples all over the world.

T he greatest outcome of America’s slave le gacy is re pairing our faults and embracing the national purpose of global champion of universal human rights

Pope Leo, the first American and Chicago pontiff, clearly gets the point. For America to be truly America, we must promote the values of “magnificent humanity” as our national mantra and national purpose None of us were meant to be masters or slaves of other people. Each of us have been called to live freely to serve the common good. Service to humanity is the highest purpose of humanity

We stood in the same gracious space, the pope and the pastor, testifying that all religion at its best calls each of us

to acknowledge the intrinsic wor th of every human being. Indeed, the true kingdom of God always prioritizes the least among us, proclaiming justice by centering the marginalized. That is the profound 21st century message and meaning of both Juneteenth and Pope Leo’s “Magnifica Humanitas.” Juneteenth and the pontiff ’s newest encyclical are good news for the whole world. We must fight for the world we want to inhabit. The capacities to be transformed and to shape our world and our history is what makes humanity truly magnificent. In that spirit of the ancestors that endured bondage and never gave up the good fight of faith, have a happy and meaningful Juneteenth!

Re v. Dr. Marshall E. Hatch is the Senior Pastor of New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church and co-chair of The Leaders Network. He is the author of two books, “Project America” (2012) and “Cornerstones” (2025).

MARSHALL HATCH

Hospital activists want to see West Sub’s re-opening plan

Ask CEO Prasad to attend upcoming meeting

By ELIZABETH SHORT Contributing Reporter

Organizers who support re-opening West Suburban Medical Center will attend an upcoming Democratic Party ofOak Park (DPOP) meeting and request local party leaders to invite the hospital’s CEO to present his plans to re-open the hospital. West Suburban closed in March following an issue with the hospital’s billing system. Following the closure, local organizers met with the hope ofcreating their own plan to reopen the hospital. Since then, organizers have been meeting in smaller working groups.

At an April press conference, hospital CEO Manoj Prasad told the community that the hospital could open as early as July, with money being the biggest obstacle, and has referenced this goal in other statements to the community Last week, following a lawsuit against Prasad filed by Ramco, the hospital’s

landlord and a co-owner ofthe hospital, Cook County Judge Patrick Stanton announced there was not enough evidence to remove Prasad from his position. The judge said he believed there was a plan to reopen the hospital, although it was still in progress.

But some community org anizers are skeptical and want to hear Prasad’s plan to re-open the hospital. Members ofthe working group, which focuses on local policy and advocacy, met at the main branch ofthe Oak Park Public Library and ag reed to attend the June 13 DPOP meeting to request to see Prasad’s plan.

Org anizer Jenna Leving Jacobson, an Oak Park village trustee and liaison to the board ofhealth, attended the June 3 meeting. She said there was a lack of clarity about the hospital’s future. The org anizers said they hope this action will keep community members aware ofthe closure and provide some clarity on the hospital’s future.

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TODD BANNOR

SAFE ZONE

Practicing presence

from page 1

As a part of the activation, Oliver gave a keynote address on F riday and hosted a workshop and panel conversation on violence inter ruption and youth diversion. On Saturday, nearly 100 young people went out into the neighborhood, cleaning up the streets throughout the ASAP Safe Zone, learning how to sort, clean and shred plastic to build into new items, and setting up resources and g ames on the lot neighboring Alt Space to eng age with locals who are homeless or navig ating substance abuse.

“You have to remove any barriers you have in your mind about this area and the people who live in this area so that you can see the person and not the situation, ” Oliver told Austin Weekly News

On Sunday, nearly 300 locals participated in the Peace Runners 773 Juneteenth 5K in Garfield Pa rk

“That’s going to be a huge opportunity for people to see how we collaborate to bring the West Side to g ether,” Oliver said. Coming away from the three-day activation, Oliver said she hopes participants learned how to create change from the ground up in their community

“We want them to walk away fed — meaning we want to plant the seed that

borhood, and that it does take work,” Oliver said. “How do we give them the skills to create spaces that they actually enjoy or could help them org anize better, communicate with the right channels and create something that they could possibly

History of the ASAP Safe Zone

After Root2Fruit participants identified the Safe Zone around Austin Town Hall, the first event they held to activate the space was a basketball tournament. About 70 people attended the event that was or ganized, run and coached by local youth.

“That was specifically tailored to teens and young people because they feared something would happen and we wanted to be the ones to show people that, with the right relationships and understanding, you don’t have to worry about those types of things,” Oliver said.

She added that Root2Fruit shared the ASAP Safe Zone plan with people who have hung out around Austin Town Hall for years. “We asked them not to move, but to not drink and smoke while we had activations there because the space is supposed to be for kids. But because no one was activating it, the guys felt like they could use it to just hang out there.”

Next, Root2Fruit hosted a family-focused event at Austin Town Hall with ponies, face painting and food trucks, “everything that people typically feel they need to leave Austin to be able to enjoy,” Oliver said.

Root2Fruit members have also worked with those who tend Harambee Garden

next to Austin Town Hall.

“My goal was for them to build intergenerational relationships because it’s a lot of elders that work in the garden,” Oliver said. She added that, last week, she got a text saying Root2Fruit participants were helping in the garden without her assistance. “I didn’t even know they were there. They created relationships with a lot of the elders themselves. That was the whole point. ... The goal is to make these young people the leaders of this work because they’re closer to the problem, so they are closer to the solutions.”

Since 2021, Root2Fruit has partnered with Jordan Campbell, the founder of Alt Space, and his Redemptive Plastics initiative to create furniture, tools and functional art out of recycled plastic. This summer, Root2Fruit and Alt Space’s self-proclaimed Plastic Patrol will install garbage cans made from recycled plastic throughout the ASAP Safe Zone.

Root2Fruit also plans to start hosting Thursday evening runs throughout the ASAP Safe Zone.

“Young people are out and being active in a way that costs you nothing,” Oliver said. “It’s just getting up and deciding you want to take a run through your neighborhood, which we don’t see often.”

TODD BANNOR

David omson of the Artist Sustainabilit y Project speaks at the Practice & Presence event.

TODD BANNOR

Austin Weekly’s West Side magazine wins top prize at IPA awards

One of 44 awards garnered by NEWSWELL Chicago ags

By DAN HALEY Interim Editor

The Austin Weekly News won five awards last week as the Illinois Press Association announced the winners in its annual Best of the Press contest.

The Weekly was honored with first place for a special section for its Fall 2025 edition of West Side magazine. Austin Weekly publishes the magazine twice a year. The Spring/ Summer edition is about to hit the streets with a focus on Blues on the West Side

COMMUNIT YCORE Y

Telling stories that inspire from page 1

that I am an author, an artist and an entrepreneur. My organization was awarded this grant and I am happy to continue bringing programming to the West Side,” he said.

The grant will help fund an arts pitch competition for local youth and residents, offering cash prizes to participants whose artwork best reflects a designated community theme

“My initial reaction when I found out I received the grant was elated and excited. This work started in 2023 with a small grant from the trust. It was the first grant my organization had received and I was happy to be able to continue bringing programming to the West Side. This summer, success would mean reaching at least 100 students and receiving 50 art submissions,” Johnson said.

The initiative extends beyond CommunityCorey and is part of a broader effort through its Chicago Lit Collective. It began as a pilot program written for a 2023 grant focused on improving literacy rates among Chicago youth. The work centers on the seven elements of literacy: reading, writing, creativity, technology, viewing and speaking.

“CommunityCorey partnered with Jay Simon and Kent Jones, who run a company called Jones Corner Store. They also have a character named Elvin the Elephant. I share this because through our characters, Hearthead and Elvin and through our collaboration as authors with published books, we wanted to use these characters as a way to teach youth literacy and increase literacy

Austin Weekly also was reco gnized for investigative reporting for a series of 8 stories by Jessica Mordacq on the unraveling of West Suburban Medical Center. Mordacq was also recognized for an obituary tribute to Bertha Per nell and a profile of the late Austin icon Lillian Drummond. The Weekly was also honored for editorial design for a page created by Susan McKelvey

Overall NEWSWELL Chicago’s four flags brought home 44 editorial prizes from the IPA contest which was held June 4 in East Peoria.

rates,” Johnson said.

When asked about his long-term vision for CommunityCorey and the Austin neighborhood, Johnson said he initially launched the organization as an LLC after being inspired by local business owners to pursue entrepreneurship.

Although he was hesitant to start a nonprofit because of the paperwork involved, he said he is glad he took that step and now hopes to continue growing both organizations while expanding arts programming for youth and increasing partnerships with Chicago Public Schools to bring more art into classrooms.

“We do mural installations and I already have a mural in the Soul City District. My goal is to continue spreading art throughout the Soul City District and Soul City Corridor in a meaningful way. I want to use characters like Hearthead and Elvin the Elephant to grow the Chicago Lit Collective. Through that initiative, we’re also looking to recruit local authors who have their own characters and share our mission of increasing literacy.”

Johnson said his long-term vision is to build a network of creatives, entrepreneurs and authors who can share resources and help young people publish their own books. He sees Austin becoming a hub where artists and community leaders collaborate to expand opportunities for youth.

“I see the Soul City District becoming an economic driver and a cultural destination where people from around the world can experience the unique art, creativity and expression that come from the community. I want it to showcase the stories and talents of Black Chicagoans and Black Americans more broadly,” Johnson said.

For the second year running, the Forest Park Review was named the best small circulation weekly in Illinois. Wednesday Journal of Oak Park & River Forest and the Riverside-Brookfield Landmark both placed third for General Excellence in their circulation categories.

In addition to the editorial awards, NEWSWELL’s Wednesday Journal of Oak Park & River Forest took the top prize for advertising and marketing ef for ts among non-daily newspapers in the state. The paper received the Sam Zito Award of Excel-

lence for its sales, promotion and marketing work on behalf of clients

Max Reinsdorf, general manager of NEWSWELL Chicago, said the strong showing on both the editorial and advertising sections of the IPA contest reflected the hard work and talent of the staf f. “We’re committed to creating strong, independent and always locally focused news for our communities. We have great people, rooted in these neighborhoods. It is gratifying to see that work appreciated at the state level,” he said.

Corey Dooley Johnson speaking dur ing a youth ar t event.

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REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION

CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC

Plaintiff vs. MARVIN BUSH; LASHAUNA KNOX; JUSTIN GILMORE, INDIVIDUALLY; JUSTIN GILMORE AS INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATOR OF SHERYL KNOX, DECEASED; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND/OR LEGATEES OF SHERYL KNOX, DECEASED; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS

Defendant 25 CH 1541 CALENDAR

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on July 1, 2026, at the hour 11:00 a.m., Intercounty’s office, 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, IL 60602, sell, in person, to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-23-116-003-0000.

Commonly known as 3851 W. 14th St., Chicago, IL 60623.

The real estate is: single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection(g-1) of Section 189.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% (or 25% if so ordered in the Judgment of Foreclosure) down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property is sold AS IS subject to all liens or encumbrances. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the circuit court case record, property tax record and the title record to verify all information before bidding. IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER THE ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(c) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Lender Legal PLLC, 1800 Pembrook Drive, Suite 250, Orlando, Florida 32810. 407-730-4644. LLS14139IL INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3287502

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION

U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE OF WATERFALL VICTORIA III-NB GRANTOR TRUST Plaintiff, -v.UNKNOWN HEIRS AND/OR LEGATEES OF JUANITA DAY,

BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

DECEASED, JOSEPH DAY, MARIE DAY, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND/ OR LEGATEES OF ARTHUR DAY, DECEASED, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND/OR LEGATEES OF MARGIE MONTGOMERY, DECEASED, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CITY OF CHICAGO, AN ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, JOHN LYDON, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF JUANITA DAY, DECEASED, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS

Defendants

25 CH 4398 832 NORTH LEAMINGTON AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60651

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 11, 2026, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on June 29, 2026, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 832 NORTH LEAMINGTON AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60651

Property Index No. 16-04-423023-0000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $729,013.78.

Sale terms: If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in ‘’AS IS’’ condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

WILLIAM O’SHEA PITTMAN, UNKNOWN OWNERS GENERALLY, AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS. Defendants. 2018CH07008

INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. I3287950

ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE

4105 W Grenshaw Street, Chicago, IL 60624

verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact The sales clerk, LOGS Legal Group LLP

Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 2801 LAKESIDE DRIVE, SUITE 207, Bannockburn, IL, 60015 (847) 291-1717 For information call between the hours of 1pm - 3pm.. Please refer to file number 25-102881. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. LOGS Legal Group LLP 2801 LAKESIDE DRIVE, SUITE 207 Bannockburn IL, 60015 847-291-1717

E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com Attorney File No. 25-102881 Attorney Code. 42168 Case Number: 25 CH 4398 TJSC#: 46-621

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 25 CH 4398 I3287562

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION CITIBANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CHASE FUNDING MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2003-1, Plaintiff,

-v.-

STEPHAN HAMER AS INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF ALMA V. PITTMAN, DECEASED, MIDLAND FUNDING LLC, STEPHAN HAMER, ADRIAN STRONG, CAPRICE HAMER, JESSIE BELL, JOHANNA ROBERSON, LARONNIE HAMER, MARILYN HAMER, MARK HAMER, ROBERT HAMER, VIRGINIA HAMER,

NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 1/16/2026, an agent of Auction. com, LLC will conduct the Online Only auction at www.auction.com, with the bidding window opening on 6/22/2026 at 10:00 AM CDT and closing on June 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM subject to extension, and will sell at public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate.

Commonly known as 4105 W Grenshaw Street, Chicago, IL 60624

Property Index No. 16-15-427-0200000

The real estate is improved with a Multi-Family. The judgment amount was $148,618.90 Sale Terms: Full Sale Terms are available on the property page at www.auction. com by entering 4105 W Grenshaw Street into the search bar. If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, the winning bidder must pay the full bid amount within twenty-four (24) hours of the auction’s end. All payments must be certified funds. No third-party checks will be accepted. All bidders will need to register at www.auction.com prior to placing a bid. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a certificate of sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property, prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by the Condominium property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9 (g) (l) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701 (C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information, contact Plaintiffs attorney: Kluever Law Group, LLC (312) 236-0077 please refer to file number SPS002420-24FC1. Auction.com, LLC 100 N LaSalle St., Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60602 - 872-225-4985 You can also visit www.auction.com. Attorney File No. SPS002420-24FC1 Case Number: 2018CH07008 NOTE: PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT, YOU ARE ADVISED THAT PLAINTIFF’S ATTORNEY IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION SHEET METAL WORKERS’ INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION, LOCAL NO. 73, THE TRUSTEES OF THE SHEET METAL WORKERS’ LOCAL NO. 73 PENSION FUND, SHEET METAL WORKERS LOCAL NO. 73 WELFARE FUND, SHEET METAL WORKERS LOCAL NO. 73 ANNUITY FUND, Plaintiffs, vs. COMPLETE MECHANICAL PIPING, LLC, HERMAN PRIDE JR., CRF SMALL BUSINESS LOAN COMPANY, LLC, UNITED STATES SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, Defendants, CRF SMALL BUSINESS LOAN COMPANY, LLC, Counter-Plaintiffs, v.

COMPLETE MECHANICAL PIPING, LLC, HERMAN S. PRIDE, JR., UNKNOWN OWNERS, UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS and NON RECORD CLAIMANTS, Counter-Defendants, and DIRECTOR OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, Third Party Defendants, 24 CH 790

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on July 6, 2026, at the hour 11:00 a.m., Intercounty’s office, 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, IL 60602, sell, in person, to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate:

P.I.N. 16-22-312-019-0000. Commonly known as 4542 W. Cermak Road, Chicago, Illinois 60624.

The real estate is: commercial building. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% (or 25% if so ordered in the Judgment of Foreclosure) down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property is sold AS IS subject to all liens or encumbrances. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the circuit court case record, property tax record and the title record to verify all information before bidding. IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER THE ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(c) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Golan Christie Taglia LLP, 70 West Madison Street, Suite 1500, Chicago, Illinois 60602. (312) 2632300.

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3287981

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST INC. ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-AMC2, U.S. BANK NATIONAL

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

CORPORATION

Plaintiff, -v.TAKEYLA D. ELLINGTON, STATE OF ILLINOIS - DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

Defendants 24 CH 04055 3421 W. 12TH PLACE CHICAGO, IL 60623

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 26, 2026, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 1, 2026, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 3421 W. 12TH PLACE, CHICAGO, IL 60623

Property Index No. 16-23-203046-0000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $187,303.54.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

For information, contact HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 601 E. William St., DECATUR, IL, 62523 (217) 4221719. Please refer to file number 1660399. THE JUDICIAL SALES

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC 601 E. William St. DECATUR IL, 62523 217-422-1719

Fax #: 217-422-1754

E-Mail: CookPleadings@hsbattys. com

Attorney File No. 1660399

Attorney Code. 40387 Case Number: 24 CH 04055 TJSC#: 46-1139

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST INC. ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-AMC4, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE Plaintiff vs. TERRY A. WATT AKA TERRY WATT; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS

Defendant 20 CH 1574 CALENDAR 63 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on July 20, 2026, at the hour 11:00 a.m., Intercounty’s office, 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, IL 60602, sell, in person, to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-02-115-035-0000. Commonly known as 1424 North Central Park Avenue, Chicago, IL 60651. The real estate is: single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% (or 25% if so ordered in the Judgment of Foreclosure) down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property is sold AS IS subject to all liens or encumbrances. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the circuit court case record, property tax record and the title record to verify all information before bidding. IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER THE ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(c) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Suite 120, Naperville, IL 60563. (630) 4536960. 6710-188361 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3288684

Submit events and see full calendar at austinweeklynews.com/events

Join us for a community conversation and Q&A session about what this means for the future of journalism in our neighborhoods with Max Reinsdorf , General Manager NEWSWELL Chicago

Carolyn Newberry Schwartz , Oak Parker and NEWSWELL Chicago Events Committee Chair,

Steve Edwards , former journalist, Oak Parker and GCM Board Member

With a forward from Wednesday Journal founder Dan Haley

WEDNESDAY

Drag queen Riley per forms at Out in the Burbs Pride celebration in downtown Oak Park on June 7, 2025.

PHOTO BY TODD BANNOR

, Senior Universal Banker

My Hanh La, Senior Universal Banker

Isbeth Saravia, Assistant Branch Manager

My Hanh La, Senior Universal Banker

Denise Warren, Branch Manager

Isbeth Saravia, Assistant Branch Manager

Denise Warren, Branch Manager

Susie Goldschmidt, Market President

Denise Warren, Branch Manager

Susie Goldschmidt, Market President

Committed to Oak Park and River Forest.

Whether you’re celebrating at a local Pride event or simply spending time in your community, we believe you should be able to do your banking with a team that celebrates you for who you are. At Byline, we are proud to stand alongside the LGBTQ+ community and are committed to fostering Culture, Opportunity & Belonging—for our employees, customers, and neighbors alike. Through our Employee Resource Groups, we create space for connection, advocacy, and authentic expression, ensuring every employee can bring their full self to work. We’re honored to support and uplift the communities we serve, and we remain dedicated to building a more inclusive future—together.

Committed to Oak Park and River Forest.

To learn more about our commitment, visit bylinebank.com/oprf

TaskForce launches free LGBTQ+ therapy program on West Side

Bilingual, barrier-free mental health services aim to expand culturally competent care for LGBTQ+ youth, adults, and families

By HECTOR CERVANTES Contributing Reporter

After hearing repeated requests from LGBTQ+ youth for an onsite therapist they could trust, TaskForce Prevention & Community Services, 9 N. Cicero Ave., has launched a free, bilingual therapy program on Chicago’s West Side, expanding access to mental health care for LGBTQ+ youth, adults, couples and families who often face financial, cultural and systemic barriers to treatment.

Mental health services will be led by Annette N. Sandoval, MA, LPC, CADC, a bilingual English and Spanish speaking therapist with extensive experience supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals and other marginalized communities

The initiative was inspired by feedback from LGBTQ+ youth and community members served by the TaskForce organization, said Reyna Ortiz, the organization’s program director. Ortiz said participants repeatedly voiced a need for on-site therapy services, prompting the nonprofit to expand access to free mental health care on the West Side

“The medical system is complicated. We all know that. If someone doesn’t have adequate insurance or the ability to navigate health care and depending on the identity, to be a young trans youth navigating particular spaces, not feeling comfortable within the space, we made sure that once we acquired the partnership that it was going to be a low barrier. Doesn’t matter if they have health insurance or not,” Ortiz said.

When asked why the launch of the LGBTQ+ affirming therapy program is especially meaningful during Pride Month and what message Ortiz hopes it sends to LGBTQ+ youth, young adults and adults on the West Side, Ortiz said Pride Month is about understanding the history of the LGBTQ+ community.

“People like Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson — trans women who helped lead the movement against the way society views transgender people, and LGBTQIA+ people

more broadly, particularly Black, Latina, and Indigenous trans women played a vital role in that history. We wanted to begin Pride Month with a focus not only on celebration but also on healing,” Ortiz said.

“Our youth are still facing a tremendous number of social challenges. Pride is about celebration, but when the festivities are over, we still have to confront the realities that many LGBTQ+ people experience every day,” Ortiz said.

When it comes to receiving the therapy, participants can simply request an appointment and be connected with the therapist based on availability. While staff can assist individuals in obtaining health insurance for their broader medical needs, lack of in-

surance or being underinsured does not prevent anyone from receiving mental health services through the program.

“We heard from our participants that they wanted to build a relationship with their therapist. They wanted to see them around TaskForce and feel that they were part of our agency. We also serve a large population of trans youth, so we were looking for a therapist who is trans-identified. Finding a therapist who is a woman of color, a Latina, a licensed clinician and someone interested in working with our population was important to us,” Ortiz said.

The organization intentionally staffs its programs with Black and Brown LGBTQ+ individuals, allowing participants to see

themselves reflected in those providing resources and support Leaders said this community-centered approach ensures that people with lived experience can build meaningful connections with youth and help guide them through the challenges and issues affecting their lives.

“Our youth are dealing with a tremendous amount of challenges. On our end as providers, we’re offering barrier-free therapy led by a trans woman of color. They’re going to have meaningful conversations about how we heal from trauma, how we understand the things that have been attacking us as trans people in society, and how we can learn from those experiences while beginning the healing process,” Ortiz said.

PROVIDED

TaskForce program director Rey na Ortiz, engaging with the stude nts.

ALGA+ remakes y as Out With Purpose branding

Some pushback on name change but new signs of

area’s pioneering local y association, OPALersation

within its community as the organization moves in the direction of rebranding. OPALGA+ has long been known welcoming members ofthe LGBTQ+ community and its allies, hosting monthly potlucks in members’ homes along with its

scholarship program and advocacy ef forts.

For decades, the organization existed under names explicitly centered around lesbian and gay community members, giving many people a safe space to gather and connect. But as language, identity and allyship have evolved, some members began asking whether the organization’s name still reflected the broader community they wanted to re present.

The organization is now rebranding into “Out With Purpose,” with the intention of encouraging more people, including those who are not LGBTQ+, to feel welcomed into the community. For many members, the rebrand is not about abandoning history, but widening the circle and ensuring the organization remains welcoming and

JUNE 11

relevant for future generations

“There has been some pushback from our members,” said Cas Scaman, co-chair of OPALGA. “Change is always going to be a little bit difficult, but we’ve felt a lot of support from a lot of our original and new members.”

Some longtime members had emotional attachments to the original name and expressed concerns about OPALGA turning into something that no longer aligns with the organization’s more than 35 years of identity and history.

“We’ve changed a lot just in the past few years,” said Scaman, “and we’re really trying to make sure that we’re becoming even more inclusive, but we don’t want to become something that’s unrecognizable.”

Leaders of the organization said they are looking to create solidarity across identities, while making people who may have previously felt excluded by the older terminology feel welcomed. They also noted that some people were unsure whether they would fit directly into the organization’s model. With the changes in openness, OPALGA has already started seeing a positive response and an increase in new members.

“People are becoming members or starting to come to events for the first time because they feel more welcome with the new name,” Scaman said.

Co-chair Lynn Griffith said the rebrand is in-

tended to better reflect the broad spectrum of identities represented within today’s LGBTQ+ community.

“It only becomes a community when you actually know people in real life, when you actually connect with them, care about them and help them through things.” Griffith said.

Alongside its transition into “Out With Purpose,” the organization also plans to maintain its scholarship program. The program started in 2014 and has awarded $348,000 to students. Most recently, the organization voted to award $65,000 in scholarships to 13 students through $5,000 awards. The scholarships support students attending trade schools, two-year colle ges, and fouryear universities, and are open to allies as well as LGBTQ+ students.

Leaders said the scholarship program reflects the organization’s broader goal of investing in future generations while maintaining the sense of community that has defined the group for decades. In addition to scholarship recipients, the organization includes members ranging from teenagers to individuals in their 80s and 90s, including some founding members who remain active today

“Our mission is pretty simple,” Scaman said. “We want to build connections and community among LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies.”

SUPERBSTARS

SEASON-ENDINGCONCERT

SUPERBSTARS

SEASON-ENDINGCONCERT

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SUNDAY,JUNE14,2026 at 4:00PM

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GROESCH - PianoConcertoNo.1 (WorldPremiere) MioNakamura,soloist

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