Chicago Volunteer Expo connects volunteers with local nonprofits
By Eunice Wang Medill Reports At the annual Chicago Volunteer Expo, people come by the hundreds, seeking ways to give back to the community. The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum hosted the event on February 18 for the sixth year in a row. Around 100 local nonprofits had tables at the museum, offering Chicagoans options for […]
Glass heart workshop offers a fiery Valentine’s date for couples
By Eunice Wang Medill Reports Ignite Glass Studios in West Town has an idea for couples planning a non-traditional date for this Valentine’s Day: create a heart of glass. The studio is running a seasonal workshop called Date Night at Ignite from Feb. 9 through Valentine’s Day. Participants make a glass heart, giving them a special […]
February programs help pet owners reduce overpopulation of animals
By Eunice Wang Medill Reports The last day of February is World Spay Day, a campaign created by the Humane Society International. To highlight the importance of spaying and neutering pets, The Anti-Cruelty Society, an animal rescue service in downtown Chicago, has been providing a low-cost clinic to the public. Spay and neuter surgeries for […]
10-year-old social entrepreneur’s ‘Blessing Bags’ raise awareness about homelessness
By Eunice Wang Medill Reports Ten-year-old Jahkil Jackson is a young social entrepreneur who founded Project I Am — an organization to help the homeless — two years ago. He brings street comfort to homeless people with what he calls “blessing bags.” Teaming up with volunteers from different local organizations, Jahkil passed out 5,000 blessing […]
Immigrants and activists rally in Chicago for a ‘clean’ Dream Act
By Eunice Wang Medill Reports Several hundred people from different communities rallied in Daley Plaza on Jan. 17 in response to President Donald Trump’s decision to end the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 200,000 Salvadorans. They also called for leaders to pass the Clean DREAM Act, a bill that would offer a permanent solution for […]
Flesh-tone tights empower ballet dancers of color
By Eunice Wang Medill Reports A simple leotard and pink tights are the typical uniform for many ballet dancers when they train. It’s a tradition that dates back hundreds of years to the origin of ballet in Europe. As with many other traditions, however, the times, they are a changin’. Dancers of color have started […]
Hiplet: The Baby of Modern and Classical Ballet
By Eunice Wang Medill Reports Hiplet, the fusion of hip-hop and ballet, started back in 1990 as Homer Hans Bryant’s rap ballet. As a dance teacher, Homer has always been fascinated by classical ballet and what dancers can do en pointe. Homer wanted to give back to his community by teaching kids of color the […]
Growing Home produces a bountiful harvest for Englewood residents
By Eunice Wang and Natalya Carrico Medill Reports Growing Home came to the South Side of Chicago in 2006 under the Englewood Quality of Life Plan. The organization offers a paid, 14-week job training program for adults with varying employment barriers. Approximately 30 percent of the program participants come from the greater Englewood neighborhood. The […]
Bucktown nail salon owner calls her business a “passionate hobby”
By Eunice Wang and Natalya Carrico Medill Reports Jacqueline Van, owner of Fantasy Nails, has been passionate about nail art since she worked at her parents’ nail salon in Michigan. Even while attending college, she had a part-time job at a salon. After she graduated, Jackie realized that she didn’t want to be stuck in […]
