Artículos (2009)
Getting Ready for 2010 by Remembering the Achievements of 2009
22 diciembre 2009
This year, Erie House faced many challenges that threatened the mission of our organization and impacted many families. Yet in the face of such adversity, with the perseverance and strength of Erie families and our community, we were able to overcome those obstacles. Read »
The Story of Rigo Padilla: Learn. Lead. Create Community.
14 diciembre 2009
On behalf of the youth department, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all who helped on the campaign to stop the deportation of one of our own, Rigo Padilla. For the youth department, this struggle was very personal since Rigo had been an Erie kid since he started at YOU when he was just 12 years old. Many have learned about Rigo from the papers and news and knew him as the undocumented youth who got stopped for a DUI. There was significant controversy surround Rigo's case and many questioned his integrity as well as Erie's position regarding his case. At Erie House, and in the YOU program in particular, we know a very different Rigo. Our commitment to Rigo is far beyond what people see in the news. Read »
The Story of Rigo Padilla: Learn. Lead. Create Community.
14 diciembre 2009
On behalf of the youth department, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all who helped on the campaign to stop the deportation of one of our own, Rigo Padilla. For the youth department, this struggle was very personal since Rigo had been an Erie kid since he started at YOU when he was just 12 years old. Many have learned about Rigo from the papers and news and knew him as the undocumented youth who got stopped for a DUI. There was significant controversy surrounding Rigo’s case and many questioned his integrity as well as Erie’s position regarding his case. At Erie House, and in the YOU program in particular, we know a very different Rigo. Our commitment to Rigo is far beyond what people see in the news. Read »
"Homeland Security Halts UIC Deportation" from ABC News
10 diciembre 2009
Deportation proceedings for Rigoberto 'Rigo' Padilla- an undocumented Chicago resident who has gained the support of thousands of people, including elected officials- have been deferred. Padilla, 21, a junior at the University of Illinois in Chicago, has been fighting his deportation since last January when he was arrested on a misdemeanor driving violation when he failed to stop at a stop sign. The undocumented Chicago resident was 6 years old when he came to the country with his parents from Mexico. He was set to be deported on December 16, 2009. His case has been deferred for a year. Read »
"Student scheduled for deportation gets 1 more year" from Chicago Sun-Times
10 diciembre 2009
Six days away from deportation, a University of Illinois at Chicago student caught in the switches while awaiting immigration reform has a one-year reprieve. Rigo Padilla, 21, was notified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security today that his deportation has been deferred. Instead of returning next week to his native Mexico, Padilla can graduate from UIC, where he's studying law and earning straight A's. If Congress hasn't passed immigration reform by then — or approved the so-called DREAM Act granting legal status to many immigrant students — Padilla can apply for a one-year extension. "I'm very excited. I was very close to having to buy a plane ticket to Mexico," Padilla said today. Read »
"Let UIC student who came here at 6 stay in U.S." from the Chicago Sun-Times
3 diciembre 2009
The United States government wants Rigo Padilla to go back where he came from. If he doesn't return to Mexico within the next 14 days, federal immigration agents have promised to do the job for him. Never mind that Padilla's parents brought him here from Mexico at age 6 and that he hasn't been back there in the 15 years since. Read »
Erie Aims to Eliminate Developmental Disparity for Latino Immigrant Children as reported by New York Times
24 noviembre 2009
A team of researchers at the University of California-Berkeley found that by age 2 Hispanic immigrant children began to lag behind their peers in linguistic and cognitive skills, despite good health. This developmental disparity widens as children age and become apparent in grade school. Erie House’s nationally accredited Preschool Program works to prevent this gap by providing full day care and early childhood education in a stimulating, developmentally appropriate, bicultural and bilingual setting. Erie serves children 2-5 years old at our center-based preschool. Erie also serves children before two years old through our Family Child Care Homes network. Read »
Not Goodbye, But See You Later
24 noviembre 2009
Since 1870, Erie Neighborhood House has been part of the community and changed the lives of many under exceptional leadership. Ricardo Estrada has continued this tradition for the past 7 years as Executive Director. As with all exceptional leaders, he has chosen his moment to move on from Erie House. Ric will leave to become the First Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Family and Support Services for the City of Chicago in the second week of January 2010. Erie is proud of Ric's many accomplishments, honored by his service to our families, and grateful for his friendship. Ric leaves Erie as strong, if not stronger, as it has been for the past 139 years. We are fortunate to have had him as a leader and a friend, and we wish him well. Read »
"Child care pays off in support network for parents"-The Chicago Tribune
7 noviembre 2009
Everyone may call it child care, but it could just as easily be dubbed "parent care," judging by the benefits reaped by those who have kids in high-quality early-childhood settings, according to recent research at the University of Chicago. "Parents come to school to find someone to care for their children. But they end up finding ways to take care of each other," said Mario Small, professor of sociology at the University of Chicago who studied mothers whose children were in child care centers. Read »
"Helping Others Reach Their Goals-Evelyn Corona strives to make life easier for future generations that come to this country"
16 octubre 2009
One of the things Evelyn Corona misses most about her country of birth is not having a sense of time. “It seems as though time goes by a lot faster here. You have a routine, which is, in most cases, work Monday through Friday, whereas in México, time doesn’t go by as fast. You have a lot more time to spend with your family and do other activities,” Corona said. Corona was only 15 when she emigrated to the U.S. Because her parents were only residents, she could only come with a visa. She said that her life upon arrival was stressful because she could not speak English. “It was hard to adjust to a new culture. I didn’t get to see my parents that often because they had to work so much. The transition was hard on me and my siblings,” Corona said. Read »
Building a Brighter Future at Erie
9 octubre 2009
Lucrecia Mejia has been living in the United States for many years and working in a factory where she was welded lamps. When the economic downturn hit, she was dismissed from her job. Lucrecia attempted to find another job, but found it almost impossible since she was unable to complete a job application. She realized that to find a better job she had to gain some computer knowledge. Read »
Erie Families Leading The Way
2 octubre 2009
Amaris Fonseca’s journey at Erie began back in 2003 when she became part of our Family Child Care Homes program. She provided Child Care for children 6 weeks to 2 years old at her house. During this time Erie provided her with many resources including insurance and monthly trainings. Due to an unfortunate financial situation, Amaris lost her house in 2007 and had to move to a transitional home. Amaris then enrolled her two children in Erie’s Nationally Accredited Preschool and After School Programs. With her children at Erie during the day, she was then able to look for work. Read »
Erie Continues to Serve: A Message from Executive Director Ric Estrada
29 septiembre 2009
I want to begin with a heartfelt thank you to all - this summer was filled with advocacy rallies and uncertainty around the Illinois state budget, but with your support and the hard work of many around the state, much of Erie’s funding was restored, allowing us to continue to provide programming to the low-income primarily Latino community we serve. Erie was fortunate to be less impacted by the state budget cuts as compared with many other social service agencies around the state and for that, we thank you. Read »
Changing Lives in Erie's Pathways to Success Program
28 septiembre 2009
Basilia has always worked hard to provide for her family and make sure that her children receive the best possible education. She is the single mother of four children and an immigrant from Mexico. Basilia was determined not only to improve her English but to gain skills that would lead to a job with wages that would help her better provide for her family. She applied for a training program in the West Town industrial corridor, but was denied based on her Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) scores. Basilia knew she would have to work hard to be ready for the training program, but she knew she could do it. So in January 2009, she enrolled in Erie's vocational bridge training: Pathways to Success. Read »
"UIC student's deportation a familiar tale"-Chicago Tribune
25 agosto 2009
A former honor student from the Southwest Side, Rigo Padilla, 21, started classes Monday at the University of Illinois at Chicago. But by Christmas Padilla could end up thousands of miles away in a small town in Jalisco, Mexico -- a place he barely knows. He was ordered deported last week by a judge for being in the U.S. illegally, which police discovered in January after stopping him for a traffic violation that led to a misdemeanor drunken driving conviction. Read »
A Message from Ric Estrada, Executive Director
5 agosto 2009
I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support and concern during the tumultuous Illinois State budget process, we are honored and humbled to have so many people join us in the fight for our community. While we are slowly receiving final budget numbers, during this process Erie Neighborhood House remains committed to serving the community with programs that educate and empower working families in the Chicagoland area. Read »
Reflecting the Erie Community Inside and Out: Evelyn Corona
5 agosto 2009
Evelyn Corona first came to Erie House in 2003, looking for a preschool program for her son, Ethan. During the next two years Evelyn became familiar not only with Erie's Nationally Accredited Preschool program but also the agency as a whole. "I was really impressed with how attentive all the teachers and staff were to my son and I soon learned about all the other great programs and services that Erie provides for all age groups," Evelyn explains. Read »
The Dream of Many Immigrants Comes True at Erie
5 agosto 2009
On Friday, July 24th, 40 immigrants from all over the world - from Argentina and Pakistan to Ghana and Mexico - entered Erie Neighborhood House, ready to take the next step towards building their home in the United States: Becoming U.S. citizens. While naturalization ceremonies usually take place in courtrooms, Erie was very proud to be a part of this special ceremony which symbolizes Erie's mission to support new immigrants as they integrate to their new home in the United States. Read »
"Behind the Numbers of the New State Budget"
17 julio 2009
SPRINGFIELD - For months a state budget deficit that's ballooned to nearly $12 billion over two years terrorized taxpayers and lawmakers with talk of tax hikes and massive spending cuts. Here, culled form conversations with lawmakers, is a walk through of how that deficit is, at least on paper, eliminated in a $26 billion operating budget passed by lawmakers Wednesday night. Read »
Erie Joins State Representative Cynthia Soto at Humboldt Park Rally
24 junio 2009
With cuts of up to 75% to human service agencies being seriously considered by the Illinois General Assembly, Erie Neighborhood House, along with many other agencies in the state, is fighting these cuts that threaten to devastate the human service infrastructure of Illinois. To protest this slash in funding, a large crowd attended a rally organized by State Representative Cynthia Soto and special guest Governor Pat Quinn on June 22nd at the Humboldt Park boathouse. Read »
Erie's Youth Options Unlimited Program is Co-Host of the NCLR "Lideres Congreso"
22 junio 2009
With support from Sodexo and the MetLife Foundation, the Chicago Congreso will bring together more than 100 high school and college youth. The Congreso will be co-hosted by Erie Neighborhood House and Aurora University. It will take place at Golder College Prep, a campus of Noble Street Charter School, on Friday, June 26th. Read »
Advocates, parents and children rally for child care with Governor Quinn at Erie House
8 junio 2009
“We Have Your Back, Governor!" The rallying cry was heard loud and clear from the hundreds of parents, children, and advocates that turned out to hear Governor Quinn’s remarks at Erie Neighborhood House on Friday morning – they stand with the Governor in opposing the Illinois General Assembly’s state budget that threatens at least a 50 percent across-the-board cut to the vital services that Illinois’ working families depend on. Read »
Governor Quinn to hold press conference at Erie House on State Budget and its Effects on Illinois’ Working Families
4 junio 2009
A press conference with Illinois Governor Pat Quinn will be held this Friday June 5th at 10:30 a.m. at Erie House. Representatives from Illinois Action for Children, Erie Neighborhood House, and the parents and children of Erie House will also be in attendance. Read »
Erie's Pathways to Success program opens doors for career growth in the immigrant community
22 mayo 2009
Osmin began the PTS program during March of 2008 and graduated in June. Within 12 weeks, Osmin, an English as a Second Language (ESL) student and recent immigrant from Guatemala, jumped from a 4th grade to an 8th grade math level. He then progressed to the Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC) in August of 2008 for a fast-track training in Computerized Numerical Control (CNC). Read »
Comcast Cares for Erie!
7 mayo 2009
Comcast came to Erie Neighborhood House on Saturday, April 25th as part of Comcast Cares Day to make a difference in the Erie Community. The theme of the day was environmental awareness. Comcast volunteers donated their time by beautifying the Erie House yard, planting flowers, painting benches and tables, and assisting with environmental workshops. The Science Institute of Columbia College presented an educational and interactive workshop on the creation of environmentally friendly electricity, and Herbert Moreno, Erie's Director of Adult Programs, gave an informative presentation on "Going Green". Read »
Our very own Valery Sheppard, Director of the School Age Program, receives the Richard Scofield Award!
1 mayo 2009
The Richard Scofield Award recognizes exemplary service and leadership in the afterschool profession throughout the state of Illinois. Recognition is awarded annually to an Outstanding After School Professional. This award is presented to a person who has not only made a positive contribution to the field of after school in the state of Illinois, but who exhibits career proficiency and personal excellence, serving as a model for all afterschool professionals. Read »
"Little pre-K access for Latinos"
15 abril 2009
Inside Casa Infantil Head Start in Logan Square, teacher Janeth Medellin called on her students to form a circle and then started singing a bilingual version of the "Good Morning" song. "What day is today?" she asked 4-year-old Gustavo. "Que dia es hoy?" When he hesitated, she touched his shoulder and said, "It's okay to answer in Spanish." With that, he shouted in English, "Monday!" Read »
Little pre-K access for Latinos
15 abril 2009
Inside Casa Infantil Head Start in Logan Square, teacher Janeth Medellin called on her students to form a circle and then started singing a bilingual version of the "Good Morning" song. "What day is today?" she asked 4-year-old Gustavo. "Que dia es hoy?" When he hesitated, she touched his shoulder and said, "It's OK to answer in Spanish." With that, he shouted in English, "Monday!" Read »
Erie Adds Health Care Bridge Class to Popular Pathways to Success Program
18 marzo 2009
Erie's Pathways to Success Program (PTS), launched in 2007, prepares unemployed and underemployed participants to enter proven job training programs and connect them to employment that pays family support wages. The program, provided to participants at no cost, is a critical stepping stone for many people who are seeking careers in manufacturing. PTS is supported by public funding, foundations, and individual donors. Read »
Erie Youth Help the Community Go Green!
18 marzo 2009
For the past few years, Erie House youth have participated in a "semester of service" through Youth Service America. Some Erie youth are pictured above registering for the semester of service program. In this program, youth from across the country ranging in ages from 5-25 years provide various activities of community service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Read »
Erie Puts Children’s Health First!
24 febrero 2009
Through a generous grant of $40,000 awarded by the Illinois Humane Society, Erie House launched “Super H: Healthy Habits Make Happy Kids” in our After School program. This initiative includes nutritional food lessons and enhanced physical activities for kids. Children also participate in small group discussions regarding self-concept, self-esteem, and healthy lifestyle choices. Erie serves low-income, primarily Latino families and knows that the health of our community’s children and families is threatened by poverty and lack of access to nutritious foods. A study in 2000 showed that an estimated 23% of Mexican-American adolescents ages 12-19 are overweight, compared with 15.5% of all U.S. Read »
Erie Honors the Vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Every Day
21 enero 2009
During this week, many people take time to honor and remember the life and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With Dr. King’s birthday coinciding with the inauguration of our 44th president, Barack Obama, many wonder if Dr. King’s vision has finally been fulfilled. The election of our first African American president is historic and inspirational to many of us, but Dr. King’s message of unity and hope goes beyond this event. His dream was for Americans from all walks of life and from all ethnicities to come together and unite as a people and as a nation. He hoped we could learn to treat each other with respect, and, in his words, “be judged not by the color of our skin but by the content of our character.” Read »
La Casa Erie Tiene el Cuidado de Nino Mejor Para Familias Trabajadoras
4 febrero 2009
Cuidado de ninos es algo muy importante para nosotros aqui en la Casa Erie. Tenemos cuidado de ninos para lo mas pequenos (6 semanas de edad) hasta los que tienen 5 anos. Para aprender mas como matricular su nino en la Casa Erie, contacta a Evelyn Corona en ecorona@eriehouse.org o 312.432.2218. Read »
Erie Kids Honor the Memory and Vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
14 enero 2009
On January 15th, families with children our preschool and school age programs will be going on a field trip to the Chicago Children’s Museum. This visit is made possible through "Kraft Free Family Night", a cost-free event held at the museum. The event "What does it mean, Dr. King?", teaches children about freedom and the Civil Rights Movement through interactive theater and song. Read »
Peoples Gas gives $10,000 grant to Erie's Emergency Services Program
14 enero 2009
Erie’s Emergency Services Program (EMS) responds to critical community need by providing emergency food assistance and referral services to our immigrant, low-income community. We also have a Food Pantry that is open nine hours weekly. Mondays and Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and Fridays 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Read »
