A new beacon of hope is on the horizon for Chicago’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood. The Blue Azul Center, an $8 million multidisciplinary community center, is set to transform a vacant lot into a hub for mental health services, educational programs, and fitness and sports resources. This ambitious project is the brainchild of Eliseo “Blue” Pacheco-Cornejo, a Southwest Side native, and his wife, Valentina Pacheco-Cornejo, both deeply committed to uplifting their community.
Addressing Critical Needs in Auburn Gresham
The Blue Azul Center arrives at a crucial time for Auburn Gresham. Years of disinvestment have left the predominantly Black neighborhood with limited access to essential services like healthcare and healthy food options. Recognizing these challenges, the Auburn Gresham community developed a quality-of-life plan in 2016 that called for amenities such as fresh produce markets and a new health hub. The Blue Azul Center directly addresses this need by providing comprehensive mental health support and fitness opportunities within the community.
Mental Health Services: A Priority
Mental health is a critical area of focus for the Blue Azul Center. Access to mental health services is often limited in underserved communities, leading to a range of negative outcomes. The center will offer a variety of mental health programs, providing much-needed support to residents of all ages. These services aim to address issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma, fostering emotional well-being and resilience within the community.
Fitness and Wellness Programs: Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
In addition to mental health services, the Blue Azul Center will offer a wide array of fitness and wellness programs. These initiatives are designed to promote healthy lifestyles, prevent chronic diseases, and improve overall physical well-being. The center will feature a fitness center, basketball court, and other sports facilities, providing residents with ample opportunities to engage in physical activity.
A Multidisciplinary Approach
The Blue Azul Center distinguishes itself through its multidisciplinary approach to community development. By integrating mental health services, educational programs, and fitness resources, the center aims to address the holistic needs of Auburn Gresham residents. This comprehensive model recognizes that well-being is multifaceted and requires integrated solutions.
Educational Programs: Empowering the Community
Educational programs will be a cornerstone of the Blue Azul Center. These programs will focus on providing residents with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school, work, and life. The center may offer tutoring, job training, financial literacy workshops, and other educational opportunities, empowering individuals to achieve their full potential.
A Community-Driven Initiative
The Blue Azul Center is a true community-driven initiative, born from the passion and dedication of Eliseo and Valentina Pacheco-Cornejo. The couple’s deep roots in the Southwest Side and their unwavering commitment to their community have been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. The center is named after the middle names of their son and daughter, symbolizing their commitment to the future of Auburn Gresham.
Revitalizing Vacant Land
The Blue Azul Center will transform a vacant lot at 7950 S. Emerald Ave. into a vibrant community asset. Vacant land can be a blight on neighborhoods, contributing to crime, disinvestment, and decreased property values. By developing this vacant land, the Blue Azul Center will not only provide essential services but also help revitalize the surrounding area.
Joining a Wave of Development in Auburn Gresham
The Blue Azul Center is part of a larger wave of development and investment in Auburn Gresham. Several other significant projects are underway in the neighborhood, including:
- Auburn Gresham Apartments: A $43 million affordable housing complex.
- Save A Lot Grocery Renovation: A newly renovated grocery store providing access to fresh and affordable food.
- Green Era Campus: A $35 million project that converts food waste into compost and creates new gardens.
- Healthy Lifestyle Hub: A multi-faceted hub offering medical facilities, mentoring programs, and community space.
- Evergreen Imagine: A mixed-use project with affordable residences and commercial space.
These projects, along with the Blue Azul Center, demonstrate a renewed commitment to Auburn Gresham and its residents.
Community Development Grants: Fueling Progress
The City of Chicago is supporting the Blue Azul Center and other community development projects through Community Development Grants. These grants utilize proceeds from Tax Increment Financing and Neighborhood Opportunity Fund programs, as well as the 2024 Housing and Economic Development Bond. The grants support construction projects that create jobs and improve the quality of life for local residents.
$3.7 Million Grant for Blue Azul
The Blue Azul Center received a $3.7 million Community Development Grant to support its construction. This grant will help fund the fitness center, mental health clinic, basketball court, and other amenities. The city’s investment in the Blue Azul Center underscores its commitment to supporting community-led initiatives that address critical needs.
Existing Resources in Auburn Gresham
While the Blue Azul Center will be a valuable addition to Auburn Gresham, several other organizations and resources already provide important services in the community. These include:
- Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation (GAGDC): An organization focused on revitalizing the community through economic development, housing, and social services.
- Auburn Gresham Healthy Lifestyle Hub (HLH): A hub offering medical facilities, mentoring programs, and community space.
- Mile Square Health Center: Provides behavioral health and substance use disorder services.
- Catholic Charities Holbrook Counseling and Behavioral Health Services: Offers professional counseling for individuals, couples, and families.
- ACCESS Auburn-Gresham Family Health Center: Provides family medicine, pediatrics, and behavioral health services.
- Auburn Gresham Satellite Senior Center: Offers programs and activities for seniors, including fitness classes and wellness education.
- Foster Park: Features a fitness center, swimming pool, gymnasiums, and a youth wellness center.
- Auburn Gresham VA Clinic: Provides primary care and specialty health services to veterans, including mental health care.
The Blue Azul Center will complement these existing resources, creating a more comprehensive network of support for Auburn Gresham residents.
A Vision for the Future
The Blue Azul Center represents a significant investment in the future of Auburn Gresham. By providing mental health services, educational programs, and fitness opportunities, the center will empower residents to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. This community-driven initiative is a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and collaboration in creating positive change. The Blue Azul Center hopes to address some of the root causes of poverty and violence on Chicago’s South Side. It stands as a symbol of hope and a catalyst for revitalization, promising a brighter future for Auburn Gresham.
