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ARCHER HEIGHTS - BRIGHTON PARK - CLEARING - GAGE PARK - GARFIELD RIDGE - SCOTTSDALE - THE LAWNS - WEST ELSDON

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, DESIGNED FOR THE REST OF US

We don't think people are apathetic about civics. We think most folks are probably a lot like us - not sure where or how to start, or worse, feeling like the traditional "way in" isn't very welcoming.​

 

So we set out to do things a little differently.

What We Do

The Southwest Collective was created in an Archer Heights basement in 2019. Born out of a need to connect with neighbors outside of the traditional means, such as a neighborhood watch or civic association, SWC quickly gained momentum by "meeting people where they're at" - and tailoring programs and outreach around the busy lifestyles of young families.

Our Mutual Aid Work

Helping young families "find their village"

We started our popular Freebies for Families event in memory of Marlen Ochoa-Lopez, a young expectant mom who was tragically murdered while trying to obtain free baby clothes. This is a safe space for families to share with each other.

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Our Work to Expand Food Access

Everyone's gotta eat, so that's a great place to get engaged

The OGs of mutual aid had this one 100% correct: if you help someone address an immediate need, like hunger, it frees up their focus. We've been feeding folks twice a week for five years, and we have learned a lot from each other.

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Our Economic Development Work

Small businesses in the shadow of Midway Airport need an ally

Very few chambers or business associations exist in our communities, and when they do, they do not often have the ability to assist with starting up or language translation. That's where we come in.

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Our Work in Transit Advocacy

Yes, you can bike or walk there - and we'll help you stay safe along the way

We fight for safer streets for all - cyclists, pedestrians and drivers alike, and that includes our Pulaski, Slow TF Down campaign.

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Our Work to Improve the Environment

Too many industrial parks. Not enough green space.

With so many semi trucks and factories embedded in our communities, it's critical to ensure we have a solid tree canopy. Since 2023, we have planted almost 900 trees across the southwest side, among many other important initiatives.

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BOARd

of Directors

Mayra Avila, Board Chair

Adriana Vargas, Vice Chair

Jaime Groth Searle, Founder

Diane Ruiz, MBA,

Board Member

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OUR
VISION

A southwest side where neighbors know each other, feel empowered to build their support network and are ready to “lead from where they live.”

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Address

4444 S Pulaski Rd

Chicago, IL 60632

(Mail Only)

Phone

708.740.8914

Email

Connect

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SHH! NOW YOU'RE IN THE LIBRARY

ANNUAL REPORTS

The Southwest Collective is

a 501(c)(3) organization.

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