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Vernell Givens

Vernell Givens

Ms. Vernell Givens was born and raised on the Westside of Chicago. She attended Jacob Beider Elementary School and went on to further her education at John Marshall High School where she graduated. At the start of Ms. Givens journey, she met the love of her life and got married in 1967, eventually giving birth to 2 children.

Ms. Givens started her first job at Sears Roebuck Co., where she worked for over 17 years before they closed. They moved her employment to Dash Messenger Service as an office manager, where she held many positions throughout her life. Ms. Givens always showed up at work, willing and ready to face everyday challenges with a plan to help others and solve any problem. Many of Ms. Givens’ employees, along with high authorities, saw her sacrifice and offered her a promotion. Not too long after she furthered her employment as an Investigative Reporter for Peter Karl, who had his own production company.

Ms. Givens loved God and wanted to help seniors within her community. She started a senior program called “Seniors On The Move” with over 65 people at Christ Tabernacle M.B. Church under the late leader Pastor Milton Brunson where she served proud and faithfully. The “Seniors On The Move” Organization name was just that, as they were constantly on the move serving many people, including the homeless, making sure they had clothes and food. Ms. Givens took on so much responsibility and as time went on, she got overwhelmed and became a little ill, resulting in a short break in life to rest.

Ms. Givens eventually restarted her life and got hired as an LAC President for CHA where she interacted with 16 buildings. As a child it was planted in her to help others, especially seniors. On today, Mrs. Givens serves the seniors well because the bible says love each other as God loved you. On top of all her accomplishments listed above, we can’t leave out the long days and nights she spent cooking for her 3 special events: Juneteenth, The Luau and Christmas. Where she made sure no one left without eating. Ms. Givens wants to see her community move forward by seeing Seniors receive the assistance that they deserve and more leaders like Alderman Jason Ervin.

Welcome to the 28th Ward Office

Your Local Partner for Community Growth and Development

At the 28th Ward Office, we are committed to fostering a thriving, equitable, and safe community for all who call the ward home. From residents and businesses to community stakeholders, we work collaboratively to ensure that your voice is heard and your needs are met.

Our mission is rooted in the belief that local government should be transparent, accessible, and proactive in addressing the unique challenges and opportunities within our neighborhoods. We strive to ensure that every resident feels valued, every business feels supported, and every stakeholder knows their contributions matter. Our office is here to provide guidance, resources, and solutions that enhance the quality of life for everyone in the 28th Ward.

The 28th Ward is a tapestry of cultures, businesses, and families who all contribute to the vibrancy of our community. We take pride in supporting initiatives that foster growth, whether through economic development, improving local infrastructure, or advocating for affordable housing and public safety. By actively engaging with residents, hosting community meetings, and gathering feedback, we ensure our work aligns with the priorities of those we serve.

We understand that lasting progress comes from collaboration. That’s why we partner with local organizations, schools, and businesses to implement programs that address critical needs like education, employment opportunities, and public health. Whether you’re seeking assistance with city services, have ideas to improve your block, or want to get involved in local initiatives, our team is here to listen and take action.

At the 28th Ward Office, we don’t just represent the community — we are part of it. Together, we can build a stronger, safer, and more inclusive ward where everyone has the opportunity to flourish. We look forward to working with you to achieve this vision and making the 28th Ward a place we’re all proud to call home.