Youth Dreaming Session at Maywood Public Library

We invited our youth to share their thoughts and ideas, as we are working towards co-creating a new design for the teen space at The Maywood Public Library.

Both our Community Engagement Coordinator, Jess, and our Program Assistant, Itzel, opened the session with a community circle. Everyone wrote down their names, then shared them along with a word that started with the same first letter of their name to describe how they want others to feel when they walk into a shared space. We followed with a name-memory game that helped break the ice as well. Then, we shifted to discussing the teen space. The youth split into three small groups to brainstorm ideas and share with one another what they wanted. Each group explored questions like:

• What makes a space feel welcoming?

• What colors and furniture would you like to see?

• What other things would make the space feel more comfortable?

After sharing, everyone came back together, and each team presented their ideas. Some shared about wanting bean bags, games, and others said snacks and fuzzy carpets. It was great to see the youth excited about participating and sharing their vision. Thank you to the Maywood Public Library for providing a space to connect with our youth.

Ornament Decorating at TFD

This workshop was facilitated by Yekseny Guerrero. The gathering began with introductions, creating a space for everyone to share a bit more about themselves. From there, Yekseny guided our neighbors into some intentional questions - inviting self-reflection and opening the door for deeper conversations.

The heart of the workshop was decorating ornaments, each becoming a canvas for expression. Colors were added to the ornament globes, speaking about the hardships that have been faced - each color representing a story. As the colors were being mixed together, each ornament was unique and created a new look for each one. Watching the colors merging reminded us that even when hardships overlap, there is always something positive in the outcome of all the negatives.

At the close of the workshop, we held space to appreciate the process and each other. We are grateful to Yekseny for leading this workshop with such care and intention as always.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.

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!