Season of Giving 2021

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OAK PARK-RIVER FOREST

Community Foundation present

Season of

Giving Your Local Guide to a Better World

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OA K PAR K-R I V ER F OR E ST

Community Foundation We envision a racially just and equitable society as the full inclusion of all people into a society in which everyone can participate, thrive and prosper.

In an equitable society, everyone, regardless of the circumstance of birth or upbringing, is treated justly and fairly by its institutions and systems.

We ask for your support to make this vision a reality.

Visit oprfcf.org to learn more.

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November 24, 2021

Celebrating the Greater West Side

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t has been a wonderful thing over these past few years to watch as Black Friday now has to compete for mindshare and, even a slice of the family dollar, with Giving Tuesday. A day singled out for each one of us to take stock of the needs of neighbors as they are addressed through the generous work of so many local agencies and nonprofits.

It has added the “giving” back into Thanksgiving, as we recognize this autumn into winter season as the moment to widen the lens from the hearth and home to the shared community.

Again this year, Growing Community Media returns with our annual Season of Giving campaign. We work with nonprofits across the Greater West Side – from Garfield Park to Oak Park, from Maywood to Riverside – to gather up listings for each agency making plain their mission and their need. And most of them also tell a more personal story of how that work meets the real lives of those they help.

The goal is simple. Offer our readers in all these neighborhoods a single place to turn as the generosity of the holidays, and, maybe, the end of the year tax season, opens wallets and hearts.

This year we also tell several stories, thanks

to our reporter Lacey Sikora, about how nonprofits have pivoted during COVID to meet needs that changed in an instant as this pandemic settled over us. About the tentative joy as theaters and symphonies, kids’ play museums and kids’ performance venues have reopened, precautions and joys blending. We also make the case in interviews with leaders from Austin to Bellwood about why we are truly one community, the Greater West Side. Celebrating our diversity, honoring our histories but uniting as a vibrant and challenged community of interest and concern.

Our thanks to our longtime partners on this project at the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation. Their work inspires us. Increasingly inspires us. And thanks also to Byline Bank, at our side on this project as they were recently on our Eats guide. Much appreciated.

DAN HALEY

Inside ■

Regathering: The pandemic isn’t over, but organizations relish face-to-face page B5 ■

Two local groups bring climate action home page B9 ■

Bursting the Bubble: Being a part of the Greater West Side page B11 ■

The Covid moments that remade local nonprofits page B14 ■

Dan Haley

The Joyful Giving Catalog page B29

Editor and Publisher Growing Community Media

Editor Lacey Sikora Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Digital Publishing and Technology Manager Briana Higgins Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Development & Sales Coordinator Stacy Coleman Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Business Manager Joyce Minich Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

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Supporting the Human/Animal Bond

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n response to COVID-19, the Animal Care League formed its Pets & People Support Program to ensure that pets and people can stay together despite financial and physical hardships. The Program provides a range of support and safety net services including pet food and supplies and assistance with vaccinations and other veterinary care.

The Pets & People Support Program has been a great help to local seniors like Vaughn from Bellwood, who is a proud cat dad of three.

Vaughn loves to play chess and boasts about how instead of knocking the pieces off of the board (as most cats would do) his cats sit and watch as if they are learning the game. Vaughn’s cats found him.

Two kittens appeared in his yard and he took them in and cared for them. About a year later, a cat who he believed may have been the mother of his two cats also showed up in his yard. Vaughn of course took her in as well. That was eight years ago, and today all three cats are happy and healthy and valued as a part of the family.

Unleash Generosity November 30, 2021 The Pets & People Support Program is happy to be able to support bonds like these.

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November 24, 2021

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Regathering: The pandemic isn’t over, but organizations relish face-to-face

From arts to kids play, non-profits have found a way

in the theater with live events. The pace has really accelerated.”

He says the last weeks of October they hosted three

By LACEY SIKORA events, including a school Contributing Reporter orchestra partnership beIt’s safe to say that no not-for-profit made it tween its Catalyst Circle through the Covid-19 pandemic unscathed. Rock School and Ravinia. He Months of closures, testing, quarantining notes, “The stage was full of and masking took their toll on everyone. kids, some of them performing on stage for the For organizations which rely first time. Parents, on face-to-face interactions, the community members pandemic was more than chaland people from Ravinlenging. While the pandemic is ia were there.” not over, vaccines and changes in It feels good to be back. practices are allowing many loHe sums up, “Despite all the cal groups to bring back some elvirtual events, there’s nothing ement of in-person interactions like being back in person. It’s as 2021 closes. like a warm hug.”

Ed Siderewicz of Austin’s KehHe acknowledges that not evrein Center for the Arts says the erybody is ready to attend inpandemic forced the center to LOIS BAUMANN person events yet, and says Kehmake some quick changes. Faced Maywood Fine Arts rein honors and respects that and with the potential of no in-perexecutive director makes options available for those son events, they quickly moved patrons as well. Events and schedto upgrade their theater to allow for live streaming of events. Having that ca- ules can be seen at www.kehreincenter.com.

Like Kehrein, Maywood Fine Arts pivoted pability for the past year allowed Kehrein to to virtual performances during 2020 and into continue to reach its audience.

Today, Siderewicz says, “The gas pedal 2021. Executive Director Lois Baumann says just hit the floor about two or three months of that period, “We became great at filmmakago. October was an incredibly busy month ing. This was our second year turning our

Diamon Jones (above) on the cello, and Brian Ray (left) on the violin from Catalyst Circle Rock playing for the Sistema Ravinia Orchestra at the Kehrein Center for the Arts.

PHOTO BY LYNNE PETERS

Pumpkin Patch performance into a movie. of the board of directors, says “We had to shut down and lay everyone off. It was a reThis year, it showed at the Lake Theater.”

In spite of the success of virtual shows, ally hard thing to do.”

By the end of summer 2020, it was apparshe says, ‘We’re really glad that theaters have ent that the children’s museum opened up. As long as protocols would have to remain closed allow, we’ll be performing Sleepfor the immediate future. Nery ing Beauty in April at Trinity says, “We had to pivot and figure (High School) in person.” out how to protect our finances Whether in person or virso that we could reopen.” tual, says Baumann, “We work The not-for-profit made immagic at Maywood Fine Arts. provements such as redoing an We make sure that every day is outdoor garden space and reenchanting.” paving parking pads and walkShe adds that experienced ways. They also upgraded techstudents are excited to get back nology and reorganized their on stage, and new students are leadership structure. thrilled to be on the stage for the Nery and board Vice Presifirst time. dent Sara Yount, said that finanJULIANNE NERY Another perk that didn’t stop? cial donations and the support Wonder Works president of the The preparations. Baumann of community stakeholders board of directors says, “Our children are happy to were invaluable in helping Wonbe in costumes and makeup. We der Works reopen in June 2021. didn’t stop any of that. We’re Operations are still influjust scrambling to get masks to enced by the pandemic. Staffing match the costumes.” is a challenge, and keeping up with reduced Like Maywood Fine Arts, Oak Park’s Won- capacity, safety measures, and reduced hours der Works has a young clientele, and the means that the building is only open five pandemic was particularly hard on the playSee REGATHERING on page B7 based organization. Julianne Nery, president

“They’ve never played with anyone before.

It’s so wonderful to provide that opportunity for kids to start socializing.”

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November 24, 2021

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Sports are back, bringing Saint Angela Pride with them

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aint Angela school has brought sports back to their scholars! Due to Covid restrictions, most social activities were put on pause in school and community environments. Social development in children and young teens is a crucial building block, and sports allow for scholars to become active citizens in their community. Saint Angela is proud to have initiated sports once again to assist in this development.

Saint Angela athletes started playing in the fall with a soccer program, coached by an alumni and current board member. Currently, their scholars are enjoying basketball and cheerleading. These sports teach their scholars the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. Reinstating sports has also allowed for parents to become more involved within the school.

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REGATHERING

Zoom has its virtues from page B5 days a week for two sessions per day and for rentals for groups.

Still, Nery notes that the new nature play space and the outdoor area for STEAM activities are big draws, and it is all worth it to see children in the space again.

She says, “It is such a thrill to be there and see the kids’ faces. Some of these kids are young enough that they hadn’t really been out in a setting with other kids like this.

They’ve never played with anyone before.

It’s so wonderful to provide that opportunity for kids to start socializing.”

For Berwyn’s 16th Street Theater, the past year has been one of transition. Founder Ann Filmer stepped down this fall, and Interim Artistic Director Jean Gottlieb says the theater is still operating in a virtual format.

While the theater is hoping to be able to present live events later in 2022, she says that they are keeping open the idea of continuing to do digital shows as some people prefer that option. She thinks the ability to have this option is a bright spot that came out of the pandemic, saying, “I like the virtual theater, it is one thing good that came out of the pandemic. It opens up our little theater to people everywhere.”

The Symphony of Oak Park’s Music Di-

“I like the virtual theater, it is one thing good that came out of the pandemic. It opens up our little theater to people everywhere.”

JEAN GOTTLIEB

Berwyn’s 16th Street Theater interim artistic director

rector Jay Friedman says the group recently hosted its first in-person concert since the pandemic began. In fact, he says, “We have our normal five concert series coming up.”

November 24, 2021

Returning to in-person is imment is back in-person. Payton portant he says, noting that “A lot says, “The first live audience of orchestras went out of busimusic program was held on Oct. ness in the pandemic. There’s 4 and you could feel the excitenot enough culture in the world ment in the ballroom.” as it is. It’s more important now The Nineteenth Century Club than ever.” is taking precautions such as After providing virtual chamlimiting capacity, masks and distancing, but Payton says, “It ber concerts to keep their audihas been amazing to see memence engaged last year, Friedman bers come face-to-face, or masknotes that it is good to be back to ERIN PAYTON normal, almost. Concert attend- Oak Park’s Nineteenth Century to-mask, for the first time in months. The community aspect ees are masked, and socially disCharitable Association of our organization is what has executive director tanced. They almost must prokept us going for 130 years, and vide proof of vaccination.

He says the musicians are so happy to you can see it best when members are gathbe back in person for rehearsals and per- ered together.” formances, and he adds, “Eighteen months is a long time not to pursue your creative hobby.”

Like other organizations Oak Park’s Nineteenth Century Charitable Association was forced to cancel months of events, as well as events that community partners such as Future Philanthropists and the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust hold in the club.

The entire 2020-21 season went online, including the gala. Executive Director Erin Payton notes that Zoom had some pluses and reports the group, “Started getting attendees not only from the Oak Park and River Forest area, but from as far away as California, Florida, New Zealand and Ireland.”

PROVIDED The group’s regular Monday lunch transiJay Friedman, music director of the tioned to at-home events with catered meals to-go. This fall, Monday lunch and enrich- Symphony of Oak Park

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Free Black History Bicycle Tour: Stories of Triumphs & Tragedies

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t is a truism that history is all around us. So Oak Park River Forest Museum created a free Black History Bike Tour this year so everyone can learn about the stories of African American life in Oak Park, from 1905 to 2020.

Located at 129 Lake St., OPRF Museum has some of these stories currently on display through 2022 in its exhibit “Open House: The Legacy of Fair Housing” and many others in Suburban Promised Land: The Emerging Black Community in Oak Park, Illinois, 1880-1980, an illustrated, 170-page book published by The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest and available in local libraries and at OPRF Museum.

While museum exhibits and books are fantastic places to learn history, experiencing history where it happens, right in front of homes, schools, and other sites, makes the stories come alive. For instance, the powerful story of suffering and triumph of the Jefferson family, whose home on Cuyler across from Longfellow Park was firebombed in 1914. They resisted this hate crime and daughter Faith Jefferson grad-

uated from OPRF High School in 1923.

“There is a powerful connection with the past when you stand right where history happened,” said Frank Lipo, Executive Director of OPRF Museum. “Our exhibits, programs, and other activities shed light on important stories and the people who walked the streets before us. And bike tours and walking tours put us right into the story and are a key part of our story-telling.”

The free tour booklet is always available as a pdf at oprfmuseum.org so that bicyclists, motorists and pedestrians can access it from their computer, phone or other device. The bike tour was unveiled during the first official Oak Park Juneteenth celebration on June 19, 2021. But this important history should not be experienced just once a year. Now it is available 24/7.

The Historical Society of Oak Park & River Forest • 708-848-6755 • www.oprfmuseum.org

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Oak Park’s Newest Museum Oak Park Located at River Forest 129 Lake Street Museum 708-848-6755 | oprfmuseum.org

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Hephzibah to their core

A Gift of Cookies & Helping Kids

former Hephzibah resident once said, “Once a Hephzibah kid, always a Hephzibah kid.”

No one exemplifies that more than Peter Murphy and Melissa Smith, who started their journey with Hephzibah as children and just celebrated their 25th anniversary as staff.

Peter was a member of Hephzibah’s first forever family when Oak Parkers Dennis and Bunny Murphy adopted him and his three siblings. Now he invests in the lives of children living at Hephzibah Home, a therapeutic home for severely abused and neglected children.

Peter is thought of warmly by Hephzibah Home residents. One former resident reminisced, “He always played basketball with my brother and me. We tried to do pull-ups on his arms.” “…And that is why I love my job,” Peter responded.

Peter is well regarded by his colleagues.

“Peter is the heart and soul of Hephzibah.

He really understands what kids need at any given moment,” says Assistant Director of Group Homes Debbie Pontrelli. “His sense of humor is one of his greatest attributes.”

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Melissa Smith--once a child in their after school and summer camp programs is now the programs’ assistant director--is also appreciated by her colleagues. “Melissa has a great spirit and a kind heart,” says Day Care Office Manager Annette Anderson.

“She doesn’t mind rolling up her sleeves.

She’s such a good person.”

Melissa loves her job. “I like the creative part of working with the kids and staff.

They are rejuvenating,” she says. “I enjoy watching the staff grow.”

Peter and Melissa are just a couple examples of home-grown Oak Park staff who invest in the lives of Hephzibah children and families. For more stories about Hephzibah, check out their blog at www.hephzibahhome.org/blog.

Hephzibah • www.hephzibahhome.org

THROUGH DECEMBER MBER 7

DONATE A TEM WISH LIST ITEM

We are currently collecting gifts for children living at Hephzibah Home, in our foster homes, and for families receiving our services. You can find our wish list at hephzibahhome.org.

ary DiSomma—mother of four, committed philanthropist and cookbook author—is passionate about baking cookies. Last year she shared 130 of her favorite cookie recipes with the publication of A Gift of Cookies: Recipes to Share with Family and Friends.

Because she’s as passionate about helping children as she is about baking, DiSomma is donating 100% of the proceeds from sales of the book to charity – including Hephzibah.

DiSomma loves cookies because they bring back fond memories of the warmth and comfort of childhood. “Unfortunately, not every child gets to experience that,” says the Hephzibah benefactor and friend.

“I was adopted at birth and raised by a loving family, but I know how important it is for children to have a place where they can feel safe, loved and cared for.”

Not satisfied with merely donating funds, Mary is an ambassador for Hephzibah, speaking honestly and openly about her care for their work and the children and families they serve. Her advocacy has brought national media attention to Hephzibah and its mission.

Heartfelt philanthropists and caring community members, Mary with her husband Bill were recognized with Hephzibah’s Heart of Gold Award last year. The award is presented each year to honor those who have enhanced the wellbeing of disadvantaged children.

“We are grateful for her passion and partnership, and the children at Hephzibah Home are very grateful for her delicious cookie recipes.”

Hephzibah • www.hephzibahhome.org

THROUGH DECEMBER 31

MATCH MATCHED GIVING Give online by December 31 and your gift will be matched by generous benefactors through our annual Hephzibah Holiday Challenge. Double your gift today at hephzibahhome.org. hephzibahhome.org

Your donation will impact a child's life.

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Two local groups bring climate action home One Earth Collective and Seven Generations Ahead

By LACEY SIKORA

W

Contributing Reporter

ith climate change making headlines, two local organizations are working to bring climate action to the neighborhoods we live in. Seven Generations Ahead and One Earth Collective are active in Oak Park, River Forest, Austin, Chicago and beyond.

Gary Cuneen founded Seven Generations Ahead 20 years ago and says the organization’s mission has always been to address global environmental issues on a local level. He says, “The climate crisis is our first and foremost concern.”

Fresh off a trip to climate summit COP26 in Glasgow with local high school students, Cuneen says one arm of bringing climate action into communities is to work with students to engage them in the mission.

While Cuneen says the climate crisis needs to become more of a priority for decision-makers, he emphasizes that change is needed on all levels of society from the individual, to the municipal, to state government to national government and beyond.

On the individual level, sustainable local food, clean water conditions, plant-based food movements and composting are small steps that can add up to make a difference.

SGA works on sustainability measures with many Chicago-area municipalities and organizations. In Oak Park and River Forest, SGA collaborates with school districts and the Park District of Oak Park.

In addressing energy use, Cuneen says it’s important for institutions like these to look for cleaner energy and explore solar energy and procurement. SGA is currently working

PROVIDED

One Earth Collective, Young Filmmakers Workshops: Live action, grades 3-5, River Forest

with the village of Broadview to support its efforts to create a solar corridor in an industrial area and has a project in Waukegan to provide solar energy to low- and moderateincome communities.

Cuneen says it’s important to realize that sustainability doesn’t have geographic boundaries. As climate change threats make headlines and more people are in agreement that action is needed, Cuneen says the next step is to facilitate mainstream institutions to do more.

Ana Garcia Doyle, founding member of One Earth Collective, started the organization as a film festival in 2012 to bring attention to the climate crisis, and says the group now focuses on generating awareness of climate issues and getting people excited enough to take action to combat the climate crisis.

While the film festival continues to be a way to educate and create interest in the movement, she says community partnerships bring the fight to the local level year-round.

A partnership with BUILD Chicago in Austin is one example. Garcia Doyle says combining BUILD’s focus on antiviolence and gang prevention with a farm on the West Side where kids can feed chickens and participate in programming featuring locally grown food is a way to bring sustainable practices to a new generation.

OEC also works with local high schools and colleges, as well as museums like the Museum of Science and Industry and the Shedd Aquarium.

Garcia Doyle says, “We’ll work with anybody.”

She says, “Our film festival and youth projects are all tools to help us educate and give people concrete things to do. We want people to act. After our films, we have discussions, and PROVIDED then we always end with an action It’s Our Future youth delegates from Seven Generation Ahead met with Uili Lousi component -- something people can do (3rd from left), a representative from the Kingdom of Tonga, to discuss the impact of to take their interest another step.” the climate crisis on Pacific Island nations, at the climate summit COP26 in Glasgow.

The One Earth Young Filmmak-

BUILD Chicago in Austin

PROVIDED

ers Contest has evolved into a national competition with local roots. Young people can send important environmental messages through short videos that inspire change or action. With workshops in River Forest and Chicago in December and a Young Filmmakers Online Academy, OEC aims to reach a new generation of activists.

Garcia Doyle says, “We use film and youth programming because it’s a version of storytelling. If you connect with a story, you can feel the connections to your own life. We already have so much data on climate change. If people feel emotion, that’s what makes them take action. We need to get heads, hearts and hands engaged.”

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November 24, 2021

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Bursting the Bubble: Being a part of the Greater West Side From Garfield Park to Proviso, a shared community

By LACEY SIKORA

L

Contributing Reporter

ocal not-for-profits may have their offices or headquarters in one town, but typically serve people from a greater geographic area. The communities of Oak Park, Austin, Maywood, Berwyn, Forest Park, Garfield Park and River Forest collectively form the Greater West Side, and work done by one organization based in one community can have wide-reaching impact throughout the area.

While working in his previous role as the executive director of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center, Rob Breymaier says he coined the term Greater West Side. He points out that OPRHC was uniquely situated to make connections between communities because it had programs in all of the communities.

He says, “In Austin we were supporting block clubs and community development efforts and building the Austin Ascending program. In Oak Park we had our longstanding programs to sustain diversity, integration, inclusion, and equity in the community. In Proviso Township we were working to save folks from foreclosure and provide folks with new homes and down payment assistance.”

He says, “We could see that the communities had a lot in common and that the people across the Greater West Side had much to offer one another. We could also see that none of the communities could succeed on its own. That the com-

FILE

Tierra Collins, left, makes a cookie with Mia Richardson during a holiday party at New Moms in 2019.

“What we do within each of our communities impacts what happens and what is felt in every other community. It is what Dr. King referred to as the interrelated structure of reality.”

REESHEDA GRAHAM WASHINGTON Sweet Rest

munities are interconnected. At that time, faith leaders connected, it is also made up of individual communities, each were also working to bridge the communities and we allied of which has a unique set of needs. In order to meet those ourselves with them in the hopes of amplifying what each needs in the best way possible, she says Beyond Hunger increasingly relies on its client advisory council. group was working toward.”

The client advisory council is made up of program particiReesheda Graham Washington says the Greater West Side has been an important part of her developing enterprise pants who have experienced hunger or food insecurity. Rather Sweet Rest, which provides education to white women re- than volunteers or staff members dictating what needs to be done, Beyond Hunger is able to use a client pergarding the negative impact of white supremacy spective to determine how to best meet the needs and uses funds from subscriptions to a monthly newsletter to provide sabbaticals to Black women. in a particular community.

While the organization serves women across the Traditionally, a large percentage of clients country, she says that through funding from the hailed from Austin, and Beyond Hunger recently Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation began sharing space with New Moms in Austin Sweet Rest has been able to provide sabbaticals to to better serve the needs of clients in the neighsix women from the Greater West Side. borhood. Zurakowski says that in Austin, there is Graham Washington notes the Greater West a significant aging population that is in need of Side connects all within its boundaries because, home delivery. our communities, our lives, our issues and our Beyond Hunger has also seen a recent increase passions are interconnected. She says, “What we MICHELE ZURAKOWSKI in need from Berwyn, with many immigrants Beyond Hunger do within each of our communities impacts what there unable to qualify for federal relief during chief executive officer happens and what is felt in every other communiCovid. Zurakowski says that work in Berwyn has ty. It is what Dr. King referred to as the interrelated to be more targeted to meet clients where they are. structure of reality.”

If they are afraid to give out personal information or come to Beyond Hunger is another example of the connected nature a regular location to pick up food, Beyond Hunger can work of the Greater West Side, says Chief Executive Officer Mi- on privately funded, targeted ways to get people food so that chele Zurakowski. While the main office and food bank are they don’t feel jeopardized. located in Oak Park, and many volunteers reside in Oak Park New Moms has been serving young mothers who experior River Forest, Beyond Hunger provides food and nutrition ence poverty and homelessness from its Greater West Side education to residents of the Greater West Side.

See GREATER WEST SIDE on page B12 Zurakowski says that while the Greater West Side is inter-

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y advocate was an angel delivered to me in my most dire, darkest hours. I have experienced abuse for many years and haven’t felt alive until now. Thank you!”

Isabel, a mother of 2 children, was referred to Sarah’s Inn by her local police department. When a Sarah’s Inn Advocate first met the family, they were in crisis. Isabel’s partner had been physically abusing her for several months and had begun abusing her son.

This Sarah’s Inn’s Advocate called local shelters and was able to get Isabel and her children to a safe place.

As Isabel started to get settled into a safe environment, Sarah’s Inn supported her with individual and group counseling, and helped Isabel find more permanent, safe housing. With financial assistance for rent and other basic needs through Sarah’s Inn, Isabel and her children now live in their own apartment. Sarah’s Inn also provided a Thanksgiving meal basket, holiday gifts for Isabel’s children, and other support needed throughout their journey of starting a life that’s free of

abuse. Even during these unprecedented times, Isabel was determined to continue living a productive, safe and healthy life with her children.

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GREATER WEST SIDE District histories from page B11 headquarters in Austin and its newer Oak Park location. Bright Endeavors, the social enterprise for New Moms through which young moms 24 years old and under can find work experience, is located in Garfield Park.

Jenna Hammond, its director of development & communications says, “We started our program in the West Side of Chicago because that is where we saw the greatest JENNA HAMMOND need, and our approach to expand to the New Moms director of development & communications Greater West Side has continued to follow this same logic. To the extent that we can re- portunity for the families they serve to thrive move barriers, like city boundaries, so that in the future. families can find consistent and high-qualBreymaier, says that there continues to ity support in their community, no matter be a lot of work to do, noting, “As I see it what side of the line they reside, now, the project is ongoing and the better.” requires a lot more effort. In Hammond stresses the concept particular, it requires couraof the Greater West Side includes geous conversations that examacknowledging the truth that it is ine both the disparities and the not just certain communities that commonalities that exist across experience poverty, pointing out the Greater West Side. But, that there are families in every most importantly, if we could community in the Greater West get more people to recognize Side who are experiencing the the Greater West Side as one stress of poverty. community. I think that She says that while the would be a positive first differences in neighborstep in building a coalihood culture can be sometion of residents that can thing to celebrate, the build equity together.” differences in access to opHe believes the concept portunity is something that of the Greater West Side needs to be addressed. is more important than To that point, she says, ever, saying, “It would “Each of these neighborbe a great framework for hoods has their own rocreating a broader comROB BREYMAIER bust history and culture. munity of opportunity Former Oak Park Regional We also know that in the and equity. That is ultiHousing Center executive director world we live in today, these mately up to the grassneighborhoods have not exroots leaders today. And perienced equitable investit needs to be done with ment, creating real disparan emphasis on listening from those who have been heard the least ity in infrastructure and opportunity.”

She says that New Moms is committed to up to this point. I’d be elated to see others challenging this inequity and working to pro- build up the Greater West Side and succeed mote community investment and create op- in ways I never imagined.”

“It [concept of Greater West Side] would be a great framework for creating a broader community of opportunity and equity.”

New Moms location on Chicago Avenue in Oak Park.

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Thrive expands resources for community mental health

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ope, Resilience, and Recovery form the heart of Thrive’s work – more now than ever before. Since the beginning of the pandemic, demand for accessible mental health services have skyrocketed.

Thrive has strived to meet this increased need by expanding both our services and our staff. By implementing teletherapy options, access to services has significantly increased leading to fewer missed appointments. Additionally, we grew our clinical team this year by eight therapists.

We are particularly proud of the growth within our Youth Program. Further, we grew our internship program, welcoming 10 emerging professionals to our team.

With our larger staff, we have enrolled an average of 50 new clients per month in services this year. Altogether, more clinicians are seeing more clients than ever before.

Looking to the future, we are excited to continue developing our programs to improve access to mental health services.

In the coming year we are implementing three new group therapy options.

Additionally, our Suicide Awareness & Prevention Program expanded to Fenwick High School this fall. Finally, we are thrilled to continue building our Crisis Program as we work to respond to all mental health crises within Oak Park and River Forest.

A client recently told us, “Thank you for all your help. Your support has helped keep me out of the hospital and has given me hope.” If you or a loved one are struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here for you.

Thrive Counseling Center • 708-383-7500 • www.thrivecc.org Sponsored Content

Julia and Anthony learn support is The Day Nursery Difference

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nthony, a four-year-old with a curious mind and lots of energy, and his mom, Julia, recently moved to our community. Julia was busy balancing school, work, and motherhood. A neighbor recommended The Day Nursery.

During the enrollment process, Julia shared that Anthony’s previous program reported that he engaged in disruptive and inappropriate behaviors in the classroom.

She was concerned about how Anthony might react to a new school. The Day Nursery arranged for staff to connect with the family before Anthony’s first day of school.

It did not take long for Anthony’s teachers to understand that his disruptive behaviors came from frustration when Anthony felt people did not understand what he was saying. Using a team approach, Day Nursery staff, Julia, and Anthony developed strategies that helped Anthony self-regulate his emotions in the classroom and at home. The Day Nursery supported Julia through a referral to Anthony’s pediatrician for further speech evaluation. As a result, Anthony was able

Two of Anthony’s classmates.

to receive speech therapy sessions while in the classroom during his school day.

The Day Nursery provided additional support for Anthony’s mom by connecting Julia with other Day Nursery families who shared similar interests, which offered opportunities for socialization outside of school. A few short months later, they are thriving. Anthony is now successfully communicating his needs and is happy.

Julia has built a network of support in her journey as a parent and advocate for her son. That’s The Day Nursery Difference.

The Day Nursery • 708-383-8211 • thedaynursery.org

95% of Day Nursery children transition into Kindergarten with the skills for school success.

1139 Randolph St, Oak Park, IL 60302

Quality early childhood education all children IS social equity.

708.383.8211 - Fax: for 708.383.0692 YourEmail: gift today creates the foundation for tomorrow's adults. info@thedaynursery.org - www.thedaynursery.org thedaynursery.org/donate/

A United Way Community Partner/NAEYC Accredited

1139 Randolph St, Oak Park, IL 60302 • 708.383.8211 Email: info@thedaynursery.org • www.thedaynursery.org

Gold Circle of Quality from ExceleRate IL/NAEYC Accredited OPRF Chamber Local Legend Spotlight Award

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The Covid moments that remade local nonprofits Needs only grew.

But how to deliver the care?

By LACEY SIKORA

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Contributing Reporter

ike the rest of the world, local not-for-profits were hit hard by Covid. Unlike the rest of the world, these organizations couldn’t simply close up shop. Due to the essential nature of their work, they had to keep their doors open and find new and innovative ways to serve a population that was more in need than ever. Here a few leaders detail how the pandemic has affected their missions.

Merry Beth Sheets Executive Director of Hephzibah in Oak Park Sheets says that Covid’s impact has been profound on the organization and the children and families it serves. “It didn’t cause us to rethink our mission, we just dove deeper.

When schools and daycares close, our families needed us more than ever before. We serve essential workers. We pivoted from being an after-school program to a full day, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. program.”

She notes that Hephzibah’s residential program also suffered. Children in the group home could no longer go to school, so the staff became responsible for supervising and instruction during school hours.

For Sheets, the impact of Covid was immediate. “We realized that we couldn’t shut down. Our group home kids needed us more; our foster care children needed us more; our intact families needed us more.”

Keeping children and families safe while giving them the supports they needed took on an urgent role. While Hephzibah weathered 2020 with federal PPE loans, Sheets emphasizes, “We serve kids 11 and under. In many, many ways, Covid is not over.”

Because of local quarantine protocols, children can’t attend school or after school programming on a regular basis.

Daycare protocols mean the program has been cut from 60 children to 30. Revenue has been cut in half, but expenses have stayed the same.

A lot of support that was there in 2020 is not there in 2021, and Sheets says that Covid has emphasized the importance of Hephzibah for the community, saying “We provided support for thousands of kids and hundreds of families. Covid just highlighted the need for that support.”

Malcolm Crawford Executive Director of the Austin African American Business Networking Association

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Beyond Hunger volunteers during a drive-thru distribution.

For Crawford the impact of Covid was personal and professional. During the pandemic’s first month, he lost his cousin to the disease.

He says, “I’ve always known that when Americans get a cold, African Americans die. Time has shown that our community has been disproportionately affected by Covid-19.”

From the perspective of the AAABNA, he says that Covid was immediately a life-changing phenomenon. He says, “Our organization prides itself on monthly person-to-per-

son, interactive meetings.”

While Zoom offered an alternative, he says, “It completely derailed our energy and opportunities to connect.”

Athena Williams Executive Director of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center Williams says that because the onset of the pandemic coincided with her taking the reins at OPRHC, the initial shut down allowed her time to evaluate the current state of OPRHC and where it was headed.

She says, “I was allotted the time, a fraction of time, to begin to see the next chapter for OPRHC. I say fraction of time, because once the shroud of Covid had peeled back, and we were able to peek through, we began to see the daunting effects that were taking place in the housing industry. OPRHC was able to swiftly step up and be present for the renters we have served all of these years.”

Williams says that because of the nature of the work at OPRHC, they kept working with clients, saying, “We never closed our doors. We did not lay off any employees.”

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At Oak Park and River Forest High School, the 2021-2022 school year has been one of Moving Forward as students head back to in-person learning.

Despite the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the school year is one of promise – and as always, the OPRFHS Alumni Association and OPRFHS Scholarship Foundation are ready to help today’s students realize their goals and dreams, during their time as high school students and into college. Together our organizations are dedicated to the common goal of student success: helping students pursue their passions, attain new skills, and open themselves up to new experiences that support their aspirations for college attendance and career readiness.

We turn to our community each year to help us fulfill our mission to increase both the number of awards and scholarships offered and to provide more four-year renewable scholarships that can assist our students beyond their first year of college.

We ask you to consider donating and investing in the lives of our community’s students as they move forward this year, continuing to strive for "those things that are best" – in high school and beyond.

A LU M NI ASS OC IATION

S CH O L A R SH I P FO U N DAT I O N

The OPRFHS Alumni Association looks forward to helping dozens of our students expand their horizons in the summer of 2022, accessing once-in-a-lifetime cultural and academic programs through the annual Bobbie L. Raymond Summer Enrichment Grants. These grants allow students to explore and advance their interests and knowledge while preparing them for higher education and future career opportunities.

Since 1924, OPRFHS Scholarship Foundation scholarships continue to be a bright light for our graduating students, helping decrease the financial barriers to college. This past year, 268 graduating seniors applied for 67 available scholarships. We are currently finalizing the 2022 scholarships that will be offered to this year’s graduating seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence, initiative, and leadership.

Contact us at alumniassociation@oprfhs.org

Contact us at scholarshipsoprfhs@gmail.com

Donate online: scholarships4oprfhs.org/scholarships Your contribution can be directed to the Scholarship Foundation, the Alumni Association, or split to be shared by both organizations.

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Mike Powell Beat the Street Chicago Mike Powell says the organization, which offers wrestling and enrichment programs to give Chicago youth the skills they need for success in life, says the organization was profoundly impacted by Covid, as were the kids they serve.

“I think the moment that most stands out was when we realized that the kids we had grown to love, who we had watched develop as young women and men, had no hope of getting on a wrestling mat for the foreseeable future.

The mat is our classroom, where life’s greatest lessons are taught and it’s most important values are learned. To think of our kids, many of whom were in apartments by themselves during the day for months on end, had lost meaningful contact with their role models and the sport that was their vehicle to a better life, was as heart wrenching as just about anything an organization like our can go through.”

He says that throughout the pandemic knowing that the despair, loneliness, anxiety, and anger the kids felt was really the challenge.

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Michele Zurakowski Chief Executive Officer of Beyond Hunger Zurakowski says Covid was an immediate game changer for the food pantry’s operations.

Instead of being a community hub, where clients could receive nutrition education and “shop” for foods, the food pantry became a drive-through.

Clients were afraid to come out in person, and some stopped coming. Zurakowski says the organization’s use of client advisory councils made up of program participants allowed them to keep a finger on the pulse of the rapidly changing needs in the communities they serve.

Circumstances surrounding Covid created a change in the typical client base. In fiscal year 2019, 75% of Beyond Hunger’s clients identified as Black; 12% as Latinx; 8% as white; 3.5% as other racial groups and 1.5% as multi-racial.

In fiscal year 2021, 42% identify as Black, 40%; as Latinx, 13% as white; 3% as other racial groups and 2% as multi-racial.

Zurakowski says that during the pandemic, Beyond Hunger had fewer clients from Austin, and outreach showed there were three reasons for that: people were afraid to go out because of Covid; SNAP benefits had increased so much, they didn’t need the food pantry anymore; and there was misinformation about what food pantries were still open.

Beyond Hunger saw more clients from Berwyn during Covid. Zurakowski notes that Berwyn has a large immigrant population which was not eligible for federal benefits.

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David Bradley, Beyond Hunger’s distribution supervisor, loads a turkey into a car during drive-thru distribution.

She says, “Covid showed all the disparities that exist. For us, it’s showing us that different communities have different needs.”

At the end of the day, she says there is still great need noting “85% of households we serve have seniors, people with disabilities, children or veterans. These are always the vulnerable populations.”

For Zurakowski, while Covid highlighted

the need, the federal relief programs also highlighted a solution. She says, “For me the big story is that the federal government can change people; it can take them out of poverty.

A food pantry can’t do this -- we’re a Band-Aid, but the government can.”

She says, “As a society, we can end hunger if we want to. There is a path forward, and we saw it.”

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Connor is one step closer

onnor is 18 years old. He first went to Youth Outreach Services when he was 14 and diagnosed with depression. Upon beginning his therapy, he said “I want to be a happier, more mentallystable person.”

Connor recently took up a new hobby of skateboarding. He shared that his hobbies help to lighten his mood and give him a “natural high” instead of turning towards alcohol. When Connor feels down or is frustrated, he tries to talk to his stepdad or friends. He likes to vent, to cope with his issues. However, his Youth Outreach Services’ counselor has really helped him to look at a problem from different perspectives.

It gives him strength and confidence to tackle tough times head on. “Everyone should have someone who they trust that they can vent to. For me, that is Youth Outreach Services.”

After recently getting his high school diploma, he’s now interested in going into a career in IT. He enjoys making videos on YouTube and wants to use those skills to launch his next chapter. “I really

wanted to come to YOS to learn how to be a responsible young adult. You have to be brave and self-driven to achieve your goals.”

With every step he takes, he is ONE STEP closer to achieving his goals. We can all be a part of his support system to help him get there. To learn more about how to help youth like Connor and others, head over to YOS.ORG or email info@yos.org.

Youth Outreach Services • 773-777-7112 • www.yos.org

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UCP Seguin paralympics athlete to represent USA in Brazil

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occia is much more than a game to Natalie, it’s her passion. It has allowed her to make friends all over the world. Boccia has empowered Natalie to be her best and feel a sense of accomplishment. Boccia has allowed Natalie to live a life without limits.

In October, Natalie competed with her teammates at USA Boccia’s National Tournament in Kansas. At this prestigious meet, Natalie won Silver with her pairs partner Joey. It was at this tournament that Natalie was chosen to represent Team USA at the BISFed America Regional Championships in Brazil.

Natalie and Sabrina, her sports assistant and UCP Seguin Recreation Specialist, will head to Såo Paulo in December.

This is not Natalie’s first experience with international competition, however. In 2018, Natalie competed for Team USA at the BISFed Regional Open in Buenos Aires, Argentina. As Natalie says, “It was a great opportunity to be part of Team USA. I learned a totally different game there and got lots of experience. I am excited to represent Team USA and travel to Brazil.”

Natalie joined UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago in 2015 and lives in Oak Park with her partner Bill and two other roommates. When Natalie is not at the UCP Seguin Oak Park CHOICE program, she comes to the Carr Center twice a week where she is employed as an artist, creating ceramic pieces sold at Seguin Gardens & Gifts.

Together, you and UCP Seguin are providing life without limits for people with disabilities like Natalie.

UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago • 708-863-3803 • ucpseguin.org

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ucpseguin.org UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago 332 Harrison Street Oak Park, Illinois 60304

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Chevy finds growth and success with BUILD

heveris first came to BUILD in 2013, already fighting and skipping school in fifth grade. He started by joining a few activities after school, and over time BUILD mentors connected with him, surrounded him with encouragement and activities from art to sports, and his natural leadership qualities quickly bloomed.

At 16 in high school, Chevy joined BUILD’s “My Brother’s Keeper” leadership program, learning from mentor Jeremy Mercado how to support others, and recruiting more of his own friends to BUILD programs. “I want to be a mentor so I can help others in my community,” said Chevy, “especially younger people.”

2021 marks Chevy’s eighth year with BUILD. In that time he has found strong role models, and stayed on his own positive path. He started working culinary jobs, and soon secured a job as an assistant kitchen manager in a busy restaurant, all while finishing high school. He graduated from Michele Clark High School this past spring, and with enough savings to buy a car and move into his own apartment.

Chevy credits BUILD with “putting [him]

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Donate at GrowingCommunityMedia.org on a better life path and keeping [him] going, even through some dark times.” He wants to run his own restaurant someday, and so far, he’s shown he can do anything he puts his mind to. As one of his mentors Mark Thornton puts it, “Our passion for our youth growth and success works.

Chevy is an excellent example and we are so proud of him.”

Growing Community Media NFP is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization

BUILD • 773-227-2880 • www.BuildChicago.org

Attitude of Gratitude Grateful we can make a difference together.

96% of youth reported stronger healthy conflict resolution skills.

82% of youth with prior court involvement did not recidivate.

(Illinois average: 40%)

100% of youth were promoted to the next grade.

YOU can do something gun violence and gangs.

YOU can help Chicago's must vulnerable youth survive and thrive.

YOU can make a difference right next door in Austin and beyond.

Intervention staff helped 26 youth detach from gangs, and reconnected 7 to school.

BUILD gives youth the support and opportunity they need to build a future.

DONATE AT WWW.BUILDCHICAGO.ORG | 773-227-2880

97% of youth avoided gang involvement and addictive substances.

95% of youth who had been either suspended or expelled from schools reported a decrease in further disciplinary actions.

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Byline Bank Strives to be Engrained in Oak Park Community

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n 2021 Byline Bank answered the call for support from nonprofit and community organizations, small businesses, and economic development associations in the Oak Park-River Forest area. The community bank, which is Illinois’ leading Small Business Administration lender, donated more than $50,000 in sponsorships to over 25 local nonprofit organizations, charitable groups and youth clubs in Oak Park and River Forest. Bolstering its monetary contributions, Byline employees also gave over 200 volunteer hours to local organizations.

“We believe supporting our community means not only giving money, but being generous with our time and resources. Our employees are as rooted in the neighborhood as the local businesses and organizations we work with,” said Susie Goldschmidt, Byline Bank Oak Park River Forest Market President. “Byline Bank is honored to stand by organizations across diverse areas of service, all of which do vital work and make Oak Park a more connected, vibrant and equitable community.”

Byline Bank supported local organizations include those working in the fields of food insecurity, educational resources, schools and learning centers, arts, animal welfare, at-risk children and infants, gender equality, health care, and communities in crisis. Some of the specific initiatives include: • Reducing food insecurity: Byline is actively involved with Beyond Hunger, a nonprofit organization that provides hunger-relief programming and services, providing Community Development grants for operations needs and sponsorship of the annual fall benefit concerts. Goldschmidt also sits on the Beyond Hunger Board of Directors. In addition, Byline is a sponsor of the Suburban Unity Alliance Community Fridge located at the Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church.

Byliners, Maggie Kenny and Susie Goldschmidt, Infant Welfare Circle 2 members, Wendy Planek and Mary Deziel

Kim Goldschmid and Susie Goldschmidt, Oak Park River Forest, Rotary fund raiser at Oak Park Farmers Market

• Promoting equality: Support for organizations such as Women’s Global Education Project and Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association Awards help our communities thrive and grow.

• Caring and education for families, children and infants, and adults with special needs: Organizations such as Opportunity Knocks, Age Options, Infant Welfare, Sarah’s Inn, Hephzibah, Oak Leyden, A Place to Belong, The Learning Center, A House in Austin and many more local organizations have partnered with Byline Bank to serve the community.

Outside of these more traditional avenues of contribution, Byline also gives back by featuring local businesses and organizations on local advertising via the Lake Theater Marquee, in local publications, and on social media and its website – extending their reach to new potential patrons.

Building thriving communities is at the heart of everything Byline Bank does for the community.

“Our mission is to help the greater Oak Park community learn, grow and prosper by working shoulder-by-shoulder with these critical organizations. We want to make a difference,” added Goldschmidt.

Denise Warren, Oak Park and River Forest Branch Manager, Paula Jones. Susie Goldschmidt and Shanea Collins

Kim Goldschmidt, Susie Goldschmidt, Byline Bank, Gary Cuneen. Founder & Exec Director Seven Generations Ahead

Anthony Clark, Suburban Unity Alliance Director, Rev Dr Marti Scott, Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church, Susie Goldschmidt, Byline Bank and supporters

Ravi Parakkat, OP Village Trustee and founder of Take Out 25 NFP, Eileen H Lynch Director of Operations, Senator Don Harmon’s Office, Susie Goldschmidt, Byline Bank, and Michelle Zurakowski, Exceutive Director of Beyond Hunger

Downtown Oak Park | 1001 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60301 | 708-660-1000 | bylinebank.com/locations/downtown-oak-park/

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L’Arche gives residents a sense of belonging

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’Arche Chicago operates three family-sized residential homes where adults with intellectual disabilities live together with staff members who support and assist them. The effect is an environment where each person with disabilities thrives through person-directed, often 1:1 customized support that is tailored to each person’s individual needs and desires. But even more, L’Arche creates an environment where each person, staff and resident, experiences a profound sense of belonging and meaning.

Live-in staff member Katie describes it this way: “‘Being present’ is difficult to describe. I didn’t learn to be present in a classroom or online seminar. Instead, sharing presence was revealed to me in a particular way at L’Arche. It’s where I leaned into the ways of the human heart.

I learned about the communion of human hearts through receiving a resident’s blessing at the end of our nightly routines or chatting through our joys and griefs while being careful not to nick my housemate’s face with a razor during a morning shave.

Presence in L’Arche meant that I could

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Community Relations Orchestra of The Year!

Now in our 90th season!

Katie and Elisha enjoying a summer trip together.

trust others to hold my limitations with gentleness and extend that same grace without resentment. Presence meant that we could hold our celebrations and sorrows in the same breath and see each other with breathtaking dignity.”

Come and see the profound gift of presence at L’Arche Chicago; reach out today to get started and see our community in action at hello@larchechicago.org.

L’Arche Chicago • 708-660-1600 • larchechicago.org

With your support, we will continue to bring beautiful and inspiring concerts to the community All concerts held on Sunday afternoons at 4 pm .

For more information, or to order tickets go to SymphonyOPRF. SymphonyOPRF.org org

708 218 2648 • thesymphonyoprf@gmail.com

Creating Joyful Relationships For over 20 years, L’Arche Chicago has provided high quality care in community-integrated homes for adults with intellectual disabilities in the Oak Park and River Forest area.

As our society seems increasingly fearful of difference, L’Arche offers a counter story: that the differences so often keeping people apart can become the substance of joyful and transformative relationships.

Make an impact today: larchechicago.org/donate

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Hemingway Foundation helps advance the dreams of young writers

NURTURE THE

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he Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park is committed to nurturing the creative spirit.

“Support for the arts always tends to fluctuate,” Executive Director Keith Strom says, ”and with today’s emphasis on STEMrelated career paths, we think it is essential to continue to support and inspire those with artistic talents through our ongoing programming and student scholarships.”

In 2020, Allen White was attending Oak Park River Forest High School for his junior year when he decided to enter the Foundation’s essay contest. White had previously written short stories, poetry and screen plays but never considered entering a contest until a school counselor encouraged him to give it a try. His essay, entitled “Diet Chicago”, looked at the restaurant and street life of Oak Park and its similarities with Chicago.

In recognition of his work, White was selected as that year’s foundation scholarship recipient, receiving a $1000 scholarship award and a mentorship for his senior year with the Foundation’s writer-in-residence, Laura Young. White

CREATIVE SPIRIT OF THE NEXT GENERATION YOUR GIFT SUPPORTS: • OPRF Hemingway Scholarship Fund • Teacher Development • Student Mentorship • Young Writers Programming Donate @

hemingwaybirthplace.com

dreamed of going to the University of Southern California to major in screenwriting since he was in seventh grade. During his mentorship with Young, they worked on the creative writing admission essay helping secure a spot at White’s dream school. “I would not have made it this far,” White wrote to the foundation, “had I not received the extensive help on my common app essay that Ms. Young gave last fall. I truly and sincerely thank you for your help.”

The Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park • 708-445-3071 • www.hemingwaybirthplace.com Sponsored Content

is as easy as 1•2•3!

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Order Chef Woody’s Holiday Meal  Contactless Pickup on December 23  Each 3-course meal feeds two people  Give yourself a holiday off from cooking!

Attend a Monday Program Be it Art, Literature, Music, Science or Social Science, our weekly programs (1:15pm start) in our ballroom will quench your creative thirst. Open to the Public!

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Donate Help us continue or mission of strengthening our community through learning, giving, and sharing our landmark building.

Menus, Upcoming Programs and Donation Opportunities are available at www.nineteenthcentury.org or 708-386-2729 x 3

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association’s pop-up pantry urges neighbors to help neighbors

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ince 2020, The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association’s Community Outreach Committee has partnered with a vibrant new pop-up pantry in our neighboring Austin community. The pantry, located at Third Unitarian Church (Fulton and Mayfield in Chicago), started in June 2020 in response to the needs of immediate neighbors during the COVID19 pandemic. It’s a collaborative effort of Third Unitarian and Praise Temple of Restoration International, with support from the Central Austin Neighborhood Association (CANA), Stopgap Chicago, and other local organizations who have contributed guidance, volunteers, and supplies.

Nineteenth Century members have generously provided donations of needed supplies - including paper goods, hygiene products, diapers, and canned goods - on numerous occasions to help the pantry get through the summer and fall when cash donations were waning. Members drop off the items at the Nineteenth Century Club, and Community Outreach Committee

members work together to transport the items to the pantry.

“It’s exciting to be part of such a grassroots and collaborative effort, making an impact in our community,” said Linda Bonner, Third Unitarian Church Board CoPresident and member of the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association.

“It’s about neighbors coming together to help neighbors, and I love being part of it”, said Mr. Beasley, Austin resident.

The Central Austin pop-up pantry embodies the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association’s mission of strengthening its community through learning, giving, and sharing its landmark building.

To learn more about membership at the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association, attend the organization’s upcoming Monday programs, or to make a donation, please visit www. nineteenthcentury.org or call 708-386-2729 x 3.

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association • 708-386-2729 • www.nineteenthcentury.org

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A Housing Forward Client’s Journey Home

ynthia was already having a challenging year due to a knee replacement surgery. When she was still recovering, a fire broke out in her apartment and left her without a home.

Although family members welcomed her, there were often too many stairs to climb. Cynthia began moving from place to place—and grew depressed.

After reaching out to the Red Cross, she was referred to Housing Forward. Their outreach team immediately identified her living situation as very unstable. More health challenges, including diabetes and the need for another surgery made her an excellent fit for the medical respite services at Housing Forward’s Sojourner House.

Following her second surgery, she had the support of her case manager, medical team visits, and access to healthy food.

“The people here are amazing,” shared Cynthia. “They gave me help when I needed it, and they looked in on me to make sure I wasn’t feeling down.”

Cynthia has since recuperated and is now living in her own apartment — on

the first floor. She wants to tell her story to help others who might be in a housing crisis. “This is a new chapter for me,” she says, “but I really don’t know what my living situation would be if not for the staff. I’m so blessed to have been a part of this program.”

To help the men, women, and families struggling with homelessness, please give generously at housingforward.org/give.

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Beyond Hunger feeds families in trying times

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ver the past few months more people are stopping by Beyond Hunger in distress. Some have gotten behind on their bills and are in crisis. Others are worried about having enough food on their table this holiday season.

Since 1979 families have been relying on Beyond Hunger to get help when they need it. Mothers, like Sharon, are grateful for the support: “Beyond Hunger has helped us a lot. With my daughter being

sick and the cost of medicine and food just keeps increasing, we’ve needed the groceries to help us get by.”

A gift today will ensure we’re able to meet any surge in need that comes our way this winter. Your generosity will offer immediate hunger relief for mothers like Sharon and make an impact for future generations.

Visit GoBeyondHunger.org to learn more.

Beyond Hunger • (708) 386-1324 • www.gobeyondhunger.org

November 24, 2021

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New Moms works for Jylisa and her family

ylisa was pregnant and experiencing homelessness when she moved into her apartment at New Moms’ Transformation Center. She was immediately paired with a personal coach who helped her prepare for the birth of her baby. Coaches at New Moms are allies of resilient families, supporting young moms with resources they need to navigate parenthood, adolescence, and achieve their goals for the future.

In January, Jylisa gave birth to her daughter Ja’nylahh after an emergency C-section.

After recovering, her coach helped enroll her in our Job Training program. New Moms’ fully paid, 16- week Job Training program blends classroom and on-the-job training at our social enterprise candle company, Bright Endeavors. Our team creates positive environments of learning and employment practice for young moms.

Jylisa began as a production assistant in March and was promoted to team lead because of her leadership skills. Jylisa also graduated on time from high school during her time at New Moms and will be attending Malcom X College to pursue nursing. “[New Moms] gave me a boost of

confidence.” Jylisa said. “It’s like you’re working for them, but they’re also working for you. They value your opinion. They make sure you’re okay, physically and mentally.”

Jylisa’s story is a great example of what young families can accomplish when they have reliable support. Join New Moms in this essential work and support young moms as they build the foundations of well-being for their families and communities!

New Moms • www.newmoms.org

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The Foundations of an Art Practice

t the tail end of celebrating its centennial year in 2021, the Oak Park Art League (OPAL) has re-established its figure drawing, painting and sculpting sessions that take place on Sunday mornings from 10am-1pm and Tuesday evenings, 6:309:30pm.

Figure drawing is the building block of artistic expression for many artists. And OPAL has recently reopened these sessions to anyone looking for an opportunity to establish or develop their own artistic practice in a comfortable local setting. These sessions are self guided and offer beginners to advanced artists the opportunity to practice fundamental skills and expand their techniques in a variety of media to discover one’s individual artistic style. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned artist, these sessions offer a live model from which to draw, paint or sculpt.

Mike Vest has been a part of this OPAL tradition for almost 10 years. Mike facilitates the Tuesday evening sessions and says it is an important part of his artistic and social life. “There is a place for every level of artist here. Beginners to advanced students work

side by side with no pressure from each other or imposed sense of competition. The artists that attend are outgoing, friendly and supportive of each other’s practice and skill level.”

And students can become the facilitators, as in the case with Phyllis Frick. Phyllis began attending the figure drawing sessions almost 6 years ago. As a student she says she was able to establish the confidence and skills she wanted to achieve in her own work. “It was scary at first, to draw with a group of strangers and artists that had more skills than I did. But everyone was so nice and there was no pressure or judgment from other artists. I have been able to use my figure drawing skills and apply them to the Mixed Media class I attend, and visa versa. I love the multi-disciplinary approach this has allowed me to take my work in”, says Phyllis.

Oak Park Art League • 708-386-9853 • director@oakparkartleague.org

Lisa Rock in

12.12.21

events.dom.edu

Re-live the unforgettable Christmas music of The Carpenters in this fun and heart-warming show.

With hits like “Merry Christmas Darling” and the jazzy “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” it’s a joyful holiday concert for the whole family.

SUNDAY, December 12, 2021 | 7:30 p.m.

Tickets starting at $20 BOX OFFICE (708) 488-5000 • events.dom.edu 7900 West Division Street • River Forest, IL 60305 • FREE PARKING

Masks and proof of vaccination or negative Covid-19 test will be required at entry.

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Learn more. Give more.

Joyful Giving

The Joyful Giving catalog begins on page B29. Learn about local organizations working to improve our communities, and how you can contribute.

You can also visit OakPark.com and go to our Season of Giving page.

Serving Bellwood, Berkeley, Broadview, Hillside, Maywood, Melrose Park, Stone Park, Northlake and Westchester

Donate online at www.vfpress.news/make-a-donation/ Make checks payable to: Village Free Press 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park IL 60302

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Wonderful holiday season Wishing you a

Don Harmon

Camille Lilly

Senate President

6941 W. North Avenue Oak Park, IL 60302 708-848-2002 harmon@senatedem.illlinois.gov

Representative

SE NATE PRE SIDE NT

DEMOCRAT • ILLINOIS

6937 W. North Ave. Oak Park, IL 60302 (773) 473-7300 staterepcamilleylilly@gmail.com

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Sponsored Content

Community journalism fosters small ‘d’ democracy

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ightly, there is an adversarial relationship between a local publisher and elected officials. Shouldn’t be rude or disrespectful. One side or both are failing if the relationship becomes intensely, negatively personal.

But there ought to be some tension there as elected and appointed leaders go about their work and reporters and editors do the work of holding officials accountable.

In our experience at Growing Community Media, there’s usually room for mutual admiration when everyone involved has reasonable confidence in why they are doing the work while also leaving their egos at the door. Doesn’t always happen but insecure egotists are the exception.

The evidence is so clear that towns and neighborhoods thrive when there is strong community journalism at work. The debates are more compelling when they get aired openly. More people vote when they’re following the local news and have a sense of what elected officials are about.

Spending is constrained and government projects go more smoothly when the press is actively observing.

To prove our point, we asked a batch of now former electeds their thoughts on how their communities benefitted from having independent journalism in their towns.

Here are a few of the responses we received.

Ben Sells Former president of Riverside “As an elected official, you need honest, independent journalism to hold your work up to you, providing you a perspective from outside your own.

Journalism is critical to good government because it provides a broader context that is sometimes missed in the push for new initiatives.”

Simone Boutet Former Oak Park village trustee “As a former elected official, I am passionate about maintaining a healthy democracy. Independent

local media play a critical role in this by keeping citizens informed so they can participate in their government. Informed citizens are essential to a healthy democracy.”

Sean Blaylock Former Forest Park school board member “An increased awareness of my community created motivation and inspiration on how to serve the residents of my village.”

John Scully Former Riverside village trustee “The RB Landmark provides coverage of local news that keeps all of us informed about what is happening in Riverside from questioning local board decisions to providing items of local activities in the neighborhood.”

Tom Weitzel Retired Riverside police chief “When I served as chief for the Riverside Police Department, the Landmark always reported through the lens of what I would classify as accountability journalism.

A community newspapers’ mission is to hold elected and appointed city and village leaders accountable for their departments, actions, and responses to the community. Additionally, I have always felt that the Landmark had its pulse on the community and what was published in its newspaper reflected the values, priorities, and accountability that the citizens wanted demonstrated by their appointed and elected officials. The Landmark has always set the agenda for the public policy debate.”

Growing Community Media • 708-524-8300 • www.growingcommunitymedia.org

Oak Avenue Barber, 150 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park (708) 948-7404

Congratulations to Oak Avenue Barber on their opening! oakavebarber.com

Among the Celebrants: Adam Doe, Adam Doe State Farm; David Bores, Vintage Home Restoration; Todd Bannor, Bannor & Bannor; Aaron Silc, Sarah Silc, and Izak, Oak Avenue Barber; Dr. Mary Ann Bender, Weil Foot & Ankle Clinic; Sam Yousif, Fuller Health Group; Darien Marion Burton, D.M.Burton; Laura Best, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices; Cam Davis, Village of Oak Park; Liz Holt & Mark Walden, OPRF Chamber of Commerce.

Photos by Mark Swinnie of D.M. Burton

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November 24, 2021

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Ensuring a future for our One Earth

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We have the power to build a sustainable future for all When we work together, we can create the world we want to see: Clean water. Clean air. Healthy food.

Learn more and join us: oneearthfilmfest.org/members.

Save the date for One Earth Film Fest: March 4-13, 2022.

Protect Our Democracy Support Local News “When a local newspaper vanishes, research shows, it tends to correspond with lower voter turnout, increased polarization, and a general erosion of civic engagement. Misinformation proliferates. City budgets balloon, along with corruption and dysfunction.”

- McKay Coppins “The Men Who Are Killing America’s Newspapers” The Atlantic, November 2021

www.growingcommunitymedia.org/donate

he headlines are overwhelming: a deadly pandemic. Systemic injustices.

Environmental destruction. While the bad news keeps coming, One Earth has two major reasons for hope: “youth leaders, and the collective power that we have to change our world.”

This fall, One Earth partnered with Seven Generations Ahead to send a group of young people to the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, where they met with delegates and other youth activists.

Since returning home, they’ve continued mobilizing for change.

One Earth offers other environmental leadership programs for youth, including the national Young Filmmakers Contest, the Austin Grown youth agriculture and mentoring program, and the Pilsen-based HEALTH program, in collaboration with Chicago Botanic Garden.

They also harness the power of people of all ages. Each spring, the One Earth Film Festival engages thousands through the best environmental documentary films, lively discussions, and action

opportunities. They say, “we ground our work at the intersection of environmental and racial justice, centering the voices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color filmmakers and activists. In 2022, we look forward to welcoming back Chicagoland audiences, as well as expanding our national and international community.”

One Earth Collective (formerly Green Community Connections) was founded over 12 years ago in Oak Park & River Forest. While they continue to provide change-making programs at home, they have expanded their reach to inspire more people to connect, speak out, and work together to build a sustainable future for all.

Learn more at oneearthcollective.org.

One Earth Collective • 708-824-6201 • www.oneearthcollective.org

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The Joyful Giving Catalog

November 24, 2021

B29

Everything you need for a better world: • More Art

• More Food

• More Compassion

• More Health

• More Education

• More Housing

• More Equity

• More Peace

Browse, read, share with your children. Give Locally – Give Joyfully!

Animal Care League Animal Care League offers a safe haven for pets in need. Rooted in the community since 1973, Animal Care League takes a proactive approach to animal care and adoption as well as preventative measures to help reduce the number of homeless animals in our communities.

With over 1000 pets coming to our doors each year, Animal Care League counts on supporters to ensure that we can provide what is needed from routine vaccinations to life saving surgery.

Make a difference in the life of a homeless animal by visiting animalcareleague.org where you can sign up to volunteer, make a donation, view our adoptable pets, and learn about upcoming events.

Austin Coming Together Austin Coming Together (ACT)’s mission is to facilitate the collective impact of 50+ members and hundreds of partners to improve the quality of life in Chicago’s Austin community. Since 2010, we’ve been connecting residents to services, attracting investments for the community, and building capacity for policy change. Recently, the pandemic made long-standing challenges even worse. But we mobilized resources to address growing needs, from food, laptop, or PPE distributions and vaccine access, to advocacy for racial equity.

Learn how Austin is leading efforts to move forward together, and how you can support, at AustinComingTogether.org/AustinCares.

Beyond Hunger Over the course of the pandemic, meeting the emergency food needs of our community hasn’t been simple. We now serve people safely with a drive thru food pantry, a scaled-down socially distant food pantry inside First United Church, an off-site pop-up “Despensa” serving vulnerable immigrant families, and a vastly expanded Home Delivery program for older adults and people with disabilities. For over 40 years Beyond Hunger has been creating solutions to end hunger at every stage of life - we know it takes all of us. With your support we can make sure no one goes hungry this winter. Every $1 donated can feed a neighbor for an entire day.

To donate, visit GoBeyondHunger.org or send checks payable to Beyond Hunger, 848 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301.

The Collaboration for Early Childhood

The Collaboration for Early Childhood embraces the vision that all children should arrive at kindergarten safe, healthy, and ready to learn.

In 2022, we will turn twenty, and we invite you to help us celebrate this two-decade-long community effort to ensure that every child thrives. This year, we safely administered over 700 hearing and vision screenings to young children, granted 1,099 professional development hours to early childhood educators with a focus on mindfulness and trauma informed practices, and gave 65 baby bundles to new and prenatal moms and parents in our community.

To learn more about our impact, or to make a donation, please visit us at www.collab4kids. org and follow us on social media.

BUILD Since 1969, BUILD has helped Chicago’s most vulnerable youth escape gangs and violence to become positive leaders in their communities. These young people face enormous obstacles and trauma, so we surround them with the counseling, mentoring, training, and opportunities they need to build a future and succeed. We engage youth at every stage, with specialized teams dedicated to street violence interventions, gang detachments, creative after-school programming, academic school and college support, mental health care, community violence crisis response, and enrichment activities ranging from art and music to sports, podcasting, engineering and gardening.

Potential doesn’t discriminate, neither should opportunity.

Join us in BUILDing a better future.

Visit www.buildchicago.org.Celebrating

Seniors Coalition

Concordia University Chicago Founded in 1864, Concordia University Chicago has equipped students to serve and lead with integrity and compassion. Concordia-Chicago is a Christ-centered Lutheran university where truth, freedom, and vocation form students for lives of influence and service for the common good. Historically a college for teachers, we now offer more than 100 areas of study through traditional, blended or online classes.

Students can earn a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree through one of four colleges: the College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Health, Science & Technology, and the College of Theology, Arts & Humanities.

To learn more, please visit CUChicago.edu or CUChicago.edu/GiveNow to support our students.

D97 PTO Council This year, all ten D97 PTOs in partnership with PTOC’s Diversity Council, DIVCO, an organization focused on driving equity imperatives within schools, have committed to becoming communities of care. This initiative has driven the creation of “angel funds” for each school community to serve their financially vulnerable students and families with school supplies, field trip money, snacks, graduation yearbooks and gowns, spirit wear, books, tutoring and more. In order to fulfil this need, PTOs depend on tax deductible donations from community members like you. Donate to your neighborhood school and give all Oak Park public school students an opportunity to thrive regardless of income.

• Julian: julianpto.org/Donate-to-the-PTO. php • Brooks: sites.google.com/view/ brooksptooakparkdonations/home • Longfellow: lpto.betterworld.org/donate • Lincoln: paypal.com/paypalme/ ptolincoln?locale.x=en_US • Holmes: mightycause.com/story/3e623g • Irving: washington-irving-pto-2.square. site/#uDWtwZ • Whittier: whittierpto.membershiptoolkit. com/ • Beye Please send a check to the school c/o of Beye PTO • Mann: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_ button_id=EYUYPNXB3ZWVU • Hatch: hatchpto.org/

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Impacting Lives of Faith and Education

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r. Rosa J. Young was an advocate for the education of rural AfricanAmerican children. Her legacy is as an educator and church planter for Christ and His Church, founding and developing Lutheran elementary schools and congregations in Alabama.

Dr. Young led a life of service and enabled others to do the same. She taught more than 2,000 students, impacting their lives with her faith and belief in the importance of education. Many of her students entered

into ministry or became parochial school teachers, spreading the importance of faith and education to many others with their fidelity to her vision. She was awarded an honorary doctorate by Concordia Theological Seminary in May 1961. She was both the first woman and the first African-American to be honored Dr. Rosa Young counseling young women who were teaching students at Alabama Luther College, 1961. Photo from lcms.org.

in this way by the Lutheran Church.

Concordia University Chicago invites you to join them in endowing The Dr. Rosa J. Young Opportunity Scholarship. This fund will support African-American students at CUC who intend to enter church vocations in the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.

Matching funds will be available to double your gifts to CUC up to a total of $275,000.

To learn more about the scholarship match, call the Foundation Office at 866-448-3867 or give at CUChicago.edu/ GiveNow. To learn more about Dr. Young, visit the Concordia Historical Institute online at www.lcms.org/thefirstrosa.

A Most Merry and Blessed Christmas!

God’s greatest gift to us is the gift of Himself, in His Son, Jesus Christ. A tiny baby nestled in the manger, with His arms reaching out to embrace the world – through Him, we find comfort in His promise of salvation.

In all things, we are reminded that Jesus came to us as a gift and we are privileged to share that gift with others.

Dr. Rosa Young. Photo from lcms.org.

Concordia University • 708-771-8300 www.cuchicago.edu

Giving Tuesday CUChicago.edu/GiveNow

7400 Augusta St. River Forest, IL 60305

(708) 771-8300

CUChicago.edu

Learn more.

Give more.

Joyful Giving OakPark.com | AustinWeeklyNews.com ForestParkReview.com | RBLandmark.com

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Sponsored Content

The Joyful Giving Catalog The Day Nursery

Since 1912, The Day Nursery has provided exceptional early childhood education in an environment that welcomes all children, enhances individual strengths, and fosters the academic, social-emotional, and physical development that leads to school readiness. You can help lay the foundation today for successful adults tomorrow.

To learn more about us and to donate, visit www.thedaynursery.org 1139 Randolph St, Oak Park, IL 60302 708.383.8211 - Fax: 708.383.0692 Email: info@thedaynursery.org - www.thedaynursery.org

Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park A United Way Community Partner/NAEYC Accredited

The Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park is a non-profit 501(c)(3) literary arts and educational foundation dedicated to thoughtful reading and writing. The foundation offers a wide variety of programming, all open to the public, to nurture and encourage creative expression for students and for people of all ages. Through tours and exhibits at Ernest Hemingway’s birthplace museum, the foundation fosters an understanding of his life and work, his Oak Park origins and his impact on world literature. Your gift supports creative outlets for people of all ages through professional teacher development, local author and performing artist programs, inter-generational engagement, a writer-in-residence program, as well as student writing workshops, mentorships, and scholarships.

For more information about us or to donate online go to hemingwaybirthplace.com or mail us at: Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park, P.O. Box 2222, Oak Park, IL 603032222.

Frank Lloyd Wright Trust Inspiring tomorrow’s architects today, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust continues the long road to recovery, steadfast in our mission to preserve an Oak Park treasure. Through the stewardship of the Home & Studio, the Trust provides a source of community pride and inspiration.

While enhancing the vitality of Oak Park and the western suburbs of Chicago, Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy is upheld through the Trust’s educational programming. Enduring the global pandemic, we are thrilled for the opportunity to welcome back in-person education programs and tours.

To learn more or donate, go to flwright.org 951 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302.

The Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory The Oak Park Conservatory began as a community effort to house exotic plants residents collected during their travels abroad.

Completed in 1929, it is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Free to the public with 50,000 visitors annually, the Conservatory offers a rich atmosphere throughout three indoor showrooms featuring more than 3,000 plants. The Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory offers programs focused on enriching the visitor experience at the Conservatory. Toddlers through adults can participate in year-round educational and recreational programs, volunteer opportunities and special events.

To learn more or to join, visit fopcon.org.

Growing Community Media Growing Community Media connects citizens through community journalism rooted deep in our neighborhoods, based in facts, and reflective of voices not always heard. Through Austin Weekly News, Wednesday Journal, Forest Park Review and Riverside-Brookfield Landmark, Growing Community Media reports local news and tells compelling local stories across a variety of platforms. We believe that high quality community journalism preserves and strengthens the fabric of our democracy.

Independent community journalism holds local governments and institutions to account.

It connects neighbors. It is the credible information source when social media goes haywire, and it allows a community to debate and celebrate.

Support local news and protect our democracy at growingcommunitymedia.org/ donate.

l u f y o J e Th ing Giv alog Cat

U

The Ripple Effect of Representation

ntil recently, I had no reason to hope or plan for my future. I came to the U.S. as an infant with my mother, who was fleeing a violent relationship.

When I was five, I experienced abuse at the hands of someone I knew. We got law enforcement involved, but he fled before he could be arrested. I became increasingly anxious and depressed. In high school, I began looking for ways to become a legal resident which led me to Pro Bono Network and the U Visa process.

Recounting my experiences as a child for the legal filings was difficult, but I had people like my pro bono attorney, Patti, advocating for me and I kept going. What surprised me most was the ripple effect of representation on everyone around me. After my mother and I received U Visas and became legal residents, we saw family in Mexico for the first time in 20 years, including my grandfather who passed from COVID in January 2021. I was able to go to college, start a career and give back to my community. Connecting with extended

family, learning critical life skills, building a life for myself, and making long-term goals would not have been possible without the care and consideration shown

by PBN. I hope my story can encourage support, volunteerism, or give hope to others. I know if it wasn’t for PBN I would not be where I am or who I am today.

Pro Bono Network • 708-665-3359 • www.pro-bono-network.org Sponsored Content

Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory delights community with Annual Plant Sale

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or over 35 years, the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory in partnership with the Park District of Oak Park has offered one of the most anticipated and abundant plant sales in this area.

From the first “Herb and Scented Plant Sale” in 1989 until today, the Annual Plant Sale has provided carefully grown plants while raising funds in support of the historic Oak Park Conservatory.

Each year, thousands of plants are grown in the Conservatory greenhouses using healthy soil and integrated pest management (IPM) practices, providing healthy, sustainable plant products. From hearty vegetables and popular herbs to a unique array of colorful annuals, there is something to delight gardeners old and new.

Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory volunteers make this community event possible. They begin in the early days of fall by selecting the plants, then starting seeds in winter and nurturing the seedlings into plants. In the days leading up to the Plant

Sale, dozens of volunteers give their time and energy to pull orders and make the Plant Sale days run smoothly.

Community support of the Plant Sale helps The Friends provide quality educational programs, volunteer opportunities, community events, and other support for the historic Oak Park Conservatory. The 2022 Plant Sale will open to the public on April 18. To learn more, visit fopcon.org.

Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory • 708-725-2460 • fopcon.org

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Giving for a Better Tomorrow

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ver the course of the past two years, the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation has taken a hard and honest look at philanthropy and its ability to address systemic racial inequities. We understand that our work, from grant-making to our investment portfolio to how we operate overall, must intentionally, comprehensively address the racial disparities that exist in order for all members of our community to thrive and prosper.

This journey has led the Foundation to evaluate and assess all its policies, practices, and work. Our mission is focused on uniting community members and mobilizing resources to advance a racially just society and equitable outcomes for residents of Oak Park, River Forest and surrounding communities. Through strategic investments, strengthened partnerships, leadership and advocacy, we are redoubling our efforts to make sure that we are doing our best to ensure everyone has the opportunity they deserve in order to

live a fulfilling life.

This starts with learning and listening, and building trust within our community, to deeply and fully understand the many barriers and disparities that exist right here in

“Our mission is focused on uniting community members and mobilizing resources to advance a racially just society and equitable outcomes for residents”. our towns. Ultimately what we want to know is, what keeps a family up at night? In the months ahead, the Foundation will be meeting with community members throughout the West Cook County region to

learn more about the challenges we face. This assessment will be of great value not just for the Foundation and nonprofit sector, but for local government, schools and the community at large. Together we will identify holistic solutions – including philanthropic resources – which will offer greater benefit to our community’s most vulnerable residents, and will address the socioeconomic and racial disparities of our region.

At the end of the year, as we reminisce with family and friends, and make plans for a bright future, so too will the Foundation reflect on all the things we’ve learned along the way and our hopes for a better tomorrow.

As a community foundation, we are responsible to do more for the benefit of those who call west Cook County home. Our capacity to do good together is greater than we can imagine. Please join us on this journey.

Tony Martinez, Jr., president and CEO of the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation (photo by Carrie Summy)

Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation • 708-848-1560 • www.oprfcf.org

The Joyful Giving Catalog Hephzibah Children’s Association

Historical Society Forest Park

Hephzibah is making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and struggling families.

Oak Park’s oldest social service agency, Hephzibah is the only program in Illinois designated to care for the most severe cases of abuse and neglect of young children ages 3-11. Hephzibah Home provides comprehensive, therapeutic care for traumatized young children. Our Family Based Program supports more than 100 foster care children and stabilizes 150 families in crisis. Our Day Care Program delivers quality, affordable day care and summer camp programming for elementary school children in Oak Park.

Make a difference with us at hephzibahhome.org.

Joyful Giving

The Historical Society of Forest Park was founded in 1975 to collect, preserve and share the rich heritage of Forest Park.

Through history we explore the past to understand the present and shape the future. The historical society offers several virtual tours on our website including Forest Park Amusement Park, Bloomer Girls, Veteran History, Haymarket Marty’s Monument in Forest Home, Cemetery Symbolism and others. In addition, there are several programs including a Garden Walk, Prohibition Event, History Hangouts, bicycle tours and weekly lookbacks to bring history to the community throughout the year.

Visit ForestParkHistory.org to learn more about the events, programs or to donate

Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest We are the community’s story tellers who make history relevant in tangible ways that positively impact today’s residents. We operate Oak Park River Forest Museum in an 1898 Oak Park Landmark at Lake and Lombard next to Stevenson Park.

We invested $1 million in private funds to create a welcoming space in a former firehouse. Exhibits include “Open House: The Legacy of Fair Housing.” We are not supported by tax dollars and a gift of any amount funds our 2022 activities, our research center, and knowledgeable staff.

Learn more and donate at oprfmuseum.org or 708-848-6755.

Housing Forward Housing Forward is passionately focused on one vision – ending homelessness. We believe in bold, comprehensive approaches to prevent homelessness whenever possible, to respond to housing crises, and to stabilize individuals and families through permanent housing. We offer wraparound services including case management, housing, outreach, employment, and emergency assistance. Last year, we served nearly 2,000 adults and families. Our new Interim Housing Program provides clients a path to permanent housing; Interim Housing sites include units dedicated to medical respite. Housing Forward also has programs that specifically address the housing needs of families, youth, and veterans.

To learn more, volunteer, or donate, visit housingforward.org, email development@ housingforward.org, or call 708-338-1724.

Learn more. Give more.

You can also visit OakPark.com and go to our Season of Giving page.

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Frank Lloyd Wright Trust engages and inspires youth in any environment

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n response to the immense challenges faced throughout 2020 and 2021, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust is proud of the educational efforts made in these extraordinary times.

To maintain safety, the Education Department produced new virtual program options for schools and families. Educators designed and implemented a virtual after-school club, engaging youth in weekly design challenges with the goal of designing a home of the future by the end of the fiveweek session. As one parent expressed, “This was amazing! He looked forward to every class and threw himself headfirst into all the homework assignments often spending hours upon hours, thinking, talking about and planning his projects. He is already asking for another class.”

Virtual programming also allowed the Trust to maintain its longstanding partnership with Oak Park’s District 97, offering prerecorded tours and live virtual workshops to the fourth graders in the district. While the programs differed in format from those in previous years, teachers were pleased. “I was so happy

November 24, 2021

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Home for the Holidays Neighborhood Open House Join us for a free tour of the Home and Studio on Saturday, November 27th, 9 to 11 am.

Reservations required at flwright.org/holidays

with the way everything went. Our virtual workshop was perfect, and the kids really got into the material and the work. In fact, I gave them 20 minutes after the presentation was over to continue working on their blueprints because they were so wrapped up in the designing.”

Beginning with 2021 summer camp, programming returned in-person offerings with in-depth, site-specific lessons connecting architecture to sound and music.

Trust educators are now facilitating both virtual and increasingly frequent in-person tours and workshops to K-12 student groups.

SHOP LOCAL Our museum shop at 951 Chicago Avenue is open daily, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Come select the perfect Oak Park gift – or keep it for yourself!

Frank Lloyd Wright Trust • 312-994-4000 • www.flwright.org Sponsored Content

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Supporting digital equity during the pandemic

hanks to the gracious generosity of the T. Kendall Hunt Family Foundation, Oak Park library cardholders have gained access to double the number of mobile hotspots and Chromebooks to borrow and use anywhere.

Using the foundation’s gift, the library purchased more devices for checkout that in turn gave more Oak Park patrons free access to the Internet — important when due to the pandemic tech inventory was often in short supply and nearly all public spaces offering free WiFi remained closed due to COVID-19.

The first Oak Park cardholder to borrow a library laptop and hotspot for offsite use during COVID-19 was a Housing Forward client. At self-service pickup, he told library staff he had relied on public computer access before the pandemic. Another Oak Park cardholder received her mobile hotspot by U.S.P.S. mail at her Oak Park address (as librarians worked behind the scenes to fulfill requests when buildings were closed to the public). She later emailed the library to share her thanks and the fact that she and her daughter “are so relieved to have an Internet signal that is not constantly interrupted by

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Empowering every voice

in our community her dad who is also working from home!”

To learn more about how you can support your neighbors through gifts that help our community keep learning and stay connected during difficult times, visit oppl.org/give.

Oak Park Public Library • www.oppl.org

oppl.org/give

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November 24, 2021

Special Advertising Section

The Joyful Giving Catalog IWS Children’s Clinic Help us care for the whole child and create greater health equity! At the OPRF Infant Welfare Society and IWS Children’s Clinic, we serve publicly insured/uninsured children and their whole health needs: sick visits, critical vaccines including COVID-19, behavioral health services, and dental care, including for children with special needs. We treat more than 3,400 area children each year, including Oak Park, Chicago, Berwyn, Cicero and beyond. Support the whole health needs of children in our community today! $25 provides a mental health screening, $50 provides two vaccines, $100 provides a preventive dental cleaning.

Visit childrenscliniciws.org/donate or call 708-406-8661.

L’Arche Chicago L’Arche Chicago provides high quality care in community-integrated homes for adults with intellectual disabilities in the OPRF area. Our mission is lived through daily life shared in mutuality: afternoon walks to the park, doctor’s appointments, and dinner parties. Moreover, L’Arche is committed to life together in a way that welcomes difference. As our society seems increasingly fearful of difference, L’Arche offers a counter story: that the differences so often keeping people apart can become the substance of joyful and transformative relationships.

Make a needed local impact through our people and mission at https://lc.app. neoncrm.com/np/clients/lc/donation.jsp

Maywood Youth Mentoring Program Organized in 1993 as a 501c3, the Maywood Youth Mentoring Program has served hundreds of middle to high-school youth providing a variety of programs, workshops, field trips, and experiences designed to increase academic potential and instill cultural pride. Since 2008, the program has hosted free monthly youth breakfasts with topics ranging from anger management and conflict resolution, etiquette, police/community interactions, sexual health, drug and alcohol avoidance, and academic excellence. Youths practice critical thinking skills to encourage positive life choices. Volunteer mentors interact with youths, providing positive role models for college and career choices. Funds are needed to continuously provide free services and incentives for participation.

To volunteer, or to donate, visit us at maywoodyouthmentoring.org, or contact Barbara Cole, founder/CEO at 708-344-3577.

Nehemiah Community Project (NCP) Since 2017, the Nehemiah Community Project (NCP) has provided an array of services in the Maywood Proviso Township community. Community violence, scare resources and unemployment have a particularly negative impact on residents. NCP addresses the mental health/well-being and other service needs of youth and young adult men, providing tools to help them move forward in their lives.

Programs include: •

En-Game: Men’s support group to problem-solve, receive affirmation and deal with life’s challenges.

•

T.A.C.T.(Trauma Awareness Capacity Training): Provides awareness, coping skills and resources for those who have experienced trauma.

Learn more at thenehemiahcommunityproject.org.

Joyful Giving

New Moms

New Moms’ mission is to strengthen families by partnering with young moms as they progress toward housing stability, economic mobility, and family well-being. We believe in the strength, skills, and potential of all families and envision a future where all young moms and their children thrive! Coaches in our housing, job training, and family support programs partner with moms, 24 and under, to decrease stress, build social connections, and set and track personalized goals.

Together with their coach, moms build the foundations of long-term well-being for their families and communities.

Join us in this essential work!

Visit newmoms.org/donate.

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association

Oak Park Art League Celebrating its centennial in 2021, the Oak Park Art League (OPAL) is one of the longest, continually running non-profit arts organizations in Illinois. OPAL is a vibrant cultural center where the invitation and challenge to use art as a medium for personal and community growth is made available to people of all ages. Since 1921, OPAL has brought arts education, appreciation, exhibitions, and the spirit of artistic inquiry to the surrounding community. OPAL is committed to meaningful outreach to the population that makes up our greater community through partnerships and on-site arts programming & collaborations with other non-profit organizations.

For more information about membership, volunteering, or to make a donation, please contact Executive Director, Jill Kramer Goldstein at 708-386-9853 or director@ oakparkartleague.org. The Oak Park Art League is located at 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302.

Oak Park Festival Theatre The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association strengthens our community through learning, giving, and sharing our landmark building through space grants to local non-profits, who account for 80% of its usage.

We provide community outreach, scholarships, and public programming in five areas: music, art, literature, science, and social sciences. The Nineteenth Century is the owner of 178 Forest Avenue, commonly referred to as the Nineteenth Century Club. Our charitable and cultural activities are supported by our members, volunteers, donors, and by the events held at the building. Programs are open to all and we welcome all ages to join.

If you would like information about volunteering, joining or donating, please call us at 708-386-2729 email to info@ nineteenthcentury.org. You can also make donation at nineteenthcentury.org.

Since 1975 Oak Park Festival Theatre, the Midwest’s oldest professional outdoor classical theatre, has brought the magic of the classics right to your backyard. Whether performing under the stars in beautiful Austin Gardens as we do each summer or at any of the many local venues where we partner with local philanthropic agencies (such as Housing Forward, Oak Park Housing Authority or Nineteenth Century Charitable Association), Festival Theatre breathes fresh air into timeless texts for Oak Park and beyond.

With ticket prices kept friendly for every budget and free admission for all under 13, we rely on the generosity of our audiences to continue our dynamic community dialogue.

Donations can be made on-line at oakparkfestival.com/donate or mailed to us: Oak Park Festival Theatre, P.O. Box 4114, Oak Park, IL 60303.

Learn more. Give more.

You can also visit OakPark.com and go to our Season of Giving page.

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Play is key at Wonder Works

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lay has long been recognized as purposeful and essential for children to learn and develop strong social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills.

For 30 years, these principles have guided Wonder Works’ innovative approach to early childhood education in music, math, science, the arts, and literacy.

They understand the importance of early education and are uniquely placed to meet this need for the children of Oak Park and its surrounding communities.

In an era where social distance and isolation have been commonplace throughout the pandemic and electronic toys and screen time inhibit imaginative play; the opportunities for quality play experiences have been greatly reduced.

Imagine the joy of a group of 60 children from a local day care coming to Wonder Works for their very first field trip in more than 18 months! Toddlers explored and played in their Farm to Market exhibit by sorting and matching the fruits and vegetables by colors, sizes and shapes.

Preschoolers took those same fruits and vegetables steps further by creating scenarios and engaging in imaginative play with their friends, while learning about sharing,

counting and cooperation. These special field trip experiences and museum visits are also extended to families in financial need, free or at a very reduced-cost, through their Community Partner Program.

Help Wonder Works continue to provide a safe and welcoming space to play and learn: donate online at www.wonder-works.,org and know Wonder Works’ mission to spark curiosity and creativity in ALL young children through positive, play-based learning experiences will continue.

Wonder Works • 708-383-4815 • wonder-works.org

The Joyful Giving Catalog Oak Park Public Library Give to empower every voice in our community.

Invest in Oak Park’s future. The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation manages eight endowment funds for the Oak Park Public Library. Monetary donations are tax deductible. Giving supports work dedicated to literacy, education, diversity, inclusion, equity, health, safety, and affordability. Your generosity connects people and community, educates global citizens, and sustains, shares, and respects Oak Park’s community’s resources.

Choose the fund that means the most to you at oppl.org/give. Or contact Executive Director David J. Seleb at davids@oppl.org and 708-697-6911.

Joyful Giving

Oak Park Regional Housing Center (OPRHC) For more than four decades, the Oak Park Regional Housing Center (OPRHC) has been an advocate for fair housing. Our mission is to achieve vibrant communities and promote intentional and stable residential integration throughout Oak Park. The OPRHC is the only non-profit in Oak Park and the Greater Westside Region that encourages pro-integrative housing options.

Our work is at the heart of why Oak Park is such a wonderful, diverse, and vibrant community, welcoming to everyone.

Support our work with a donation at oprhc. org/donate. To learn more about the OPRHC call 708.848.7150, inforequest@ liveinoakpark.com, 1041 South Blvd, Oak Park, IL 60302.

Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation

The mission of the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation is to unite community members and mobilize resources to advance a racially just society and equitable outcomes for residents of Oak Park, River Forest and surrounding communities. We envision a racially just and equitable society as the full inclusion of all people into a society in which everyone can participate, thrive and prosper. In an equitable society, everyone, regardless of the circumstance of birth or upbringing, is treated justly and fairly by its institutions and systems.

Visit oprfcf.org to learn more about our services to donors, scholars, and nonprofits.

One Earth Collective One Earth curates vibrant environmental programming that inspires action, facilitates learning, promotes justice, and fosters equity and inclusion to create resilient communities and a healthier planet. We focus our work in 3 areas - One Earth Film Festival, One Earth Youth Voices, and One Earth Local. One Earth Film Fest’s 11th season will take place March 4-13, 2022. We’re excited to welcome Chicagoland audiences back live, in addition to our virtual screenings. Join us for captivating films, engaging discussion, impactful action opportunities and community-building.

Memberships start at $25.

Learn more and donate at oneearthfilmfest.org/give.

Learn more. Give more.

You can also visit OakPark.com and go to our Season of Giving page.

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Our story is a community story

n April 2017, a series of local conversations highlighted the continued need to address racism in our village, and a multiracial group of community members came together to brainstorm ways of engaging people who are white in deeper levels of education. After months of planning, we landed on small groups in affinity spaces as an effective method for holding difficult conversations. We ran a Race Conscious Dialogues pilot and have been running cohorts every season since, in the capacity of a nonprofit organization.

Our discussions, readings and activities are framed around unpacking and understanding Whiteness – our own racial identities, the historical and current harm being caused by Whiteness, and guided discovery of how we show up and work collectively to eradicate racism.

FIFTY cohorts have been completed as of today and registration is ongoing. While our focus is working with those who are

Warriors discover life without boundaries at Opportunity Knocks

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white, cohorts are offered periodically for persons of color through our partners.

Affinity spaces allow for deep inner work, vulnerable dialogue, and are a highly valuable experience, but they are not the end game in our journey towards justice and healing. RCD participants are highly encouraged to support existing equity efforts and community-building opportunities in the area.

Thank you for your donation, and most importantly, your participation.

Learn more at raceconsciousdialogues. org/donate.

pportunity Knocks (OK) exists to support young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, whom they endearingly dub as Warriors. This past year, they have seen their Warriors “flourish in every way imaginable.” Talib Walton is one such Warrior.

Pre-COVID, Talib was quiet and reserved at OK. While he made friends easily, he was modest when sharing his thoughts and joining conversations. After the pandemic began, OK switched to a virtual program platform and began to see a new side of Talib emerge. Registering for 3 hours of virtual programming a day, their staff marveled at how vocal Talib became in this new setting. Asking questions and voicing his thoughts became Talib’s new way!

This positive trend of becoming more vocal and seeking new experiences continued as OK re-introduced in-person programming. Talib began to “schedule his whole day around OK Programs,” according to his father, James Walton. In addition to programs, Talib joined their

Race Conscious Dialogues • raceconsciousdialogues@GMAIL.COM • www.raceconsciousdialogues.org

Walk-to-Run Club despite previously expressing an indifference to exercise.

Most recently, Talib has joined the Knockout Enterprise team as a caterer and pickle-maker. Talib’s growth over the past year is just one wonderful example of OK’s mission in action.

Consider a donation this season so that Opportunity Knocks can continue to meet the needs of young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is support from the community that grants Warriors the opportunity to discover and amplify their voices and explore the experience of life without boundaries.

Opportunity Knocks • 708-771-6159 • www.opportunityknocksnow.org

The Joyful Giving Catalog Opportunity Knocks

PeopleCare,Inc.

Opportunity Knocks was established in 2009 to support young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they live, work, learn, grow and connect within their community.

OK offers a person-centered and highly-flexible curriculum, enabling participants to be equal architects in the development of program content. As we solidify our post-pandemic offerings, we look forward to continuing the residential component of the OK mission and other future endeavors. We are 95% privately funded and rely on the generous support of the community. Your gift is integral in moving our mission forward by offering unique opportunities for these young adults.

Visit opportunityknocksnow.org.

PeopleCare,Inc., is a local nonprofit that provides free transportation, friendly visitors, telephone reassurance, subsidized taxi voucher program, weekly group grocery shopping, and referrals for seniors in Riverside, North Riverside, Brookfield, Lyons, and LaGrange Park. We are passionately committed to our original vision that “no older person in the last third of life will feel abandoned and will be able to live out their life in the most productive way.” We are the safety net for those with no family close by and who no longer drive.

To donate, learn more, or volunteer visit www.peoplecareinc.org or call 708-442-1223

Joyful Giving

PING! PING! (Providing Instruments for the Next Generation) makes equitable access to instrumental music possible for students in need in grades 4 through 12 in Oak Park and River Forest public schools.

PING! provides band and orchestra instruments as well as music enrichment through workshops; mentoring; and scholarships for music camps, trips, and instruction. Studies show that there are academic and social benefits to participating in a music program.

To give our youngest students the best start, PING! is offering music lessons to our 4th and 5th graders, a program implemented during the pandemic to keep them engaged.

Pro Bono Network We believe access to justice should not depend upon your ability to afford an attorney.

There are simply not enough legal aid lawyers to help people in dire need of civil legal aid. These include issues of safety from an abuser, adequate housing, critical care documents, and more. Pro Bono Network has enabled 400+ attorneys to give more than 25,000 hours of free legal assistance to over 4,500 clients whose lives were meaningfully changed. Let’s together transform lives by increasing access to legal representation.

To get involved or donate, visit pro-bononetwork.org. Your support will make an impact on the lives of many!

For more information, or to make a donation, please visit our website at pingoprf.org. Have an instrument to donate?

Send us an email at info@pingoprf.org.

Learn more. Give more.

You can also visit OakPark.com and go to our Season of Giving page.

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PING! (Providing Instruments for the Next Generation) Brings Positive Experiences to Youth

Empowered by The RFPL Foundation, Amy engages her community

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ids thrive when they have something they can work toward and achieve, something positive in their lives. For Kai, an Oak Park 5th grader, that is mastering new skills on his viola.

“It’s something that he’s good at,” said Kai’s mom, Emily. “There are other areas at school where he struggles a little bit, … so it gives him a lot of confidence. Being able to participate in something that he excels at is really nice.”

When the time arrived to choose an instrument at D97 last fall, Emily wasn’t sure if it was an option because of cost, but then she learned about PING!, the nonprofit that provides band and orchestra instruments along with musical enrichment opportunities to students in need in Oak Park and River Forest public schools.

Kai received his viola from PING! along with the chance to take private lessons. These lessons – offered for the first time to elementary students to keep them engaged in music while learning was virtual – helped Kai soar.

This fall, his D97 string teacher noticed how advanced Kai is and recommended he move up to the next level viola instruction book. PING! provided the book to assist in Kai’s musical

development.

Kai said the book looks hard, and playing “can be difficult at times,” but making music on his viola makes him feel happy. “It’s a good way to express emotion,” he said. “It’s fun to play. It’s like a form of artwork.”

PING! does much more than provide first instruments and bring equity to music classrooms. The nonprofit meets students’ needs as they grow on their musical journeys – from lessons to mentoring, from summer music camps to trips, from instrument upgrades to second instruments.

Supporting PING! is supporting positive experiences. Donate today: www.pingoprf.org/

donate.

PING! • 708-524-3001 ext. 2995 • www.pingoprf.org

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my Grossman’s work engaging infants and children with reading and a love of learning became even more challenging with the pandemic. As Manager of Children’s Services at River Forest Public Library (RFPL), Amy is responsible for programs and services normally provided from the RFPL building, which typically sees over 98,000 Amy Grossman, RFPL Manager of Children’s patron visits a year. The answer for Amy Services reads with young patrons during Story and her colleagues was to use RFPL’s Anne Time in the Anne T. Smedinghoff Memorial T. Smedinghoff Memorial Garden more.

Garden at the Library.

Amy says, “June through September, we had nearly 2,000 children and care-givers The RFPL Foundation supports the attend 43 programs and activities in Garden with grants to fund maintenance, the Garden. We offered story times, art beautification and by sponsoring special activities, a storyteller performance and community events like The Dooley 7 interactive book displays. People were Band concert. Foundation grants have anxious to get out of their houses and also funded an update to the Children’s connect safely here.”

Room, a new self-checkout machine and innovative special programs. The Amy’s colleagues in Adult & Teen Foundation helps ensure the vitality of the Services also took greater advantage Library for future generations and takes of space beyond the building, holding some pressure off taxpayers. programs such as yoga classes, Coffee Mondays, Teen Tasters, and the wildly Your gift to the RFPL Foundation popular Dooley Band concert outside. helps Amy and her colleagues serve our Local residents regularly used the Garden community delivering engaging programs for visits with friends, reading, and even and services for all ages. Please learn more for working utilizing RFPL free WIFI. and donate at RFPLFoundation.org.

River Forest Public Library Foundation • www.rfplfoundation.org

The Joyful Giving Catalog The Quinn Center of St. Eulalia Eleven years after its founding, the Quinn Center stands by its mission to build an inclusive culture of justice, health, and peace in Proviso Township. We inspire, educate, and empower through relationship building while confronting intersecting social problems and filling resource gaps to address social determinants of health. Today, year-round programming is available for over 1,000 community members at low or no cost. From youth enrichment to hunger ministry to senior social activities, we offer something for the whole family and work to create a safe space where neighbors can find connection and belonging.

Learn more at quinncenter.org.

Race Conscious Dialogues

River Forest Public Library Foundation

RACE CONSCIOUS DIALOGUES The Race Conscious Dialogues are designed The Race Conscious Dialogues are designed for people who are white to deepen their awareness of identity, power and privilege,and then develop tools for anti-racism work. The foundational workshop series consists of 4 sessions, 3 hours each, with light readings to be done in preparation. This volunteer-based nonprofit was intentionally created for our community of Oak Park and surrounding areas.

All discussions, readings and activities are framed around unpacking and understanding Whiteness – our own racial identities, the historical and current harm being caused by Whiteness, and guided discovery of how we show up and work collectively to eradicate racism. We invite your participation!

RFPL Foundation helps ensure the on-going vitality of the River Forest Public Library. Your gift will help preserve our historic building and continue our high-quality services and programs while preparing for future needs. Grants from the Foundation have enabled RFPL to refresh the Children’s Room and Teen space, maintain and beautify the Memorial Garden, offer community events like The Dooleys Band concert, explore the feasibility of creating additional indoor space for meetings and programs, expand self-checkout service and more.

Your help ensures our Library continues to live at the heart and soul of our community.

Sarah’s Inn

Sarah’s Inn is a community-based organization whose mission is to improve the lives of those affected by domestic violence and to break the cycle of violence for future generations.

Based in Forest Park, we offer services in three areas of program focus: Intervention for families affected by domestic violence that includes Advocacy and Counseling; Prevention education for youth to prevent future relationship violence; and Training and Education for professional first-responders, prospective volunteers and interns, and community-based groups. Intervention services are confidential, bilingual (English/ Spanish) and offered free of charge to survivors and their children.

Learn more and donate at sarahsinn.org.

Please donate at rfplfoundation.org.

Donations are appreciated as well raceconsciousdialogues.org/donate.

Learn more. Give more.

You can also visit OakPark.com and go to our Season of Giving page.

Joyful Giving

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The Quinn Center strengthens minds and its community

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he Quinn Center’s Summer Enrichment Program continues to serve as a beacon of hope, offering the most affordable, full-day program for youth and teenagers in the Proviso area.

As a result of the pandemic, many of their students were almost a full year behind on academic and behavioral benchmarks, especially in core subjects.

Months of remote learning left them craving socialization, extracurriculars, and personal attention--all of which they received when their in-person camp resumed this summer. Through activities like science experiments, basketball clinics, and fine arts classes, nearly 100 kids gained skills for healthy bodies, minds, and souls.

The program also serves a critical role in stimulating the local economy by generating dozens of teen and teacher employment opportunities. One of their Teen Camp Counselors shared that: “I am excited to wake up and come to work at Quinn because it doesn’t feel like work. I could be at home doing nothing or out in the streets. This program has helped lift me out of feeling trapped with mental problems. It’s easier to

SisterHouse

talk to people and I feel more expressive and positive.” The Quinn Center has become a second home for this young woman and many others who feel like outsiders or lack support systems at home.

In the words of a community partner, “Trust in the Quinn Center is palpable… the staff knows and loves the people of this neighborhood and this love is reciprocated.

The Quinn Center has successfully knit bonds where there were none.”

The Quinn Center of St. Eulalia • 708-397-6111 • www.quinncenter.org Sponsored Content

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The Joyful Giving Catalog

Way Back Inn offers a second chance at life

efore I knew it, I had gambled my family’s “Thanks to the estate away. I was panicked Way Back Inn and suicidal. I believed my Family Program, wife was going to throw me out of the house, that my my family rallied brother was going to kill around me, me, that everyone in my becoming pillars family was going to hate me, and that I was going to for my new life in prison. recovery.”

Since I have been in treatment at the Way Back Inn, my wife did not leave me. She is supporting me. Thanks to the WBI Family Program, my family rallied around me, becoming pillars for my new life in recovery. My court case is civil, so I will remain a free man. I am on a payment restitution plan and I have not gambled.

I’ve been in treatment now for 4 months.

In the Way Back Inn Gambling Outpatient Program, we support and encourage one another. I am still working and my business is thriving. I am in the process of paying everything back. I have gone from hopeless, despondent, and

fearful to living a life filled with self-esteem and hope for the future. I am forever grateful for all of the help that me and so many people receive at the Way Back Inn to have a second chance at life.

The Way Back Inn • 708-345-8422 • www.thewaybackinn.org

Founded in 1982 by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, SisterHouse educates and empowers women to lead sober and fulfilling lives by providing a safe and structured spiritual living community.

Each successful and resilient woman is reaching towards her full potential by growing in self-awareness, self-respect and forgiveness, learning to embrace self and others, while building healthy relationships. She learns not only how to maintain sobriety, internalizing the 12 steps and building a support system, but also how to thrive in life. Each SisterHouse woman secures quality employment and stable housing. She makes plans for her future and acquires the skills, knowledge, and abilities to realize her dreams.

For more information or to donate go to sisterhousechicago.org.

St. Angela School St. Angela School has walked with the families of Chicago’s west side for one hundred years—walked with a deep commitment to enriching the lives, and the futures, of their children. We have a rich and varied history – and a future of great promise. We provide our children with a safe and loving environment and challenging academics; we help them explore paths that lead to meaningful and rewarding careers; and we teach them, above all, to believe in themselves. As we prepare for our next hundred years, we’re proud to reaffirm our commitment to love and serve all those who choose to be part of our community.

Learn more about St. Angela School at saintangela.org or call us at (773) 626-2655.

The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest Awarded “Community Relations Orchestra of the Year” in 2021, The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest, under the leadership of award-winning conductor Jay Friedman, continues to bring extraordinary and accessible concerts to our community. Ticket sales provide less than half the funds needed for the Symphony’s performances. Your gift keeps the orchestra going strong and allows us to maintain affordable ticket prices, including free admission for all students through college.

Please help us continue and strengthen our 90-year tradition of bringing beautiful and inspiring music to Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park and neighboring communities.

Make your end-of-year tax-deductible donation at SymphonyOPRF.org, or: P.O. Box 3564, Oak Park, IL 60303-3564.

Thrive Counseling Center Thrive Counseling Center has provided mental health services for over 120 years. Our mission is to build healthy minds, families, and communities by empowering people to attain mental and emotional well-being. Hope, resilience, and recovery form the heart of our programs and services. Thrive’s services for youth and adults include: • Individual therapy • Group therapy • Psychiatry and medication management • 24/7 Crisis intervention • Case management • Suicide awareness and prevention training

Sweet Rest Since its 2017 inception, Sweet Rest has provided various forms of sabbaticals for Black Women throughout the country. Moreover, Sweet Rest is working to grow into a social investment that creates sustainability for Black Women entrepreneurs, while contributing to the greater good of providing rest and magnifying the need and capacity of wanderlust for Black Women and other women of color.

To support this initiative and to give the gift of sweet rest, please visit Sweetrest.net.

• Thrive Talks We are open Monday-Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday 9am-5pm, and Saturday from 9am2pm. To learn more or donate, please visit thrivecc.org or call 708-383-7500.

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The Joyful Giving Catalog UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago UCP Seguin believes that all people, regardless of ability, deserve to achieve their potential, advance their independence and act as full members of the community. So we stop at nothing to provide life skills training, assistive technology, meaningful employment and a place to call home for people with disabilities, as well as specialized foster care for children. Our goal: life without limits for people with disabilities.

Make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Donate online at ucpseguin.org or send gifts to UCP Seguin, 332 Harrison Street, Oak Park IL 60304.

Welcome to Fatherhood Welcome to Fatherhood Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization created by Dr. Raheem Young and Sir Royce Briales. Our goal is to help fathers of all ages cope with the pressures and stresses of fatherhood. We formed Welcome to Fatherhood to provide all dads with a forum to discuss the ups and downs of their parenting journey with other men. Welcome to Fatherhood’s mission is to strengthen the family unit by empowering fathers and educating them on the importance of positive, active, and engaged paternal role models.

For more information on Welcome to Fatherhood, please visit our website at wtfatherhood.org.

Wonder Works

Way Back Inn Since 1974, Way Back Inn has successfully provided long-term residential and outpatient treatment for men and women in Oak Park and surrounding communities who are trying to overcome substance and gambling use disorders. Our mission is to rebuild lives damaged by addiction in a personalized healing environment, where men and women’s lives are transformed and relationships are healed. Our recovery program focuses on the integration of the body, mind, and spirit.

For more information or to make a donation, go to: www.waybackinn.org or call us at 708345-8422.

West Suburban Special Recreation Association West Suburban Special Recreation Association (WSSRA) provides recreational programming for individuals with disabilities who reside in Oak Park, River Forest and nine other surrounding communities.

Donations to WSSRA, help provide financial assistance to those participating in our yearround programs and summer day camp. To make a donation, please visit wssra.net.

Joyful Giving

For nearly 20 years, children in Oak Park and our surrounding communities have been learning through PLAY in the safe, enriching environment of Wonder Works Children’s Museum. We put great care into creating a child-sized environment, for children birth to 8, designed to spark curiosity, creativity and learning in the areas of science, math, literacy and the arts.

Your donations support free and reduced-price admissions for families in financial need, exhibit improvements, one-of-a-kind programs and so much more! Please join us along our exciting path to learning.

Visit www.wonder-works.org and donatetoday to support the power of PLAY!

Youth Outreach Services Youth Outreach Services supports youth ages 12 to 21 and their families, by providing free programs that offer therapeutic interventions, life skills development, and mentorship to improve their safety and well-being. For more than 60 years, YOS has offered community-based behavioral health and substance abuse treatment, after school mentoring, family therapy, crisis intervention, case management, foster care, transitional living and housing services, in-school prevention curricula, and juvenile justice programs.

Help youth get one step closer to reaching their goals, by donating at www.yos.org/ donate or text @ONESTEPCLOSER to 52014.

To help a youth in need right now, call 773777-7112.

OPRF Infant Welfare Society expands resources to ‘care for the whole child’

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nsuring the health and well-being of children in need has been the undeterred mission of the OPRF Infant Welfare Society through one public health crisis after another. We care for the whole child through integrated medical, dental and behavioral health care at the IWS Children’s Clinic.

On October 19, 2021, a coalition of the nation’s top pediatric experts declared that “the mental health crisis in children is now a national emergency.” Concerns have been steadily rising over past decades; however, the Covid-19 pandemic and racial inequities have led to unprecedented levels of stress in children and adolescents.

The children we care for live in underserved communities with families facing a range of challenges and traumas. In response, we routinely screen our children for signs of distress, which are not always easily apparent in a medical or dental visit.

Once a concern is identified, we rapidly mobilize resources, ranging from hospitalization, therapy, psychiatry, or referrals to local social service agencies. Our providers and social workers learn about the family’s

needs and dynamics, and ensure the child is connected with support systems to improve their mental health.

In early 2022, we will move into a new IWS Children’s Clinic at 28 Madison in Oak Park. This nearly 15,000 square foot building will increase our capacity for our core services and expand our definition of caring for the whole child.

If you know someone who could benefit from our services, wish to learn more or to support, please visit www.oprfiws.org or call 708-848-0528.

OPRF Infant Welfare Society • 708-848-0528 • www.oprfiws.org Sponsored Content

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The impact of local history

ounded in 1975, the Historical Society of Forest Park is dedicated to preserving the history of the town and the ancestors of this area.

Once known as Noyesville, Oak Ridge and Village of Harlem, the land was also home to peoples from the Kickapoo, Peoria, Kaskaskia, Potawatomi, Myaamia and Ochethi Sakowin people. As European settlers arrived, the Indian Removal Act enabled the French-Indian trader, Leon Bourassa and his Potawatomi wife, Mnetoqua, to purchase the land including the area along the Des Plaines River where burial mounds were and people would pilgrimage to even through the Civil War era, which is now known as Forest Home Cemetery.

After arriving from Prussia, Ferdinand Haase purchased the property and converted the land to the modern cemetery as it stands today. The descendants of Haase had excavated the graves in 1900, collected the artifacts which were later given to the Forest Park Library. A memorial marker was placed in section 27 of the cemetery in 1941 marking the trail head to honor and remember the people of these tribes. The artifacts were repatriated in 2019.

Forest Park Historical Society annual garden walk event raises funds and friends for the preservation of local history. Hailey Rodden (left) and Donna Kruse, the 2021 “Best in Show” winners.

Courtesy Alexis Ellers

There are many stories from the past that come from this area, often quiet, diverse, voices that are brought to light by the preservation and legacy of historical records.

Stories of the Forest Park Amusement Park, Harlem Racetrack, Checkerboard Airfield, Haymarket, prohibition, veterans, businesses and intertwined in the legacy of this area.

Through the donations, memberships, programs and events the Historical Society of Forest Park is enabled to preserve the stories of the past to help understand the present and prepare for the future.

The Historical Society of Forest Park • forestparkhistory1975@gmail.com • www.forestparkhistory.org

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November 24, 2021

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