Chicago Community Ventures Blog

CCV Client Happenings: Inspiration Corporation opening restaurant Inspiration Kitchens in Garfield Park

 

With the generous support of Boeing Foundation, Inspiration Corporation, a service agency for individuals affected by homelessness and poverty, recently completed CCV's Market and Customer Development Program.

With a new marketing plan, Inspiration Corporation will be opening an East Garfield Park branch of Inspiration Kitchens in late April.Their first social enterprise in Uptown, formerly called Cafe Too, will be rebranded Inspiration Kitchens-Uptown.

Their motto? Dine well. Do good.

Inspiration Kitchens are restaurants open to the public as well as food service training centers which help individuals gain the skills and experience leading to employment in the food service industry. With their fantastic food and excellent service, Inspiration Kitchens-Uptown has received rave reviews from the Yelp community, and Inspiration Kitchens-Garfield Park promises no less.

Check them out when they open at 3504 W. Lake Street.  

  

Pictures courtesy of Steven Gross http://www.stevengross.com/portfolio/

CCV Client Happenings: Faie African Art Hosts New Artist, Bamidele Balogun

On Sunday, March 20, Faie African Art Gallery hosted Tea with Bamidele Balogun. The "Tea With..."series is an educational and enriching opportunity for those that appreciate art. This gave art enthusiast and neophytes the opportunity to be among the first to view the pastels, oils, charcoals and sculptures of this wonderful artist, new to Chicago.  Esteemed artist, Dayo Laoye guided the attendees on the cultural excursion. Check out the photos of the event. If you want to know when Faye will be hosting her next "Tea With..." give her a call at 773-268-2889.

From left to right: Artist Bamidele Balogun,

Faye Edwards, owner of Faie African Art, Artist Dayo Laoye

 

Abstract peices from Bamidele Balogun

Faye with her audience

 

 

 

 

 

 

CCV Client Happenings: Bikram Yoga Now in South Loop

The Hot Yogis over at Birkam Chicago have a 3rd location that just opened Monday, March 7.

 

Bikram Yoga South Loop

47 W Polk Street (Dearborn Station)

Opens Monday March 7th with three classes:  4pm, 6pm, 8pm.

 

Regular schedule for South Loop starts Tuesday, March 8:

6am  Monday - Friday

9am  everyday

11am Saturday + Sunday
4pm  everyday

6pm  Sunday - Friday

8pm  Monday - Thursday

 

 

CCV Client Happenings: Shy to Social Butterfly

If you answered "yes" to any of those questions, let Shy to Social Butterfly™ give you the encouragement and tools you need to overcome shyness!

 

Everyone (even the confident-looking social butterfly) experiences shyness from time to time.  The key to keeping it from negatively affecting your life is getting the encouragement and tools you need to overcome it.  How different would your life be if you learned how to overcome your shyness?  Learn to go from Shy to Social Butterfly while enjoying an amazing 3-course meal, at the Michelin Bib Gourmand Award winning restaurant Nana Organic, during this fun and casual class in a supportive environment.

 

You’ll walk away with confidence and charisma, thanks to your newfound ability to

• calm the shy nerves
• effortlessly make small talk
• find that special person
• get promoted or land a new job
• easily meet new people
• comfortably navigate any business or social situation
• and so much more.

Limited to 30 people to keep it cozy and comfortable so register today!  Register 2 friends and receive an autographed copy of "171 Tips to Get You Noticed For All the RIGHT Reasons ($15.00 value)."