Hundreds of friends, affiliates and dignitaries joined the Board of Directors of the Black United Fund of Illinois (BUFI) in dedicating the acquisition of the One Artist Row building, 1809 East 71st Street, Chicago. This 2-story structure serves as headquarters to BUFI and also includes commercial rental spaces.

The ribbon cutting was officiated by Congressman Bobby Rush, Alderman Barbara Holt, BUFI Chairman Dr. Robert Starks, President/CEO Henry English the board and staff.

The evening was moderated by the dynamic Deloris MeBain, NBC-5 Executive Director of Station Relations and interspersed with testimonials and accolades from state and local politicians and representatives from the Black United Fund federation, National Executive Director Bill Merritt, New York President Kermit Eady and Philadelphia President Linda Richardson.

Guests were serenaded by young flutists from The Merit Music Program and dined on such Afrocentric delicacies as Ethiopian meatballs, jerk chicken, salmon, curried chicken finger sandwiches and assorted crudites provided by Sisters Exotic Caterers.

The building is currently at full occupancy and the small business tenants represent a remarkable blend of entrepreneurs who coincidentally embody the mission and goals of BUFI; that is, to encourage economic, educational and social development of the African-American community.

Dear Friends,

I would like to thank all of you who have continuously supported our efforts on behalf of Black philanthropy, volunteerism and mutual aid. Your contributions have allowed us and our affiliates to expand individually and subsequently enhance the quality of life in your communities.

I especially want to thank those who participate and designate the Black United Fund of Illinois and its affiliates as the recipients of their payroll deductions.

Hopefully, you have noticed or experienced the positive changes affected by this collaborative movement. We are so very proud of those who give selflessly of their time, money and ideas to help eliminate the cycle of dependancy in our neighborhoods.

I am grateful to our tireless, hands-on Board of Directors who promote and include us in their personal and professional activities.

We have come a long way since our incorporation in 1986 and in the coming months you will read more on the impact of your donations.

Yours in self help,

Henry L. English
President/CEO

If you are an employee of the Chicago Public School system, look for our listing and be sure to include our number on your payroll deduction form. If you're not with the CPS system you can still give by asking your employer to add our name to its charitable campaign.

At the bottom of this newsletter is a list of our affiliates. Additional programs we have supported with monetary and/or technical assistance are:

• Universal Big Top Circus
• Prince Hall Foundation
• Dorolyn Music Academy
• MPAACT Theater
• Greener Grass Films
• Chicago Immunization
• Dixmoor Adult Literacy
• Parkview Seniors
• PUSH for Excellence
• Expo for Today's Black Woman

Our challenge for the future is to facilitate social and economic empowerment of our children in the 21st century. Please Give!

The electricity of excitement could have powered the new computer systems and printer donated to The Israel Academy by the Black United Fund of Illinois (BUFI). The students and staff anxiously jockeyed for position as they watched BUFI Vice President and technological guru, Calvin Cook, direct the installation of the four new systems that will service the Computer Learning Center at the academy.

Sister Amirah Yisrael, Executive Director of the academy, has worked hard to provide learning opportunities and mechanisms by which young minds will prepare for the 21st Century.

The Israel Academy is an alternative educational institution for students with individualized needs. The focus is on those who have found it difficult to excel in mainstream educational institutions. The high teacher/student ratio allows the academy to identify latent strengths and allay behavioral problems. The restoration of self-esteem has helped many students advance several grades and return to their previous school systems or graduate to prestigious institutions of higher learning.

For more information about the academy contact Sister Esther Issachar, Development Director (773) 734-0302.

Deloris MeBain
"an individual of substance and
one who makes us proud"

"I don't want to deal with those project kids," is the cry of the elitists who speak of service to the community but who would rather ignore those who need direction most.

Deloris MeBain knows all too well the stigma she experienced growing up in Ida B. Wells public housing, but learned very early to be proud of herself and that "It doesn't matter where you come from, what matters is where you want to go".

Born in Canton, Mississippi, her family moved north when she was an infant. She attended Wendell Phillips High School, Columbia, & Harold Washington Colleges and completed her education at DePaul U.

Ms. MeBain is now Director of Station Relations at NBC 5/Chicago and the highest-ranking African American female. She oversees all station projects including community affairs, publicity, and summer minority internships in Chicago, its suburbs, and NW Indiana. Her goal is to become a president and general manager in TV or radio.

Throughout her rise she has remained committed to the advancement of the less fortunate, especially the youth. She is Assistant Youth Director and supervisor of the Junior Ushers of South Park Baptist Church. A widow and mother who enjoys reading, gospel music, and roller-skating.

She is an example of courage, intelligence, and diligence. She is truly a Diamond.

AWARDS

• 2 Emmys
• Illinois Broadcaster
• Communicator of the Year -Archdiosese
• 2 Gabriels for Public Service and over 100 more

• Coats For Chicago-which collected 100,000 coats and jackets for the needy
• Homework Hotline- generating 1,000 calls a month
• Free Health Fitness and Fun Fair
• Thomas Jefferson Awards for Public Service

The 13 unit abandoned building was miraculously restored by W.E.U.O, Clara Kirk, President and Founder of W.E.U.O. and the acclaimed Clara's House Shelter,Tempie Hampton, Executive Director and staff.

The City of Chicago sold the building to Clara's House for $1and it has taken three years of tremendous effort and sometimes turbulent negotiation for construction financing.

This facility is unique to Englewood and will provide low income apartments to homeless families. It also includes a child care center, educational programs, training and social services for homeless families.

Clara's House on West 62nd Street has been an affiliate of the Black United Fund of Illinois for over 8 years. This former rectory provides up to 120 days of loving yet disciplined shelter to women and their children.

Both facilities are dedicated to relieving the fear of being unable to furnish a safe haven and decent meals for one's children; provides an address so that the children can be educated at a local school; and, encourages adult education for family development. They are the shining stars of Englewood where someone cares. 773/778-8854

Before 1979, there was a monopoly on workplace solicitations for charitable funds. NBUF challenged this monopoly in court and won the decision that now allows hundreds of worthy organizations to be listed as options for giving in federal and municipal charitable campaigns.

As we launch our first issue of the Black United Fund of Illinois newsletter, we wanted to make note of this historic achievement and remind you that the Black United Fund is still "Helping People Help Themselves".

The Black United Fund of Illinois, Inc. assists not-for-profit programs all over the state. One such affiliate beyond Chicago and based in Springfield, IL provides affordable, decent residential facilities for low and moderate income people and for the homeless. G.R.O.W.T.H. International (GI), founded by the Rev. Jerry W. Doss, has developed two local initiatives - the Kings' Court Housing Complex and the Home Ownership project.

Kings' Court is an 18 unit low income complex consisting of 12 three bedroom, four 1 bedroom and two SRO units. Constuction is scheduled for completion at the end of May. Tenants have been screened and are preparing for June occupancy.

The Home Ownership initiative, in conjunction with the City of Springfield and local lenders, offers home buying assistance to low and moderate income residents. GI eliminates fear and doubt by technically supporting families throughout the home buying process.

An extension of this project is the acquisition and rehabilitation of abandoned properties. GI has acquired its first home and is finalizing the funding for rehab construction. GI looks forward to acquiring other properties in order to generate construction jobs.

In addition to housing, GI conducts an extensive youth program to motivate and train young residents by sponsoring Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, programs for at-risk teens, Young Parents Striving for Purity and Youth Singled Out for Change. Three major components of this curriculum are life skills, mentoring and parent support.

In preparation for summer, GI is conducting a youth essay contest for summer camp scholarships.

For information contact Wilma J. Wofford, Executive Director, 217/527-1006.

• FILM & THEATER PRODUCERS?
• STUDENT MENTORS?
• HEALTH PROVIDERS?
• COMMUNITY LIAISONS?
• HERITAGE PRESERVATIONISTS?
• ECONOMIC DEVELOPERS?
• HOMELESS SHELTERERS?
• PHILANTHROPISTS?
• COLLEGE CONSULTANTS?
• EMPLOYMENT SPECIALISTS?
• SOCIAL ACTIVISTS?
• HIV/AIDS COUNSELORS?
• EDUCATORS?
• LEGAL ADVISORS?

SINCE 1986, BUFI HAS ADVOCATED RELIANCE ON SELF-HELP AT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY LEVEL AND ENCOURAGED INDIVIDUALS AT EVERY ECONOMIC LEVEL TO SET ASIDE A PORTION OF THEIR OWN RESOURCES (IDEAS, MONEY, ENERGY, SUPPLIES, SKILLS) TO COLLECTIVELY SUPPORT ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT.

YOU CAN HELP!

EDUCATION AND SERVICE TO YOUTH
CABRINI CONNECTIONS
COALITION FOR IMPROVED EDUCATION IN SOUTH SHORE (C.E.I.S.S.)
COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN ALTERNATIVE ACADEMY
GRANT A WISH, INC.
ILLINOIS COUNCIL FOR COLLEGE ATTENDANCE
JOE WASHINGTON SPORTS & CULTURAL ARTS CAMP
KANKAKEE COUNTY YOUTH INTERVENTION AGENCY
PARENTS AGAINST LEAD
SOUTH SIDE HELP CENTER

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
MIDDLE PASSAGES
OPPORTUNITIES INDUSTRIALIZATION CENTER (Winnebago County)
POSITIVE SYSTEMATIC TRANSFORMATION
SHOREBANK NEIGHBORHOOD INSTITUTE

EMERGENCY NEEDS
CLARA'S HOUSE SHELTER
IMANI, Inc. (Springfield)
MATTHEW HOUSE (CHAMPAIGN)
MATTHEW HOUSE (Chicago)
NEOPOLITAN LIGHTHOUSE
OLIVE BRANCH MISSION
ON OUR OWN/HEAR OUR CRIES

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
AFRICAN AMERICAN AIDS NETWORK
CHICAGO VIETNAM VETERANS & FAMILY
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
G.R.O.W.T.H. INTERNATIONAL (Springfield)
INSTITUTE FOR POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH

SOCIAL JUSTICE AND LEGAL SERVICES
AFRICAN WOMEN'S ORGANIZATION
BLACK ON BLACK LOVE
COMMUNITY LAW PROJECT
NATIONAL BLACK UNITED FRONT
NATIONAL HOOK-UP OF BLACK WOMEN, INC.