People are the Answer. Volunteer.

Please Update Your Links

2011-02-08T07:33:00.000-08:00

The Chicago Cares blog has moved to Wordpress! Check out the latest news and stories from our events, volunteers and community partners at http://chicagocares.wordpress.com.

Amazing Opportunities in 2011 at Chicago Cares!

2010-12-13T16:29:00.000-08:00

As we approach a new year the Chicago Cares team has been working hard to prepare new and exciting volunteer opportunities! In 2011, Chicago Cares is expanding programs and creating innovative ways for volunteers and leaders to get involved. New project models, events, leadership and volunteer opportunities will be available to address needs in communities across the Chicagoland area. In the upcoming year Chicago Cares will also be celebrating our 20-year anniversary! As an organization we have enlisted over 330,000 volunteers in service and contributed over 1.15 million hours of community service to Chicago! Our wonderful volunteers and partners can look forward to even more quality service opportunities and experiences in the upcoming year. Please encourage your friends, colleagues and family to volunteer with us in 2011. We wouldn’t be able to continue our impact without you and your volunteers!

Be sure to keep connected to our current events and volunteer opportunities in 2011!

People are the Answer. Volunteer.

www.chicagocares.org

Leader Spotlight: John Nagle

2010-12-10T06:53:00.000-08:00

John Nagle is our Leader Spotlight this month. John joined Chicago Cares in 2009 and immediately got involved with our children’s recreation programs. John’s enthusiasm at his projects keeps the volunteers engaged, keeps the kids coming back, and energizes other leaders at his site - Young School. John is currently a leader with Young Sports League and his flexibility is an attribute that has also enabled him to help out with many other programs.

We asked John about his experiences with Chicago Cares projects:

Why do you volunteer at Young Sports League?

“I love teaching the kids sports and trying to be a positive role model for the kids. I have always had this love of sports/coaching and it's great that Chicago Cares has a program where I can realize this.”

Why do you think others should volunteer at Young Sports League or other programs?

“Because it and other programs are so helpful to the kids [and] people that attend them. I feel like I am being a good role model for the kids. I'm also giving the kids attention that they might not be getting at home. You actually might brighten someone's day by communicating with them or showing them some attention. If you are a giving outgoing person, Chicago Cares is the place for you!! You can use your personality for people [and] kids that might need your help.”

What do you enjoy most about your Chicago Cares leadership role?

“It's just connecting with others, whether [it’s through] recruiting/meeting volunteers, playing sports with the kids on their level or bonding with the staff at Young. It's all about the people that I meet. I love people!!”

What is one leadership technique, tip or trick that you'd like to share with fellow leaders?

“…Be aggressive in your leadership… Also, show the more introverted kids/people more attention… Talk to them and try to include them more. Also, Andrew [another leader] showed me to introduce everyone before we play. I still do this because it makes each kid feel important instead of just coming and playing. Make them feel special!”

We are excited to have John as a member of our leadership team. We thank him for his commitment to Young School and Chicago Cares.

Volunteering Does Your Body Good...

2010-12-07T08:48:00.000-08:00

“Volunteering makes the heart grow stronger,” said David Eisner, CEO. “More than 61 million Americans volunteer to improve conditions for people in need and to unselfishly give of themselves. While the motivation is altruistic, it is gratifying to learn that their efforts are returning considerable health benefits.”

This quote is from a study conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service click here. Just amazing! Who would have thought when I signed up to tutor elementary kids in reading or serve dinner to the homeless, I was actually treating my body to some TLC?

Friends, here is life-changing information. This is information that will make you go directly to our website, www.chicagocares.org, and register to volunteer more than you ever have before.

Volunteering benefits both mental and physical health; for many of us, this is great news.

Volunteering increases self-confidence. A healthy boost to your self-confidence, self-esteem and life satisfaction is what the doctor ordered. Doing well for others and the community, provides a natural sense of accomplishment.
Volunteering combats depression. Reducing the risk of depression is another important benefit of volunteering. It keeps you in regular contact with others and helps you develop a solid support system. This, in turn, protects you against stress and depression when you’re going through challenging times.
Volunteering helps you stay physically healthy. Volunteering is good for your health at any age, but it’s especially beneficial in older adults. Volunteering has also been shown to lessen symptoms of chronic pain or heart disease.

Well, I know what I’m going to do right before I log off my computer, what are YOU going to do?

Why Volunteer? Why Not?!

2010-12-07T07:51:00.000-08:00

At Chicago Cares, we are fortunate to have a lot of amazing and very dedicated volunteers who understand the importance of service and realize all rewards associated with it. Occasionally, however, we hear questions from outsiders who don’t fully grasp the purpose of or privileges involved with volunteering. We would like to highlight some of the many reasons you should volunteer, and you may be surprised by some of the benefits!

Make a Difference

It’s a given that volunteering provides an opportunity to help others and to make an impact on the world. You can contribute to a cause that you care about, share your passion with others, and give back to your community. By committing a bit of your time, you can support families, improve schools, beautify your neighborhood, changes the lives of children and youth. But your contribution doesn’t stop with each hour you give. According to the Independent Sector, a volunteer’s time is estimated to be worth an average of $20.85 per hour! That means that by volunteering, you are enabling monetary resources to be stretched further and spent on other initiatives and local improvements.

Make Friends and Social Connections

Facebook, Twitter, and social media are great, but human interaction is even better! Get out in your community, meet new people, and make new friends. If you have recently moved, volunteering is a great way to check out your new city or neighborhood and start making connections! Volunteering is also a great way to build professional contacts and network with a variety of people. Love connections have also been known to happen at service projects from time to time – but we make no guarantees!

Help Your Career and Build Your Resume

Volunteering can help you learn new skills to add to your resume, and it looks great to employers and schools. It’s also a great way to develop communication, teamwork, and leadership skills! If you are considering a career change, volunteering your time at a local agency or non-profit can help you explore new possibilities. If you are unemployed, volunteering can fill employment gaps on your resume and allow you make important networking connections! You can stay sharp and use your skills in a productive way that also benefits others.

Better Yourself

If you feel like you need a change, challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone and expand your horizons. If you crunch numbers all day, get involved with artistic or creative projects. Or if you don’t interact much with children or seniors, try it out! Many people find they feel better about themselves, and discover new passions or skills when they volunteer. It can also provide a sense of belonging and purpose to those who are going through life transitions. AARP recently reported that chronic loneliness is becoming an increasing problem among those age 45 and older; yet, they also found that people who volunteered were less likely to report being lonely that those who did not.

Keep Learning

By working with non-profit organizations and public schools or agencies, you can learn a lot about local government and municipal operations. Through educational programs with children or adults, you could freshen up your math skills, brush up on your Spanish, or make a connection between history and current events. Volunteers may also find hidden talents or learn something new about themselves in the process!

It’s Good for Your Health

In a survey released by UnitedHealthcare, volunteers reported reduced stress levels and said that volunteering made them feel healthier; additionally, it suggests that volunteers even have healthier BMIs than people who do not volunteer. This survey also shows that people who volunteer are more satisfied with their lives and optimistic than non-volunteers. And according to a report released by the Corporation for National and Community Service, several studies have shown that volunteers have lower mortality rates, better health, and lower levels of depression.

If That Isn’t Enough…

In case you still are not convinced, Chicago Cares Service Events Coordinator, Megan Germain, explains her motivation for volunteering:

“I would not consider myself a very religious person, rather more spiritual, but Luke 12:48 says, “To whom much is given is much required.” I certainly do not have oodles of time and money to give away; however, I still have a lot to be thankful for. I have a warm, safe house, a loving family, and nutritious food at every meal.

Money may not be something I can easily part with, but I can sacrifice an extra hour or two a week that I would ordinarily spend in front of the television or on Facebook. My time is better used helping others to achieve safe, warm housing or a good meal. Much has been given to me in life, via pure luck, hard work, or other’s generosity. It is merely my civic duty to pay that forward. Imagine if everyone were to give of their time as it equates with the blessings in their lives - what would the world be like?”

Spread Some Cheer...Throughout the Year!

2010-11-23T15:38:00.000-08:00

It’s that time of year once again! Feasts are being planned. Gift lists are being made. Festive moods and generous spirits are abundant. Right around this time, Chicago Cares starts receiving calls from people who want to volunteer in a way that will make someone’s holiday a little brighter. We also want to spread the cheer and have several opportunities for those wishing to give back all season-long. Please note that our Thanksgiving programs filled up quickly, as do all of our holiday celebrations, so be sure to sign up early!

Most of our children’s programs that take place at various schools and agencies around the city will be celebrating the season with special activities and field trips, especially on December 4. You can also pack food baskets at Breakthrough Urban Ministries in East Garfield Park on December 22 to ensure that local families can enjoy a warm Christmas dinner together. On December 24, you can help prepare and serve a hearty holiday meal for the women at Deborah’s Place on the Near North Side.

Chicago Cares is also going caroling on December 11 and 18! Break out your fuzzy hats and warm up your vocal chords – although no choral experience is required! Join other volunteers and some Chicago Cares staff to bring joy to seniors at several nursing homes and independent-living facilities around the city! Song books and refreshments will be available, as well as transportation between the sites. Remember to sign up early to secure a spot!

We are grateful for the abundance of eager individuals who want to volunteer this time of year, and we often hear from our partners that they also see an increase in volunteers around the holidays. This season certainly brings out the best in people and some are disappointed if there isn’t space left at special holiday projects. On behalf of all those we serve, we would like to encourage everyone to remember that the needs being met on holidays can also be met every other day of the year, too! If your favorite project is already full, why not try a new one the following week or maybe even the following month? After the holiday festivities have quieted down and people have returned to their regular schedules, you may just cross paths with the same seniors or same children on a day when they really need some extra attention – and that interaction may mean the world to them.

Leader Spotlight: Lexi Tarnow

2010-11-15T10:56:00.000-08:00

Volunteering with Chicago Cares became a lot more exciting in February 2009 when Lexi Tarnow joined our organization. Lexi started volunteering at a variety of ongoing hunger and health programs and quickly transitioned into a leadership role within her first six months. Since then, we’ve heard that every project with Lexi is like a party! She is passionate about the work that happens at her projects and makes sure everyone knows how important their role is in the process.

Lexi shared some information with us about her program ‘Shopping on Broadway’:

“This project is very unique in its set-up, but not in its mission. Like many projects within Chicago Cares, even though we volunteers are often behind the scenes, what we have accomplished does not go unnoticed. With each list we check, and each shopping cart we fill up, we are essentially getting our clients food that will sustain them and their families for the coming days and weeks. Nothing is better than realizing that! [Shopping on Broadway] and many [Chicago Cares] projects can be summed up by this quote: ‘No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another’ (Unknown).”

We also asked Lexi what she enjoys most about her Chicago Cares leadership role. This is what she had to say: “Just one day a month not only helps the clients, but new friendships are also made between all of us which strengthens our community! An outgoing bunch, we chat and catch up on each others’ lives all while shopping, restocking shelves, and bagging groceries. That camaraderie is something each of us looks forward to, not to mention what makes my leadership role so fun…and easy! This project wouldn’t be nearly as successful without the ‘A Team’!”

Since Lexi’s projects are so popular, we wanted to know what leadership trick she would pass on to others. She said, “If your project allows it…tunes! Music keeps the energy up and the clients love to sing along (and dance) too!”

Chicago Cares appreciates Lexi’s energy and enthusiasm. You can meet Lexi at ‘Shopping on Broadway’ projects one Saturday each month.

Lead at Chicago Cares' Annual Celebration of Service!

2010-11-15T10:01:00.000-08:00

Celebration of Service is coming up on Saturday, January 15, 2011 and with the holidays fast approaching, that day will be here before you know it! On this day, we celebrate the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. of community and non-violence. To that end, we also celebrate the fact that people are the answer. Community and non-violence cannot be achieved simply out of legislation, financial contributions, or a quiet life. It takes many people to participate and invest, and it takes leadership to help drive this change.

In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time: the need for man to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to oppression and violence. Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.” As a Project Site Manager (“PSM”), you can be an example of this love through service and leadership.

During Celebration of Service, Chicago Cares will send out approximately 4,000 volunteers throughout the city of Chicago to aid schools and non-profit agencies in facility improvement and beautification projects, as well as engage youth, seniors, and adults with disabilities in fun, interactive and educational programs.

We need experienced leaders to join this effort and make a difference in both the organizations we serve as well as in our individual volunteers. This is one day that can lead to a year of excited school spirit for a student who will be walking down newly painted halls; one day where memories of conversations had between seniors and youth will be remembered fondly; one day that can jump start a lifetime of service for a volunteer!

Watch your e-mail for an invitation to sign up as a Project Site Manager soon. The team at Chicago Cares will make sure you receive all the training you need to make this day a success. Thank you in advance on behalf of all the lives you will be affecting!

Thank You, Leaders!

2010-11-15T09:58:00.000-08:00

During the holiday season most of us reflect on our year and our family, and start to get introspective. During Thanksgiving you might share your thankfulness for others around the dinner table with family and friends. In the spirit of thankfulness, the Chicago Cares family wants to personally say “THANK YOU” to all of our treasured leaders and volunteers!

We love all of our volunteers, but without the dedication of our leaders we wouldn’t be able to serve even a small percentage of the organizations we partner with or offer opportunities for even a portion of the volunteers that we have! Below are just a few of the many reasons the Chicago Cares team loves our leaders.

“I am thankful for the amount of time and dedication each of our leaders gives to their programs and students. Our leaders are the most energetic, inspiring people! I am motivated every week by their stories and updates.” -Alisha G. Flores

“I’m thankful for our volunteer leaders because their impact extends beyond any one project they lead. Each Youth in Service project is just as much about encouraging youth volunteers on a path of continued service as it is about meeting community needs. The multiplying effect our leaders can have is humbling.” -Erin Rasler

“I love that our leaders get so invested in their programs – they are really dedicated to the work they do and constantly help us improve our programs. With all the projects we have every month, it’s impossible to be at every one and see where we can improve. Having such great leaders at our projects enables us to make sure all our programs are the best they can possibly be for our community partners and volunteers.” -Joyce Cruz

"Chicago Cares leaders are the only reason I haven’t gone COMPLETELY bald…” – Dan Alberti

So THANK YOU LEADERS for your passion, enthusiasm, commitment and for encouraging us through the busy times so we don’t lose our hair! Without you Chicago Cares could not exist.

Giving Students a Chance to Explore Their Passions at Hinton

2010-11-02T11:26:00.000-07:00

Every time I am asked the question, “Which school is your favorite to work with?” I immediately know the answer: Hinton Elementary. Hinton is one of my favorite schools to work with because the students are excited to learn alongside the volunteers and the activities completed have a huge impact in students’ lives.

Saturday mornings at Hinton elementary are special, with students being able to choose from four Chicago Cares education programs: History Hunters, Students on Stage, Read-with-Me, or School News. This enables the students to explore topics that they do not have the time to investigate during the regular school day. These programs also represent a space for creativity as well as promote a way for students to develop critical social skills, both which provide support for academic achievement.

For me, participating alongside the 3rd through 8th graders at Hinton Elementary School is a relaxing way to spend a Saturday morning. I am always greeted with big, smiling faces from the students, who are energetically eager to participate in the day’s activity.

What I like the most about participating in the programs at Hinton is that there is something for all of the volunteers to choose from, depending on their own personal interests. And, the big, smiling faces that the students have at the close of each Saturday program make me count down the days on my calendar until the next project.

Our Office is Moving October 26th!

2010-10-20T08:19:00.000-07:00

Our new address is:

2 N Riverside Plaza, Suite 2200

Chicago, IL 60606

Although our phone and fax numbers will remain the same, those lines will be temporarily down on October 26 and 27 as we move. Thank you for your patience, and if you plan to visit or send mail, please be sure to use our new address.

Why I Work at Chicago Cares

2010-10-20T07:35:00.000-07:00

This post comes to us from Emily Collins, a Program Coordinator for our Children’s Education & Development Department. She manages a diverse set of children’s programming at multiple sites, one of which is Ella Flagg Young School.

Working for a nonprofit is work...a lot of work. Most people who ask what I do think it’s endless games, projects, and activities that make you feel good – and sometimes, that’s true. I also know that working for a nonprofit is long hours, endless dedication, and constant adaptability and creativity. Sometimes the job is overwhelming, sometimes it feels thankless, and sometimes it feels like I can do nothing right....and then sometimes it’s exactly what I am looking for.

Being in the office every day is hard work and I sometimes find myself forgetting why I am there. This past Saturday, however, I was once again reminded why I spend so many hours each week working in the office: to touch someone else’s life. I was the leader for Healthy Start at Young, one of six Chicago Cares programs that I coordinate at the school. I admit that I lacked motivation to get out of bed and head to a project early Saturday morning, but my love for working with children, as well as cooking, gave me push I needed to get up and drive to Young School.

One foot in the door, my whole outlook changed. I was first welcomed by Selena and Ashley, excited and inspired middle-school students ready to participate in Students on Stage with Andrew. Ms. Wilson brought Danaya and Darrell to build their reading skills at Read-with-Me while she volunteered at Healthy Start. Michelle and Samantha were ready to start experimenting with Abbey at Math + Science Club, and one of our most dedicated students, Rashae, arrived at Young with a big smile, ready to once again bet me about his like or dislike of our Healthy Start recipe. Rashae was here, ready to learn as always, and excited to make healthier decisions about his young life. I instantly felt like the Grinch and my small heart grew three sizes that instant.

I must admit that I have a slight bias: I love to cook and I studied nutrition and health education in college. Anyone interested in participating in Healthy Start excites me and instantly finds a place in my heart. Rashae, however, holds a particularly special place. I once won a bet against him that he would actually enjoy a burrito made with black beans and whole wheat tortillas. By making a fresh salsa, Rashae learned that grocery store items can be made healthier and tastier. This week, I showed him that squash (ew!) isn’t something scary and foreign but tasty and tricky; case in point: spaghetti squash. Rashae returns each time to Healthy Start resistant to eating healthy, yet each week beams with pride as he carefully packs up some of his food to bring home to his Grandma. (I also know, although he won’t always admit it, that he really likes the food.) Five minutes with him makes me remember why I work at Chicago Cares every day: I love working with kids and inspiring them to be their best selves.

I will not solve world peace. I will not end poverty or inequality. I cannot house all those who are homeless. But I can inspire a student to live a healthier lifestyle and make better choices. I can be a stable, positive presence in one child’s life. I can encourage others to volunteer. I can make a difference.

Introducing our NEW Volunteer & Leader Services team!

2010-10-19T07:41:00.000-07:00

Chicago Cares is very excited to announce the creation of the new Volunteer and Leader Services team! Thanks to our great Leaders and Volunteers, we are providing an ever increasing number of projects and resources to the Chicagoland area. Due to this increased presence, the time has come to centralize a Volunteer & Leader department within the organization. The creation of this department will streamline the volunteer and leader recruitment process for both our volunteers and staff.

Our team “veteran” is Abbie Davis who has been working at Chicago Cares for the past year as the Assistant to Programs and Service Events. She has managed our social media since last January and is very passionate about opening channels of communication with our volunteers. We are so glad that Abbie has accepted the new role of our Coordinator of Volunteer & Leader Services. Managing the department is Jennifer Brown, a newcomer to Chicago Cares who brings 9 years of nonprofit volunteer management experience.

Two more new staff members have also been added thanks to our relationship with the AmeriCorps Volunteer program. Our new Get HandsOn AmeriCorps Member, Leader Services is Claire Dooms. Claire is from the Chicago area and is no stranger to volunteering. She took part in a summer AmeriCorps program in Lake Tahoe’s Great Basin restoring, constructing and maintaining trails in a national forest. Rounding out the team is our Get HandsOn AmeriCorps Member, Volunteer Services, Lyzeth Mondragon. Lyzeth’s varied work and volunteer experience includes tutoring and clerking for a law firm.

The new team looks forward to getting to know our wonderful volunteers!

Thank You, Business Shares Leaders!

2010-10-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

Fall has traditionally been the busiest time of year for our Business Shares projects, and 2010 has been no exception. With the partnership of our great leaders, schools, community groups and corporate partners more schools have been enhanced to brighten the lives of students and community residents. Highlights from these volunteer projects below:

On September 11^th, approximately 350 volunteers joined Chicago Cares and the Chicago White Sox in transforming Alexander Graham Elementary School. Through their hard work, these volunteers were able to paint 21 classrooms, 16 murals (both wall and canvas), 13 mosaics, beautify the outdoors with planter benches and update the auditorium.

On September 24^th, Discover Financial Services’ Business Technology division brought 319 volunteers to serve with Chicago Cares in Zion, IL. In one day, this group was able to make over two schools. At one school alone, volunteers created nearly two dozen murals, built reading lofts and cubbies for the classrooms and overhauled the outside by adding line games and re-landscaping the school’s entrance. At another school, volunteers painted murals and constructed planter benches, planter beds and planter boxes. New seating and gathering areas were also created outside by constructing a flagstone path and benches. Discover volunteers also added a new baseball diamond to the field between the two schools so all of the students could enjoy the space.

On October 2^nd, over 600 volunteers from Medline transformed North Chicago's A. J. Katzenmaier School inside and out! Painting took place in hallways, classrooms, the gym and the cafeteria. Murals were created, a tile mosaic was completed reinforcing one of the school’s major ideas, that one must “READ TO SUCCEED.” Planter benches and boxes were built and placed around the grounds and a peace garden was created. Volunteers even constructed an outdoor teaching area for the students to learn in the shade of the school’s largest tree.

We can see the physical impact of these projects, but the true reward will be felt by the students, faculty, administrators and parents who will enjoy these brighter environments for years to come. Many thanks to all who donated their time!

November Leader Spotlight: Mike Brunlieb

2010-10-18T14:43:00.001-07:00

The Students on Stage program at Hinton Elementary school is quickly gaining interest with students, thanks to team coordinator Mike Brunlieb, who brings lots of energy and planned activities for students at each project. Mike joined Chicago Cares two and a half years ago and quickly saw potential for improv and acting programs for children. As a leader for Students on Stage Mike is able to pull from his personal knowledge and experience as an accomplished improv performer in Chicago and share it with eager youth.

When we talked with Mike he shared some of his amazing experiences with his programs. As students begin the program they are sometimes very resistant to learning improv or feel awkward, but quickly begin to open up, letting their intuition guide them. He sees improv and acting as an opportunity for the youth to drop their pretences and toughness.

“I think that improvisation is unique in the way allows people of different ages and backgrounds to create something together. When people drop their cool, and start really playing, especially people who would normally have little contact with one another, something wonderful happens. There's nothing like it!”

Mike stands out as a leader for this children’s program because he takes the time to sit down with the kids and get to know them, laugh with them, and listen to their stories. The students have told us that they are excited to return to his projects.

Mike enjoys the leadership role for the program because it allows him to include colleagues from across different theaters in the city as guest speakers. He also uses the opportunity to expose the students to a variety of styles, techniques, and skills.

Thanks Mike for your commitment to Chicago Cares, your program at Hinton Elementary, and the many students and volunteers you work with at each project!

Lead at the Celebration of Service and Honor Dr. King

2010-10-18T14:38:00.000-07:00

It may be hard to believe, but January will be here before we know it. Please consider leading a project at the 2011 Celebration of Service on January 15^th.

What does it mean to be a Chicago Cares Leader for Celebration of Service? You will be trained to lead a small group of volunteers (encourage your friends and family to BE those volunteers!) as they take part in one of our various projects to brighten the lives of children, seniors or adults with disabilities. Volunteer opportunities can range from throwing a birthday party for Dr. King to creating hope quilts or spending time with seniors. There are many projects for everyone to participate in!

In 2010 over 3,300 volunteers and leaders served more than 40 agencies and schools across Chicago during Celebration of Service. Each project is uniquely rewarding and reminds us that we can all make a difference—even in just one day. We hope you will join us on January 15^th!

Mastering Multiplication at Marillac Social Center

2010-10-14T13:18:00.000-07:00

This post comes to us from Martha Renken, one of our Education & Development Program Coordinators, managing programs as varied as Read-With-Me, Students on Stage, Healthy Start, Eco-Art, School News and Math + Science Club.

Most of us can probably recall the grueling chore of learning our times tables in elementary school. No matter how much teachers tried to make math fun—Around the World and Mad Minute games, prizes, you name it—the task of memorizing the entire multiplication table felt exhausting. We can probably also recall, however, how much finally memorizing these tables helped us move forward in math; from multiplying double digits and fractions to studying algebra, we never could have learned the lessons to come without knowing that 5 times 5 is 25.

Students at Marillac Social Center in East Garfield Park receive after school tutoring, but the tutoring program’s director notices that they struggle to move ahead in the subject of math because they have not yet mastered multiplication tables. Through Chicago Cares’ new Math + Science Club program at Marillac Social Center, students and volunteers will engage in hand-on experiments and activities, as well as incorporate the use of flashcards and games to encourage retention of vocabulary and times tables.

Alternating weeks with Math + Science Club is Read-with-Me, where students will have the opportunity to read with a volunteer before completing a creative craft activity that relates to that week’s book. Students will be exposed to a variety of authors and themes, and they will be encouraged to connect to the text and brainstorm during the creative process as they participate in the art activity.

Marillac Social Center is a non-profit organization providing early childhood education, teen mentoring, family support services, and companionship and assistance to the elderly. Mark your calendar for October 13 when Math + Science Club at Marillac will launch, followed by the launch of Read-with-Me on October 20. Marillac House is accessible by the Green Line just a few miles outside the Loop. Join Chicago Cares on Wednesday evenings and enhance a child’s education at Marillac Social Center.

Food Deserts in Chicago: How You Can Fight Hunger

2010-09-24T08:54:00.000-07:00

Hunger is an issue that plagues many low-income people throughout Chicago. Without an appropriate amount and variety of food, we lack the essential nutrients needed to stay healthy. But what if you were unable to buy fresh fruits and vegetables? What happens when it is just too hard to get these fresh, nutritious foods?

A food desert is an area with little or no access to full-service grocery stores that sell the food needed to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. In these food deserts, most people have to travel twice as far to get to a full-service grocery store as they have to travel to get to a fast food restaurant or convenience store. Without their own method of transportation, most people will shop at the food source closest to their home, despite their preferences or dietary restrictions. It is estimated that over 600,000 Chicagoans live in areas with an imbalance of food choices.^{^[1]}

In 2006, the Mari Gallagher Research & Consulting Group submitted a report on the impact of Food Deserts on Chicago neighborhoods and found that in the western area of Chicago alone, seven neighborhoods were food deserts. Fast food restaurants and convenience stores are often a much closer alternative in these areas, and this can affect the overall health and wellness of a community. Their research has shown that the imbalance of access to healthy foods can also lead to higher rates of obesity and hypertension and also increases the likelihood of premature death from diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular complications. The prevalence of these chronic disorders can have a huge impact on a community – it directly affects the quality, productivity, and length of life and can also indirectly affect health care costs, school test scores, and the area’s economic strength. ^{^[2]}

To address this, Chicago Cares currently runs hunger programming with three different organizations in West Garfield Park, East Garfield Park, and West Town – all of which are neighborhoods identified as food deserts. One of these programs is a healthy cooking class with residents at Open Door Shelter, a temporary shelter for young adults who may have been exposed to difficult life circumstances. Chicago Cares volunteers focus on teaching these young adults to use healthy alternatives while cooking meals they would want to eat.

In the future, Chicago Cares hopes to further tackle hunger by expanding programs in the critical neighborhoods highlighted in the western and southern areas of Chicago. For more information about volunteering at hunger programs on the west side of Chicago, please contact Joyce Cruz at jcruz@chicagocares.org or 312-780-0800 ext. 141.

^{^[1]} http://marigallagher.com/site_media/dynamic/project_files/ChicagoFoodDesProg2009a.pdf

^{^[2]} http://marigallagher.com/site_media/dynamic/project_files/2_Chi-ForwExecSumOnly.pdf

RSVP for the Star Awards

2010-09-17T07:50:00.001-07:00

Our Star Awards Event is fast approaching! Chicago Cares will spend an evening at the elegant Four Seasons Hotel on Monday, October 25^th from 6:00-9:00pm honoring outstanding members of our volunteer community. T hanks to your time and effort nominating your fellow volunteers, this year’s selection process has been especially competitive.

Star Awards is the perfect time to come together and celebrate all the great achievements from our dedicated volunteers in the community. It’s more than simply a night to honor a few individuals; Star Awards is an opportunity for our corporate partners, weekly volunteers, youth groups and community partners to meet. We have transformed our awards to focus on and celebrate the volunteer community that Chicago Cares considers its greatest asset. Please join us for what will surely be a night to remember.

RSVP now at http://chicagocares.kintera.org/starrsvp or visiting our website: www.chicagocares.org. We hope to see you and your Chicago Cares’ family there!

New Programs in Senior Services, Adult Education, & much, much more!

2010-09-17T07:45:00.000-07:00

Be on the lookout for new programs in the calendar throughout the fall and winter that address needs in adult education, senior services, hunger, the environment and more. Generous funding has enabled us to add staff members to our Human Service ongoing programs team. Team members are spending time researching a variety of needs across the city and reaching out new community partners.

The Human Service team spends time learning about communities and their needs , building tailored programs where volunteers can participate in a variety of activities. Each of these new programs needs a leader. Help spread the word to your volunteers and encourage them to consider leading a program. Here are a few examples of exciting new program models:

GED Coaching in Logan Square

Volunteers who are fluent in Spanish will assist adult students with math and English homework for their GED classes. These classes will provide students with the assistance needed to master their knowledge of the subjects they cover and help to build the confidence needed to pursue further education or apply for higher-paying jobs. This program will occur twice a month on Wednesday evenings at McAuliffe Elementary School located in Logan Square. Contact Program Coordinator Kyle Mahoney at kmahoney@chicagocares.org or 312-780-0800 ext. 182 to learn about leading or volunteering at this program. Leaders should be available for at least one project per month and be fluent in Spanish.

Women’s Discussion and Bingo Group

Female residents at Franklin and Drake Senior Apartments (located in Austin) are in need of women’s health programming and general health education. Chicago Cares has developed a health discussion program where volunteers will use questions and resources to cover topics ranging from heart disease and diabetes to skin care and healthy eating with older female adults. Each project concludes with an ever-popular game of Bingo. Contact Program Coordinator Rosie Drumgoole at rdrumgoole@chicagocares.org or 312-780-0800 ext. 146 to learn about leading or volunteering at this program. Leaders should be available for one project per month and should be knowledgeable about basic health issues.

More ongoing Human Service leadership needs can be found here by choosing an issue area under “Current Team Coordinator Openings”. Check back frequently as new programs are added each week. Support Chicago Cares expansion by spreading the word about these new programs and leadership opportunities!

Leader Spotlight – Dena Hicks

2010-09-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

Dena Hicks may have had her first volunteer experience with Chicago Cares in 2001, but it was hardly her first brush with service. Dena’s family instilled the importance of volunteerism and the act of giving back at a very young age. Those lessons have inspired Dena to work with the community.

“I believe it is important to take an active role in our community to keep our neighborhoods strong, enjoyable places to live.” ~Dena Hick

Dena took her volunteering experience to the next level in 2006 when she agreed to be a team coordinator for a children’s education program with Chicago Cares. Although Dena has volunteered with many different issue areas, she feels a special calling to children’s programs. “I really enjoy watching the kids get excited about the new things they are learning. It’s rewarding to see their imaginations process these new tools and get excited about what they can do with all that new knowledge,” says Dena.

In the past few years Dena has taken her volunteering another step further, assisting with refining curriculum for the Children’s Education and Development department’s programs. Her expertise has been a huge help, especially with programs like Just Click Here. In addition to her work with children’s programs, Dena is also a member of the Chicago Cares leadership council. Her dedication to Chicago Cares and service is a true inspiration.

On behalf of the Chicago Cares staff, we would like to say “THANK YOU Dena!” for all your hard work, dedication and inspiration. Your leadership and awareness for service are an inspiration for so many others to get out into the community and give back.

Celebration of Service - How Will You Keep His Memory Alive?

2010-09-17T07:34:00.000-07:00

Our Business Shares is in full force this season, providing excellent opportunities for our seasoned PSMs to practice their leadership skills, but we’re still gearing up for the Celebration of Service in January 2011. Our Celebration of Service (in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) is the perfect opportunity for leaders from all walks of the Chicago Cares community to get involved and make a difference in one service day across our city. Projects will include opportunities to serve with seniors, children’s education programs, adults with disabilities and facilities rehabilitation.

How can you prepare as a leader for this event? It is never too soon to start spreading the word to your volunteers about the many ways in which they can become involved. Leaders can also recruit friends, family or fellow leaders to start a Project Site Manager team and serve together for this event. Our greatest resource for recruitment is through our leaders and their close relationships with volunteers. We appreciate your efforts in spreading the word and excitement about this excellent event.

Taking Action Against Hunger: Seniors' Needs

2010-09-15T09:15:00.000-07:00

Each year, America’s senior population grows, and with baby boomers hitting their “golden years” there’s little need to explain why this phenomenon is happening. The older American population is expected to grow 147% between 2000 and 2050. In Illinois we are estimated to have 12,901,563 seniors according to 2008 administration on aging data[1]. However, with this jump in population there is also a risk that the level of poverty among seniors will grow as well.

A study by Feeding America done in February 2010 took a look at food insecurity in America. They found that “30 percent of client households with seniors indicated that they have had to choose between food and medical care and 35 percent had to choose between food and paying for heat/utilities.” They also found that 3.6 million older Americans live below the poverty level and 1.3 million were deemed food insecure[2].

These stats really hit home when you think about the low income seniors living right here in Chicago. In the Oakland community the average income is $13,243 per year[3]. There is a significant amount of seniors who live in this community which means the need here is a lot greater than in some other areas of the city. This level of poverty means the seniors in this community may not be receiving the nutrition they need. A 2002 study of elderly women who lived below the poverty line showed that rising food costs, transportation, and shopping difficulties all inhibited them from getting the proper nutrition that they needed.[4]

With that in mind, Chicago Cares has created a Senior Diner’s Club at the Lake Parc Place Apts building in the Oakland community. Lake Parc Place Apts is a family Chicago Housing Authority building. This mixed income building houses low income seniors who are primarily living off their modest social security and pension checks for income. Senior Diner’s Club was created in conjunction with the building to ensure that these seniors receive a healthy and hearty dinner once a month. This program encourages socialization among the senior residents and provides them with the proper nutrition.

The Senior Diner’s Club at Lake Parc Place Apts takes place on the second Thursday of every month from 6:15 to 8pm. If you’re interested in volunteering or leading this project and making an impact within the senior community please contact Rosie Drumgoole at rdrumgoole@chicagocares.org.

[1] http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/Aging_Statistics/Census_Population/Population/2008/index.aspx

[2] http://feedingamerica.org/faces-of-hunger/hunger-101/senior-hunger.aspx

[3] http://www.city-data.com/neighborhood/Oakland-Chicago-IL.html

[4] http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0887/is_9_21/ai_92519604/?tag=content;col1

Fighting Hunger from the Ground up: Ginkgo Organic Gardens and Vital Bridges

2010-09-09T07:53:00.000-07:00

"It was 17 years ago this summer a group of volunteer growers and environmentalists approached us with a bold and exciting opportunity – organic produce for people living with AIDS,” recounts Lori Cannon, Co-Founder of Vital Bridges, an organization with a mission to help people impacted by HIV and AIDS to improve their health. “Knowing full well the challenge of being immune compromised, these terrific volunteers devised a program to grow nutritious and healthy fruits and vegetables for distribution to our clients all summer long.”

These volunteers were the founding members of Uptown’s Ginkgo Organic Gardens, whose goal was to turn the surplus produce of urban gardens into donations for local non-profits that otherwise couldn’t afford organic foods. Twice per week during the spring and summer, volunteers come together to plant, maintain, and harvest the nearly 1,500 pounds of fresh fruits, herbs, and vegetables that are donated annually to Vital Bridges – they even deliver the produce themselves using bicycle trailers.

When Lori calls being immune-compromised a “challenge,” she’s being modest: the dietary needs of a person living with HIV/AIDS are incredibly complex. The AIDS virus attacks T Helper cells, a type of white blood cell that provides direction to our B cells (those that actually produce antibodies and antigens). Numerous studies have shown a direct link between increased consumption of vitamins A, C, and E (“ACE”) and T Helper cell health and quantity; thus, harvesting ACE-packed produce for three hours at Ginkgo is like harvesting three more potential hours of good health for Vital Bridges’ clients.

Today, Vital Bridges is able to serve over 2,000 clients annually and the produce they receive from Ginkgo is a major factor in this outreach. “The families, clients, and care givers all delight in the magnificent selection and the gracious growers and volunteers: the passion and excitement grow with every harvest,” Cannon Says. “We consider ourselves so fortunate to be partners with this unique and important program –it’s proven to be one of the many life-lines needed to combat this dreaded disease.

Chicago Cares currently runs three programs with Vital Bridges year-round: Grocery Land South on the South side, Shopping on Lake on the West side, and Shopping on Broadway on the North side. Volunteers help in the pantry by “shopping” for and packaging the items clients select from the list of available goods. We bring volunteers to work in the gardens at Ginkgo on Saturday mornings April - October.

For more information about Vital Bridges visit www.vitalbridges.org. Information about Ginkgo Organic Gardens can be found at www.ginkgogardens.org or you can check out their blog at http://ginkgogardens.blogspot.com/. To volunteer with Chicago Cares at either location, please go to www.chicagocares.org/calendar and contact the Team Coordinator for your desired project date.

Save the Date for the Star Awards

2010-08-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

We want to thank you for your continued hard work and dedication throughout the past year – we couldn’t have had such an impact around Chicago without the support of our volunteer community! Please join us on Monday, October 25from 6 – 9 PM at the Four Seasons Chicago as we pay tribute to our devoted volunteers, leaders, partner agencies, corporate partners, and supporters! Thank you, from our staff to each of you for your hard work and commitment.

SAVE THE DATE: Monday October 25 from 6 – 9 PM

Support Chicago Through Business Shares

2010-08-16T08:26:00.000-07:00

Over the past few years, our Business Shares program has been growing at an unprecedented rate. Thanks to the hard work of our Development and Service Events teams, Chicago Cares was able to pull through a difficult economic year by bringing on new partnerships like Kraft, the White Sox and more. Our Business Shares model also enables us to engage corporate partners in a new level, introducing community service and our mission possibly for the first time to employees. We are able to reach out to more schools, community centers, and worthy organizations in need all over the city that we aren’t otherwise able to serve through our ongoing programs or annual events alone.

Integrating our experienced Chicago Cares PSMs into leadership for this program was the Service Events Department’s proudest accomplishment for the fall of 2009. Your leadership made it possible for us to grow in this way and make an impact all over our city. This coming fall will be filled with opportunities to take part in this incredible process. We’ll be partnering with the Chicago White Sox on September 11, continuing our long-term partnership with Medline on October 2, and hosting several projects as a part of Kraft’s National Make a Delicious Difference Week, October 4 - 9. Chicago Cares continues to build new partnerships so we need the continued support of our experienced leaders. If you are interested in leading a project, please check the Leader Calendar for projects titled “Business Shares” and email esutton@chicagocares.org to sign up.

Leaders, thank you so much for all of your help. We’re looking forward to another incredible season of service with you this fall.

September Leader Spotlight: Christine Pellini

2010-08-16T08:03:00.000-07:00

Completing service hours had been requirement for Christine in high school and it wasn’t until after participating in the Chicago Cares Serve-a-thon that she realized how much fun and purpose-filled volunteering could be. “Volunteering makes me appreciate what I have and gives me the opportunity to meet new people,” says Christine. She now volunteers with Chicago Cares and the Susan G Koman Breast Cancer 3-day regularly.

Christine particularly enjoys leading one-time large scale projects through the Business Shares program. “It’s amazing to see the amount of work that can get done in a single day if you just have people to do it.” She likes the ease and organization of Chicago Cares’ projects, “It’s easy to search online to find the perfect opportunity,” she says. “It lets me do something I love without having to do a ton of work to prepare for it.”

Christine also enjoys projects that get children from the school community involved; it’s a powerful experience to see the corporate volunteers and youth work together towards a common purpose and goal. One of her favorite moments was at a Business Shares project in her home town of Melrose Park, watching volunteers mentor and guide students in their work. The excitement of the youth and the dedication of the volunteers are what keep her coming back to lead time and time again. She hopes that the kids at her projects will grow to love volunteering and act on service like she does.

“It is not hard to be inspired to continue to volunteer after seeing children’s reactions when they see a newly painted mural in their lunchroom or see the look on their face when they realize that those people are there to work on their school because they care, not because someone is paying them.”

~Christine Pellini

Thank you, Christine, for all that you do with Chicago Cares Business Shares! You are a true inspiration to children, volunteers, leaders, and the Chicago Cares staff!

2010-08-12T07:28:00.000-07:00

Expand Your Experience

Ever wonder what other leaders are doing? Are you an environmental program leader with a secret desire to lead a children’s program? Do you want to learn more about neighborhoods and issue areas? If you’re looking for ways to expand your leadership experience with Chicago Cares, look no further!

SEASONAL Trainings

Fall is an exciting time for the children’s education and development department of Chicago Cares. With 18 project sites and many new programs, new curriculum, and planned special events, now is the time to take another look at Children’s Education. A seasonal training is being offered to ANY leader that would like to learn more about the Children’s Education and Development department and what it means to be a leader for children’s programs. Please refer to our leader calendar for dates and details.

LEARN Something NEW

The University of Chicago’s Urban Education Institute is offering free open forum and public discussion sessions on a variety of topics including education, poverty, and community engagement. These are available to any and all Chicago Cares leaders. Visit the link above for more information and sign up for these educational opportunities.

Chicago Cares strives to provide quality, engaging opportunities for you to grow as a leader in your service work. These are just a few ways to expand your experience at Chicago Cares. If you would like more information on available trainings, educational opportunities, or others way to lead at Chicago Cares, contact Regan Bertke at rbertke@chicagocares.org.

AmeriCorps Journal: Erik Rosen

2010-08-12T07:20:00.000-07:00

Hello. My name is Erik Rosen and I’m an AmeriCorps National Direct member working within Chicago Cares’ Youth in Service program.

As a Youth in Service member, I design and manage meaningful service projects for youth volunteers ages 8-18. The projects, meant to adhere to the model of service learning, challenge the students to step outside of their comfort zones in order to address a pressing need within their community or in those foreign to them.

Through my service with Chicago Cares, I’ve developed tremendous relationships with various community partners throughout the city. From passionate resident service coordinators at low-income senior housing buildings to a wonderfully dedicated volunteer director at a west side youth center, I’ve worked alongside individuals who have the utmost care and respect for those they serve and for the communities in which they live.

Either through purchasing project supplies, conducting a site visit or leading a project, my service has introduced me to areas of the city that I might otherwise never understand or venture to. In communities plagued by gang violence, drug activity and insurmountable poverty, there are courageous citizens who everyday work to improve the lives of their neighbors. These individuals provide hope to crime ridden neighborhoods that so many others have given up on. These individuals inspire me to make a positive difference.

Sometimes I’m asked if I’m ever apprehensive about visiting these under resourced communities. My response is always the same: “This is where people live.”

Although this past year has been filled with an array of life-long learning experiences, my most rewarding and fulfilling moments came this summer when I worked with three schools participating in the Summer of Service and Learning program. For four weeks, students studied social issues concerning the environment, aging, poverty and homelessness. As part of their service learning experience, the students would participate in a volunteer project that focused specifically on that week’s issue area. My role consisted of designing and managing these service projects and activities. While removing invasive species overcrowding a local park to preparing and serving a hot breakfast to senior citizens, I was blown away by the overall dedication and teamwork of the students who for the most part just recently made introductions. Witnessing young people grow not only as individuals but as a group is a truly remarkable sight.

Crowe Horwath & Chicago Cares: Making a Difference for CPS

2010-08-11T11:42:00.000-07:00

Crowe Horwath LLP has been a Chicago Cares Serve-a-thon sponsor since 2006, helping make many school renovations a reality. Chris Wagner was one of sixty-six Crowe Horwath LLP employees to join us this June at the 17th Annual Serve-a-thon, painting and building at R.H. Lawrence Jr School for Mathematics and Science. His recap of his volunteer experience can be found here, on the Crowe Horwath Blog. Many thanks to Chris and the Crowe Horwath team for allowing us to share it with you.

Over the summer, my fellow Crowe Horwath volunteers and I boarded a train bound for downtown Chicago to participate in the 17th Annual Chicago Cares Serve-a-thon. Little did I know how gratifying this experience would be! We were in for an adventure filled with a lot of hard work and a little bit of compassion. The event began at Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears, with an inspiring kickoff emceed by my friend Gaynor Hall, a WGN/CLTV reporter, and words of wisdom from Governor Quinn and Chicago Public Schools CEO Ron Huberman. From there, “Team Crowe” hopped on a bus and traveled to the far south side of Chicago to begin our assignment, R.H. Lawrence Jr. School for Mathematics and Science. The school had seen better days: walls needed painting, furniture was ancient and time-worn (a bookshelf in the teacher’s lounge dated back to 1954), and landscaping was sparse on the school grounds. We could see our sweat and TLC were needed and would go a long way in sprucing up the inner city school. Fresh coats of paint in classrooms and hallways, hand painted murals in common areas, and hand crafted benches and planters on the school grounds gave the building a fresh look and a landscape for the imaginations of the students who attend the school. Our mission was a huge success and the look of appreciation on the school principal’s face made it all the more worthwhile. The day was such a rewarding experience that we’ve already committed to participating in next year’s event!

The opportunities for activities and events such as the Chicago Cares Serve-a-thon that are available to me while working at Crowe have given me great sense of accomplishment and pride in my firm. What experiences have you had that make you proud to work for your company?

To view more photos of this event, click here.

Kudos to Our Youth in Service Team!

2010-08-09T09:25:00.000-07:00

Our Youth in Service team has been toiling away this summer, working hard to create and manage meaningful projects for students participating in the Summer of Service and Leadership. One of the seniors they served told us, "I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it. I especially appreciate all the kids that showed up to give their time and energy for us. I believe that when young people put in such an effort we seniors have a responsibility to make it a wonderful experience for them as well...thank you for arranging this get together." Big thank you to the students, seniors, and community partners making the Summer of Service and Leadership such a success, and kudos to our Youth in Service team!

Go Back to School with Chicago Cares & CPS

2010-08-03T13:44:00.000-07:00

Back-to-school shopping, those last summer days, and the final swim in the community pool mark the end of the summer and the beginning of a new school year. As the seasons change, school starts and kids head back to the classroom, one question remains on our minds: What do the children do after school?

Chicago Cares has taken an active role in the after school lives of many Chicago children and this school year is no exception. Raising the bar with innovation and change, many new programs and curriculum have been perfected and introduced to new community partners and schools. Family volunteer days, field trips and guest speakers will become a staple to programs, further fostering the ethic of volunteerism with the youth and families we serve. This means that you now have an opportunity to volunteer more often and in a wider variety of programs!

TAKE ACTION!

With new programs and sites, your service and dedication is needed more than ever! Be a role model for Chicago’s youth at a Read-with-Me program, or try out one of our NEW View our calendar to sign up for a Children’s Development program. You can sign up with the current team coordinator and learn more about NEW projects! programs, like History Hunters, Eco-Art, Master’s Apprentice, or Character Champions.

Excited about volunteering and looking to take your service to the next level? Become a team coordinator with Education programs and become an active and inspirational role model to Chicago’s youth. No experience necessary and curriculum and supplies are already provided – all you need is a passion to serve youth in the community! To view the team coordinator description, click here. To view our current team coordinator needs with Children’s Development, click here.

Daily Service

2010-08-03T07:08:00.000-07:00

AmeriCorps VISTA member Elliott Dionisio has served as our Days of Service Specialist for the better part of a year, shepherding groups and teams of volunteers through registration and preparing them for our annual events, Celebration of Service and Serve-a-thon. Elliott leaves us to begin law school later this week, but first we asked him to share his takeaways from a year of dedicated service with you.

For the last seven years, I’ve dedicated a part of my life to service (the first five casually along with school and work, and the last two full-time through AmeriCorps). I’ve always made a space for service in my life due in part to the oft-repeated axiom that there exist folks much less fortunate and much more in need than myself. Community service has been a way for me to pay forward the blessings I’ve received over my life. To me, these are truisms—whether I think of service on these terms is another story.

The results I gain from service are much different. After any given service project, I don’t walk away with an air of satisfaction or vindication. I don’t even walk away and reflect on the quantifiables (how many bowls of soup served, goods packaged, dogs walked, etc). Perhaps I once did, but I can’t remember the me then; maybe for me service has lost the luster of fulfillment from the earlier days. I walk away (and return soon after) knowing service to be a good way to spend my time. My motives are actually somewhat momentary—I’m not looking to shape a future legacy, I just like to be sure that I’m living my life to its fullest potential. And part of me understands that to be helping other human beings.

This last point is not one I tread over lightly; in fact, if service has had one enduring impact on me, it is that my worldview is much more empathetic to other human beings. Our upbringing and experiences do much to determine the cast of characters in our lives, and if Sociology is any guide we usually spend our lives with people ‘like’ ourselves. But service has helped me transcend those barriers. I have come to believe (as I have witnessed) that no matter where one falls on the socioeconomic scale, he has the same thoughts, feelings, concerns, and hopes as the next man. We all become hungry. We all want to feel valued. We all want to be loved. As the saying goes, we all ‘put our pants on one leg at a time.’ Service has helped me to be cognizant of this constantly.

This isn’t difficult to understand, but living the actual life is more astounding. I find myself paying respect to people with no preconditions. Respect shines through in the ways you speak and act towards others, but I take it one step forward in the ways I think about others. I subconsciously attempt to meet another person on his or her level when conversing with them. And when I hear off-color jokes directed at strangers, I know my judgment isn’t sufficient enough to react to them. Being around so many people of so many different strata—as I am through volunteering—has had the effect of neutralizing my preconceptions.

Service has taught me that as different as we all are, we’re also very much the same. I say ‘taught’ in a reflexive sense, because this transformation crept upon me unnoticed. At a service project or outside a service project, people matter and people make the difference—all day, every day. Service has not only changed my life, but my lifestyle. And as much as your serve too, you may realize the same.

2010-07-29T07:08:00.000-07:00

Effective July 7, 2010, Scott Lorenz resigned his position as Executive Director of Chicago Cares. Having served Chicago Cares for nearly 20 years as a volunteer, Board member and Executive Director, Scott supported Chicago Cares in our goal of doubling our impact in Chicago in only five years and expanding even in the face of an economic recession.

In the meantime, Chicago Cares will maintain its commitment to the Chicago community, fostering a strong ethic of volunteerism through its programs and projects, and will continue to expand its services to local partners and volunteers. We’re happy to announce the promotion of two long-time, experienced Chicago Cares leaders – Kris Smart and Katie Stearns. As Associate Executive Director of Programs and Shared Services, Kris will oversee our year-round, monthly projects, as well as Human Resources and Finance. Katie will oversee fundraising and our new volunteer and leader services team in addition to her duties managing our annual service events and business shares projects as Associate Executive Director of External Affairs. Please join us in congratulating Kris and Katie!

Know a Coordinator

2010-07-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

Kyle Mahoney recently joined our staff as our Human Service Program Coordinator for the North Region of Chicago, managing projects as varied as Drake Gardens, Lakeview Pantry West, Inspiration Cafe, and Library Maintenance.

Hello Chicago Cares volunteers! I’m honored to have recently joined the CCI staff as a member of the Human Service team. Me in a nutshell: 23-years-old, born and raised in Dallas, TX (yes, I have an accent, but I’ll only use it if you ask nicely). I moved to Grand Rapids, MI after graduating high school to attend Aquinas College. While there, I studied English, Philosophy, Sculpture, and Environmental Science.

I planned on applying to law school, but becoming a mentor through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program my junior year pretty much rocked my world, so I decided to serve for a year as an AmeriCorps member instead. I completed my term of service this June with City Year Chicago, where I planned large one-time service events for fellow AC members and Chicago residents alike.

Working primarily on the North and Northwest sides of Chicago, I’m elated about the opportunity to benefit the neighborhoods in which I live and spend my leisure time. It’s a rare privilege to feel so intricately connected to a community (or multiple communities) on such a micro level – especially in Chicago, where there are serious needs everywhere one looks. Specifically, my goal is to form connections between our community partners – an organic garden and a food pantry, for instance – so they may become resources for each other.

It’s Up to YOU

2010-07-22T12:14:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the first Chicago Cares staff blog! Today's blog comes to us from Caroline, Senior Manager of Annual Events. Caroline recently attended the National Conference on Service and Volunteering and the American Express Nonprofit Leadership Academy in New York City.

The 2010 National Conference on Service and Volunteering, co-convened by the Corporation for National & Community Service and the Points of Light Institute, took place in arguably one of the most exciting and culturally vibrant cities in America: New York City. A handful of my Chicago Cares colleagues and I were part of the 5,000 strong who showed up en masse to learn about current trends in volunteerism, gain best practices from professionals from across the country and the globe, and be inspired by the courage and will of our fellow friends in service. “It’s Up to YOU” was the theme for this year’s convening and there is, perhaps, no more poignant message to address the current challenges we are facing in America. In light of these economic and social issues, this year’s conference empowered us to own a stake in the future of our communities rather than waiting on others to take action.

Perhaps one of the most exciting announcements came during the opening plenary regarding the newly developed coalition: Cities of Service. What is the Cities of Service, you may ask? According to the website, “Cities of Service is a bi-partisan coalition of the mayors of large and small cities from across our country who will work together to engage citizens to address the great challenges of our time.” Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced that due to the overwhelming response to the first round of Rockefeller Foundation leadership grants awarded to ten Cities of Service Leadership Grant awardees, the Rockefeller Foundation and Bloomberg Philanthropies have teamed up to provide additional grants to expand the program to include an additional ten cities. “The Cities of Service Leadership Grants provide recipient cities with $200,000 over a two-year period to hire a Chief Service Officer.” Chicago is among the cities chosen to receive a leadership grant. You can view the other participating cities here.

In addition to attending the full national conference, I was also one of 24 nonprofit leaders, recognized as high-potential emerging leaders, chosen to participate in the American Express Nonprofit Leadership Academy from June 26-27, 2010. This was amazing experience! Although it was certainly an abridged version to the much more in-depth weeklong academy, the facilitators at the Center for Creative Leadership expertly crafted and led our discussions so that the participants could gain a tremendous amount of applicable knowledge in a short timeframe. The feedback-intense sessions centered on a 360 degree evaluation which was filled out in advance by our peers, direct/indirect reports and supervisors, as well as ourselves. This assessment was an invaluable tool to gain unbiased insight into our strengths and areas of development as a leader. The highlight of the two day seminar was the opportunity to meet for one hour with an executive coach to discuss our assessment. The executive coach provided tangible steps to help us tackle our areas of improvement and any key leadership issues we are struggling with in our current position. Through this academy, it is clear that American Express recognizes the importance of investing in nonprofit leaders of tomorrow. By working to address our development areas now, we can better focus on how to inspire our organizations and communities today and into the future.

The entire experience at the national conference – from inspirational words from organizations like New York Says Thank You to a panel discussing the future of education in America, featuring the Secretary of Education Arne Duncan –truly motivated me to take action. I am invigorated with new ideas on how I can not only carry the service movement forward but also make a sustainable difference in my community. It is clear: It’s Up to YOU and ME.

Volunteers Help Schools Get in Shape for Fall

2010-07-20T12:31:00.000-07:00

School may be out for the summer, but Chicago Cares staff and volunteers are hard at work making preparations for the new academic year.

We know a child’s learning environment affects their learning potential - that's why we offer schools multi-layered services by providing facility enhancement projects as well as academic enrichment programs. Our Education and Development team is preparing new curriculum so we can launch even more academic, extra-curricular and health programs throughout the city. Our Service Events team continues to partner with corporate sponsors to paint, build and beautify at Chicagoland schools. Whether you’re good with a hammer or a book, join us and use your leadership skills to make a difference for our kids.We have current leadership opportunities with our Business Shares projects and Education programs. If you feel education is as important an issue area as we do, let’s do something about it together.

Leader Spotlight - Andrew Thorp

2010-07-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

Andrew Thorp has been volunteering since high school, continued to volunteer throughout his college career and eventually made his way to Chicago Cares. “I saw an advertisement on a CTA bus [for Chicago Cares] and signed up that night,” Andrew reflected.

In just two years of volunteering with Chicago Cares, Andrew has clocked nearly forty hours of volunteer service through our ongoing programs. Andrew spends much of his time serving children’s education programs, but recently found a passion for the Ginko Garden project in Uptown. “I am looking forward to getting some much needed sun and learning a thing or two about gardening at Ginko Organic Gardens,” Andrew said when asked what he most was looking forward to this summer.

In addition to his role as a team coordinator at Ella Flagg Young School on the city’s North Side, Andrew has used his skills and knowledge to help the Education and Development team create curriculum for Young school. His dedicated involvement with the school provided valuable insight to the planning process. It’s people like Andrew, who consistently go above and beyond, that allow Chicago Cares to have such a dynamic presence in the community.

“Chicago Cares has given me the opportunity to work with some amazing people, volunteers and students alike. I am always surprised by the passion that leaders, students, and volunteers bring to each event.”

– Andrew Thorp

THANK YOU Andrew for all that you have done and continue to do for Chicago Cares. Your contributions and hard work make it possible for programs like Story Time and Sports League at Young School to be such a great success and a meaningful experience for all involved.

Nominate a Star By August 13th!

2010-07-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

Do you have outstanding volunteers at your projects, know an incredible Team Coordinator or PSM, or participate in a high-functioning leader team at our Serve-a-thon, Celebration of Service, or at one of our calendar programs? We’re honoring our Chicago Cares volunteer community and their distinguished accomplishments at the Star Awards this October. We need your nominations by August 1^st to make this a possibility. Take a few minutes to nominate outstanding individuals or teams in our volunteer community today! Volunteer Star Award, Leader Star Award, Leader Team Star Award.

A New Kind of Summer Camp

2010-07-13T14:12:00.000-07:00

Afternoons by the lake and hanging out with friends are what make some kids’ summers. For others, specifically youth living in Chicago’s south and west sides, summer in the city can be a very different experience. Violence, and gang activity riddle the streets in many neighborhoods, making it impossible for some to walk down the block and enjoy a warm summer day. Children that should be enjoying a good summer read like “The Time Machine” or “Noonie’s Masterpiece” may not have access to a library or the resources to get to a library. So, how do we protect our future generation from the violent streets and provide them with the opportunity they need?

One program, The Summer of Service and Leadership (SOSL), is tackling some of these difficult issues facing many of Chicago’s youth. SOSL is a four week program designed to educate and empower incoming 9^th grade students to become active members of their school community. The transition into high school is one of the toughest in a students’ academic and social life; the dropout rate of youth in this age group is the highest of any age group.

Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education said, “When our children are struggling and they need to learn more, the most important thing we can do is spend time working with them.” SOSL is an answer to that call. Starting with a tour of their new school, the incoming freshmen participate in classes focused on leadership development, team building, and community issues. Once a week, the students get outside of the classroom to complete a service project in their community. “[Summer of Service and Leadership] provides a creative outlet for students, with academic and personal enrichment”, Duncan went on to say.

Students involved in successful service-learning programming, like that of the SOSL, are more likely to stay in school, do better academically and develop a personal and social responsibility. Students who participate in SOSL express continued interest in their school community and many continue on to become student leaders. The program also helps bond campus and community which promotes pride and interest within the school community at large.

How can you get involved?

Chicago Cares has partnered with area high schools and several community partners to provide this service learning experience for Chicago’s youth. The SOSL program may only be four weeks in the summer, but as a Youth in Service leader you can provide ongoing mentorship and leadership year round. If you have a passion for working with youth and want to educate, engager, and empower them to be a leader through service, then complete the Youth in Service Leadership application. You can be a role model in the life of a teen and foster the idea of volunteerism and community activism. For more information on becoming a Youth in Service Leader visit the webpage.

Thank You to Our Summer of Service and Leadership Sponsors!

2010-07-13T08:51:00.000-07:00

A special THANK YOU to our donors who helped to make Summer of Service and Leadership a success and possibility for over 200 Chicago Public School freshman. With the help of the below mentioned, Chicago Cares’ Youth in Service was able to plan, implement, and manage projects that challenge students to identify issues in their community and design and carry out service projects to address those issues. The donors continued support throughout the year also help to further instill the skills and tools the students learn during this summer program.

THANK YOU for your support of youth service and learning!

Trani Family Foundation
Grainger
The CarMax Foundation
Prestoncrest Church of Christ
Second Presbyterian Church
St. John's Lutheran Church
Civitas Schools LLC

Volunteer Quotes That Make us Feel Warm and Fuzzy - Part 1

2010-06-23T12:29:00.000-07:00

It really is my pleasure to participate with Chicago Cares and Read with Me at HGS. I am SO happy organizations and opportunities like this exist!

Meet Your AmeriCorps: Joyce

2010-06-22T11:11:00.001-07:00

Hello! My name is Joyce Cruz and I’m an AmeriCorps National Direct member serving with the Chicago Cares Youth in Service Program.

I participated in another year of service with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) in 2008-2009. This program involved a lot of hands-on, direct service work, similar to what many volunteers do here at Chicago Cares. I worked 40 hours a week helping non-profit organizations complete projects that couldn’t have been done otherwise. Let me tell you, moving over 100 dressers and mattresses into studio apartments is not normally something I would choose to do. However, reminding myself that that these apartments would serve as some people’s first stable housing in years made me keep going. Because of my year in NCCC, I knew volunteering would continue to play a large role in my life.

To me, it’s always been the direct service work that makes everything so meaningful. From the hugs you get from a child you tutor to the satisfaction of seeing a house you helped build finally finished, it’s the process of getting to the end result and the satisfaction of seeing it that makes me feel inspired. It is that same feeling that drew me to work with an organization like Chicago Cares and what drives me to make sure these young volunteers become inspired through service.

My role within the Youth in Service program is to provide young volunteers with an engaging and meaningful service experience. We do this by creating custom service projects for each group of volunteers that vary by the group’s size, age range, and interests. So far, I’ve developed 78 custom service projects and engaged over 1,150 youth volunteers in service.

For me, one of the best things about this position is having the opportunity to lead some of the projects we create. That’s when I get to see these volunteers’ first ‘aha’ moment; when these young individuals realize they aren’t just giving to someone in need, they are getting something back as well.

It makes me remember my first ‘aha’ moment, and I’m glad that the work I do still gives me these moments today.

Leader Spotlight – Stacy Collins

2010-06-21T12:11:00.000-07:00

“I hope through my positive energy and attitude I’ve inspired young people to continue their community service.” ~ Stacy Collins

Like many Chicago Cares leaders, volunteering has always been an integral part of Stacy Collins’ life. Stacy has dedicated time to many organizations before her work with Chicago Cares - as a big sister in the Big Brother Big Sister program in Indianapolis, she helped guide young teens as a mentor and friend for two years.

Volunteering through Chicago Cares since 1998 and serving as a Youth in Service Leader since 2007, Stacy has been a constant and present role model for Chicago youth, much like her work as a Big Sister. When asked about her favorite part of service, Stacy said, “I like having the opportunity to show youth volunteers that volunteering and giving back to the community is fun and rewarding.”

Stacy currently leads Youth in Service projects, serving seniors breakfast and offering companionship once a month. “I enjoy being a positive role model for youth volunteers and a ray of sunshine for seniors who deal with issues of isolation on a daily basis.” Witnessing this positive interaction between senior residents and teens is the inspiration that keeps Stacey going as she helps build the ethic of lifelong service in the next generation.

THANK YOU Stacy for all that you have done and will continue to do for the youth of Chicago. Your dedication and enthusiasm for service have helped motivate young adults in the direction of service learning and community volunteering. Leaders like Stacy enable Chicago Cares to have a dynamic presence in the community!

Nominate a Volunteer for a Star Award

2010-06-21T10:06:00.000-07:00

Here at Chicago Cares, we're extremely proud of our volunteers. It’s because of the hard work of our volunteers and leaders that we are able to provide continued excellence in our work and make a difference in our communities. In an effort to show our gratitude and appreciation each year we present the Chicago Cares Star Awards to outstanding members of the Chicago Cares community. This year, we need your help to find those who are truly going above and beyond the call of duty. Perhaps you have encountered an amazing volunteer, project site manger, or team coordinator who has inspired you through their compassion and commitment to volunteering - help us recognize their commitment and impact!

To nominate a Chicago Cares volunteer click here, Leader click here, or leader team for a 2010 Star Award click here.

Thank You, Intrepid Chicago Cares Leaders!

2010-06-21T10:02:00.000-07:00

The 17th Annual Chicago Cares Serve-a-thon was a resounding success thanks to you - OUR FEARLESS LEADERS! A HUGE thank you to everyone who led one of the 38 inspiring projects, those who volunteers and even those of you who could not lead or volunteer but suggested others to do so! THANK YOU. Without you, important work that improved the loves of nearly 30,000 Chicago students could not have taken place.

It is not just the school down the street, but the school down the road

2010-05-25T11:20:00.000-07:00

Originally posted by Kris Smart and re-posted on the HandsOn Blog.

It is not just where your kid goes, but where every kid goes that makes a real difference in the future, in the community, in the city you live in, in the country you are from.

The first time I walked into a Chicago Public School was a Saturday morning after riding a school bus across town with 40 other Chicago Cares volunteers. We met at a coffee shop, then gathered on the bus, and rode through the vast diversity of Chicago’s neighborhoods towards McCormick Elementary School in Little Village.

When I got off the bus, I stepped onto the asphalt of the playground and noticed a US Map painted on the blacktop next to a World Map. The colors were bright, and kids were hoping from one state to the next, looking at the different countries, laughing. When they noticed us, they smiled and ran over to the volunteers to greet us.

In the classroom, a second grade class, we sat in the low tables, tiny chairs with construction paper and glue sticks, glitter and sand. We talked about Oceans, who lived in the Ocean, what was the water made out of? We talked about creatures and sand and we learned together about coral reefs. I told them about my Ocean, the Pacific, and how as a girl I would collect shells walking along the water’s edge.

We made our own oceans out of 2 liter bottles, water, sand and salt. There were smiles, and laughter, and glitter in our hair. They were happy. These kids, who come out every Saturday to discover their world with a group of equally committed adult volunteers.

That was in 1998. All those second graders have graduated High School and many moved on to College. Many of those volunteers are still going every Saturday to McCormick Elementary School to make a difference for the next set of second graders.

We do this. We do this every day, not not just Saturdays, and not just at McCormick.

We build community when we get involved. At the pantry. At the senior center. At the homeless shelter. At the Park. At the home for women and children fleeing domestic violence.

We build community when we pack a box of food for a family. We build it when we play bingo with a senior who is otherwise isolated. We build it when we work with an adult to create a resume and cover letter. We build it when we turn a lot into a garden, growing produce for the community. We build it by getting involved. By being a part of something larger. By forging a connection.

We build it through service.

On June 12, I will watch the sunrise over my city from the south side of Soldier Field. I will stop a moment from unloading boxes from the back of a truck or setting up computers in my tent to see the light hit the glass and reflect back off skyscrapers. I will drink in the way it makes Lake Michigan dance. And then I will continue to ant boxes, unload trucks, set up computers and get ready for the 6,000 Chicagoans who will join me that day in building a better city.

We will not only paint, landscape, organize libraries and create murals and mosaics at over 40 schools in one day, but we will raise money to make it possible to support communities across Chicago through service the other 364 days in the year.

If you can, think about coming out. Or sponsor me! Every dollar counts, and you know what? So does every hour.

Meet Attucks Academy

2010-05-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

Over half of the 285 students of Attucks Academy are homeless, making the school their most stable and structured environment and often, their only source of meals. Despite these barriers, their test scores in math and reading have jumped 82% and 29% respectively in the past 2 years! Join the Attucks Team and give the students a learning environment as bright, warm & inviting as the school culture the administration has fostered!

Leader Spotlight: Julie Katz

2010-05-24T09:01:00.000-07:00

Julia Katz has been volunteering since high school, although her service with Chicago Cares began in 2008. Her experiences started with many different senior services programs and quickly flourished into volunteering on a regular basis. In 2009 Julia volunteered at her first large event with Chicago Cares, Celebration of Service. Since then Julia has volunteered as a leader for many Chicago Cares large scale events including Serve-a-thon and many business shares projects.

When asked what her favorite part of volunteering with Chicago Cares has been thus far Julia said “The large events are fun. There are tons of people, tons of energy, and tons of excitement.” Julia enjoys being apart of the service events. She says, “So much gets done in one day. We help so many people all at once.” Julia’s passion for service has helped Chicago Cares make an impact over the years in many different issue areas and communities around Chicago.

At the 17^th Annual Chicago Cares Serve-a-thon Julia will be working as a project site manager at one of 41 schools our volunteers will be beautifying this year. Julia will be a part of a team of ten other leaders at Hamilton Elementary School on Chicago’s north side. While working with over 200 volunteers and ten leaders, Julia will help with painting classrooms and murals, and painting the U.S. Map in the playground, among other tasks.

“Juila did a fantastic job. She is extremely enthusiastic and hardworking. She was disappointed that she was unable to complete most of her tasks because of the rain, but wanted to return to do the map of the U.S. on the playground anyway.” Says Genevieve Sullivan of Chicago Cares – Serve-a-thon 2009

On behalf of all the staff at Chicago Cares, THANK YOU Julia for all your dedication and hard work. Your involvement and leadership skills help Chicago Cares reach more people with every event you participate in.

Big Day. Better Schools. Brighter Futures.

2010-05-24T08:48:00.000-07:00

BIG DAY.

Why is it so important to revitalize Chicago Public Schools? Studies have shown that physical environment of a school influences how well a student learns and even the ability of teachers to teach effectively. Even more important are the stories that principals of Serve-a-thon schools share with us: here are the stories of two schools we will transform on June 12, Attucks and Fort Dearborn.

BETTER SCHOOLS.

Fort Dearborn in Auburn-Gresham

In the Auburn-Gresham neighborhood on the city’s far south side, more than 200 volunteers will participate in transforming Fort Dearborn Elementary School into a vibrant place to learn and grow. Fort Dearborn is located in the Auburn-Gresham neighborhood and educates more than 550 pre-K through 8^th grade students. The school sits in between multiple gang turfs so the safety of the children is a constant concern. Principal Arey Desadier, hopes to gain more community involvement in the future, and strives to make the school environment a comfortable home to students during the day. In addition to the ongoing work of educating the students, the school administration and teachers hope to increase attendance and parent involvement.

Auburn-Gresham has a turbulent past: development in the early 1900’s, riots in the 1960s and gang violence in the 9’s and 2000s. For many students living in the area, Fort Dearborn is their most stable home. Serve-a-thon volunteers will support this “home” and show the students that Chicagoans care by giving the classrooms a bright, clean coat of paint. Join a Serve-a-thon team to make Fort Dearborn a brighter school.

Attucks in Grand Boulevard

Attucks Academy, located in the Grand Boulevard neighborhood, is home to the largest population of homeless students in the city. With more than 160 students that are currently homeless, it is more important than ever for Chicago Cares to be present in the community and at the school.

Until two years ago, Attucks students attended class in another building twelve blocks from the current location. This significant change means that Attucks has had to combat the change in location while still serving the same kids from a city area twelve blocks away. Nevertheless, in the same two years, test scores in math and reading have risen 82% and 29% respectively. Principal Dr. Perry attributes the success to the culture and atmosphere she and her staff have strived to establish and maintain over the years.

Serve-a-thon volunteers will paint classrooms and create mosaics and murals to promote school spirit and academic achievement, making it possible for the students of Attucks to enjoy a brighter, more inviting school in which to learn and grow. Want to be part of the transformation team at Attucks? Join the team today.

BRIGHTER FUTURES.

Studies have indicated that the physical environment of a school influences how well a student learns and even the ability of teachers to teach effectively. If paint is peeling, the lunchroom hasn't been painted in 18 years and the exterior of the building is uninviting, this can become a distraction from learning and teaching.

On the other hand, a bright and freshly painted environment sends a positive self-esteem message to students or clients that they are worthy of a clean and beautiful facility.

When the federal government assessed the condition of

America

's schools in 1999, it estimated that $127 billion was needed just to bring facilities to "good" condition. In Chicago, the school budget has been slashed, with administrative and capital expenses being first to go so that every dollar can support the educational process. In the face of deep budget problems, Chicago’s schools need the boost that comes from a coat of paint, a new garden and colorful murals now more than ever.

On June 12, 6000 Serve-a-thon volunteers will combat these challenges and make a difference for our schools. Serve-a-thon volunteers will brighten more than 400 rooms and over 100 hallways and stairwells in 41 schools, sending a positive message to the 25,000 children and adults who study, play or receive services in those buildings.

THANK YOU to our Corporate Sponsors!

2010-05-24T08:39:00.001-07:00

The generous donations from our top Serve-a-thon sponsors make it possible for Chicago Cares to strengthen the city and meet critical needs all year long.

For a complete list of our sponsors please click here.

Meet Your AmeriCorps: Elliott

2010-05-24T08:35:00.000-07:00

I am an advocate. I am a capacity builder. I am a VISTA.

Hi! My name is Elliott Dionisio and I’m serving as the AmeriCorps VISTA Days of Service Specialist for Chicago Cares.

This is actually my second term serving with AmeriCorps; for 10 months in 2009, I served in the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps. NCCC members are required to wear the AmeriCorps uniform (or as it’s colloquially referred to, the ‘A’) every day for the entire workday, and needless to say the routine was a little drab. VISTA does not have this requirement, but each time I do wear the ‘A’ – in the office or casually – I can say I take more pride adorning it than at any time I suited up during NCCC. What began for me as a way to get out of my parents house has now become a cherished part of my identity. And I owe this in large part to not only the work I accomplished in NCCC, but to the work I’m currently doing for Chicago Cares.

My primary responsibility at Chicago Cares is to recruit and offer support to volunteers for our two large-scale annual service events, the Celebration of Service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King (held in January) and Serve-a-thon (in June). I’ve mapped recruitment strategies, created tip sheets, hand-delivered posters to business owners, passed out flyers to the Loop lunch rush and answered countless e-mails and phone calls to spread the word about these two awesome opportunities. Writing this, I’m engulfed in the onrush of volunteer management for Serve-a-thon (and the event still seems like a long way off!).

Answering the messages of folks interested in Serve-a-thon is a pleasure, and whether I need to walk them through the registration process step-by-step or simply forward a document, I derive a great sense of satisfaction from ushering people to service. Rallying new groups to Serve-a-thon is a bigger challenge, and often I cannot understand why folks don’t immediately jump on board when I describe to them the scope of Serve-a-thon! But publicity is publicity is publicity, and I know that every interaction I have with a member of the community raises awareness of the wonderful work of Chicago Cares.

Years down the road, when I will have encapsulated my VISTA service term with Chicago Cares into a single memory, I’ll take the most satisfaction from having exposed hundreds if not thousands of people around Chicago to an organization they’d never heard of before. Chicago Cares is so simple in concept, and makes an impact so large, that it will always be the first stop I recommend to interested volunteers in the Chicagoland area.

And I’m sure to have this conversation again and again any time someone asks me about the ‘A’ on my shirt.

The Life of Serve-a-thon Project

2010-05-24T06:50:00.000-07:00

Cbeyond Volunteers Make an Impact Through Business Shares

2010-05-21T07:24:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, Cbeyond volunteers brought their outstanding attitudes and dedication to Perspectives/ITT Math & Science Academy, dedicating 168 volunteer hours to paint classrooms and build work tables and a portable tool box for the school's Robotics Team!

Feeling inspired to make an impact at a CPS school yourself? Join us at the 17th Annual Serve-a-thon and give some very deserving students the learning atmosphere they deserve!

Leader Spotlight: Phillip Kinnison

2010-05-18T06:56:00.000-07:00

Phil Kinnison has volunteered with Chicago Cares since 2001. He started his service with our organization as a volunteer for the largest service event in Chicago, Serve-a-thon. Over the years, Phil has served as a volunteer at our large scale service events, Serve-a-thon and Celebration of Service, with his company Accenture. In 2008 Phil stepped up to the roll of Bus Ambassador for Serve-a-thon and has been volunteering in a leader capacity ever since.

Aside from being a Serve-a-thon project site manager, Phil has volunteered in a number of other roles with Chicago Cares. He has participated in our ongoing program at Cabrini Connections, and has been a leader for our Youth in Service department. Phil also volunteers with PAWS Chicago. “I like the opportunity to work with my hands as opposed to being at a desk all day,” says Phil. Even while traveling for work, Phil still can’t get away from volunteering. He has volunteered with our partner affiliates in Washington DC, Greater DC Cares; and in Philadelphia, Greater Philadelphia Cares.

This year Phil is a primary project site manager at Hedges Fine and Performing Magnet Cluster School for the 17^th Annual Chicago Cares Serve-a-thon. He will be working with a team of six other project site managers and over one hundred volunteers to help revitalize this Chicago public school. With the help of Phil’s leadership skills and dedication to volunteering, Chicago Cares volunteers will transform 14 classrooms, two administrative offices, the lunchroom, and the assembly hall into bright and better learning environments.

“Phil is a solid leader. He is good at troubleshooting and has become quite the leader,” says a Chicago Cares staff member of Phil.

From all of us at Chicago Cares, THANK YOU Phil, for all your hard work and dedication. The enthusiasm and inspiration you bring to every project help spread the message of Chicago Cares.

AmeriCorps Spotlight -Joyce Cruz

2010-05-14T07:02:00.000-07:00

Chicago Cares AmeriCorps Role: Youth in Service HandsOn AmeriCorps Member

In honor of AmeriCorps week, Chicago Cares staff members sat down with each of our 5 AmeriCorps members to find out a little more about them and their service year. Here is what Joyce Cruz had to say about her experience so far this year.

How did you hear about AmeriCorps and what made you decide to do a service year?

I heard about AmeriCorps through a friend that was doing AmeriCorps*NCCC. I was about to graduate from college and wanted to stay involved in volunteering and motivating others to get involved in their communities.

Have you done any other AmeriCorps programs?

Before Chicago Cares I was an AmeriCorps member with NCCC in Sacramento, CA.

What drew you to Chicago Cares specifically?

At the end of my NCCC 10 month commitment, I started looking at other AmeriCorps opportunities closer to home. I found the posting for Chicago Cares through the AmeriCorps website and started to research the organization as a whole. I was really drawn to Chicago Cares and their Youth in Service program because of their commitment to teach the value of volunteerism to youth.

Tell us about your favorite part of AmeriCorps so far.

My favorite part of NCCC was the program really helped challenge me to step outside of my comfort zone and to learn how to live and work with the same people for our entire service year. So far, my favorite part of AmeriCorps with Chicago Cares is working with people in our office to come up with creative new ideas and then putting them into action. I no longer look at an idea and think, ‘how will that work’. Now I think, ‘how can we make this work’.

What are you most excited about working on before your service year ends?

Definitely Summer of Service. I’m really excited to be immersed in the schools we’ll be working with. I think it will be great to see the students really think about the issues in their communities and learn how take the actions to address them.

What skills have you learned in your year that you’ll take with you to your next job?

I’m less awkward talking to strangers. I’m a lot better at things like cold-calls, asking people to step up and lead projects, and building relationships with volunteers and community partners. I’ve also learned a lot about marketing, and how you present a volunteer opportunity in different ways to different people.

What are you plans for after AmeriCorps?

I would like to keep working for in the nonprofit field. I think eventually I’ll go to graduate school for a social service related career.

AmeriCorps Spotlight - Elliott Dionisio

2010-05-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

Chicago Cares AmeriCorps Role: Days of Service Specialist AmeriCorps*VISTA Member

In honor of AmeriCorps week, Chicago Cares staff members sat down with each of our 5 AmeriCorps members to find out a little more about them and their service year. Here is what Elliott Dionisio had to say about his experience so far this year.

How did you hear about AmeriCorps and what made you decide to do a service year?

I always had a history of community service. When I got laid off from my first job after college I decided to look into AmeriCorps for my next adventure. The NCCC program appealed to me because I’d get to travel, be a part of a team and it would provide me with some good experience before I go back to school. I then wanted to continue with another year of community service and liked the position offered at Chicago Cares because it was a stable position at one organization and would provide me with a chance to learn lots of new things.

Have you done any other AmeriCorps programs?

Yes. I did NCCC based in Sacramento, CA, October 2008-July 2009.

What drew you to Chicago Cares specifically?

I felt the organization was very elegantly structured. It seemed to have a structure that was strikingly simplistic on the outside and very easy for volunteers to get involved in. I wanted to be a part of something that sustained itself so well.

Tell us about your favorite part of AmeriCorps so far.

I like having the chance to communicate with people. I like getting in touch with team captains and building relationships with them. I like being a resource for people and showing people the ropes and helping them through our systems. I love that I get to spread the word about Chicago Cares and our events and get people engaged.

What are you most excited about working on before your service year ends?

Once Serve-a-thon wraps up, I’m excited to sit down and write out everything I learned so that anyone coming into my position has a great base of information to start from. The position is a lot of learning along the way but the more resources that can be provided at the start, the better. I value taking the time to make sure the next person is prepared and continuing the legacy of the position for Chicago Cares.

What skills have you learned in your year that you’ll take with you to your next job?

I have learned a lot about professional corporate relations. I’ve also learned a lot about messaging things in an effective way by framing things correctly and choosing the right words for the right audience.

What are you plans for after AmeriCorps?

I plan to go to law school!

AmeriCorps Spotlight - Erik Rosen

2010-05-12T08:28:00.000-07:00

Chicago Cares AmeriCorps Role: Youth in Service HandsOn AmeriCorps Member

How did you hear about AmeriCorps and what made you decide to do a service year?

I heard about AmeriCorps through City Year. I was interested in doing City Year in Chicago because I heard about their service work. Exploring service-oriented options, I thought Chicago Cares would be more challenging, and I would be able to build more skills and use the skills I already have. I just graduated last year and was unsure of what I wanted to do, and I thought this would be a good opportunity to get some experience in the non profit industry, while at the same time giving back to the community I was brought up in. Honestly, I didn’t actually know this was an AmeriCorps position when I applied. I found out when I interviewed.

Have you done any other AmeriCorps programs?

No, this is my first AmeriCorps position.

What drew you to Chicago Cares specifically?

Being able to work with youth and to have the opportunity to enhance their academic and social skills through service.

Tell us about your favorite part of AmeriCorps so far.

I think it’s being on site and working at the projects. My favorite thing is developing relationships with community partners and getting to know them, not just as site representatives but as people. Also, becoming familiar with areas of the city I might never have ventured into before has changed my perspective on a lot of issues and areas in the city.

What are you most excited about working on before your service year ends?

Summer of Service. We’ll be working with several high schools to teach students about what Youth in Service does, focusing on different issue areas, and putting what they’ve learned into action with different service projects. We’re taking more of a hands-on role with the students.

What skills have you learned in your year that you’ll take with you to your next job?

Organizational skills and being able to pay greater attention to detail. I was a big picture person before, and although it’s good to see things that way, it’s definitely helped that I can now take into account everything that will go into a project.

PepsiCo Volunteers Make an Impact on CPS

2010-05-12T08:08:00.000-07:00

Last year volunteers from PepsiCo helped make Avalon Park School a more engaging learning environment, painting dingy stairwells, brightening classrooms and creating murals. Want to be part of the impact this year? Don't forget to register for Serve-a-thon! Click here for more information about registering and how you can be involved!

AmeriCorps Spotlight – Regan Bertke

2010-05-11T08:19:00.000-07:00

Chicago Cares AmeriCorps Role: Volunteer Development Specialist for Ongoing Programs

In honor of AmeriCorps week, Chicago Cares staff members sat down with each of our 5 AmeriCorps members to find out a little more about them and their service year. Here is what Regan Bertke had to say about her experience so far this year.

How did you hear about AmeriCorps and what made you decide to do a service year?

Originally I heard about AmeriCorps from my mom, who works for Habitat for Humanity. They had an open position in 2008. I was in Toledo at school and money ran out, so I decided to come back home to the ‘burbs and help build houses. I wanted to work more behind the scenes in my second year.

Have you done any other AmeriCorps programs?

I was in a State/National program in 2008-2009 with Habitat for Humanity. I worked at project sites training and leading volunteers on the projects that day. I was outside every day—no matter rain, sleet, cold, snow, whatever. The worst day I worked, it was 10 degrees below zero and had snowed a few inches the day before. The snow then froze overnight and we had to use a pick-axe to clear out literally 3 inches of solid ice from the first floor of a 3-bedroom house that we were working on. My arms never hurt that bad in my whole life.

What drew you to Chicago Cares specifically?

I really like working with volunteers—I think it’s special that they are so willing to give up their time, money, and resources to help. I like being able to foster the relationship between volunteers and the people, projects, and organizations they’re helping. It’s great that there are so many people willing to give up their Saturdays to hang out with seniors or read to kids or improve a garden and I just wanted to be part of that.

Tell us about your favorite part of AmeriCorps so far.

My job here has been my favorite part so far—if this were a full-time paying job, it would be close to my dream job. I like being able to train and develop leaders with skills that they can use not just at Chicago Cares, but also take on to their professional lives. I also really enjoyed going on site visits and being able to see the faces of all the people our leaders are helping—it put a more human touch on the work.

What are you most excited about working on before your service year ends?

I’m excited to be a part of Star Awards this year. It’s really important that we show our volunteers how much they do for us and for the community. They are giving up something personal when they volunteer for us—they could be spending that time with their family or friends or just taking a break from life. Volunteering is part of their life, but it’s also something more for us and for the community and it’s great that we recognize that.

What skills have you learned in your year that you’ll take with you to your next job?

My communication skills have gotten a lot better, having to talk so much with strangers on the phone and on email. I’ve learned to express myself in a way that I’m still appreciating them even if I want to reach through the phone and strangle them. I also feel much more confident with my writing skills now, after writing and editing the E-calendar. It’s time-consuming but fun trying to figure out how best to communicate what we’re doing at all levels of the organization, as well as what leaders are interested in and want to know about. It’s definitely a tedious and frustrating process of writing and editing to get the articles perfect—or as close to perfect as possible—but it’s also worth it.

What are you plans for after AmeriCorps?

Get a J-O-B. I’m taking a camping trip right after my term is up in September in the U-P in Michigan. It will be great to just relax—no phone calls, no emails, just getting away from civilization and people in general. Then I’ll come back and start hunting, here in Chicago or in D.C.—wherever someone likes me enough to give me a job.

AmeriCorps Spotlight - Erin Sutton

2010-05-10T11:56:00.000-07:00

Chicago Cares AmeriCorps Role: Service Events Specialist AmeriCorps*VISTA Member

In honor of AmeriCorps week, Chicago Cares staff members sat down with each of our 5 AmeriCorps members to find out a little more about them and their service year. Here is what Erin Sutton had to say about her experience so far this year.

How did you hear about AmeriCorps and what made you decide to do a service year?

I have always been really interested in service. As an adult, I focused my energy on organizing community service projects for my fellow students at the University of Michigan. I always thought I wanted to do the Peace Corps, but then heard about AmeriCorps through my family and decided to check out the website. The VISTA positions really seemed to fit my interests and skills.

Have you done any other AmeriCorps programs?

No, Chicago Cares is my first position.

What drew you to Chicago Cares specifically?

Well, I went to school in Michigan and wanted to move somewhere else. Through the AmeriCorps website, I found the posting for Chicago Cares and was really drawn to the mission of the organization. What I like most about the Chicago Cares model, is not just bringing volunteer opportunities to people in Chicago, but through the leadership process, building, training and encouraging people to step up and become leaders in their communities.

Tell us about your favorite part of AmeriCorps so far.

I really like getting to know all of the Chicago Cares staff members, volunteers and leaders. Celebration of Service was a big highlight for me this year; I love watching everyone’s enthusiasm on the day of the event and seeing all of our Bus Ambassadors and Roadies in action was really inspiring.

What are you most excited about working on before your service year ends?

I’m definitely excited about Serve-a-thon this year. I’m excited to see the whole event from start to finish and to get to know all of the Roadies and Bus Ambassadors. I am also excited to help with the process of finding new ways to improve our leadership program and to leave ideas for the next AmeriCorps member in the position.

What skills have you learned in your year that you’ll take with you to your next job?

I’ve learned things this year that I didn’t realize I ever would. Things like basic web design, database management and refining my skills in MS Office. I’ve also learned a lot about working as a team for the benefit of the entire organization and bringing new and creative ideas and watching them in action.

What are you plans for after AmeriCorps?

I hope to start law school in fall 2011. In the meantime, I would like to stay in the non-profit field. Ultimately, I’m interested in using my law degree to work for an NGO or human interest organization.

Get Active with Serve-a-thon to Support Chicago Cares

2010-05-07T10:40:00.000-07:00

Chicago Cares’ largest fundraiser, the17^th Annual Chicago Cares Serve-a-thon ,takes place on Saturday, June 12. Volunteers, leaders, and staff have been working hard to spread the word, recruit 6,000 volunteers and get every Chicagoan excited about the city’s largest day of service.

Every donation – no matter the size – makes a difference to Chicago Cares.

Our fundraising goal: $830,000

Our fundraising progress as of May 7: $672,000

How can you take action to help us meet our goals?

Volunteer and take the $150 Challenge

Serve-a-thon is NOT just for corporate volunteers – we need all Chicagoans to step up and serve our city’s schools. Register for one of the Chicago Cares volunteer teams and take the $150 Challenge. Raise donations from your family and friends to help Chicago Cares continue our innovative and high-impact community programs [215 every month!]

Be a Leader by signing up as a Project Site Manager

With the help and support of dedicated Project Site Managers at our project sites, Serve-a-thon is able to make a significant impact to better our city schools. On this big day Project Site Managers are provided with the tools and skills to manage the large scale projects being held all over the city of Chicago. Volunteers at the site are then able to concentrate on bettering the schools and making brighter futures for the youth of Chicago.

Be a Roadie or Bus Ambassador

Chicago Cares has two specialty roles where there is a need for volunteers: Roadies and Bus Ambassadors. Roadies will be most active at the kick-off event where their tasks may include distributing lunches and goodies bags, or being a runner for our registration tables. Bus Ambassadors will engage the volunteers on the bus to and from the project site. These roles are critical in keeping the volunteers excited and day moving smoothly.

Sponsor a Volunteer

Chicago Cares will engage over 6,000 volunteers on June 12. Even if you can’t join us on that day, you can support their work by sponsoring a volunteer. You can also sponsor the Chicago Cares staff team in their efforts to raise money for the programs they manage and help sustain.

Busy on June 12?

We still need your support! Register as a Virtual Volunteer, create a personal fundraising page and raise donations from your friends for an organization that you care about. Help Chicago Cares reach our Serve-a-thon fundraising goal by sending easy e-mails with our online tools or posting on your Twitter or Facebook pages.

AmeriCorps Week: Honoring a History of Dedication to Service

2010-05-07T07:24:00.000-07:00

Every year, thousands of Americans commit to serving our country through volunteerism and living a year of poverty. They are AmeriCorps. These dedicated service members are men and women, young and old, coming from all different backgrounds. They serve behind the scenes and on the front lines in the battle against poverty in the United States.

While the 1930’s saw the creation of National Service Corps with the initiation of Civilian Conservation Corps, shortly followed by AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) and Senior Corps in the 1960’s, AmeriCorps programs were not nationally recognized until President Bill Clinton signed the National and Community Service Trust Act in September of 1993. The bill established the Corporation for National and Community Service as the umbrella for all AmeriCorps programs, which now include: Learn and Serve, AmeriCorps National Direct, AmeriCorps VISTA, AmeriCorps NCCC, YCC (Youth Conservation Corps), and SeniorCorps. One year later, the first class of AmeriCorps volunteers were sworn in. 20,000 individuals would be dedicating a year of national service in more than 1,000 communities nationwide. More than 15 years later, the AmeriCorps programs swear in more than 85,000 volunteers every year to serve and partner with nearly 2,000 community and nonprofit organizations.

AmeriCorps members serve in a capacity that allows nonprofit organizations to reach more members of the community through the services they offer. Chicago Cares’ AmeriCorps members, comprised of three AmeriCorps VISTAs, two National Direct HandsOn Corps members and a 5 AmeriCorps alumni, serve in a variety of roles that enhance the day-to-day operations of the organization. These AmeriCorps will soon be joined by two more National Direct HandsOn AmeriCorps members.

The fourth annual AmeriCorps Week, from May 8 to 15, recognizing and honoring those who have dedicated their lives to service through the numerous AmeriCorps programs offered through the Corporation for National and Community Service. During the course of the week, AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps alumni will be hosting events across the United States to spread information and service to local communities. Many organizations that host AmeriCorps members will also be conducting their own appreciation events for the AmeriCorps members that serve with them. Chicago Cares and the Chicago AmeriCorps Alumni Chapter will show their support to current and past AmeriCorps members by hosting appreciation and service events, partnering current and past AmeriCorps together to help bridge the gap of current and post service members.

Show your support or make a donation to Chicago Cares in support of their AmeriCorps program.

To view Chicago Cares’ current AmeriCorps open positions, click here.