Cicero Community Collaborative Opens First-ever Cicero Center
The Cicero Community Collaborative opened its first physical location in Cicero, Ill., on May 31st, 2023 (Photo by Jorge Martinez).
By Jorge Martinez
Cicero Community Collaborative (CCC) opened its first center, located 5533 W. 25th St. with a grand opening on May 31. To celebrate the occasion, community members were invited to enjoy the space and eat tacos and pastries.
For many members, this marks an important milestone.
“We’re really pleased because we’ve been wanting this space for so long, and now it’s a victory for all of us,” said Ana Cordoba, a CCC volunteer. The CCC previously held centers in Berwyn, but this grand opening marks the first-ever location in Cicero.
The CCC was established in 2015 with a grant from United Way of Metro Chicago when it selected Cicero as a Neighborhood Network community. Since then, the CCC has worked to serve the needs of Cicero by bringing in volunteers, parents and youth to problem-solve within their communities.
The center includes a fully-equipped computer lab to support career readiness among young people, an anti-violence safe space to assist in psychological counseling and several meeting rooms to host the six committees that compose the CCC.
Members plan to take advantage of the new space to continue their advocacy, working to “enhance the quality of life for Cicero children, youth and families,” according to their mission statement.
“The biggest problem in Cicero is how we treat adolescents. We have to keep them occupied and physically active,” said Claudia Ledesma, an active member of the Elementary School Committee.
Ledesma advocates for more after-school programs and communal green spaces for youth to decompress.
However, disagreements about management caused some members to separate from the CCC in October 2021. They went on to form the Cicero Community Network, with notable members including town employees Ray Hanania and Jose Alvarez, the Town of Cicero’s grant administrator. As well as Anthony Grazzini, Director of Grants and Accountability for District 99.
“We had different views and opinions, but we’re all working towards the same common vision,” said Elida “Eli” Ortiz, CCC’s director. She says they still work together, partnering for local workshops.
Despite this past rift, Ortiz remains committed to building the CCC’s future, saying this grand opening only marks the beginning.
“This is a rental. We want to own our own building to host our own events, trainings, workshops, and more,” said Ortiz.
In addition, the CCC wants to continue partnering with community organizations and members to gauge Cicero’s needs.
Community members are encouraged to stop by and take advantage of the services offered by the CCC. While they aren’t a direct-service center, the CCC partners with various organizations— such as Youth Crossroads, Corazón Community Services, and many more— to offer referrals.
“It’s a dream come true,” Ortiz said.“ I love my community, and today, it culminated in letting the community know we are here for them.”
Jorge Martinez is a freelance community reporter.
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