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Local Organizations Band Together to Host ‘Celebrating a Brighter Future,’ an Event Highlighting and Promoting Positivity in Chicago’s At-Risk Communities
Monterrey Security To Partner with BUILD Chicago and The Resurrection Project for Civic Engagement Event for At-Risk Youth

Chicago, IL. On Wednesday, November 15 at 6:00 p.m., the Austin Town Hall, 5610 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60644, will be transformed into “Celebrating a Brighter Future,” an art, peace and job festival. This celebration will promote peace, and highlight the positive work young people and adults in these communities are doing to promote anti-violence. Monterrey Security, in partnership with non-profits BUILD Chicago and The Resurrection Project, is behind the initiative.

“We strongly believe that Monterrey Security has a duty to be an engaged business leader,” says Juan Gaytan, president and CEO of Monterrey Security. “That is why we are stepping up and creating this program. Through our actions, we want to show our commitment and investment in the people of Chicago. It’s not enough to stand by and
wish for things to change, action must be taken now to create a pipeline of hope for the city’s most at-risk communities. The area of Austin and West Garfield Park boasts high numbers in crime rates . With this event we hope to not only inspire young people to reach their full potential, but to galvanize our peers to aid in the support of them,” added
Gaytan.

Monterrey Security is partnering with BUILD and The Resurrection Project to help support and amplify their already active work in two under-resourced neighborhoods: Austin and Garfield Park. These two areas consistently rank in the top 10 of highest crime rates in the city . The purpose of this initiative is to counteract that news by highlighting and celebrating the positive stories coming out of those streets. The intent is to empower the young people of this area to pursue a brighter future, regardless of their current conditions. The three organizations are teaming up to create
a sustainable solution, in the form of job opportunities, for the people struggling in these areas. They want to continue inspiring and highlight the belief that there is more than one way to be successful despite their own surroundings.

On what makes BUILD special, Estella R., program participant says “It is not just one thing. Every day has a moment that changes my life. I don’t know what my life would be without BUILD - definitely not as successful”

The event will feature, the Peacemaker award recognizing the work of young leaders from each non-profit, a live painting section, and an “Express yourself Against Violence,” art contest. White Sox alum Michael Huff, who shared the field with Carlton Fisk, Ozzie Guillen and Frank Thomas, will be in attendance alongside White Sox Director of Fan Engagement, Cris Quintana.

“Through the leadership and organization skills I’ve learned at The Resurrection Project, I’m able to bring my community together for this ‘increase the peace initiative,’ says youth leader Marcos Constantino.

The need for programs that promote peace, public safety and anti-violence awareness among at-risk youth is paramount. For more information go to: https://www.buildchicago.org/build-community-family-night

About Monterrey Security
Monterrey Security was founded in 1999 to offer exceptional private security services based on industry best practices, cutting-edge technology, and the best-trained security professionals in the business including off-duty police officers and firefighters. A minority-owned firm, Monterrey Security is certified by the City of Chicago as a minority-business enterprise (MBE). Monterrey Security is also actively pursuing federal 8(a) certification as a minority-owned business. For more information please visit: http://www.monterreysecurity.com

About The Resurrection Project
The Resurrection Project is a multifaceted organization that seamlessly blends community development, community organizing, human service delivery, and advocacy to build healthier and engaged communities. Since its founding in 1990 with an initial seed capital of $30,000, TRP has leveraged more than $469 million in community reinvestment through homes for ownership, rental housing, small businesses and community facilities. To date TRP has developed 844 units of affordable housing, and created over 275,091 square feet of community commercial space, creating vibrant, healthier and involved communities. For more information about The Resurrection Project, please visit www.resurrectionproject.org

About BUILD
BUILD’s mission is to engage at-risk youth in the schools and on the streets, so they can realize their educational and career potential and contribute to the stability, safety and well being of our communities. Since 1969, BUILD (Broader Urban Involvement & Leadership Development) has been a pioneer and innovator in youth development, now
serving neighborhoods on Chicago’s West (Austin, Humboldt Park, Hermosa, West Town) and South (Fuller Park, Bronzeville) Sides. Through three primary program areas — Prevention, Intervention, and BUILDing Futures — BUILD partners with an array of stakeholders to offer a spectrum of services designed to build lives and futures.

Whether by providing a school-based curriculum, youth leadership opportunities, positive out of school activities or intensive, individualized mentoring, all of BUILD’s programs share the same objectives. For more information please visit: https://www.buildchicago.org.

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The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health (NLIRH) has named Jessica González-Rojas as the organization’s new Executive Director.

González-Rojas has been a leader in progressive movements for 15 years and has been a prominent national voice in the reproductive health and rights movement for five years, most recently as NLIRH’s deputy director. She has played a pivotal role in establishing the organization as a leading voice for Latinas in national policy discussions at the White House, on Capitol Hill and in target states, and in spearheading groundbreaking research on the Latina experience. She has forged new partnerships with allied movements such as immigration, sexual health and rights, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) liberation.

“We are thrilled to have Jessica Gonzålez-Rojas serve as our Executive Director", said Berta Colón, NLIRH Board Chair. "Jessica is a strong leader with a proven track record and deep understanding of reproductive justice issues. She will, without doubt, ensure that Latinas' voices are heard loud and clear in the halls of statehouses, in the White House and on Capitol Hill, and in communities nationwide.”

As the Latina population has surged in the United States, NLIRH has built a national network of Latinas who are engaged, mobilized, and ready to take action on pressing reproductive health and justice issues. The organization hosts the most-read national blog on Latina reproductive health issues, Nuestra Vida/Nuestra Voz, and produces the informative Latina reproductive health e-alert, Instantes, that brings national and state policy and social concerns to thousands of supporters nationwide. The organization is the most prolific media voice about Latinas and sexual health. Increasingly, NLIRH has spearheaded social media initiatives in response to the growing online communication preferences among Latino/as, including hosting a robust annual Latina Week of Action that most recently featured a blog carnival with prominent contributors such as Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

"Latinas' health and rights have been particularly under fire in recent years, with families torn apart, safety nets eroding, rigorous scapegoating campaigns, and tenuous access to healthcare. At the same time we are growing in numbers, we are organized, and now is the time for Latinas' voices, perspectives and experiences to take center stage," said Jessica Gonzålez-Rojas. "I am thrilled to be in a position to work hand in hand with Latinas and our allies nationwide at this critical moment in the community to raise our voices for dignity, justice, and health".

González-Rojas is a regular presence in national and local media outlets. She was honored by El Diario/La Prensa, the nation’s oldest and largest Spanish-language newspaper in the United States, as one of 2009’s “Mujeres Destacadas” (Women of Honor). She is a regular contributor to El Diario/La Prensa on pressing reproductive health issues in the Latina community, as well as a regular media voice in local and national outlets such as National Public Radio, the Brian Lehrer Show (WNYC-FM), the Boston Globe and the New York Times. READ MORE