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"I've lived here my entire life and I've never seen so many people in Brighton Park joined together for one common goal - to make this a better and safer place for our children and families," exclaimed Brighton Park community leader Kathleen Gudziunaswith tears in her eyes.

Over 900 community members gathered at the first neighborhood convention of the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council (BPNC) on Nov. 3, to celebrate the accomplishments of their hard work and forge partnerships with city, state, and federal officials to bring badly needed resources into the Brighton Park community. One by one, influential politicians pledged their support.

THE WINS
Maria Castillo, mother of four and a BPNC representative announced a critical partnership between BPNC and Arne Duncan, newly appointed CEO of Chicago Public Schools. Duncan had just attended a meeting at BPNC's neighborhood office in which he agreed to find alternatives to increase nursing staff at Brighton Park Schools, which serve over 8,000 students. Most Chicago schools have nurses only a couple of days of the week, leaving thousands of students at risk of not getting medical support in case of emergency.

He also agreed to improve the bi-lingual education program so immigrant students have equal learning opportunities, make sure students are fed hot and nutritious lunches and support BPNC's efforts in expanding the capacity at local schools for libraries and other facilities to ensure all students can obtain a good education.

At the convention, Congressman Luis Gutierrez committed his support to provide more services for immigrant families who live in Brighton Park.

"This community has changed so much. Latinos, Polish, Filipino, Chinese and many other nationalities make this community what it is today - one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Chicago, and I am proud to be one of its residents," said BPNC leader and business owner Maria Ferran, "Because of this growing diversity we have different needs that our elected officials need to attend to."

Gutierrez also echoed the commitments of Alderman Ed Burke, State Representative Mendoza, and State Senator Munoz, who all pledged to work towards securing funds for a Youth Center in Brighton Park and other necessary neighborhood improvements.

THE YOUTH
Neighborhood youth were as much involved in making this convention a great success as adults.

"Too many friends of mine fell victim to gang violence. That's why I am excited by the support for the youth center - it will provide alternatives for teens to gangs and drugs," said Margie Rodriguez co-chair and representative of BPNC's youth council. Esther Sciamarella from the Department of Public Health pledged her support to the youth for a school based health clinic and peer mentorship program.

Safety was one of the biggest concerns addressed at the event.

"Everyday, I leave school in fear. How am I supposed to learn when I see kids carrying knives in my school and shootings happen right outside?" asked youth leader Karina Hernandez.

"We were disappointed Supt. Hillard didn't honor his commitment to personally address these concerns at the Convention, but we expect to meet with him within 30 days," explained BPNC leader Anita Caballero. "We will continue to fight until our children are protected."

Area 1 Deputy Chief Milla represented Hillard and agreed to an interim solution, by increasing police presence around schools when classes let out. He also pledged to reinstate foot patrol in the business districts.

THE COMMUNITY
BPNC was founded four years ago when Brighton Park residents decided they were no longer going to tolerate the deterioration of their community and take action to effect real and substantial change in their neighborhood.

"I'm one of the proud founding members of BPNC," said Ramon Castillo, "We turned a community that was once destined to become a free arena for gang activity, drugs and delinquency into a community with a shining initiative, making many positive changes happen. This event is a mile stone for the Brighton Park community as much as it is a mile stone for this country because we represent what this country is all about - strength and unity."