The Volunteer Center of New Trier Township
Social Service Directory
(Use your browser's back button to return to the previous page.)
The following agencies have provided additional informtion to assist you in evaluating them as possible volunteer opportunities. If you contact them directly, please tell them you learned about them through the web site of The Volunteer Center of New Trier Township. It would be nice if you would also let us know directly: 847-441-7665, or email us at: volunteerNTT@aol.com
American Cancer Society
820 Davis Street
Evanston, IL 60201
847-328-5147; FAX
847-570-6043
www.cancer.org, Email: terra.levin@cancer.org
Executive Director: Lea Morgan
Volunteer Coordinator: Terra Levin
Mission: The American Cancer Society is the nationwide
community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer
as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing
suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service..
Community Cancer Control
Community cancer control
encompasses activities at the local, state, regional, or national level, which
have a positive impact on the entire spectrum or prevention, early detection,
effective treatment, survival, and quality of life related to cancer.
Prevention
Primary cancer prevention
means taking the necessary precautions to prevent the occurrence of cancer in
the first place. The Society's
prevention programs focus primarily on tobacco control, the relationship
between diet and physical activity and cancer, promotING coordinated school
health, and reducing the risk of skin cancer. Programs are designed to help adults and children make
health-enhancing decisions and act on them.
Detection and Treatment
The Society also seeks,
through the dissemination of its early detection guidelines and its detection
education and advocacy programs, to ensure that cancer is diagnosed at the
earliest possible stage, when there is the greatest chance for successful
treatment. The Society works in
partnership with many public and private sector organizations in diverse
settings to increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early
detection, and to overcome the barriers to regular mammography use.
Patient Services
Patient support is the range
of emotional and practical help the Society offers for patients, their
families, their caregivers, and their community from the time of diagnosis
throughout life to life's end.
Reach to Recovery: Trained
volunteers support and comfort patients before, during, and after breast cancer
treatment.
Look GoodÉFeel Better: The
Look GoodÉFeel Better program is a community-based, free, national service that
teaches female cancer patients beauty techniques to help restore their
appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Man to Man: This group
program provides information about prostate cancer and related issues to men
and their partners in a supportive atmosphere.
Relay for Life
Relay for Life is a
fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money
for research and programs of your American Cancer Society. During the event, teams of people
gather at schools, fairgrounds, or parks and take turns walking or running
laps. Each team tries to keep at
least one team member on the track at all times.
Volunteer Opportunities
for: Youth, adults, families,
groups, people with disabilities.
Year-round: Various volunteer
opportunities are available, from office help to working fundraising events.
American Indian Center,
Inc. Founded: 1953
1630 W. Wilson Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
773-275-5871; FAX
773-275-5874
www.aic-chicago.org, Email: aic50@aic-chicago.org
Executive Director: Joseph Podlasek
Volunteer Coordinator: Nizhoni Hodge
Mission: To promote the fellowship among Indian people of
all Tribes living in metropolitan Chicago and create bonds of understanding and
communication between Indians and non-Indians in the city; to advance the
general welfare of American Indians into the metropolitan community life; to
foster the economic and educational advancement of Indian people; to sustain
cultural, artistic and avocation pursuits; and to perpetuate Indian cultural
values.
The American Indian Center,
Inc. (AIC) serves as the main community center for Native Americans in the
Chicago area. The organization
strives to address community needs educationally, culturally, and economically,
and the overall well-being of community members. The AIC hosts many activities throughout the year including
the annual Chicago Powwow in November.
Minimum Volunteer Age: high school
Volunteer Opportunities
for: adults, youth, families,
groups, people with disabilities
Year-round: after school
program, maintenance, food pantry, administrative duties.
Episodic: Powwow, other
events.
A Refuge for Saving the
Wildlife, Inc. Founded: 1999
3149 Dundee Road, Suite #229
Northbrook, IL 60062-2402
847-509-1026, FAX
847-509-1034
www.rescuethebirds.orgEmail: Director@RescueTheBirds.org
Executive Director: Richard S. Weiner
Volunteer Coordinator: Fara Lazarra
Mission: First and foremost, to work together with other
parrot groups to eliminate the need for rescues. Until then, to provide permanent "retirement"
housing and care for any and all Psittacine birds (not including those with
fatal and/or contagious diseases), educate the public about the proper care of
exotic birds, and locate healthy, happy and nurturing homes for those parrots
that are eligible to be companions.
We are a not-for-profit
parrot rescue, rehabilitation, education, adoption, and no-kill shelter
facility. We are accredited by the
Association of Avian Rescue Organizations (AARO), certified by the Model
Aviculture Program (MAP), and licensed by the Illinoi Department of
Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Welfare.
We are also a member of the Society of Animal Welfare
Administrators. Activities include
education of the public about parrots, rescue of abandoned/neglected/abused
parrots, rehabilitation of parrots, and sanctuary for parrots. We also do raptor rehabilitation and
related education.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 18 (younger if skilled with birds)
Volunteer Opportunities
for: adults, families, people
with limited disabilities
Year-round: Architect, refuge
help, newsletter, CPA, pet taxi, carpenter, plumber, builder, and general
contractor.
Items needed: Flat sheets,
paper towels, 24" x 30" lined freezer/butcher paper, HP paper and
printer catridges, Xerox dry ink, stamps, #10 envelopes.
Better Existence with HIV
(BEHIV) Founded: 1989
1244 W. Thorndale
Chicago, IL 60660
773-293-4740, FAX 773-293-4750
www.behiv.org,
Email: williamc@behiv.org
Executive Director: Brad McLaughlin
Volunteer Coordinator: Kim Davidson
Mission: BEHIV's mission is to improve the lives of people
with HIV and AIDS in the communities we serve through a comprehensive range of
quality services, to inform the public about the virus and risk reduction
behavior, and to increase understanding and compassion for people with HIV and
AIDS. BEHIV's vision is to stop
the spread of HIV in our service area.
Everything we do is toward that end.
BEHIV provides information,
support, resources, and hope to those living with HIV, and to their loved ones. Our professional and caring staff provides comprehensive and
confidential services and educational programs. Our Prevention department provides information about HIV
disease, transmission, prevention, and free anonymous testing. The services we offer help maintain the
health and dignity of our clients and also help to educate others. BEHIV serves Northern Chicago and
Northern Cook County with offices in Evanston and the Chicago neighborhood of
Rogers Park.
Since its inception, BEHIV
has been an agency that relies on volunteers for survival. In a city as large as Chicago, BEHIV
has remained a small grassroots agency that is closely connected with the
surrounding community. Our
volunteers are crucial to this involvement, assisting in all areas in the agency. Thanks to the hard work of our
volunteers, we are able to provide the best care to our clients and focus on
successfully fulfilling our mission.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 18
Volunteer Opportunities
for: adults, youth, families,
groups
Year-round: Help is needed in
all areas of the agency. Whether
the task is small (for esample, answering phones or stuffing envelopes) or lage
(lke helping a client move into a new apartment or helping to care for an ill client's
pet), it is equally important.
Often it is the task that seems to be the smallest that helps us out the
most.
Brandel Care
Center/Axelson Manor Founded: 1964
At Covenant Village of
Northbrook
2155 Pfingsten Road
Northbrook, IL 60062-6499
847-480-6350, x7304, FAX
847-205-9552
Email: lmhofbauer@covenantretirement.org
Volunteer Coordinator: Laverne Hofbauer
Mission: As a ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church,
Covenant Retirement Communities celebrates God's gift of life in Christian
community. We follow the Great
Commandment to love and serve God and one another as taught by Jesus
Christ. That compels us to affirm
the dignity of each person and to pursue excellence and financial integrity in
all that we do. As we provide a
broad range of resources, services and programs to enhance individual and
community wellness, we collaborate with residents and families to achieve the
best possible results. While
seeking to foster independence, we respond to each individual's evolving needs
in order to provide the security that assures peace of mind.
An accredited not-for-profit
continuing care retirement community, Covenant Village of Northbrook has
provided a variety of services to area seniors for more than forty years. The distinguishing characteristic of a
continuing care residential community is a commitment to lifetime care. Covenant Village of Northbrook is one
of a network of 15 communities administered by Covenant Retirement Communities
Inc. on behalf of the Board of Benevolence of the Evangelical Covenant
Church. Through this affiliation,
Covenant Village continues a more than 118-year tradition of meeting the
retirement needs of seniors as a ministry, not merely as a job or business. Covenant Village provides a retirement
lifestyle that is in harmony with Christian tradition, no matter what your
religious affiliation or heritage.
Residents are offered a choice of social, cultural and spiritual
activities, both on and off campus, consistent with our mission of assisting them
to achieve their maximum physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 16
Volunteer Opportunities
for: adults, families, and high
school students. Opportunities for
people with disabilities are limited.
Year-round: Sort and
distribute mail, transport residents to therapy and beauty shop, do manicures,
provide escort to doctor's appointments, visiting, reading, musical programs,
pet therapy, adopted grandparent program, and more.
Career Resource Center,
Inc. Founded: 1989
Grove Cultural Campus
40 E. Old Mill Road, Suite
105
Lake Forest, IL 60045
847-295-5656, FAX
847-295-5430
www.careerresourcecenter.org,
Email: info@careerresourcecenter.org
Executive Director: Jan Cline Leahy
Volunteer Coordinator: Ann Berndes
Mission: Career Resource Center (CRC) is a non-profit,
volunteer organization that provides professional assistance to individuals in
employment transition. CRC's
mission is to empower clients to conduct an effective job search. CRC fosters hope and optimism,
validates and restores self-esteem, and encourages persistence in the face of
obstacles.
CRC serves clients from a
wide range of disciplines, professions, experiences, ages and compensation
levels (entry level to executive). Clients come from across the Chicago
metropolitan area and Southern Wisconsin.
Services and programs are provided at no charge; however there is a
minimal processing fee. The Center
provides the following services and programs: private, confidential advisor
sessions; educational seminars and workshops; interview training and practice;
networking sessions; high-speed Internet access; Internet training; access to
national database of employers; use of computer lab, office equipment and
office space; reference materials; referrals to outside organizations; and
support throughout the job search.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 17
Volunteer Opportunities
for: Adults
Year-round (usually ½
day per week or project basis): client relations representatives, computer
technician, marketing/public relations specialist, grant writer, data record
specialist, network facilitators, database specialist, fundraisers, web
designers, and board members.
The Center for Enriched
Living Founded: 1968
280 Saunders Road
Riverwoods, IL 60015
847-948-7001, FAX
847-948-7621
www.centerforenrichedliving.org,
Email: christal@centerforenrichedliving.org
Executive Director: Harriet Levy
Volunteer Coordinator: Christal Cain
Mission: The Center for Enriched Living provides skill
development and education for greater independence, community integration,
recreation and social programs for people with developmental disabilities.
The Center offers exciting
social enrichment and educational programs for people with developmental
disabilities ages 9 to 90 with varying ability levels. Each activity is carefully planned and
implemented by dedicated staff and all programs focus on learning in a
stimulating and social environment.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 15
Volunteer Opportunities
for: adults, groups
Year-round, summer, school
year, episodic: The Center offers a variety of volunteer opportunities
according to individual skills and interests, for all levels of time
commitment. Program volunteers are
needed to participate in sports activities, demonstrate a talent and help with
a variety of programs, including senior activities, technology classes and
others.
Chicago Botanic Garden Founded: 1972
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022
847-835-6800, FAX
847-835-8257
www.chicagobotanic.orgEmail: jcashen@chicagobotanic.org
Executive Director: Barbara Whitney Carr
Manager Volunteer
Services: Judy Cashen
Mission: The mission of the Chicago Botanic Garden is to
promote the enjoyment, understanding, and conservation of plants and the
natural world.
The Chicago Horticultural
Society has been promoting gardens and gardening since 1890. The Society's flower shows, victory
gardens, horticultural lectures and more have touched generations of
Chicagoans. With the
ground-breaking for the Chicago Botanic Garden in 1965 and its opening in 1972,
the Society created a permanent site on which to carry out its mission. That mission encompasses three
important components: collections, education and research.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 15 with work permit
Volunteer Opportunities
for: families, groups, adults, youth,
people with disabilities
Year-round, summer, school
year: work in the display gardens, native habitats, greenhouses, research labs,
mechanics shop, cafŽ, library, classrooms.
Episodic: Help is needed at
many special events through the year.
ChildServ Founded: 1894
8765 W. Higgins, Suite 450
Chicago, IL 60631
773-867-7362, FAX 773-693-0322
www.childserv.org, Email: jcollins@childserv.org
President/CEO: James Jones
Volunteer Coordinator: Jennifer Collins
Mission:The mission of ChildServ is to help children and
their families build better lives.
With offices in Cook, Lake
and DuPage Counties, ChildServ helps nearly 3,700 children and families build
stronger, more stable and rewarding lives. Our programs include several home-based early childhood
education programs, a HeadStart preschool, foster care and adoption, group
homes, tutoring, youth development, and the Lake County Family Service Center.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 16
Volunteer Opportunities
for: youth, adults, People with
disabilities, groups/families for donations
Year-round, school year:
Teaching citizenship classes, providing child care for ESL classes, tutoring,
mentoring, and assisting teachers in the preschool. Also, donating baby and toddler items (diapers, car seats,
cribs, layettes), twin beds, school supplies, arts and crafts supplies,
multicultural children's books, gift certificates (Target, Kmart, etc.).
Episodic: Donate new toys for
the holidays.
Christopher House Founded: 1905
2507 N. Greenview
Chicago, IL 60614
773-472-1083, FAX
773-472-5716
www.christopherhouse.org, Email: lshortenhaus@christopherhouse.org
Executive Director: Lori Ann Baas
Volunteer Coordinator:Libby Shortenhaus (acting)
Mission: Christopher House's mission is to help children,
families, and individuals in need help themselves through integrated social,
educational, and human service programs.
Christopher House is a
seven-site family resource center.
Through child and youth development, parent enrichment, literacy,
counseling and family support services, Christopher House provides a web of
support to children and their families.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 13
Volunteer Opportunities
for: youth, adults, families,
groups, people with disabilities
Year-round, school year:
Adult tutoring (ESL, GED), youth tutoring, classroom aide, after-school aide,
childcare aide, teen mom tutor.
Donations of gently-used clothes, school and office supplies, baby
clothes, baby toiletries, diapers, baby furniture, strollers, maternity
clothes, linens, towels, book bags, backpacks, individually wrapped snacks,
chest freezer, blankets
Episodic: Thanksgiving Food
Walk, Holiday Adopt-a-Family, Family Reading Nights
Connections for the
Homeless Founded: 1984
2010 Dewey Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201
847-475-7070 x127, FAX
847-864-6558
www.connectionsforthehomeless.org,
Email: kr@cfthinc.org
Executive Director: Will Sundblad
Volunteer Coordinator: Kevin Rock
Mission: Connections for the Homeless works with a variety
of communities in northeast Cook County through direct services and education
to prevent and reduce homelessness among individuals and families.
Connections for the Homeless
annually assists more than 2,000 individuals and families in northeast Cook
County. The supportive services
offered help women, men, and families become self-sufficient, find (and keep)
permanent housing, and connect with resources that will foster stability. Connections' programs include:
EntryPoint (street outreach and supportive housing), Hilda's Place
(transitional shelter for adults), and Family Housing Services (resources for
homeless and at-risk families).
Minimum Volunteer Age: 12
Volunteer Opportunities
for: youth, adults, families,
groups, people with disabilities
Year-round: (1) Meal
Providers and Servers: preparing the meal, serving it to residents, assisting
with clean-up, optionally providing the food itself. Orientation is required. Breakfast, lunch and dinner opportunities are
available. (2) Evening Shelter
Volunteers (age 18 plus): assist with monitoring activities during the
shelter's open hours, 7 PM to 7 AM.
Volunteers should be willing to visit with clients and perform assigned
activities such as answering phones, organizing toiletries, maintaining the
shelter log, etc. A staff
supervisor is on-site to answer all questions and provide guidance. Orientation is required. Other opportunities: clerical projects,
shelter maintenance, donation organization, podiatrist, occupational
therapist. Donations needed:
non-perishable food: canned and jarred foods (meat, fruit, vegetables, peanut
butter, jelly, coffee, soups, ravioli, Spaghetti-Os, pasta sauce), boxed meals
(pasta, Hamburger Helper, Rice-a-Roni, etc.), toiletries and nail clippers,
men's and women's clothing of all types (especially larger sizes), towels,
twin-size bed sheets, diapers, household appliances.
Episodic: Holiday project
assistance, mailings, food drives.
Council for Jewish Elderly Founded: 1972
3003 Touhy
Chicago, IL 60645
773-508-1000, FAX
773-508-4766
www.cje.net,
Email: Anne.schuman@cje.net
Executive Director: Mark Weiner
Volunteer Coordinator: Anne Schuman
Mission: The primary mission of the organization is to
assist the elderly in maintaining or upgrading their ability to manage the
responsibilities of independent living and to utilize to the fullest the
resources and relations available to the older person through family, friends
and the general community.
Council for Jewish Elderly
has at its core a deep and abiding commitment to the dignity of the older person. Through dedication to quality programs
and services for all older people and their families, CJE acknowledges respect
for the individuality and independence of each person it serves.
CJE has been meeting the
needs of older people and their families in Chicago and the suburbs for over 30
years. Our range of services
extends from assisting those who live in their own homes but need occasional
physical or psychological support to those who need the most protection and
care in a long term care facility.
People who live in their own homes often request one or more of CJE's
services such as adult day service, bill paying, consumer assistance, home
delivered meals, information and referral, live-in caregivers and personal
services. For those concerned about
their health and well-being, we offer consultations, counseling, elder care
medication, health services, private care management and a Medicare-certified
and state-licensed home health agency.
Housing options include
government-subsidized and below-market independent apartments; retirement
living in small, intimate buildings; assisted living; and long-term care. CJE also offers program and residences
for people in every stage of Alzheimer's.
The Agency participates in a
joint program that addresses the unique aspects of aging Holocaust survivors
and their families. Program
specialists help survivors obtain information on Holocaust assets and
reparations, and organize support groups and community education programs.
Volunteer opportunities
for: adults, youth, families,
groups, people with disabilities.
Year-round: Home delivered
meals, friendly visits, pet therapy, transportation, feeders, gift shop,
activities, escorts, Shabbat Luncheon, clerical assistance.
Family Network Founded: 1982
330 Laurel Avenue
Highland Park, IL 60035
847-433-0377, FAX
847-433-0461
www.highlandpark.org/fmnetwk,
Email: familynetwork@family-focus.org
Executive Director: Jordan Friedman
Volunteer Coordinator: N/A
Mission: The mission of Family Network, a Family Focus
Center, is to promote the well being of children from birth by supporting and
strengthening their families in and with their communities.
Family Network provides
prevention-based parent support, social and educational programs, and child
development activities for expectant parents and families with young
children. All of Family Network's
programs share a common purpose to enhance the quality of family relationships,
promote healthy growth and development of children, and enable families to
connect with one another and other community services and resources. We have three core programs:
Parent/Child Drop-In Center; Right From The Start for Spanish-speaking
families; and After School Activity Program in collaboration with District
112. Some of the services we offer
include: drop-in program, home visits, parent groups, resource and referral.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 12
Volunteer Opportunities
for: adults, youth, groups, people
with disabilities
Immediate need: Data entry
help.
Year-round: It is important
that our volunteers enjoy families with young children. Those with cultural sensitivity and a
nonjudgmental attitude would be best suited for our purposes. Opportunities include serving on the
board of directors; helping with public relations (press releases, newsletters,
annual report, flyers, brochures); general office and mailing help; handyman
projects; assisting with children in playrooms; childcare during
Spanish-speaking parent groups.
Donations needed include: weekly baked goods, weekly dinner for a group,
paper goods, coffee, office supplies, laser printer, Cheerios, film, house
plants, maternity clothes, baby equipment, infant clothes, diapers, small to
medium size refrigerator.
School year: Helping with
homework in the after school program.
Episodic: Helping with fall,
winter, and spring events: holiday gift wrapping, parties, etc.
Family Service of Glencoe Founded: 1914
675 Village Court
Glencoe, IL 60022
847-835-5111, FAX
847-835-9433
Email: nancy@familyserviceofglencoe.org
Executive Director: Nancy Sutherland
Mission: To promote a stronger community and meet individual
and family needs through services which identify, prevent, and resolve social
and emotional problems.
Activities: Family,
individual, and couples counseling; community education; North Shore Family
Drop-In; 24/7 crisis intervention; Alternatives to Violence program; financial
screening and assistance; emergency assistance.
Minimum Volunteer Age: *
Volunteer Opportunities
for: *
Episodic: benefit, addressing
envelopes.
Family Service of
Winnetka/Northfield Founded: 1893
992 ½ Green Bay Road
Winnetka, IL 60093
847-446-8060, FAX
847-446-9768
www.familyservicewn.org, Email: rmm@familyservicewn.org
Executive Director and Volunteer Coordinator: Robert Mardirossian
Mission: Family Service of Winnetka/Northfield is a
private, not-for-profit community service organization that promotes the
emotional well-being of individuals and families through quality, affordable
counseling and psychotherapy.
Additionally, we provide educational programs that enrich community
life, serve as a resource to local organizations and respond to societal
changes as they affect the lives of those we serve.
Family Service offers
individual psychotherapy, marital counseling, family therapy and group therapy
to its clientele on a sliding fee scale.
The length of therapy is determined between the client and the therapist
and the goal is to enhance clients' functioning and promote their personal
growth. Our client population is
comprised of people of all ages, religious affiliations and income levels.
Additionally, Family Service
seeks to enrich the life of the community through educational and supportive
programs. Some recent
presentations have addressed topics related to middle age, adolescent
development, raising moral children and retirement. As a resource to other organizations, we have facilitated
focus groups and have provided consultation to their staff. Furthermore, in cooperation with our
neighboring family service agencies, we have administered New Trier Township's
Day Care Scholarship program which provides financial assistance to low income
parents whose children are in day care and who themselves are struggling to
find or maintain employment.
(Also see the entry for
Winnetka Thrift Shop, which supplies a source of income for Family Service of
Winnetka/Northfield.)
Minimum Volunteer Age: 21
Volunteer Opportunities
for: adults, people with
disabilities.
Year-round: Board of
Directors membership (Winnetka and Northfield residents).
Friends of the Glencoe
Public Library
320 Park Avenue
Glencoe, IL 60022
847-835-7467
President: Nancy Guenther
Mission: The Friends of the Glencoe Public Library serves
as a fundraising organization to enrich library resources and services. The Friends group contributes to the
purchase of equipment, furnishings, special books and audio-visual materials
and occasionally undertakes a large project such as landscaping enhancements
for the library grounds.
The Friends activities include
semi-annual book sales and sponsorship of community programs such as classical
music concerts in the library, summer reading programs and movie screenings at
the Woman's Library Club.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 18
Volunteer Opportunities
for: adults, people with
disabilities.
Year-round: Sorting and
shelving donated books with scheduled sessions every Tuesday and Friday.
Girl Scouts –
Illinois Crossroads Council Founded: 1993
650 N. Lakeview Parkway
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
847-573-0500, FAX 847-573-1104
www.ilcrossroads.org, Email:
Executive Director: Reta Wilcox
Membership Program Specialist:
Clourtney Willegal-Feuquay
Mission: Girl Scouts of the USA is the world's preeminent
organization dedicated solely to girls – all girls – where, in an
accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for
success in the real world. In
partnership with committed adult volunteers, girls develop qualities that will
serve them all their lives, like leadership, strong values, social conscience
and conviction about their own potential and self-worth. Girl Scouts – Illinois Crossroads
Council Vision Statement: Girl Scouts – Illinois Crossroads Council is
recognized by the community as the premier organization for girls, committed to
excellence and enriched by pluralism.
Girl Scouts – Illinois
Crossroads Council serves more than 38,000 girls in 102 communities in
northeastern Illinois. 63% of
girls experience Girl Scouting through classic Girl Scout troops, lead by
volunteers. 37% of girls
experience Girl Scouting through staff-initiated programs delivered in schools,
park districts, apartment complexes and other youth-serving organizations. Girl Scouts – Illinois Crossroads
Council offer to girls six recruitment and service delivery options: Troops, Trippers, Collaborations with
other community groups, Contemporary Awareness programs, Outdoor Education/Camping/Health,
and STUDIO 2B, an exciting, by-girls/for-girls collaborative approach to Girl
Scouting: a place where teens connect with one another and explore new
interests.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 18
Volunteer Opportunities
for: adults, people with
disabilities
Year-round, summer, school
year: lead classic Girl Scout troops in our 102 communities; assist with troop
meetings, arts and crafts; field trips and activities; product sales.
Episodic: chaperones for
Trippers excursions, assist staff in facilitated programs, share with girls a
skill or talent. Young women ages
19-29 are needed as advisors in our STUDIO 2B programs; fall and cookie
activity sales.
Training is available for all
volunteer opportunities. Art and
craft donations are welcomed.
PO Box 326
Glencoe, IL 60022
847-835-3121, FAX 847-835-3196
www.GlencoeYouthServices.com,
Email: gysadmin@comcast.net
Executive Director:Sartah
Amutavi
Volunteer Coordinator:
Sarah Amutavi
Mission: Glencoe Youth Services (GYS) provides educational,
recreational, and informal counseling services to youth between the ages of
fourteen and nineeteen who are enrolled in high school and living in New Trier
Township.
GYS operates a drop-in youth center located at 680 Greenwood Avenue (the former Holmes Warming Shelter) in Glencoe. We are open Monday through Saturday for both scheduled and spontaneous recreational, educational and cummunity service activities.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 18
Volunteer Opportunities
for: adults
Year-round: We are always
looking for interested, experienced community members to serve on our Board
of Directors. We are always accepting donations of items to be sold on EBay,
which had become an effective fundraising tool for GYS. Our most desired items
are old computer software, old video game consoles and video games..
Episodic: We are currently seeking individuals with experience in graphic design and/or marketing to help us design a new agency brochure. Other such projects may exist in the future.
Glenkirk Founded: 1954
3504 Commercial Avenue
Northbrook, IL 60062
847-272-5111, FAX
847-272-7350
www.glenkirk.org, Email: info@glenkirk.org
Executive Directort: Alan G. Spector
Volunteer Coordinator: Amanda Sebolt
Mission: Glenkirk will provide quality lifetime supports
and services which empower individuals with developmental disabilities to
participate fully in all areas of community life.
This year, Glenkirk is proud
to celebrate 50 years of helping people with disabilities broaden their
horizons. Glenkirk has developed
the skills to assess human needs, to establish programs and services which
provide safety, growth, happiness and satisfaction, and to find creative ways
to address traditional challenges that produce incredible growth for
people. Today, Glenkirk's programs
include family-style homes, job training, respite care, senior programs, early
intervention, adoption and more at over 50 locations in Northern Cook and Lake
Counties. Through the efforts of
volunteers, professionals, families and consumers, Glenkirk has evolved into a
leader in its industry, helping over 1,100 individuals each year live, work and
socialize in their communities.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 18 (youth groups are welcome with chaperone)
Volunteer Opportunities
for: Youth, adults, groups,
families, people with disabilities
Year-round: Teach skills and
provide companionship to people with developmental disabilities. Corporate, community, and youth groups
are needed to help beautify our facilities.
Episodic: Assist with holiday
celebrations, other special events and fund-raising activities. Donations of gifts are needed for the
annual Lucille Coward Holiday Gift drive (individuals and groups are welcome).
Good News Partners Founded: 1980
1600 W. Jonquil Terrace
Chicago, IL 60626
773-764-4998, FAX
773-764-4999
www.goodnewspartners.org, Email: tiffany@goodnewspartners.org
President: Bud Ogle
Volunteer Coordinator: Tiffany Lee
Mission: To end homelessness and hopelessness for everyone
God brings to us, to build bridges of reconciliation and foster justice among
all people.
Good News Partners is located
in the North-of-Howard neighborhood of Rogers Park, committed to create and
nurture our diverse community. We
affirm each person's gifts and do our best to build partnerships to fulfill one
of the promises of Pentecost – the Holy Spirit empowering God's people to
live together in such a way that everyone contributes to meeting everyone
else's needs. We demonstrate God's
love by being a joyful community focusing our work on housing and supportive
services. We hope that God is calling
to you to join Good News Partners, along with more than 1000 other volunteers.
Minimum Volunteer Age: high school
Volunteer Opportunities
for: adults, youth, families,
groups, people with disabilities
Year-round: Pray with Good
News Partners residents, Saturday and Sunday Kids Time activity leaders, Adopt
a Family (churches and church groups), building and landscape maintenance,
administrative support, professional support (accountants, business
professionals, photographers, carpenters, computer experts, dentist,
electricians, family counselors, lawyers, physicians, plumbers, and telephone
technicians), help secure additional housing, tutor adults in GED or ESL.
Summer: June and August
camping trips in Tennessee.
School year: Tutoring
children in reading.
Episodic: Short term
opportunities are available in many of the areas above.
Greater Chicago Food
Depository Founded: 1978
4100 W. Ann Lurie Place (West
42nd & Pulaski)
Chicago, IL 60632
773-247-3663, FAX
773-247-4232
www.ChicagosFoodBank.org, Email: BJRatskoff@GCFD.org
Executive Director: Michael Mulqueen
Volunteer Coordinator: Bessie Ratskoff
Mission: Providing food for hungry people while striving to
end hunger in our community.
As Cook County's food bank,
the Greater Chicago Food Depository obtains more than 43 million pounds of food
and distributes it to 600 member soup kitchens, food pantries, and shelters.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 5
Volunteer Opportunities
for: Youth, adults, families,
groups, people with disabilities.
Year-round: cleaning, sorting
and/or repacking food, driving deliveries to member agencies, and other.
Episodic: various special
events. Food donations and food
drives also welcome: contact Leah Ray at LARay@gcfd.org.
Hadley School for the Blind
Founded: 1920
700 Elm Street
Winnetka, IL 60093
847-784-2794
FAX 847-446-9916
www.ChicagosFoodBank.org,www.hadley.edu
Email: claudia@hadley.edu
Executive Director:
Charles Young
Volunteer Coordinator:
BClaudia Greene
Mission: To enable blind persons during all stages of life
to acquire the specialized skills, attitudes, and knowledge needed to enhance
their participation in personal, family, and community life.
Minimum Volunteer Age: not specified.
Volunteer Opportunities
for: adults, families, groups,
people with disabilities.
Year-round: Eyeglasses, funding,
miscellaneous oportunities.
Illinois Council Against
Handgun Violence (ICHV) Founded: 1974
223 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite
802
Chicago, IL 60606
312-341-0939, FAX 312-341-9770
www.ichv.org,
Email: cgriffiths@ichv.org
Executive Director: Thom Mannard
Volunteer Coordinator: Catherine Griffiths
Mission: To reduce death and injury from gun violence by
educating the public and mobilizing them to take action.
Activities include public
awareness and education through events, speaking engagements, grassroots
activities, outreach, membership recruitment, and working with schools;
research; public policy; and fund raising.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 16
Volunteer Opportunities
for: youth, adults.
Year-round: research on gun
violence issues, outreach to new members, public awareness activities, work on
public policy issues, recruit engagements for our speakers bureau.
Episodic: Organizing events,
fundraising.
INFANT, Inc. Founded: 1983
1108 Oak Street
Winnetka, IL 60093
847-446-5911, FAX
847-446-9221
Executive Director: Carla Nowak
Treasurer/Contact: Lisa Iberle
Mission: INFANT, Inc. is an all volunteer organization that
delivers baby formula and layettes of newborn clothing each month to food
pantries and shelters to meet their emergency needs.
INFANT, Inc. solicits
donations for the purchase of baby formula, which we deliver each month to food
pantries and shelters. INFANT,
Inc. serves approximately 50 shelters annually. We also deliver layettes of newborn clothing upon request of
the social worker at these agencies.
Minimum Volunteer Age: no minimum
Volunteer Opportunities
for: groups, families, adults,
youth, people with disabilities
Year-round/episodic donations
needed: money for formula purchases, SMALL diapers, baby clothing (size birth
to 9 months), baby blankets (especially handmade knitted or crocheted),
snugglies, bottles.
Institute for Therapy
Through the Arts Founded: 1975
300 Green Bay Road
Winnetka, IL 60093
847-685-3911
www.musicinst.org, Email: rubenstein@musicinst.org
Executive Director: Ted Rubenstein
Mission: (Awaiting information)
Activities include: Art
Therapy, Dance Therapy, Music Therapy, Drama Therapy and Family Therapy.
Minimum Volunteer Age: (Awaiting information)
Volunteer Opportunities
for: groups, adults, youth
Year-round: (Awaiting information)
Interfaith Housing Center
of the Northern Suburbs Founded: 1972
620 Lincoln Avenue
Winnetka, IL 60093
847-501-5760, FAX
847-501-5722
www.interfaithhousingcenter.org,
Email: ihcns@interfaithhousingcenter.org
Executive Director: Gail Schechter
Volunteer Coordinator: Gail Schechter (advocacy-oriented), Nancy Burton
(general office)
Mission: The mission of the Interfaith Housing Center of
the Northern Suburbs is to work with others to assure a housing market open to
people of all ages and income levels, regardless of race, religion, family
composition or any of the other legally protected classes.
The fair housing program investigates fair housing, landlord/tenant, and
predatory lending complaints; refers clients to appropriate agencies, and does
community education and advocacy. Affordable housing advocacy supports housing for people of all backgrounds and
incomes. Homesharing matches individuals with low and moderate incomes in
need of housing with home providers, usually seniors who want to remain in the
homes but who may need extra income, services, or companionship to do so.
Our service area includes
Deerfield, Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Highland Park, Highwood, Kenilworth,
Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Northbrook, Northfield, Park Ridge, Skokie,
Wilmette, and Winnetka.
Volunteer Opportunities
for: adults, youth (office help
only), people with disabilities
Year-round: Fair housing
advocates receive training on fair housing laws, and also organize local
residents to write letters, testify, or otherwise advocate for fair and
affordable housing. Hours are
flexible, based on project.
Episodic: Office help with
mailings: labeling, stuffing, sealing are typical tasks.
The Josselyn Center Founded: 1951
405 Central Avenue
Northfield, IL 60093
847-441-5600, x162, FAX
847-784-0547
www.josselyn.org, Email: kpiepgras@josselyn.org
President: Gary D. Smith
Volunteer Coordinator: Kathy Piepgras
Mission: The mission of the Josselyn Center is to provide
the highest quality interdisciplinary mental health, substance abuse, and
related services for children, adolescents, adults and families without regard
to their ability to pay, as well as for organizations, corporations, and the
community at large.
The Josselyn Center's current
population remains overwhelmingly those who cannot afford to receive private
mental health care services. The
Center remains the only resource in our service area which provides psychiatric
assessment, medication management, intervention and maintenance services, case
management and referral services, and family and individual counseling all on a
sliding fee scale basis. We also
conduct community education programs designed for both mental health
professionals and the community.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 18
Volunteer Opportunities
for: youth, adults
Year-round: Assist
experienced clinician, facilitate cultural, dining, and entertainment events
and outings for young adults with learning, physical, social, and emotional
difficulties. The group typically
meets Tuesday evenings from 6 to 9 pm.
Position can be shared.
Episodic: Sell books and help
with registration at community education events and the spring conference; sign
up as a committee member of a fundraising event; design and periodically update
website; stuff envelopes for annual campaign and other mailings.
Junior League of
Evanston-North Shore Founded: 1924
614 Lincoln Avenue
Winnetka, IL 60093
847-441-0995, FAX
847-441-6423
www.jle-ns.org, Email: League416@aol.com
President: Rebecca Garces
Volunteer Contact: Mary Hagene, Office Mgr/Corresponding Secretary
Mission: Junior League of Evanston-North Shore, Inc.
(JLE-NS) is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism,
developing the potential of women and improving communities through the
effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
Founded in 1924 as the Junior
League of Evanston, today JLE-NS has approximately 500 Active and Sustaining
members from over 30 communities in the Chicago metropolitan area. We reach out to all women regardless of
race, religion, ethnic or national origin who demonstrate an interest in and
commitment to voluntarism. Our
League is one of 294 Junior Leagues composing the Association of Junior Leagues
International Inc. (AJLI)
We are a training
organization, so there are various training presentation offered throughout the
year. It is our goal that our
training not only develops the potential in our members but also creates better
volunteers for our organization and other organizations. Our fundraising events include: JLE-NS
Thrift House and American Girl Fashion Show. Some of our Community Projects include:
JLE-NS Thrift House: For more than 65 years, our resale
shop, located at 920 Chicago Ave. in Evanston, helps support The Evanston
Battered Women's shelter and our community projects, while serving a diverse
community.
Community Counts Project:
Coordinates and implements a minimum of three community projects that will
directly affect children and families.
One of the projects for the 2005-2006 year will include "Girls on
the Run" educational series and fun run.
Save the Abandoned Babies
Awareness Campaign: Various activities to raise the awareness of this
legislation that allows parents to leave their unharmed baby, three days old or
younger, at any hospital, emergency medical facility, staffed fire station, or
police station in Illinois and walk away with no questions asked.
Members reach out:
Done-in-a-day projects that include 1) mini-fundraising for scholarships for
women who display academic excellence and community leadership; 2) food drives
for the New Trier Food Pantry; 33) partner with the Evanston YMCA Santa
International Holiday Party to provide crafts for over 250 children to enjoy
throughout the day.
We are made up of two
leadership teams: Policy Board and Management Board. We have a Community Advisory Board to assist us in assessing
the needs of the community and an Endowment Board to assure our projects'
financial future.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 21
Volunteer Opportunities
for: adults, People with
disabilities
Year-round: Volunteer
Opportunities are abundant. Become a member! See description above for volunteer ideas. Donations needed (Thrift House, phone
847-328-5778): gently used clothing, sports equipment, electronics, books and
housewares (sorry, no furniture).
Episodic: Also see
description above for ideas.
Lambs Farm Founded: 1961
14245 West Rockland Road
Libertyville, IL 60048
847-990-3816, FAX 847-362-0742
www.lambsfarm.org, Email: kcothell@lambsfarm.org
Executive Director: Dianne Yaconetti
Event and Volunteer
Coordinator: Kate Cothell
Mission: To empower people with developmental disabilities
to lead personally fulfilling lives.
Lambs Farm offers a full
range of residential, vocational, social and recreational services to adults
with mild to moderate developmental disabilities.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 14 (18 for some positions)
Volunteer Opportunities
for: youth, adults, families,
groups, people with disabilities
Year-round: Administrative
help, gardening, thrift shop, restaurant
Episodic: Painting, various
events
LifeSource Blood Services Founded: 1987
1205 N. Milwaukee Avenue
Glenview, IL 60025
847-803-7866, FAX
847-803-7947
www.lifesource.org, Email: edonoghue@itxm.org
Volunteer Coordinator: Eva Donoghue
Mission: In the fast evolving field of transfusion
medicine, it is our mission to collect blood and deliver comprehensive blood
products and services that enable medical professionals to provide the most
efficient and effective patient care.
LifeSource supplies blood and
blood products to 94% of Chicagoland's hospitals, serving approximately 160
hospitals and home healthcare agencies.
We also participate in both the National Marrow Donor and Cord Blood
Bank programs.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 16
Volunteer Opportunities
for: youth, adults
Year-round, Episodic:
Community Outreach volunteers, Department of Defense and other Mobile Blood
Drive volunteers, administrative support.
Lincoln Park Zoo Founded: 1868
2001 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614
312-742-2124, FAX
312-742-2299
www.lpzoo.org,
Email: volunteer@lpzoo.org
Executive Director: Kevin J. Bell
Volunteer Coordinator: Ellen Izenson
Mission: To teach people about the interdependence of all
living things and the importance of preserving the world's wildlife nature
environments; To support conservation initiatives around the globe that expand
our knowledge of animals and help maintain delicate ecosystems; To enrich the
lives of the animals in its care through naturalistic exhibits, behavioral
enhancement, and quality veterinary care; To operate in a fiscally responsible
manner through a successful private/public partnership; To serve its public
through quality visitor services and by maintaining a true zoological gardens
in the heart of Chicago; To remain free and open to all, every day of the year.
A diversity of wildlife,
scenic gardens and daily education programs draws millions of visitors annually
to Lincoln Park Zoo. For more than
a century, the zoo has remained open and free every day of the year, and is now
one of the last free zoos in the nation.
Located on 35 acres along Chicago's lakefront, the zoo cares for more
than 1,100 animals, many representing species that are endangered in the
wild. Lincoln Park Zoo is more
than a recreational resource – it is an international leader in wildlife
conservation and education.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 18 (15 for special events)
Volunteer Opportunities
for: groups, adults, people with
disabilities
Year-round: Docents
(Educational Guides), Guest Services volunteers, Farm volunteers, staff
assistants, retail volunteers
May to October: Volunteer
gardeners
Episodic: Special events and
short-term projects (good for groups)
LINKS – North Shore
Youth Health Service Founded: 1973
1779 Maple Street
Northfield, IL 60093
847-441-6191, FAX
847-441-7027
www.linksyouth.org, Email: outreach@linksyouth.org
Executive Director: Virginia Anderson
Volunteer Coordinator:Maureen DiFrancesca
Mission: LINKS
– North Shore Youth Health Service empowers young people to take
responsibility for their health, well-being and sexuality through education and
prevention.
Our services include medical
treatment and counseling for young women and men, community education, support
services for sexual minority youth, and a mentor program for adolescent
parents.
Volunteer Opportunities
for: youth, adults
Year-round: Adult clinic
volunteers are needed - doctors, nurses, support workers and receptionists; the
Community Education program needs presenters in schools; the Young Parent
Mentor program needs mentors for teen moms and their babies. The Pride Youth program needs group
facilitators. Youth volunteers can assist with mailings, community education
materials. Donations of office
supplies and medical supplies are welcome.
Lutheran General
Children's Day Care Founded: 1979
3013 Illinois Road
Wilmette, IL 60091
847-256-6600, FAX
847-256-6604
Email: amy.hirsh@advocatehealth.com
Executive Director: Margaret Ariens Denten
Volunteer Coordinator:Amy Hirsh
Mission: To provide quality care and education parents
trust.
We are a year-round child
care facility that provides care for infants through preschool aged
children. Care includes indoor and
outdoor activities in art, language arts, math and science to develop the
social, emotional, intellectual and physical areas of a child's growth.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 18
Volunteer Opportunities
for: Adults, people with disabilities with supervision.
Year-round: Sitting with
babies, sharing talents and interests with preschoolers.
Midwest Palliative &
Hospice CareCenter
Founded: 1978
2050 Claire Court
Glenview, IL 60025
847-467-7423, FAX 847-556-1611
www.carecenter.org, Email: eshinar@carecenter.org
Executive Director:
Dorothy Pitner Healy, RN, BSN, MBA
Director of Volunteers:
Elizabeth Shinar
Mission: We provide our community with compassionate, state-of-the-art
palliative care and hospice services that ease pain and symptoms and enhance
the quality of life for people of all ages and their families.
We do this in any setting and at any stage of life in which our services
can promote independence, provide comfort and offer support.
We are also leaders in the movement to improve care of the seriously
ill, aging and dying, and as such, we educate the public, mentor other healthcare
providers, participate in research and advocate at the local, state and national
levels.
Services include home healthcare,
hospice care, palliative care consults, primary healthcare at home, bereavement
services and personal assistance.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 18
Volunteer Opportunities
for: adults
Year-round: Opportunities
in our Hospice program: volunteers provide respite, companionship and socialization.
Commitment is usually 4-6 hours per week, including travel. Volunteers do not do any hands-on work. 30 hours of training (twice a week, usually
weekdays, for a few hours) is required. Training is offered periodically.
Music Institute of Chicago Founded: 1931
300 Green Bay Road
Winnetka, IL 60093
847-446-3822, x304, FAX
847-446-3876
www.musicinst.org,Email: rrohrer@musicinst.org
President: John Piepgras
Volunteer Coordinator: Rick Rohrer
Mission: The mission of the Music Institute of Chicago is
to provide the foundation for a lifelong enjoyment of music.
Activities: private and group
musical instruction for students 18 months old to adult. Includes orchestras, bands, choirs,
chamber music, and more.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 21
Volunteer Opportunities
for: adults, families. For handyman/maintenance positions,
disabilities must not interfere with safe use of ladder, lifting, or safe use
of needed tools.+
Year-round: handyman/light maintenance
including electrical, carpentry, plumbing, painting; distribution of flyers,
concert posters, etc.
New Trier Township
Prevention Council Founded:
2002
3633 West Lake Road, Ste. 305
Glenview, IL 60025
847-657-7337, FAX
847-657-7331
Email: tschultz@peerservices.org
Project Coordinator and
Volunteer Coordinator: Tracy
Schultz
Mission: To create an environment that promotes healthy
choices and healthy behaviors among New Trier Township youth.
Currently the NTTPC is
working on a social norms marketing campaign at New Trier High School and
throughout the community. Other
activities include a township wide snowball, mentors for student groups at the
high school, and various other community activities.
Volunteer Opportunities
for: groups, families, adults, youth
Year-round: We are always
looking for concerned community members to become part of our council. We participate in the Shop and Share
program at Jewel.
Episodic: Winter gift wrapping
fundraiser, focus groups (parents and students).
North Shore Senior Center Founded: 1956
161 Northfield Road
Northfield, IL 60093
847-784-6000, FAX
847-446-8762
www.nssc.org,
Email: mrogan@nssc.org
Executive Director: Sandi Johnson
Manager, Volunteer Department:
Maura Rogan
Mission: The mission of the North Shore Senior Center is to
support the independence and well-being of older adults, enhance their dignity and
self respect, and promote their participation in all aspects of community life.
Since 1956, the North Shore
Senior Center (NSSC) has assisted older adults in 23 north suburban communities
to remain in their homes with independence, dignity and opportunities for
participating in community life. NSSC
is a resource for older adults and their families. Here adults age 50 and older and their
family members can enjoy active and fulfilling lives in Lifelong Learning
programs and access support services to provide extra help so they can continue
living in their own homes as they grow older, among familiar surroundings,
friends and family.
NSSC is a nonprofit organization
with highly trained social workers and counselors on staff who provide social
services at area park districts and other senior centers. Hospital case managers are located in
all of the hospitals in NSSC;s service area. They assist older adults who may need help when they are discharged
from the hospital. Our House
of Welcome (HOW) is a day respite center for those people who have early stage
Alzheimer's and memory loss. The
HOW facility is located on our campus, just south of our main building.
The Center has always offered a combination of services that are recreational/educational
and a social service component. NSSC
also provides many outlets for intellectual expansion through the arts, music,
languages, humanities, dynamic discussion groups and travel through our Lifelong
Learning Department and OASIS at Northbrook Court, as well as exercise and
fitness through our on-site Fitness Center.
Volunteers of all ages have
always been integral to the success of NSSC. They are essential components of our service to seniors
in our main office in Northfield or our office in Evanston or in the community.
With a staff of over 80 senior service professionals, the organization
annually serves over 38,000 individuals and their families.
The staff is assisted by over 700 volunteers who contribute over 42,000
hours of their time annually.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 16
Volunteer Opportunities
for: adults, high school, persons
with disabilities.
Year-round: Receptionist,
Information Desk, Gift Shop, Library, Drivers, Friendly Visitors, Peer
counselors, Money Management, Red-Tape Cutters, House of Welcome assistants,
art and music volunteers, computer teachers, office duties, committees, and
more. Seasonal opportunities for
those who are away in the winter or summer also exist.
Episodic: Various special
projects. Call for information.
Northern Suburban Special
Recreation Association (NSSRA)
3105 MacArthur Blvd.
Northbrook, IL 60062
847-509-9400, FAX
847-509-1177
www.nssra.org,
Email: mberhelst@nssra.org
Executive Director: John McGovern
Volunteer Coordinator: Missy Berhelst
Mission: To provide recreational activities for individuals
with disabilities.
Activities: recreation
programs for children and adults.
This may include after-school activities, daytime programs, and evening
and weekend social outings.
Minimum Volunteer Age: no minimum
Volunteer Opportunities
for: youth, adults, groups,
families, people with disabilities
Year-round, summer, episodic:
Assist with any of our programs providing recreational opportunities to
individuals with disabilities.
Park District of Highland
Park Founded:
1909
636 Ridge Road
Highland Park, IL 60035
847-681-2189, FAX
847-681-2266
www.pdhp.org,
Email: rgrill@pdhp.org
Executive Director: Ralph Volpe
Volunteer Coordinator: Rebecca Grill
Mission: To enrich the quality of community life through a
diversity of healthy leisure pursuits and a heightened appreciation of our
natural world.
The Natural Areas Program of
the Park District of Highland Park was established in 1989. We are responsible for restoration
activities in nearly 30 parks around Highland Park, including Highmoor, an
Illinois Nature Preserve; the 98-aacre Heller Nature Center; four lakefront
parks and many neighborhood parks that bring nature home to residents.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 10
Volunteer Opportunities
for: Youth, adults, families,
groups, people with disabilities
Year-round: Regular workdays
are held at Heller Nature Center on the second and fourth Friday and third
Saturday of each month throughout the year. Activities include removal of invasive plants such as
buckthorn, loosestrife and garlic mustard; collection and planting of native
seeds; prescribed burns; and monitoring for species of plants, butterflies and
birds. Participants can work only
summers or during school years if they wish.
Episodic: Participation in
regional events such as Chicago River Day, Earth Day, and Arbor Day.
Peer Services, Inc. Founded: 1975
906 Davis Street
Evanston, Il 60201
847-492-1778, FAX
847-492-0320
www.peerservices.org, Email: peer_services@ameritech.net
Executive Director: Kate
Mahoney
Volunteer Coordinator: Katina Hamilton
Mission: Peer
Services' mission is to improve the quality of life in local communities by
working to eliminate substance abuse.
This is best accomplished by educating the community and preventing
substance abuse from developing, intervening when substance abuse problems do
develop, and providing treatment for those teens and adults struggling with
drug dependence or addiction.
Peer Services provides the
following programs: Prevention and Community Education, Early Intervention,
AIDS Education and Risk Reduction, Adolescent Outpatient Treatment, Specialized
Treatment for Opoid Addiction, Dual Diagnosis Treatment, Drug Testing for
Individual and Business Needs and a Comprehensive Outpatient Substance Abuse
Program.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 9th grade. Students in 9th to 12th grade are
preferable as volunteers.
Volunteer Opportunities
for: Youth, adults, families,
groups, people with disabilities.
Year-round: Serve on Board of
Directors or a Board Committee; assist in mass mailings.
Episodic: Gift wrapping at
Borders during the holiday season.
Project Soar - YMCA Founded: 1990
1000 Grove Street
Evanston, IL 60202
847-475-7400 x 221
Email: MaryJonG@mcgawymca.org
Executive Director: Mary Jon Girard
Volunteer Coordinator: Sue Sowles
Mission: SOAR's mission is to provide adult role models who
will foster positive and stable relationships with local youths.
Project SOAR serves Evanston
boys and girls aged 9-14 that have a variety of needs for positive role
models. Youth are referred to the
program through a school social worker, other human services professional, or a
parent or guardian. All who
participate want to be in the program.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 18
Volunteer Opportunities
for: Adults, people with
disabilities
Year-round or school year:
Project SOAR offers volunteers the opportunity to become a mentor to an
Evanston youth. Mentors make a
commitment of at least one year (college student mentors – one academic
year), spending 3-4 hours a week, 3-4 times a month with their mentee. Because the time spent together is very
important to the mentee, it is critical for te mentor to be consistent and
dependable. About 50 are
University work-Study matches, 20 are University volunteer matches, and 20 are
community volunteer matches.
Donations and goods needed: store gift cards for supplies and activities
for mentors/mentees (Jewel, restaurants, arts and craft stores, CTA cards),
designated scholarships for mentees (Camp Echo summer camp, other Y programs,
academic opportunities).
Rainbow Animal-Assisted
Therapy Founded: 1987
3719 N. Keeler
Chicago, IL 60641
773-283-1129, FAX
773-283-1543
www.rainbowaat.org, Email: rainbow3719@juno.com
Executive Director: Nancy Lind
Volunteer Coordinator: There is a separate chairperson for each program.
Mission: Rainbow Animal-Assisted Therapy Inc. is a
volunteer organization dedicated to promoting animals that help people,
especially children, with improving their health, independence, and quality of
life. We develop and implement
Animal-Assisted Therapy programs at schools, hospitals, residential centers,
and park districts. The programs
are designed to meet specified goals.
The special activities are provided free of charge. Each specially trained and registered
therapy dog belongs to a club member.
Classes are held at the
various facilities to teach children to pet, brush, walk, call, play with, and
give the dog treats. These
activities promote and increase motor and verbal skills, self-esteem and
confidence. Problem-solving skills
improve as a result of accepting the responsibility of handling a dog. Learned skills are applied to other
areas. Children learn
communications skills and discipline, improve coordination and strength, learn
to share, give praise, use good manners, and express feelings, all as a result
of Rainbow Animal-Assisted Therapy programs.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 18 (one year for dogs)
Volunteer Opportunities
for: adults and well-behaved dogs
Year-round: Volunteer opportunities are available
year-round.
Rainbow House Founded:
1982
4149 W. 26th Street
Chicago, IL 60623
773-521-1815
www.rainbow-house.org, Email:
Executive Director: Sharon Kayser
Volunteer Coordinator:Erika Lopez
Mission: Rainbow House is a Chicago-based nonprofit
organization working to end domestic violence. Our mission is to provide shelter, outreach, and violence
prevention services to individuals, families, and communities, and to be
effective public policy advocates for systemic change that reduces the
prevalence and impact of domestic violence.
Rainbow House consists of
three service sites and our administrative office. At our emergency domestic violence shelter women and
children receive group and individual counseling and advocacy. Rainbow House is the largest domestic
violence shelter in Chicago, providing 27% of beds for women and children
fleeing abusive homes. Our two
other sites are non-residential.
Women receive group and individual counseling and advocacy, and their
children are also eligible for counseling. Women at all sites can receive legal advocacy. We also operate a 24-hour bilingual
(Spanish/English) crisis line. Our
Domestic Violence Prevention and Education Program works to educate individuals
and communities to create effective and knowledgeable domestic violence
advocates.
Minimum age: 18 unless
accompanied and supervised by an adult (e.g., a youth group with leaders)
Opportunities for: youth,
adults, families, groups, people with disabilities.
Year-round: Work with the
women and children we serve, assist at our administrative office, help with
fundraising efforts.
Episodic: Plan a party,
event, or outing for shelter clients; paint, clean, and garden at our sites.
Rice Child and Family
Center Founded:
1883
1101 Washington
Evanston IL 60202
847-866-3800, FAX
847-866-0941
www.chasi.org,
Email: mtate@rcc.chasi.org
Executive Director: Dr. Jennifer Jaworski
Volunteer Coordinator: Melvyn Tate
Mission: The Children's Home & Aid Society of Illinois
is a voluntary non-profit, non-sectarian organization with programs and
services designed to meet the needs of children, their families, and their
communities, and to respect the diversity they represent. The Society's programs and services
promote social, emotional, environmental, and developmental health and
growth. The Society champions the
welfare of children and their families and informs the general public about
their needs.
The Rice Child and Family
Center provides a range of residential treatment services to children and
youth, ages 14 and younger, with serious mental health, emotional, or
behavioral problems.
Minimum age: 19
Opportunities for: Adults.
Year-round: We offer a wide
variety of volunteer opportunities that include time spent interacting with the
clients we serve at the center.
Evenings and weekends have the most options.
SHORE Community Services Founded: 1951
4232 Dempster Street
Skokie, IL 60076
Phone 847-982-2030, x, 21,
FAX 847-982-2039
www.shoreinc.org, Email: mkmatz@ameritech.net
Executive Director: Gerald Gulley
Volunteer Coordinator: Mary Matz
Mission: SHORE Community Services provides educational,
residential and vocational services to children and adults with developmental
disabilities. Helping people reach
their full potential and thus lead them to more independent and productive
lives is fundamental to
this process.
SHORE provides services
through SHORE Training Center (STC), SHORE Early Intervention and Adult Center,
SHORE Homes East and West, Supported Living Arrangements, CILAs (Community
Integrated Living Arrangements), and
In-Home Respite Care.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 18
Volunteer Opportunities
for: adults, people with
disabilities
Year
round: volunteers are needed to supervise clients on breaks and outings at the
Training Center and the Adult Center.
Donations Needed: high quality furniture for our residential facilities; used automobiles; clothing, small furniture and house-wares for The Second Time Around Thrift & Gift Shop which benefits SHORE.
Shore
Line Place Founded: 1988
324
Linden Avenue
Wilmette,
IL 60091
Phone
847-251-7296, FAX 847-251-9901
Email:
Building
Manager: Karen Dawkins
Social
Services: Armida Anderson
Mission: Shore Line Place offers housing to seniors 62
years plus or to those who are handicapped and require barrier-free apartments
in the village of Wilmette.
Shore
Line Place housing units offer much more than just a place to live. Our community nurtures the human spirit
by helping people grow and flourish.
Having comfortable, safe, attractive, and affordable housing facilities
is what makes this possible.
Shore
Line Place encourages and promotes activities for our residents such as
educational presentations, enjoyable demonstrations, entertainment
opportunities, and active participation by residents in each category.
Minimum
Volunteer Age: Open
Volunteer Opportunities
for: groups, families, youth, adults and those with disabilities.
Episodic and year round
volunteer opportunities are open in a variety of different categories of
volunteerÕs specialty or interest.
Categories include:
entertainment, educational, demonstrations.
Donations of goods include:
Arts/craft supplies, greeting cards, food donations for activities, housewares,
miscellaneous gift items, and paper products.
Skokie Lagoons
723 Foxdale Avenue
Winnetka, IL 60093
847-501-3735
Email: kielsonvu@sbcglobal.net
Master Steward: Jerry Garden
Volunteer Coordinator: Daniel Kielson
Mission: ÒÉfor the purpose of protecting and preserving the
flora, fauna, and scenic beauties É and to restore, restock, protect and
preserve the natural forests É for the purpose of the education, pleasure and
recreation of the public É .Ó
The Volunteer Program
directly tackles the problems of soil erosion, invasive species of plants, and
litter. Individuals and groups are
invited to participate. The second
Saturday of every month from 10:00am to noon is a workday: other workdays can
be arranged for groups.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 8
Volunteer Opportunities
for: groups, families, youth, and
adults.
Year round and episodic:
workgroups as described above.
Donations of goods: loppers and saws for cutting buckthorn are welcomed.
Skokie Northshore
Sculpture Park Founded: 1988
P.O. Box 692
Skokie, IL 60076
847-679-4265
www.sculpturepark.org, Email: brookemarler@sbcglobal.net
Executive Director: Brooke Marler
Volunteer Coordinator: Sheila Oettinger
Mission: The mission of the Skokie Northshore Sculpture
Park is to offer an ongoing exhibition of large-scale art of the highest
caliber and educational programs to promote the appreciation and understanding
of contemporary art.
Activities include: 1)
Ongoing exhibition of over 70 large-scale contemporary sculptures in an outdoor
park setting; 2) Free public tours of the park; and 3) Free educational
programming in local schools utilizing the Sculpture Park.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 16
Volunteer Opportunities
for: adults, groups, people with disabilities.
Year round and episodic:
Volunteer opportunities include the oversight of the part via the Board of
Directors, marketing and fundraising, docent and educational activities. Donations would include financial oversight,
marketing, printing, and advertising.
Valley of the Kings
Sanctuary Founded: 1973
W7593 Town Hall Road
Sharon, IL 53585-9728
Phone: 262-736-9386, FAX:
262-736-2020
www.votk.org Email: kikuman2@wmconnect.com or info@votk.org
Executive Director: James L. Tomasi
Volunteer Coordinator: Jill E. Carnegie
Mission: To provide care and housing to retired, unwanted,
or injured Exotics, Domestics, and hoofed stock and offer a permanent
refuge. (lions, tigers, camels,
horses, wolves, etc.) Educational
institution – volunteers can receive college credit.
.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 18 unless accompanied by adult
Volunteer Opportunities
for: youth, adults, families, and
groups.
Year round: Construction
projects daily as well as feeding, cleaning enclosures and care of over 200
animals. Gardening and keeping of
grounds, raking, hauling wheelbarrows, sanding enclosures, roofing, electrical
needs as well.
Episodic: Tours for large and small groups Saturdays and Sundays
VITA (Volunteers In Teaching Adults) at Oakton Community College/ALL Founded: 1978
7701 North Lincoln Avenue
Skokie, IL 60077
Phone: 847-635-1426, FAX: 847-635-1478
www.oakton.edu/cont_ed/all/vita.html,
Email: cniemet@oakton.edu
Vice President for
Continuing Education, Training and Workforce Development: Barbara Rizzo
VITA Program Manager: Cathy Niemet
Mission: Volunteers in Teaching Adults (VITA) strives to
serve the basic educational needs of both the non-native and American adult
population living in north/northwest Cook County by offering tutoring in
English as a Second Language (ESL) and literacy. Volunteer tutors enhance studentsÕ confidence in themselves
as their knowledge and skills increase.
VITA volunteers work with the
teachers in the ESL, LTRTL, and family programs. They respond in an individualized way to the educational and
personal needs of the students.
Tutors (minimum age 18) volunteer 2-6 hours per week each term (fall,
spring, summer). A two-part
training session is offered prior to each term. An interview is required, on-site observation is provided:,
and in-service workshops, peer support, and the guidance of teachers and staff
are available.
Minimum age volunteers: 18
Volunteer Opportunities
for: Adults, groups.and people with disabilities, as long as they
can get to and from the site on their own.
Year round: ESL and literacy
volunteers tutor weekdays, evenings, or Saturdays. Classes are held at OaktonÕs Ray Hartstein Campus, various
elementary and high schools, public libraries, churches, synagogues, YMCA, and
a shopping mall. Volunteer
opportunities are ongoing. The
VITA program through Alliance for Lifelong learning (ALL) at Oakton Community
College offers English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for adult non-native
speakers of English who need to acquire the listening, speaking, reading, and writing
skills necessary to function in their new American culture. ALL also offers a Learn To Read TO
Learn (LTRTL) literacy program for adult native speakers and ESL adults who
need to improve their reading and writing skills in pursuit of specific life
goals. Tutors also work in various
family literacy programs throughout the district.
WilPower, Inc. Founded: 1987
444 Frontage Road
Northfield, IL 60093
Phone: 847-501-2939, FAX: 847-501-4636
www.wilpower.org Email: sshimon@wilpower.org
Executive Director: Susan Shimon
Mission: WilPower, Inc. partners with people with mental
illness to recover and pursue lives of meaning and purpose.
We offer permanent supported
housing, employment assistance, skills training, social, professional and peer
support, expressive art and family networking in a recovery focused setting.
Minimum Volunteer age: 16
Volunteer Opportunities youth, adults, people with disabilities.
Episodic: Board committee
work, mailings, and selected program activities.
Winnetka Interfaith
Council Founded: 1962
632 Melrose Avenue
Kenilworth, IL 60043
Phone: 847-256-0549
President/Contact: Sherry Gormanous
Mission: The purpose of the Council is to serve the members
of the congregations of the 12 churches and synagogues in Winnetka, at the
direction of their governing bodies, by operating as a forum for the mutual
exchange of ideas and as a means for cooperative action and service to the community.
Our 12 congregations provide
four representatives each to the Winnetka Interfaith Council. The representatives serve on one of the
following committees: Peace Awareness,
Human Needs, and Thanksgiving Eve Committee which work together in unity and do
an exemplary job.
Minimum Volunteer age: High
school junior
Volunteer Opportunities
for: Persons of faith who are
members of the congregations of churches and synagogues in Winnetka. People with disabilities are welcome.
Episodic (annual): Our Thanksgiving Eve Committee provides several food baskets to the New Trier Angel Fund plus a substantial check. Our Peace Awareness Committee gives a check to the winning peace essay at New Trier High School. Our Human Needs Committee promotes accessibility for people with disabilities.
Winnetka Thrift Shop Founded: 1893
992 Green Bay Road
Winnetka, Il 60093
Phone: 847-446-7787 FAX: 847-446-9768
www.familyservicewn.org, Email: rmm@familyservicewn.org
Executive Director: Robert Mardirossian
Volunteer Coordinator: Judith Bennett
Mission: The
Winnetka Thrift Shop, which is part of Family Service, significantly
contributes to the agencyÕs ability to fulfill its mission. Not only does The Thrift Shop stand
ready to supply clothing and household items to families facing emergencies,
but it also provides a source of income for the agency. This allows Family Service to use a
sliding fee scale and offer services to people who otherwise would not be able
to afford the costs of counseling.
The Winnetka Thrift Shop, one
of the largest sources of funding for Family Service of Winnetka-Northfield,
welcomes donations of high quality items that make our store more than a resale
shop. Our quality and value minded
customers are eager to purchase designer clothing, china and crystal, household
goods, children's clothes and those unwanted birthday, holiday and wedding
gifts. The proceeds from the
Thrift Shop support Family Service's counseling and psychotherapy program. All donations are tax deductible.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 18
Volunteer Opportunities
for: adults, youth.
Year round: Volunteers are
needed for weekly three hour shifts in our active and energetic shop. This is a great opportunity to mingle
with members of the community and serve a worthy cause, so please join our
corps of happy volunteers.
Winnetka Youth
Organization Founded: 1966
P.O. Box 302
620 Lincoln Avenue
Winnetka, IL 60093
Phone: 847-446-0443 FAX: 847-446-0609
Email: wyofriend@aol.com
Executive Director:
Annie Rhodes
Mission: To foster individual development in the high
school youth of New Trier Township by providing adult to youth mentoring as
well as social, educational and community service opportunities in a safe,
informal environment.
Our high school drop-in
center is open six days a week. We
offer counseling/adult mentoring, crisis intervention/referral resource sharing
and community education services.
Our programming includes two youth board meetings a month, recreational
events, concerts/dances, study nights, outdoor adventure programs, social
service projects/volunteerism, educational and diversity programs.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 13-19 (or graduated 8th grade students
through the first year of college)
Volunteer Opportunities
for: Youth, youth groups and young people with disabilities.
Episodic: Each month we offer a volunteer opportunity to New Trier Township High School youth. Volunteer locations are determined at the beginning of each month, and includes activities like working at soup kitchens, food pantries, and clothing donation centers.
Donations of Goods needed: Our center offers a broad range of
recreational activities so donations of DVDs, CDs, Computer Equipment, Sporting
Goods, Games, Small Office Furniture and equipment are greatly
appreciated. Please call before
donating.
Youth Connection Founded: 1988
P.O. Box 67
Wilmette, IL 60091
Phone: 847-254-2224
Email: bgg101@aol.com
Executive Director: Bonnie Groner
Mission: Youth Connection is a non-profit organization that
helps 5th through 8th grade youth living in the Wilmette
area rise to the challenges of early adolescence by providing social,
recreational, and academic programs and community service opportunities. The YC Board of Directors consists of
local parents and professionals who are committed to finding innovative ways to
support this growing segment of our community with enjoyable and responsible
activites.
All of Youth ConnectionÕs
programs are open to youth residing within Wilmette District 39 and District 37
regardless of the school attended.
R.A.D. (Recreational Academic Development) is a supervised after-school
meeting place where 5th and 6th grade youth can get help
with homework, socialize with their friends, create art projects, and
participate in sports. This free
program is located in the Highcrest Middle School Cafeteria and runs Monday
through Friday from 3:40 pm to 6:00pm.
The DEN, formally known as
the RADical CafŽ, is a supervised after-school meeting place where 7th
and 8th grade youth get involved in a variety of activities (which
they help plan), play games, enjoy healthy snacks, and listen to music. This free program is located in the
WJHS Commons and runs Monday through Thursday from 2:45 pm to 5:00pm. TGIFÕs are well-staffed social
gatherings held on select Friday nights at WJHS and feature music (with a DJ),
basketball, games, and healthy refreshments. The Battle of the Bands is a special annual event where
young local bands get to showcase their musical talents for friends and family. This event is held at the WJHS
auditorium and always draws a large audience of youth and adults. The Youth Play is a wonderful
theatrical experience, where a large cast of 6th, 7th
aqnd 8th graders display their talents in a professionally directed
stage production. H.O.P.E.
(Helping Others a Personal Experience) is a community service program designed
to give 7th and 8th grade youth the opportunity to
volunteer at various organizations.
The Art Club is a supervised after-school activity that meets twice a
week in the WJHS art room Members
can attend anytime the creative mood inspires them. A small fee is collected to cover art supplies. This club meets Tuesdays and Thursdays
from 3:00-4:00pm. The Homework
Club meets twice a week at WJHS.
This club offers a quiet place where 7th and 8th
grade youth can use library resources and receive homework assistance. This club meets Tuesdays and Thursdays
from 3:00-4:00 pm.
Minimum Volunteer Age: 17
Volunteer Opportunities
for: Adults, youth, people with
disabilities
Seasonal – Sept-May: There are needs for special event
chaperones, Snack Shoppers, Homework club tutors, Volunteer coordinator, Board
members.
Donations of Goods: Certificates
to movie theatres, Best Buy and Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center; fuseball
table; computer paper; and large storage cabinets with locks.
Youth Organizations
Umbrella, Inc. Founded: 1971
1027 Sherman Avenue
Evanston, IL 60202
Phone: 847-866-1200X225, FAX:
847-866-9143
www.youevanston.org, Email: tonyapatterson@youevanston.org
Executive Director: Don Baker
Volunteer Coordinator: Tonya Patterson
Mission: Youth Organizations Umbrella Inc. (Y.O.U.) is a
youth service agency. We reach out
to young people ages 10 to 18 and their families in response to their
ever-changing needs for support, guidance and advocacy. It is our goal that all young people
acquire the skills, self-confidence and opportunity to participate fully,
freely and responsibly in the life of the community.
Minimum Volunteer Age: High school sophomore.
Volunteer Opportunities
for: Groups; families, adults ,
people with disabilities.
School year: Mentor/tutor
after school program generally runs Monday-Friday 3-6 pm.
Summer; Mentor/tutor summer
program generally runs Monday-Friday 9-4 pm.
Episodic: Special Events Assistant:
Work with Director of Development planning Annual Dinner held in the spring
and our Young Leaders Council on an annual wine tasting.