Center on Halsted

WERQ! has returned! Join us September 20 for our annual LGBTQIA Career Fair at Center on Halsted. This free event connects community members with LGBTQIA affirming employers seeking new talent. Sponsorship is open now! Learn more about sponsorship opportunities and WERQ! here: https://lnkd.in/g2_Vejdc

Calling all sweets lovers! Center on Halsted's Silver Fork program is hosting a bake sale all August long. Support Silver Fork by stopping by Center on Halsted any weekday for a variety of sweet treats.

Center on Halsted and C-Strategies meetings are always full of exciting ideas, and we're so proud to show off the results of these brainstorming sessions. HIVSTDHotline.com allows our community to access the resources they deserve. Learn more about the hotline: hivstdhotline.com

Do you have questions about HIV or STDs? Our brand new IL HIV and STD Hotline website is here to help! Find out information about HIV and STDs, access resources and connect to our trained staff for emotional support, information and referrals for low- or no-cost testing services. Visit hivstdhotline.com in the link in bio to reach the care you deserve.

Tabling for Center on Halsted at “The Spirt of Nelson Mandela” event at DuSable Museum of African American History was a success! We also had a chance to meet, Illinois State Senator, Mattie Hunter. This event was so much fun. Chicago is so amazing and rich with culture. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

From a career as a journalist in St. Petersburg, Russia, to writing screenplays for major productions, to a 2019 extended, sold-out run of her one-woman show on Broadway, it seems that there truly is nothing Heidi Schreck cannot do. Center on Halsted is proud to share a part of her personal history with the showing of 'What the Constitution Means to Me'. In the one-woman production, Schreck gives us an autobiographical glimpse into her evolving relationship with the American Constitution. Participating in debate as a teen, Schreck delivered speech upon speech on her interpretation of the Constitution in 1989 in order to win scholarship to University. 'What the Constitution Means to Me' allows us, as the audience, to view Schreck both in her current life and as that fifteen-year-old girl debating all those years ago, and how an individual relationship with one's own government can prompt such a dialogue in a nation constantly evolving within itself. Tickets to see 'What the Constitution Means to Me' on July 31, August 2, and August 3 here: https://lnkd.in/gHmgwbu3

Happy International Drag Day! We celebrate and thank everyone who has performed drag to bring art into our lives. Drag is not a one size fits all space. We are lucky to have such a diverse drag community in Chicago that brings vibrancy to our community and city. Drag is JOY. At Center, we are lucky enough to have drag performances three times a year for our Dare to Drag cohorts. Dare to Drag is our drag education program that allows youth to learn the basics of drag performance including make-up skills and dance, and gain empowerment along the way. Thank you to all our drag performers who have made us laugh, cry and jump for joy, sometimes all within the same set. Your artistry is truly appreciated and cherished.

We at Center on Halsted are thrilled to share inspiring success stories from a few of our Silver Fork alumni, showcasing their incredible journeys and achievements since graduating from our program. Here are just a few highlights: 🔹 Cohort 35: One alum secured employment at a Black Queer-owned bar as a barback, utilizing the skills and BASSET license obtained at Silver Fork. Recently licensed as a barback, she credits Silver Fork for opening doors and fostering her professional growth. Another graduate, previously a catering business owner, acquired essential certifications through Silver Fork to sustain her business legally. With support from SF corporate sponsors and local hospitality businesses, she successfully launched 'pop-up' shops, gaining invaluable business coaching from our chef instructors. 🔹 Cohort 36: A determined alum found stability and success through Silver Fork. With our training and mentorship, she secured a prestigious position as a Culinary Supervisor of Concessions at Wrigley Field, the highest-tier starting wage in her new role. 🔹 Cohort 37: After graduating from Silver Fork, one dedicated alum continued her culinary education at Washburne Culinary School. With our assistance, including researching resources and securing employment and childcare tailored to her new school schedule, she's on a path to achieving her dreams. Another participant, a drop-in from our Youth Space, utilized Silver Fork's financial literacy class and support. Now employed at Compass, a division of Levy Restaurants, they've received promotions and are thriving in their new career. Interested in joining the community of Silver Fork alumni? Applications for the next cohort beginning July 31 are open until July 19. To apply or learn more, email [email protected] or visit https://lnkd.in/gA5nShZ for program details. Don’t miss this opportunity to start your journey with us!

Are you interested in helping out Center on Halsted? Become a volunteer! Attend volunteer orientation and training next Saturday (7/20) to get started. Register at: https://lnkd.in/gEsq9ZP8

Our next Mental Health First Aid is July 17! Over a one-day, virtual training, you'll learn how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorder. This training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to care. Learn more and register here: https://lnkd.in/gysE89-9