Village of Leaders Thriving in Solidarity

16/04/2026

VOLTS is working on a new project in Avalon Park that will be owned and shaped by the community—and we’re inviting local residents to be part of it.

We’re hosting a short information session to share more about the project, what it involves, and how you can get involved.

Please feel free to share with neighbors or anyone who may be interested.

👉 Sign up here: https://forms.gle/d4jpLqXqvpLcvxoz5

06/04/2026

🔥 SPOKEN WORD REVOLUTIONARY 🔥

April is National Poetry Month! This Thursday, join the Fully Free Southside Chapter and Illinois Coalition to End Permanent Punishments for a chill night of powerful spoken word, connection, and community rooted in the legacy of Black freedom fighters.

✨ Theme: Revolutionary
Come dressed to honor the spirit of liberation — from past to present. Special recognition for those who embody the theme.

📍 Location: Umoja House @ St. Sabina Church
1210 W 78th Pl, Chicago, IL 60620
📅 Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🍽️ Lite refreshments will be served

03/04/2026

One of our Co-ops is supporting families in need by distributing their free Mo'Mo Bites sandwiches to families in need! Join us!

Event Details
📍6844 S. Indiana Ave., Chicago, IL 60637
🗓️Saturday, April 4, 2026
🕛12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Stop by and pick up FREE Mo’Mo Bites while supplies last! This giveaway will take place during a family-friendly Easter event hosted in partnership with New Memorial Church.

02/04/2026

🎉 VOLTS is happy to share that we have been selected for AMPT’s 2026 Digital Communications Cohort! Through this cohort, we will be expanding our communication knowledge in the fields of graphic design, social media, communication strategy, and more!

AMPT: Advancing Nonprofits is a capacity-building initiative committed to strengthening the organizational health and supporting long-term development of small nonprofits on Chicago’s West and South sides. They work to support organizations serving communities of color while simultaneously working to transform philanthropy by addressing systemic racial inequities and serving as a model for anti-racist systems and processes.

Thank you, !

26/03/2026

Cooperative ownership models can be powerful tools for building community wealth.

Attend this free, in-person panel hosted by Community Desk Chicago on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 from 9–11:30 AM, to explore legal structures for shared ownership and find what aligns with your goals.

Also shout-out to Camille Kerr, Co-Executive Director of VOLTS who will be a panelist!

12/03/2026

Salute to Chicago Food Policy Action Council for providing space for our leaders on today's panel to discuss how worker-owned businesses are creating wealth and economic justice for formerly incarcerated women!

https://registration.socio.events/e/21stfjs

16/01/2026

Congratulations to The Women's Justice Institute - WJI! 🎉 We’re proud to have you as partners and so excited for you all to lead this groundbreaking work!

09/01/2026

✨ Leaders in the mental health sector face unprecedented demands to lead their teams, care for the community, and stay abreast of rapid, evolving changes in the field. Wellness as a Mental Health Leader will provide approaches for leaders to show up for themselves by integrating wellness and leadership practices that prevent burnout and sustain their passion for the work. This workshop combines reflection, learning, and application to equip mental health leaders with the strategies they need to remain invigorated, effective, and deeply connected to their purpose.

Workshop Facilitator: Camesha Jones- Brandon, LCSW
1.0 CEU provided for Illinois Social Workers and Counselors.
Cost: $40.00
Location: Zoom
Register at: https://wellnessmentalhealthleader.eventbrite.com

02/01/2026

01/01/2026

2026 is here—and we’re moving with faith.
Faith in our people fuels our commitment to collective futures.
We have faith that we can build what we need—together!

What are you believing and building in 2026? Drop it in a comment below. 👇🏾

31/12/2025

ChiFresh Kitchen began as an idea. Today, it’s a thriving cooperative with its own commercial kitchen at 71st & King Drive, employing more than a dozen people. ChiFresh’s success helped spark the creation of Village Of Leaders Thriving in Solidarity (VOLTS)—a nonprofit dedicated to incubating cooperative businesses owned by formerly incarcerated Black women.

Come along for the journey—visit our website to subscribe for updates, wins, and other ways to plug in -www.voltschi.org