On Dec. 1, Life is Work, one of only a few Black and Brown trans-led organizations on the West Side of Chicago, held a commemorative brunch to mark World AIDS Day and to officially open its new resource center.
The new space is located at 600 N. Cicero Ave. and includes a food pantry and a clothing boutique for people in need.
Sunday’s festivities also included a quick ribbon cutting ceremony and awards for behind-the-scenes supporters. Among those speaking at the engagement were Illinois State Rep. La Shawn Ford, U.S. Rep. Danny Davis and Life is Work founder and CEO Zahara Bassett.
Other supporters for the event included Loretto Hospital, Westside Health Authority, One Roof Chicago, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Howard Brown Health, Chicago Therapy Collective, Project Vida, Alliance Care 360, Human Rights Campaign, Brave Space Alliance, Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus and Task Force Chicago.
Life is Work also offers non-medical case management, HIV prevention, housing options and workforce development training.