Bridging Chicago

In this second episode in our “coffee-centric” series, we sit down with Dan Weiss, owner and CEO of Dollop Coffee Company—a local’s go-to brand on the Chicago coffee scene. Dan shares with us the lessons he learned in becoming a manager of a growing local business and how mental health and community are some of the bedrock principles of his organization. Tune in to hear how Dan has mastered just the right “blend” in beans and business!

On this episode we welcome our guests, Dashawn and Kendall from Checago Coffee—a mobile application born and bred to offer Chicagoans the best cups of joe the city has to offer. Dashawn and Kendall join us to discuss how their app has curated each Chicago neighborhood’s java watering holes and give users the opportunity to order ahead of time for expedited pick up. You won’t want to miss our kickoff episode in our “coffee-centric” series here at Bridging Chicago!

This week we are sharing part two of our series interview with Chicago Cares and the Northwest Side Community Development Center. The Northwest Side CDC is an organization whose goals is development without displacement, working with those in the neighborhood to drive local businesses and find innovative ways to help Belmont Cragin thrive. In this episode, Patricia Islas shares why the partnership of Chicago Cares and the Northwest Side CDC matters and Fabian Cisneros shares what they hope to do in the future. One thing is clear, the future is bright for this amazing Chicago neighborhood! Be sure to go back and listen to part one if you missed it to get their full story.

Our series with Chicago Cares rolls on and this week we are joined by the Northwest Side Community Development Corporation. The Northwest Side CDC is an organization whose goals is development without displacement, meaning that they desire to work with the Belmont Cragin neighborhood, its people and businesses to not only help them thrive, but to assist others who are hoping to build a business there get a start that will set them up for success. A vibrant neighborhood deserves unique solutions to barriers, and the Northwest Side CDC is definitely looking at creating these with their neighbors there. The Northwest Side CDC is dedicated to growth, to people and to investing in the future of their corner of Chicago.

Dave Thomas, the Director of the Flexible Housing Pool, a program of the AIDS Foundation Chicago, joins the podcast to share about the big things FHP is doing to help the chronically un-housed people of the City of Chicago. FHP is looking to break the cycle of homelessness, while reducing costs to the public systems, creating a program that will be better for our city and its citizens. Dave shares why housing people can make a lasting impact beyond the obvious and what they hope to do in the future. While housing Chicago can seem like a bog job, Dave and his team are showing that it is one that has a ripple effect that is beneficial for the city and its culture, stability, and success. Take a listen to hear how FHP is engaging directly with its clients, landlord, NGO’s and the city itself to make this work happen!

Maria Castro answered a call from a friend who knew a woman who was in need of some essentials and immediately wanted to come to the rescue. Little did she know that this one act of kindness would turn into an organization that is providing thousands of purses filled with essentials and notes of love to women who are in the most need in our communities. Filled with thankfulness for her Angel Ambassadors and others who have partnered with her, #LovePurse will be hosting their first gala on October 6, 2022 to celebrate what people have accomplished and equip #LovePurse to continue its work. Maria’s bravery in starting the nonprofit in inspiring and is driving her to continue to take #LovePurse to bigger places. Tickets to their exciting gala are on sale now.

Jeffery Leving is a Chicago-based attorney who truly knows the heartbeat of the city. Born on the southeast side, Jeffery spent his childhood in the neighborhoods before heading south to attend college. Coming back to the city, he knew that he wanted to make a difference for the people of Chicago and its future. After working to defend those who needed someone in their corner, Jeffery saw the need for someone to represent dads who were trying exercise their right to spend time with their children. Years later, Jeffery has written multiple books (two of which have been recognized by former president Barack Obama) to share what he’s learned and make sure this important work will continue.

*Trigger warning: this podcasts discusses issues of sexual assault and suicide

100 years ago, Shriners Children’s Chicago started as an organization with the hope of standing in the health care gap for children who had been previously overlooked. The first Shriners Hospital opened its doors on September 16, 1922 and has been providing care to these children all over the country since. In these 100 years, they have helped over 1.5 million children with various needs become healthy, happy children. Today, the entire organization is full of people who continue this care and the mission to provide care for any child, regardless of their guardian’s ability to pay. As they continue their groundbreaking work, the research and care that Shriners is providing is helping to make the future of medicine better and more accessible. Celebrate 100 years of Shriners Children’s with us!

At 210 Design House, design is about much more than simply creating spaces. Rama Dandamudi and his team know that they are designing the spaces that families will call home, spaces where self-expression and love meet comfort and beauty. While they are careful about the products they choose to put in people’s homes, they are also leading the way in innovation and design and their team has years of experience creating amazing vibes. Take a look inside their space and hear about the heartbeat of what makes 210 a special place and how they carry out their social responsibility.

Our series with Chicago Cares continues, we highlight their partnerships with organizations doing work throughout the Chicago neighborhoods. Leona Kuhar sat down with Rob Pabon of Chicago Cares and Joel Rodriguez of Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) to share about how their partnership is helping our city thrive! SWOP’s mission is to build a collective of multi-faith organization on the southwest side to ensure people in the communities can grow success in their own lives and the lives of their families. Their dedication to leadership development and collective action leads the charge for what they do and the people they surround themselves with. We’re so excited for you to hear about their work and their hope for the future of our city.