If it isn’t clear to you by now, the problems of the past aren’t the past at all. Whether it be the practice of slave catching, Jim Crow, voter intimidation or the coordinated decision to starve communities into compliance, that sordid past is today’s unfortunate present. That’s why Social Change will be partnering with Black farmers, businesses, religious leaders, attorneys, creatives, filmmakers and community leaders this month to: - remove the legal barriers Black and Brown sisters and brothers preventing us from accessing quality housing, jobs and starting businesses - bring healthy food to our elders, parents and children impacted by the SNAP cuts and beyond - start our organizing and getting the vote efforts, not in September, but now to overcome the clear efforts to let a handful determine upcoming election outcomes and not the people - share stories of injustice and triumph Our elders showed us how to overcome, let’s fight the good fight to do our part in carrying that torch. Want to be involved? Dm us or email us at socialchange@sociachange.site Support this work by donating at the link in our bio #socialchange #community #love #freedom #blackhistorymonth
Out of the Closet Thrift Store is opening in Hyde Park 🎉 Celebrate opening day and shop great deals while supporting HIV/AIDS care and services through AIDS Healthcare Foundation @aidshealthcare ! Every purchase helps fund lifesaving work. Jan 31 1–5 PM 1709 E. 53rd St. Del Prado Building Shop with purpose 🛍️💜
Still thinking about everyone who trusted us with their story. These moments don’t end when the event does. We’re working through each case carefully and intentionally, alongside our legal partners @rightsandrestorationlaw and @lincolnlegalaid, and with the support of our community partners @sendoristurner , @tspatcap1908 @ascendflowershop @blacc_ahf @hyvee and @aidshealthcare. This work takes time, but it’s moving forward. #community #love #freelegaladvice #chicago #socialchange
These aren’t statistics. These are real people. Sitting and listening to story after story is truly heartbreaking. You hear how one mistake, often from many years ago, continues to block someone from moving forward with their life. You feel the weight of how hard people have worked to change, grow, and do better, yet still face closed doors at every turn. What makes this especially painful is that these barriers don’t just punish the past. They restrict the future. They limit access to opportunity, stability, and the ability to fully move forward, even when accountability has already been taken and real change has happened. This work doesn’t happen alone. It happens because volunteers show up with care and patience @only1maribody @renacaptures @desttiinnyy97 @ryan.alexander222 Because legal partners give their time and expertise @rightsandrestorationlaw @lincolnlegalaid . Because community members trust us with their stories. Because leaders like Senator Doris Turner @sendoristurner continue to stand with the belief that people deserve the chance to move forward. And because partners like Dominic from the Springfield Project @tspatcap1908 , Claire from Ascend Co-Lab @ascendflowershop , Imara and Kendall from AHF/BLACC @blacc_ahf @aidshealthcare show up for communities that are too often overlooked. ‼️Expungement isn’t about pretending the past didn’t happen.It’s about recognizing growth and allowing it to count. We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this possible and to every person who trusted us enough to share their truth.✊🏽🙌 This is what justice looks like in real life. This is Social Change. Follow @chisocialchange Visit socialchange.site to register for the next event coming soon. Share this with someone who needs to see it #instagood #chicago #freedom #community #love
On this MLK Day, we honor Dr. King by doing the work he called us to do. Turning words into action and justice into access. Today we hosted an expungement and record sealing event because freedom is not just symbolic. It is the ability to work, to secure housing, to care for your family, and to move forward without the weight of the past holding you back. Thankful to our partners @tspatcap1908 @ascendflowershop @rightsandrestorationlaw @lincolnlegalaid @blacc_ahf @ahf_events , and Senator Doris Turner @sendoristurner @hyvee and our volunteers & community for standing with us and showing what service looks like in real time. This is what honoring Dr. King’s legacy means to us. Removing barriers. Restoring dignity. Creating real pathways forward. ✊🏾🕊️
There are only two Kings that I recognize in this country: 1) Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. &, of course; 2) Burger King 👑 lol But, only one warned us of the 3 evils of racism, materialism and militarism. Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Whether you’re in Chicago, or Springfield, or anywhere nationwide, take time to ponder the wisdom and unfortunate relevance of his words—even in the current day—and commit tomorrow to doing what King did best: serve. And if you don’t know where to go to serve, join our partners at AIDS Healthcare Foundation BLACC, The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center and the Social Change team at any of the below! #MLK #MLKDay
The 8th Annual King Day of Service takes place on Monday, January 19, 2026. Volunteers will gather at DuSable Campus for check in, breakfast, and an inspirational program before being deployed together to service projects at schools and community organizations across the city. This coordinated day of action honors Dr. King’s legacy through service, connection, and collective impact. Registration is required. Please complete the registration form and enter “AHF” exactly as the sponsor name so the group stays together. Register at www.OrganicOneness.org
✊🏽Advocacy is not always visible, but it is always necessary. Social Change was proud to be one of the partner organizations with Black Voters Matter and others to fight alongside ACLU in their effort to pack the Capitol today in furtherance of efforts to protect civil rights and increase access to justice, jobs, business ownership and housing. Today was spent in direct conversation with state senators, the Governor’s team, and state representative teams and staff. Conversations like these don’t always happen on stages or in front of cameras, but they always happen in rooms where decisions are made. Blessings to all who fight the fight to address the root causes responsible for so much of the pain and harm our communities endure. And special thanks to @focusforhealth & @blackvotersmatter for providing the support to make it possible for Social Change to be in a position to make the impact our communities need and deserve. #ATL #atlanta #georgia #statecapitol #policy
Our ED Todd Belcore on A More Perfect Union WITH @kbla1580 @drniiquartelai speaking truth, accountability, and justice as the FBI takes over the Minnesota shooting probe. These conversations matter, because real change starts with naming harm and demanding answers.
💵🗳️Your dollar is a vote. Every time we spend money, we are choosing what kind of world we want to live in. ‼️Choosing to support local businesses and community based organizations keeps resources where they belong. In the hands of the people. In neighborhoods. In real solutions. 🪴Investing in community gardens is investing in food access, health, and dignity. It is about growing more than food. It is about growing power. Supporting organizations that are actually doing the work means less control by systems that profit off inequity and more freedom for communities to meet their own needs. Change does not only happen at the ballot box. It happens every day in how we spend, who we support, and where we place our trust. Choose wisely. Choose community. Choose change. Donate 🩷 Volunteer 🩷 Partner www.socialchange.site #socialchange #chicago #community #love #instagood
🎆Happy New Year’s Eve, family! I wanted to take a quick second to remind you that there are many reasons to give *today* before the day ends. Here are three: 1) Pay less taxes (as donations are tax deductible); 2) Making all the below possible so fewer families and children are hungry, without warm clothes or without the housing and jobs they need to take care of themselves and their families; & 3) Monthly donors get a free Social Change T-shirt, and see(d) change bracelet as a gift of appreciation from us! DONATE AT www.socialchange.site or link in our bio! Thanks for not just talking about the need for change but doing something to make change happen. Grateful for you. We also want to extend our deepest thanks to the partners who stood with us this year and helped make this work possible, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, BLACC, AHF, Focus for Health, and Ascend Co-Lab. Your trust, care, and commitment to our communities helped turn compassion into real support for families when they needed it most. Here’s to more in 26’. In solidarity, Todd Social Change’s Executive Director #socialchange #chicago #donated #community #love
Springfield friends 💜 we’re bringing free record clearance support to the city. Join us for a FREE Record Clearance Event to start the process of expunging or sealing your criminal record. This event is open to everyone and there is no cost to attend ⚖️✨ 📅 Monday, January 19, 2026 ⏰ 1 PM to 6 PM 📍 1908 Innovation & Coworking Center 1100 S Grand Ave East Springfield, IL 62703 📲 Scan the QR code to register or visit socialchange.site 📞 Questions call 708 629 1783 Clearing a record can open doors to jobs, housing, and peace of mind 🚪🏡💼 We’re proud to partner with community organizations working to break barriers and support second chances 🤝 ‼️Please note: We can only assist with Illinois state cases — not federal or out-of-state offenses. (All drug cases are accepted, need 30 day drug free test for court) Please share with anyone who may need this 💜
Looking for a meaningful year end gift? Support justice. Support food access. Support community led solutions. Your donation to Social Change is 100% tax deductible and makes an immediate impact where it is needed most. Donate today. Change tomorrow. socialchange.site/donate
What a weekend. Records cleared. Warm clothes shared. Toys in little hands. Smiles everywhere. Community taking care of community and creating space for fresh starts. None of this happens without the volunteers @only1maribody @desttiinnyy97 and partners who showed up, stayed late, and gave their time and heart. From legal support to setup, sorting, and distribution, you made this moment possible. Thank you for believing in second chances and showing what real community looks like. Brought to you by: Social Change @chisocialchange Ascend Co Lab for Social Equity @ascendflowershop The Port Ministries @portministries Rights and Restoration Law Group @rightsandrestorationlaw BLACC, and AHF @blacc_ahf
🔴LIVE Stop by 5017 S Hermitage for a free clothes drive! Now till 5pm
‼️Past records and cold weather should never hold anyone back. Come get help clearing your record and grab free warm clothing. Everything is free and open to everyone.‼️ While you wait play some games with @beatsboardsbrushes #free #chicago #expungementclinic #community #love
People are doing everything right. They are raising children. Working. Healing. Growing. Staying out of trouble for years. Serving their communities. Trying to build stability and opportunity. Yet one line on a record can still hold them back from jobs, housing, safety, and dignity. No one should be punished for the rest of their life for a mistake they already paid for. No one should be denied the chance to provide for their family. And no one should have to fight this hard for a fresh start. Over the last year, we have been collecting real data from the people who come to us for help clearing their records. Reading these stories over and over again is heartbreaking because every reason is a reminder of how hard the system makes it to move forward. That is why Social Change does this work. That is why expungement matters. And that is why we will keep showing up for our people. If you want to help, there are three ways to support this work. ✨Share this post so more people know their rights. ✨Volunteer at our clinics so our neighbors don’t have to face this alone. ✨Donate so we can continue providing free legal support to families who need it most. We have two expungement events coming up. December 13 in Chicago 5013 S Hermitage 12-3pm January 19 in Springfield 1101 S Grand Ave E 1-6pm Huge thank you to our incredible partners who make this work possible: Ascend Co Lab @ascendflowershop BLACC & AHF @blacc_ahf Rights & Restoration @rightsandrestorationlaw The Port Ministries @portministries Life Impactors @lifeimpactersfnd Senator Dorris Turner @sendoristurner The Springfield Project @tspatcap1908 Land of Lincoln Legal Aid @lincolnlegalaid Focus For Health @focusforhealth And every volunteer who shows up with love and commitment for our community. #chicago #springfield #freedom #expungementclinic #instagood
🎉Honoring the people who show up for our communities and welcoming everyone who feels called to make a difference. This is a perfect moment to get involved and become a volunteer with Social Change. Whether you’ve been rocking with us for years or you’re just getting to know our work, you’re invited. Bring a friend, meet the team, and see how your gifts can help create real impact. See you December 13 from 3 to 6 pm at 5013 S Hermitage in Chicago. Everyone is welcome. ♥️ All volunteers from @portministries are welcomed #socialchange #chicago #party
📣CHICAGO! On December 13 we’re hosting a Record Clearing and Warm Clothing Pop-Up at The Port Ministries. If you’ve been putting this off or didn’t know where to start, this is your moment. And if you or someone you know needs warm clothes for the winter, we’ve got free gently used items waiting. Pull up, bring a friend, and let’s make that “one more chance” mean something real. @beatsboardsbrushes will be there playing board games while people wait! Check them out! 📅Saturday December 13 ⏰12 to 3 PM 📍The Port Ministries 5013 S Hermitage Chicago Register for record clearing at www.socialchange.site This event is brought to the community for free by: @chisocialchange @ascendflowershop @rightsandrestorationlaw @portministries @blacc_ahf @ahf_events @beatsboardsbrushes #free #freedom #chicago #socialchange #community #love #instalike #ascend #blacc #ahf #recordclearing #expungement #sealing #secondchance
On Friday December 19th Social Change and The Dearborn Homes @chicagohousingauthority will be sharing free gently used toys with families who could use a little extra joy this season. No strings, no sign up, just community taking care of community. If you’d like to support, please help us spread the word or volunteer with us on the day of. Join us, volunteer with us, or simply share this post so more families know where to find free support this month. Let’s make sure every child feels the magic of being seen. 🎁♥️ #free #community #love #toys #christmas #socialchange