THE FRONT PORCH
"AG, The Community That Has The Audacity
To Hope."
We need your
articles. Do you have news about our
community? Please send them so that we can post
them on our website
and keep everyone informed.
Email: JosephCraig@AltgeldGardens.com
Phone: 312-204-7199
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ALTGELD GARDENS
ALUMNI PROJECT (aGAP)
"Lift Our Children"
We just wanted to
give you a brief update on the Altgeld Gardens Alumni Project (aGAP). Our initial group has been formed
and we continue to plan our efforts to support Altgeld Gardens initially, and the country in the future. Our team has agreed
to focus our attention in Altgeld Gardens on following areas:
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- Academic Enrichment
- Character
Education
- Leadership Development
- Motivational Activities
- Reunion
Weekend(s)
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We have formed committees that are developing our direction on the above noted areas and are
reaching out to partner with various organizations and we have been pleasantly surprised by the support we have received.
Our overriding emphasis is not to duplicate efforts that are currently underway and support all efforts designed to
enrich the lives of the Altgeld residents. Other committees will be formed in the future and we will be asking
Alumni to join us as we pursue this very important initiative.
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WE WILL MAKE
A DIFFERENCE!
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If you have a desire to give back to Altgeld, join us on the Altgeld Gardens Alumni Project (aGAP) because there
is indeed “aGAP” that we must fill.
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You can find out more about "aGAP" by viewing our page
on this website, or you can call or email me at your convenience.
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Joe Craig
Founder, AltgeldGardens.com
"Honoring Our Past, Building The Future"
(312) 204-7199
josephcraig@AltgeldGardens.com
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About Altgeld Gardens: Located in a far south neighborhood near Riverdale, Altgeld Gardens,
or, "The Gardens" is historic, as it is the location of the first public housing projects in the United States
and was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad. It was built in 1945 to deal with the housing needs of African-Americans
returning form the Second World War. Its 1,500 two-story row houses that span 157 acres are in the midst of getting rehabbed,
and are bordered by 130th street, the Calumet River, Indiana Avenue and the I94 Expressway. It was originally settled by Dutch
and German immigrants in the mid 1800's. There has been some new development in the area. Several projects have been spearheaded
by the Local Advisory Council.
The neighborhood is
named for former Illinois governor John Altgeld. When fully occupied, there are approximately 3,500 people living in this
community. There are schools and medical services in the area to service residents. Carver Park resides in Altgeld Gardens.
It was built shortly after the housing projects were completed. Addressing the area need for recreational activities, the
park contains such features as sports fields, swimming, and open areas. The park was named after George Washington Carver
a prominent African-American scientist whose agricultural research made great advances in the field.
Altgeld's environment and history make it a cache of local significance: the Beaubien
Forest Preserves are spotted with old-growth oaks and deer, and the Calumet River was once a popular spot for fishing.
Most recently Altgeld Gardens has come into World Wide notoriety due to it being the community that U.S. President Barack
Obama cites as the community he helped, during his community organizing days in Chicago.
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