I did not have any preconceived ideas about what to expect as I pulled into the parking lot behind an elementary school and in the shadow of the Orange Line elevated tracks.

Yet, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little surprised when I walked into the well-lit, open lobby and saw an information kiosk in the center, a merchandise booth in the corner to my right, and a 4-5 table coffee shop on my left.

It was...professional. Like going to a hotel ballroom for a seminar or conference. But it was also familiar, and definitely had a come-as-you-are vibe. There was a signature book for first-time visitors placed at each aisle as you enter the auditorium.

As I waited for the event to begin, I flipped through the brochure I’d been given, and watched the scattered small groups of people chatting in the auditorium. In the upper right hand corner of the informational brochure, I noticed a small box of text titled Weekly Budget. Listed underneath was the organization’s budget for the week, and the amount of money they had raised from donations in the previous week.

This is the first place I’ve been, so far, that mentioned how much they spend. It seems to be an effort to build trust through transparency. I wonder what led to the decision to share this information with visiting guests and committed members alike.

I think, on some level, this small disclosure had an effect on me. I felt better about the projectors, sound stage, screens, speakers, and modern decor in this auditorium which were a contrast to the nondescript and understated exterior of this building and the buildings on the the surrounding blocks.

The journey continues in the Archer Heights neighborhood on the southwest side, at the corner of 51st and Keeler.

Intro Theme Music: Victory Lap by QSTN ft. Mecca:83
Background Music: http://www.bensound.com/

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