In October, Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-16th) received the Neighborhood Leadership Award and was recognized as a "Neighborhood Hero" for Auburn Gresham. Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS) - a nonprofit neighborhood revitalization organization providing loans, free homebuyer education classes, foreclosure counseling and reclamation of abandoned properties - honored Sen. Collins and seven other community advocates for their "outstanding leadership in rebuilding Chicago's neighborhoods." NHS staff produced a video, shown at the award presentation, of Sen. Collins at work in Auburn Gresham and talking about her revitalization efforts there.

Sen. Collins spent most of her childhood in Auburn Gresham and still lives in the South-side neighborhood, which she now represents in the state legislature. She has been a tireless advocate for Auburn Gresham and the other communities of the 16th District. Neighborhood improvement strategies she champions include foreclosure prevention, bringing fresh produce to "food deserts," promoting the upkeep of abandoned properties and taking a stand against violence.

"I am deeply moved by my inclusion among tonight's award recipients," said Sen. Collins. "Auburn Gresham is a special place to me, and it is always an honor to represent this neighborhood and work for its residents. Neighborhood revitalization is extremely important to me, because change has to start locally. It's a privilege to work with countless people who consistently lend a hand to their neighbors and take pride in where they live."