The Voice Newspapers, Serving Chicago's West Side: BUSINESS CARDS

REPORT FROM ALDERMAN EMMA MITTS

During 2020 It’s Time to get REAL - - REAL ID That Is!

Have you gotten your Real ID card yet? Chances are, you haven’t - - but get started! Why - - Because identification requirements are changing!
On Oct. 1, 2020, everyone who boards a domestic flight in the U.S. MUST have a Real ID, also known as a Real ID-compliant driver’s license, a U.S. Military I.D., or a valid passport.
It’s true. Have questions like: “What is a Real ID?” and “Can I fly without a Real ID?” You’re not alone. Over 57% of Americans are unaware of the Real ID requirement and almost 40% don’t have a passport or identification allowing them to fly or enter Federal buildings next October.

Key things to know about the upcoming Illinois Real ID law:

What is a Real ID?
The Real ID Act law was passed by Congress in 2005, designed to make identification cards more secure and harder to forge, regulated by the 9/11 Commission. Real ID cards will allow bearers to fly on domestic flights and visit federal buildings and facilities.

Is my Current Illinois Driver’s License a Real ID Card?
It depends when your Illinois driver’s license was issued. It’s compliant with the law if issued with a gold star in the top right corner. REMEMBER: An Illinois driver’s license without a gold star in the top right corner will not be accepted as Real ID identification beginning Oct. 1, 2020.

Who Needs a Real ID Card?
Anyone flying on domestic flights or visit federal facilities will need a Real ID-compliant form of identification. You can also use a valid United States passport for flying and visiting federal facilities after the deadline.

What’s the Application Deadline for a Real ID Card?
Oct. 1, 2020. However, Illinois officials suggest obtaining your Real ID sooner than later.

Where do I get an Illinois Real ID Card? What Do I Need?
To get a Real ID, visit an Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility with documents proving your identity, Social Security number, a written signature and two (2) documents showing proof of residency. The cost? Same as a driver’s license ($30) or a state ID ($20). Bring:
- A Passport, a U.S. birth certificate, an employment authorization document, or a permanent resident card.
- Proof of Your Social Security Number. A Social Security card, a W-2, or a pay stub with a Social Security number.
- Residency Documentation. Bring two (2) proofs of residency. Examples: a utility bill, a rental agreement, a deed/title, or a bank statement with your address.
- Proof of Your Signature. A credit or debit card, canceled check, or a current Illinois driver’s license or ID can prove your signature.
Upon completion, you’ll receive a temporary paper ID (please note that the TSA WON’T accept that paper ID). You’ll receive the new ID via mail within 15 business days. For more info: www.tsa.gov/real-id

Got a question or concern? For more information, contact the 37th Ward Alderman’s Office at 773-379-0960.

AS I SEE IT By Representative La Shawn K. Ford

Families and Communities

My pastor often preached about love in the family and love in the community, which caused me to reflect on his words. As a teacher by profession and a state representative by election, I have had the blessing to engage with people of every race, faith, social and economic status. I have learned that every person - regardless of any differences - all share a human sense of love for family.
Over the years, there have been many opinions about how the breakdown of black families is destroying black communities and the black race. This leads me to the quote by Steve Chapman who wrote in the Chicago Tribune, “Poor black neighborhoods are not the unassisted creation of poor black people but largely the malignant result of factors beyond their control.”
I totally agree with Steve Chapman and his statement on poor black people. That is why, as a state representative, I continue to fight with the community for a system that is fairer and more just. It is my belief that it is not just black families who need to raise their children better, but every family needs to do better. What can we say about how police men and women were raised if they end up being guilty of police misconduct or unjustified police killings? What can we say about prosecutors and their upbringing if they end up being guilty of misconduct? What can we say about the upbringing of politicians and other leaders of influence who bring about unfair public policies which continue to destroy black families and black communities? It is my belief that ALL families need to do a better job raising their children if we want to have improved policing, a better government, and more love in our families and in our communities.

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.

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

In Moments of Weakness

The new year has begun. Trends of new year resolutions and goals permeate throughout social media and group discussions. Many vow to make new starts while others are content with the direction of their lives. Nevertheless, many still grapple with losing old habits while trying to make new ones.
Unproductive habits have a tendency of making us make poor decisions in moments of weakness. No matter how good our hearts may be, it is the spiritually untamed and untrained habits that continue to have us return to our vomit (Proverbs 26:11). We can have great finances, great church attendance and even a great work performance in our various vocations. However, it is the secret sin that creeps upon us and carves a resting place in our weakness that inevitably takes dominion in our lives. Some of us may even struggle in finances which makes us poor stewards and it inevitably affects all areas of our lives because we are spiritually untamed. Why? Because we are weak.
Oprah Winfrey, American media executive, television producer and philanthropist, has had many mixed reviews, primarily from the African-American people, myself included. However, I must admit while recently studying her work, her habits quenched my ambivalence. It is not her net worth of approximately $3 billion dollars that garnered interest but rather her daily routine. She gives unapologetic credit to spending time with God daily for her success.
So what does God have to do with it? Everything. When we don’t spend QUALITY time with God daily, sooner or later, it shows up in our lives. And while it isn’t to say that if we do spend time with God, we’ll never have various trials and tribulations, nonetheless, it is to say that when we do spend quality time with God regularly, we end up making wiser decisions.
Satan does not go after our strengths. He goes after our weaknesses. He knows what we have a weakness for. When we aren’t prayed up, surrounding ourselves with actual doers of The Word of God, we will continue to lose the battle to our weaknesses. Before long, time and time again, we return to our vomit.
The old adage is still true today, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten.” Having said that, if we decided to spend quality time with God daily, we will be able to have a peace that will surpass all understanding. If we decided to spend quality time with God daily, we will be able to make wiser decisions. If we decided to spend quality time with God daily, we’ll be able to get the victory in our moments of weakness. Why? Because in our weakness, He is made strong...but we will never know His Strength if we don’t spend time with Him.
New Year? Not as important. New beginnings? Absolutely. Let’s start strong. “Truly, my soul finds rest in God, my salvation comes from Him.” Psalms 62:1

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.

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

Open Season!

Grace and peace to you all! With the calendar changing to January, the year changing to 2020, I want to welcome everyone to the New Year and the New Decade! 2020 is now upon us and with anticipation and eagerness, we are believing God for an unleashing of His blessings. We must be aware and careful that we not allow the struggles and obstacles we faced in 2019 to carry over into the new year. Many of you that have written and discussed with me that 2019 was a year of tears and recovering from pain. I decree in your lives now, may your tears in 2019 water your harvest in 2020.
God will not give you something that will alienate you from Him. Additionally, God is a God of relationship. He seeks to have a relationship with you through prayer and biblical study. The faith that you have will launch your open door that God has for you. Only connecting with God will enable your open door of blessings. Acts 14:27 says, “When they had arrived and gathered together the church together, they began to report all things that God had done with them and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.” This is the open season of blessings allow God to lead and guide you into the direction of praise and worship for His blessings!

May the blessings of God be upon you today and every day!

Stay rooted and grounded in Him!

Rev. 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 is the author of the young reader series: “Who Am I Really?” and “Me and My Crew, Change is Coming.” Copies may be purchased by contacting the church office. Rev. Dr. Thomas may be contacted at 773-533-2721.

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

A Message For The Single People: Part 2

Currently, in America, approximately 50% of all marriages end in divorce, and this occurs within the first 5 years of marriage. This means that half of the couples that get married will never experience their 10-year wedding anniversaries, and the negative consequences of a divorce can and will have long-term effects upon the family structure for generations to come. Therefore, in hopes of finding a plausible solution to this growing epidemic, most people tend to focus solely on either the current issues within the marriage, or they focus on the past issues that a couple has encountered.
Consequently, most of us tend to either overlook or underestimate the pre-marital relational issues that couples encountered, and in turn, we fail to realize that the pre-marital issues within the relationship will negatively affect the relational stability within the marriage just as much as the issues that occur during the marriage. In other words, marriages are failing at such an alarming rate because so many individuals are carrying old baggage and unresolved issues into their new relationships. Somehow, many people falsely believe that either getting married or being in a relationship will guarantee happiness, or they make the mistake in believing that getting married to appease their mates will fix their broken relationships. When in fact, happiness in any form can never be guaranteed, and getting married just to please someone else is a tried-and-true recipe for emotional disaster.
Unfortunately, many of us are not mentally, spiritually, or emotionally prepared to be in a serious relationship, and it is simply because we have not taken out enough time to heal from our emotional wounds. After a bad break-up or ending of a relationship, many of us will simply jump from one relationship to the next. As a matter of fact, many of us were told by our elders that the best way to get over a relationship is to find someone else, but when we do so we are only transferring our emotional issues from one partner to another partner. Truthfully, no one really wants to be alone, and no one really wants to deal with a broken heart. We all desire someone or something to love, and we all want someone to share this journey that we call life with. However, before we can learn how to love someone else, we must first learn how to love, cherish, value, and accept ourselves for who we are.
We must learn how to heal, and we must understand that healing means more than just saying I am over him or her. Healing means more than just not being upset or mad at the individual who we feel broke our hearts. Healing is finding our place in life, learning from the past, and learning where others fit in our lives. Healing is moving on and getting better, but it is moving on with a healthier understanding of what a relationship is and is not. Healing is understanding that we do not give our boyfriends or girlfriends husband or wife privileges or responsibilities.
Healing is taking time out to understand self and knowing the role we play in relationships. Healing is understanding that we are not perfect, and neither will the people that we meet be perfect. Furthermore, healing does not mean that we must accept or settle for less in the name of love, it means that we know what we will and what we will not accept for the sake of true love.

Pastor of New Heaven Christian Church, Professor of Psychology, Advisor to State Representative LaShawn K. Ford, Illinois 8th District Chair of Higher Education, Co-Chair for the 37th Ward Pastors Alliance, member of the New Baptist Ministers Fellowship, and Board of Directors for the Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund.

JESUS FREEWAY EXPRESS

HEAVEN IS REAL – EXPLORE THE FOLLOWING!

The heavens declare the Glory of God and the firmaments sheweth his handiwork (Psalm 19:1). To some heaven is just a sky of white cloud on bright sunny day and dark cloud – gloomy to warn of the intent of rain to come; to some it is nothing but a fantasy or fairy tale. While still some specifically gifted others who care to know the truth, read God’s sacred book (the Bible) for answer. Heaven the Bible says is:
1. The Place of the Living God (the Father), Jesus (His Begotten Son), His Holy angels (who minister) to Him 24/7 and the saints whose snow white robes had been washed in the blood of the Lamb of God (Jesus). John, the Revelator, saw the spiritual scene in his vision. Reference Revelation 7:9-12. Thus after this I beheld and lo a great multitude which no man could number of all nations, tongues, stood before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robed and palms trees in their hands. And cried with a loud voice saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne and about the elders and the beasts and fell before the throne on their faces and worship God. Saying, Amen: Blessed and Glory and Wisdom and Thanksgiving and Honor, Power and Might, be unto God forever and ever Amen.
2. The People (the Residents of Heaven) are those who have their names written in the Book of Life (Revelation 20:15). While the disciples of Jesus were so happy to inform Jesus that they were able to perform many miracles and cast out evil spirits, Jesus told them that they should rejoice because their names are written in the Book of Life. Your name is written in the Book when you accept Jesus as your Savior (John 1:12).
3. The Pleasure – Jesus great Promise is that He will go to prepare a place of golden mansion standing among the diamond roads; place in heaven where there is no sorrow, pain or death (Revelation 21:4) with a body like the body of Christ Jesus. 1 John 3:2.
4. Jesus blessed assurance (further Promise) is one that says if you believe in me – you have eternal life and will pass from death into life (John 5:24), for God so loved the world that He gave His Begotten Son such what whosoever believeth in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
5. The Preparations – Jesus preached repentance of sins as he said, for the wages of sin is death (Roman 6:23). He further affirmed that God commanded His love towards us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Man (everyone) must therefore confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God had raised him from the dead, then thou shall be saved (Romans 10:9). But know of certain that once saved is not always saved. You must always reinforce your faith in God through fervent prayers, praises, witnessing/evangelism to fulfill God’s command that this Gospel of Christ must be preached to ALL corners of the world before the end comes.
Remember always to ponder about the big questions? Where do you plan to spend eternity (after life on earth)? Heaven is real, but hell is real too. And are you Ready for Rapture? Jesus shall appear suddenly through the sky for His loving faithful followers enroute to heaven. Don’t be left behind. Time is fast running out. For prayer support, please call (630) 965-0256. God bless. In the vineyard for Christ, your brother in Christ, Apostle/Prophet E. Dada. Note: the next Parade for Jesus planning meeting will be on Saturday - January 18, 2020 at 1030 North Mason; Chicago at 4p.m. Hope to see you there.

Dr. James Poulos Presents:

Chewing Gum to Prevent Cavities

Clinical studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay.
The chewing of sugarless gum increases the flow of saliva, which washes away food and other debris, neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and provides disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth. Increased saliva flow also carries with it more calcium and phosphate to help strengthen tooth enamel.
Look for chewing gum with the ADA Seal because you can be sure it’s sugarless. All gums with the ADA Seal are sweetened by non-cavity causing sweeteners such as aspartame, xylitol, sorbitol or mannitol. Of course, chewing sugar-containing gum increases saliva flow too, but it also contains sugar which is used by plaque bacteria to produce decay-causing acids.
Don’t let chewing sugarless gum replace brushing and flossing. It’s not a substitute. The ADA still recommends brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning plaque from between your teeth once a day with dental floss or other interdental cleaners.
Look for chewing gum that carries the ADA Seal. The ADA Seal is your assurance that the sugar-free chewing gum has met the ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness. You can trust that claims made on packaging and labeling for ADA-accepted products are true, because companies must verify all of the information to the ADA. Products with the ADA Seal say what they do and do what they say.

James Poulos, DDS, leads a team of dental specialists at Madison Pine Dental Clinic, 5470 West Madison Street, Chicago. Kidzone is a part of Madison Pine Clinic providing care to children and teenagers in a comfortable, nonthreatening setting. The clinic provides orthodontic care, braces, implants, and cleaning, in addition to fillings, crowns, and dentures for patients of all ages. Madison Pine accepts Medicaid patients and most insurance plans. For an appointment, call (773) 287-2277.

COMMENTARY - Rev. Mitchell Johnson

$200 million to fund our community’s needs – the case for safe and legal sports wagering.
With underfunded health care facilities and schools in our communities crying out for resources, it is essential that we look for new state revenue sources that can address these challenges – immediately.
There is now a simple and responsible way to generate $200 million to help our state meet its budget needs. A recent US Supreme Court decision effectively allowed all 50 states to legalize, regulate and tax wagering on sports if they so choose.
Other states are already bringing in millions to address their budget needs by legalizing sports wagering – and they are helping their residents by taking the market out of the shadows where it was dominated by unethical black-market operators and unregulated offshore websites. As a talk show host, resident, and community organizer who works with blighted communities, I have seen the negative impact that dangerous and illegal operators have had preying on our community. Change is sorely needed.
If Illinois acts quickly and implements a simple and fair sports wagering policy, it can almost immediately start generating revenue for key state services without further burdening taxpayers, while creating jobs and better protecting its residents. Every day that Illinois waits to legalize, regulate and tax sports wagering, significant amounts of money go to other states, which have already done so -- or to the illegal black market.
There is a big difference between legalizing sports wagering and other gaming expansion proposals such as building new casinos. Most importantly, legalized sports wagering can begin generating significant revenue for the state almost immediately after its enactment and implementation. Alternatively, the process of licensing and building new casinos will take many years and can be fraught with unforeseen challenges and delays. Illinois has pressing budget needs – particularly for education and health care – that cannot wait for years to be met.
Illinois already has ten operating casinos and over 30,000 video gaming machines in 6,000 locations. Expansion of casinos may simply further cannibalize an existing and saturated industry, forcing communities and casinos to fight for smaller slices of the same pie. This could put at risk the jobs of 6,200 employees at the existing casinos. Alternatively, legalized responsible sports wagering will bring an entirely new market out of the shadows and generate revenue and jobs without harming existing businesses. The large demand for sports wagering in Illinois is already clear; residents already wager on sports through offshore websites, through the large black market, or by traveling to the states that have already successfully legalized sports wagering. These wagers currently generate zero dollars for our community’s needs.
The creation of a legal and responsible sports wagering system in Illinois – run by experienced and qualified operators - will dramatically reduce the reach and impact of unethical and dangerous black market operators who prey on our communities, while helping us fund vital services and projects.
Illinois should pass a simple and responsible sports wagering legalization plan in to law as soon as possible. It is the right thing to do for our budget, our residents and our communities.

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

PCC WELLNESS CENTER By Alexandra T. Chavez, Development Coordinator

PCC Offers Care Centered Around You
Pregnant and struggling with addiction?

With growing heroin use on the west side of Chicago, PCC Community Wellness Center (PCC) has started a chemical dependency program that offers combined prenatal care and substance abuse treatment for pregnant women. In this program, the treatment of heroin, alcohol, and prescription drug abuse is offered right in the doctor’s office.
PCC’s goal is to meet patients where they are in their recovery and help them to set goals without judgment. PCC can help improve the patients’ health and the health of their babies. Patients in this program receive safe, medication-assisted treatment with buprenorphine and counseling. They visit weekly, are given ultrasounds, and deliver their babies at West Suburban Medical Center with a PCC doctor.
Services are available at our Chemical Dependency Clinic, located inside PCC Walk-In Wellness Center at West Suburban Medical Center at 1 Erie Court, Suite 1300, Oak Park, IL 60302. Pregnant women and their families in this program may continue to receive primary care, pediatric care, and behavioral health care at a nearby PCC location.
PCC accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and many health plans and also offers a sliding fee program for patients without insurance. They do not deny services because of inability to pay.

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.