On February 24th, 2026, the Southwest Organizing Project’s (SWOP) Community Violence Intervention team, Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P), convened their monthly Peace and Wellness Coalition Listening Session—an ongoing space designed to strengthen communication, coordination, and collective action across the community. These meetings serve as a vital platform where residents, stakeholders, and partner organizations can share ideas, resources, and timely information related to public safety and wellness concerns impacting the Southwest Side of Chicago.
This month’s session was hosted at one of SWOP’s longtime member institutions, Holy Cross Hospital, where attendees were welcomed into a space centered on healing and care. Claudia Marquez of Holy Cross provided an overview of several new and expanding programs at the hospital, including the “Under the Rainbow” Behavioral Health Center and their Recovery Center for substance abuse treatment. Both initiatives reflect a growing investment in accessible mental health and recovery services for families across the community.
The meeting also addressed urgent concerns surrounding immigration enforcement. SWOP Organizer Alfredo Palafox shared observations from the field, speaking about the fear and uncertainty many families are experiencing amid increased activity from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He highlighted instances where community members have felt pressured or coerced, underscoring the need for accurate information, trusted relationships, and coordinated support during these difficult times.
Health Equity Organizer Edy Dominguez also presented resources available through the Healthy Southwest System of Care, emphasizing how residents can access wraparound services that address both physical and behavioral health needs. His remarks reinforced the importance of meeting immediate concerns while building long-term systems of care.
As is customary at SWOP gatherings, one-to-one relational conversations were a cornerstone of the evening. These intentional conversations gave attendees—some new to the coalition—the opportunity to connect more deeply, understand one another’s values and motivations, and build the trust necessary for collaborative work.
Participants then moved into three breakout groups focused on Public Safety, Public Health, and Immigration. Each group discussed pressing challenges, identified potential solutions, and shared resources before reconvening for a brief report-back session. The evening concluded with a guided tour of Holy Cross Hospital, offering coalition members a firsthand look at the spaces and services supporting community wellness.
Through continued dialogue, relationship-building, and shared accountability, the Peace and Wellness Coalition Listening Sessions remain a critical space for aligning efforts and strengthening the collective response to the evolving needs of the Southwest Side community.
