North Lawndale

NORTH LAWNDALE — A beloved South Side flower shop whose co-founder recently won a national “hero” award is expanding to the West Side early next year. Southside Blooms, an Englewood-based farm-to-vase nonprofit floral shop, will open a location at 4100 W. Fillmore St. in North Lawndale in the spring. The site will house the organization’s retail order fulfillment and wholesale operation while the Englewood location will focus on its event and wedding flower business. Read the

CHICAGO (WGN) — A community-based organization continues to support many formerly incarcerated individuals in Chicago as they reintegrate into society. Established in 1999, the North Lawndale Employment Network (NLEN) aims to provide a better life for those given a second chance. No one knows that better than Sadie Joseph, who says she was imprisoned at 20 years old, up until the age of 47. Joseph turned to NLEN and never looked back. Read or watch the rest of the story a

North Lawndale Catalyst Initiative An entity of the Steans Family Foundation, the North Lawndale Catalyst Initiative (NLCI) leverages thought-partnership and investments to promote economic growth, workforce development, and a thriving ecosystem for community.

North Lawndale Employment Network has helped thousands of people returning from incarceration find jobs, continue their education, and build their financial skills.