12/28/2017
A treasure indeed. She welcomed us artist!
Thank you Teresa Walton for everything!
Teresa Walton passed away on 12/27/17. Teresa was the President of the Grove Parc Tenants Association, a leader of STOP, and a community treasure. Teresa looked after all the kids in the neighborhood and loved them as her own. She was compassionate, joyful, and deeply committed to her community.
Over the course of 7 years Teresa helped develop the Grove Parc Tenants Association into an independent organization that advocated for the redevelopment of Grove Parc to preserve subsidized housing in Woodlawn, and that programs and investment benefit long time residents and youth. Teresa was part of the team who in 2015 won the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement with Preservation of Affordable Housing which lays out a legally binding commitment to preserve Grove Parc's affordable housing, hire residents and community members, and invest in programs for residents and community. Ms. Walton also stood with the youth in the successful fight for the Trauma Center at the University of Chicago and helped build the campaign for a Community Benefits Agreement with the Obama Library. Teresa also helped develop a free summer lunch program and organized countless holiday parties and community gift drives. Teresa stood up for those who could not stand up for themselves and was guided by a huge heart and endless compassion. Teresa was always willing to stretch and grow and rise to the occasion. Her presence helped us all grow along with her.
More than anything we will miss her warm smile, her thoughtfulness, and her loving heart. Teresa always made sure you had a water bottle, a chance to win something in the raffle, and let you know you were appreciated. We hope she knows how appreciated she is. We love you Teresa. Rest in Power.