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10 Things Every Consumer Should Know About Auto Repair When faced with the possibility of costly auto repair work, most consumers want to get the best deal for their money. It is equally important to know that the repair service is dependable. In Chicago, consumers have certain rights when it comes to working with an auto repair shop outlined in the Chicago Municipal Code. Chapter 4-228.

2005 - 2011 Domestic Violence Help Line Reports The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services’ (DFSS) Division on Domestic Violence released the 2010 call volume data for the City’s Domestic Violence Help Line.

2009 Domestic Violence Summit Series The Domestic Violence Summit Series was intended as a focused follow up discussion on the Points for Engagement in the Assessment of the Current Response to Domestic Violence in Chicago.

2013 Festival & Event Dates Something for Everyone!

Battery Button Dangers Small, coin-sized batteries can be found in products in nearly every home in America.Young children and senior adults are unintentionally swallowing the button batteries and in some cases, the consequences are immediate and devastating.

CDFSS Participation Card When a Chicago resident, 60 and better, visits a regional or satellite senior center or a Golden Diners site, they will be given an opportunity to receive a free photo identification card.

Caregiving Support Groups The Chicago Department of Family & Support Services is mindful that throughout Chicago, an ever growing number of people are devoting themselves to the daily care of loved ones. Whether the role of caregiver comes gradually, or through a sudden crisis, caregivers need somewhere to turn. That is why the Chicago Department of Family & Support Services has expanded our Caregiver Support Program to meet the essential needs of family caregivers.

Chicago Air and Water Show The Chicago Air and Water Show presented by Shell Oil Products U.S. and the City of Chicago is the largest FREE show of its kind in the United States. The show can be viewed along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point.

Chicago Artists Month (CAM) Chicago Artists Month (CAM), presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, highlights the creativity of artists throughout Chicago through both curated and non-juried events and programs.

Chicago Blues Festival The Chicago Blues Festival is the largest free blues festival in the world and remains the largest of Chicago's Music Festivals. During three days on five stages, more than 500,000 blues fans prove that Chicago is the "Blues Capital of the World." Past performers include Bonnie Raitt, Ray Charles, B.B. King, the late Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy and the late Koko Taylor.

Chicago Cultural Center Drawn by its beauty and the fabulous free public events, hundreds of thousands of visitors come to the Chicago Cultural Center every year, making it one of the most visited attractions in Chicago.

Chicago Cultural Center - Architecture and History Constructed over 100 years ago as the Chicago Public Library and a Civil War memorial, the Chicago Cultural Center reflects the best of Chicago. Red more about the rich history of the Chicago Cultural Center.

Chicago Cultural Center - October Schedule Discover the free visual art and performance programs presented at the Cultural Center by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and its partners. The beautiful, landmark Chicago Cultural Center is one of the city’s ten most popular attractions and is considered one of the most comprehensive arts showcases in the United States.

Chicago Cultural Center Visual Art Program The Visual Art Program at the Chicago Cultural Center is dedicated to presenting compelling exhibitions of fine art in all media, encompassing historic as well as contemporary art. Special emphasis is placed on emerging and underrepresented artists, particularly those who live and work in the Chicago area.

Chicago Cultural Plan In February 2012, the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) launched an exciting initiative to develop a cultural plan for Chicago. Released in October 2012, the plan created a framework to guide the city’s future cultural and economic growth.

Chicago Farmers Markets Chicago's Farmers Markets bring more than 70 vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers to neighborhoods throughout the City of Chicago. Markets are held every day of the week in the city.

Chicago Fitness Plus Community Locations Chicago Fitness Plus Community Exercise Classes are offered at 30 locations throughout the City. Each class lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Chicago Fitness Plus Program The Chicago Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS) and Alliance Rehab, Inc. have created an award winning fitness program that is not only fun, affordable and accessible, but one that concentrates on the key components to a healthy and independent lifestyle:endurance, strength, balance and flexibility.

Chicago Fitness Plus Regional Center Fitness Programming Exercise classes are offered in the Regional and Satellite Centers as well as in Community Sites located throughout the city.

Chicago Gospel Music Festival The 28th Chicago Gospel Music Festival, presented by The Black McDonald’s Operators Association (BMOA) and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is June 20-23. Once again the Bronzeville neighborhood, the birthplace of Gospel music, will serve as the festival’s main home – with the weekend portion of the festival featuring two stages of music at Ellis Park (37th and Cottage Grove).

Chicago Recycling Guide: A to Z Chicago's A to Z Guide to Recycling

City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower A resplendent venue showcasing the work of local photographers and artists, the City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower, is centrally located along the city's famed Magnificent Mile.

City Hall Choirs Get into the holiday spirit while listening to the classics sung by children's choirs from throughout the city.

City Human Resource Policies City of Chicago Human Resources Policies

Clarke House Museum Built in 1836 for Henry B. Clarke, the Clarke House Museum is Chicago’s oldest house. The house shows what life was like for a family in Chicago during the city’s formative years before the Civil War.

Clarke House Museum Family Day Discover the sights, sounds, and smells of early Chicago and learn about the 1850s as you converse with authentically costumed interpreters.

Classical Monday Concerts Classical Monday concerts offer classical, chamber, and opera music in the Chicago Cultural Center's Preston Bradley Hall.

Consumer Recalls The City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) provides consumers with information about recalled merchandise and ensures that recalled products are removed from store shelves.

Crew and Extras Casting Calls Find out the latest casting calls in Chicago.

DCASE Theater & Dance An on-going performing arts series that showcases critically acclaimed local, national and international music, theater, dance and multi-disciplinary artists, newly commissioned works and debut performances at the Chicago Cultural Center, The Storefront Theater, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and other locations throughout the city.

Dame Myra Hess Concerts Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts features solo and ensemble performances of classical music that showcase emerging performers. Held year round on Wednesdays at 12:15 pm in Preston Bradley Hall.

Domestic Violence Annual Reports Select from the system’s list below to access links to existing annual reports containing Illinois domestic violence victim information.

Domestic Violence Data ILDVDI databases contain information that can be manipulated and is often downloadable, searchable, and/or customizable.

Domestic Violence Special Publications ILDVDI Customized reports are typically produced once and typically reflect a “unique” exploration. Formats include, research studies, reports to community, special reports, newspaper articles, etc.

Elder Abuse Information Elder abuse affects thousands of Illinois senior citizens every year. As a result of the abuse, these victims experience severe neglect and extreme feelings of fear and loneliness. As members of the community it is our obligation to raise awareness and reach out to this often isolated group of victims.

Emergency Overnight Shelters - 2012 The following page contains a listing of Emergency Overnight Shelters.

Emergency Preparedness for Pet Owners Necessary precautionary steps in the case of floods, fires, blizzards, terrorism.

Exploding Star Orchestra Exploding Star Orchestra will perform in the Chicago Cultural Center's Claudia Cassidy Theater on Friday, Oct. 18.

Film Festivals Find out what film festivals are taking place in Chicago.

Find a Residential Recycling Drop Off Center

Food and Nutritional Information The Chicago Department of Public Health encourages everyone to include healthy foods from all food groups to "Get Your Plate in Shape."

Free Flu Vaccine at Walgreens Get your free flu voucher at Walgreens

Golden Diners Program Many older adults do not want to eat alone. The Golden Diners Program offers them a way to get a healthy meal each day and enjoy the company of friends. Hot, nutritious lunches are served to older adults (over 60 years of age) at nearly 70 community sites each weekday throughout Chicago.

Heads Up On Holiday Shopping We are providing consumers with information on how to make good choices while shopping and protect them from scams, both online and at retail stores.

Help In Your Home Health services provided for seniors in their homes.

Homeward Bound Animal Placement Program Transferring animals to other State Licensed animal shelters or breed rescue groups often provides them a much better chance of being adopted than remaining at our shelter. Through the Homeward Bound Program, nearly 4,000 animals are transferred out to partnering shelters each year!

Human Service Delivery Human Service Delivery is about people and partners.

Independent Living Agencies: Small Accessible Repairs For Seniors (SARFS) Small Accessible Repairs For Seniors (SARFS) agencies are authorized by the Department of Housing and Economic Development (HED) to provide enabling devices and limited home improvements at no cost for senior citizens throughout Chicago.

Know the symptoms of West Nile virus See the list of symptoms on this page. If you think you may have symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately.

Mammography Screening Sites Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Mammography Screening Sites.

Maxwell Street Market The Maxwell Street Market is a Chicago tradition of bargains and bargaining with an international flavor.

Maxwell Street Market - Sunday Steppers Set Join us for the 4th annual Sunday Steppers Set hosted by Ken Watkins with the National Steppers Society.

Millennium Park Discover a state-of-the-art collection of architecture, landscape design and art that provide the backdrop for hundreds of free cultural programs including concerts, exhibitions, tours, and family activities. In Millennium Park, you’ll find a new kind of town square – a lively, spectacular gathering spot located in the heart of the city and a destination for Chicagoans and visitors alike.

Millennium Park - Caroling at Cloud Gate Celebrate the holidays in Millennium Park, when Caroling at Cloud Gate returns for the holiday season. This free program, presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events showcases Chicago choral groups and invites visitors to participate in a holiday sing-along.

Mortgage and Foreclosure Rescue Scams Foreclosure Rescue and Loan Modification Scams

Neighborhood Parades Find out when your favorite neighborhood parade is taking place in Chicago.

Personal Finance Resource Directory Various personal financial resources that are available.

Preventing West Nile Virus Stopping mosquitoes is the key to stopping West Nile virus. Limiting their habitat helps limit the spread of the virus.

Produce Mobiles Site Listing and Schedules Produce Mobiles organizations service all clients regardless of where they live. Hours of operation are from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Public Health Preparedness for Special Needs Populations “Special Needs Populations” are generally understood to be populations with some physical or mental disability that limits their ability to carry out day-to-day activities.

Recycling in Chicago There are many opportunities for recycling in Chicago. Find out how you can start recycling.

Refund Anticipation Loans (Instant Refunds). What Consumers Need To Know. The High Cost of “Instant Refunds” or Refund Anticipation Loans. Important tips for Consumers during Tax Season.

Regional Center Computer Classes Learn how to become computer savvy with one of the Regional Center classes.

Regional Center Information Chicago ranks as unique for its neighborhood communities which reflect the cultural diversity of the City. These communities are represented by five regions: Northeast, Northwest, Central West, Southeast, and Southwest. The Chicago Department of Family & Support Services has built a senior center in each of the five regions of Chicago.

Resources for Professionals - Office of Violence Prevention The Office of Violence Prevention offers professional development training sessions on a variety of violence prevention topics.

Reverse Mortgage Homeowners must be aged 62 or older, own their homes free and clear or have significant equity in the property, and they must live in the property as their primary residence.

Satellite Center Information The satellite senior centers, part of the Mayor’s vision to keep Chicago’s neighborhoods active, accessible and affordable for Chicago’s senior population, provide services, programs and activities closer to seniors on the neighborhood level.

Senior Employment Programs The Senior Community Service Employment Program, sponsored by the Illinois Department on Aging, is a training program designed to assist the mature worker (at least 55 years old) in re-entering the job market. It operates under a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor under the Title V of the Older Americans Act.

Senior Save Discount Program SeniorSave links seniors to valuable discounts offered by Chicago businesses. A list of participating merchants and their discounts are included in a SeniorSave discount directory. Seniors who apply receive a SeniorSave card to show merchants when making a purchase.

Senior Transportation Programs The Chicago Department of Senior Service's Senior Transportation Program provides Chicago seniors with emergency medical transportation service and other transportation help.

StoryCorps StoryCorps is partnering with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and Chicago Public Media to record, preserve and share the diverse stories of communities in Chicago.

Sunday Salon The Sunday Salon weekly series explores the rich landscape of classical music, from familiar Western orchestral compositions to contemporary improvisational forms and international classical traditions, plus family friendly programs.

Support Chicago's 100K Homes Fund The goal of Chicago Registry Week is to create a by-name registry of people living on our streets and shelters, so we can prioritize those who have been out there the longest and who are the most vulnerable.

Support Groups for Older Relatives Raising Children The Chicago Department of Family & Support Services is mindful that throughout Chicago, an ever growing number of people are devoting themselves to the daily care of loved ones. Whether the role of caregiver comes gradually, or through a sudden crisis, caregivers need somewhere to turn. That is why the Chicago Department of Family & Support Services has expanded our Caregiver Support Program to meet the essential needs of family caregivers.

Taste of Chicago Taste of Chicago is the nation's premier outdoor food festival showcasing the diversity of Chicago's dining community.

The City of Chicago Food Truck Rally The first Food Truck Rally of its kind presented by the City of Chicago, Goose Island Beer Company and Illinois Lottery will take place on Daley Plaza, Friday, Oct. 11.

The Light Up Chicago Volunteer Program The Light Up Chicago Volunteer Program is conducting a citywide search for Chicagoans with civic minds, warm hearts, and helping hands available to assist senior citizens. Chicago's senior community is just as diverse as the city itself. Depending on your interests, skills, and availability, the Chicago Department of Family & Support Services offers various volunteer opportunities.

Under The Picasso - October Schedule The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events presents FREE cultural programs year round weekdays at Noon at the Daley Civic Center.

Understanding your water bill

University of Chicago - First Friday Lecture Series Steven Schroeder is the guest lecturer at the University of Chicago's First Friday Lecture Series on October 4th. The topic is A Song of Freedom: Reinventing the Franciscan Revolution.

Veterans Day Remembrance Ceremony Veterans Day Remembrance Ceremony, which will be held “on the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month” at Soldier Field. (November 11, 11 am) Enter at Gate 0.

Volunteering at Chicago Animal Care and Control Animal Care & Control welcomes volunteers to assist in the socialization and adoption of animals housed at Animal Care & Control.

Water Bill Rates & Charges Water Bill Rates & Charges

What is Domestic Violence? Domestic violence occurs when one partner uses physical, emotional, sexual and/or financial abuse to maintain power and control over the other.

What is a Public Health Emergency? A public health emergency is any adverse event (natural or man-made) that compromises the health of the population and has the potential to cause widespread illness

Who is CCHR? The Commission on Human Relations promotes appreciation of Chicago's diversity and works to eliminate prejudice and discrimination. Commissioners, advisory councils, and staff conduct pro-active programs of education, intervention, and constituency building to discourage bigotry and bring people from different groups together.