Midwives, family medicine doctors to cease West Sub deliveries
CEO Manoj Prasad says they will no longer have deliver y privileges because of liability insurance, ser vice replaced by providers from a hospital group and OB/GYNs at two soon-to- open prenatal clinics
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
Birthing options are about to change for mothers on Chicago’s West Side and the near western suburbs.
Midwives and family medicine physicians at West Suburban Medical Center were told on Nov. 18 that, because of liability insurance, in 11 days, they would no longer be able to deliver babies at the hospital.
While the last day of these healthcare wo rkers’ birthing privil eg es was move d from Nov. 29 to Dec. 6, as mi dw ives org anize alternative options for their patients, they ’re lef t with the g laring reality of birthing i nequity on the West Side of Chicago.
“Midwifery, I think, is going to be OK,” said Annette Payot,
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Trans-led support provider opens new resource center in Austin
Life is Work provides housing and employment support, medical testing and other services
By SAM TUCKER Contributing Reporter
Dustin had been homeless for three years.
He sought shelter in vacant apar tment buildings where a friend worked in construction, found shelter on the L, and began staying in a friend’s garage. But after a while, the building was sold to new owners.
“I remember standing in the garage, crying and praying to God. Am I going to move out of a garage into a utility room?” he said.
As he began to collect his belongings and move to his next option — a friend’s basement utility room — he wasn’t sure what would become of himself.
The next morning, Dustin got a call from Life is Work.
Three months later, he moved into an apar tment.
Dustin is one of hundreds of clients of Life is Work, a trans-led organization that is dedicated to empowering and educating people with gender diverse backgrounds. The organization helps people from food and clothing assistance, to non-medical case management and housing referrals. Austin Weekly News is using Dustin’s first name only to protect his identity because he fears for his safety.
Life is Work provides stable housing services, workforce development services, HIV and STI testing and prevention, and non-medical case management for people seeking housing, employment, and support for navig ating gover nment assistance programs.
Zahara Bassett, founder and executive director of Life is Work, opened the nonprofit organization in 2021. Now, the organization has expanded into a new location on Cicero Avenue, bringing support and resources for the LGBTQ+ community on the West Side and further. Life is Work primarily supports the trans-community, but
they help anyone who is in need of their services
The new location at 600 N. Cicero Ave., celebrated its grand opening Dec. 1, in honor of World Aids Day. All of Life is Work’s services and programs are still operating virtually.
For Dustin, the phone call he received changed his life. Last September marked one year since he moved into the housing Life is Work helped him secure. Over that time, he said Life is Work supplied winter clothing, kitchenware, blankets and food packages, as well.
“I got tired of being a burden on people… so I don’t know what I would have done. So personally, it saved my life,” he said.
Dustin, 48, has struggled with depression for a long time, and said he didn’t have any income to af ford basic necessities for three years. After securing housing last year, he’s been on the road to “making a full turnaround” he said. He said he still struggles with depression and physical health issues, but now, he said, he has the stability to work on improving himself and find employment.
Bassett said the organization had operated out of small and dilapidated 750-squarefoot office spaces for the past four years. Now, they’ve moved into a 2,600-square-foot space in Austin.
“With the size that we have moved into, we’re able to provide quality services and we don’t have water dripping on our heads,” Bassett said. “We were really in a ‘slumlord’ situation for four years.”
Bassett said the move will allow them to scale up their holistic-centered services and provide a better space for their employees and clientele alike.
They plan to hire 10 community outreach workers to start a prevention outreach program, include full security around the new property, expand their clothing and food pantries and create a small library space. Bassett said they are also bringing in a wraparound medical service provider for hormone medication services.
Life is Work was referred by State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford to rent the space on Cicero from the Westside Health Authority.
Maria’h Foster, the program director, said that although Life is Work is an agency that provides services to gender diverse individuals, their services are for anybody
who walks through its doors. She said the new space will only expand the broad range of clients and services it provides.
“It’s one thing to be able to deliver services and to impact over 800 persons in such a small space, but now that we are growing we’re able to expand our reach and expand our touch in how we deliver services,” Foster said.
According to the Life is Work 2023 impact re port, more than 400 people were serviced last year through their programs including non-medical case management, free I.D. services, food and clothing pantries and housing referrals.
Life is Work leads the acronym “LGBQ+” with a “T” — “TLGBQ+” — to put more emphasis on the trans-health and support services they provide. Bassett said for her, it pays respect to prominent transgender leaders in the LGTBQ+ rights movement, such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera Charles Carter, a client of Life is Work, has received housing assistance service since January, after switching over to Life is Work from another social services program. After Carter’s rent was increased $300 at his previous apar tment, he couldn’t af ford to live there anymore. With no other option, he began living out of his car as he pursued housing assistance.
“It was really hard, because I’ve never been homeless before, so it was a real life adjustment,” Carter said.
Carter, 32, had been looking for new housing and living out of his car for two months. Then, Life is Work helped him secure housing. Carter has been living in an apar tment since the beginning of October.
“I finally got a place where I can lay down and actually restart my life. It was a breath of fresh air,” Carter said.
“I thought I was at my wit’s end and I hit rock bottom before Life is Work helped me out,” he said. “Don’t give up. Keep trying, because when there’s 1,000 ‘no’s, there’s always that one ‘yes’.”
Bassett said expanding into the new space in Austin means liberation for their mission and impact on the West Side.
“It’s such a desert when it comes to behavioral health … we need more providers when it comes to behavioral health for the West Side, and that’s what Life is Work is trying to bring to the community,” Bassett said.
AU STIN WEEKLY news
Editor Erika Hobbs
Sta Repor ter Jessica Mordacq
Special projects reporter Delaney Nelson
Contributing Editor Donna Greene
Digital Manager Stacy Coleman
Digital Media Coordinator Brooke Duncan
Reporting Partners Block Club, Austin Talks
Columnists Arlene Jones, Aisha Oliver
Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead
Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea
Designers Susan McKelvey, Vanessa Garza
Marketing & Adver tising Associate Ben Stumpe
Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls
Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan
Circulation Manager Jill Wagner
Publisher Dan Haley
Special Projects Manager Susan Walker
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair Eric Weinheimer
Treasurer Nile Wendorf
Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards, Judy Gre n, Horacio Mendez, Charles Meyerson
Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Audra Wilson HOW TO REACH US 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302
Our nal Big Week will run on December 18. Don’t worry! We have more events coverage coming soon. For a sneak peak, and to submit events to be included in our new calendar, visit oakpark.com/events
December
4-11
BIG WEEK
Holiday Bazaar at the Kehrein Center for Ar ts
Saturday, Dec. 7, from 2 to 6 p.m.
The Kehrein Center for the Arts will be hosting “Living Room and Holiday Bazaar” at their center in Austin. The center’s “Living Room” events aim to combine artistry, therapy and civic advocac y into a free community event. At the event on Dec. 7, Anjanette Young, a police reform advocate will be the featured speaker. Attendees can learn about Young’s work in her organizations including “Café Social Work” a social-worker education organization, and the “I am Her Foundation”, which provides support for women of color. The event is free to attend. It will also have local health and wellness resources, retail items, and food. Find more information about the event and register at https:// ow.ly/ZJeL50Uj5Vc. 5628 W. Washington Blvd.
ACT Mental Health Research Survey Extended
Austin Coming Together and the Black Researchers Collective Online sur vey
Holiday Market at BUILD
Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Dec. 7. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
BUILD Headquarters
The Broader Urban Involvement and Leadership Development, or BUILD, is sponsoring and hosting the “Austin Holiday Market” at their headquarters this month. The holiday market has about 30 vendors this year, o ering handmade gift items, sweet treats, vegan food and more. The t wo -day event is a celebration and showcasing of local Black and B rown artisans and businesses. Find more information about the market and the full list of vendors visit: https://ow.ly/FKoe50Uj5X8. 5100 W. Harrison St.
Austin Coming Together and the Black Researchers Collective are extending the deadline for their mental health research surveys in Austin. The deadline to submit surveys is now Dec. 31. Researchers want to hear from residents about their mental health needs and the challenges that residents face in the community. The surveys will be used to advance mental health resources in Austin. Submitting the survey enters participants in a ra e to win either a free iPad or a Microsoft Sur face Pro computer. Fill out the sur vey: https://ow.ly/U6Ea50Uj653. For questions, contact the two lead researchers, Imani Lewis, at mhresearcherimani@gmail.com, and Katrina Bailey at mhresearcherkatrina@gmail.com.
Master gardener info-session at the conser vatory
Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gar eld Park Conser vatory
Have questions on how to care for plants? The Gar eld Park Conser vator y hosts “University of Illinois Ask a Master Gardener” sessions where attendees can learn more about caring for plants and gardens. Members of the University of Illinois will be at the conser vator y’s Horticulture Hall to answer any “green thumb” questions. Registration is required to enter the conservator y. Reservations are free for Chicago residents. Learn more and register: https://ow.ly/pj6M50Uj68z
Bethel New Life accepting donations for new campus
Now accepting donations
Bethel New Life is accepting donations for their Mildred Wiley Wellness Campus, an innovative hub that will include community programs that are focused on improving the root causes of trauma, violence and poverty. Community gardens, STEM courses for youth, and family support services will be housed in the nine-acre campus they plan to create. Donations can be made online: https://ow.ly/a00I50Uj6fH. Find more information about the campus project: https://bethelnewlife.org/wellness-hub/
Compiled by S am Tucker
C ORRECTION
Due to inaccurate information provided, an earlier version of this article gave the wrong date for when Loretto Hospital’s toy drive ends. The toy drive will be until Dec. 12, and collections will take place near the hospital’s front entrance. We apologize for the er ror.
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Michael Lee’s Way
Street named for owner of Lee’s auto ser vice
The village of Forest Park honored the late Geung Goo (Michael) Lee by naming a street in his honor at a special ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 30, at the corner of Madison Street and Desplaines Avenue, the site where Mr. Lee operated Lee’s Auto Service for over 30 years.
For over three decades, Lee’s Auto Service, a Mobil franchise and mechanic shop located on the southeast corner of Madison and Desplaines Avenue, became a fixture in the community.
Geung Goo (Michael) Lee, who was
For over 30 years, until 2006, he owned and operated Lee’s Auto Service, a Mobil franchise and mechanic shop on the southeast corner of Madison Street and Desplaines Avenue in Forest Park. He and his wife, the for mer Seung Ja Oh, raised four daughters in the large brick corner house in Forest Park that they bought in 1983. Born on Dec. 20, 1939 in Hansan, Choong Nam province in Japanese-occupied Korea. His father and mother, Yong Kyu Lee and Soo Bae Park, like most of their neighbors, were rice far mers.
GEUNG GOO LEE
WEST SUB
No special deliveries from page 1
director of midwifery for the PCC Community Wellness Center, which has operated out of West Suburban for more than 20 years. “To us, it’s access, it’s birth equity, it’s leaving a disenfranchised community in the lurch.”
Certified nurse midwives – trained holistic healthcare providers specializing in care around and during childbir th – and family medicine doctors are a part of PCC at West Sub.
For decades, PCC providers have served as the hospital’s main delivery personnel. Eleven midwives deliver about half of the 50-some babies that PCC employees see on average every month at West Suburban. More than 30 PCC family medicine doctors perfor m cesarean sections and are backup physicians for midwives.
In addition to three PCC OB/GYNs who will continue delivering babies at West Suburban, the roles of the midwives and family medicine physicians will be replaced by providers from OBHG, a national hospitalist group that West Suburban CEO Manoj Prasad hired in July as additional backup for PCC family medicine pro viders and midwives Currently, OBHG providers are largely there for emergencies and walk-in patients, Payot said.
West Suburban is also setting up two prenatal clinics and are onboarding four providers, two of whom are OB/GYNs.
“Please know this community needs a robust mother-baby service, and we intend to provide the best possible service with highly skilled and trained obstetricians,” Prasad told Growing Community Media, the parent company of Austin Weekly News and Wednesday Jour nal.
But without their services, midwives and family medicine doctors say they’re concer ned about how bir thing options will decrease for around 500 prenatal patients that they currently work with.
According to Payot, patients are in “panic mode,” especially those who are 38- or 39-weeks pregnant and now aren’t sure where they’ ll deliver, since they won’t be helped by their midwife at West Suburban.
“People are super panicked,” she said.
A majority of the prenatal patients that PCC serves at West Suburban live in Chicago’s Austin and Her mosa neighborhoods, which have long experienced systemic divestment. About 43% of these patients are
PROVIDED
One of the alternative bir thing center rooms at West Suburban, where patients who want a water birth w ill soon no longer be ser ved by midw ives or family medi cine doctors.
Hispanic/Latino, and 44% are Black, according to Dr Kate Rowland of the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians
Midwife services are often comforting, and potentially lifesaving, for people of color who are giving birth.
While Black women in Illinois are more than twice as likely to die from pregnancyrelated conditions than white women, the mater nal mortality rate is nearly six times higher for Black women than white women in Chicago
“We’re going to come across some challenges trying to give birth in a system tha t looks dif ferent from how we traditionally gave birth, in a more holistic, caring way,” said Tyrina Newkirk, vice president of the Chicago West Side Branch of the NAACP, during the launch of a parent-baby resource program in April
Midwives help reduce rates of C-sections, premature births and newbor n morbidity, according to the American Colle ge of Nurse-Midwives
And West Sub has long been known for its midwife services, Payot said, including a long-standing le gacy of water birth. In 2021 and 2022, Newsweek named West Suburban among the best mater nity hospitals in the U.S.
“It really is about access to a true physiologic bir th, patient centered care, trauma
infor med care, which really is the hallmark of midwifery,” Payot said of PCC’s midwife services, which soon will no longer exist at West Suburban.
What comes next?
Prasad said PCC’s midwives and family medicine physicians were dismissed from delivering babies at West Suburban because, after two years of war ning, professional liability insurers told him they wouldn’t renew the hospital’s policy if non-residency trained individuals continued to deliver babies.
“They pointed out that we were the only hospital in the area that allowed this to happen,” Prasad said. “Given the dismal claims history of this hospital in OB, we were at risk of completely losing malpractice insurance coverage for the entire hospital, since they were unwilling to take on that risk.”
But Payot said this isn’t a realistic claim.
“This does not reflect the culture of the Chicago market,” she said, adding that PCC midwives and family medicine doctors deliver at other hospitals and haven’t run into this issue. PCC also has their o wn medical malpractice insurance, WBEZ Chicago re por ted
Payot said that PCC providers have asked
Prasad for a copy of the insurance policy to work with him on addressing it, but he hasn’t shown it to them.
“It doesn’t seem like this is happening in good faith,” Payot said of the decision.
Payot said PCC’s privileg es were restricted or revised so midwives can’ t deliver babies, but they can still perfor m other duties.
“We think it just makes more sense for us to [leave], even though we do not want to do this, we do not want to leave this community,” Payot said. “For us to just come in and do everything but deliver the baby, I think is confusing and potentially dangerous.”
T he change in responsibilities, Payot said, will leave one provider to deliver all babies – work that was previously allocated between PCC providers, including a f amily medicine doctor, midwife, and oncall obstetrician.
“Cer tainly, we didn’t feel overstaf fed with our last model,” Payot said, which wor ries her about how the workload will be handled without PCC staf f.
Since OBHG was hired, Payot said PCC’s labor and delivery workflow model has gone by the wayside – a concer n, considering how well it worked over the last 20-plus years.
“We had some of the best C-section rates,
low intervention rates in all of even serving a pretty high-risk population,” Payot said.
These changes in West Suburba and delivery unit come at a time hospital is still recovering from a financia crisis. When Prasad bought W along with Weiss Memorial Hospital in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, he $80 million of debt. As he works to of that hole, hospital staff say it has come at the price of patient safety through medical supplies and services.
West Suburban is also in an ongoing arbitration with PCC over upwards of million.
Though Payot said West Suburban seen five different owners in her lifetime, many of whom have cut costs to profits, what hospital staf f see now feels more severe than in previous year the dynamic is different with the hospital owned by a single person, rather than conglomerates.
“The fact that West Suburban a for-profit entity in this community with a really high Medicaid population ne has made any financial sense to any of us,” Payot said. “We always have felt the squee ze in many ways, but certainly under Prasad, it is felt more critical.”
While the hospital’s finances are a concer n, Payot said none of the PCC midwives are losing their jobs.
PCC has its own freestanding birth center in Berwyn, where mothers can deliver outside a hospital. Payot said some midwives and family medicine doctors are credentialed at Ascension St. Mary’s in Ukrainian Village, where they are encouraging their patients to deliver and trying to get more midwives credentialed. PCC also has an in-house doula service and are ensuring that those who deliver at St. Mary’s get a doula to help during labor.
“But some people are just going to have to take an ambulance to West Suburban,” Payot said, “despite urging otherwise because of safety and the fact that we won’t be there.”
Read a letter sent to Growing Community Media from Anastasia Crihfield, a PCC family medicine physician: https:// www.austinweekl ynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Anastasia-Crihfield_112724.docx.pdf
Read a letter sent to Growing Community Media from Kate Rowland of the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians: https:// www.austinweeklynews.com/wp-content/ uploads/2024/11/Kate-Rowland_112724. docx.pdf
Kindness
A Sofa for Christmas
Recently while having cocktails with friends the conversation turned to what we wanted for Christmas. One of my Girlfriends blurted out, ‘I really want a new sofa for Christmas … and a new comfy chair in the bedroom. I know it’s not sexy but it’s what I want.”
As the owner of a furniture store I think sofas and chairs are sexy no matter what time of year. But it got me thinking, how many others out there are happy with their handbag collection and instead of a piece of jewelry really want a nice new piece of furniture?
Being a business owner I grabbed my phone, went to our website and showed her over 200 pieces of brand new, never used sofas, chairs, tables and more. She found a couple pieces she loved so I made a note and promised to follow up with Santa aka her husband.
Whether a sofa is on your Christmas Wishlist or part of your 2025 Remodel plans, give our website a look under BRAND NEW INVENTORY or better yet come and see us in our 25,000 SF store located at 1800 S. Harlem Ave. North Riverside, IL.
Kellie Scott, Owner Divine Consign
West Suburban Hospital Medical Center
BUILD IS PROUD TO SPONSOR
The Austin Holiday Market
A celebration of local, small black and brown owned businesses and non-profit social enterprises selling their products for the holiday season.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6TH: 9AM-7PM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7TH: 11AM-3PM
BUILD CAMPUS 5100 W HARRISON ST. CHICAGO, IL 60644 SEE MARKET VENDORS HERE!
What does “client choice” mean? And why the change?
Most food pantries in the U.S. pre-bag or pre-box the food they distribute. This model has been widely accepted for its operational efficiency. But in recent years, some food pantries have transitioned to a “client choice” distribution model.
We believe in “choice”.
We’re converting a 7,000 square foot former factory building into a “choice” food pantry. We’re doing this based on our own local research. And what we found is that the question of choice goes beyond matters of operational efficiency. Choice takes the point of view of our
neighbors in need. Which is the point of view upon which our food pantry was founded.
What our neighbors in need are saying...
“We get what we like, instead of them giving it to us in a bag. It’s like if you’re shopping at a grocery store. You pick what you need. What you want. If I don’t like a certain kind of bread, I just don’t take it.”
“I literally felt like I’m in a grocery store and I’m picking the food. Food I couldn’t even afford to get in a grocery store. And then when we get to the end of the checkout, I don’t hve to pay. I’ve never had this happen to me before.”
”It gives people self-pride. I didn’t think I’d ever have to go to a food pantry. And they always try to get different things, different vegetables, different fruit. So, it doesn’t make you feel ashamed.”
GEUNG GOO LEE
from page 5
migration to the U.S., and he sponsor ed numerous relatives and others to immigrate to the States.
His last day was a joyful one: An accomplished golfer, he played 18 holes of golf in the morning, spent time with his grandchildren, and did yard work at his daughter Linda’s Michigan home — three of his favorite activities.
Along with his brother, he served in the South Korean ar my and lived during the 1950-53 war between communist North Korea and democratic South Korea that ravaged the Korean peninsula with violence, death and deprivation.
In 1969, after the 1965 Immigration and Naturalization Act revoked the American immigration quota system, Mr. Lee immi-
teen hours later, at 7 p.m., he would close the station, deposit his day’s proceeds at Forest Park Bank, go home for dinner with his family, and then go to the driving range. Sometimes, if his brother-in-law was working, he would sneak out during the day to play a quick nine holes of golf at Columbus Park in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood
Mr. Lee (who later took the American name Michael) was scrupulously honest, diligent and fair. He would fix flat tires for free. He kept pots of fresh flowers by the pumps, and detailed business records in an old-fashioned, handwritten ledger book in his careful, practiced script. He worked under cars and under their hoods alongside his mechanics, and his hands, already worn through years of farm work, coal mining, and welding, became heavily calloused, cracked, and darkened.
When hiring workers for Lee’s Auto Service, he often chose those facing challenges and willing to work hard. For d
at the hands of the Minneapolis police, he posted a Black Lives Matter sign on his front lawn.
Mr. Lee was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Geum Yae Lee and Yong Sook Lee, his brother Hang Koo Lee, and his grandson, Marlowe Greenwood. He is survived by his wife, the for mer Seung Ja Oh; his sisters, Choon Hyung Huh and Jung Sook Lee; his daughters, Anna Miran Lee (John Lillig), Linda Miyoung Lee (Jared Kalina), Viola Misun Lee (Conor Klaus) and Michelle Mihwa Lee (Zachary Greenwood); his grandchildren Eun Hae
and Tae Won Lillig, Isabella, Samuel and Noa Kalina, Phillip and Willa Klaus, and Ar row and Echo Greenwood; and numerous relatives, Godchildren and friends.
A wake was held at Nelson Funeral Home in Park Ridge on July 22. A funeral Mass was celebrated on July 23 at Chicago Korean Martyrs Catholic Church in Chicago, followed by interment at All Saints Catholic Cemetery in Des Plaines
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hana Center, 4300 N California Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60618 or to the Chicago Parks Foundation.
Christmas dinner to guests at the Lincoln
The African American community is at a crossroads. While we have seen tremendous strides in representation, leadership, and cultural influence, we are also facing a critical challenge: the failure to adequately prepare and empower the next generation. At the heart of this issue lies the reluctance of many gatekeepers and elders to embrace succession planning. This fear of being re placed creates a cycle of stagnation that undermines collective progress and leaves future generations to navigate challenges without the benefit of experience or guidance.
Too often, seasoned leaders hold onto their roles and knowledge until the very end, leaving no clear path forward when they inevitably step aside. This tendency to “die with the knowledge” denies younger generations the tools they need to succeed and build on previous accomplishments. Instead, they are left to figure things out the
e urgency of passing the baton
hard way, repeating mistak that could have been av with proper mentorshi ership is not about indi achievement — it is about creating a sustainable frame that ensures progress long after one’s tenure has ended
This hoarding of kno is compounded by the “p pimp” mentality that persists in some sectors of the community. This har mful approac sees individuals profiting of the ignorance and dependence of others, rather than fostering self-sufficiency and empowerment. Programs and initiatives designed to uplift are instead structured to maintain a status quo that benefits a select few. Keeping the community unaware and reliant may yield short-term gains for some, but it inflicts long-ter m harm on the collective.
OLIVER
T he failure to pass the baton is particularly troubling hen viewed through the lens historical progress. African merican culture was once eply rooted in a collective mindset — a sense of unity and shared responsibility that ove movements like the Civil Rights Movement. Leaders like . Martin Luther King Jr. and annie Lou Hamer understood that their roles were not about personal accolades but about empowering others to continue the fight for justice and equality The baton was passed intentionally and with purpose, ensuring that the momentum of progress was never lost. Today, we must embrace the concept of the “changing of the guards” as a necessary and natural part of growth. Leadership transitions are not about losing
power; they are about strengthening the community. Elders and gatekeepers have a duty to identify, mentor, and prepare successors who can carry on their work. This requires humility, foresight, and a commitment to the greater good. It also means creating opportunities for younger generations to lead, innovate, and lear n from experience.
The African American community has always thrived when it operates with a collective mindset. It is time to return to that ethos, recognizing that our success depends on how well we invest in and empower each other. The future is not about preserving individual le gacies — it is about ensuring that the legacy of progress continues
Passing the baton is not an act of surrender; it is an act of love and vision for a stronger, more resilient community
The time to shift the culture is now. Aisha Oliver is a resident of Austin.
The Foundation was created by the community, for the community. Join us to build a racially just society in which all members of our community thrive and prosper. Together we can invest in real change.
Please give to our annual fund today.
L’Arche welcomes residents to its new Oak Park home
Southeast Oak Park house will be home to adults with intellectual disabilities and assistants
By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter
In just a few weeks, the L’Arche community will be welcoming residents to its first newly built house in the Chicago area.
The south Oak Park house benefits from sustainable measures, and when the residents move in this December, in keeping with L’Arche principles, the house will embody what it means to be a home.
L’Arche is a worldwide organization, founded in France in 1964, that is dedicated to creating intentional communities with homes where people with and without intellectual disabilities live and work together as peers.
In 1999, after L’Arche founder Jean Vanier spoke at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, a benefactor donated a house to the group – their first home in the Chicago area. With the addition of this home at 1111 S. East Avenue, the organization operates four homes in the Chicago area: one in Oak Park, two in Forest Park and one in Austin.
Core members with disabilities are welcome in their L’Arche homes for life, and many join L’Arche homes when they are in their ‘20s. Core members and assistants have a shared-living situation, with assistants offering support in day-to-day tasks.
Executive Director Mic Altena said that the Oak Park house will be home to four core members, ages 33 to 63. Of these core members, one member is new to L’Arche.
“The new member has a job in south Oak Park, and his parents live in southeast Oak Park,” Altena said. “He’ll be able to step out into independence in a way that feels safe and controlled.”
The three other core members are moving from other L’Arche homes that did not meet all of their mobility needs. Their moves will open up spots for new members in the homes they are leaving.
L’Arche’s other area homes have been preexisting homes, and while the organization relishes the opportunity to be integrated into established communities, Altena said that a newly constructed home offered more opportunities for core members.
“The most fun part of the project was having a blank slate,” Altena said.
Before breaking ground in June 2023, Altena said he held meetings with staff and residents and asked what they needed and wanted in a home. They came up with a 20-
page ideas that they shared with architect Bill Scholtens of Elements Architectural Group in Oak Park.
Altena said that Scholtens did a great job of meeting their needs.
“It starts at the front door, which is at ground level. There are no stairs, lifts or ramps. Our residents can go in and out independently. Inside, there’s an elevator that goes to the second floor, so everyone has access to the entire house,” Altena said.
When core members went to visit the home prior to moving in, Altena said the benefits of the new construction were immediately visible. “Noah rolled right up to the island, and the counters were at the perfect height. He could make a full turn in his chair and access the bathroom on his own.”
“It was really great to see how it works,” he added. “There was no need to worry about those things that we so often take for granted.”
ry efficient. A solar collector system with geothermal heat pumps will provide 100% of the home’s electricity and power the home’s heating, cooling, and lighting needs. The home also has triple-glazed windows and high-performance insulation, which will contribute to its efficiency. “We’re really excited about the energy efficiency,” Altena said. “It allows us to demonstrate that we want to be good neighbors.”
Being active, contributing members of the community is part of the ethos of L’Arche core members and their assistants. The members have jobs in Oak Park and are members of the YMCA.
Altena said that community is key to the success of L’Arche.
“It’s very important for us to create places of belonging where people are known and respected and create meaningful relationships,” he said. “That’s really
L’Arche is making a difference one house at a time, but Altena emphasizes that the need in Illinois is great. They rece ived more than 100 applications for the four spots that opened up locally with the construction of this house.
“We’re overwhelmed by the level of need,” he said. “There’s an immense need in Illinois. There are over 10,000 people on a waiting list to receive funding.”
While the state provides pivotal funding, private philanthropy is the key to creating the small, personalized communities that L’Arche builds one house at a time.
The challenges are great, but Altena said that focusing on the good makes it all worthwhile.
“Walking the house, picturing people sitting there, eating to g ether, making their homes,” he said. “That is what is really exciting.”
PUBLIC NOTICES
HELP WANTED
Assistant Civil Engineer (Original)
Assistant Electrical Engineer (Original)
Assistant Mechanical Engineer (Original)
Assistant Structural Engineer (Original)
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago will be accepting applications for the following classification(s):
Assistant Civil Engineer (Original)
Assistant Electrical Engineer (Original)
Assistant Mechanical Engineer (Original)
Assistant Structural Engineer (Original)
Additional information regarding salary, job description, requirements, etc. can be found on the District’s website at www.districtjobs.org or call 312-751-5100.
An Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/D
Published in Austin Weekly News December 4, 2024
NOTICE
INVITATION TO BID TO METROPOLITAN WATER
RECLAMATION DISTRICT OF GREATER CHICAGO
Sealed proposals, endorsed as above, will be submitted back to the District via an electronic upload to the Bonfire Portal only, from the date of the Invitation to Bid, up to 11:00 A.M. (Chicago time), on the bid opening date, and will be opened publicly as described in the Invitation to Bid by the Director of Procurement and Materials Management or designee at 11:00 AM on the stated bid opening date below for:
CONTRACT 25-690-11
BENEFICIAL REUSE OF BIOSOLIDS FROM LASMA AND CALSMA
Estimated Cost Group A:
$24,600,000.00
Bid Deposit: Group A: NONE
Estimated Cost Group B:
$4,905,000.00
Bid Deposit: Group B: NONE
Total: $29,505,000.00
Voluntary Technical Pre Bid
Conference: Wednesday, December 18, 2024, 11:00 am Chicago Time via ZOOM Link.
Compliance with the District’s Affirmative Action Ordinance
Revised Appendix D and Appendix C are required on this Contract.
Bid Opening: January 7, 2025
CONTRACT 25-691-11
TRUCK HAULING OF PROCESSED SOLIDS FOR LASMA AND CALSMA
Estimated Cost Group A:
$4,080,000.00
Bid Deposit Group A: NONE
Estimated Cost Group B:
$3,382,000.00
Bid Deposit Group B: NONE
Total: $7,462,000.00
Voluntary Technical Pre Bid
HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI
Monday at 9:30 a.m.
PUBLIC NOTICES
Conference: Tuesday, December 17, 2024, 10:00 am Chicago Time via ZOOM Link.
Compliance with the District’s Affirmative Action Ordinance
Revised Appendix D, Appendix V, and Appendix C are required on this Contract.
Bid Opening: January 7, 2025 CONTRACT 25-692-11
UTILIZATION AND TRANSPORTATION OF AIR DRIED BIOSOLIDS FROM LASMA AND CALSMA
Estimated Cost Group A:
$2,610,000.00
Bid Deposit Group A: NONE
Estimated Cost Group B:
$1,076,200.00
Bid Deposit Group B: NONE
Total: $3,686,200.00
Voluntary Technical Pre Bid
Conference: Thursday, December 19, 2024 10:00 am Chicago Time via ZOOM Link.
Compliance with the District’s Affirmative Action Ordinance
Revised Appendix D and Appendix C are required on this Contract.
Bid Opening: January 7, 2025
*****************************
The above is an abbreviated version of the Notice Invitation to Bid. A full version which includes a brief description of the project and/or service can be found on the District’s website, www. mwrd.org; the path is as follows: Doing Business > Procurement and Materials Management > Contract Announcements.
Specifications, proposal forms and/or plans may be obtained from the Department of Procurement and Materials Management by downloading online from the District’s website at www.mwrd.org (Doing Business > Procurement & Materials Management > Contract Announcements). No fee is required for the Contract Documents. Any questions regarding the downloading of the Contract Document should be directed to the following email: contractdesk@mwrd.org or call 312-751-6643.
All Contracts for the Construction of Public Works are subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130/1-et.seq.), where it is stated in the Invitation to Bid Page.
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals if deemed in the public’s best interest.
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago By Darlene A. LoCascio
Director of Procurement and Materials Management
Published in Austin Weekly News December 4, 2024
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST Plaintiff, -v.-
BARBARA RANDOLPH, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF MARY HALE, GERALD NORDGREN, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR MARY HALE (DECEASED)
Defendants 2021 CH 03808 426 NORTH HARDING AVENUE
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 September 5, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 A.M. on December 27, 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:
LOT 14 IN THE SUBDIVISION OF THE EAST 1/2 OF BLOCK 13 IN HARDINGS SUBDIVISION OF THE WEST 1/2 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 11, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
Commonly known as 426 NORTH HARDING AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60624
Property Index No. 16-11-126-016-
0000
The real estate is improved with a single 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. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to 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(g1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.
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. 14-20-06288
Attorney ARDC No. 00468002
Attorney Code. 21762
Case Number: 2021 CH 03808
TJSC#: 44-2506
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 # 2021 CH 03808
I3255614
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION
PLANET HOME LENDING, LLC
Plaintiff, -v.-
BEEONCA M. BROWN, CITY OF CHICAGO
Defendants
2022 CH 02697
1528 S. HARDING AVENUE
CHICAGO, IL 60623
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
NOTICE OF SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on August 23, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 30, 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 1528 S. HARDING AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60623
Property Index No. 16-23-122-0430000
The real estate is improved with a multi-family residence. The judgment amount was $328,093.23.
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, contact Alexander Potestivo, POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610, Chicago, IL, 60606 (312) 263-0003. Please refer to file number 315067. 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. POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610 Chicago IL, 60606 312-263-0003
E-Mail: ilpleadings@potestivolaw. com Attorney File No. 315067
Attorney Code. 43932
Case Number: 2022 CH 02697
TJSC#: 44-2377
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 # 2022 CH 02697 I3255747
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION
U.S. Bank Trust National Association as Trustee of Chalet Series III Trust Plaintiff vs. Ruthie Mae Porter; Latisha Porter; Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants
Defendant 19 CH 12550
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 January 6, 2025, 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. 16-16-409-032-0000. Commonly known as 4817 W. Polk Street, Chicago, IL 60644. 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, Sottile & Barile, LLC, 7530 Lucerne Drive, Suite 210, Middleburg Heights, Ohio 44130. (440) 5721511. ILF1905017 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3256230
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.-
DONNA LOUISE BERNARDONI, CHICAGO TITLE LAND TRUST COMPANY AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO THE NORTH STAR TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE
U/T/A DATED OCTOBER 16, 2008 A/K/A TRUST NO. 08-11369 Defendants 2024 CH 04243 2517 S SPRINGFIELD 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 September 20, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 6, 2025, 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 2517 S SPRINGFIELD AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60623
Property Index No. 16-26-120-0050000
The real estate is improved with a 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) 236-SALE
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
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
information obtained will be
for that purpose. Case # 2024 CH 04243 I3256598
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The time is now. Use your VOICE to change the future
VOICES of Black Women a groundbreaking initiative led by the American Cancer Society is calling on Black women from all walks of life to join the movement that will power meaningful research to help save lives. You can help make a difference by letting people in your community know about this study and help transform health outcomes of Black women today and for generations to come. Your VOICE is the key to changing lives forever. Not just any kind of change: One that can directly improve the health of Black women for generations to come.
“I see this study as laying the foundation for a healthier future for Black women—one where our voices are heard, our health is prioritized, and our lives are valued,” said Shanita Akintonde, Illinois VOICES
Ambassador, “The impact will be felt not just in our generation, but in many generations to come, as we move closer to a world where every Black woman has the opportunity to live a long, healthy, and empowered life. I do it for my late mother, Mary Cathy Bishop, who has given me her nod of approval.”
This isn’t just a study; it’s a collective commitment to understanding and improving the health of Black women across the nation. And that change starts with you.
“VOICES of Black Women® represents a crucial step towards achieving health equity in a population that is long overdue,” said Dr. Alpa Patel, co-principal investigator of the study and senior vice president of population science at the American Cancer Society. “The
data we’ve uncovered through previous population studies has been critical in reducing the unacceptably high burden of cancer, but that reduction has sadly not been equal. By centering Black women’s voices and experiences, we can dig deeper in uncovering the unique challenges and barriers contributing to cancer disparities and develop tailored interventions to mitigate them.”
Our goal is to enroll at least 100,000 Black women in the US between 25 and 55 years of age who have never had cancer. As a valued participant in VOICES of Black Women, you’ll collaborate with researchers by sharing
behavioral, environmental, and lived experiences through surveys taken at least twice a year. When you join VOICES, over the years our study can make note of any important health and general lifestyle updates that occur in women’s lives. There will be no cost to you for participating in this study. Add your voice to this movement.
