Our Community Center Dream
The Deaf community is as strong as it is diverse. With barriers to communication in virtually every environment, we rely on other members of our community for nearly every aspect of day-to-day socialization and networking. It is DPS's plan to purchase a Chicago warehouse to be converted to a community center that can serve as the heart of this unique population.
This community center will provide 62 jobs for the Deaf and will allow members of the community to grow in leadership and expertise. We envision a space run by directors and supervisors who are all Deaf, fluent signers. A place where we can nurture the growth of Deaf entrepreneurship, expanding the Deaf ecosystem while giving folks the opportunity to create their own businesses, art, music and more.
The Deaf community faces un- and under-employment rates at around 70%. It is our plan to change this through our community center. This space will include a fully operational hotel and the following programs:
This community center will provide 62 jobs for the Deaf and will allow members of the community to grow in leadership and expertise. We envision a space run by directors and supervisors who are all Deaf, fluent signers. A place where we can nurture the growth of Deaf entrepreneurship, expanding the Deaf ecosystem while giving folks the opportunity to create their own businesses, art, music and more.
The Deaf community faces un- and under-employment rates at around 70%. It is our plan to change this through our community center. This space will include a fully operational hotel and the following programs:
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FitnessBoxing Ring
Fitness Center Crossfit Space Health and Wellness Workshops Sports leagues for Youth and Adults Basketball and Volleyball Courts with Floor Hockey Set-Up |
The Arts
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EmploymentDirect Employment
Internship Opportunities Job Readiness Workshops Job Training for Deaf+ Adults Employment Conflict Mediation 
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EducationASL Classes
After School Program Interpreting Workshops Adult Literacy Workshops College Readiness Workshops Deaf Sensitivity Trainings 
Business OpportunitiesIn order to develop self-sufficiency and avoid complete reliance on grants and donations, we plan to have the following spaces available for rent:
Fully operational hotel Event space with DJ (available on and off premises) Conference/meeting rooms Rooftop space Co-offices |