Chicago Area Project

Today I am very proud to welcome my granddaughter Madison as a college intern with the Chicago Area Project!
A very talented oboist, she played 4 years with the Naperville Youth Symphony Orchestra (NYSO), and in a number of live theater “pit orchestras” in the chicago area before heading off to Eastman School of Music! Notable in itself, BUT-there’s more!
Madi becomes part of the FOURTH GENERATION of our family to have worked with CAP! Starting with my dad (Moose) in CAP’s infancy in the 1930’s, thru my brother Tim and I, my son Jimmy who now runs DuCAP and my daughter Kris here at CAP!
Welcome aboard Madi! Hope you enjoy your experience with us!
!
Tom ‘Caesar’ Brindisi

🎓 STILL DECIDING WHAT TO DO AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? 🎓

Join the Chicago Area Project Success After High School Program for an informative workshop introducing the TRIO Program — a federally funded program designed to help students succeed in college and beyond!

📅 Thursday, May 28, 2026
⏰ 5:30 PM
🎤 Presented by: Cynthia Alvarez

This workshop is perfect for:
✔️ High school students
✔️ First-generation college students
✔️ Parents and families
✔️ Students exploring college or career options
✔️ Youth who may still be undecided about their future plans after graduation

Learn about:
📚 College preparation support
💰 Financial aid & scholarship resources
🎯 Career exploration
🤝 Mentoring & academic support
🏫 TRIO eligibility and services
🌟 Opportunities for long-term student success

The TRIO Program provides FREE resources and support to help students achieve their educational and career goals.

Encourage your youth participants, families, and community members to attend this valuable workshop and learn about opportunities that can help shape their future!

A good idea for our community committees!

🚨 SNAP Benefits Are Changing Get the Facts! 🚨

Join the Chicago Area Project CDTES Program for an important workshop on Tuesday, May 5 at 5:00 PM to learn about the new SNAP (food stamp) changes and how they may impact you and your family.

🔹 Who is affected by the new ABAWD work requirements?
🔹 How can you keep or regain your benefits?
🔹 What resources are available to help you?

We’re here to support our communities and make sure you have the information you need.

📢 Don’t miss this invite others and share!

Congratulations DuCAP!

Today officially marks 35 years of DuCAP empowering youth, strengthening communities, and building brighter futures across DuPage and Will Counties—here’s to the impact we’ve made and the lives still to be changed! Join us in the next chapter—get involved, give back, and help shape the future! 🎂👏🫶✌🏻

👉🏻Get involved today:
https://www.ducap.org/

Today is the 35th Anniversary of our sister Area Protect , DuCAP ( the DuPage County Area Project).
It’s hard to believe it’s been 35 years that we started that project with initial funding from CAP.
Congratulations to Jimmy and his team for keeping it strong, and here’s to another (at least) 35 years!

🚨 YOUTH WORKSHOP ALERT – KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! 🚨

Are you getting ready for a summer job? 💼
Before you apply, make sure you know how to protect yourself in the workplace!

Join the Chicago Area Project – Wellness Pathways Program for an important session on:

🔥 Employment Discrimination & Your Rights

📅 Thursday, April 2, 2026
⏰ 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
💻 Live on Zoom
👥 Ages 14–21

✨ Presented by:
City of Chicago – Commission on Human Relations

💡 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
✔️ What discrimination looks like at work
✔️ Your rights as a young employee
✔️ How to protect yourself from sexual harassment
✔️ NEW protections for individuals with criminal records
✔️ How to speak up and advocate for yourself

⚖️ DID YOU KNOW?
Chicago law now protects people with criminal records in ALL stages of employment — from applying to getting hired!

🎯 Don’t miss this opportunity to get informed, empowered, and ready for success this summer!

On Saturday, January 10, West Town Committee member Johnny Harris conducted an outreach visit to the National Guard facility at 1551 North Kedzie Avenue as part of our strategic organizing efforts to recruit young people ages 16–24. The visit included a dynamic presentation highlighting the wide range of services, resources, and activities available to youth in the West Town community. Attendees were introduced to job opportunities through the Illinois Youth Investment Program, life skills development, financial literacy and youth mentoring, career exploration, and network-building workshops. The presentation also emphasized educational resources offered via Zoom, opportunities to engage as Community Committee and Youth Committee volunteers, and access to critical social, educational, and human services resources designed to support and empower young people.