Leader Spotlight – Stacy Collins

“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

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!

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

 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

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

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.

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.