South Chicago Community Gathers for Claretian Associates’ Annual Back to School Wellness Fair

South Chicago residents gather for the community’s annual Back to School Wellness Fair on Friday, August 9, 2024.

Claretian Associates and a host of other community-based organizations shut down the block of 91st and Brandon for South Chicago’s annual Back to School Wellness Fair on Friday, August 9, 2024.

The free event was well-attended with more than 150 residents coming out for the midday celebration, which featured food, vendors, resource tables, music, and more. Groups of children could be seen enjoying pony rides, balloon artists, face painting, a bouncy house, and book bag giveaways. 

The wellness fair originally started as an event under the PlayStreets initiative, a grant program from the Chicago Department of Public Health aimed at creating safe and accessible residential areas for kids to play and learn, while also allowing neighbors to come together. Today, it is part of a similar initiative known as Light in the Night hosted by Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P) which works to reclaim public spaces.

Claretian Associates Chief Program Officer Tevonne Ellis, who’s been with the organization for seven years, says she’s watched the event organically grow over time. First only occupying a parking lot, and now, spilling over to half the block.

“I just love coming out here and seeing something new. Now we’re seeing free pony rides and all these new organizations, even all the way from Pilsen,” Ellis said. “So it’s not just our community — there’s other communities investing in our communities. I think my favorite part is seeing the growth.”

Metropolitan Family Services participates in the event, showcasing an array of services to strengthen families and communities across Chicago.

Claretian Associates Outreach Worker Antoine Murry echoed Ellis’ sentiments, stating that he’s grateful to see his neighbors gathering safely and productively. As a father and grandfather, Murray said he’s invested his time and energy to ensure the next generation stays on the right track.

“Every time we do these events, we bring the community together. That’s something we very rarely see. So any chance we get to do it, it’s always enjoyable,” Murray said. “[…] I feel like I’m in the position to cut the kids off [from the wrong path.] Like, ‘no, that’s not the path you want to take.’”

Murray also shared his hopes for the kids heading into a new school year, stating, “I want them to see it through. Take it one day at a time and grab hold of the resources we’re giving out today. Not just the book bags and school supplies, but the job training and classes they can put in their toolbelt.”

Claretian Associates is one of 15 Chicago organizations representing CP4P, a coalition of nonprofit organizations focused on gun violence prevention across 28 neighborhoods.

To learn more about upcoming Light in the Night events, check the calendar here.