Maywood

Calm Room Makeover at Proviso East Pt.2

The Calm Room Space is now complete - and it’s everything we hoped it would be. A space where the students of Proviso East High School can step away and return to themselves.

The Calm Room is an alternative space to the lunch room. It allows for a less-stimulating environment. A place where students can connect, work on school, or spend some time relaxing before their next period. Jasmine, Creative Director, Mylene (Interior Designer), and Yekseny (Muralist) took this into mind while designing the space. After a little but more than a year, their work has finally come to fruition.

When first arriving at the space and seeing the empty walls, we couldn’t wait to start the transformation of the Calm Room. It was exciting when the first brushstroke of color went on the wall, and from then the transformation began! Even the choice of colors was intentionally chosen to evoke tranquility. Adding the last touches of decor really pulled it all together. There are multiple corners of the room with couches, desks, and comfy floor seating. The space is embellished with plants, patterns, paintings, and even games to bring in the purpose of an emotional reset. It is truly amazing to see everything come together.

We are grateful for our contributors; your vision and partnership made this possible. Our Creative Director, Jasmine Lopez, Interior Designer, Mylene Raspado, the muralist, Yekseny Guerrero, Proviso East High School, Loyola School-Based Health Center, and Transforming Communities Initiative. Everyone’s involvement in the Calm Room - we thank you. You didn’t just help with the transformation, but you made a safe space.

Circle Training Part 2

For our Circle Training Part 2, we continued our discussion about Restorative Justice and what it looks like to us. Understanding and finding ways to tend to conflict and our relationships. This is important because it is a way to find an understanding on both sides, a way both can heal. We engaged in an activity with sticky notes by writing down times we have felt hurt, but also considering times when we ourselves caused hurt.

Staff Retreat | 2025

Our team came together for a refreshing and productive staff retreat, building connection and collaboration. Through brainstorming and thoughtful discussions, we strengthened our vision and goals for what we aim to do for both The Firehouse Dream and Maywood. We are excited for what comes next and what it could look like for The Firehouse Dream!

PEHS Health Fair | 2025

We are so excited to have handed out Mental Health Kits at Proviso East’s health fair last week! Overall, we gave away 321 kits at this Health Fair. Additionally, it was great to see our community partners and meet new ones! This event is impactful for students and community organizations as well. Thank you to Loyola’s School-Based Health Center for inviting us!

Community Yoga | March 2025

Last week, local yoga instructor, Dasia, led us through a relaxing evening flow. Dasia always makes sure to acknowledge how to take it one day at a time and honoring rest is a necessity! Thanks to our community members and Dasia for showing up!