Habilitative Systems Inc., an impactful social service agency headquartered on Chicago’s West Side, will present its annual, “Blues/Jazz with Pizzazz Café,” Monday, August 28, 2017, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at Buddy Guy’s Legends, 700 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, Illinois.
This dynamic fundraising event provides an opportunity to showcase the impact of HSI’s work providing comprehensive programs to underserved populations for over 39 years. The event also honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the community, and enlists support to continue the delivery of essential services. Over the years, the event has featured notable artists such as Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross and Roy Ayers, and honored guests and attendees have included then-State Senator Barack Obama, Rev. Willie T. Barrow, and Tom Joyner. This year’s honorees are Chad Ruckauf, Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago, Patricia Bridges, People’s Gas, and Cook County Commissioner Richard R. Boykin. Commissioner Robert Steele will be honored posthumously, and the award will be accepted by former Cook County Board President Bobbie Steele.
Donald J. Dew, HSI President/CEO for the past 27 years noted, “HSI and social service providers in Illinois have experienced one of the most challenging fiscal periods in decades creating an undue hardship on thousands of needy families as well as providers trying to assist them. We’re proud to have the support of our dedicated staff, community and corporate partners, and volunteers as we continue our almost 40-year legacy of providing services to our clients.”
Tickets to the Habilitative Systems, Inc. Blues/Jazz with Pizzazz event are $75. For more information on the agency and the fundraising event at Buddy Guy’s search Eventbrite online for HSI Blues/Jazz with Pizzazz Cafe, or call Della Akres at 773-854-8313.
Since its founding in 1978, Habilitative Systems Inc. has operated programs that benefit physically and mentally challenged individuals, senior citizens, the homeless, veterans, returning citizens, vulnerable children and other disadvantaged members of our communities. The agency constructed and runs two senior residences, as well as five Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs) for persons with disabilities and mental illness, and provides job training and employment for several special populations. In 2013, the agency reopened Tabitha House on the West Side to provide emergency shelter to women, including female veterans, and also expanded its services into the Englewood community, where it launched a program to combat mental illness. HSI is also a vital member of the Cook County Health and Hospital System Behavioral Health Consortium.
