Janet Szydelko and Co-Worker
Starting early, vendors and volunteers set up tables and banners across three floors and outdoor areas. The mood was cheerful as attendees, some with children in tow, lined up to enter and visit vendor stations. The event featured 67 vendors, three healthcare providers, two self-care roundtable sessions, and 157 attendees. The Summit connected participants to essential services: health services including HIV screenings and connection to HIV care, legal services including advice on parole and rights, employment resources including job placement, and personal care resources including an accessories closet and fresh produce to support health and nutrition. Participants could also obtain state IDs and 29 IDs were issued on the spot.
Returning vendor Janet Szydelko of GEO Reentry Services remarked, “These summits are my favorite days in my career. I get to give back to the community, and my reward is just doing it.” Her sentiment was echoed by many who contributed to the day’s success. “This event was definitely worth my while. Gift bags, snacks, and enough information to make my reentry a smooth and effective process. I am confident that my parole period will be a success,” said attendee Angela Owens.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannulias and Shawnete Green
The event was as much about social connection as it was about accessing resources. The Summit’s holistic approach was designed to support every aspect of reentry into society, aiming to reduce recidivism and promote empowerment. “Resources are life for the vulnerable and underserved. Thank you to each foundation that showed up for us,” expressed Shawnete Green, another attendee. This year’s Summit felt like a reunion, with many vendors returning from previous years, enhancing the sense of continuity and community. Roundtable discussions provided forums for women to discuss stress-management and self-care in a welcoming environment.
The partnership with Fellowship Chicago was particularly meaningful as the church was the first in Chicago to offer an AIDS ministry to its members. The congregants of the historic church, led by Pastor Reginald Wayne Sharpe Jr, collected over 400 pairs of shoes and provided volunteers to serve at the summit. Frazlier L. Pope III, Executive Pastor of Fellowship Chicago, praised the event, saying, “Fellowship Chicago was thrilled to partner with the AIDS Foundation of Chicago for their Women’s Connection Summit of Hope. Hundreds of community members were positively impacted during this event, exemplifying the ministry of Jesus we aim to emulate. I firmly believe the elation community members felt did not come from receiving ‘handouts.’ I want to believe their joy came from the many organizations that offered their hands to help lift them up.”
Dr. Cynthia Tucker, Senior Vice President of Community Partnerships and Special Projects at AIDS Foundation Chicago, summarized the events goals and outcomes this way: “Participants were thrilled with the invaluable access to identification, health screenings, and an array of empowerment services that the Summit provided. Together, through collaboration and partnership, we create positive change.”
(Pictured Left to Right) AFC’s Tamika Foust, Donnise Gaffeney, L’Oreal Bailey, Dr. Cynthia Tucker, Anthony Dupree Carla Davis and Nicole Baldwin
The Women’s Connection Summit of Hope demonstrated how community, resources, and dedicated support can create a nurturing environment for women reentering society successfully. It highlighted the strength and resilience of women, demonstrating that with the right support, the transition from incarceration back into the community can be not only manageable, but empowering. The laughter, camaraderie, and mutual support throughout the day underscored the event’s true spirit—one of renewal, community, and unwavering hope.
