Groups

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Our troops of dedicated, playful, and brilliant volunteers are the backbone of our organization. Volunteers make our work possible and help us reach over┬¼ÔÇá3,000 students in Chicago each year. Volunteers┬¼ÔÇáassist in field trips and┬¼ÔÇáworkshops, design covers for chapbooks of student writing, provide homework support, and serve as lead agents in our storefront.Whether you are looking to volunteer once a week, once a month, or once a semester, we are thrilled to have your support whenever you can offer it. You don't have to be a good writer! You just have to care about working with young people.Click here to fill out a volunteer form!

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A Safe Haven Foundation is a 501(c)3 not for profit, social enterprise that helps people ASPIRE. TRANSFORM. and SUSTAIN their lives as they transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency with pride and purpose. A Safe Haven provides the tools for each individual to overcome the root causes of homelessness through a holistic and scalable model. A Safe Haven's visible social and economic impact unites families, stabilizes neighborhoods, and creates vibrant, viable communities.

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AccentCare Hospice & Palliative Care *formerly Seasons Hospice┬¼ÔÇástrives to understand our patient's unique life experiences and create a plan of care that honors and supports their journey.

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Each year, After School Matters provides life-changing after-school and summer program opportunities to more than 17,000 Chicago high school teens. Our hands-on, project-based apprenticeship and internship programs ÔÇÜ├ä├¼ in the arts, communications and leadership, sports and STEM ÔÇÜ├ä├¼ allow teens to explore and develop their talents, while gaining critical skills for work, college and beyond.

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Albany Park Community Center (APCC) is always looking for motivated, responsible, and compassionate individuals to lend a hand in many of our programs. We are confident you will find volunteering with APCC to be a very rewarding experience! Tutor English as a Second Language (ESL) or Adult Basic Education (ABE). Commit to six months of tutoring an adult in English, reading or math, following 12 hours of free training. Volunteers are also needed to tutor adults in citizenship preparation or in pre-employment literacy and computer skills. Training is on Saturdays while tutoring is usually twice a week for two hours per session, times and can be between: 9:00 am - 9:30 pm Monday through Thursday, and 9:00 am - 5:30 pm on Saturdays

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We involve tens of thousands of people each year in advocacy, volunteering, education, and research to ensure the lakes are healthy and safe for all.

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The mission of St. Jude ChildrenÔÇÜ├ä├┤s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family's ability to pay.

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The mission of Chicago SCORES is to inspire youth to lead healthy lives, be engaged students, and have the confidence and character to make a difference in the world. We achieve this mission through daily after school and summer programming that combines soccer, poetry, and service-learning.

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America SCORES Chicago is the lead partner agency at Pilsen Community Academy, a preK - 8th grade school located at 1420 W. 17th St. Chicago, IL. We provide after school programming for K-8 students ranging from soccer, poetry, arts, STEM, dance, academics, music, and more! Programming runs from 3:00-5:00pm Mondays-Thursdays.┬¼ÔÇá

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Improve lung health and prevent lung disease through research, education, and advocacy.

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The mission of the American Red Cross is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. When disaster strikes, Red Cross volunteers are there to provide food, shelter, essential relief supplies and hope to individuals displaced by fires, floods, and storms. They provide health and mental health services following local and national disasters, and they support the international community when called upon. When military recruits prepare to leave for military service, Red Cross volunteers are there with them, explaining how the Red Cross will support them and their families throughout their military career and beyond. The Red Cross is one of the nation's largest blood collection organizations. Red Cross volunteers help with the collection and distribution of over 40% of the nation's blood supply. Our volunteers are as diverse as the people receiving Red Cross services. It takes all kinds of men and women to make this organization work - all ages, backgrounds, and skills.

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The adult literacy program at the Anixter Center aims to connect learners who have intellectual and/or developmental disorders with tutors who can assist them on the path to literacy.

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Volunteer English Literacy Tutors offer 90 minutes of weekly instruction to adults learners to help them with greater English-language proficiency, plus 30 minutes of preparation time. Tutors serve as teachers and mentors to assist learners in advancing in English and achieving their personal and professional life goals. All instruction is in English.

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Asian Human Services' LEAF Program (Literacy Education for Adults and Families) provides free ESL and computer literacy classes. AHS provides personalized support and services to the surrounding immigrant and refugee communities and empowers students to become thriving and contributing members of a vibrant and diverse community.

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Our Vision Is for all youth to have a seamless educational experience and be poised to make a difference anywhere in the world.

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To empower the Puerto Rican and Latino community through advocacy and the education and leadership development of its youth.

Core Values

Student Focused
We are committed to elevating the self-esteem of all students through leadership development and fostering their personal growth by encouraging lifelong learning.

Cultural Heritage
We understand the value of all students appreciating and understanding their cultural heritage to build self-esteem and pave the way to academic excellence.

Service to the Community
We are committed to teaching students the value of improving the quality of life of others and learning to be compassionate and understanding.

Diversity
We embrace all aspects of human diversity and value its necessity to ensure a vibrant learning environment.

Collaboration
We are committed to establishing partnerships with universities, the private sector, nonprofit, and community organizations that will enhance the student's school experience and their leadership development.

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For patients with blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, and other life-threatening diseases, a cure exists. Be the Match operates a registry that matches patients with lifesaving blood stem cell donors. Over 20 million people have joined the registry, however, there are still over 12,000 patients in need of lifesaving matches. Joining the registry takes only a few minutes and involves a fast digital form and cheek swabs that are mailed. ( When we are able to gather, we hold tabling drives and educate students/the public and sign them up in person.) The entire process is very simple and can be completed in just a few minutes. 1 in 430 people who register will one day match a patient and save a life, and donating is not painful, most often resembling blood donation. Only 30% of patients have a match in the family, and patients are most likely to match donors who share their ethnicity. Unfortunately, there is a disparity in the registry and all patients do not have an equal chance of finding a lifesaving match. Most of the donors who have joined the registry are Caucasian, so Caucasian patients have a much better chance of finding a match. Currently, a White patient has a 77% chance of finding a matching donor on the registry, however Hispanic, Asian and African American patients have only a 46%, 41% and 23% chance respectively. This is one of the largest disparities in medicine and we are fighting intensely to change those odds. It is the goal of Be the Match for all patients to have an equal chance of finding their match, regardless of their ethnicity. We are launching a campaign for health equity in Chicago and need help growing this movement. The link to the Shrink the Gap website and social media is below. You can also learn more about Be the Match at www.bethematch.org

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Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in late 1992 by Kathleen A. Casey, CEO/President. The foundation is named in memory of her eight-year-old son, Barrett ÔÇÜ├ä├║BearÔÇÜ├ä├╣ Krupa, who died after a courageous five and a half year battle with Wilms Tumor, a pediatric cancer. Prior to his death on January 9, 1993, Bear and his mother discussed and planned the formation of Bear Necessities. During his long stay in the hospital, Bear expressed more concern for other pediatric cancer patients than he did for himself. He and his mother learned of the many hidden needs of both patient, family members, and the needs of the hospital facilities as well. Today, Bear Necessities operates two unique programs, Bear Hugs and Bear Discoveries. While the Foundation is funding cutting-edge research to end pediatric cancer, itÔÇÜ├ä├┤s also providing for the immediate needs of the children and families battling the disease.

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MISSION The mission of BEDS Plus Care is to help vulnerable individuals stabilize their lives through housing and supportive services. VISION Our vision is to end homelessness. We believe that everyone deserves a home. BEDS Plus Care delivers emergency services, including overnight shelter, housing services and homelessness prevention to reduce and end homelessness in Southwest Suburban Cook County. Each client who comes to BEDS is either literally homeless or their housing is threatened. Each situation has its own complex causes and requires individualized care. Professional case managers work with clients on individual service plans to help them secure affordable housing, stabilize, and rejoin their communities. We connect our clients with other agencies to address the needs of special populations, including families with children; seniors; veterans; domestic violence survivors; and people with disabilities. With help from professional and lay volunteers, we provide meals and food, routine health screenings, physician and behavioral health referrals, legal counsel, employment support groups and other wrap-around supports.

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Students (Littles) are matched 1:1 with a mentor (Bigs) to form a positive mentoring relationship. During outings, Bigs and Littles do activities that provide children with the opportunity to discover a world of possibilities and support a childÔÇÜ├ä├┤s confidence, competence, and independence. The time commitment is 2-4 outings per month, for a minimum of a year. Program Description: The Bigs will pick up their Littles from their home and take them on outings that will impact the Little in three areas: Educational Achievement, Social-Emotional Competencies, and Avoidance of Risk Taking Behavior. Some examples of activities the matches can enjoy on their own are: visiting the zoo, trying new food, sightseeing downtown, learning a new craft, playing in the park, visiting a college campus. Throughout the year, BBBS will host events that will introduce the Little to various educational, career, and fun activities. The parent and child must be engaged in the full enrollment process - participate in family orientation, interview, and monthly match support phone calls. The family must have an active phone number and stable housing where the parent and child can be reached. This program is city-wide and is individualized to each Big and Little. The program starts on a rolling basis and commitment begins after first match introduction.

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Big Shoulders Fund is an independent charitable organization that serves inner-city schools which provide a quality, values-based education for ChicagoÔÇÜ├ä├┤s children, thereby contributing to stronger communities. One hundred percent of funds currently raised support four major areas ÔÇÜ├ä├¼ scholarships and enrichment, operational improvements, academic programs, and leadership developmentÔÇÜ├ä├¼ with the goal of not just strengthening schools, but whole communities, and preparing students for life-long success.

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A resident-led community organization organized to provide resources to homeowners, tenants and business owners through workshops, holiday and other community engagement events. Distribution of information to residents and sponsor community engagement events

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Breakthrough partners with those affected by poverty to build connections, develop skills, and open doors of opportunity. Through a myriad of programs that focus on youth development, housing, workforce development, food security, and violence prevention, Breakthrough operates on a simple principle: people first.

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By The Hand is a Chicago-based after school program that emphasizes academic excellence while nurturing the whole child - mind, body and soul.

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OUR MISSION The Center helps people who abuse to stop their domestic violence, take responsibility for their behavior, create healthy relationships and strengthen their communities. ENDING ABUSE WHERE IT BEGINS THROUGH: Partner Abuse Group Interventions - Beliefs and Skills for Domestic Peace Case Management Community Awareness, Education, and Outreach Events Neighborhood Barbers For Peace Training for Partner Abuse Intervention Group Facilitators

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Manage UIC dining services

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Chi-Care is an inclusive organization aimed at providing people who are homeless and need help the most with warm food, clean water and other resources where they live.We plan to grow the organization by obtaining a large vehicle to make delivering more food easier. Chi-Care is also focused on increasing the number of days per week that it operates.Food and water are rarely enough for an unsheltered person during a Chicago winter. Chi-Care intends to begin a clothing drive to provide coats, hats, and gloves.Chi-Care depends on its volunteers and donations to help people. A small monthly donation of $10 can help to provide up to four meals, assist in the purchase of a truck for deliveries, or pay for professional grant writing services that will bring even more resources to those in need.┬¼ÔÇá┬¼ÔÇá

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LOVE BOX PROGRAM The Love Box program provides fostering families (caregivers, children in foster care, and biological/adopted children) with community and holistic support. This wrap-around support enables caregivers to continue to do the important and meaningful work of being foster parents. As a Love Box group, you will be matched with a local foster family based on location, compatibility, and scope of needs. When our families are matched with committed volunteers who show up monthly, parents feel supported and children gain a greater sense of normalcy, relational permanency, and self confidence. This program requires a one year commitment, but the connections and impact last a lifetime. DARE TO DREAM The youth (ages 11-22) in our Dare to Dream program need the wisdom, advice, encouragement, and community that mentors can provide. Mentors meet practical and emotional needs as well as provide guidance through developmental milestones. The goal is for youth to be engaged and to feel supported and equipped to navigate life. A mentor commits to meeting with the youth every other week to set goals and help them achieve their dreams. These relationships will hopefully last a lifetime, but the program is a year commitment. Mentors matched with a high school student are strongly encouraged to stay with the youth until high school graduation.

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Chicago Council on Science and Technology is a thirteen-year-old non-profit organization that seeks to enhance the public's understanding and appreciation for science and technology. One of the ways we achieve our mission is by hosting around 30 public STEM education programs per year geared toward a general audience. These programs are hosted in venues across the city of Chicago and on as diverse an array of topics as possible.

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Chicago Council on Science and Technology is a thirteen-year-old non-profit organization that seeks to enhance the public's understanding and appreciation for science and technology. One of the ways we achieve our mission is by hosting around 30 public STEM education programs per year geared toward a general audience. These programs are hosted in venues across the city of Chicago and on as diverse an array of topics as possible.

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