by Diana Hinojosa
On Thursday, January 24, The Resurrection Project (TRP) hosted its third annual Family Unity Night at Dvorak Park in Pilsen. Despite the bitter-cold weather, this highly anticipated community event drew a lively crowd. True to its mission, TRP worked in collaboration with other community organizations such as Instituto del Progreso Latino and Mujeres Latinas en Acción to organize a convivio, or social gathering, that would serve as a Mecca of information regarding free services to community members that need them most.
Dovark Park’s Field House was buzzing with Pilsen families as they enjoyed games, delicious food from Fogota Village, and a raffle that featured prizes promoting reading and exercise. Parents’ laps were piled with pamphlets of information as they mingled with other mothers and fathers. The children were happy to make new friends and play in a warm and inviting setting that brimmed with the spirit of community.
The services covered touched upon financial, physical, and mental well-being. TRP provided information on their financial wellness program, wherein community members can learn how to build or establish their credit, reduce their debt, find ways to increase their savings, and become homebuyer-ready. They also provided information on where to go for free tax filing. Anita Alvarez, Cook County State’s Attorney, presented attendees with tips on how to avoid mortgage and construction fraud in response to a series of shifty construction deals in which certain members of the community were asked for deposits to begin repairs on their homes after the heavy hail storm last June. The companies ran off with their deposits, and among the list of victims is an elderly woman who, to this day, does not have a roof on her home.
Family Health Network offered information on their nonprofit health plan which provides assistance with areas not covered by Medicare, such as drug co-pay reimbursements, no co-payments for doctor visits, free transportation for medical visits, and free adult dental services. Adriana Coss, a parent and member of Mujes Latinas en Accion, was “grateful to learn about the changes regarding the medical cards.” According to Coss, she was not made aware of the changes to the services covered by Medicare until she learned of them at the event.
Alivio Medical Center gave a workshop on the causes and prevention of diabetes, a rising health concern for the Latino community. SER Central States- Jobs for Progress provided information regarding their gang intervention program, employment search assistance, and job referrals for youth looking to go back to school and enter the workforce. Gads Hill Center informed parents and children of their tutoring programs, ACT-SAT preparation, college visits, and career exploration, while Elev8 provided information regarding art programs for children that “further their creative artistic development and critical thinking.”
There are real needs in the community and there are many organizations working toward closing the gaps. It is important, however, for awareness of such programs to reach those who need them the most. To many community members, many of them immigrants, Family Unity Night served as a “one-stop-shop” directing them toward a healthier, happier, more financially secure future.
See more photos from Family Unity Night here or on our Facebook page!

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