Budget Impasse Forces An End To Inspiration Kitchens

We have been told by Inspiration Corp. for a long time about how badly the lack of funding from Springfield has impacted their programs. Even with the stopgap budget passed last week, they are only receiving from the state half of what they've paid out, half of the money they are due.

Last night we heard from a reader:  "I had brunch at Inspiration Kitchen on Saturday and sadly found out they are closing at the end of the month.  The lack of a passed state budget has put this restaurant out of business.  They will be having customer appreciation events between now and July 30th.  Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but wanted to make everyone aware."

We wrote to Inspiration Corp. to confirm, and today we got one of the saddest press releases we can remember:

"I am writing to share the news that we at Inspiration Corporation have made the difficult decision to close our Inspiration Kitchens – Uptown social enterprise restaurant after brunch on Sunday, July 31st.  I am sure that this decision will be difficult for many of the patrons who have so generously supported our first experiment in social enterprise over the last 10 years.

We are so proud of the amazing staff at the restaurant – many of whom are graduates of our Foodservice Training program – that has worked hard to serve up delicious food and superb customer experience, earning glowing reviews and universal praise.

More importantly, we have been able to assist more than 500 low-income and homeless job-seekers in finding careers in the culinary industry through our training program.

While we are closing one of our locations, we are not walking away from our commitment to serving Chicago’s most vulnerable residents.  We continue to operate our Foodservice Training program at our Inspiration Kitchens – Garfield Park facility, and remain committed to using social enterprise as a vehicle to help people build new careers and brighter futures.

And we are not walking away from the Uptown community, where we have operated since 1989 when Lisa Nigro pulled her little red wagon through the streets. Inspiration Cafe, at Wilson and Broadway, will continue to serve hot meals in an atmosphere of dignity and respect to individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty, relying on more than 1,000 volunteers each year, many from the Uptown community.

Unfortunately, Inspiration Kitchens – Uptown has struggled to remain viable over the last three years as public support for individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty has diminished or disappeared.

In 2014, we lost more than $350,000 in federal funding for our Foodservice Training program in Uptown and were forced to consolidate at our west side restaurant.  The following year saw cuts to funding from the State of Illinois for similar programs, culminating in an entire fiscal year without a state budget.

We can no longer justify the cost of running Inspiration Kitchens – Uptown, which as a full-service restaurant carries high fixed costs with low profit-margins.

Like many other nonprofit organizations in the state, we are struggling to meet the increasing demand for services with diminished resources, and we have been forced to make painful cuts to ensure that we are spending our limited funds on the programs that provide the greatest possible benefit for homeless and low-income Chicagoans.

As we look to the future, we are happy to report that we are already in talks with a partner to launch a new Inspiration Kitchens project in Uptown with an entirely new concept next year, so please stay tuned for updates.

In the meanwhile, we will be focusing on expanding our catering business, which is beginning to generate both net revenue for our organization and employment opportunities for our graduates.  And we hope that many of our loyal patrons will continue to enjoy our food and service by using our catering for their special events or visiting Inspiration Kitchens – Garfield Park.

Thank you to all of the patrons, donors, and volunteers who have generously supported us over the years." 

Inspiration Corp. Founder Lisa Nigro & Family Need Support

photo courtesy of My Hero

Lisa Nigro, the former police officer who started Inspiration Corporation and has helped improve the lives of so many vulnerable people in Uptown, even winning the Presidential Citizens Medal for her philanthropy and dedication to this community, is having some challenges of her own right now. Her 18-year-old son has had a series of heart attacks and that has put a terrible financial burden on the family.

A reader brought this our attention and said,

"Many of you know or know of Lisa Nigro, founder of Inspiration Corp. and Café. This amazing woman is, hands down, the fiercest force for good in Uptown. She and her family are now facing a challenge that would humble Hercules. As strong as I know she is, she and her family could use your help. Donate what you can, pray, and read: http://nick2127.tumblr.com. Yeah, she’s an amazing writer, too.

The YOU CARING Fundraising Page is at https://www.youcaring.com/the-nigro-family-463208."

If you can help this woman who has helped so many, please do so.

UU articles about Lisa are here.

Inspiration-al Stuff

The Tribune recently ran an interview with Lisa Nigro, founder of Inspiration Corporation, on how she started the organization and what it's up to now.  You can read about her here: "Remarkable Woman: Lisa Nigro."

And if you're looking an early Valentine's Day celebration, look no further than Inspiration Kitchens, this weekend:

"Inspiration Kitchens - Uptown
4715 N Sheridan Rd, February 10-11
$24 per person

Treat that special someone to a 5-course prix fixe dinner at Inspiration Kitchens - Uptown this Valentine's Day weekend, and do some good unto others while you celebrate romance.

Among the delightful dishes featured on the menu are a sunchoke puree with oranges, julienne red onions and a light vinaigrette, and pork belly stuffed chicken over soba noodles with chili and scallion.

The cost is $24 per person. Make your reservation today by calling 773-275-0626."

Inspiration Cafe Seeking Renovation Donations

If you admire the work that Inspiration Corporation does, you might want to express your appreciation in, shall we say, a generous manner. 

Seems that the Cafe, located in the McJunkin Building at Broadway and Wilson, has had to close temporarily to replace the floors in the kitchen and cafe, to the tune of an unexpected $30,000.  If you can donate anything to help defray the cost, there's a matching program that will double the amount of your donation.  Click here to donate.  You can follow the progress of the renovations at Inspiration Cafe's Facebook page, here.

Note:  This is not Inspiration Kitchens, aka Cafe Too, on Sheridan.  It's Inspiration Cafe, which serves meals to the homeless, the first project of Inspiration Corporation's founder, Lisa Nigro.

"It May Look Like A Cupcake Gallery Today...."

"... but it is [Inspiration Cafe's] childhood home."  So writes Lisa Nigro, founder of Inspiration Corporation, in her blog.  She talks about starting Inspiration Cafe at 1319 West Wilson, what she learned from the experience, and why she chose Uptown.  It's a nice look at 1989 Uptown and how her awesome, much-honored organization took its baby steps.

"A Hero Among Us"

Photo courtesy of The Inspiration Room

Congratulations to Lisa Nigro, founder of Inspiration Corporation, who's featured in this week's People Magazine under the "Heroes Among Us" feature.  The story is called "A Meal (And A Job) For The Homeless" and is on page 50 of the January 24th issue.

If you want to support this much-honored Uptown organization, you can make a donation, get your company involved, volunteer, or take in a meal at Cafe Too.

Uptown: A Year In Review (Part 2)

And we continue with a recap of 2010 in Uptown. (Part 1 is here).

July

• The 4600 block of Clifton became less loitered upon, thanks to the work of a task force consisting of the police, UCC, Rep. Greg Harris, the Uptown Chamber, Truman College, businesses on Clifton, and area residents.  Dumpsters were also removed from the public way.
• Molly Phelan threw her hat into the ring for 46th Ward Alderman.  Gerald Farinas retrieved his.  Four candidates now:  Phelan, Nowotny, Carroll and Cappleman.  And a whole lot of rumors.
• Despite fears, the July 4th lakeside fireworks show was a success after Uptown became the North Side location for the city's official show.
• Uptown's first gang-related death:  Detrick Garrett was murdered in the wee hours of the morning in Clarendon Park.  Later that evening, another man was shot in a car Sheridan Park, possibly in retaliation.
• Ald. Shiller, with no community input or notice, submitted an ordinance to lift the package liquor moratorium for the area including Wilson and Broadway.
• Fame da Lupo closed, and was soon replaced by The Cousins.
• The three-day Windy City Ribfest was a lot of fun and a huge success (judging by the number of ribs consumed and number of people dancing in the streets).  It was Uptown at its best and brightest.
• Target opened, with the Mayor, Ald. Shiller and Peter Holsten in attendance.  The mayor assured us that we'd "soon forget" the Wilson Yard controversy.
• There was a violent street fight between gangs at Wilson and Broadway in the middle of the afternoon.  Two convicted felons were arrested and one was tased.  What made this notable was that a couple "concerned citizens" filed complaints with the police over the "unjustified" tasing.
• After a month of reports of "shots fired" on the 4400-4500 blocks of Magnolia, the bullets finally hit their mark, and Aaron Carter was murdered in plain view of residents and onlookers on a Wednesday afternoon.
• There was a fire with injuries at the building on the NW corner of Wilson and Beacon.  Firefighters carried several people from the building and put the fire out quickly.

August

• Ald. Shiller announced to the media that she would not be running for reelection in 2011.  (A full week later, she got around to addressing the residents of the 46th Ward about her decision, via her website.)  This became the most commented-on story of 2010 on Uptown Update.
• Greg Harris, citing his ongoing work on the civil unions legislation in Springfield, announced he would not seek Ald. Shiller's aldermanic seat.
• Our favorite "You Get What You Ask For" moment of the year:  The outdoor screening of Singin' in the Rain was canceled, due to (what else?) rain.
• Lisa Nigro, who founded Inspiration Corporation, received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Obama.
• Ald. Shiller's office said she would not request to have the moratorium lifted on selling liquor-to-go in the Wilson/Broadway area.
• Residents began campaigning to make the drug drive-through in the Wilson/Magnolia strip mall a no-loitering zone.
• Ald. Mary Ann Smith announced that, like Ald. Shiller, she will not seek reelection in 2011.  She informed her constituents about it the same day.
• A Pizza Hut deliveryman was badly beaten on the 4400 block of Magnolia.  We haven't heard any follow-up and hope he is doing well today.
• The snazzy bricolage murals on the outside of Uplift School, done by participants in After School Matters, were completed.
• Harry Osterman hinted he would be interested in running for the 48th Ward Aldermanic opening.
• The Chase Park Playground received a half-a-million-dollar overhaul; the mayor attended the re-dedication ceremony.
• For the second year running, the Wilson el stop received the "Crust Station" award.  Yay, us.
• Andy Lam announced his candidacy for 46th Ward alderman.
• Reed Appliance opened its doors on Wilson Avenue.

September

• Befekadu Retta announced his intention to run for 46th Ward alderman.
• So did Emily Stewart.
• Harry Osterman made it official in the 48th Ward.
• The Black Ensemble Theater broke ground on its new location at 4440-4450 N Clark.
• Arnold's Restaurant closed after many years as an Uptown fixture.
• An Uptown CSA program was started, to provide seasonal produce at an affordable price, year-round.
• A particularly low-water mark in a year marked by gun violence:  A shooter let loose with a volley of shots near the Jewel parking lot at Montrose that had shoppers dropping to the ground.  We don't know the intended target, but bullets went through the window of an older couple on the 8th floor of Pensacola Place, a block away.
• The laundromat at Weiss Plaza re-opened under new ownership.

October

• The Combined Insurance properties, including the main offices and a 600-car parking structure, were sold at auction.
• SL Grill closed, and Papa Ray Pizza & Wings took its place.
• The American Islamic College reopened after ten years, at Irving Park and Marine.
• The Broadway streetscaping was completed.
• While new small trees were being planted along Broadway and Wilson, the mature trees that had been in front of Truman College for years were cut down as part of the parking garage renovation.
• Wild Pug closed its doors.
• The worst day of the year, violence-wise, was Halloween.  In the wee hours of the morning, a man was wounded inside of his home by a shooter outside, near Wilson and Malden.  Then, just steps from "safe trick-or-treating" on Kenmore, a gunman fired a series of shots, wounding three teenagers (one just 13 years old), and forcing little princesses and superheroes carrying bags of candy to jump behind trees and dive behind cars to avoid being shot.  An hour later, a man was murdered on Sunnyside, just steps from the new Target.  Rest in peace, Marlos Canteberry.  A sad, sad day for this community.

November

• Dominick's opened a flagship store at Foster and Sheridan, just a year after the previous, badly outdated store closed.
• The new Admiral at the Lake broke ground on its new senior housing complex, replacing an older building that had been there since 1960.
• The office windows of several politicians and aldermanic candidates were smashed with bricks.
• Stewart Elementary School presented its first musical, "The Best Little Theatre in Town."
• Buttercup Park Advisory Committee put its two final designs online and invited community input and comments.
• Ceres' Table and Hopleaf received Bib Gourmand ratings from the Michelin Guide, denoting that they offer "good cuisine at a reasonable value."
• The new Town Hall police station opened.
• Strictly Locals artist exchange/gallery opened on Clark Street.
• The new property tax bills didn't say it, but a trip to Cook County Clerk David Orr's website revealed that people in the Wilson Yard tax district are paying 71-74% of their property taxes to the TIF instead of to city services.
• The seven 46th Ward aldermanic wannabes who had already declared their candidacies turned in their nominating petitions, with five surprise candidates joining them:  Diane Shapiro, Marc Kaplan, Caitlin McIntyre, Janice V. Thomas and Scott Baskin.  There were five candidates in the 48th Ward and five in the 47th, as well.
• Thanks to the hard work and sponsorship of Rep. Greg Harris, the civil unions bill passed in the Illinois House, followed by the Senate a day later.

December:

• Eight challenges were filed against 46th Ward candidates, and five against 47th Ward candidates.  Even though the Board of Elections required that the ballot be finalized by December 23rd, we're still awaiting the results of most of them.  [Chop, chop, guys and gals!  We'd really like to know who's going to be on our ballots!]
• Sarah's Circle announced its intention to open an SRO at 4836 Sheridan.
• Former political opponents Heather Steans and Suzanne Elder teamed up to get "The Care of Students With Diabetes Act" passed, despite a gubernatorial veto.
• Pegasus Players announced it will leave its home at Truman College to take over the Hull House performance space that Black Ensemble Theater will be vacating.
• The Clark streetscaping project was completed and dedicated.
• Sedgwick Properties resurrected its plan for Lake View Station on the Maryville site, holding small community meetings and sponsoring a write-in campaign.
• Masala Indian and Thai restaurant opened on Argyle.
• Harold's Chicken opened on Wilson.
• A Secret Santa left stockings with gift cards in them around town.
• Uptown won Curbed Chicago's "Neighborhood of the Year" vote.

We ran 1,328 items in 2010, and sadly, no subject was more prevalent than violence, most of it having to do with gangs.  By the numbers:

• Number of times readers reported hearing "shots fired" with no victim reported: 32
• Number of shooting victims UU reported, with injuries ranging from superficial to catastrophic: 31
• Number of residents murdered: 4
• Number of times Ald. Shiller came to CAPS or sent a representative: 0
• Number of times Ald. Shiller responded to or even acknowledged the violence: 0

If we have a New Year's resolution for our community, it's that Uptown's crime rate starts resembling that of its bordering areas, rather than Tombstone, Arizona in the 1880s.  Here's to a safer, saner 2011.

Uptown In The News

Some stories that we already posted are receiving additional coverage in the news (which we love to see and share!):

Deb O'Malley from The Examiner interviews Lisa Nigro regarding her recent win of the 2010 Citizens Medal and The Inspiration Corporation, including some great reader submitted questions. Congratulations to Lisa!







Chris Jones from the Tribune's Theater Loop covers the groundbreaking for the new BET Theater, as well as some other theaters that are being "reused and recycled." I know we're all looking forward to the new theater!

Inspiration Cafe Founder Gets Presidential Medal

Lisa Nigro, the founder of Inspiration Cafe, will be honored by President Obama today by receiving the Presidential Citizens Medal. Read more about the award here. Congratulations to Lisa!

Inspiration Cafe Founder Honored On Oscar Night

Lisa Nigro, who founded the Inspiration Cafe in 1989, is the subject of an "inspirational" 60-second commercial that will air during the Oscars ceremony on February 22. "After reading thousands of inspiring stories, our team felt that Lisa Nigro's story exemplifies the purpose of TrueNorth - giving life extraordinary meaning." Read the press release about it here. Congratulations, Lisa!