💻 From Under the El
To me, Chicago has always felt like a place where everyday people can dream big. I remember one of the first times I visited the city, looking up at all the huge buildings around me, feeling so small — but also like anything was possible, you know? That’s a common thread in some of today’s stories: a summer job that turns into a life-changing scholarship, or a local business that becomes a community anchor where friends can rally around a neighbor in need. It’s Thursday, Chicago. Let’s get to the good news.
⏰ tl;dr
104 Chicago-area golf caddies just received full college scholarships through the Evans Scholars program
Illinois is launching a new wave of affordable housing developments across the state
Safe Streets: The Comedy Show brings laughs (and urban planning education) to Chicago this weekend.
🌻 What’s Going Right In Chicago Today
🎓 104 Chicago-area golf caddies earn full college scholarships
More than 100 Chicago-area students just earned full ride college scholarships through one of the most unique pathways in sports.
Every summer, thousands of teens spend long days carrying golf bags at courses across the Midwest. For a small group of them, that work just turned into a life-changing opportunity.
The Western Golf Association announced that 104 Chicago-area caddies have been awarded Evans Scholarships, which cover full tuition and housing for college.
Each of these 104 students has earned this life-changing opportunity through their hard work, dedication and outstanding character. They represent the very best of the Evans Scholars Program, and we are proud to welcome them as they take the next step toward college and future leadership.
The program, which has been around since the 1930s, rewards students who demonstrate strong academics, financial need, and dedication to caddying. It’s a reminder that sometimes the path to college doesn’t start with test prep classes or private counselors; sometimes it starts on a fairway, walking alongside someone else’s game.
🏘 Illinois expands statewide affordable housing development program
The third cohort in a statewide initiative will help Illinois toward its goal of building more than 225,000 affordable housing units in the next five years.
Illinois officials have launched the third cohort of the “Next Gen” program, an initiative designed to meet affordable housing demand across the state. The effort focuses on cutting through bureaucratic hurdles and giving developers the education and tools to build new affordable housing.
“Here in Illinois, we’re taking bold steps to ensure that affordable, accessible housing is within reach of our working families. I’m pleased to congratulate the latest Next Gen cohort — a group of skilled multidisciplinary professionals working to address the housing shortage in rural and urban areas alike.”
Housing affordability has been one of the most persistent challenges facing cities nationwide. Programs like Next Gen aim to make meaningful dents in the supply gap and give more Illinois families a stable place to call home.
Image Credit: A Taste of the Philippines / Google Maps
💝 Jefferson Park rallies around beloved restaurant owner
A Northwest Side neighborhood is stepping up to support a longtime restaurant owner facing cancer surgery.
In Jefferson Park, a familiar neighborhood spot is at the center of a community-wide show of support. Kathy Vega Hardy, the owner of Jefferson Park’s A Taste of the Philippines, is preparing for cancer surgery, and neighbors have quickly rallied around her.
Supporters have organized fundraisers to help cover medical costs and keep the restaurant running while she focuses on recovery.
“It’s been a lot to process for me, I was so angry at first, like why me? I eat healthy, I don’t drink or smoke, etc. Now I’ve had time to process I’m at peace with all of this and have a positive outlook.”
You can support Vega Hardy and A Taste of the Philippines at a Kathy Strong event at Printer’s Row Brewing, March 23 beginning at 5 p.m. 25% of all sales, plus all gratuities and $1 for every pint of Cupid’s Blood Stout will go toward A Taste of the Philippines. While Vega Hardy will be away from the restaurant for two months to recover, she said her “amazing” staff is keeping it open. She’s had to shut down her catering business, however, and has asked supporters to purchase gift cards to help offset that loss of income.
🗓️ Eye On the Chi
Safe Streets: The Comedy Show
Urban planning and stand-up comedy collide in this event hosted by Strong Towns Chicago.
When: March 8, 6 p.m.
Where: Donny's Skybox Theatre
Make-A-Wish Illinois Volunteer Orientation
Want to help grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses? Learn more about Make-A-Wish.
When: March 10, noon
Where: Virtual event
💌 Do you have good news of your own? Reply to this email and share your good news. It could be featured in a future issue of Good News, Chicago!
Till next time,
Good News, Chicago
Know someone who could use some good news? Share this newsletter with them ⬇