Lang
For so long, community members have demanded safe and welcoming spaces for young people and families. As third places - locations outside of home or work - have slowly disappeared, neighbors have looked far and wide for a collective place.
To ensure we effectively met community needs, we conducted various surveys listening directly to community residents about what areas need investment in and what that can look like. Through these conversations, we established a set of recommendations that met the needs of trauma survivors on the southwest side.
On February 27th, we hosted a press conference alongside our local elected officials and network partners outside of the project site.
As we broke ground on the Brighton Park Neighborhood Network Service Center, we were grounded by BPNC Board President Anita Caballero’s words, “this is something we have all been waiting for. This is something that I have been waiting for years - that I've been wanting for my community and we’re finally getting it.”
Decorated with shovels crafted by young leaders in MyChiMyFuture and youth organizing, elected officials got to work digging into the soil laying the foundation for Brighton Park residents.
With collaboration from JGMA Architecture, Blackwood Group, and BASO Limited, we’re excited to begin the construction process of the BPNN Service Center.
Thank you to our elected officials 12th Ward Alderwoman Julia Ramirez, 14th Ward Alderwoman Jeylu Gutierrez, Mayor Brandon Johnson, State Representative Edgar Gonzalez Jr, State Representative Theresa Mah, State Senator Celina Villanueva, State Senator Javier Cervantes, Cook County Commissioner Alma Anaya and 4th District U.S. Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia as well as the Wieboldt Foundation and United Way of Metro Chicago for their support in making this project a reality.
