![]() ![]() Jaco said initiatives like the UPS Foundation grants, along with more developments such as the Sankofa Wellness Project in West Garfield Park and amenities like grocery stores, could improve the health of everyone in the area. West Garfield Park residents live to an average age of 69 compared to age 85 for people living in the Loop, according to a 2015 Virginia Commonwealth University report. We are honored to have UPS step in this space to create a better quality of life for people.”Īs West Side United turns five years old, Jaco said the organization’s focus has progressed from cutting the life expectancy gap in half among West Siders to seeing it equal the life expectancy of the wealthiest Chicagoans. “I want my children to blow out 82 birthday candles. “We know that improving health equity is an all-hands-on-deck effort,” Jaco said. ![]() ![]() West Side United executive director Ayesha Jaco, who celebrated her 43rd birthday Tuesday, said her wish was to see another 40 years and for her children to do the same. Unemployment doubled for Black women during the pandemic, and in the early days of the pandemic, Black people accounted for 70% of COVID deaths in the city - figures Clifton said were shocking but not surprising. As a Black woman leading one of the largest corporate foundations in the country, I feel as though this is my calling to support the people who need it the most.” “The statistics in the city are alarming, but I don’t think they’re unsolvable. “Black and Brown communities take the brunt of economic and social disparities,” said UPS Foundation President Nikki Clifton. Black Chicagoans live 9.2 fewer years than non-Black people in the city, according to a report by the city’s public health department. Issues disproportionately affecting the health of Black communities in Chicago - and made worse by systemic racism and disinvestment - include diabetes-related ailments, homicide, HIV and opioids. Officials spoke Tuesday about the critical need for employment opportunities in disinvested communities that would provide residents with a steady income, benefits and access to health care, in turn extending their lives and closing the health gap. The grants will go toward employment training and support for 300 people with the ultimate goal of helping them secure jobs with benefits at UPS and other Chicago companies, according to the UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of the delivery and logistics company. West Side United will receive $500,000, Metropolitan Family Services will get $350,000 and $150,000 will go to Erie Neighborhood House. Representatives from West Side United, Metropolitan Family Services and Erie Neighborhood House gathered Tuesday at Ascension Saint Mary, 2233 W. GARFIELD PARK - Three local nonprofits are the recipients of $1 million in job development grants from UPS to address health inequities on the South and West sides. ![]()
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