| Community Voices Lead the Way at the Far South CAC Youth and Family Summit |
| At this year’s Far South CAC Youth and Family Summit, two powerful panels brought together educators, community leaders, parents, and advocates to discuss bold strategies for uplifting youth and families on the South Side. |
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| | From left to right: Janel Pilate (Moderator), Valerie Talton, Founder of Accelerate Career through Education (A.C.E); Rashionda Carlisle, Student & Family Engagement Coordinator at DuBois Elementary; and Dr. Marlon Haywood, CEO/Founder of Urban Male Network |
| Healing, Building, and Fortifying the Village |
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| From left to right: Janel Pilate (Moderator), Dr. LaVada U. Taylor, Professor and Dean of the College of Education; Che "Rhymefest" Smith, 10th District CPS Board Member Representative; and Cecille De Mello, Executive Director of Teamwork Englewood. |
| Reclaming Public Education and Parent Power |
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| | The conversation centered on the importance of creating a strong and sustainable "village"—one built on safety, access to resources, shared time, and long-term commitment. We defined the "village" as coverae for the child and support for the parent. A particularly impactful moment came during the discussion on current teen trends, where community members expressed concern and called for alternatives to curfews and criminalization. Panelists explored how mentorship, safe spaces, and consistent support could address the root causes of recent "teen takeovers." The conversation echoed themes from an article by our Youth Development Director Marcus Flenaugh, titled “Youth Don’t Need More Curfews—They Need More Choices”, which urges communities to invest in youth-centered, freedom-building solutions. |
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| Panelists explored the evolving landscape of parent advocacy in Chicago Public Schools and how families can leverage structures like Local School Councils and Parent Advisory Councils to ensure their voices are heard. The conversation quickly deepened into a powerful call for accountability—urging the newly elected school board to resist becoming another arm of bureaucracy and instead remain rooted in the lived experiences of families and communities. Panelists and attendees emphasized that educational equity must remain a priority and that our officials must step up and step out to create lasting change. There was a resounding call for more teachers of color, in order to support culturally competent teaching practices and build stronger, trust-based relationships between parents and school administrations. |
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| Celebrating 30 years of the Parent Mentor Program at Illinois Statewide Convention! |
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| Check out the SSHC Parent Mentors and Coordinators |
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| | A packed House of Hope, with parents and community leaders from all over Illinois! |
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| | SSHC Parent Community Organizer, Janel Pilate, served as Co-MC and Co-chair with Jazmin Cerda. Check out their selfie with Mayor Brandon Johnson |
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| Brick by Brick, South Side Help Center Builds Solidarity! PMP Partner Organizations presented how they spread love, solidarity and hope as the theme for this year's convention |
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| | Check out the NEW Parents EngagEd the Podcast episode where Coach J sat down with Yvette Shirley to explore the Authoritative parenting style—a balance of structure and support that empowers both parent and child. Tune in now on YouTube and discover strategies that can help you show up with intention in your parenting journey! |
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| Your Voice Matters: Help Shape the Future of CPS Leadership |
| Parents, caregivers, and community members from Districts 9 & 10 are invited to a Community Conversation on the Next CPS Superintendent. Join Chicago School Board members Therese Boyle, Frank Niles Thomas, Olga Bautista, and Che “Rhymefest” Smith as they listen to your hopes and priorities for the next leader of Chicago Public Schools. |
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| Coach J's CornerRecently, the struggles of fighting for what is necessary and essential has become a challenging feat. Nonetheless the work is being done, and the connections are being made. Visiting our community schools, I learned that our public education leaders have done so much for their students with so little. This also reigns true for parents and caregivers. Finding the strength and resources to make something out of nothing. Parents, Caregivers, if no one has told you recently, Thank you for all that you do, and for the things that you wanted to, the thought showed the best intention of your heart. You matter! Don’t give up! Rise! |
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