Support the Freedom of the Press – The Fight Goes On
Viewing archives for
The RDLF team visited the new home of Pilsen Food Pantry (PFP) last week and were excited to see their exciting plans and layout firsthand. PFP purchased the new building at 2124 South Ashland Avenue in March 2023. A complete renovation will allow PFP to significantly expand their mission. The basement will allow community partners a space to meet and provide after school workshops. The first floor includes a welcoming food pantry and clothing closet. The second floor offers a kitchen, additional community space and art exhibits. PFP is also exploring the opportunity to install a green roof and urban garden in 2024.
In their 5 years of operation, Pilsen Food Pantry has served over 90,000 households. They provide food, clothing, books, bikes, school supplies, medical equipment, special holiday distributions, and events. Their new home will allow them to expand their wellness programs in an effort to provide wraparound care.
PFP has a history of stepping up and doing what It takes to best assist their clients. The team responded to COVID immediately and tripled their outputs at a challenging time. And when the recent migrant crisis arose, they recognized their complex social needs and continue to manage support with safety, food, clothing, shelter and healthcare.
RDLF has partnered with PFP for more than three years. In addition to participating in our Fresh Produce Program, supplementing their weekly food distributions with hyper-fresh culturally-relevant fruits and vegetables, we have supported them by also providing school supplies and winter weather clothing and gear for folks in need.
We congratulate PFP on this impressive project and we look forward to the official launch of their new home this summer. If you’d like to stay up to date on their progress, follow them on Instagram!
Each of the 10 Leaders picked this year will receive a $25,000 unrestricted award. In addition, their affiliated organization will receive a $25,000 general operating grant.
“Carlos Flores is an installation artist, radical community arts organizer, curator, and flower farmer based in the Archer Heights neighborhood of Chicago. Both his visual practice and organizing work center around creating space for connection, generation, and care to take place. At Chicago Art Department (CAD), he leads the organization’s residencies and exhibitions, supporting twenty civically-minded artists and over 100 free exhibitions and programs annually. CAD residents are activists, educators, and community leaders of their own.”
Carlos leverages collaboration to engage broad audiences in critical dialogue to reimagine places of power and systematic erasure, cultivating cross-cultural healing between BIPOC communities.”
For over five years, the Reva and David Logan Foundation have contributed to artist residencies, civic programs, and capacity-building. By all means, the attention and care CAD provides for their artists is unparalleled. They excel in engaging not only the artistic community but the local Pilsen community as well. We have no doubt that CAD will continue to inspire positive and radical change across the city of Chicago. This summer, check out some of their inspiring exhibitions and workshops. Details are on their website.
Joel Hall and Dr. Christopher Balthazar receiving their award from Dr. Keith Green, Executive Director of Chicago Black Gay Mens’ Caucus.
The Reva and David Logan Foundation extends a warm congratulations to two of our partners: Joel Hall Dancers & Center and Taskforce. During “A Spring Fling,” the Chicago Black Gay Mens’ Caucus inducted our partners’ leadership into the Chicago Black Gay Hall of Fame.
Joel Hall is the Founder and Artistic Director Emeritus of Joel Hall Dancers & Center. Since 1974, they have championed the artistry of Black and Brown LGBTQ+ performers. They actively pursue opportunities to dismantle oppressive systems, amplify oppressed voices, and cultivate a better world for all. With our support, they are currently in development of their new space THE HALL. The building is located in Albany Park and is dedicated to the creation, performance, and instruction of Chicago’s dance artists.
Dr. Christopher (Chris) Balthazar is the Executive Director of TaskForce Prevention & Community Services. Since 1990, TaskForce is committed to addressing the HIV/STI-related needs of adolescents and young adults living in systemically disenfranchised communities. They provide HIV/STI prevention education, testing, treatment, and care services. They serve hundreds of LGBTQ+ youth each year on Chicago’s West Side. In addition to his induction into the Chicago Black Gay Hall of Fame, Chris also received the Sidney Thomas Health Advocacy Award.
We are proud to partner with organizations and individuals who are being recognized for making positive change in their communities. Congratulations to our partners Joel and Chris!
