SOUTHWEST COLLECTIVE
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Mission Statement
We provide an open forum for southwest side residents to voice their concerns; hear new perspectives from their neighbors; learn about existing public resources; and launch economic, educational, and recreational initiatives that bring our siloed communities together.
About This Cause
As an organization that was founded by, and is currently run by, women, Southwest Collective has successfully implemented multi-year programming that centers women, honoring their place as the head of household and supporting them as such. * Freebies for Families: Since 2019, we have provided a safe space on a monthly basis for parents in need to donate and take gently used baby gear/clothing. We also provide wraparound services at this event, such as early intervention and women's health programming. We have helped hundreds of families connect with each other and bridge gaps in income inequity, all in loving memory of Marlen Ochoa-Lopez. * Our work within the Healthy Chicago Equity Zone initiative includes a free farmer's market, nature walks and tree planting days, as well as several other intiatives that highlight inequities within food sovereignty and environmental justice that have a ripple effect on health outcomes for southwest siders, particularly in Garfield Ridge. * We advocate for cyclist and pedestrian safety via family friendly bike rides as well as participation in the Safe Streets 4 All coalition, pushing back on development that contributes to traffic congestion, as well as related injuries and fatalities. * We provide dual language technical assistance for small business owners, who are competing with big box giants in the shadow of Midway Airport. Through a strategic partnership with Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, we have consistently provided >30% of the outreach within the Latino Small Business Partnership to Latine business owners on the southwest side. * We operate a network of shelf-stable food pantries and little free libraries, spanning from Gage Park to Scottsdale, providing critical supplies, food and bilingual literature to our communities.