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Commons Connections
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May 2014
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Graduation season is well underway across the country. For most, it's a
really exciting time to celebrate achievements and plan for life's next milestone. For others, it's more challenging as some struggle to overcome barriers to receiving education and employment.
One of the ways Commons is working to remedy this is through advocating for early education. It has been proven that early education is the cure for many of our country's economic inequalities, poverty and crime.
Last week we had the opportunity to travel with Latino Policy Forum and participate in Early Childhood Advocacy Day in Springfield. The Latino Policy Forum gathered a total of 12 organizations and more than 50 parents, including some from Commons, to urge Illinois legislators to restore the state's investment in early learning.
 | | Chicago Commons' parents, Elizabeth Gayton and Lorraine Bahena, at Early Childhood Advocacy Day. |
I am appreciative of all the organizations and parents advocating on behalf of early childhood education because we can not do it alone. While you are enjoying your summer, I urge you to keep early childhood education at the forefront, so that next year, more children, youth and adults are celebrating life's milestones.
Sincerely,
Edgar Ramriez
President and CEO
Chicago Commons
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Commons in the Community
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L to R: Craig Chico, Executive Director, Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council (BYNC), Edgar Ramirez, President & CEO, Chicago Commons, Rafael Ya�ez, Founder UNION Impact Center and Raul Reymundo, CEO, The Resurrection Project
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The Peace and Education Coalition of Back of the Yards, New City (PEC) hosted its 17th annual scholarship fundraiser, "Dare to Dream," Thursday, May 8 at the National Museum of Mexican Art. In the past 16 years, this fundraiser has provided more than $800,000 in educational expenses to more than 500 high school and college students. Chicago Commons has been a member of PEC for four years, and Michelle Flores, a program manager, at our Center for Working Families was on this year's event fundraising committee. Michelle and Edgar Ramirez (President & CEO of Chicago Commons) will both be part of the panel to interview candidates for this year's scholarship, which will be awarded June 15, 2014. |
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Commons School Supply Drive
The school  year is almost over, but it's never too early to prepare for the next year. We will be hosting a school supply drive through the summer months to benefit children from our early childhood development program who will be going to kindergarten in the fall.
We will collect backpacks, crayons and books among many other items and distribute the supplies to families in August. Please click here for a full list of supplies and how to participate.
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New Face at Commons
Chicago Commons is pleased to welcome Evan Cauble-Johnson as the new Development Director.
Evan has more than seven years of experience fundraising in the nonprofit sector, beginning with the Illinois Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training charity endurance sports program, and most recently with Chicago-based homeless service provider Inspiration Corporation. He holds an Honors Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Toronto, offset by an all-American childhood in Manhattan, Kansas. We're excited to have him in the Commons family!
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Soft Skills Certificate Presentation
 Last week, 12 students from our Adult Education and Training Center (ETC) were presented with certificates for completing their soft skills training. Soft Skills refer to personal relationships, character, attitude, professionalism and communication skills that are vital for success in school and the workplace. Our Soft Skills class produces an emotional charge and helps develop our students ability to learn and overcome critical barriers to employment and education.
After soft skills, students will enter a nine week bridge class focused in either health care or manufacturing preparation. Afterwards we transition them into employment or college.
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Gardening at Commons
 On Tuesday, Chicago Commons' staff and clients from the Adult Day Service (ADS) program spent the morning gardening and planting vegetables in the courtyard of our Administrative Headquarters and ADS facility on 50thstreet.
Staff and clients will care for the vegetables through the summer and clients will be able to take their fresh produce home.
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Visit our website for ways to support families. |
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Thursday, June 5
8:30 a.m.
Shoreacres
Mon., June 23
2014 Pour Out Your Heart
Galleria Marchetti
Friday, November 14
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Thank you!
| | We appreciate your continued support of Chicago Commons. In these challenging times, it is valued more than ever! Click here to find out how you can support Chicago Commons or contact Sarah Frick at (773) 826-3607 or by email to discuss how you can help.
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