West Side United

05/21/2026

“Food is more than nutrients.” 🌱

At the Collaborative Network gathering, we spoke with Sebastian White, founder and executive director of The Evolved Network, about the power of community collaboration in building stronger food security programs across Chicago.

Through farm-to-table education and healing-centered programming, The Evolve Network is helping young people deepen their connection to food, land, and healthy ways of living, while creating lasting change alongside other community organizations.

Thank you to all of the organizations working collectively to expand food access and invest in healthier communities across our city. 🤝

05/12/2026

West Side United is proud to be the nonprofit partner for Angry Hour hosted by Greater Good Studio 🍻

Join us for an evening of community, conversation, and collective action as we gather with neighbors and changemakers working toward a stronger, more connected West Side.

📍 24 E. Washington St., 14th Floor, Chicago
🗓 May 21, 2026
⏰ 6–8 PM CDT

Every ticket supports West Side United’s work to build healthier communities and create opportunities for residents across Chicago’s West Side.

Learn more and grab your spot at:
greatergoodstudio.com/angry-hour

05/06/2026

Last week, West Side United was proud to join the Sankofa Village Wellness Center for its ribbon cutting.

It was a powerful day of community—bringing together people from across the city around a shared goal: closing the 20-year life expectancy gap on the West Side and ensuring residents have access to the care and resources they both need and deserve.

Our Executive Director, Ayesha Jaco, took a creative approach in her remarks, sharing a heartfelt letter to her grandmother, a West Side native. Her words reflected both the legacy of the community and the promise of what’s ahead.

Take a moment to hear her message—and to learn more about what’s coming to Garfield Park.

04/17/2026

Last Saturday, the west side truly showed up and showed out at our Black Maternal Health Week Baby Shower! 🤱🏾

With over 120 attendees, the event brought together families, resources, and community in a powerful way.

From food and giveaways to meaningful connections, the day was all about supporting healthy pregnancies and strong beginnings for our babies.

A special thank you to Aetna Better Health and the Sankofa Wellness Village for their generous sponsorship and commitment to improving maternal health in our communities.

Huge thank you to everyone who joined us, especially our amazing community partners and vendors for helping make it all happen!

04/14/2026

Join WBEZ for a community dinner and discussion on April 20 alongside residents, leaders, and researchers to share your experiences about the life expectancy gap in Chicago and come up with the solutions you'd like to see.

With the support of the USC Annenberg's Center for Health Journalism, this event will feature a series of stories on the stark 20-year life expectancy gap from reporter Kristen Schorsch.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/closing-chicagos-life-expectancy-gap-tickets-1986667835977?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join us for an evening where you can share your experiences about the life expectancy gap in Chicago and solutions you want to see.

04/08/2026

Join us for a powerful Black Maternal Health Week panel bringing together healthcare providers, community birth workers, and advocates to explore the state of Black maternal health on Chicago’s West Side.

Hear from an incredible panel of leaders working to improve outcomes for Black mothers and babies—and connect families to vital resources across Garfield Park and beyond.

📅 Friday, April 17, 2026
⏰ 12:00 – 1:30 PM
🥪 Lunch provided!
📍 New Mount Pilgrim Church
4301 W. Washington Blvd, Chicago

Let’s build stronger, more connected systems of care—together.

🔗 Register here: https://tinyurl.com/SankofaBMHW2026panel

The Sankofa Wellness Village Presents a Black Maternal Health Week panel exploring the state of Black maternal health on Chicago’s West Side

03/17/2026

Recently, the West Side United team and partners gathered for a leadership retreat to reflect on our mission, discuss upcoming goals, and continue shaping the future of health equity work on the West Side. During the retreat, we asked team members what being part of West Side United means to them—and their responses reflect the passion, purpose, and commitment that drive this work every day.

What began in a room of hospital leaders and community organizers has grown into a full-fledged health equity model that is replicated across the country. West Side United is proud to be a pioneer in the health equity space, and we look ahead with optimism to the next 8 years.

Hear from West Side United employees about what it means to them to be part of this organization!

03/04/2026

Your voice matters in the future of our local workforce. Join the Workforce Development Open House to connect with neighbors, employers, and community leaders. Open to job seekers, business owners, and community members who want stronger career pathways in our area.

Save your spot today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/workforce-development-open-house-convener-tickets-1982992738662

Refreshments provided.

02/19/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Antonio Benecchi, whose vision and leadership were instrumental in the creation of West Side United. For more than a decade, Antonio stood with us as a trusted partner and unwavering advocate for equity on Chicago’s West Side. His strategic insight, steady guidance, and deep belief in the power of collaboration helped shape our organization and strengthen our impact. He will be profoundly missed, and we remain grateful for the legacy he leaves behind.

02/19/2026

February is Heart Health Month! Join Live Healthy Chicago and the Chicago Park District for free Heart Health Fairs. Get your blood pressure checked, enjoy music and food, learn about fitness opportunities, and take steps toward a healthier life. 💪🏾❤️

📍 Garfield Park & Ogden Park — see flyer for dates and times!