Welcome to the Block Club Federation
Welcome
The Block Club Federation is a 501(C)3 not-for-profit organization based
in Chicago, Illinois. We currently serve the communities of Humboldt Park,
Hermosa, and Logan Square. As a multi-facet organization, we focus
on issues that relate to youth and seniors. Our many programs, services, and
events are available free of charge to anyone.
To the left you will find links to the many pages of our web site. Please
take a look at our calendar of events, updated regularly, with the monthly
meetings Block Club holds, and special events throughout the year.
Welcome from our President
Greetings Neighbor:
Thank you for visiting our website. The Block Club Federation has served the greater Humboldt Park community for over twenty years. This service has been a labor of love on behalf of the many dedicated residents and volunteers who continuously work for the improvement of our blocks.
The Block Club Federation has worked hand in hand with residents to improve blocks by organizing block clubs, holding peace marches, hosting community events to build camaraderie and the list goes on. We also advocate on behalf of our community ensuring that community input is considered when deciding major projects. Such accomplishments include successfully advocating for the building of Park 514 on Monticello and LeMoyne Streets, the creation of the Lowell School Lion’s Garden, the building of the Humboldt Park branch of the Chicago Public Library and its subsequent renovation and expansion in 2012, among many more.
In 2004 our organization began to provide direct services to youth in our community. Our youth programs include Youth Making A Difference, or Y-MAD, a group for high school students that focuses on leadership, communication and service skills. Our group volunteers not only at Block Club Federation events, but organize their own events and help partner organizations with large scale events. Our Youth Innovative Program: Environmental Education, or YIPEE, Summer Program serves over 80 children in the Humboldt Park and Hermosa communities with a free summer day camp that includes weekly field trips, karate, dance and art instruction, and a curriculum focused on nutrition and the environment.
Our accomplishments may be many, but our budget is small. Our organization has benefited greatly from the generosity of people like you – individuals across our community who donate a few dollars or a few hours of their time. We are also supported with grants from the City of Chicago and other philanthropic organizations. I encourage you to make a tax-deductible donation below.
Cordially,
Magdalena E. Martinez
News & Announcements:
Las Comadres of Comedy - May 16
Humboldt Hoops - Boys Basketball Camp
The Block Club Federation is proud to partner with the Alumni Association of Claremont McKenna College (the alma mater of our Director of Youth Programs, Carlos Rivas) and the Chicago Park District to offer Humboldt Hoops, a weeklong boys basketball camp. The camp will run from August 6 - 10 at the Humboldt Park Field House. You can find more information by visiting the basketball page.
Creating A Block Club
The Block Club Federation began as a single block club in West Humboldt Park that was concerned with crime, gangs, and drugs present in our community. That block club organized successful campaigns to make the block safer for children and families. As many heard of our success, local community leaders formed the Block Club Federation.
We no longer keep membership lists of the many block clubs that exist in our service area, but encourage you to register and learn more through the Chicago Police Department website. This site will provide you with valuable resources and information to make your block club a success. This site will also likeminded neighbors find your block club to join in your efforts.
Addition and Renovation to the Humboldt Park Library
Branch: The Chicago Public Building Commission, along with 26th Ward
Alderman, Roberto Maldonado, and the Chicago Public Library has announced
the renovation and addition to the Humboldt Park Library branch. In 1989 we
worked to get the library built in its current location. In 1996 we were
granted the library. In 2005 we began advocating for an addition to
accommodate the growing library, additional parking spaces, and an outdoor
reading garden. It was announced in the fall of 2010 that the additional
will happen in the coming year. Hoorah! We'll keep you updated.
Resurrection CARES Award Honors Magdalena Martinez our Executive Director
The CARES Award is presented to a community leader who exemplifies Resurrection Health Care’s Core Values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence and Service. These leaders are individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty to improve the quality of life for the communities they serve.
In Need of Donations
Our organization is expanding its programs to help those in our
community and we are in need of financial assistance to continue our
great work. Highlights of the programs we offer:
YIPEE Summer Camp: A free eight week summer camp for children ages 7-13 in
our community. We provide a lunch and snack during programming and a field
trip ever Thursday. The program focuses on nutrition, fitness, the
environment, arts, and recycling. The program services 80 youth at two sites
Monday through Friday during the summer.
Teen Leadership: A free workshop series for high school students meeting
every Tuesday night. Guest lectures and other pertinent information is
shared with our teens. The program services 50 students weekly.
Many say that our youth are the future. They will only be the future if we cultivate their potential and provide the opportunities necessary to succeed.
Magdalena Martinez
President & Executive Director