IN THIS MONTH'S FAMILY MATTERS ...

“We are honored to have played a vital and leading role in ensuring these community-based organizations had the opportunity to chart their own course in their own community.”

- Ric Estrada, CEO of Metropolitan Family Services,
announcing the transfer of ownership of I Grow Chicago to Imagine Englewood If...

3 million reasons to be inspired!
Metropolitan transfers ownership of I Grow Chicago – now We Grow Chicago – to an Englewood-based coalition uplifting Black and Brown communities

With the recommendation and approval of I Grow Chicago’s Board, MFS temporarily acquired We Grow Chicago and its estimated nearly $3 million in assets in October 2021 under the condition that it would eventually be transferred to an organization deeply rooted in West Englewood. 

In announcing the new ownership, I Grow Chicago is now We Grow Chicago—an authentic relationship among a community-based coalition of four Greater Englewood-based, Black-led organizations and Metropolitan Family Services.

Calumet youth connect with Mesirow interns for a discussion about college

Thank you to our friends at Mesirow for creating a unique and powerful opportunity for youth in our Calumet Center’s Summer Youth Employment Program! Our teens connected with a group of Mesirow interns for a discussion about what college is like and how to prepare.

"I was inspired by the interns when they said to bring the fire and thunder to every position my name is under. I will always put my best foot forward," shares Ania. "I may make mistakes, but I have to take the loss and keep going to be successful."

 

METROPOLITAN IN THE MEDIA * Tenants Sue Pangea Properties, Describing Health, Safety Hazards Chicago Sun-Times  “For years, the Legal Aid Society has represented Pangea tenants living in substandard and unacceptable conditions. It’s time that greater action be taken,” said Mia Segal, managing attorney of the Health, Housing, and Economic Stability Practice Group of the Legal Aid Society. “Pangea tenants deserve healthy, safe, and habitable apartments in return for the rent they pay.” * 2022 Chicago Bar Foundation Pro Bono Award Recipients  Chicago Bar Foundation Congratulations to Legal Aid Society Board Member Chantal Kazay, recipient of Chicago Bar Foundation's Exelon Outstanding Corporate Counsel Award! Chantal, who serves as Director and Senior Counsel for Litigation in Discover’s Law Department, is active in volunteering her time and legal expertise with LAS' Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P) Justice Corps. * More Than Mariachi: Sones de Mexico’s Mexican Music Camp WTTW Chicago Tonight Our CEO, Ric Estrada, appeared on Latino Voices to speak about Fiesta Mexicana, a unique and immersive summer camp collaboration between our North Center and Sones de Mexico Ensemble, generously supported by the Ralla Klepak Foundation and featuring an exciting week of guitar, dance, singing, and folk crafts.

 

Spotlight on: Adult Protective Services “Daniel” is 77 years old, and lives alone at an independent senior apartment building. Though he is alert and oriented, his self-neglect manifested in his lack of housekeeping. APS Case Worker Maria Raygoza visited Daniel’s apartment; she shares it was not easy for him to let her in. With Daniel’s consent, Maria began to coordinate the support he needed.  “I am thankful I was able to be a part of the reason why [Daniel] now lives in a safe and clean environment,” Maria shares. “I was able to change the living situation by recommending the right resources for him. I know he is happy with the positives changes I was able to assist him with.” "DANIEL'S" STORY

 

JOIN THE METROPOLITAN FAMILY! Featured Career Opportunities * Part-Time School Based Social Worker / Counselor (Bilingual) Midway Center * HR Generalist Headquarters * Clinical Program Supervisor, Domestic Violence Calumet Center * View all our open job listings at www.metrofamily.org/careers Keep up with all things careers at Metropolitan with @MetroFamCareers, our new social media pages! Follow on Facebook and Instagram.