News—On December 14, 2011 a delegation of Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) leaders and Organizers left to attend the 2011 Fair Immigrant Reform Movement (FIRM), a national collaboration of organizations addressing the Immigration Reform movement. As a organizer at SWOP, which is a member institution of ICIRR, I was delighted to be a part of this significant convening in historic Montgomery, Alabama - the face of the Civil Rights movement of the 1950’s and 60’s for African Americans. Continue…
News—We welcome back our Ceasefire Anti Violence Program! We are fortunate to have this State of Illinois funded program that allows Chicago Lawn to reduce shootings and murders in our Gage Park Community. Our funding supports and allows Southwest Organizing Project to employ a Program Manager, a Supervisor, a Violence Interruptor and 3 Outreach Workers to directly impact youth violence. Ceasefire is a scientifically proven Anti-Violence program to reduce shootings based on five working components.
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News—In what has become an annual tradition on the Southwest side, more than 500 people joined together on December 13th at Maria High School to celebrate the holidays together as members of the Southwest Organizing Project
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News—On Saturday, April 30th, 2011 over a thousand student, business, community, and religious leaders from around Illinois packed St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church, a member institution of the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP), in support of the IL Dream Act, Smart Enforcement Act, the Immigrant Services Line Item and a fair legislative map that reflects immigrant communities.
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News—El 17 de agosto 2011, líderes del Proyecto Organizador del Suroeste (SWOP) participaron en la audiencia del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional sobre Comunidades Seguras en el centro de Chicago. Personas a favor y en contra del programa Comunidades Seguras tuvieron la oportunidad de compartir sus testimonios y opiniones.
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News—My name is Carlil Pittman. I am 18 years old and I am a member of SWOP. I became a father at a young age, and this is my personal story of why I am fighting for immigrant rights.
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News—The Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) intends to apply for a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant in partnership with Talman Elementary School and Marquette Elementary School. The 21st CCLC will allow SWOP to expand educational, social-emotional, and enrichment opportunities and supports to Chicago Lawn families.
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News—On August 17, 2011, leaders with the Southwest Organizing Project participated in Department of Homeland Security's hearing on Secure Communities in downtown Chicago. People who supported and were against Secure Communities had the opportunity to share their testimonies and opinions.
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News—95 mom's from SWOP’s Parents as Mentors program at the five CPS elementary schools and students from Gage Park High School and Morrill Ellementary school delivered high turnout by knocking on thousands of doors around their schools on election day
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Calendar—Come out and celebrate our neighborhood!
Join in the tour of homes for sale around St. Mary Star of the Sea.
Gather information for family and friends who may be looking to buy a home.
Receive information about the home buying process and financial services.
Learn about the parish, school, and other local community organizations.
Enjoy good food and meet your neighbors, community leaders and elected officials.
News—SWOP executive director Jeff Bartow was featured in Chicago news outlets on recent bill signing of foreclosure grace period legislation sponsored by State Senator Jacqueline Collins.
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Calendar—Si usted es elegible para la ciudadanía, es posible que califique para que no pague nada por su aplicación de ciudadanía! Asiste al próximo taller de ciudadanía para aplicar!
News—Neighbors and community members gathered for prayer and a “posada” to highlight the plight of families facing foreclosures in one of Chicago’s hardest hit neighborhoods this holiday season. Families formed a procession through the neighborhood, beginning at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Catholic Church, and stopping in front of vacant homes hit by the recent rise in foreclosures.
In a re-enactment of the journey of St. Joseph and the Virgin Mary going to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus, families asked for “posada” or lodging for families affected by foreclosures. In traditional posadas, the chorus asks for lodging for the Holy Family with stanzas played by the inn-keepers who refuse them a room. In this posada, southwest side families affected by foreclosures were requesting additional time to stay in their homes and were refused by the banks.
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