A message from Raul Raymundo

Dear friends and supporters,
To create healthy communities, we have to look at all facets of everyday life, including those that may appear beyond our everyday reach.
With the fight for immigration reform continuing, The Resurrection Project (TRP) and its partners have increased efforts to mobilize communities and demand decisive action from government leaders. Recently, TRP volunteers, coalition partners, and community leaders participated in a march culminating at the Broadview Detention Facility in an effort to stop deportations and keep families together. In partnership with Second Federal Credit Union, we were also able to launch a new citizenship loan that will help legal permanent residents cover the cost of applying for U.S. citizenship.

We continue our work to preserve and create homes in our communities. In 2014, we’ve already helped save $1.7 million in community wealth by preventing foreclosures. Our home purchase program, meanwhile, continues to assist families in purchasing their first home, including Elizabeth Peloni, who wanted a home for her and her daughter.
Our La Casa youth continue to inspire and amaze us. Carlos Roa, the La Casa student featured in our previous newsletter, received the Emerging Leader Award from the Illinois Latino Council on Higher Education. He continues to inspire other students and encourage them to participate in La Casa’s College Talk Series aimed at giving youth the skills to navigate the higher education system. In this edition, we also meet a talented artist and emerging entrepreneur whose made La Casa his casa.
Lastly, we were recognized at the prestigious Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards hosted by LISC Chicago. This recognition could not have been possible without our staff working every day to ensure we are helping to improve the quality of life for the communities we serve. The award we won is also a reminder that our work must continue to grow, evolve, and serve even more people.
As always, thank you for your continued faith and trust in our mission to create healthy communities throughout Chicago’s Southwest side.
Sincerely,
Raul Raymundo
CEO, The Resurrection Project

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You can also read our separate articles below. In this issue of our newsletter:

La Casa students, parents, community leaders, and TRP will celebrate this year’s graduating class at a special End of Year event.

The Resurrection Project wins big at the Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards

TRP’s NSP2 work in Back of the Yards and Raul Raymundo were recognized at this year’s CNDAs.

From a tiny apartment to her own home: a TRP homeowner shares her story

Elizabeth wanted a house for her and her daughter. Working with TRP, she made her dream of home ownership come true.

Congressman Luis Gutiérrez joins TRP and Second Federal Credit Union for launch of a new citizenship application loan

Congressman Gutiérrez joined TRP and Second Federal to unveil a special loan product at a citizenship application workshop.

From La Casa to Your Casa: An artist and entrepreneur in progress

Meet Jameel, an artist with a special inspiration to help other artists blossom.

Community Partner Spotlight: St. Joseph’s Parish

Partners allow TRP to continue its important work. And in this new spotlight feature, you can learn more about how our partners are doing their part to create healthy communities. This month’s featured partner: St. Joseph’s Parish in Back of the Yards.

TRP Staff Spotlight: Edgar Barron

Edgar is TRP’s Property Manager, working to ensure that tenants and apartment applicants can find a quality, affordable home.

Small Business Spotlight: Bistro 18 serves up something good in Pilsen

Chef Rafael Bautista shares his insights into starting a restaurant business in the community.

TRP in the news

The citizenship application loan received major coverage, and Chicago Tribune’s Blue Sky recapped TRP’s big wins at the CNDAs.

What makes a healthy community? Here are six things TRP believes are integral.