Celebrating Black History Month
 The JAC joins Cook County in celebrating Black History Month and reflecting on the achievements and contributions of African Americans. This month, and always, we honor the progress of the past, celebrate the excellence of the present and commit to a more equitable and just future for Black residents and communities. The JAC is proud to support many impactful Black led organizations that play key roles in building safe and thriving communities in Cook County. Meet two of these exceptional organizations:
Tool Up Foundation (TUF) believes in building the community, with the community. Through premium construction education and hands-on training, they empower youth and young adults to participate in revitalizing their communities through construction while they gain the skills needed to succeed in the industry. TUF is a Cook County Gun Violence Prevention and Reduction Grant recipient serving the South Side of Chicago. Learn more: toolsup.org
Westside Health Authority
For over 30 years, Westside Health Authority (WHA) has been empowering westside residents to improve the health and well-being of their communities. From outreach to holistic health services and employment support, their programming meets the needs of residents and helps to build thriving, resilient communities.
The Cook County Gun Violence Prevention and Reduction Grant initiative supports the WHA AVERT (Avoiding Violence through Employment, Readiness, and Training) Program for youth and young adults. Learn More at healthauthority.org
Just Housing Amendment Survey
Cook County Commission on Human Rights (CCCHR), in collaboration with Roosevelt University’s Policy Research Collaborative, is conducting an impact assessment to understand the successes and barriers associated with the Just Housing Amendment (JHA). The JHA prevents housing discrimination among persons with a criminal background. This assessment hopes to provide CCCHR and Cook County service providers with a deeper understanding of the successes and ongoing challenges associated with the JHA.
The first phase of the JHA Impact Assessment is a public survey (Just Housing Amendment Impact Assessment Survey) of individuals with criminal justice involvement in Cook County. Individuals who (1) have an arrest or conviction record and (2) are currently searching for housing or have searched within the last five years may complete the survey.
Take JHA Impact Assessment survey here: https://bit.ly/2025JHASurvey
Please Note: The survey will close March 31, 2025. All survey responses are confidential and for research purposes only.
Questions? Contact CCCHR at: human.rights@cookcountyil.gov or 312.603.1100
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President Preckwinkle Participates in Youth Led Peace Circle
This month, President Preckwinkle joined young people participating in the Mikva Challenge Safety and Justice Council (SJC) in a youth-led peace circle at BUILD's headquarters in the Austin community. The SJC program empowers youth, age 16-20, to engage with issues related to juvenile justice and community safety and ensure youth perspectives are heard by our leaders.
The peace circle was the culmination of a multi-session restorative justice training which allowed youth to explore the power of restorative justice, foster meaningful connections with community leaders and amplify youth-led solutions for safer communities. |
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211 Metro Chicago
211 Metro Chicago is a 24/7 helpline that facilitates connections to critical health and social services such as housing, utility assistance, access to food, employment support and more. Operated by United Way in partnership with Cook County and the City of Chicago, 211 has made more than 330,000 connections since its launch in 2023. To learn more or add your organization to the 211 database, visit 211metrochicago.org.
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County and 211 leaders gathered to recognize '211 Day' on February 11th, 2025
Grant Opportunities
Community Development Block Grants and Emergency Solutions Grants
The Cook County Bureau of Economic Development is accepting applications from municipalities and non-profit organizations serving suburban Cook County under the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) & Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) programs. CDBG supports critical community development and social service needs in income-eligible areas of suburban Cook County. The ESG program focuses on housing support including homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing. The application deadline is Friday, March 21, 2025, at 5 pm CDT.
For more information and to apply, visit www.cookcountyil.gov/service/community-development-division
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Cook County Creative Placemaking Grants
The Bureau of Economic Development recently announced a grant program supporting community led projects across the Cook County suburbs. Eligible projects include public art, community gardens and cultural facilities that leverage the arts within broader community revitalization plans. To learn more and apply, visit CookCountyArts.org/creative-placemaking
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Stay tuned for more funding announcements from the JAC in the coming weeks! |
Information & Resources
- The JAC recently hosted a virtual presentation, What We Heard: Sharing Community Feedback & Research on Supporting Survivors of Gun Violence. This presentation summarized feedback gathered from a series of community listening sessions along with the latest data and research. If you missed it, you can view the recording.
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