Vital Bridges celebrated the opening of a new West Side Program Center Oct. 8.
Vital Bridges introduced the center, located in Garfield Park, to volunteers, community leaders, local and state politicians and constituents. Due to the high HIV infection rate of Hispanics and African Americans in Garfield Park and other West Side areas, Vital Bridges hopes to make an impact in the community by providing food, nutrition, housing, counseling, education and prevention services. Vital Bridges is Chicago's most comprehensive service provider to people living with HIV/AIDS.
'We've always served the West Side … but East and West Garfield Park are two of the communities with the highest incidence rate,' said Vital Bridges CEO and President Debbie Hinde.
The center will help roughly 500 people from areas all over the West Side, added Hinde. It will also provide about 3,800 free meals each week. Vital Bridges has helped over 2,600 individuals each year since 1981.
State Rep. Lou Lang was instrumental in getting the $925,000 in state funds necessary for the project. The renovation of the building included a warehouse for grocery supplies and new equipment, which enabled Vital Bridges to make the center a 'one-stop shop,' added Hinde.
New to Vital Bridges are the educational services at the Garfield Park Center. Individuals can receive a basic education, get assistance in obtaining a GED, take composition and literacy courses, and receive assistance in finding a job. 'At least 50 percent of our clients don't have GED's,' Hinde said.
Roughly 65 volunteers will help run the center. 'Volunteers really keep this place alive,' said Bertha Gonzalez, a staff member. 'It's wonderful to know that people volunteer out of the goodness of their hearts and not expect anything in return.'
For more information, call Vital Bridges in Garfield Park at ( 773 ) 826-7066.
