Organization Feature: Bosnian Herzegovinian American Community Center
Moving from a place you’ve called home your entire life to another part of the world can be jarring. You may not understand the customs, the language, or how to start your journey to becoming a U.S. citizen. And once you’ve arrived and settled in, you may also yearn to find a place that reminds […]
Happy Fourth of July!
HHPLIFT — Empowering Artisans Who Use Sustainable Materials in Their Craft
In their own words, HHPLIFT “curates and crafts social impact products that create jobs leading to careers and economic independence for people with barriers to employment in Chicago and abroad. Their local impact is evidenced through its LIFT™️ Program in east Pilsen.” Founder Michael Arkes started the seed business, Helping Hand Rewards, in 2007. Initially, […]
What to Know If You Were Denied Social Security Disability for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder that can result in chronic pain and stiffness, and it may affect your ability to work. You can apply for Social Security disability benefits if you have the disease, but what can you do if you are denied? In this article we’ll take a closer look at what […]
Normalizing the Need for Therapy with Coffee Hip Hop and Mental Health
What if the conversation surrounding mental health in our society was as easy as ordering a cup of coffee? Coffee, Hip Hop & Mental Health — otherwise referred to as CHHMH — has exactly that goal. The founder of CHHMH, Christopher LeMark, wants to bridge the gap that exists between communities and mental health providers. […]
Genocide and PTSD: Survivors Can Seek Disability Benefits
Genocide is one of the worst imaginable violations of human rights. Survivors have often witnessed or experienced extreme violence, including the murder of friends and family members. The after-effects of a genocide are often horrific, and can include extreme poverty, homelessness, and the requirement to care for fellow survivors. One of the most common after-effects […]
Online ALJ Hearings Now Available in Chicago
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way a lot of things work – including Social Security Administration hearings. In March of 2020, SSA offices closed temporarily for hearings due to the pandemic. Now, they are providing a flexible and safe alternative for Chicagoans when it comes to ALJ hearings: a telephone hearing or a new […]
ACCESS Community Health Network: Helping Chicagoans for Over a Quarter Century
The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound health effects beyond potential infection with the coronavirus. Among other issues, we’re seeing an uptick in mental health crises and stress-related chronic health problems such as cardiovascular disease. Sadly, the economic fallout of the pandemic has also decreased access to health care — often for the most vulnerable populations […]
Five Mistakes Often Made by SSD Claimants Who Don’t Seek Legal Help
The results of a Social Security Disability Insurance and/or SSI disability benefits claim can be life-changing. A successful claim can provide you with the benefits you need and deserve to be able to live with your disability. In contrast, being denied benefits can leave you constantly struggling. Because of this, it is incredibly important to […]