Public Service Project Suggestions
(This page is designed to give you an idea of the type of public service projects that may be performed.  It is only a suggestion and is not intended to be representative of the organizations projects or an endorsement of any not-for-profit organization.)


September 24, 2000
AIDS Walk Chicago is celebrating its 11th anniversary this year! Since it's founding in 1989, the Walk has provided vital services such as medical care, housing, food, counseling, spiritual support, as well as education, and prevention programs to thousands of men, women, and children who live with the HIV and AIDS. The first Walk in 1989 raised $556,530, including $9,023 in corporate support. In 1996, the Walk reached its highest income level ever, producing $1.85 million. Last year, more than 30,000 people participated in the Walk, raising $1.25 million.

AIDS Walk Chicago is one of the Midwest's most recognizable, AIDS fundraising events. People of all ages and cultures from Chicago land and throughout the Midwest participate in what has become an annual family event. In addition, major corporations, community organizations, religious groups, among many others support the event by organizing teams and providing substantial financial contributions.

AIDS Walk has raised more than $11 million since 1989 for a wide variety of urgently-needed services, as well as prevention and education programs that benefit those whose lives are affected by HIV or AIDS. Today, AIDS Walk Chicago has become the Midwest's largest, one-day AIDS fundraiser and a significant financial force in the AIDS service community.
You may register to walk and/ or volunteer online at:
http://www.aidswalkchicago.org/
AIDS Walk Chicago
Event Information
Sunday Sept. 24, 2000
312.739.WALK (9255)


  
Volunteer Opportunities

The following organizations offer a variety of volunteer opportunities and are good places to start:
Chicago Cares
Chicago Public Schools
Childserv
Heartland Alliance
Tutor/ Mentor Connection
The Volunteer Centers of Metropolitan Chicago
The Volunteer Center of the United Way/ Crusade of Mercy


  Adler Planetarium
1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 922-7827, fax: (312) 322-2257
Volunteer Coordinator: Colleen Duke, (312) 322-0553
email: [email protected]
- Various volunteer opportunities including interpreting exhibits for guests and working with staff to build a more exciting Adler Planetarium.
- Science Demonstrators/ Interpreters work with guests, mainly children, doing demonstrations, crafts and hands-on activities, answering questions, telling stories, and/ or leading guided tours.
- More info on file.

  Alternatives, Inc.
1126 W. Granville Ave., Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 973-5400
- Serves youth ages 8-25 and their families. Sliding scale. Individual, family and group counseling; advocacy. 24 hour crisis intervention. Substance abuse treatment. Sexual abuse and post-traumatic stress syndrome treatment. Youth tutoring. Job training and placement. Drop-in center for youth ages 8-14, after school program, recreation.
- Various volunteer opportunities available.
- More info on file.

  BBF Family Services, formerly The Better Boys Foundation
1512 S. Pulaski, Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 277-9582, fax: (773) 277-9768
Branch: 3333 W. Arthington Suite 139, Chicago, IL 60624. (773) 533-8820
Exec. Director: Gary Mayberry
Program Director: Young Ju Su
Volunteering Contact: Curtis Peace
- Provides services for children and parents, such as counseling, group homes, sports and recreation, tutoring, mentoring, after-school programs, day care, GED programs, emergency food/ clothing, emergency shelter, parent education and training, residential treatment, and help for runaways.
- Volunteers needed to be tutors, mentors, work with children in after-school programs.
- More info on file.

  Big Brothers/ Big Sisters of Metro Chicago
542 S. Dearborn Suite 650, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 427-0637, fax: (312) 427-0760
Volunteering contact: Stephanie Basner
Contact Susan McGee, Assistant Director, for general info or for copies of a study showing the impact of Big Brothers/ Big Sisters.
- Matches at-risk boys and girls ages 7-13 from single parent homes with mature men or women or couples, age 19 or older, who agree to spend time with the child 2-4 times a month, for at least one year.
- Volunteers needed to be Big Siblings, as well as to assist with special events, answer phones and help with mailings.
- More info on file.

The   Blue Gargoyle Youth Service Center
5655 South University Ave., Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 955-4108, fax: (773) 363-7086
Volunteer Bureau Coordinator: Sharlene Brown
- Comprehensive community youth based services. Ages 8-21. Counseling, job counseling, training and placement, recreation and sports. Student volunteer bureau. Tutoring, GED.
- Give 2 hours/ week to tutor a child on the Blue Gargoyle's site.
- Give 4 hours/ week to participate in group tutoring sessions at one of four off-site program sites, based in the Chicago Public Schools.

The   Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago
625 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 627-2700, fax: (312) 648-5628, or (800) 493-2422
Volunteering contact: Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, (312) 627-2737
Also: Barbara Owens, (312) 627-2730, or Laura Rittmaster, (312) 627-2738
- 12 clubs throughout Chicago. After-school programs. For ages 6-18. Counseling and guidance through educational, cultural, recreational, and vocational activities. Tutoring, homework help. Day camp. Delinquency prevention programs. Dental and vision clinics.
- Volunteers needed to help children learn about computers at 13 computer learning centers.

  Brookfield Zoo
3300 Golf Rd., Brookfield, IL 60513
(708) 485-0263, fax: (708) 485-3532
Volunteer Coordinator, Mary Pat Bone, ext. 852
- Volunteers needed for the Children's Zoo, docent program working with school groups and families, guest guides program, and special events and hospitality assisting with educational programs for children and families.
More info on file

Cabrini Connections -see Tutor/ Mentor Connection

  Cabrini-Green Tutoring Program, Inc.
844 N. Larrabee Location 1-1, Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 467-4980, fax: (312) 467-7594
Executive Director: Jill Christie
- One-on-one tutoring for children grades 1-6, volunteers also needed to manage computer lab, manage art center and develop art projects, and for administrative assistance. Program serves over 450 children living in Cabrini-Green housing project, and is supported by more than 400 volunteers from over 100 local corporations and universities.
- More info on file

  CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), of Chicago
175 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL
Intake: (312) 433-4928, Business line: (312) 986-9591
- CASA volunteers gather facts about abuse/ neglect cases, write a report, then follow court proceedings to make sure the best interests of the child are considered. Volunteering contact: Imogene Harris at (312) 433-6997.
- Diligent Search Center volunteers help find relatives of children who are up for adoption, so that the adoption may move forwards. Contact: Sharon Purcell at (312) 733-4009

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), of Lake County
24647 N. Milwaukee, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
(847) 634-2229
- CASA volunteers gather facts about abuse/ neglect cases, write a report, then follow court proceedings to make sure the best interests of the child are considered. Volunteering contact: Stacy Scala.

  Casa Central
1401 N. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 276-1902
Volunteering contact: Sorena Pedro
- Provides variety of services at several locations primarily to Hispanics, including: adult day care, emergency food and clothing, transitional housing for homeless families, children's day care and after-school activities, individual and family counseling, job placement, legal clinic.
- Volunteers needed for working with residents of the adult day care home, and to work with children in various after-school activities.

  Catholic Charities (Chicago)
126 N. DesPlaines St., Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 655-7700
Volunteer Hotline: (312) 655-7987
- Provides wide range of services, including: comprehensive support services for families, children and seniors; clothes; food and shelter.
- Volunteers needed for working with homeless families, organizing activities for children, and tutoring.

  Catholic Charities (Lake County)
(847) 249-3500
Volunteering contact: Julie Morrison ext.235
- Provides wide range of services, including: comprehensive support services for families, children and seniors; clothes; food and shelter.
- Volunteers needed for various positions working with children and families, such as at the Samaritan House shelter for women and their children, and welfare-to-work programs.
- Volunteers also needed to be assistants to the director of CARA, the welfare-to-work program, who would help with program planning and work directly with participants.

  Chicago Cares
(312) 715-4060
- Provides a variety of flexible, short-term or long-term volunteer opportunities, including: work with teens and children, tutoring, AIDS, homeless shelters, etc. Provides orientation sessions once a week, and distributes calendars of volunteer opportunities with contacts to call if interested.

  Chicago Children's Museum
700 E. Grand Ave. #127, Chicago, IL 60611-3428
(312) 527-1000
Director of Volunteer & Intern Services: Peggy Schweiger
(312) 464-7652, fax: (312) 527-9082
Also: Marilyn Lederer, Associate Director, (312) 464-7652
- Family volunteers to help with visitor services, keeping visitors happy and informed while they wait in line to get into popular exhibits. The whole family can volunteer to work together.
- Exhibit volunteers help enhance the interesting hands-on exhibits.
- After Hours Club is a group of volunteers who work in the evening to help with special projects, such as large mailings, prep materials for craft/ art workshops, organizing children's story sheets in the exhibits, etc.
- "Toy Tinkers" are needed to repair the authentic folk toys on the International Toy Cart. Tools provided.
- Office volunteers are needed on weekdays to help with administrative tasks.
- Art/ Workshop volunteers act as "teaching assistants" in the Artabounds Studio or at school group workshops, helping children create, invent, and learn.
- More info on file

  Chicago Commons
915 N. Wolcott Ave., Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 342-5330 x76, fax: (773) 342-4532
Volunteering contact: Arryn M. Hawthorne, Development Associate
web: www.luc.edu/depts/curl/prag/pragusr/commons (Jay Ricky works on Web Site)
- Chicago Commons fosters the self-sufficiency of low-income families through programs including: job training, education enrichment, day care for children and seniors, welfare-to-work, counseling, and emergency services.
- Many volunteers needed to help with all programs at various sites, including working with young people directly, event planning, working with senior citizens, teaching ESL classes, working at a re-sale shop or food pantry, and building maintenance, landscaping, painting, etc.
- More info on file.

  Chicago Foundation for Education
(312) 670-2323, fax: (312) 670-2029
Volunteering contact: Jennifer Gwilliam
- Volunteer-based org. with two major projects:
- 1. Character Education: Provides help to schools and teachers to develop curriculum to teach values that are beneficial to individual and society, such as honesty, tolerance, generosity. Non-religious. 165 schools currently teach this character curriculum.
- 2. Grants to Teachers: The org. manages several kinds of grants for teachers to allow them to implement learning projects that they could otherwise not afford. The org. also produces a catalog of ideas for teachers for special projects.
- Volunteers do everything, such as reading and evaluating grant proposals, program directing, being a liason to schools, and admin. tasks. The org. can use volunteers of any level of commitment. Suburban and city schools are involved.
- Org. has four full-time staff, gets funding from private individuals, foundations, and corp's.

  Chicago Metro Battered Women's Network, Volunteering
220 South State, #1208, Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 360-1924, fax: (312) 360-1927
Director: Jennifer Welch
- Coalition of organizations in Cook County area, involved with policy, advocacy on higher levels. Looking for volunteers interested in high-level domestic violence policy work.

  Chicago Police, CAPS, Community Programs
(312) 744-CAPS
- Also contact Community Relations Office of local police department for more information. Listing of police districts and phone numbers is on file.
- More info on file.

  Chicago Public Schools Volunteer Program
(773) 535-3710, fax: (773) 535-3759
Volunteer Coordinator: Yvonne Jones
- Volunteer at a school in your neighborhood. People are needed to help in many capacities, from aiding a teacher, to after-school tutoring, to hall monitoring.

  Chicago Youth Centers
231 S. Jefferson, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 648-1550, fax: (312) 902-1440
Volunteer Program Coordinator: Wendy Fine, ext. 425
- Chicago Youth Centers volunteers participate directly in the lives of children, providing them with opportunities and experiences they would not receive elsewhere. Volunteers may assist at any of 17 sites located in low-income neighborhoods, with programs ranging from Head Start to After School and summer camp. CYC provides clean, safe environments, away from gangs and drugs, where volunteers may read a book to pre-schoolers, coach a softball team, show kids how to use a computer, or tutor/ mentor a high school student, helping to keep them in school.
- More info on file

  Child Abuse Prevention Services
600 S. Federal St., Suite 205, Chicago, IL 60605
Volunteer Coordinator: Liane Frey, (312) 427-1161
- Services provided on site include parent support groups and support groups for children.
- Volunteers are needed to co-facilitate parent and child support groups, with staff or other volunteers. Volunteers are also needed in the intake office.
- More info on file.

  Children's Home and Aid Society of Illinois
217 N. Jefferson St., Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 831-1133
Volunteering contact: Carolyn Rush, (312) 831-8748, fax: (312) 831-2670
Also: Judy Lindsay, Development Office, (312) 424-6807, or (312) 424-0200
- Provides range of family services at community centers in Chicago and suburbs, and statewide, including: adoption; quality, affordable day care; assistance to single parents; foster care; group homes for adolescents; services for victims of abuse; neglect and sexual abuse; self-help group for parents at risk of abusing or neglecting their children; wide range of counseling programs. See Blue Book for more info on programs.
- Volunteers needed for various activities with children and families at various sites, including: Englewood Family Center, Parents Anonymous, Early Parent Counseling, Group Homes, Adolescent Mothers Resource Homes, Community Treatment Homes.
- More info on file.

  The Children's Place Association
3059 West Augusta Blvd., Chicago, IL 60622-4314
(773) 826-1230, fax: (773) 826-0705
Volunteer Coordinator: Seana B. Monahan
- Direct care of children in our residential, respite, and foster care programs. The children are affected by HIV/ AIDS or other serious or life-threatening illnesses.
- Assist with administrative, clerical, and fundraising tasks.
- Volunteer as a resale shop assistant, sorting, pricing, and displaying donated items.
- Inquire about becoming a foster parent.
- More info on file

  Childserv, Main Office
8765 W. Higgins, Suite 450, Chicago, IL 60631
(773) 693-0300, fax: (773) 693-0322
Web Site: http://www.childserv.org
Volunteering contact: Katie Barnickel
- Volunteers needed to be tutors and mentors for various-aged children at various sites around Chicagoland.
- Volunteers needed to be "respite workers", providing support to foster parents to ensure the continued success of the placement of a foster child/children by planning weekly or bi-monthly outings with the children.
- Volunteers needed around Chicagoland for a new Teen Moms Mentoring program. Volunteers act as supportive mentors for teen-aged mothers. Special training is provided.
- Volunteers with Childserv get the opportunity to interact with other volunteers and Childserv staff during volunteer-support meetings, scheduled every two months. These meetings give volunteers the chance to share stories and exchange ideas to help them get the most out of their volunteer experience and give the most back to the children they work with.

  City Year Chicago
(312) 464-9899
Executive Director: Jennifer Grimhouse
- City Year is a "peace core" for the U.S. that recent high school grads can participate in.
- City Year also sponsors a serve-a-thon one day each year.

  Clearbrook, 'Take a Break' Respite Program
Volunteering Contact: Lisa Margolis, (847) 870-2233 ext. 254
- Love kids and want to make a difference? Become a part of a volunteer-driven program helping families who have a child with a disability. Clearbrook is looking for respite volunteers who can offer 4 hours a week of respite relief to a familiy in Chicago or the suburbs. Volunteers participate in a 5 week educational training program beginning September 30th and learn about child care basics, understanding developmental disabilities, feeding & positioning children with a disability, managing difficult child behavior, communication techniques, being creative in playing with children with a 'special need', and receive CPR and First Aid certification. If interested please call Lisa Margolis at 847-870-2233 ext. 254 to sign up now! RESPITE VOLUNTEERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

  Columbus-Maryville Children's Reception Center
(773) 907-7219, fax: (773) 728-4405
Volunteering contacts: Nonie Garvey or John Sowinski
- Volunteers needed to spend time with kids, caring for substance abused babies, assisting caregivers, or sharing their special talents with the children. The Center is an emergency shelter for homeless, neglected, abused, or exploited children from infancy to age 10.

  Community Crisis Center, Inc.
P.O. Box 1390, Elgin, IL 60121-1390
(847) 697-2380, fax: (847) 742-4182, TDD: (847) 742-4057
Volunteering contacts: Vanessa or Sally
- Shelter for battered women and/or homeless women and their children, located in Elgin.
- Volunteers needed in our children's program to assist with homework time and children's groups. We provide training for volunteers and there is always a staff member in the playroom with the volunteer.

  Contact Chicago
business: (773) 728-0780, helpline: (773) 728-CALL, deafline TTY: (773) 728-7724
- Contact Chicago is a telephone helpline, with hearing and deaf lines, that handles callers of all ages dealing with issues like suicide, domestic violence, mental illness, depression, etc. Volunteer telephone workers listen in non-judgmental ways, and help problem-solve or find community resources if needed. Training sessions are provided.
- Contact also trains teens for outreach at schools, and runs a check-in call program where teens call seniors once a day.

Cook County Child Care Resource and Referral (at Day Care Action Council)
(773) 769-8000
- Provides information and referrals for parents seeking child care, including Head Start, Title 20, Pre-K.

  Demicco Youth Services, Inc.
Cabrini-Green
825 N. Hudson, Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 337-2723
Volunteering contact: Jeannette Allen, (312) 292-0331, fax: (312) 337-7356
- Ages 11 & over. 24-hour crisis intervention. Counseling for youth and families. Training courses and job placement. Gang prevention and intervention. Youth activities. Cultural Arts program. Youth and Community Leadership Program.
- Volunteers needed for community organizing activities involving youth in public policy change.
- Volunteers needed for direct service in Big Brothers/ Big Sisters program.

  EZRA Hotline, 24 hours: (800) 248-1818
Volunteering contact: Cheryl Leon
- A 24-hour social services information referral helpline providing callers in Chicagoland with information and resources to address their concerns. Staff may also contact social service providers on callers' behalf if deemed necessary. This is not a crisis hotline. Extensive Chicago listings, less detailed for suburbs.
- Volunteers needed weekdays 9-5 to answer phones and make referrals.

  Family Focus Inc.
310 S. Peoria St., Suite 401, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 421-5200, fax: (312) 421-8185
Volunteering contact: Blanca Almonte
- Promotes the well-being of children by supporting and strengthening their families at community service centers in Chicago and suburbs, including: drop-in centers and discussion groups for parents; innovative programs for parents and children birth to five; child-development information; family activities.
- Teen and adult volunteers needed at various sites (Aurora, Chicago, Evanston, Lawndale) for tutoring and recreational activities (music, art, dance, games, crafts) with children and teens, and English language practice and educational activities with adults. Volunteers also needed to talk with parents at drop-in centers.
- More info on file.

Family Resource Center on Disabilities
20 E. Jackson Blvd. Room 900, Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 939-3513, outside Chicago: (800) 952-4199, TDD: (312) 939-3519
Contact: Charlotte Desjardins
- Offers advocacy and support to families and children with developmental and physical disabilities, including: Information and referral services; Family Support Services for low-income families; Transition Services to help high-school graduates with disabilities make the transistion to adulthood; Special Education Rights Training for parents; Training Opportunities for Parent Leaders, helping parents to be advocates; Rehabilitation Act Training.
- More info on file.

  Field Museum
(312) 922-9410, fax: (312) 427-7269
Volunteer Coordinator: Mark Alvey, ext. 360
- Volunteers needed to assist with education programs such as tours, school groups, exhibit interpreters, assist in resource centers, and assist at festivals.

  A Friend's Place Domestic Abuse Hotline: (800) 603-HELP
- 24 hour statewide domestic violence hotline. Provides phone numbers and addresses of homeless or domestic abuse shelters, referrals to family counselors, counseling over phone. Also offers FREE counseling for children from violent homes and has a High School Education Program.
- Hotline volunteers, women only, must complete 40 hours of training. Call the hotline and ask for the volunteer coordinator.

  Heartland Alliance
208 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 1818, Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 629-4500, fax: (312) 629-4550
- Various volunteer opportunities, including:
- Teach English as a Second Language (ESL) and U.S. citizenship classes. Day, eve. positions avail. (All addresses are in Chicago.)
- Work with survivors of torture in their homelands. Volunteers needed to assist with advocacy, companionship, physical therapy, and ESL. (4750 N. Sheridan)
- Neon Street Center for Youth offers refuge from the streets for youth ages 12-21. Volunteers provide tutoring, recreation, art, dance, music and counseling groups, as well as supervision in housing units. Day, eve., late night, and weekend positions avail. (4822 N. Broadway, 2nd fl.; 4750 N. Sheridan; 1628 W. Morse)
- O'Hare Welcome Center offers information, referral and emergency services to the traveler. Volunteers provide primary support as desk receptionists, guiding the person in need to immediate help or information. Day, eve., weekend positions avail. (O'Hare Airport)
- Chicago Health Outreach provides primary and preventive health care to homeless and impoverished individuals. Volunteers needed in various capacities, including working with children, and accompanying staff to local shelters. Weekdays and eve. positions avail. (1015 W. Lawrence)
- Winthrop Towers is a housing initiative that includes social service support for families living on low incomes. Volunteers are needed to tutor elementary and high school students, especially in math and science, and to work with young children while their parents attend support meetings. Day and eve. positions avail. (4848 N. Winthrop)
- Women's Program provides crisis and long-term services to women and families experiencing domestic violence. Volunteers needed to work with young children while their mothers attend support and counseling groups. Day positions avail. (1950 W. Pershing)
- Spang Dental Clinic provides dental care to people who are HIV positive or have AIDS. Volunteer dentists and front desk assistants are needed. (845 W. Wilson)
- Loop Center volunteers provide secretarial and clerical support to the administrative and fundraising arms of the organization. Opportunities for project-specific, as well as ongoing supportive services exist. Day positions avail. (208 S. LaSalle)
- Families Building Community provides counseling and housing to homeless families. Volunteers are needed week days and evenings to work with children and assist them in building their confidence and self-esteem. Weekday and eve. positions avail. (954 W. Washington; 4848 N. Winthrop)
- International Refugee Services responds to the immediate survival needs of refugees from around the world. Volunteers are needed to tutor refugees and/ or teach ESL days, eves, and weekends. Daytime volunteers are needed to tutor children and stock of maintain a store of clothing and hygiene items free to program participants. (4750 N. Sheridan)
- Saura Center provides residential programs for youth and children. Volunteers needed days to help with clerical and secretarial duties. (2732 N. Kedzie)
- Heartland Alliance also needs volunteers who can help transport program participants, or pick up inkind goods donated on weekdays.
- All Heartland Alliance Facilities need your help! We look for organizations and businesses to "adopt" a program for painting, gardening, or other special acitivites to repair and beautify the buildings in which we serve people in need. Also, individual volunteers are needed at times for special painting, carpentry, electrical and plumbing repairs and other projects.

  Horizons for Youth
210 S. Desplaines, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 627-9031, fax: (312) 627-0391
Volunteer Coordinator: Freda Richmond
- Horizons forms long-term relationships with low-income Chicago children and families, to help reinforce the link between parents, school, and children.
- Volunteers needed to mentor children from K-8th grade, for fundraising, for recruiting volunteers, and for planning and attending monthly Saturday outings.
- More info on file

  Infant Welfare Society
1931 N. Halsted, Chicago, IL
(312) 751-2800
Volunteering contact: Maria Penland, ext. 242.
- Most staff bilingual. Provides a wide range of services to women, children, and families, including: health clinic for mothers and their children from 0-19 years old; dental clinic; family and child counseling; OB-GYN; prenatal care. Low-income families are served. No families are denied services based on inability to pay.
- Various volunteer opportunities available.

  Jane Addams Hull House Association
10 S. Riverside Plaza Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 669-1600
Volunteering contact: Brookes Miller, V.P. of Program Services
Also: Hilary Freeman, Director of Program Services
- Provides services at 35 neighborhood locations and six community centers. Services include: day care; foster care; individual and family counseling; tutoring and adult education; job counseling and placement; senior services; recreation; emergency medical services.
- Volunteers needed for tutoring, after-school programs, reading to children, etc.

  Jewish Federation
(312) 346-6700
Debra Bachman, Volunteer Coord.: ext. 4547
- Parent of many organizations, including Jewish Children's Bureau, EZRA Hotline.
- Many volunteer opportunities available working with people of all ages.

  Jewish Vocational Services
5150 Golf Rd., Skokie, IL 60077
(847) 568-5168
Volunteering contact: Cara Madansky
- Volunteers needed to work with recent immigrants, mostly Russian, some Iranian and Cuban, to help them learn the English language and American culture.

  Kohl Children's Museum
165 Green Bay Rd., Wilmette, IL
(847) 251-7781
- Volunteer opportunities available.

  LaRabida Children's Hospital, Volunteering
East 65th Street at Lake Michigan, Chicago, IL 60649
(773) 363-6700, fax: (773) 363-9676
Volunteer Services Coordinator: Judi Blakemore, ext. 248
- Volunteers needed for feeding/ rocking, literacy programs, to provide companionship and support to our patients, and for office support. Additional info about hospital, about its volunteer programs, and a letter listing what is required of potential volunteers is available.

  Lutheran Social Services of Illinois
1001 E. Touhy Ave., Suite 50, Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 635-4600
Contact for general volunteer programs: Tracy Sadlon
- Provides social services for individuals, families, children, single parents, and older adults, including: adoption and foster care, day care for adults and children, programs for disabled children and adults, mental health, alcohol/ drug dependence programs.
- Family Connections program (based in Chicago): Provides transportation for children in Chicago to visit incarcerated parents in Dwight. Volunteers needed. Contact Sister Pat Davis, ph: (773) 476-1452.
- Community Child Care Services: Operates day care, Head Start, and pre-K programs throughout Chicago. Volunteers needed. Call (773) 282-4342

  Metropolitan Family Services
14 East Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 986-4000
Volunteering contact: Phyllis Barker
- Strengthens and supports families with a comprehensive range of services at 22 centers throughout metropolitan Chicago. Services include: family development and support; community development; consumer credit counseling; legal services; senior services; and mental health services.
- Volunteers needed for various duties, including: tutoring; once-a-year family violence prevention activities in the fall; escorts for summer campers at Algonquin; letter writing campaign where adult women write to troubled teen girls.

  Mujeres Latinas en Accion
1823 W. 17th St., Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 226-1544
Domestic Violence 24-Hour Hotline: (312) 738-5358
Contact for general volunteering: David Sinski
Contact for more info about Hotline: Berta Hinojosa, Prog. Coord. (312) 226-1544
- Provides biligual/ bicultural comprehensive services to Latinas and their families in the Chicago area, including: domestic violence and sexual assault prevention and counseling; leadership training; housing; parent support; after-school tutoring and recreation; youth crisis intervention.
- Domestic Violence Hotline provides bilingual crisis intervention, advocacy, support and education.

  National Runaway Switchboard Hotline: (800) 621-4000
3080 North Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60657
business line: (773) 880-9860, fax: (773) 929-5150
Volunteer Coordinator: Jennifer Swanson
Also: Lora Thomas, Exec. Director
- Volunteers needed to answer toll-free helpline for runaway and homeless youth. Training program is provided.
- Board/ Board Committee members needed.
- Office support is needed: Data entry, non-crisis-line phone work, fulfilling information requests.
- More info on file

  Neon Street Center, A Division of Travelers and Immigrants Aid
4822 N. Broadway, 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 271-6366, fax: (773) 271-8810
Volunteering contact: Jakeema Hendrix
- Provides various services to homeless youth and young adults, including supervised Independent Living programs, emergency shelter, food and clothing, and case-work services.
- Various volunteer opportunities available. See literature on file.
- More info on file.

  PAPA (Parents Action Provides Alternatives)
(773) 471-4089, fax: same
Volunteering contact: Lonnie Nelson, Director
- Grandfathers, 60 or older, needed to visit schools to talk with children 8 years old and younger about guns, violence, and staying in school.

Parental Stress Hotline: See Child Abuse Prevention Services

  Parents Anonymous, (at Children's Home & Aid Society of Illinois)
125 S. Wacker Drive, 14th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606
Intake: (312) 831-8747, or: (800) 443-4376
Volunteering contact: Maureen Blaha, Director, Illinois Chapter
(312) 424-6822, fax: (312) 424-6800
email: [email protected]
- Parents support groups and kids support groups throughout Illinois.
- Assist a child care specialist in providing care for a group of children once each week, typically 2 hours in the eve.
- Facilitate a weekly parent support group - must have social work/ counseling experience. 2 hrs/ wk, usually eves.
- Assist during special events, registration desk, etc. 4 times/ year.
- Program brochure, positive-parenting recruitment flyers, and a newsletter is available.

  People's Resource Center
1506 E. Roosevelt Road, Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 682-3844, Dental Clinic: (630) 690-7450, SHIFT Program: (630) 690-5051
fax: (630) 682-3868
Volunteer Coordinator: Fran Holtzman
- Provides services for low-income families in DuPage County such as a food pantry, clothing, assistance to the homeless, and a free dental clinic.
- Volunteers needed to work at the food pantries, clothes closet, homeless helpline, collect money at Sam's Clubs, help acquire gifts for a family over the holidays, work in the dental clinic, and do administrative tasks.
- More info on file.

  Planned Parenthood
14 E. Jackson Blvd., 10th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 427-2276, fax: (312) 427-0802
Volunteering Contact: Michelle Steinys
- Provides reproductive-health services to women at several Chicago-area locations.
- Family Planning volunteers: Aid clinic staff in providing family planning services to women. Includes administrative duties and basic patient education over the phone.
- Hotline volunteers needed to provide women's health information by telephone.
- Volunteers needed to participate in Action Alert program, keeping people informed of legislative actions and other news affecting women's health.
- Special Projects volunteer: assist with mailings, phone surveys, letter-writing, developing and maintaining special and ongoing projects.
- More info on file.

The   Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Lake County
106 South Sheridan Road, Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 249-4330
- Looking for volunteers 55 or over, living in Lake County, to work at hospitals, schools, day care centers, handicap centers, libraries, human services, nutrition sites, and museums. Duties include: Tutoring/ literacy, secretarial, advocacy programs, general office, counseling, teacher aide, public relations, and meal programs.
- More info on file.

  Rock and Wrap it Up, Inc.
Contact: Lynne Mitchell, Volunteer Director for Chicago, ph: (773) 395-8575
- Volunteers needed to go to rock concerts and other events to pick up unused food and deliver it to local homeless shelters and other social service providers. Brochure is available.
- More info on file

  Salvation Army
4800 N. Marine Drive, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 725-1100
Volunteering contacts: Barbara Rowland or Rosalie Deeds
- Offers casework and counseling to families, children and individuals; limited financial assistance; homemaker programs. Sliding fee scale. Offers a variety of programs helping people in need.
- Volunteers needed at 32 sites, including: work in women and children's emergency lodge, visitation to children in hospitals, alcohol and drug rehab programs, homeless shelters, maintenance and administrative tasks, prison ministry, bell ringing, gift wrapping.

  Second Harvest
116 S. Michigan, Suite 4, Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 263-2303, Main Office
- Operates food banks statewide. Individual food banks are listed below. These food banks collect and distribute food to a large number of churches, shelters, etc. Many use volunteers.
- Greater Chicago Food Depository, 4501 S. Tripp Ave., Chicago, IL 60632, (312) 247-3663
- River Bend Food Bank, 309 12th St., Moline, IL 61265, (309) 764-7434
- Peoria Area Food Bank, 1000 SW Adams, Peoria, IL 61602, (309) 671-3906
- Central IL Food Bank, 2000 E. Moffit, PO Box 8228, Springfield, IL 62791, (217) 522-4022
- Bethlehem Central Food Bank, 600 Industrial Dr., St. Charles, IL 60174, (630) 443-6910
- East Illinois Food Bank, 208 W. Griggs, Urbana, IL 61801, (217) 328-3663

  Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 939-2438
Assistant Volunteer Manager: Jennifer Grant, (312) 986-2309, fax: (312) 986-8069
Also: Manager of Volunteer Services: Michelle Teague, (312) 986-2281
- Public Interpretation: Volunteers receive training about exhibits, then help guests have a more enjoyable and informative visit to Shedd.
- Education: Volunteers teach classes to school groups that visit the museum. Volunteers also travel throughout the community in our Outreach Program.
- Note: Must be over 18 to volunteer.
- More info on file

  Southwest Women Working Together
Volunteering contact: Pamela Brookstein
(773) 582-0550, best time to reach: 9-5, M-F
Southwest Women Working Together has volunteer opportunities at Amani House, its transitional shelter for women with children. The shelter is located on the far south side of Chicago. Volunteers can tutor children in the after school program, become a pen-pal with one of the kids, or pair up with a child in the Read to Me program. The children range in age from birth to age seventeen. Enthusiastic and patient people are wanted!

  Talk-Line, 24-hour Hotline for Adults: (847) 228-6400
  Teen Line, 24-hour Hotline: (847) 228-TEEN
  Kids Line, 24-hour Hotline: (847) 228-KIDS
Business Line: (847) 981-1271
Volunteer Manager: Elizabeth Fangusaro
Also: Executive Director: Nancy Helmick
- Located in Elk Grove Village, serving mainly surrounding suburbs, some Chicago calls.
- Crisis, information and referral lines, specializing in problems facing children and families.
- Volunteers needed to answer calls. Next training in Feb. '97
- More info on file.

  Tele-Help: Helpline (847) 291-0085, TTY (847) 291-0504
National Council of Jewish Women, North Shore Section
P.O. Box 128, Glencoe, IL 60022
Admin. line: (847) 291-0190
- Information and referral service specializing in North/ Northwest suburban Chicago. Refers people with problems to the most conveniently located and appropriate human service agency or self-help organization. Tele-help resource directories hold over 4000 listings in 145 different categories.
- Operates M-F, 9 AM to 4 PM

  These Children Have Faces
(708) 897-2156
Contact: Judy Stratman
- This project gives everyone who cares about kids the opportunity to speak up for them. Simply submit a picture of a child you love and a note expressing your dreams for all children (health care, nutrition, housing, safety) and campaign volunteers will deliver your photo and message to your state and national representatives.
- More info on file

  Travelers and Immigrants Aid/ Families Building Community
954 W. Washington Box 23, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 997-2068, fax: (312) 997-2071
Volunteer Coordinator: Kate Mitchell
- Child Care volunteers needed to work with children on living skills, homework, arts & crafts, etc. Help develop programming and activities for children.
- Newsletter coordinators needed.
- Artists/ Presenters for children's groups needed.
- The following info is available: program goals/ philosophy, volunteer descriptions, info on homeless families, info on child care issues/ discipline.
- More info on file.

  Travelers and Immigrants Aid, Women's Program
1950 W. Pershing, Chicago, IL 60609
Crisis Line: (773) 847-5602 (8:30-5)
Business Line: (773) 847-4417
- Domestic violence program. Individual and Group Counseling. Legal advocacy and referral. Parent training in Spanish. Women's support groups, girls' self-esteem groups. Community education. Services free. Latina parenting: Ongoing parent support groups for Latina women in Spanish.

  Tutor/ Mentor Connection, A Program of Cabrini Connections
c/o Montgomery Ward, 21-N, 535 W. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60671
(312) 467-2889, fax: (312) 467-7542, email: [email protected]
Web site: http://www.reveregroup.com/tmc
President and CEO: Dan Basill
- Referral service available to help volunteers find tutor/ mentor and after-school programs, serving all ages of children, throughout Chicago metropolitan area.
- Consulting services available to managers of tutor/ mentor programs, and those interested in starting a new program.
- Training programs and conferences available for tutors/ mentors.
- One-on-one tutors/ mentors needed for 7th - 12th grade students at Cabrini Connections site.
- Administrative volunteers needed for stuffing envelopes, answering phones, filing.
- Marketing/ Event planning: Organize events, such as tutor/ mentor leadership conference, citywide volunteer recruitment campaign.
- Research: Update tutor/ mentor directory, learn about other tutor/ mentor programs, etc.
- More info on file

  Voices for Illinois Children
208 S. LaSalle Street Suite 1580, Chicago, IL 60604
ph: (312) 456-0600, fax: (312) 456-0088, [email protected], http://www.voices4kids.org
- Voices for Illinois Children champions the full development of every child in Illinois to assure the future well-being of the people of the state. We work with families, communities and policy makers to ensure that all children grow up healhy, nurtured, safe and well-educated.
- Voices is a non-profit, non-partisan, citizen-based advocacy group addressing problems faced by Illinois Children and their families. Through research, public education and coalition building, Voices generates support from civic, business and community leaders for cost-effective and practical proposals to improve the lives of Illinois children.
- Voices strongly supports the notion of "Start early". We must focus our efforts and public policies on starting early - by supporting families and nurturing the learning that begins when a baby enters the world - to set children on the right course for success in school and throughout life.
- Some of the things you can do to work with Voices include:
- Join Voices as a member, to add your voice to those working to help Illinois children. Please call Voices to find out more about the benefits of membership.
- Join a phone/ fax tree to distribute information on legislative issues affecting children and families.
- Host a forum in your community on the importance of children's issues.
- Write letters to the editor on important children's issues.
- Assist with office tasks.
- Work with Voices web site and explore other children's issues websites.
- Voices provides a referral service to help potential volunteers find good opportunities. Contact: Erik Nelson.

The   Volunteer Center of DuPage County
421 N. County Farm Rd., Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 682-7507
Contact: Sarah Meyer
- Provides referrals from a large database to assist potential volunteers in finding good opportunities in DuPage County, including many working with children and families.

The   Volunteer Centers of Metropolitan Chicago
560 West Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60661-1499
Info Line: (800) 916-3111
Also: Susan Norris, Manager, Volunteer Center of United Way/ Crusade of Mercy
(312) 906-2424, fax: (312) 906-2479, email: snorris#@orion.it.luc.edu
- This is a coalition of eleven volunteer centers in the 6-county metro Chicago area. Callers are voice-mail routed to the volunteer center nearest the geographic area in which they want to volunteer. Each volunteer center has its own hours. Some are only open mornings, and some are not open in the summertime.
- A brochure on the Volunteer Centers is available.

The   Volunteer Center of the United Way/ Crusade of Mercy
560 West Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60614-1499
Volunteer referral line: (312) 906-2425, fax: (312) 906-2479
Also: Volunteer Service Coordinator: Martha Patterson, (312) 906-2410
email: snorris#@orion.it.luc.edu
Also: Manager: Susan Norris, (312) 906-2424
- This is a volunteering referral service with a database of about 1300 non-profit organizations in the 6-county metro Chicago area that are in need of volunteers. This center can also direct you to your nearest United Way Volunteer Center if you are outside the Chicagoland area.

  WITS (Working in the Schools)
150 E. Huron, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 751-9487, fax: (312) 751-7244
Director of Volunteers: Terri Booth
Also: Exec. Director, Matthew Pickering
- Tutor elementary school children in the Chicago Public Schools during the school day in the classroom. Volunteers dedicate one half-day once a week or once every other week, to help students with reading, math, and other vital skills, as well as assist in the school library.
- Volunteers are assigned a classroom and work one-on-one or in a small group with the children. WITS provides an orientation session and ongoing training throughout the school year. WITS provides transportation to and from the schools, picking up volunteers at designated locations.
- More info on file

  YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
755 West North Ave., Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 280-3400
Volunteering contact: Dorothy Burns-Hicks, Training Dept., (312) 280-3488
- Provides services and programs to youth, adults, seniors, and families, including: counseling; day care and day camp; educational classes; emergency services; family education; health and fitness programs; senior services; recreation; information and referrals.
- Volunteers needed at various sites for various programs.

  YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago
180 N. Wabash St., Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 372-6600
Volunteering contact: Madeline Rich, Director of Women's Services, ext. 275
- Serves women and children in Chicago, south suburban Cook and DuPage counties. Provides: crisis intervention, counseling, court and medical advocacy in cases of sexual assault; abuse prevention education; young parents' programs; senior adult day care; recreation programs.
- Volunteers needed to be medical advocates and crisis line workers. 40 hours of training req'd. Next training in April, '97.






In Search of Sisterhood   |   Secrets of Becoming a Member   |   Public Service Projects   |   DST History Lesson   |   Frequently Asked Questions   |   Delta Trivia
Table of Contents