NeighborScapes

03/31/2026

Spring is here, the flowers are blooming, and our Innovation Houses are looking fresher than a pastel Easter suit.
Hop into The Neighborhood News to see what’s growing in Englewood and Harvey — from renovated homes to rising young leaders.
No chocolate bunnies were harmed in the making of this update.

03/03/2026

Hello, our beautiful neighbors!

We want to invite you to join our neighborhood newsletter, "The Neighborhood News," where you can find all the current stories on NeighborScapes activities, local businesses, and everything in between throughout the vast and beautiful south suburban neighborhoods.

Become a neighbor today!

https://form.jotform.com/260497373153158

10/08/2025

On August 25th, we had the honor of attending the Englewood Quality of Life Initiative (EQLI) forum, hosted by our incredible partners at TeamWork Englewood. Their mission—to improve the quality of life for Englewood residents by expanding economic, educational, and social opportunities—is not just a statement. It’s a lifeline.
EQLI is a community-powered framework designed to confront the deep-rooted challenges facing Englewood: public safety, infrastructure decay, health disparities, and generational disinvestment. The forum brought together residents, organizers, and advocates to align on real, actionable strategies for change. It was a privilege to attend alongside our Executive Director, Omari, and witness the unveiling of TeamWork Englewood’s five Pillars of Execution—each one a blueprint for transformation.

This work is urgent. It’s about restoring dignity, building trust, and creating pathways for communities to thrive—not just survive. At NeighborScapes, we share this vision. We believe that young people are not just future leaders—they are present-day catalysts for change. Through youth-led service, mentorship, and neighborhood revitalization, we activate the same kind of grassroots power that EQLI represents.
Your donation to NeighborScapes helps make this possible.
• Fund youth stipends for community service and leadership development
• Provide tools and materials for block-level beautification and repair
• Host workshops that build civic engagement and neighborhood pride
• Offer mentorship and training that prepares young people to lead
If you believe in the power of community, equity, and youth-driven change, we invite you to stand with us. Your contribution isn’t just a gift—it’s an investment in a better Englewood, and a better future.
Let’s build it together.

Donate Today!
https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=abyviQDqOpt_evDkQDgGPCEwEFJ0_SrV9ajR2-sNYiD9AJ1wjmsgNP_RfRk8dExMB_Glh3OO5zIQEnUG

10/07/2025

07/31/2025

Our VISTA Michael Corey has been a neighbor of Englewood for the majority of his life. Here he is with Pam Mondane of R.A.G.E. Englewood, at their 1st Porch Life Meet-up! R.A.G.E. Englewood has been one of our long-term partners and community support groups! NeighborScapes 1st Innovation House was right here in the heart of Englewood, and we have continued to grow here, right along our friends, families and neighbors! If you want to connect with organizations like R.A.G.E. Englewood, have a community like this around you, and find your own path in life, join our "Innovations Houses" Program!

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=oo-MG30Q1EG_UMN6DCShtmbkc2a65XZKusWWIcqo7tRUMTRDU0JUNUs4M1NON0lRUkhDQ0NVUDRRSyQlQCN0PWcu&origin=QRCode

07/30/2025

What are Pillars? Well, by definition, "A tall vertical structure made of stone, wood, or metal, used to support a building or as an ornament." If we examine connotation, which is the associated definition formed by people's experiences and backgrounds, whether it's age, culture, or region. In the world of non-profits, a "pillar" is a thought, word, or phrase that the organization uses to guide its operations and actions as a whole, as well as in individual movements.

If you agree with the pillars we have lived and worked by, looking for a way to make a difference in your neighborhood and find your own independence fill out an application to our "Innovation Housing" Program!

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=oo-MG30Q1EG_UMN6DCShtmbkc2a65XZKusWWIcqo7tRUMTRDU0JUNUs4M1NON0lRUkhDQ0NVUDRRSyQlQCN0PWcu&origin=QRCodehttps://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=oo-MG30Q1EG_UMN6DCShtmbkc2a65XZKusWWIcqo7tRUMTRDU0JUNUs4M1NON0lRUkhDQ0NVUDRRSyQlQCN0PWcu&origin=QRCode

07/25/2025

The South Chicago nature preserves and Outerbelt walking trails are more than scenic escapes — they are vital to the health, beauty, and resilience of our communities. These green spaces connect neighborhoods, provide peaceful sanctuaries, and offer safe places to walk, reflect, and take in the fresh air.

In the south suburbs, these trails and preserves are lifelines that enrich public health, protect biodiversity, and preserve the character of our neighborhoods for generations to come. They represent a vision of a Chicago that’s green, inclusive, and built to last.

Your support helps maintain these landscapes, expand access, and ensure that every community has a piece of nature close to home. A donation today is a step toward a healthier, more beautiful Chicago.

Help keep our city green and growing.

Donation Link: https://donorbox.org/strengthening-homes-supporting-futures-a-neighborscapes-capital-campaign?utm_medium=qrcode&utm_source=qrcode

07/21/2025

What does it take to create lasting change in Harvey and Englewood? For NeighborScapes, it starts with the 8 pillars that guide our work every day: physical restoration, community and expression, quality empowerment, growth into adulthood, dismantling gentrification, responsibility and civic engagement, home ownership, and mental health. These pillars aren’t just concepts—they’re lived out through housing support, mentorship, healing spaces, and the kind of deep listening that helps neighbors turn hope into action. We’ve seen firsthand how these values open doors for families, youth, and future leaders alike.

We’re proud to say we build pillars both in the foundation of the homes we restore and in the heart of the communities we service. Because when growth is nurtured and voices are uplifted, neighborhoods aren’t just changed—they’re transformed. 🙌

07/11/2025

Our communities are still facing significant environmental and socioeconomic challenges, including long-term economic disinvestment and limited access to quality green spaces.

While we are actively involved in the efforts to revitalize run-down housing or community spaces, we need YOUR help to make our endeavors go even further.

To donate to our cause today, go to the Donate Button neighborscapes.org or scan the QR code on the second slide!

07/11/2025

https://www.paypal.com/donate/

🌸 Just as spring awakens the earth with color and promise, we believe in nurturing the vibrant cultural expressions and identities of the communities we serve. Every story shared is like a seed planted—rooted in experience, growing into understanding, and blossoming into connection.
Good mental health is the soil in which overall wellness grows. With the right care, support, and resources, individuals and communities can flourish. We’re committed to cultivating spaces where healing and hope can take root.
Your donation is more than a gift—it’s a seed of change. Each dollar helps us provide shelter, resources, and support to those experiencing homelessness. Together, we can grow a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Let’s plant hope. Let’s grow our community. 🌸

07/11/2025

🏠✨ Introducing Innovation Housing — where affordable housing meets community impact!

NeighborScapes is proud to offer Innovation Housing, a unique opportunity for young adults and emerging leaders to access subsidized transitional housing while giving back through our Community Building Fellowship.

This isn’t just a place to live—it’s a chance to grow, serve, and build a stronger neighborhood together. 🌱 Whether you're mentoring youth, supporting local events, or helping neighbors navigate resources, your service helps shape the future of our communities.

💬 Do you know a young person or someone in need of affordable transitional housing? We’re looking for passionate individuals ready to make a difference—and we’d love your help spreading the word.
Let’s invest in people, purpose, and place—together.

📩 Reach out to us to learn more or refer someone today!