Columbus Park brings prairie to the cityscape
The park was desigend by famed landscape architect Jens Jensen
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
Columbus Park has long been a staple in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, hosting everything from golfing and fishing to family and neighborhood gatherings
At a recent virtual event put on by the Chicago Architecture Center, Tom Drebenstedt, a docent at the center for over 35 years, shared some of the history behind the over 140 acres of Columbus Park, 500 S. Central Ave.
Jens Jensen was the Danish-American architect behind Columbus Park. He was also West Park Commission General Superintendent and Chief Landscape Architect and had a hand in redesigning Humboldt Park, Garfield Park and Douglass Park, according to Drebenstedt.
But Columbus Park was a new project with a clean slate.
West Park commissioners bought the land for Columbus Park in 1912 from the Catholic Church, Drebenstedt said. In designing the park, Jensen was largely inspired by the prairie.
PARK on pa ge 8
Music group, Rocket & Gizzae, per form for the crowd and passing attendees at the Galewoodstock Music Festival on Aug. 24.
‘Street-fest’ event lled the Austin community with people-to-people interac tions
By SAM TUCKER Contributing Reporter
On Saturday, Aug. 24, the Galewoodstock music festival filled a portion of North Newland Avenue in Galewood with music, food, vendors, games and of course people.
This was the fourth annual Galewoodstock, a free community-oriented music festival in Galewood, a neighborhood of about 10,000 people in the Austin community on the far-west side of Chicago.
Austin peace ride planned for Sept. 7
Bicyclists invited to ride for a cause, with refreshments and food to follow
By DEBORAH BAYLISS Contributing Reporter
Attention bicyclists: get on your wheels and join BUILD Inc.’s peace ride in Austin on Sept. 7.
The event, which will get underway at 10 a.m. (with the ride starting at 11 a.m.), is expected to draw more than 100 participants. Advanced re gistration is encouraged.
“The purpose of the ride is to promote peace in the community and to provide something fun, positive and safe for the community,” said Martin Anguiano, BUILD’s director of community engagement.
He added, “This is one of my favorite events because it’s something that’s positive and is fun and safe for the entire family. The purpose of the event is very powerful.”
It ’s also a way to bring awareness to g un violence and other things that are going on in the community, he said, adding, “A s we ride, we have bullhorns and we ’re chanting ‘What do we want?’ ‘Peace! ’ ‘When do we want it!? ‘N ow !’ As we ’re riding everyone is going by and they ’re looking at wh at we ’re doing and so it brings awareness.”
Located at 5100 W. Harrison St., the nonprofit organization has been around since 1969, and has helped thousands of young
people transform their lives. Annually it serves more than 6,500 youth and families with adult mentors and a variety of experiences in the arts, athletics, colle ge and career preparation, entrepreneurship, leadership development, technology, and mental health programing, according to information provided by BUILD.
Following the bike ride, there will be music and refreshments and other activities.
BUILD collaborates with other organizations to provide resources.
“We look to those organizations that provide background-friendly employment,” Anguiano said. “I’m big on that because the young people that we work with have backgrounds and so they get turned down a lot of times because of their background. It’s not that the youth don’t want to work, it’s that once a background check is done, they end up losing the job.”
“We always meet people where they’re at,” he said. “We always try to never judge or criticize youth for their past. We look at the positives and try to build off what they tell us and provide opportunities and resources.”
That outreach can also include at times, providing support the youth may not be getting at home
BUILD’s communications manager, Daniel Pere z, said the organization also works
with the 15th Chicago Police District on the logistics for the ride. Police officers also accompany the ride for safety reasons.
“The Ride for Peace came to fruition several years ago,” Perez explained. “It was based on getting out and exercising and creating healthy habits and then it turned into getting the community involved in coming and out and being present in the neighborhood
When we would ride through the neighborhood, folks in the community would get on their bikes and join us.”
“We try to inspire hope and offer opportunities,” Perez said.
T he organization’s model blends restorat ive j ustice, c onflict mediation, prevention, development, and b ehavioral health, and is d esignated an evidence-based Effect ive Progr am by the U. S. Department of Justice, a ccording to info rm ation provided by BUILD
For more information about the “We Ride for Peace for a safer Chicago!” meetup go to https://bit.ly/AustinRide to re gister.
Those who re gister are asked for their name and shirt size for the free T-shirt that will be provided for the ride
For further information, contact Bradly K. Johnson, chief community officer, by email at bradlyjohnson@buildchicago.org, or call 773-227-2880 or 773-413-3811.
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Sept.4-11
BIG WEEK
A Growing Community Media Partnership
Food-related resources summary
2024 quick-guide to food resources in Austin
‘Austin’s Secret Sauce’ interactive workshop series
11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Sept. 7 and 14
At BUILD headquar ters, at 5100 W. Harrison St.
A workshop series showcasing Austin’s community gardens, where cooking demonstrations, tastings, take-home garden kits and knowledge on cooking with local produce will be shared. The workshops are organized by the Austin Garden Collective, Chicago Grows Food, BUILD, and the Super food School. The workshops are intended for residents 12 and older. Registration is required, nd the registration page on the Austin Garden Collective’s eventbrite page at https://ow.ly/TVrW50Tb2xv. View the yer at https:// ow.ly/XVfG50Tb2ym
Free Farm-to-Table Trolley Tour
Thursday, Sept. 5, 12 to 3 p.m., Depart from Austin Town Hall Park, 5610 W. Lake St.
Austin Coming Together has created a food-resources summary for 2024, which includes information on local food pantries, community gardens, farmers market stands and garden volunteering. Find the yer and more information at https://ow.ly/8ZbX50Tb2Ac
The Chicago Austin Youth Travel Adventures is hosting free trolley tours that take attendees on a tour around di erent community gardens in the Austin area. The upcoming tour will be the second to last free farm-to-table tour of the year. The last tour for the season will be on Oct. 3. Find more information on trolly tours on their website at www.caytaworld.org/trolley-tours. Donations are accepted.
Ride for Peace event at BUILD
Saturday, Sept. 7, meet at 10 a.m., bike ride begins at 11 a.m. sharp Meet at BUILD headquar ters, 5100 W. Harrison St. BUILD is hosting their second “Ride for Peace” event, where the community is invited to ride bikes through the Austin neighborhood to advocate for a safer Chicago. Family-friendly activities and community resources will be shared at BUILD headquarters, located at 5100 W. Harrison St., after the event. A limited number of DIVVY bikes will be available to ride at the event. Find more information at https://www.buildchicago.org/event/ride-for-peace-in-austin/. Register for a free shirt for the event at https://ow.ly/n3r450Tb2zn
Sadly, summer is over
Ican’t believe it! Labor Day has come and gone. Summer is over (unofficially) and though I feel like it just got started, I did manage to accomplish a lot of things. Especially when it came to my second-story deck. I have created within this urban environment a wonderful, calm, serene mental-health getaway. For the first time ever, I would purposely go out and sit in the hanging chair and just let all the stress of the day fade away while swinging/floating in the fresh air.
I hope we have at least six more weeks of good weather to allow me to finish a number of other projects that I need to get done before the weather changes. I had a lot of “Granny duty” days this past summer, so quite a few of my projects got pushed to the wayside
I’m finally having to admit that certain things will require me to pay to have someone else do it.
install large items like replacing the outdoor bamboo blinds with modern shades. It is nice to see what one can accomplish, even when there is so much more to do
I got my garden in late, so my tomatoes are now finally star ting to ripen. Along with many others, I had bad luck with green peppers this year So far I’ve only managed to harvest two. I planted a bunch of hot peppers but have no idea what I’m gonna do with them. I will be Goo gling fo r ideas
I’m real big on organizing. That’s why doing stuf f takes me so long to get anything done. Trying to find the perfect place to store some things so I can find it in the future is both a blessing and a dilemma. However, that leads to the joy of finding stuf f. I didn’t know I had so much interesting stuf f.
This past June, I worked on a special project called “30 days of installation” on Facebook. Every day I would post a picture of something I had installed or did. Sometimes it would be small things. Other times I would
My goal is to still to host Thanksgiving this year. September means I have even less time to do everything I need to do in order to be ready. Since it’s only my immediate family, there is less pressure to have everything perfect. Let’s see what the next 11 weeks brings.
Health care workers are celebrated in new mural
Austin Health Center unveiled Rober t Valadez’s work on Thursday
By JESSIC A MORDACQ Staff Reporter
A new mural was unveiled Aug. 29 at Austin Health Center, 4800 W. Chicago Ave. Robert Valadez painted the images of health care workers in his studio, which were then photo graphed and printed on on polytab, a non-woven fabric, and installed in the main waiting room.
Interim CEO
Valadez shows some of his work to President
Rep. La Shawn Ford, Ald. Emma Mitts share DNC experiences
Inspired, the Illinois delegation is bringing back what it learned to constituents
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
Though the Democratic National Convention wrapped Aug. 22 after nearly a week of speeches and fundraising events, local participants hope that its positive effects will be long-term.
“My biggest takeaway was the importance of staying engaged, staying together and always seeing the bigger picture,” said La Shawn Ford, who represents the 8th District in the Illinois House of Representatives. “I’m looking forward to bringing this renewed sense of purpose and optimism back to my constituents, encouraging them to stay involved and continue pushing for Vice President Harris to become the next president for all Americans.”
Said Ald. Emma Mitts of the 37th Ward, “The wisdom that I took from the DNC was that anything is possible. A woman of color becoming the president of the United States was something we never thought to be possible. I’m so proud to not only be witnessing history being made, but it brings me great joy to be a part of it.”
Both Ford and Mitts were at the United Center on Thursday when Vice President Kamala Harris for mally accepted the presidential nomination for the Democratic Party, the final speech of the convention.
Mitts said Harris’ speech was inspirational in its entirety, especially when she spoke about her relationship with her mother, who died from colon cancer in 2009.
“She encouraged them to never complain about injustices, but instead to ‘do something,’” Mitts said of the advice that Harris’ mother gave Harris and her sister. “Thinking back on my days growing up in the South, witnessing injustices to the present, if I didn’t ‘do something,’ I wouldn’t have set out to be elected alderman of the 37th Ward, where I have fought injustices for over 25 years.”
Ford said watching Harris’ speech from
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passion and joy, offering a vision of hope for the future of our country,” Ford said of Harris. “Her leadership inspires confidence, and I’m excited to stand behind her as we move toward a brighter, more inclusive America.”
Ford’s other highlights from the DNC included remarks from the Central Park Five, four of whom appeared on the United Center stage for the DNC’s final night. The men were charged with the assault and rape of a woman jogging through the New York City park in 1989, but were exonerated in 2002 after another man confessed to the crime, which DNA evidence confirmed. At the time, Donald Trump took out a full-page newspaper ad calling for their executions
“It was a powerful moment that highlighted the importance of criminal justice reform and the need for systemic change,” Ford said of the group’s appearance.
Mitts said she was particularly inspired by Michelle Obama’s speech on the second night of the DNC, and how she highlighted Harris’ strength and accomplishments
“It was also inspiring to see Democrats come together from every state to support this history-making moment,” Mitts said. “I was also proud of the great City of Chicago. There were many ne gative expectations, but I’m proud to say we re presented
law enforcement officers and others who made the event safe and enjoyable.
Though both Ford and Mitts deem the DNC a success, Ford said he hopes the impact continues.
“We must build on this convention’s positive momentum,” Ford said. “I experienced firsthand the clean streets, efficient transportation and unprecedented kindness from law enforcement, unlike anything I’ve ever seen in Chicago. This level of care and pride should be reserved for more than just a convention. We cannot go back to the way things were.”
Ford added “The DNC was a testament to what Chicago can achieve when we come together, and the success of this convention is something we should strive to maintain every day in our city. Now is the time to ensure that this energy drives us forward into a better future for all.”
Ford stressed that there’s still work to be done before the general election in November.
“Republicans and Democrats have chosen their candidates, and now the election turns to our communities, where every vote matters,” Ford said. “We must carry the message forward and do the work necessary to elect our presidential candidate.”
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Jensen’s gem
from page 1
“Folks didn’t get to go out into the countryside. So, his objective was, ‘I’m going to bring the northern Illinois prairie into the city,’” Drebenstedt said of Jensen’s vision for Columbus Park.
Columbus Park is divided into four parts: prairie meadow, forest, prairie river and a play area for children.
Jensen included native plants in the prairie meadow. Hawthorn trees were planted around the park, thought to be Jensen’s favorite tree since they’re often wider than they are tall.
“He said they reflected the horizontality of the prairie that we all live on,” Drebenstedt said.
The center of the pa rk boasts the prairie
r is no more
er water features include waterfalls with stratified stone surrounding two brooks.
In the children’s recreation area, Jensen added a council ring, his favorite feature in Columbus Park. The circular stone bench was inspired by Nordic history and First Nation people, who settled in what is now Canada. Both, Drebenstedt said, sat in circles to discuss the likes of politics and hunting strategies.
Next to the council ring is the sculpture “Flock,” made in 2014 by Margot McMahon. The contemporary art piece is a part of a program organized by the Chicago Park District, where artists beautify trees that are past their prime.
“If you read Jensen’s notes from the 1930s, when he was reflecting on his park, he wanted birdhouses installed around the children’s area so that kids would appreciate birds,” Drebenstedt said. “So it’s kind of fitting.” Beside the sculpture is the prairie-style
teers work with the Chicago Park District to maintain the prairie across the lagoon from the boat house.
And the fieldhouse is in the Tudor style, housing a fitness center, two gyms and several meeting rooms. Above the fieldhouse’s main doors, a “CP” is carved into the stone, standing for Columbus Park
Columbus Park also offers a nine-hole golf course, fishing lagoon, outdoor swimming pool, fields for baseball, football and soccer, plus courts for basketball, pickleball and tennis.
For all its amenities, some see areas where Columbus Park could improve.
This summer, Columbus Park Advisory Council Bernard Clay was worried about security measures at the park.
shelter, believed to be designed by John Van Bergen. The shelter is made from striated limestone, “as we would find if we went down the Illinois River,” Drebenstedt said.
Other elements of the park favor more of a Romantic Revival architecture style than a prairie one, Drebenstedt said. He added that this was partially because West Park commissioners hired other architects to design additional buildings, and because the prairie style was becoming less popular in the 1920s.
That’s why the Refectory Building, a popular wedding spot, has tall, rounded windows and a vaulted ceiling.
The boat house, built in 1922, is more in a Mediterranean style of architecture, according to Drebenstedt. Volun-
Around the time of Douglass Park’s name change – to honor abolitionist Frederick Douglass instead of Stephen A. Douglas, who advocated for slavery – there was also a push to rename Columbus Park, called after Christopher Columbus, who killed many Indigenous people when he “discovered” America.
In 2020, Austin residents Temaka Williams, Vanessa Stokes and Crystal Gardner started a campaign to rename Columbus Park, but their ef for ts haven’ t yet come to fruition.
But for all Columbus Park has to offer, Drebenstedt said people should visit to fully experience it.
“The best way to explore a park is to go take a walk, just wander through the park,” Drebenstedt said.
Columbus Park is located at 500 S. Central Av e. and open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
GALEWOODSTOCK
from page 1
This year, the festival moved into the street on North Newland Avenue, creating a music filled street-festival feeling for new and returning attendees. As such, they said they had more opportunity to mingle with neighbors
Beth Ranucci, the Galewoodstock Committee lead and vice chairperson of Galewood Neighbors Inc., said the move onto the street made the event more personal this year.
“It just feels tighter. I think people have more traffic for the food vendors and sponsors. People are passing each other, seeing each other on the street more, whereas when you’re in a big open space, it’s farther to travel to see everything and for everybody to engage in one particular space,” Ranucci said.
The annual event is presented by Galewood Neighbors Inc. The list of the festival’s sponsors, which included community organizations and local civic leaders, restaurants and businesses, can be found on its website here.
Steve Green, chairperson for Galewood Neighbors, said the changes brought some “cool” benefits on Saturday during the summer heat of August.
“I think with the tree canopy, the shade has really been a benefit,” Green said. “There’s been more people who have waited, stuck around and hung out. Beth added more seating so people can sit and watch the band or ‘people-watch.”
Before the music festival began, a 15-vehicle car parade meandered through Galewood for about a half hour, organizers said. North Newland Avenue was closed off for a few blocks. Vendors selling food and goods, sponsor booths, youth painting classes and an inflatable kids-play area lined the street on Saturday, creating a street festival feeling for many residents
The music stage, at the intersection of North Newland Avenue and West Bloomington Avenue, had six acts throughout the day. Performers hit the stage starting at noon and the last set played at 7:30 p.m. This year’s lineup included Mr. Gac, Test Patter n, Projecto 7, Rocket & Gizzae, Gerald McClendon “Soul Keeper” and Los Gallos
Richard Salvador, a Galewood resident of eight years, praised the improvements, although the music remains his favorite part.
“I like that it’s on the street and it’s a little more intimate, rather than being in the field. T he other years it was in the field, and for some reason this just feels different. It kind of forces people to min-
Festival-goers dance to the music of Projecto 7 at the Galewoodstock Music Festival on Saturday, Aug. 24.
gle more,” Salvador said.
Janice Grant and her husband, Eric, moved to the neighborhood from Hyde Park last August. This year was their first time at the festival. Janice Grant, who has been a member of Galewood Neighbors for about three months, said Galewood is a welcoming and diverse neighborhood
The Grants said Galewoodstock has a different feeling to it than some of the larger community events and festivals they have been to while living in Hyde Park.
“There would be tons and tons of people, whereas this feels more homey. It feels like it’s all your neighbors. It’s all the people you see walking by your house, walking their dogs,” Janice Grant said.
Eric Grant said events like Galewoodstock can paint a picture of the wider community
“It kind of shows you the character of the people who live in the neighborhood – very friendly…the turnout has been tremendous,” Eric Grant said.
Rannuci said every year the Galewoodstock committee creates community surveys to decide on what to bring to the festival.
Katrina Morrissey, a Galewood resident of 10 years, attended the festival with her family and commended the community for its diversity, welcoming attitude and public safety. She also praised this year’s setup, saying, “It’s in the street this year. Which I
Richard Salvador, a Galewood resident, stands behind his dogs, King and Boss, as he enjoys the live music.
think is a little better… it feels a little bit more like a street-fest in the street.”
Nina Sanchez, who has lived in Galewood for eight years, said this was her first time attending any community event in her neighborhood. She was sad she hadn’t come sooner since she enjoyed meeting familiar faces.
She finds Galewood, like many in the
neighborhood, to be a “hidden gem” of Chicago.
“I met a lot of great people just walking one day in the neighborhood. I was hoping I’d come here and I’d be able to see them, and I did,” Sanchez said. “Some people think that we’re like, not Chicago anymore because we’re so far west, but this is still Chicago and it’s inclusive and it’s diverse.”
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PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY.
Request of Biánca Nicole Hrobowski Case Number 2024 CONC001307
There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Biánca Nicole Hrobowski to the new name of: Biánca Nicole Arriega.
The court date will be held: On October 17, 2024 at 11am at Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago, Cook County, Illinois 60602 in Courtroom # 1706 and on Zoom at Zoom ID: 97032500245 Passcode: 895226
Published in Austin Weekly News August 21, 28, September 4, 2024
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Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: G24000399 on August 21, 2024 Under the Assumed Business Name of ARTISTRY AND DESIGN with the business located at: 4835 SOUTH CICERO AVENUE APT 405, CHICAGO, IL 60632. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: CLEASTER ADAMS 4835 SOUTH CICERO AVENUE APT 405, CHICAGO, IL 60632, USA
Published in Austin Weekly News August 28, September 4, 11, 2024
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2021-RP6 Plaintiff, -v.BIAGIO A. GRISI A/K/A BIAGIO A. GRISI JR., BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., UNIFUND CCR, LLC, CAVALRY SPV I, LLC, GRAND ORLEANS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS
Defendants 2024 CH 00950 330 W. GRAND AVENUE, UNIT 1003 CHICAGO, IL 60654
NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on May 20, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 23, 2024, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 330 W. GRAND AVENUE, UNIT 1003, CHICAGO, IL 60654
Property Index No. 17-09-236-0261017
The real estate is improved with a condo/townhouse.
Sale terms: 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. 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)(1) and (g)(4).
Available to you
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
Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 3637 W GRENSHAW ST, CHICAGO, IL 60624
Property Index No. 16-14-328-0270000
The real estate is improved with a commercial property.
NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWABS INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-3
Plaintiff, -v.-
NAVETTA D. ABDULLATEEF, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS
Attorney ARDC No. 00468002
Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2024 CH 00168 TJSC#: 44-1317
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, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION
One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE
You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.
CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300
E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com
Attorney File No. 14-24-00020
Attorney ARDC No. 00468002
Attorney Code. 21762
Case Number: 2024 CH 00950 TJSC#: 44-1405
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 # 2024 CH 00950 I3250577
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC Plaintiff,
-v.-
WILLIAM BUTCHER, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF JAMES BENTLEY, DECEASED, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF JAMES BENTLEY, SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, DARLENE BROWN Defendants
22 CH 11353 5518 WEST CONGRESS PARKWAY CHICAGO, IL 60644 NOTICE OF SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 1, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 2, 2024, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 5518 WEST CONGRESS PARKWAY, CHICAGO, IL 60644
Property Index No. 16-16-117-039-0000
The real estate is improved with a two flat apartment building.
Sale terms: 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.
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)(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.
MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT
PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 3469088.
THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION
One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE
You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.
MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT
PIERCE, LLC
One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602
312-346-9088
E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com
Attorney File No. 22-13132IL_855151
Attorney Code. 61256
Case Number: 22 CH 11353
TJSC#: 44-1798
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 # 22 CH 11353
I3250417
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION
NYMT COMMERCIAL ACQUISITIONS, LLC Plaintiff, -v.-
WALTER HERBERT MATTHEWS III
Defendants
2024 CH 03695
3637 W GRENSHAW ST
CHICAGO, IL 60624
NOTICE OF SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on August 8, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 26, 2024, at The Judicial
Sale terms: 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.
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)(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, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION
One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE
You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300
E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com
Attorney File No. 14-24-00228
Attorney ARDC No. 00468002
Attorney Code. 21762
Case Number: 2024 CH 03695
TJSC#: 44-2218
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 # 2024 CH 03695 I3250641
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF
Defendants 2024 CH 00168 1524 S KOSTNER AVE 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 May 14, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 10, 2024, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1524 S KOSTNER AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60623
Property Index No. 16-22-117-025-0000
The real estate is improved with a multi-family residence.
Sale terms: 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.
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)(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, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION
One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE
You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300
E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-24-00113
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 # 2024 CH 00168 I3249785
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION LOANDEPOT.COM, LLC Plaintiff vs. CHRISTOPHER L. DONALD, ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendant 23 CH 10212 CALENDAR 64 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 October 8, 2024, at the hour 11:00 a.m., Intercounty’s office, 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, IL 60602, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-14-312-040. Commonly known as 3606 W. Polk St., Chicago IL 60624. 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% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Marinosci Law Group, PC, 2215 Enterprise Drive, Suite 1512, Westchester, Illinois 60154. (312) 940-8580. 23-05705 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3250823
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by AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2024 QUARTER 4
September 4, 2024
THE AUSTIN COMMUNITY PUBLISHED ITS FIRST QUALITY-OF-LIFE PLAN CALLED AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. (AFT) IN 2018.
THIS QUARTERLY PUBLICATION DESCRIBES HOW AUSTIN COMING TOGETHER (ACT) IS SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY TO IMPLEMENT AFT AND OTHER EFFORTS.
AUSTIN’S PLAN
The next phase starts now!
THE PLAN CONTINUES TO MOVE AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. PAGE 3 THE AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. (AFT) HIGHLIGHTED AGENDA: A NEW APPROACH TO OPTIMIZE IMPACT PAGE 4 A COMMUNITY’S JOURNEY TOWARD MENTAL HEALTH EQUITY PAGE 7
Since 2010, Austin Coming Together (ACT) has facilitated collaboration to improve education and economic development outcomes in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.
Today, we serve a network of 50+ organizations committed to improving the quality of life in the Austin community. Our strategic plan is called Thrive 2025 and outlines how we will mobilize our resources to achieve four impact goals by the year 2025: Quality Early Learning, Safe Neighborhoods, Living Wage Careers, and Stable Housing Markets.
ACT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Officers
CHAIR
Larry Williams
Broker, State Farm Insurance
VICE CHAIRMAN
Bradly Johnson
Chief Community Officer, BUILD Inc.
SECRETARY
Jerrod Williams
Law Clerk, Illinois Appellate Court
ACT STAFF
Leadership
Darnell Shields
Executive Director
Andrew Born*
Senior Director of Community Impact
*Also part of the ACT Leadership Team
Operations
TREASURER
LaDarius Curtis
Senior Director of Community Engagement & Health, West Side United
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Darnell Shields
Austin Coming Together
Directors
Sharon Morgan Director of Graduate Support & Community Outreach, Catalyst Schools
Reverend Reginald E. Bachus Pastor, Friendship Baptist Church
Deirdre Bates* Director of Operations
Dearra Williams
Executive Operations Lead/ Assistant to the CEO
Londen Mance Office Administrator
Strategic Initiatives
Sandra Diaz*
Service Delivery Enhancement Manager, Austin Community Hub
Emone Moore Engagement Coordinator, Austin Community Hub
Dollie Sherman Engagement Specialist, Austin Community Hub
ACT MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS
A House in Austin
Academy of Scholastic Achievement
Austin Childcare Providers Network
Austin Community Family Center
Austin Weekly News
(Growing Community Media)
Be Strong Families
Beat the Streets Chicago
Bethel New Life
Beyond Hunger BUILD Inc.
By The Hand Club For Kids
Cara
Catholic Charities
Chicago Austin Youth Travel Adventures
Chicago Community Loan Fund
City of Refuge
Defy Ventures Illinois
Erikson Institute
Friends of the Children
Friendship Community Development Corp. of Austin
Greater West
Town Community Development Project
Tenisha Jones
Chief Program Officer, UCAN
Reginald Little
Business Development Specialist, Great Lakes Credit Union
Dawn Ferencak
Senior Marketing Strategist, Chicago Parent
Deborah Williams-Thurmond Community Outreach & Engagement Specialist, Habilitative Systems, Inc.
Saenovia Poole
Community Resources Coordinator, Austin Community Hub
Clara Bonnlander Social Services Coordinator, Austin Community Hub
Ethan Ramsay* Planning and Investment Manager
Grace Cooper Lead Organizer
Housing Forward i.c. stars
IFF
Institute for Nonviolence Chicago
Jane Addams Resource Corporation
Kids First Chicago
KRA Westside
American Job Center
Learning Edge Tutoring (fka Cluster Tutoring)
Ruth Kimble
Founder & CEO, Austin Childcare Providers Network
Max Komnenich
Associate Principal, Lamar Johnson Collaborative
In Memoriam
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jack Macnamara 1937–2020
FOUNDING BOARD CHAIR
Mildred Wiley 1955–2019
Mia Almond
Project Coordinator
Arewa Karen Winters
Community Organizer
Natalie Goodin
Special Projects Manager
Nicholas Galassini
Chicago Neighborhood Recovery Program
Associate
Legal Aid Chicago (fka LAF)
Manufacturing
Renaissance
Mary Shyrese Daycare
Maryville Academy
Mercy Housing Lakefront
New Moms
OAI, Inc.
Oak Park Regional Housing Center
Open Books
Marketing & Development
Alicia Plomin* Director of Marketing and Development
Jon Widell Marketing and Development Specialist
Sydni Hatley Marketing and Development Coordinator
PCC Community Wellness Center
Project Exploration
Renaissance Social Services, Inc.
Sarah’s Inn
South Austin
Neighborhood Association
St. Leonard’s Ministries
Stone Community Development Corporation
The Catalyst Schools
The Journey Forward
The North Avenue District, Inc.
Towers of Excellence
UIC Jane Addams
College of Social Work
VOCEL
Westside Health Authority
West Side Forward
Worldvision
Youth Guidance
The plan continues to move Austin Forward. Together.
By Darnell Shields Executive Director, Austin Coming Together
Since its inception in 2018, the Austin Forward. Together. (AFT) quality-of-life plan has significantly contributed to positive transformation in Austin, laying an in-depth foundation for action and impact.
Over the past five years, AFT has driven immense change because of collaborative efforts and strategic actions led by the community. Although the original plan had a five-year timeframe, its influence will affect generations to come, and the work is not finished.
As the stewards of the AFT plan, ACT conducted an internal assessment of how and why more than 43% of the 84 actions were able to be initiated and what actions saw less success. This assessment helped us engage AFT leaders and partners to discuss how to optimize the plan’s efforts.
Even though AFT has a group of 45 leaders working alongside over 70 unique implementation partner organizations,
one of the priorities going forward will be deepening community ownership and amplifying impact. This involves conducting robust research and evaluation to better understand effective strategies and areas for improvement, while also continuing to assess our progress.
The Austin Forward. Together. quality-of-life plan has been driven by deep commitment and collaborative effort.
Over the past five years we learned a lot, but now we felt it was time to evaluate how that went and from this assessment a new strategy to optimize our efforts developed: the Highlighted Agenda.
Today marks the official public release of the AFT quality-of-life plan Highlighted Agenda! Find it listed on the upcoming pages or at AustinComingTogether.org/QLP. n
This process—this community driven process to create the QLP— has given me and others the opportunity we were looking for to make a BIG difference in our lives and the lives of our neighbors. It’s our chance to be a part of making Austin everything it can and should be.
JERROD WILLIAMS, CO-CHAIR OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE
The Austin Forward. Together. (AFT) Highlighted Agenda: A New Approach To Optimize Impact
The AFT Highlighted Agenda is a new approach to more effectively implement Austin’s award-winning AFT quality-of-life plan that started in 2019. This approach is meant to amplify the plan’s impact by aligning resources and leveraging expertise from multiple Task Forces into 10 focus areas over the next three years. Our goal is to have a comprehensive neighborhood-wide action plan, created and led by community leaders from across AFT issue areas, for each of these 10 items.
By focusing capital resource investments into each commercial corridor and coordinating among the corridor projects, we aim to expand on the economic prosperity of Central, North and Chicago Avenue, and bring more job and commercial opportunities to the area.
IMPLEMENT THE ASPIRE INITIATIVE
Make a concerted effort to refocus and gain more traction on the entire Initiative after the initial push to advance the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation. The Center will open in 2025, offering onsite manufacturing job training and other resources at Madison & Central Avenue, and will be the first of the four ASPIRE Initiative projects to be completed. The others are: Aspire Housing (a multi-tiered approach to provide homeownership assistance, plus new or renovated units for sale); The Aspire Education & Wellness Campus (a new state-of-the-art early learning, health, and recreation center); and new programs and support to increase enrollment at the Austin College and Career Academy.
Work with AWC members to create project plans to make connecting more workers to living-wage careers a reality. We want to continue to support job training centers’ important work, and expand support for local entrepreneurs in order to help more Austin workers and business owners make a living right here in Austin.
WEAVE RESTORATIVE JUSTICE (RJ) INTO THE FABRIC OF AUSTIN
Ensure Restorative Justice (RJ) becomes part of the fabric of Austin by developing an Action Plan that spans the various AFT goals that address RJ. Having our institutions fluent in the RJ philosophy, and our residents introduced to RJ practices like peace circles, will support healthy relationship building and the ability to prevent and resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner.
Develop an Action Plan that spans the various AFT goals addressing youth issues and empowerment. This effort will build on the success of many of our partner groups who’ve been working with Austin’s young people for years. Moving forward, focus will be on giving youth the power to influence recommendations throughout the entire AFT plan.
Grow and invest in the five working groups of Austin Eats, an initiative that’s been underway since 2020: emergency food; grocery and culinary entrepreneurship; gardens and farms; food education; and marketing. By collaborating with partners from across the food ecosystem to strengthen it, we are able to make a greater impact on Austin’s overall wellness and get closer to achieving the initiative’s mission of removing barriers preventing Austin residents from accessing healthy and affordable food.
Organize a campaign to educate community leaders about the systems and support that exists for young children, and how we can change them for the better. Austin residents depend on childcare providers, and this effort will better recognize these unsung and underpaid leaders in the community.
CREATE A LOCAL HOUSING POLICY 9
Rising housing costs and the threat of gentrification are a major concern in Austin. This effort will develop local policies that ensure that Austin residents can afford to live in the neighborhood and get to reap the benefits of the AFT plan.
Mental health is a complex issue with many root causes and effects. This effort will involve developing an Action Plan that addresses mental health for residents in a holistic way by expanding access to mental health services,meeting the needs of young children, youth, and families. This will Include grassroots hyper-local research on the mental health needs in Austin.
Create action plans that focus on the community stories we want to tell with modes of communication that will reach a larger audience, and strategies to amplify authentic narratives. This will make us better equipped to tell community stories through the arts as well as journalism/writing.
With the release of the AFT Highlighted Agenda, ACT is going “on the road!” Our team will be on tour and available to co-host discussions about the new phase of Austin’s AFT quality-of-life plan and its vision and strategy, with block clubs, churches, community organizations, coalitions, etc. Other ways we’ll ensure to update the community on the progress of implementing the Highlighted Agenda are through newspaper sections like this, emails, and social media.
Plan Leaders
Community
Narrative
TASK FORCE CHAIRS
Kenneth Varner
Healthy Schools Campaign
Dearra Williams
Austin Coming Together
STRATEGY LEADS
Suzanne McBride Austin Talks
Adrienne Otkins Community Resident
Alicia Plomin Austin Coming Together
Cindy Gray Schneider Spaces-n-Places
Jai Jones
PSPC, The Chicago Community Trust and Community Resident
Economic Development
STRATEGY LEADS
Erica Staley Manufacturing Renaissance
Emily Peters Jane Addams Resource Corporation
Tina Augustus Community Resident
Roxanne Charles West Side Forward
Melissa O’Dell Defy Ventures
Fanya Buford Berry Community Resident
Education
TASK FORCE CHAIRS
Charles Anderson
Michele Clark High School
STRATEGY LEADS
Ruth Kimble
Austin Childcare Providers Network
Cata Truss Community Resident
Housing
TASK FORCE CHAIRS
Athena Williams Oak Park Regional Housing Center
Allison McGowan Community Resident
STRATEGY LEADS
Shirley Fields Community Resident
Rosie Dawson Westside Health Authority
Baxter Swilley Community Stakeholder
Public Safety
TASK FORCE CHAIRS
Bradly Johnson BUILD Inc.
Marilyn Pitchford Heartland Alliance
STRATEGY LEADS
Edwina Hamilton BUILD Inc.
Bertha Purnell Mothers OnA Mission28
Jose Abonce The Policing Project
Ruby Taylor Taproots, Inc.
Youth Empowerment
TASK FORCE CHAIRS
D’elegance Lane
Community Stakeholder
STRATEGY LEADS
Aisha Oliver Root2Fruit
Helen Slade Territory NFP
Dollie Sherman
Austin Coming Together
Chris Thomas YourPassion1st
Civic Engagement
TASK FORCE CHAIRS
Deborah Williams-Thurmond
Habilitative Systems Inc.
A Community’s Journey Toward Mental Health Equity
A spotlight of one of the AFT Highlighted Agenda items: The Mental Health Initiative
By Jonathan Widell Marketing & Development Specialist, Austin Coming Together
In Austin, a major health crisis has afflicted its residents for years. The area’s vibrant community is often overshadowed and neglected due to untreated mental health issues and trauma. With the city closing public mental health centers and the challenges from the pandemic, we have seen the issue of mental health become a high priority for community members.
THE CHALLENGE
While there are service providers in Austin doing great work, many residents are still left to navigate these struggles alone. In addition to an increase in services and accessibility, better collaboration and overall awareness are necessary to meet the need for mental health services in the community. Plus, a stigma around utilizing resources or fear of judgment may hold individuals back. A group of Austin youth created their own quality-of-life plan and selected mental health as a priority for the community, reinforcing why one of the focuses of the Austin Forward. Together (AFT) Highlighted Agenda is addressing mental health.
THE VISION
Over the past five years, Austin has made major strides in its overall AFT quality-of-life plan, but the mental health actions in the
plan have yet to be implemented. Recently, through the AFT Highlighted Agenda, we will be able to be more intentional about addressing the mental health action items across the AFT quality-of-life plan, and shift resources from across task forces to focus on this initiative as a priority. This will allow us to make sure mental health services are integrated with other services and efforts in food access, workforce development, education, and housing.
BUILDING CONNECTIONS
In June 2023, ACT convened with over 30 partners from diverse sectors. Groups included mental health providers, churches, youth-serving organizations, and early childhood experts, connecting through a restorative justice circle to establish trusted relationships. Since the initial meeting last year, the focus shifted to discussing barriers we face and ideas of how we can work together to address them. Open discussions led to an agreement that we want to work together on a neighborhoodwide strategic action plan to expand mental health services for young children, youth, and families in Austin.
NEXT STEPS
Realizing that a strategy to address mental health in Austin depends on understanding the local context, earlier this summer we partnered with the Black Researchers Collective to advance racial equity by training and equipping community members with research tools to be more civically engaged and policy-informed. Over the course of three workshops, residents learned the basics of doing grassroots research. Through this partnership, we were able to hire two community researchers to work with us for a six month period to help better grasp the mental health landscape through focus groups with residents to understand the community needs, and surveys with mental health providers to get a holistic picture of the current assets
in the community. Their findings are crucial in shaping our strategic plan surrounding the Mental Health Initiative, with the goal of finalization by early next year.
A FUTURE OF HEALING
The journey towards addressing the mental health crisis in Austin is ongoing, but the progress made so far offers hope. By uniting a diverse group of partners, meaningfully engaging the community, and developing a strategic plan, we are not just addressing immediate needs, but we are laying the framework for lasting change in Austin. While we anticipate challenges, we will continue to collaborate and dedicate ourselves to ensuring the community is on a path to a healthier, more equitable future, and will not leave any residents behind. n