Upcoming Events

Support Group for Women

Monday November 16, 2026
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location
Freedom Defense Center of Austin
5500 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60644
Description

Join this safe and supportive space for women, including mothers and grandmothers of incarcerated loved ones. Come together to share experiences, gain strength, and find healing in community. RSVP here or by calling Eva Johnson, LCSW at 312-738-7378.

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Graphic that reads "Support Group for Women" and shows a cartoon image of Black women with diverse hairstyles and outfits

Austin Community Food Giveaway

Tuesday November 17, 2026
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location
Freedom Defense Center of Austin
5500 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60644
Description

Save the date! Community members are invited to visit us, in partnership with Austin Coming Together (ACT) at the Freedom Defense Center of Austin to pick up free groceries. Additional information forthcoming. No RSVP required.

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Support Group for Men

Tuesday November 17, 2026
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location
Freedom Defense Center of Austin
5500 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60644
Description

Join our support group for men to talk openly without fear of judgement. Learn form all perspectives and build meaningful connections. In this group you receive and offer support. RSVP here or by calling Eva Johnson, LCSW at 312-738-7378.

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Black and white photo of men with their arms around each other and text that reads, "Men Supporting Men: Come together. Share experience. Find strength in brotherhood."

Free Record Expungement & Sealing Workship

Monday November 23, 2026
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Location
Freedom Defense Center of Austin
5500 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60644
Description

Need a fresh start? Clearing your record can open doors to jobs, housing, and other essential opportunities. Join CARPLS and New Leaf to be guided through the expungement and sealing process, including assistance with completing necessary forms, guidance on the legal process, and access to additional legal resources. Please register by calling 312-738-7399 or emailing fdca@cookcountyil.gov.

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Family Defense Office Hours

Tuesday December 1, 2026
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location
Freedom Defense Center of Roseland
11437 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60628
Description

Need help navigating interactions with DCFS? Join our community office hours to learn about your parental rights and steps to reunify families. Connect with a Public Defender in a safe and welcoming space. Walk-ins are welcome; advanced registration is not required. To register, click here.

A close up of four hands together - two belonging to children, the others to a mother and a father. Text across the front of them reads "Family Defense Office Hours" and a logo in the corner shows it is for the Freedom Defense Center of Austin.