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Dear Esperanza Community;

Our hearts go out to all that are hurting. We grieve and stand in solidarity with the Black and Brown communities in our city of Chicago and across the nation. At a time when we are dealing with a global pandemic which is disproportionately impacting Black and Brown people, we are reminded and forced to deal with these egregious acts of hate and discrimination that persist within our society plagued by systemic racism. We are concerned for those in our community that are grieving and afraid. As a part of the Esperanza Community, we want you to know that we see you, we care about you, and we will stand with and support you. 

We are also reaching out to you today to let you know that you are not alone. We don’t have all the answers or solutions, but Esperanza has and will always be about community – an inclusive community that sees strength in people’s differences and disabilities. We reaffirm our commitment to the Esperanza community and will continue to provide an anchor for the individuals and families we serve, providing help and hope in times of need.

Our immediate priority right now is to make sure that you and your families have the resources you need to get through TODAY and the upcoming days. As the situation in Chicago continues to change, we hope to be able to keep you updated on resources near your home.   

  • Family Support for Chicago Public School Families: If your family is need of assistance during this challenging time, please contact the CPS Command Center, which can help connect you to vital support services. To sign up for future meal delivery from CPS, please call the number below.

    The Command Center can be reached at 773-553-KIDS (5437) or familyservices@cps.edu.

  • Additional food resources for Families with school-aged children:  IDHS sought and received federal approval to administer the Pandemic Emergency Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program which provides funds to help Illinois families buy food for school-aged children and young adults who would receive National School Lunch Program free or reduced-priced meals when schools are in session.

    LEARN HOW TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL FUNDS
  • Chicago Public Schools has suspended grab-and-go meal sites effective today, 06/01/20. At this time, we do not know if the suspension will continue throughout the week. All previously scheduled meal deliveries will continue to be completed. 

    Below is a list of sites that (hopefully) have food and resources for you to access – things are changing rapidly, so please call the site before to ensure they are open. The link below is to a live document that is being regularly updated by Chicagoans and those in neighboring communities.

    FOOD RESOURCES IN CHICAGO 6/1/2020

We hope to be able to find ways to help serve our Families, Staff, and Community in the upcoming days, and will keep you posted of all new developments.   If you need any immediate assistance please feel free to email us, or leave a message at 312-243-6097 ext. 153.  

As you go out into your communities please remember to wear a maskwash your hands, and maintain social distance with others.  

Wishing you strength and peace,

— Joy Decker &  The Esperanza Administrative Team