Center on Halsted

From a career as a journalist in St. Petersburg, Russia, to writing screenplays for major productions, to a 2019 extended, sold-out run of her one-woman show on Broadway, it seems that there truly is nothing Heidi Schreck cannot do.

Center on Halsted is proud to share a part of her personal history with the showing of 'What the Constitution Means to Me'. In the one-woman production, Schreck gives us an autobiographical glimpse into her evolving relationship with the American Constitution.

Participating in debate as a teen, Schreck delivered speech upon speech on her interpretation of the Constitution in 1989 in order to win scholarship to University. 'What the Constitution Means to Me' allows us, as the audience, to view Schreck both in her current life and as that fifteen-year-old girl debating all those years ago, and how an individual relationship with one's own government can prompt such a dialogue in a nation constantly evolving within itself.

Tickets to see 'What the Constitution Means to Me' on July 31, August 2, and August 3 here: https://www.constitutioninchicago.com/

Attention food enthusiasts and aspiring chefs! 🍽️Applications for the Silver Fork Culinary Certification Education are closing soon! 🎓 Don't miss out on your chance to join this transformative program.

📅 Application Deadline: July 19
🚀 Next Cohort Begins: July 31

This is your chance to receive top-notch culinary training completely free of charge. Whether you're passionate about cooking or looking to start a career in the culinary arts, Silver Fork Cohort promises an enriching experience.

Apply now and embark on a journey towards mastering your culinary skills!

Happy International Drag Day!

We celebrate and thank everyone who has performed drag to bring art into our lives. Drag is not a one size fits all space. We are lucky to have such a diverse drag community in Chicago that brings vibrancy to our community and city.

Drag is JOY. At Center, we are lucky enough to have drag performances three times a year for our Dare to Drag cohorts. Dare to Drag is our drag education program that allows youth to learn the basics of drag performance including make-up skills and dance, and gain empowerment along the way.

Thank you to all our drag performers who have made us laugh, cry and jump for joy, sometimes all within the same set. Your artistry is truly appreciated and cherished.

✨ Your Center weekly round-up has arrived ✨

This week we have special events you won't want to miss!

As always, make sure to check our posts, stories, and site updates for further information on weekly events.

Love when the planning happens with this amazing . Today we spent time at our Cottage Grove location planning for our marketing & development strategy, & upcoming events & programs. ❤️

🌈 Brilliant minds all around the table:
Betty, Cottage Grove Site Manager
Mason, Marketing & Comms Manager
Precious, Chief Strategy Officer
Patrick, Chief of Staff
Diane, Chief Development Officer

Excited about the plans we’re putting in place to continue to activate our Cottage Grove site & serve our surrounding .

We are celebrating Nonbinary Awareness Week at Center on Halsted 💛🤍💜🖤

This week, and every week, we honor and celebrate our nonbinary community. Nonbinary individuals are valid and beautiful, contributing to the rich diversity that makes our community vibrant.

At Center on Halsted, we are committed to creating a world where gender diversity is respected and celebrated. We offer a range of support and resources for nonbinary individuals:

💛 Genderq***r Chicago: Join us every Wednesday for Genderq***r Chicago, a safe space to discuss gender and find community.

💜 Trans, Gender Non-Conforming, & Non-Binary Therapy Group: Our therapy group provides a supportive environment for those exploring their gender identity.

🖤 Gender-Affirmation Surgery Support: We offer single visit appointments for those needing letters of support to begin the steps of gender-affirmation surgery.

Together, we work towards a world where gender diversity is respected and celebrated.

Reflecting on the profound words of Heidi Schreck, writer of What the Constitution Means to Me 💭✨

Join us in thinking critically about the Constitution of the U.S. with Heidi Schreck July 31, August 2 and August 3. Get your tickets now: https://www.constitutioninchicago.com/

Thank you so much for supporting our work in such a sweet way!

In honor of Pride month, I'm donating 100% of the sales of Pride gift sets to the Center on Halsted, a comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of the LGBTQ people of Chicagoland. They currently have a matching fund offer so donations are doubled!

These GF/DF Pride sugar cookies come in a cute 4-pack gift box and are made in a rainbow of fruity flavors - lemon, strawberry, blueberry, and classic. Order here for pick- up on either this Saturday or 6/29 (Pride Parade weekend): https://www.yourgfchef.com/seasonal

Are you interested in helping out Center on Halsted?

Become a volunteer! Attend volunteer orientation and training next Saturday (7/20) to get started.

Register at: https://www.centeronhalsted.org/volunteer-orientation.html

Your weekly roundup from Center on Halsted is here ✨

As always, don't forget to check our site and other posts for any further information on upcoming dates! See you soon 👋

🌟 Curious about our Silver Fork program? Here are answers to your FAQs!

🍴 Apply now by emailing [email protected] or calling 773-472-6469.

🍳 Don't miss your chance—applications close July 19! Prepare for culinary excellence and job readiness with us. More info at centeronhalsted.org/silverfork.html

This July 4th, we reflect on the U.S.' independence and the ongoing fight for social and civil progress for all. Center on Halsted and Energy BBDO are proud to keep this conversation with three showings of "What the Constitution Means to Me." 2020 Prime Featured, Tony-nominated, and Pulitzer critically examines our Nation’s founding principles and their impact today.

This transformative production blends theater, civics lessons, and memoir to explore the struggles and triumphs of marginalized Americans. Engage with us as we discuss rights, equality, and justice.

Get your ticket now at https://www.constitutioninchicago.com/

- I didn’t capture all the wonderful moments from this evening’s Pride South Side kickoff reception with our partners & event hosts at our location, but the time was super special. to our Center team members Betty, Precious, & Patrick for their work in putting all the pieces together. Huge thank you to our Silver Fork Chef Jenny for the amazing catering.

Awesome time with amazing folks. Excited for our ongoing community building & partnership with Jared & Adrienne of 🌈❤️

Also great to have Lt. Governor Stratton, Alderman Robinson, Alderwoman Taylor (whose Ward our Cottage Grove location is located in), & the soo many others in attendance.

Dare to Drag gives the youth the incredible opportunity to join a course to learn the basics of drag and at the end of the course, they are able to perform in front of family, friends, and other youth members!

Learn more and reach out about joining the next cohort by emailing [email protected].

Calling all artistic Black Q***r youth!

Join us and Prep4Teens for a workshop exploring the historical intersections of art, advocacy, and holistic health and wellness. Plus, we'll dive into the important cultural and societal roles the creative arts continue to play in the Black Q***r Community.

👉 Claim your spot by filling out this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdf2pVAHHVteWW_jHlsGbIALTIxQNSjANcOz0nsbPkNW55KsA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Pride Month festivities and events may have just finished, but we stay busy here at Center On Halsted! Check out our Weekly Event Round-Up, and make sure to check our socials for any additional information!

See you soon!

Thank you to Juliet Allan from Block Club Chicago for highlighting our Youth Horizons Program!

Community is crucial for LGBTQ+ folks. And for many mentees, this program offers a way to be the person they needed when they were younger. Donating to Center on Halsted can help to keep this program running and expand to serve even more folks.

Donate here: https://www.centeronhalsted.org/donate.html

https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/06/27/youth-horizons-q***r-mentorship-programs-foster-community-for-chicagos-lgbtq-youth-i-wasnt-alone/

Q***r Mentorship Programs Foster Community For Chicago's LGBTQ+ Youth: 'I Wasn't Alone' The Youth Horizons program at Center on Halsted pairs q***r mentees ages 12-24 with older q***r mentors based on shared interests and natural connections.

Applications are OPEN for our next Silver Fork cohort!

Over 7 weeks, learn knife skills, culinary techniques, food science, sanitation and food safety. Plus, earn all necessary certifications to work in Chicago.

Apply by emailing [email protected] for an application and interview session.

Chicago's 53rd Pride Parade was full of joy!

Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us. Our donors and auxiliary board members brought the party with U.S. Bank cheering on the parade. Special thanks to our volunteers and staff represented Center on Halsted and marched the whole route!

Our Pride celebrations aren't over yet! Join us this weekend at 2024 Pride South Side.

Although it's July 1st, our community's celebration of is not over. Some of our team members will be attending this upcoming weekend's Pride South Side event at The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center.

Join us & many others as we continue our Pride celebrations this Saturday, July 6th.

2024 Pride South Side Festival | Pride South Side Come show your pride spirit and join us for our 6th annual Pride South Side Festival! This year's theme is The Right to Pride where we position the legacy of the LGBTQI+ Community at the front of advocacy, culture, and leadership. We invite you to join us in a day of performances, activat...

Keep your eyes peeled for a show-stopping performance coming to Center on Halsted’s Hoover-Leppen Theatre...

We’ll keep you posted (as always.)

Today, 55 years ago, the Stonewall Inn was raided by police and a subsequent riot ensued. From this day bloomed the first recognized LGBTQ+ Pride festival in the world when one year later activists filled the streets to remember the night.

We spend today recognizing and celebrating the folks that night who fought for all of us; and especially the trans women of color and le****ns leading the fight for liberation.

As q***r people, we know the fight for LGBTQ+ rights started long before this night and continue to today. We've come a long way since 1969, and still have a long way to go.

Our gym is open for pickleball!

Every Friday, join us from 6pm-9pm for open pickleball.

Can't make Friday nights? Starting July 6, we're offering open pickleball Saturdays from 10am-1pm!

Secure your spot here: centeronhalsted.org/pickleball.html

For Pride month, our Director of Youth Housing, Luke Romesberg, sat down with legendary drag queen Ginger Minj to talk all things Pride. Learn about Ginger's love of Chicago, and the importance of intersectionality in her interview.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/Lts7ysj6VW0

When's the last time you got tested?

On , we're urging everyone to know their HIV status and access resources available at low or no cost.

❤️ Get free, confidential, rapid HIV testing by calling 773.661.0910 to schedule an appointment. Folks receive testing, counseling & customized referrals

❤️ Access our HIV Resource HUB for an individual assessment of needs & connections to appropriate resources such as testing, PrEP support, primary care, housing assistance, medical transportation, & more. Call 844.482.4040 for HUB services

❤️ Join our Thriving with HIV support group to foster community. Call 773.472.6469 EXT 460 for your initial screening

Go to centeronhalsted.org/hiv.html for more resources related to HIV testing and support.

- yesterday I had the special honor to receive a full here at the Center from the Sullivans. I've been in our rooftop garden several times since joining the team in January, but yesterday was a really great opportunity to hear directly from Bob & Susan Sullivan. I heard about all things native plants, veggies, watering, bumblebees & honeybees, & the time ended as a beautiful monarch butterfly enjoyed the space as well.

The Sullivans have been the amazing stewards of our green spaces for several years now & I couldn't be more appreciative of their hardwork & dedication to this space, as well as the many volunteers that serve alongside them. They have created a beautiful oasis in our rooftop memorial garden. And a huge bonus of having such a thriving space is that the veggies grown in the garden help supply food for our Silver Fork Culinary Arts Program.

Just last year the Sullivans & their work in our rooftop garden was highlighted in a Chicago Tribune article - take a read: https://www.chicagotribune.com/2023/09/10/a-rooftop-garden-in-lakeview-has-thousands-of-native-plants-and-a-mission/