Michael Liptrot

1 week ago | blockclubchicago.org | Michael Liptrot

AUSTIN — Hundreds of neighbors gathered Thursday in Austin to celebrate the grand opening of a community and workforce development center inside a closed Chicago Public Schools elementary school. The Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation, 5500 W. Madison St., is a joint venture of the Westside Health Authority and Austin Coming Together to redevelop the former Emmet Elementary School.

1 week ago | blockclubchicago.org | Michael Liptrot

NORTH LAWNDALE — A nonprofit bookstore and literacy organization has gone mobile to bring free literature to more South and West side neighborhoods. North Lawndale-based Open Books launched a traveling bookstore within a truck this month, aiming to regularly visit underserved neighborhoods. The Open Books Mobile, known informally as the “booksmobile,” is an extension of the organization’s mission “to help transform lives through the power of joy and reading,” said CEO Jennifer Steele.

2 weeks ago | blockclubchicago.org | Michael Liptrot

AUSTIN — A West Side group dedicated to improving the sexual health and wellbeing of young LGBTQ+ people of color will lead Chicago’s Pride Parade June 29. TaskForce Prevention & Community Services was selected by parade organizers to be the first Out Front Leader of the parade, which has for more than 50 years served as a mass celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride, drawings tens of thousands of people to Northalsted every June.

2 weeks ago | blockclubchicago.org | Michael Liptrot

NEAR WEST SIDE — A West Side nonprofit that provides housing and other services to formerly incarcerated people is renovating and expanding its campus to help more people re-enter society. Saint Leonard’s Ministries announced last week an expansion and renaming of its Near West Side campus at 2120 W. Warren Boulevard. The project includes adding rooms to both its men’s and women’s housing buildings as well as new community spaces, a library and the opening of a new facility.

3 weeks ago | blockclubchicago.org | Michael Liptrot

NEAR WEST SIDE — The Blackhawks revealed renderings and final plans for its expanded practice arena and community center, which is set to be the new home of a junior league hockey team. Fifth Third Arena, opened in 2017, is undergoing a $65 million expansion and renovation that will include a new ice arena, bar, Blackhawks Hall of Fame and lounge spaces, according to the Blackhawks. The arena, 1801 W.