Heartland Human Care Services

06/20/2026

World Refugee Day is today, Saturday, June 20. Earlier this week, our Refugee and Immigrant Community Services’ (RICS) team members had a chance to participate in a day of solidarity at Daley Plaza. Our own Yasin Arfat spoke of his experience at this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYZA8DcZ5HA

From his words: "Learn the power of welcome. Listen to refugee histories and stand up against misinformation and discrimination."

06/19/2026

Today we reflect on Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It’s a powerful reminder of freedom, resilience, and progress.

As a human rights organization, Juneteenth is more than a moment of remembrance—it’s a call to action. It challenges us to confront the lasting impacts of systemic injustice and to reaffirm our commitment to equity, dignity, and liberation for all people. We honor the strength of those who endured and resisted, and we recognize the work that still lies ahead to dismantle barriers and advance justice in our communities.

Here are ways to celebrate freedom in Chicago: juneteenthevents.us/chicago

06/09/2026

Our Workforce Development team had the honor of attending the 5th annual graduation of participants in our Supporting Education and Economic Development (SEED) program.

Through this State of Illinois Diversion Program, individuals have the opportunity to pursue an alternative to traditional prosecution, with eligible charges dismissed and expunged upon successful completion of the program’s life skills and employment-focused requirements.

Congratulations to all of the extraordinary graduates, whose commitment, perseverance, and growth inspire us every day.

Learn more at: https://heartlandhumancareservices.org/workforce-development/

06/02/2026

This Pride Month, we celebrate belonging.

We believe everyone deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported—no matter who they are or who they love.

Together, we honor the strength, resilience, and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals in our communities.

We are proud to stand alongside LGBTQ+ community members, partners, and colleagues—this month and every month—working toward a more just and inclusive future for all.

05/29/2026

Join us for a fun evening of art and the outdoors at our Chicago FarmWorks site!

Your $40 ticket includes all painting supplies, step-by-step instruction, and an 11×14″ canvas to take home. A portion of each ticket supports Heartland Human Care Services.

Date: Thursday, June 25 | 5:30–7:30 PM (painting begins at 6 PM)
Location: Heartland Human Care Services’ Chicago FarmWorks’ location
407 N. Albany Ave. | Chicago, IL 60612

Register here:

An Evening of Art: Sip & Paint at Chicago FarmWorks — Fundraiser Event hosted by Heartland Human Care Services Join us for a creative evening of painting, sipping, and community!

05/28/2026

In a world where basic needs are too often treated as privileges, we’re choosing a different path.

Alongside our communities, we’re listening, learning, and building pathways to stability, dignity, and opportunity.

Because real change starts with those most impacted—and together, we can create a Chicago where everyone doesn’t just survive, but thrives.

Join us. Let’s build what’s possible.

To donate: https://heartlandhumancareservices.org/donate/
To volunteer: https://heartlandhumancareservices.org/volunteer-with-us/

05/21/2026

Some HHCS team members have faced hardship, persevered, and chosen to give back to their communities. Emma Yaaka is one of them. As Partnership Developer in our Refugee and Immigrant Community Services program, he draws on his lived experience of flight, loss, and resettlement.

Recently, through community engagement efforts, donations were collected, sorted, and went directly to those in need.

“I was given safety, rights, freedom, and an opportunity to rebuild my life. Today, I try to use those same gifts to make a difference in the lives of others.” —Emma Yaaka

(Emma is pictured second from the left).

05/14/2026

Kudos to Yasin Arfat, our Senior Case Manager in Refugee and Immigrant Community Services.

Yasin was forced to flee his home nearly a decade ago, spending five years in a refugee camp in Bangladesh and enduring hardships that tested his strength and resilience.

His recent presentation sharing his lived experience on the TEDx stage is a powerful reminder of how far a journey can take someone when given the chance. As Yasin shared, “Refugees prove who they can become when they are given opportunities.”

05/13/2026

Our Asset Building free financial wellness webinars help empower families and create lasting positive change.

Our May class schedule includes:

• Leveraging Fintech Apps for Financial Wellbeing
• Saving Is Possible Small Habits, Big Impact
• Eating Healthy on A Budget
• Student Loans

These sessions are open to the public. Visit:https://heartlandhumancareservices.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/May-2026-AB-Catalog.pdf

05/12/2026

It’s Mental Health Provider Appreciation Day. Mental health care begins with respect, dignity, and a true sense of belonging.

Our Philosophy of Care embraces differences—inviting, recognizing, and honoring each person’s unique experience.

Our teams meet people where they are, respecting their backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. Because being seen, heard, and respected isn’t just supportive—it’s essential to well-being.

Today, we recognize the mental health providers who make that possible.