HOOD HOPES & URBAN DREAMS

The Myth of the Man!

    
Growing up, I was told a myth. The myth described a world in which every man on earth was out to get me. These men, I was told would only use me up....hurt me, abuse me and leave me feeling foolish. But I, like most women still desired to know these 'creatures' called men: and thankfully found that this myth is false.  I found that by interacting with these 'creatures', I would learn a lot about myself.

Young Chicago Authors: Brave New Voices

Footage of the 2008 Brave New Voices youth poetry contest in Washington:

The artists, Nate Marshall and Demetrius Amparen were both highschool students at the time of this video. They wrote this peom for Young Chicago Authors, a program to designed to inspire and develop literary skills for youth. The content of the poem was inspired by the violent deaths of the artists' friends and the fear that they too could become victims of similar crimes. The reaction of the audience, which includes students from all over the country is a testiment of how the horror of youth violence is widespread.

FREE Financial Education series

 

Woodlawn Community Service Corporation, AKArama Foundation, Inc., & South Side Community Federal Credit Union:

 

 

 

are presenting a FREE Financial Education series.  Starting Tuesday, October 13, 2009 this seven week series takes place on consecutive Tuesdays thru Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 6:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. located at the AKArama Foundation, Inc. Community Service Center 6220-28 South Ingleside Avenue.  For more information/registration call: (773) 548-8859.

Urban Health Program - 30th Anniversary of helping minority students

On September 19th, the Urban Health Program of the University of Illinois will celebrate its 30th Anniversary of helping minority students become doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, and all other types of healthcare professionals.  As part of that celebration, the Urban Health Program wants to reconnect with all its Black, Latino and Native American alumni who graduated from one of the health professions colleges at the University of Illinois.  If you are minority alumnus of any of UIC’s degree programs that prepared you for a healthcare career, please contact the Urban Health Program’s Alumni Coordinator, Ms. Tara Alcazar, at (312) 996-7727.  For more information about the Urban Health Program and its 30th Anniversary celebration, visit them online at www.uic.edu, keyword: Urban Health.

Aspire's Beautiful Children Fashion Show

Join us at Aspire's Beautiful Children Fashion Show Saturday, September 19th from 11AM to 2PM at Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace.  Lisa Parker from NBC 5 News emcees as children from Aspire take to the runway.  Don’t miss your chance to win tickets to The Oprah Winfrey Show and more.  Proceeds go to Aspire Children’s Services, helping children with developmental disabilities aspire to a world of possibilities.  Tickets are $50 and include lunch, silent auction, raffle and fashion show.  For more information visit www.aspireofillinois.org, or contact Susan Ondreja at (708) 547-3550 x3558

4th Annual Auburn Gresham 79th Street Festival

Come out for a fun-filled, exciting day for the entire family at the 4th Annual Auburn Gresham 79th Street Festival on Saturday, September 12th at 10AM.  It will be on 79th Street between Racine and Loomis.  We are celebrating a community where residents live, work and play. We will have games and activities including a petting zoo, pony rides, basketball competitions, and live ‘hometown’ Chicago music and food.  Free and open to the public.  For more information call (773) 483-3696.

South West Special Recreation Association

South West Special Recreation Association (SWSRA) is a non-profit organization located in the South Suburbs that provides recreational opportunities for individuals with special needs.  If you or someone you know has a special need and is looking for leisure and fun in a safe and social environment, please contact the SWSRA office at (708) 389-9423 or visit SWSRA on the web at www.swsra.com.

The Walk for Polycystic Kidney Disease

Don’t miss the Annual Walk for PKD to benefit research and education aimed at treating and curing one of the most common of all life-threatening genetic diseases, Polycystic Kidney Disease.  PKD affects over 600,000 Americans, including 20,000 men, women and children in the Chicago area alone. The Walk for PKD takes placed on Sunday, September 27th at Busse Woods Forest Preserve, Grove 6 in Elk Grove Village.  For details, call 1-800-PKD-CURE or register online at www.pkdcure.org.  A cure is our finish line!

For Autism with Love

The Answer Inc. invites you to the “For Autism with Love” Gala & Dinner Dance fundraiser on Sunday, September 20th at Skylite West Banquets, 7117 W. Ogden Avenue in Berwyn, IL.  Help The Answer Inc. raise funds to strengthen the mission of the organization, which is to provide support, resources, education, recreation and advocacy for families affected by autism and/or other developmental disabilities.  For more information, call (708) 296-5651 or visit www.theanswerinc.org.  

18th Annual Dance for Life Benefit

One stage…one cause.  Come join the fight against HIV and AIDS at the 18th Annual Dance for Life Benefit on Saturday, August 29th.  Watch as five of Chicago’s premier dance companies unite at the largest performance-based AIDS fundraising event in the Midwest.  Proceeds benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Chicago House, AIDSCARE, Center on Halsted and the Dance for Life Fund.  For more information, visit DanceforLifeChicago.com or call (312) 922-5812.