The Voice Newspapers, Serving Chicago's West Side: Release the Balloons!

REPORT FROM ALDERMAN EMMA MITTS

BANNER ACADEMY WEST REOPENS AS
BANNER: CENTER FOR ALTERNATIVE STUDIES (BCAS)

This academy institution will re-open its doors as a community center offering disengaged youth in Austin evidence-based academic curriculum leading to small business ownership.
Did you know? The Banner Academy operated in the Austin community for the last 14 years as a Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Alternative Learning Option School. It served students, ages 17-21, providing a successful path towards earning a postsecondary degree or certificate.
Over the years, Banner’s legacy of leadership has greatly enhanced the lives of countless young people, and recently the Academy has refocused its mission for the future - - and now, they want everyone to see what this exciting learning environment has to offer!
Please come out to the Grand Re-Opening ceremony on Thursday, September 21, 2017 between 5 pm – 7:00 pm, at the new Banner: Center for Alternative Studies (BCAS) located at 819 North Leamington Avenue. Tell your friends and family! Call Flavian Prince, Ed.D. at fprince@meta24.org to RSVP. For additional information please visit: www.meta24.org.
After observing to a greater need to serve Opportunity Youth (ages 16-24) in the Austin community, Banner Academy will now operate under its new name: Banner: Center for Alternative Studies (BCAS). While still located at the former Banner Academy West location at 819 N. Leamington Ave., BCAS will facilitate academy enrichment models throughout the day, with a large focus on STEM and literacy curriculum, while simultaneously training youth for the entrepreneurism and the workplace.
Youth will create their own products, discover new talents, start businesses, and sell their products out of a nearby partner retail store. BCAS promotes a 21st century learning environment, enhancing poverty-stricken youth’s ability to become lifelong learners, business owners, and responsible citizens.
BCAS has received the support of several local leaders who are also strongly committed education champions: Saint Martin de Porres Church and Reverend Tom Walsh, the MZUZI store, and Thrive Chicago’s citywide ‘10,000 Reconnected’ campaign, which is an effort to reconnect 10,000 Opportunity Youth to school or work in the next 3 years.
“The new Banner Center for Alternative Studies (BCAS) is to be commended for continually creating new avenues for the educational growth and entrepreneurial advancement for disadvantaged youth within the Austin community for today and tomorrow,” said Alderman Mitts, a key supporter. “We are fighting for our youth - - the future of our community.” Got a question or concern? For more information, contact the 37th Ward Alderman’s Office at 773-379-0960.

Need assistance or have a question? The 37th Ward Service Office is OPEN AND READY TO SERVE YOU during regular business hours, so feel free to call 773-379-0960 or stop by 4924 W. Chicago Ave. Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Fridays, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon (except holidays). Thank you! You can also send an email: emitts@cityofchicago.org.

MONEY RUN By Kevin Pearson

Plan to Plan

Have you ever wondered why do I need a business plan? One may say to ones self “ I know what I want to sale. Can I just open my doors and start making money.” This is a thought that has crossed many entrepreneur minds, but having or not having a business plan can be the beginning or the end of ones business.
In early 2001, you all may know I published a hip-hop magazine that circulated in Chicago and two other major cities. The idea to start the magazine came over night. I can remember sitting on the floor in my brother’s room flipping through some old magazines. I looked him right in the eye and said, “ I want to start a hip-hop magazine.” Neither of us had writing experience and definitely no publishing experience, yet he was all in. Our entire business plan was fluttering in our imaginations.
Finally in 2003, after hundreds of hit or miss (only by the grace of God) we put out a full color glossy magazine. The hip-hop community loved the publication. We were on the media list of major music labels; we got passes to just about every hip-hop event. So what was wrong with that you ask? NO MONEY. We had zero revenue coming in, and no strategy in place to get any. We were the new guys on the block, and no ad agency would touch us. Also, big hip-hop publications where adding online versions of them selves, called e-zines, yet we still owed the printer. We hung on for a few years but closed shop in 2006.
In the end, we had a great product and tenacity, but no plan to execute anything. Today I plan everything, ever phone call, email, I even wrote a plan to write this column. “Remember no business has ever been totally successful with out a plan in place to make it successful.”

Want to increase your customers and profit, but don’t know where to start? Let us help, contact the Voice Newspapers at Ph: 773-889-0880 or email: austinvoiceads@gmail.com

AS I SEE IT By Representative La Shawn K. Ford

A Late Win for Child Care

Governor Bruce Rauner announced on Monday, September 18, 2017, that the state’s Department of Human Services (DHS) will broaden access to the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). The move fulfills an agreement made with the legislature in 2015 to raise the income eligibility criteria to 185% of the federal poverty level from 162%. It means 16,000 more children will receive child care each month, for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2018. However, I have to wonder why it took the governor so long to act – from 2015 to 2017?
The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Child Care Assistance Program provides low-income, working families with access to quality, affordable child care, allowing them to continue working and improving the health, emotional and social development of children. Families are required to cost-share on a sliding scale based on family size, income and the number of children in care. In the spring of 2015, the CCAP budget was underfunded by almost $300 million. In Illinois, there are more than 3,000 licensed day care centers, 8000 licensed day care homes and 700 group day care homes with a combined capacity to serve more than 255,000 children.
In March 2015, after hearing the problems and pleas from child care providers and other advocates to find a solution to the funding crisis for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), I introduced House Bill 4194 to appropriate additional amounts from the General Revenue Fund to DHS for the CCAP.
In the spring of 2015, I started a MoveOn petition generating more than 11,000 signatures in support of full funding for quality child care. At the March 2, 2015 press conference at the Thompson Center in Chicago, I was joined by child care providers, parents and children who proclaimed a need for funding for the program. Also in March 2015, I was joined by child care advocates and providers Nakisha Hobbs and Tamara Fair in a meeting with the Speaker of the House Michael J. Madigan to discuss the issue. Also in March 2015, a busy month, I passed House Resolution 254 unanimously through the House which created the Commission to Reform Child Care in Illinois.
In August 2015, I co-sponsored SB 2042 which the General Assembly passed and was signed into law (P.A. 99-0409). The act includes several federal appropriations to support DHS programs which allowed the department to begin issuing payments to center providers and home network providers.
By September 2015, I initiated a petition that supports House Joint Resolution 94 which I introduced that would restore eligibility for many parents seeking child care assistance, and more than 2700 people signed the petition.
In November of 2015, after working with more than 100 child care providers from throughout the state leading to months of organizing and political pressure, child care was supposedly “saved,” and I commended the governor for re-establishing the previous CCAP eligibility standards and guidelines. Providers were hopeful of surviving and providing the care needed by so many of their children once the eligibility levels increased to 162% of the poverty level after months of suffering at only 50%, even though the levels had not been restored to the previous level of 185% of the poverty level.
Working with Child Care Advocates United, another press conference was called in March 2016 because providers were suffering from extremely delayed payments as a result of slow paperwork processing, with child care centers and home daycares are only receiving one third of their receivables. Child care administrators/owners cut center hours, teachers were laid-off, and parents had child care services suspended. In March 2016, we once again forcefully called on the governor to fully return the eligibility level back to 185% of the poverty level.
In the spring of 2016, the Illinois House voted to pass my House Resolution 1014 to designate the fourth week of May 2016 as Child Care Awareness Week in the state of Illinois and to thank those men and women who care for the children of our state, and we once again called on the governor to restore the eligibility level to 185%.
Now it is September 2017. It is great that the eligibility level has finally been restored to 185%, but it has taken the governor 18 months to respond. And, we still have work to do to speed up the paperwork process for approving families for CCAP so child care centers can continue to serve families and children who really need their expert care.
Over these 18 months, the damage has been done. One analysis suggests that access to child care for 30,000 children was interrupted while we waited for the governor to respond. But, it has to be said that it has been the constant, persistent and steady work of advocates for children and for child care that has created this change in policy that helps children and their families. This work and this advocacy is what we really need to celebrate.

For more information, contact one of Ford’s Constituent Service Offices: 816 S. Oak Park Avenue in Oak Park at 708-445-3673, 4800 W. Chicago Avenue in Chicago at 773-378-5902 or in the Stratton Office Building in Springfield at 217-782-5962, or visit www.lashawnford.com.

REACHING BEYOND THE WALLS By Reverend Dr. T.C. Thomas, Sr. Pastor

Wrinkled

Any old school folks out there who had a mother who showed them how to iron? My mother was one who made sure that all her sons knew how to iron. We were not allowed to have any wrinkles or what she called cat faces in the ironed garments. Cat faces were the lines that made the garment look un-ironed. We were taught to use starch to help keep the garments looking crisp. While we may have thought her tactics were excessive, it taught us to take pride in our ironing of garments which expanded in other facets of our lives. Recently, I was ironing my shirt and my mother’s lessons were streaming in my mind. I was reminded that the pride in that task sets the stage for pride in everything else. Jesus is a master at taking our wrinkled lives and ironing us to what He has for us to be. Jesus came to be born just to die for each and every one of us. His death was not permament because He said He would rise in 3 days. Just as he promised, He did. Because of our risen savior, we have an advocate to iron out the wrinkles in our lives. I am grateful that God loved us so much that he gave His only son so we would not have to live life wrinkled. If you are wrinkled and need guidance from God, please meet me at Walls so we can show you the light of Jesus!

Dr. T.C. Thomas is the Pastor of Walls Memorial C.M.E. Church, 200 S. Sacramento Blvd., on Chicago’s west Side. He is a strong advocate for children, education, healthcare and most of all the people of God “being better and not bitter.” Rev. Thomas may be contacted at 773/533/2721.

A Call To Action: By Reverend Charles C. Brown, Ph.D. - Pastor, New Heaven Christian Church

Help is Available: Living Life with A Mental Disorder

Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all (Bill Clinton). One of the greatest stigmas within the African American community is being labeled with a mental disorder. It is one of those hidden taboos no one wants to talk about. We all have that one family member who acts a little strange, or displays some type of erratic behavior. The one who has private conversations out loud with an imaginary friend. The one who seems to be in a constant state of depression, or who experiences mood swings at an alarming rate. The one who hears voices, refuses to throw anything away, is extremely paranoid, or has an overbearing fear of germs. We often know something is not right with their behavior, but instead of addressing the situation we tend to ignore it. That is, until something drastic occurs, and then we regret our misguided choice not to seek professional help for our loved ones. In our defense, we are taught at a very young age what happens in the house stays in the house, and this crippling mentality or practice has resulted in the inability to seek help when it is needed outside of the home. According to the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, in compassion to the general population, African Americans are more likely to experience serious mental health problems, but less likely to seek professional help.
However, there are other factors that contribute to the ill-advised decision not to seek professional help, including the deep-rooted mistrust of medical service providers, the tendency for doctors to misdiagnosis African American patients, the lack of African American mental health services providers, and socio-economic factors that cause medical treatment options to become unavailable to the poor and less fortunate. Nevertheless, it is imperative that we find the means to navigate beyond these troubling social factors, when someone within our family our community is in dire need of help.
First and foremost, to address the issue in a productive manner, we must learn how to both recognize and define abnormal behavior. According to the American Psychological Association, behavior only becomes abnormal if it includes at least two of the following five criteria:
1. It must be statistically rare within the society or culture that the individual identifies with.
2. It must be deviant from social norms.
3. It must cause subjective discomfort to the individual displaying the behavior.
4. It impairs day-to-day functioning.
5. It causes a person to be dangerous to self or others.
In turn, abnormal behavior is only viewed as being a psychological disorder when it becomes a pattern of behavior that causes significant distress to the individual, results in harm to self or others, and hinders the ability to function in daily life (American Psychological Association). Currently, in the State of Illinois one in five individuals experience a diagnosable mental disorder every year. (Illinois Department of Human Services). Dealing with a mental disorder is never easy, but the first step to mental health begins with admitting that there is a problem. For general information on mental health and to locate treatment services in your area, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration Treatment Referral Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

By: Charles C. Brown, PhD
drccbrown@gmail.com
Pastor, Professor, Advisee to State Representative LaShawn K. Ford, Illinois 8th District Chair of Higher Education, and the Co-Chair for the 37th Ward Pastors Alliance

What Does God Have To Do With It? Who’s Running It? By Angie Mims

THE LITTLE FOXES OF SIN IN A BELIEVING CHRISTIAN’S LIFE

If we’re honest with ourselves, some sins have a tendency of feeling good. Whether it’s the succulent kiss and hand filled grasp of our forbidden romantic love or the ongoing sips of Sangria, Moscato and Courvoisier with our friends, sin, plainly put, has a tendency of feeling good. After all, what is wrong with enjoying great company, with a room full of laughter and fun? Imported spirits that perfectly satisfy our palettes with honey suckle, pomegranates, raspberries, limes and green apples, provide us with a surge of relaxation that just could not be wrong, let alone be evil. Besides, it isn’t like we’re out snorting cocaine or parading up and down Cicero soliciting for paid sex from a hypocritical deacon. So what’s the problem?
As you’ve already gathered, this columnist previously didn’t mind a taste of a fine imported wine with great company around. Nevertheless, upon discovery during this Christian walk, I’ll readily admit that although many of us aren’t being serial killers, as Paul was in the Bible days nor are we aiding Boko Haram in kidnapping and trafficking young girls, it’s sometimes the subtle sins that cloud our judgement, blind our vision and stunt our growth in Christ.
And before the Christian who proudly proclaims that they’re neither a fornicator or a drinker, rest assured, the gossiper, the back stabber, the liar and the Big Pick Lottery Player are not guaranteed to have VIP seating in heaven’s box office.
So, what does God have to do with it? It’s the little foxes of sin that deter us from our destinations. Be it gossiping, a lack of integrity, over indulging in drinking, fornicating, or being envious of our fellow brothers and sister in Christ within our churches, inevitably, we end up spoiling the vine and wreaking havoc in our own lives. If these sins are unchecked, unfortunately, we delay our own destiny. My dear friend, you could be on the cusp of something so great, but these little foxes of sin are trying to delay your destination. Identify those little foxes and protect what God has given you - a future and a hope.

Angie Mims is a radio personality for the Promoting Precision Radio Show. She has interviewed many greats on her show such as NBC 5’s Art Norman, CLTV News Dr. Garrard McClendon, Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant, Ebony Magazine’s Senior Editor, Lynn Norment, the former president of Nigeria, General Olesugun Obasanjo, NBA players and many others. Visit her online at www.promotingprecision.com. Angie loves to meet new people and is in a constant attempt to unite people from all over the world. If you have a great story, don’t hesitate! Email her at AngieMims@PromotingPrecision.com today! You may also call (708)-612-4864. Support The Austin Voice Newspaper and let them know your thoughts about her column.

JESUS FREEWAY EXPRESS

BE YE READY FOR THE RETURN OF CHRIST (JESUS) IS IMMINENT
And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth, distress of nations with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up our heads, because your redemption draws near. (Luke 21:25-28).
Greetings my dear brethren (everyone) delay not and wait no longer for the day of the Lord is near. Get closer to God; accept Jesus, Lord & Savior of your life (get saved) now and if already saved, serve for TIME IS FAST RUNNING OUT. Do not overrun the grace of God, sinning without any remorse, without feeling sorry for your sins. Tis time to confront and acknowledge your sins before God only and repent. Tis time to proclaim that Jesus is Lord before men before it’s too late and exit this world of flesh and blood and face the consequence of your sins without repentance & forgiveness of your sins by God – NO PARDON AFTER LIFE ON EARTH; Now is the time for change. No sin is too little to disregard without repentance and so sin is too big not to be forgiven by the loving Heavenly Father (God). Do it today, for there is no pardon on the other side. 2nd cycle if spirits at Judgment. Therefore; “Seek now the Lord while he may be found, call upon Him when He is near (Isaiah 55:6). If saved, but not serving, it is not complete. All must serve the Lord thy God; be obedient of His commandments in love for Him and fellowmen.
Jesus is soon to come back for Rapture. Are you ready if he shall come today, tomorrow, next week, etc. in an hour, minute or second? For he shall come to take away those who have been doing the will of God while others who have turned their back on Jesus and disobedient of God’s commandment and without Repentance and pardon will be left behind. DON’T BE LEFT BEHIND to perish in hell of no return – regret, sorrow and sadness; torture and pain by the demons forever. But Heaven is a beautiful place of eternal happiness – joy for ever, with golden mansions standing among the diamond roads. No more nerve wrecking bills to worry about; no more sickness or diseases to cause you annoying pain and discomfort. No more hunger & thirst. All the saints are fed with spiritual, special heavenly food by Jesus who is the bread of life.
Be ye Ready therefore for the Kingdom of God is at hand. Jesus cautions in love saying, “Behold I come quickly and my rewards are with me to give everyone as the works of their hands shall be”. (Revelation 22:12). For prayer support, call me at 630 965-0256. God bless. Your brother in the Lord, Apostle/Prophet E. Dada.

CANCER SOCIETY WARNS WOMEN OF THREAT FROM RADON EXPOSURE

A new report finds a statistically significant positive association between high levels of residential radon and the risk of hematologic (blood) cancer in women. This study is the first prospective population-based study of residential radon exposure and hematologic cancer risk, leading the authors to caution that it requires replication and whether it truly differs by sex.
Radon is a naturally-occurring byproduct of the decay of radium and is a known human lung carcinogen, the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Modeling studies show that radon delivers a non-negligible dose of alpha radiation to the bone marrow and therefore could be related to risk of hematologic cancers. More than 171,000 new cases of hematologic cancer and more than 58,000 deaths are expected in the United States in 2016. Hematologic cancers are the most expensive cancers to treat per quality-adjusted life year gained.
For the current study, researchers led by Lauren Teras, Ph.D., of the American Cancer Society used data from the American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study-II Nutrition Cohort established in 1992, to examine the association between county-level residential radon exposure and risk of Hematologic cancer. The analysis included 140,652 participants among whom there were 3,019 hematologic cancers during 19 years of follow-up. They found women living in counties with the highest mean radon concentration had a statistically significant 63% higher risk of hematologic cancer compared to those living in counties with the lowest radon levels. They also found evidence of a dose-response relationship.
The authors say men may have a higher baseline risk, possibly because of more exposure to occupational or other risk factors for hematologic cancer, reducing the impact of any additional risk from residential radon. In women, who have a smaller baseline risk, residential radon exposure might be a larger contributor to overall risk. Another reason may be that the women of this generation spent more time in their homes, so had more residential exposure than men.
According to Dr. Teras, “Radon is already associated with lung cancer and if other studies confirm the link to blood cancers, we think it would warrant strengthened public health efforts to mitigate residential radon risks.”

ST. MALACHY + PRECIOUS BLOOD REQUESTS HELP FOR MOBILE PANTRY

Father Matthew Eyerman, Pastor of St. Malachy + Precious Blood Catholic Church, 2248 West Washington Boulevard, reminds everyone that his congregation hosts deliveries by the Greater Chicago Food Depository Mobile Pantry on the third Tuesday of each month. Volunteers unload the truck, bag the food, and distribute non-perishables, fruits, and vegetables to West Side residents. This food is available to anyone free of charge and without income verification. Each month, St. Malachy + Precious Blood serves more than 250 households representing well over 750 people, regardless of weather conditions.

In past years, the public has donated a pallet mover, tables, and bins. This year, Father Eyerman is requesting help in obtaining items to keep staff and clients dry and warm:

• $500 will install a retractable canopy

• $100 will purchase a pop-up canopy to keep food and volunteers dry

• $75 provides hand warmers for volunteers

• $50 provides single-use rain ponchos for clients & volunteers

For information about the monthly Mobile Pantry at St. Malachy + Precious Blood or making contributions to the program, call Father Eyerman at 312/733-1068 or 312/919-1610.

MT. VERNON BAPTIST CHURCH OFFERING YOUNG ADULT RE-ENTRY PROGRAM FOR EAST GARFIELD

MT. VERNON BAPTIST CHURCH OFFERING YOUNG ADULT RE-ENTRY PROGRAM FOR EAST GARFIELD AND NEAR WEST YOUTH

Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, 2622 West Jackson Boulevard, is providing assessment, support, and referral services as part of its Community Violence Prevention Program (CVPP) Re-Entry Program for East Garfield and Near West youth and young adults being released from Department of Correction facilities.

Any East Garfield Park and Near West juvenile between the ages of 13-28 currently on parole from any Department of Correction facility, or returning to CVPP communities from Department of Correction facilities are eligible to participate in the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church CVPP Re-entry Program. Interested persons should call Denise Harris at 773/826-3295.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Release the Balloons!

No comments:

Post a Comment