Government Services. Community Resources. Nonprofit Organizations directory. Good Neighbor page: opportunities, wise ways for you to help. News from Co-laborers in Our Community. Condos and Coops Committee. Education Resources. Public Safety. CAPS. Disabilities. Religious Directory. Some health/personal development fairs, lectures: in Citizen Calendar.

Help-Line: resources and help available in the community and beyond

A service of Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference and its community service website, www.hydepark.org. Always in progress—suggestions welcome. Join HPKCC. Your support builds a quality community that cares for its residents, and helps expand this site.

Access to government and utility help including legal, human services.
Note: The City of Chicago has a new $6 million set aside for citizens heating needs. 311.
The scoop on welfare today- see the Ending Homelessness/Affordability page.
Be sure to see the tips in the Public Safety page.

Announcements, seminars, meetings, opportunities etc.

HPKCC Youth Programs Database.(hydepark.org/schools)
Larger Afterschool providers database.

Call Hyde Park Neighborhood Club about a full suite of services and programs 773 643-4062, and the Blue Gargoyle service center, 773 955-4108. More in Collaborers in the Community and Neighborhood Club programs page.

Wednesdays, various weeks 1:30 pm. Take Charge of Your Health Workshops at Hyde Park Neighborhood Club. 5480 S. Kenwood. 773 643-4062.

Tuesdays, various weeks, 5 pm. Neighborhood Health Exchange at Hyde Park Neighborhood Club. 5480 S. Kenwood. 773 643-4062.

The Chamber of Commerce hosts how to and how to avoid seminars. And watch for periodic health and jobs fairs.

June 3, Tuesday, 12 pm. Hyde Park Kiwanis meets at Ramada Inn, 4900 S. Lake Shore Drive, west private dining room. Ruth Runeborg of A Spare Daughter Inc. talks about downsizing and organizing the home from attic to basement. Ramada Inn at 773 288-5800.

 

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Key emergencies

Emergency numbers

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One Stop help center

There is a nearby One Stop help center for job placement, education and training, youth services, more.
Center for Working Families at Abraham Lincoln Center, 3858 S. Cottage Grove, 773 373-0365

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Addiction and recovery

Alcoholics Anonymous. Call their help line for all programs and group locations. 312 346-1475.
Freedom One-Alcoholics Anonymous meets 7 pm Mondays at Hyde Park Neighborhood Club Mondays. 5480 S. Kenwood. 773 643-4062.

The Chicago Recovery Alliance. Includes syringe exchange, medical care, overdose program, safe and STOP education, shelter referrals, legal assistance and training.
Various locations around city. Dan Bigg 773 471-0999. cra@attglobal.net. www.anypositivechange.org.

Rainbow Recovery meets at Hyde Park Neighborhood Club Fridays, 7 pm. 5480 S. Kenwood. 773 643-4062.

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Battered persons

Please visit our Public Safety page and CAPS page and for contacts. See also below under Housing/shelters (ex St. Martin de Porres) The University of Chicago and the city have excellent services. There are also several places that teach self defense and self esteem comprehensively, from park fieldhouses and the Neighborhood Club to Lotusliving (S.T.O.P. 8 sessions $120), Fitzgeralds, Bally's etc. etc. See Community Resources-Services.

911 if you are in danger or you think someone is
Police Domestic Violence Operations (312) 745-6340 3510 S. Michigan. including info, Order of Protection
Domestic Violence Hotline 1 877-868-6338 , TTY 1 877 863-6339
Child Abuse /Neglect Hotline, Police. 800-252-2873
Elder Abuse/Neglect Hotline, Police 800 654-8595, 800 252-8966

Mayor's Office On: (312) 747-9972
Helpline 24 hour multilingual voice toll free: 1-877 863-6338 (1-888 863-6339-TTY) or 1 800-TOENDDV

Friends of Battered Women and their Children. 773 274-5232.

Resources for Sexual Violence Prevention (RSVP) and
Rape Victims Advocates 228 S. Wabash, 312 663-6303 and
Family Violence Prevention Fund

Through a 24/7 network of staff volunteers, RVA has helped over 20,00 victims of sexual assault since 1974. Other contacts not available to us at present.

Rape Victim Emergency Assistance 24-hour Hotline (search City of Chicago). 312 744-8418, see Government Resources

University of Chicago Guidelines on Hate Crimes and Civility: "'Voices of Our Community' Diversity, Civility, and Equity Resource Guide" which is also available on-line at http://dos.uchicago.edu/civility.shtml.

Affinity Community Services at First Unitarian. Meets 1st Wednesdays 11:30 am. 773 324-4100. Includes to African- American lesbians.

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Bereavement, bereavement support groups

Please help us fill in this category.

We suggest your best bet may be faith/worship institutions, hospitals (UC Hospitals has one for children and youth, for example), hospice providers including Vitas, and service centers such as Urban Life. Your funeral/mortuary provider may also help--there are none in the immediate area although there is the Illinois Cremation Society.

The CompanionShip:I t is run out of Comer Children's Hospital, Univ of Chicago, but meets on the south side near 55th and Woodlawn. It has 8 week support groups and monthly support groups to help families and children cope with the death of a loved one. Our groups are free of charge. For more information and a group schedule call 773-834-1776.

National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children. 888-818-7662, http://www.pomc.org.

Business and consumer complaints, fraud

Some U of C business and entrepreneur aid:
Not only is the U of C helping relocate businesses but to grow new South Side businesses, including with the Law School Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship--advising and helping organize businesses including in Hyde Park (773 834-3129); Graduate School of Business Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship includes for nonprofits; Edward L. Kaplan New Venture Challenge (www.chicagonvc.com/gci-bin/ONC/find_idea.cgi or com/findteam.htm.
Also Entrepreneurial Internship Program- Polsky Center at 773 834-4525 or anna.bishop@chicagogsb.edu.
Office of Business Diversity, U of C includes workshops- Naida Quarles at nquarles@uchicago.edu.

Attorney General of the State of Illinois. illinoisattorneygeneral.gov

Better Business Bureau of Chicago. 312 832-0500. 330 N. Wabash room 2006

Chicago Dept. of Consumer Services. ( 312 744-9400 24 hours. TDD 312 744-9385.

See numbers, hotlines in Government Services or city website. See also Illinois Attorney General helplines there, 100 W. Randolph Fl 12 1 800 386-5438. Cook County State's Attorney's Office 69 W. Washington 3132 603-8600.)

Consumer Services Resource examples of what they handle. Complaints all go DCS at the number above 312 744-9400 unless an alternate referral is given.

Call also alderman's office, South East Chicago Commission.

 

From the Illinois Department of Employment Security: Unemployment and Workers' Compensation Information for Employers and any others, business license information and business regulation. (Remember that all libraries now have free computer access.) 33 S. State St. , Chicago IL 60603, 312 793-9276.

Services are now immediately available in one place through Business Portal at www.business.illinois.gov.

Statewide internet unemployment claims system at www.ides.state.il.us. Watch for future services over these and other internet sites.

Illinois Skills Match free internet job matching: www.illinoisskillsmatch.com (to be enhanced in the fall for businesses that do not need a 100% match)

Illinois TaxNet from IDES and the Dept. of Revenue lets businesses file, apply for an account,make address and employee info changes between quarters: www.ides.state.il.us.

Workforce data, economic information and career information: www.ilworkinfo.com.

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Chaplaincy/Spiritual Care

Consult also the University of Chicago Hospitals, University of Chicago Medical Center Department of Spiritual Care, MC 2120, 5841 S Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, 773 702-6246. Mgr. Deborah Derylak, 773 702-3467. On-Call Chaplain 773 702-1000. pager 188-7008. The Hospitals has two chapels, open 24/7. Benson Chapel is located in the Mitchell Hospital Rubloff Tower 2nd floor (D288). The Piccolo Chapel is in the Comer Children's Hospital 1st floor.

Children and youth (incl. college), family health, counseling, services
(Education, tutoring etc. has more in After School, in Education Resources home, and Schools Directory. Government Services.) Expectant parents see Parent Section, below.

Resources
List of Childcare providers
Childcare Referral Services
Cultural Activities for Children
Sports and Recreation for Children
Counseling and Mentoring, child-and-parent

National Runaway Switchboard 800 621-4000

Child Support. 800 447-4039

Parents: need someone to talk to? 1-800-4-A-Child. 1 800 422-4453

______________

Resources

U of C and Hospitals families: visit http://hr.uchicago.edu/benefits/spds/childcare/childcare_flyer.pdf.

Action for Children. 773 564-8890, childcare@actforchildren.org. Referral service offers unique support for working parents and their employers, including accessible database. 6 weeks to 12 years of age. Information about assistance programs and tax credits.

After School Matters paid apprenticeships in arts, technology, sports for as young as 16 years (sometimes as young as 14 with permission and for stipend). 312 793-2804, www.state.il.us/agency/idol Visit also www.afterschool.org "application information", 312 742-4182.
Some Chicago Park District programs pay: JETS (Junior Earth Team)- this summer at South Shore Cultural Center and Nichols Park.
Mayor's Office of Workshop Development. 312 746-7777.
Closest Youth Workforce Development Agencies: Blue Gargoyle Youth Service Center, 4622 S. King, 773 373-8960, Shorebank Neighborhood Institute, 1817 E. 71st St., 773 363

The Baby PhD offers bi-weekly networking meetings "Finding Quality Child Care" intended to bring together parents and caregivers seeking employment. Sarah Diwan.
Their store at 5225 S. Harper also buys and resells used child clothing (parent guar. half of sale price) as well as new (prices guaranteed under downtown). Their preschool is at 5411 S. Dorchester and infant-toddler at 5415 S. Harper 773 684-8920, www.babyphd.com. info@babyphd.com. More details including University of Chicago funded Home-based Childcare Parent and Provider Resource Center in the Community Resources page.

Biracial Family Network. 773 288-3644. Educational meetings, networking opportunities, newsletters, organized activities, resource library.

Birthways-Labor Support and Postpartum Doula Services. 773 506-0607. (north side). Chicago's oldest and largess community of labor support and postpartum doulas. Services include childbirth education, breastfeeding support, parenting support and classes for expectant parents.

Blue Gargoyle Youth Service Center. See details in Collaborators in the Neighborhood and Community Resources pages. 5638 S. Woodlawn, 773 955-4108. Free comprehensive educational, counseling and employment resource for children through adults and families . Six departments. And Bronzeville Academic Center is at 220 W. 45th Pl.

Blackstone Bicycle Works and the Experimental Station

6100 S. Blackstone. Connie Spreen is one of the officers. 773 241-5458.

These cross boundaries as they engage youth, teaching real skills and responsibility alongside academic engagement (to aim toward college and business), serving as safe haven, and giving hope and sense of achievement. It currently has 24 regular enrollees and several taking"just in time learning."
The Experimental Station is like a commune for incubator and successful businesses, arts, environmental (especially) , and education programs. Heavily engaged are the University of Chicago Service Center, Civic Knowledge, summer Links, BSD and more.and the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital. Volunteers welcome!


Blue Gargoyle Counseling Department. Staff with training as licensed clinical social workers, licensed clinical professional counselors, masters interns in social work and counseling psychology. Services:
Individual therapy, family therapy, 24 hour crisis intervention, conflict resolution groups, family case management, psycho educational groups, in-office or in-school sessions, self-esteem groups.
Serves 43rd to 67th, King to the Lake.

CAPS for kids. 312 747-2930, 312 747-9987. Peer Juries: 312 747-7090. Law Enforcement Explorers:312 747-9986-The 3rd and 21st Districts have very active explorer programs, now in Jackson Park, too!. Youth Forums: 312 746-7090--also call Park District South Lakefront Region, 773 256-0949.
Chicago Fire Department Public Education Unit. 312 747-6691.

Centers for New Horizons. Includes childcare centers, in a wide section of the mid-South. HQ. 4150 S. King Drive, 773 373-5700. Several satellites.

Chicago Academic Games League A committee of HPKCC, this program brings kids from several schools to the UC Lab School monthly for math game teaching. Participating schools must cosponsor and provide a teacher. Now administered by the University of Chicago Service Center (USCS)- contact Wallace Goode,wgoode.uchicago.edu.

Chicago Association of Retarded Citizens (CARC). Includes foster parent referrals. 5333 S. Greenwood ave. 773 241-5700.

Chicago Child Care Society, 5467 S. University, 773 256-2452 or 773 643-0452.
Director Nancy Johnstone. Development Erin C. Walton, 773 256-2459, ewalton@cccsociety.org.
Since 1849, Chicago's and Hyde Park's oldest child welfare agency. To safeguard vulnerable children and reinforce their families' stability.
Child and Family Development Center serves 2-5s in Community Day Care for working parents. There is also Homeless Day Care and Protective Day Care. Takes both community and DCFS kids including pick up to and from shelters.
Clinical family services such as foster care and adoptions. Licensed therapists. Next Step program prepares teenage mothers with one child for college.
Feeds and clothes homeless families, also toys, cribs, bikes, snow gear, strollers. --call for schedule.
Works also with Great Lakes Naval Station social agency--sailors come down here to help.

From CCCS: Our mission statement: CCCS exists to protect vulnerable children and
strengthen their families. We strive to be among the premier providers
of high quality and effective child welfare services. We serve both
children and families in the following programs:

* Child and Family Development Center (CFDC): day care program
with children between ages of 2 to 5 years old.

* Counseling program: family oriented counseling for the
agency's foster care programs and the CFDC program.

* Education Support Program: provides services to children who
are experiencing academic, behavioral and attendance difficulties and
are at risk of expulsion or dropping out of school.

* The Extended Family Support Program provides short term
support to individuals caring for related children.

* The Teen Alliance Program: provides DCFS wards with a unique
foster care experience.

* The Safe Life Program: is an HIV/AIDS prevention and education
program aimed at providing information to adolescents about sexually
transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS.

* The Teen Parenting Initiative Program serves pregnant and
parenting teens that are enrolled in the Chicago Public Schools.

* The Next Step Program is a college readiness program with
mentoring support for high school mothers with one child.

In 2008 CCCS launched the Teen Alliance Program, designed to help girls 14-20, especially those falling through the cracks of multiple placements in foster care and needing intensive care and support. It specifically seeks professional full-time foster parents, and includes support groups, according to Curt Holderfield, director of clinical services. 773 643-0452.

Chicago Southside Autism Support Group. 1634 E. 53rd St. #117. www.csasg.org. Meetings, information, respite care, summer recreation.

Common Threads
 345 N. Canal St. 1601, Chicago, IL 60606.
(312) 876-1289
www.commonthreads.org
Executive Director Linda Novak O'Keefe. Founder and President Al Smith (Oprah's chef). Project Coordinator Tara Sidlowki.
Recently starting programs in Hyde Park, this organization is starting classes in cooking, gardening, art, movement and more at St. Paul and the Redeemer and eventually in the former Shiloh Baptist church, bought and under renovation by founder Al Smith. Purpose is to stimulate connectivity, growth, appreciation for diverse peoples in children- children who will want to effect change- -using food, education, arts as vehicles for change.
This summer: gardening camp in Kenwood Park morphs into Cooking Classes. Differing lengths Mon-Fri 12-3:45 pm. Learn organic gardening, horticulture and healthy eating from professionals using stories, art and cultural games. Later, learn from master chefs ethnic recipes from India to Mexico to the Caribbean, including with herbs they have grown. There is also Master Movement -dance, martial arts and exercise programs.
Also programs at Gallery 37 downtown.

A dental collaboration

Ronald McDonald House Charities and the University of Chicago Hospitals Zoller Dental Clinic, with LaRabida Children's Hospital and the Berman and Hannah Friend Family Health Center bring oral health care services directly to disadvantaged and disabled children via the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile Program. (Dental screenings are now required for entering kindergarten, second, and sixth grades under a state program initiated by Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn. Tooth decay is the no. 1 chronic illness in children and of school absences--5 times for common than asthma and 7 time more than hay fever.

The care mobile is an office with 2 fully-equipped exam rooms, digital X-ray, chair lift, medical records, computers, tvs, VCRS for education. Gives exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, X-rays, fillings, extractions, and info about accessible clinics. Ronald McDonalds bought the van and will provide some funding, Zoller will provide the major funding for the program yearly.

Diamonds in the Rough Children's Society assists grandparents and others striving to keep kids out of the child welfare system- both with support services for the caregivers and empowerment/ awareness programs for the youth. Partners with Northeastern Illinois University Center for Inner City Studies' The Kinship Center, 619 E. Oakwood Blvd. Deveda Francois founder and director. Supported by Jewel-Osco.

Education Station. Free in conjunction with CPS and schools. Small group. Parent Helpline 800 246-2154. Said to produce best improvement for CPS students of any after school type program.

Family Support Source. www.familysupportsource.com. 773 493-5069. Free parent consultations every second Tuesday and free discussion groups incl. for English as second language.

Faithful Few. Works using volunteers with children with attention deficit and hyperactivity or bipolar disorders. Founded by Hyde Parker Denard Jacox. Includes softball and work with YMCA, Chicago Park District as well as one on one mentoring. 773 426-3472, http://www.faithfulfew.org.

Hyde Park Development Center.
Executive Director Ahzea Makhobu
773 324-0947. hydeparkcenter@sbcglobal.net
Home-based child care/preschool program.
Hyde Park Development Center offers a comprehensive pre-school program within a unique home-like, literacy rich environment. Teachers provide a nurturing atmosphere in which children learn and develop on a variety of levels, including socially, cognitively, linguistically, and physically. The families admitted to the program place a high-value on education and expect the best for their child. Hyde Park Development Center maintains exceptional parent-teacher communication through daily reports, photos e-mailed to parents, and family events designed to foster the school community. The center takes a holistic approach to children’s health and wellness through providing healthy vegetarian meals and daily time spent outdoors for fresh air, physical activity, and sunshine. The development center provides an exceptional level of quality programming through the gentle care provided to the students, professional communication with parents, and attractive classroom layouts.

Hyde Park La Leche League meets Fridays and Tuesdays, sometimes mid morning, sometimes evenings, to discuss issues related to breast feeding and infant rearing, at Hyde Park Union Church, 5600 S. Woodlawn. 773 538-6128.

Hyde Park Neighborhood Club
5480 S. Kenwood Avenue
(773) 643-4062, Fax (773) 643-4262
Executive Director: acting Jennifer Bosch, President Karen Freeman.
www.hpnclub.org. email@hpnclub.org
Purpose: To provide social and recreational services through its facilities and programs. Includes senior and other daycare. Features a variety of programs including recreation and fitness, crafts, education for toddlers, children, teens, adults, seniors, pets and the community. More information in Co-laborers.

(Hyde Park) Jewish Community Centers of Chicago (JCC)
5200 S. Hyde Park Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 753-3080. Sports: Brian Latman, 773 753-3080 x203
www.jccofchicago.org/ , slubof@jccofchicago.org
Purpose: Our facilities and programs accommodate a variety of social, educational and recreational needs and interests. Supported by Hyde Park Council of Jewish Organizations and Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation. Programs include gym with league-competing youth and adult basketball and volleyball teams, bowling, ice skating classes, activity rooms, L'dor V'dor program connecting students with seniors, activity rooms, classes on writing, literature/books, cinema.

Hyde Park Learning Resources Center. 5114 S. Dorchester. 312 209-3852. Call and ask for Lillie Goodwin as website may not yet be up. Tutoring and homework, test preparation centering on academics for all grades. 2 pm earliest to 6 pm. Safe Haven.

Hyde Park Parent Support Network. www.hydeparkpsn.org. A volunteer-run organization of parents of babies and young children from Hyde Park and surrounding neighborhoods. Offers a playroom at First Unitarian (5650 S. Woodlawn.) Message board provides a forum for questions, information, exchange of items. Parties, weekly art projects, field trips, book clubs. Annual dues $75 w discounts. info@hydepasrkpsn.org.

Hyde Park Union Church hosts Parents Care and Share self-help groups every first Thursday of the month at 12 pm. Strengthening families. 708 425-0310 x 3.

KidStart after school programs has a site with much more than the programs: www.chicagokidstart.org. Use the site, or regional guides (HPK is split between regions 4 and 5 at 55th St.) to Find an activity (get/be involved, fit, learning, creative, safe, earning incl. apprenticeship opportunities), find a directory of Community Resources.

KidStart and tutoring/mentoring programs include:

New Mom Support. Contact Andrea Denny at andrea@andrea-adam.com, 773 288-6621. Volunteers and mothers from the Hyde Park Parent Support Network (which see) that provide support during post partum and beyond. Will research, cook some meals, hold the baby, sympathize.

Student Parent Group. http://grad-affairs.uchicago.edu/parents. Listserve of over 100 student parents and provides weekly activities for parents and children, child development and parenting workshops, holiday gatherings and parenting resources in Hyde Park. Now has a center with all kinds of inter play equipment and activities, mutual babysitting. Natalie Tilghman at nmhaney@uchicago.edu.

In Woodlawn (just starting--help us add more)

Little Peoples World daycare. 6-6 pm. 6360 S. Ingleside. Latasha, 773 288-5270.

SGA Youth and Family Services. Nichole Bremer

WECAN

The Woodlawn Organization


Listing of Child Care providers in the area (Not prescreened. Many in the area, possibly on this list, are said by experts not to be fully qualified.)

There is now a family center for U of C student parents on the second floor of University Church on E. 57th east of University Avenue. There are lots of resources including toys and books;people look after each others' children, and there are diapers, changing and other stations, events, joint programming etc. Funding came from the Women's board.

Action for Children's "Nanny Share." 773 564-8890 ask for Kanella. childcare@actforchildren.org .A registry for U of C employees or graduate students.

Baby PhD. Preschool at 5411 Dorchester. Infant and toddler at 5515 Harper. Seeks families seeking day cares that is loving and safe with a variety of age-appropriate learning opportunities. Currently mainly parents who are U of C graduate students, faculty, and staff of the University and Hospitals and affiliates. Tuition $7 to $8.25 per hour. Part or full-time, discounts. Sarah Diwan, 773 256-0955, info@babyphd.com.

Chicago Child Care Society. 5467 S. University. 773 667-2013. Mainly preschool ed. and teen moms and dads. Nancy Johnstone, Dir. From CCCS:
Our mission statement: CCCS exists to protect vulnerable children and
strengthen their families. We strive to be among the premier providers
of high quality and effective child welfare services. We serve both
children and families in the following programs:

* Child and Family Development Center (CFDC): day care program
with children between ages of 2 to 5 years old.

* Counseling program: family oriented counseling for the
agency's foster care programs and the CFDC program.

* Education Support Program: provides services to children who
are experiencing academic, behavioral and attendance difficulties and
are at risk of expulsion or dropping out of school.

* The Extended Family Support Program provides short term
support to individuals caring for related children.

* The Teen Alliance Program: provides DCFS wards with a unique
foster care experience.

* The Safe Life Program: is an HIV/AIDS prevention and education
program aimed at providing information to adolescents about sexually
transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS.

* The Teen Parenting Initiative Program serves pregnant and
parenting teens that are enrolled in the Chicago Public Schools.

* The Next Step Program is a college readiness program with
mentoring support for high school mothers with one child.

Children's House at Harper Square. 4800 S. Lake Park Avenue. 773 373-3000. May have closed.

Cuddle Care Academy. 4800 S. Lake Park. 773 285-1114. 15 months to 2 years. Half and full-day. Monthly field trips, structured curriculum, foreign languages.

Evelyn's Playhouse. 5311 S. Cornell. 773 493-2474. M-F 7:45 am- 6 pm. Breakfast, lunch, snacks. $75 week.

Hyde Park Union Church Nursery School (Centers for New Horizons). 5600 S. Woodlawn. 773 363-6063. 3 years to kindergarten.

Little People Learning Center. 5650 S. Woodlawn (First Unitarian Church). 773 955-9942. Ages 2-6.

Hyde Park Parent Support Network. www.hydeparkpsn.org. A volunteer-run organization of parents of babies and young children from Hyde Park and surrounding neighborhoods. Offers a playroom at First Unitarian (5650 S. Woodlawn.) Message board provides a forum for questions, information, exchange of items. Parties, weekly art projects, field trips, book clubs. Annual dues $75 w discounts. info@hydepasrkpsn.org.

Parent Cooperative forr Early Learning, Inc. Monica S. Foster, 5300 South Shore Drive, 60615. 773 684-0142, Fax 773 684-0142. mnc_foster@yahoo.com.

Simon Says Home Daycare. 773 538-0307. Full or part time care for children 6 weeks to 5 years. M- 7 am- 6:30 pm. Basic learning using Creative Curriculum of Infants and Toddlers and other described as Christian, story time, free play, arts and crafts, foreign language, compute. Meals, snacks, monthly field trips.

Sunflower Children's Garden. 4945 S. Dorchester (St. Paul and the Redeemer Church), www.sunflowerchildrensgarden.com.

Child Care Referral Services

Action for Children. 773 564-8890, childcare@actforchildren.org. Referral service offers unique support for working parents and their employers, including accessible database. 6 weeks to 12 years of age. Information about assistance programs and tax credits.

New Mom Support. Contact Andrea Denny at andrea@andrea-adam.com, 773 288-6621. Volunteers and mothers from the Hyde Park Parent Support Network (which see) that provide support during post partum and beyond. Will research, cook some meals, hold the baby, sympathize.

Sittercity.com. America's largest, easily accessible database for babysitters and nannies. 100,00 caregivers in 20 manor markets.

University of Chicago Benefits Office. Ingleside Hall, 960? E. 58th St. room 308. 773 834-7396.


Cultural activities for children (for full contacts see in Cultural Resources page by category or alpha )

Arts and Cultural: Gallery 37 (not just downtown anymore!) 312 744-8925, www.gallery37.org, park district website-including cultural centers, (South Shore Cultural Ctr. esp., Kennicott Park), Chicago Public Library/Blackstone, Hyde Park Art Center. See our Cultural Calendar and Cultural Resources Directory.
To www.chicagokidstart.org: "Upcoming Special Events for Kids" (music and art festivals). 1-877-CHICAGO for list of nearby cultural institutions.

Little Black Pearl Art and Design Center (Workshop)

Blackstone Branch Public Library. 4904 S. Lake Park. 312 747-0511. Preschool Storytime Thursdays at 10:30 var. dates, other programs, SmartFamilies@Blackstone Library 2nd Saturdays midafternoons in academic year.

Borders Bookstore. 1539 E. 53rd St. Storytime Thursdays at 11 am.

Chicago Children's Choir, Hyde Park Neighborhood Choir. Latter still based at First Unitarian Church, 5650 S. Woodlawn. 8 to 16 years.

Hyde Park Art Center. 5020 S. Cornell. 773 324-5520. Classes for 2-5s and 4-7s for parents with children.

Hyde Park Learning Resources Center. 5114 S. Dorchester. 312 209-3852. Call and ask for Lillie Goodwin as website may not be up yet. Tutoring and homework, test preparation centering on academics for all grades. 2 pm earliest to 6 pm. Safe Haven.

Hyde Park Parent Support Network. www.hydeparkpsn.org. A volunteer-run organization of parents of babies and young children from Hyde Park and surrounding neighborhoods. Offers a playroom at First Unitarian (5650 S. Woodlawn.) Message board provides a forum for questions, information, exchange of items. Parties, weekly art projects, field trips, book clubs. Annual dues $75 w discounts. info@hydepasrkpsn.org.

Hyde Park School of Ballet. 5600 S. Woodlawn, www.hydeparkschoolofballet.org. Creative movement for 3s and up, pre-ballet for 4 and 5s. $140 to $235. Culminates in recitals and shows.

Joan's Studio for the Performing Arts. 1438 E. 57th St. 773 493-9288. With Marsha's Music Together. Infants to 5. www.joansstudioinc.com.

Music Teachers of Hyde Park. Website listing of teachers offering private lessons. www.mthp.org

Nichols Park, Kenwood Park fieldhouses. Contact /find at chicagoparkdistrict.com.


Sports and Recreation for children. See Recreation page for much, much more and park programs.

AYSO Soccer Region 751. webmaster@ayso.571.org. 4 and up, but sometimes specials for younger.

Hyde Park Jewish Community Center. 5200 S. Hyde Park Blvd. www.jccofchicago.org/. Other activities, classes, informational packets also.

Hyde Park Legends Baseball, Little League and Pony League, Softball....

Hyde Park Neighborhood Club. 5480 S. Kenwood. 773 643-4062. www.hpnclub.org. Starts with Tot Lot and runs the full range.

Hyde Park Parent Support Network. www.hydeparkpsn.org. A volunteer-run organization of parents of babies and young children from Hyde Park and surrounding neighborhoods. Offers a playroom at First Unitarian (5650 S. Woodlawn.) Message board provides a forum for questions, information, exchange of items. Parties, weekly art projects, field trips, book clubs. Annual dues $75 w discounts. info@hydepasrkpsn.org.

South Side WMCA. 6330 S. Stony Island Avenue. 773 947-0700. Family membership $60 moth with $150 registration. Childcare, preschool, Sears Family Nights, Youth Leader's Club, summer day camp, Bulls Basketball Camp, youth swim,...

Student Parent Group. http://grad-affairs.uchicago.edu/parents. Listserve of over 100 student parents and provides weekly activities for parents and children, child development and parenting workshops, holiday gatherings and parenting resource sin Hyde Park. Natalie Tilghman at nmhaney@uchicago.edu.

Park fieldhouses. Contact chicagoparkdistrict.com. Jackson, Nichols, Kenwood, Kennicott, Washington. Also your local child's school HPKCC Schools Committee is working on developing a comprehensive directory of what's offered to kids.


Mentoring/counseling for children/youth/and college age (ex. Urban Life Center)

Chicago Public Schools Office of After School and Community School Programs: 773 553-3590, www.cpsafterschool.org
Chicago Public Library: Teacher in the Library- yes, a real one as well as the cyber machines that are now wireless! 312 747-4780, www.chicagopubliclibrary.org (hours and locations, "Kids and Teens"- follow the owl, "Homework Help," reading programs calendar. Blackstone Branch (4904 S. Lake Park, 312 747-0511) See the Blackstone page.

Chicago Association of Retarded Citizens, Evelyn Nelson School and the Foster Parent Program. 5333 S. Greenwood. 773 241-5700.

CompanionShip Support Group. For children and teens dealing with losses. 8-week sessions. University of Chicago Hospitals. 5841 S; Maryland. Free. 773 834-1776.

Erikson Institute. A graduate school that focuses on Cchild development. Includes Fussy Baby Network.

Family Support Source. www.familysupportsource.com. 773 493-5069. Free parent consultations every second Tuesday and free discussion groups incl. for English as second language.

Futureworld Learning Centers, 1744 E. 55th St. Chicago, IL 60615, 773 256-1570, details at 312 719-4907. futureworldhydepark@hotmail.com Still in operation?
Before and after school - partnering with computers in park fieldhouses, internet fun learning, afterschool homework help using computers and competition and teaching blitz math, speed reading, photo/graphics, website creation. Can be affordable or free.

MAGIC (Metropolitan Area Group for Igniting Civilization) 950 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637. (773) 290-2313. www.magicchicago.org
Bryan K. Echols, Executive Director, bryane@magicchicago.org
Dedicated to bringing athletics and academics with civic and personal development and entrepreneurship to youth on the South Side. Clubs for girls and for boys.

Mentoring kids and families (an example)
Black Star Project and Black Data Processors Association encourages schools, families, students to participate in its High School Computer Competition. Students learn html, web page design, flow charting, Java, other applications. Starts January, 2005. www.bdpa-chicago.org. Black Star organization has clubs and programs in many places, including Afrocentric Bookstore, 4655 S. King Dr., and the program below housed at St. Paul and the Redeemer Church.

And parents: Black Star Project university for parents, based at St. Paul & the Redeemer Church. Classes range from single parenting of boys to role of parents, gangs-drugs-violence, readiness and resources for college. Philip Jackson at 312 842-3527 or blackstar2003@ameritech.net

New Mom Support. Contact Andrea Denny at andrea@andrea-adam.com, 773 288-6621. Volunteers and mothers from the Hyde Park Parent Support Network (which see) that provide support during post partum and beyond. Will research, cook some meals, hold the baby, sympathize.

Ounce of Prevention. Interventions and counseling; programs for kids, youth, families; programs to stop gang activity and street killings. 121 S. Michigan. 312 922-3863.

Provident Hospital of Cook County's Growing Teens Association club. Free advice on health and wellness to annual college tour. Meets in the Community Resource room, 500 E. 51st St. 11:30 am to 1:30 pm on Saturdays. 312 572-2742.

Right at Home informal weekly gatherings often with speakers on parent and child issues by Erikson Institute's Fussy Baby Institute and Chicago Child Care Society. 10:30 to noon Thursdays starting March 20 at 5459 S. University. Sug. $5. Katie Caddell 773 256-2426.

Student Parent Group. http://grad-affairs.uchicago.edu/parents. Listserve of over 100 student parents and provides weekly activities for parents and children, child development and parenting workshops, holiday gatherings and parenting resource sin Hyde Park. Natalie Tilghman at nmhaney@uchicago.edu.

Urban Life Center
Valerie Wallace, Administrative Director.
1515 E. 52nd Place, other locations, Chicago, IL 60615. 1-800-747-6059, (773) 667-6419, others. fax: (773) 363-1150.
http://www.urbanlifecenter.org.
Purpose: Counseling and other social services. Celebrating 35 years in June 2006.
We're a nonprofit experiential educational organization in Hyde Park.
Urban Life Center engages college students with Chicago's diverse communities through innovative seminars and internships, expanding the traditional classroom through an experience-based, first-voices pedagogy.
Urban Life Center also designs day to week-long LearnChicago! tours and workshops to teach groups about the city's cultures and communities.


YoungLife Urban/Hyde Park Young Life.
5421 S. Dorchester #1 60615. Cell 312 245-3364. Religious based.
Young Life Club and WyldLife Club (high school and middle resp.) meet weekly.
25 camps across the country- recreation and counseling, weekends or summer weeks. Other than the camps, it's contact based, not facility or church based.

Youth at the Crossroads. 1300 E. 47th St. Suite 223, Chicago Il 60653, yac312@yahoo.com. Assist youth in creating and achieving goals including networking, entrepreneurship, college and scholarship searches, life skills, mentoring, counseling, tutoring.

Youth Explorers- contact Chicago Police districts. Also Jackson Park fieldhouse, 773 256-0903

Windy City Cares mentoring. Just getting started, seeking mentors? Contact Bernard Key at bkey@beylinktechnologies.com.

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Counseling and self-help for adults and families

See more in College (below) Women (below), Public Safety, Religious Resources and Directory. Help us build this section. We need to know of places to learn, for example, anger management and personality control (Who's not limping?)

Learn and practice non-violent communication Mondays, 7:30-9, at Regents Park, 5050 S. Lake Shore Dr. www.journeysoflife.org.

Tuesdays Ming Yu offers Falun Gong instruction 6:30-8:30 at the Blackstone Branch Library. Physical exercise with meditation. 4904 S. Lake Park Ave./ 773 288-7146.

A Family and a People United holds support counseling primarily for African American men and young men at Hyde Park Neighborhood Club 5480 S. Kenwood, 7 pm every 2nd Friday, starting June 23, 2006. Organized by Rev. Jean L. Jackson. The object is turnaround and prevention of slippage into crime.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. www.TheOvernight.org. 888-NIGHT-05, 888 644-4805. (Held a Lakefront Overnight Walk "Out of the Darkness" July 26-27 2005.)

Center for Working Families. In Abraham Lincoln Center. 3858 or 3939 S. Cottage Grove.

Chicago Association of Retarded Citizens includes foster parents. 773 241-5700. 5333 S. Greenwood.

Family Support Source. Sustained parenting. www.familysupportsource.com, 773 493-5069, Katalin@familysupportsource.com.

1-800-790-DADS- "It takes a Man to be a Dad"

Faithful Few. Works using volunteers with children with attention deficit and hyperactivity or bipolar disorders. Founded by Hyde Parker Denard Jacox. Includes softball and work with YMCA, Chicago Park District as well as one on one mentoring. 773 426-3472, http://www.faithfulfew.org.

Parents need someone to talk to? 1-800-4-A-Child. (1 800 422-4453)

Rainbow Recovery meets at Hyde Park Neighborhood Club Fridays, 7 pm. 5480 S. Kenwood. 773 643-4062.

Right at Home- informal weekly gatherings often with speakers on parent and child issues by Erikson Institute's Fussy Baby Institute and Chicago Child Care Society. 10:30 to noon Thursdays starting March 20 at 5459 S. University. Sug. $5. Katie Caddell 773 256-2426.

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College Students- getting in touch with communities (section just starting up)

Civic Knowledge Project

Urban Life Center
Valerie Wallace, Administrative Director.
1515 E. 52nd Place, other locations, Chicago, IL 60615. 1-800-747-6059, (773) 667-6419, others. fax: (773) 363-1150.
http://www.urbanlifecenter.org.
Purpose: Counseling and other social services. Celebrating 35 years in June 2006.
We're a nonprofit experiential educational organization in Hyde Park.
Urban Life Center engages college students with Chicago's diverse communities through innovative seminars and internships, expanding the traditional classroom through an experience-based, first-voices pedagogy.
Urban Life Center also designs day to week-long LearnChicago! tours and workshops to teach groups about the city's cultures and communities.

Chicago Child Care Society and Junior League of Chicago: "Next Step for Teen Moms." With CPS Teen Parenting Initiative. Also counsels teen fathers. Contact CCCS, 5467 S. University, 773 667-2013.

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Credit check and ID theft

Free copies of your credit reports are allowed once a year from the three reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union. Review/correct your credit report in advance- www.annualcreditreport.com or Equifax 800 685-1111, TransUnion 800 888-4213, Emperian 888 397-3742. Or go to reputable websites such as NBC5.com to link to the exact correct website, and no, you do not have to sign up for a service!

Be sure that if you ever suspect identity theft, call the Illinois Attorney General's Office (go here to Government Services.) Top

Crime prevention, self-protection and housing regulation

Attend CAPS meetings- see schedule in CAPS News page. See also Public Safety and WhistleStop--lots of resources and tips in these pages!

CAPS for kids. 312 747-2930, 312 747-9987. Peer Juries: 312 747-7090. Law Enforcement Explorers:312 747-9986. Youth Forums: 312 746-7090--also call Park District South Lakefront Region, 773 256-0949.
Chicago Fire Department Public Education Unit. 312 747-6691.

Ounce of Prevention. Interventions and counseling; programs for kids, youth, families; programs to stop gang activity and street killings. 121 S. Michigan. 312 922-3863.

South East Chicago Commission
1511 E. 53rd Street, Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 324-6926. Fax 773 324-6685
Executive Director: Robert Mason e-mail secc1@sbcglobal.net
www.hydeparksecc.com
Purpose: to monitor and improve public safety, housing, and community development. Funded and in large part community arm of the University of Chicago. Founded in 1953.

Tracking crime and sex offenders in your neighborhood: Citizen ICAM- from the http://.egov.cityofchicago.org. http://www.chicagopolice.org. http://www.familywatchdog.us (child predators/Megan's Law)

Hyde Park S.A.V.E/Hyde Park Sexual Assault and Violence Educators
Nissa Thompson
773-834-5177. hyde_park_save@yahoo.com.

Rape Victims Advocates of Hyde Park
http://www.rapevictimsadvocates.org, volunteers@rapevictimsadvocates.org attn: Volunteer Coordinator Christel.

South Side Sexual Assault and Violence Educators. Kavitha at kselv@uchicago.edu, 724 679-7249.

Lotus Living Center in Hyde Park is forming STOP (Simple Tactics of Protection)classes. This 8 hours workshop will take place on the following Saturdays. June 3rd 11:30am-3:30pm and June 10th 11:30am-3:30pm. lotusliving.homestead.com


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Disabilities

Hyde Park Disabilities Task Force- See Disabilities page.

Hyde Park Disabilities Task Force

A coalition of the 4th and 5th wards, DARE, HPKCC, HP Chamber of Commerce, Older Women's League, SECC, UC Police. It seeks to make Hyde Park businesses accessible to persons with disabilities and their service animals, to improve our paths of mobility, and improve etiquette including with bicycles and autos towards all with limited ability. A Caring Community. Learn more at the hydepark.org Disabilities page, hpdisabilities@aol.com, or 773 363-4368.

Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities. 312 744-4441, 312 744-4964 TTY. 121 N. LaSalle rom 1104. www.cityofchicago.org/Disabilities. (Contact also Mayor's Office on Workforce Development. 1615 W. Chicago. (312) 746-7777)

Architectural Services Unit provides consultative services and technical assistance to business owners, architects and developers who are renovating or constructing a commercial, residential or public accommodation facility to ensure accessibility to and by people with disabilities, including the new options under the 2004 Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance.

Professional staff is available to answer questions about the rights and responsibilities of business owners, employees and consumers under ADA, Fair Housing (FHAA), Illinois Accessibility J)IAC), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Chicago Building Code.

Architectural services include Plan review for accessibility compliance as part of permit process, training for compliance, disabled parking signs.

HomeMod. Through this program homes are modified to provide accessibility. Features include lifts, ramps,. wide doors, accessible kitchens and bathrooms. Program is open to home owners and renters with disabilities. Provides grants up to $10,000 to homeowners up to age 55.

Chicago Bar Association hosts a free seminar on Social Security Disability. November 8, 12:15 pm, Harold Washington Library.

Chicago Southside Autism Support Group. 1634 E. 53rd St. #117. www.csasg.org. Meetings, information, respite care, summer recreation.

Community Resource Network (affiliated with DOORS nationally). Creates volunteer opportunities for skill building and employability for persons with disabilities including veterans. 312 491-7800. volunteercenter@communityresourcenetwork.org.

D.A.R.E.- Disabled Adult Residential Enterprises. 1616 E. 55th St. 773 667-7313.

Equip for Equality. Advancing he rights, inclusion and ability to cope of adults and children with disables. Includes legal representation. Main office is at 20 N. Michigan Suite 300. 800 537-2631 or 312 341-0022. TTY 800 610-2779. contactus@equipforequality.org.

More in the Disabilities page.

Employing- see Employment following

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Employment

Summer employment, internship, programs for youth: See also Afterschool page and below.

Mayor's Office of Employment and Training. 312 744-4078.
Mayors Office of Workforce Development (incl. disabled). 1615 W. Chicago. (312) 746-7777. This is where to go for summer jobs for teens over 16 also. Keyword in city website cityofchicago.org is in italics above. See more of their services in the Disabilities page-Resources.

Or call 312 747-7777 for WorkNet Chicago.

Newest center is the University of Chicago Career Pathways at 950 E. 61st St. a collaboration of UC Medical Center, CARA, and Mayor's Office of Workforce Development.

Illinois workNet. Type it in and go.

Statewide internet unemployment claims system at www.ides.state.il.us. Watch for future services over these and other internet sites.

Illinois Skills Match free internet job matching: www.illinoisskillsmatch.com (to be enhanced in the fall for businesses that do not need a 100% match)

Illinois Department of Employment Security and Chicago Jobs Council have created a state ex-offender employability website, http://www.ides.state.il.us/exoffenders.
Resources include: Intake and assessment, Job readiness, Job retention, Working with employers, Application and interview tips, Legal services incl. sealing and expungement, Information on occupational bans and waivers, Resources for public benefits and work supports, Criminal Terminology, Bibliography on data.

Illinois Jobs Council, 29 E. Madison, Suite 1700, 60602, 312 252-0640. http://www.cjc.net.

Workforce data, economic information and career information from the state: www.ilworkinfo.com.

Do, submit and file your resume online through monster.com, jobsearchusa.org (esp. good for professional) and other general sites. They will send you emails on job openings.

Abraham Lincoln Center programs. 700 E. Oakwood. 773 451-1300 x1005.
Bridge-to-Work program.

Blue Gargoyle, especially at 4251 S. Indiana and now at Hyde Park center 5638 S. Woodlawn and f an added center in South Shore at 7115? S. Jeffery.

CARE. Call 5th Ward Office for contacts and location, 773 324-5555. Trains and places the "hard to hire." See also Equip for Equality above in Disabilities.

Kenwood-Oakland Community Organization. 1238 E. 46th St. 773 548-7500. Welfare to work program.

Living Room Cafe, 806 E. 64th St., 773 63-6018. Recently reopened in larger quarters, this center not only offers two dinners and two breakfasts a week for homeless, but also full case management services to participants. To graduate, guests must find stable housing and a source of income. The program offers steady employment and training, after-school program or kids, recreational activities, employment services through Inspiration Corporation, and support groups (AA, NA). Stresses the how of services, how to treat people, heal, reaffirmation of self-worth and dignity. Executive Dir. Christopher Persons. Run by Inspiration Corporation.

Streetwise. Moved to 1201 W. Lake. 312 555-0060 but paper gives 312 829-2526. www.streetwise.org

The University of Chicago has assisted in setting up a Career Pathways Resource Center at 950 E. 61st St. Orientation sessions every Wednesday at 10:30 am no appointment. Call Myla Skinner at 773 206-9725, http://www.careerpathwayschicago.org.

More in Disabilities page-Resources, including government agencies.

Youth summer jobs, internships, programs from the city and agencies:

Please review the press release on the City's Intergovernmental "Safe Summer" Program for 2008. The city has allocated $1.5 million for summer programs and employment for youth. Friends of the Parks (FOTP) support the Mayor's call for a Safe Summer and applaud his effort to coordinate public resources in Chicago. Local PAC's can join this effort by increasing your promotion of park programs and the availability of summer jobs. Below you will find the public agencies that are working alongside Chicago Park District to provide eduational, recreational and employment opportunities.

Remember to take a serious look at your summer programs and make room for new park users. Don't leave your park supervisor and/or area managers alone in the promotion of your summer park programs or the selection of teens for employment.

Recruit! Recruit!

John Paul Jones
Director, Neighborhood Parks and Community Relations
Friends of the Parks
"Chicago's Best Friend"
17 North State, Suite 1450
Chicago, Il. 60602
(312) 857-2757 ext. 15
(312) 857-0656 (fax)
www.fotp.org

Mayor Daley Announces City's "Safe Summer" Programs for 2008

A complete listing of "Safe Summer" opportunities at bottom this announcement

Openings Remain in Educational, Recreational, Some Jobs Programs;
Mayor Urges Young People to Apply
The city and its partners will provide educational, recreational and employment opportunities for about 280,000 young people to keep them safe and constructively occupied during the summer, Mayor Richard M. Daley said today.

"We all want our young people to stay safe from violence, stay away from a life of violence and achieve their full potential in life," Daley said in a news conference held at Humboldt Park Field House, 1400 N. Sacramento Av.

"The most important things we can do to help are to give them the best education possible and give them plenty of positive activities after school and in the summer months," he said.

The Mayor said that providing summer activities and employment is more important this summer than ever before because of the violence against young people that has outraged the city.

"Keeping our children safe is Chicago’s challenge and our shared responsibility. Every community and religious group, every business and every parent must also keep doing their part and provide the safe havens and positive alternatives for our young people," he said.

Overall, the city has increased the number of young people to be served by these programs to about 280,000 this summer, an increase of about 15,000 from last summer.

"And I want to make this important point to every Chicagoan: we have thousands of openings in these summer programs right now," the Mayor said.

"I’m asking every resident of the city to help fill these empty slots. Talk to your children. Talk to your friends. Talk to your church and community groups. Find out what’s available and help register young people in these programs," he said.

Daley was join