A Community Giving Guide
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The Most Wonderful Guide of The Year!
eason of Giving is a campaign organized by Wednesday Journal and the Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation to encourage local charitable giving during the holiday season. It has long been recognized that when we shop local, our money recirculates
Animal Care League No matter how long it takes, the Animal Care League keeps an adoptable animal until we find that right loving home. We take proactive approaches to animal care and adoption as well as preventative measures to help reduce the number of homeless animals in our communities. The Animal Care League provides medical treatment for over 1,000 animals each year ranging from routine vaccinations to emergency, life-saving surgery. Make a meaningful difference in the life of a homeless animal. Visit animalcareleague. org, where you can sign up to be a volunteer or donate. You can also donate your gently used items to the 2nd Chance shop, and attend one of many fun special events.
The Collaboration for Early Childhood The Collaboration for Early Childhood is your resource for early childhood information in Oak Park and River Forest. We provide the connections vital to every child’s opportunity for success in learning and in life. We work with more than 60 organizations so that parents and their children receive critical information and support services, children are screened for developmental delays, teachers in child care centers, preschools and family child care homes provide high quality programs and our most vulnerable children and their families experience a strong web of support. For more information, or to make a donation, please visit us at collab4kids.org or follow us on Facebook.
Cluster Tutoring
through the local economy reaping dividends for the entire community. The same is true for charitable giving. When you donate to local nonprofits, your money goes to work in your own neighborhood. Your donations feed local families, offer safety and learning to local children, and enrich the beauty and
potential through learning in an environment that strengthens the students, the tutors, and the community. The program’s emphasis is on reading as a means to academic success and the development of mentoring relationships between caring adults and youth. Tutors receive training and ongoing support. Tutoring space is donated by First United Church of Oak Park and Pine Avenue Church. To volunteer or to donate, please contact Kara Kalnitz at 773-378-5530 and visit clustertutoring.org.
Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation encourages giving locally, providing donors with many ways to contribute to the sustainability and vibrancy of Oak Park and River Forest. We manage scholarships for students and provide enrichment grants for young people. We make grants to local nonprofit organizations, provide Impact Excellence seminars for them as well as manage many of their agency funds. We accept large gifts and small gifts. We work with donors to match their philanthropic interests with needs. We create spaces for donors to collectively give for impact through our Women Leaders in Philanthropy, Entrepreneur Leaders in Philanthropy and NextGen Leaders in Philanthropy Giving Groups. All of this is possible thanks to generous and thoughtful donors who value our community. www.oprfcf.org www.facebook.org/OPRFCF Twitter: community@oprfcf 708-848-1560 1049 Lake Street, Suite 204, Oak Park, IL 60301 Donate on line at: http://tinyurl.com/kf2rcnn
College Mentoring Experience The Cluster Tutoring Program is a community-based organization that provides free, one-to-one tutoring for youth in grades K through 12 from the Austin neighborhood. Our mission is to help students realize their
Studies show that children in mentoring programs are less likely to be engage in deviant activities and relationships with parents often increase. College Mentoring
art that surrounds us all. Over the coming weeks, we hope that you will take a moment to look over the listings in this Giving Guide. Find an organization that resonates with you. Check out their website. Consider making a donation or volunteering. Spread the word. Don’t just shop local—give Local.
Experience is a 501c3/non-for-profit community based mentoring program servicing the Austin community. Through one-on-one mentoring to at-risk students ages 11-22, CME’s focus is to provide our mentees with the resources and tools needed to get them TO and THROUGH college; providing tutoring, career exploration and life skills development as alternatives to negative learning behaviors. This Season of Giving, won’t you please help us by donating? For more information visit www.collegementoringexperience. org for additional information about our organization and donations. EVERY gift of EVERY SIZE matters!
Concordia University Chicago Founded in 1864, Concordia University Chicago is a comprehensive liberal arts-based Christian university in the Lutheran tradition. Through its College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, and College of Graduate and Innovative Programs, Concordia-Chicago offers more than 100 areas of study in small classes taught by professors who are passionate about teaching and student success. Concordia-Chicago equips men and women to serve and lead with integrity, creativity, competence and compassion in a diverse, interconnected and increasingly urbanized church and world. More than 5,000 full-time undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled at Concordia-Chicago, located in River Forest.
Oak Park Festival Theatre Since 1975 Oak Park Festival Theatre, the Midwest’s oldest professional outdoor classical theatre, has brought the magic of dramatic masterpieces to generations of our neighbors. 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 breaths 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 or mailed to us: Oak Park Festival Theatre, P.O. Box 4114, Oak Park, IL 60303.
Forest Park Historical Society The Historical Society of Forest Park is dedicated to the preservation, collection and celebration of Forest Park History. We study the past so we can understand the present so we can shape the future. The Historical Society in Forest Park is an important part of the social infrastructure of our community. We partner with many groups to enhance the quality of life in our village. 1000 Elgin, Forest Park IL 60130 To make a donation, volunteer or to get more information, go to forestparkhistory. weebly.com.
Frank Lloyd Wright Trust Inspiring tomorrow’s architects today. Our D97 program has introduced thousands of students to Wright’s design legacy. Our community’s vitality is enhanced by the mission of the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust. Through its stewardship of the Home and Studio, the Trust continues to preserve an Oak Park treasure as a source of community pride and inspiration. To learn more or donate, go to flwright.org 931 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302
Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory The Oak Park Conservatory is a gem in our community. The Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that helps make the Conservatory a community destination. We have over 150 volunteers and a membership over 700. We offer guided tours by volun-
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teers, free children’s programming, including Exploration Station and Toddler Exploration Time, and host Uncorked in the Summer. We are proud of our Discovery Garden and Rubinstein Garden and partnership with the PDOP in supporting the Conservatory. Please visit fopcon.org to donate or volunteer. 615 Garfield, Oak Park, 60304. Contact Beth Cheng, Executive Director at 708-725-2460.
Hephzibah
Hephzibah Children’s Association was founded in 1897. We serve more than 1,000 children and families each year through innovative, community-based programs. Hephzibah provides a Group Home for children who have been taken from their families due to profound abuse or neglect. Our skilled staff recruits and trains foster parents, and offers ongoing support to help all family members navigate challenges. Our after-school Day Care operates on a sliding scale to serve working parents in Oak Park, with programs based at each elementary school. To make a real difference in the lives of children and families, please donate today at hephzibahhome.org.
Housing Forward The mission of Housing Forward is to transition people from housing crisis to housing stability. By emphasizing prevention, supportive services, employment readiness and supportive housing, we are able to offer a comprehensive, long-term solution that moves clients into housing quickly and keeps them there. This housing-first approach to homelessness is more efficient, more fiscally responsible and less traumatic to clients who are typically facing extraordinary hardship. It is also beneficial to the communities being served who do not have to bear the costs of homelessness in the form of expanded social services, health care and public safety costs. We offer an attractive return on your investment — measured in terms of human lives and futures. To donate, please visit housingforward. org/give, or contact Janet Gow, Director of Development & Communications, at 708.338.1724 ext. 262.
L’Arche Chicago L’Arche Chicago is a community where people with intellectual disabilities live together with direct support professionals, in homes, as family. We strive to merge quality care and mutual relationships, building a community where everyone has a genuine place of belonging. L’Arche seeks to be a sign of hope, revealing the truth that all people, including those with intellectual disabilities, have gifts to share.
Your contributions enable each core member (person with intellectual disability) to live an independent, full life in our vibrant homes of love and compassion in the OPRF area. To donate or get involved, visit LArcheChicago.org/OPRF
The Neighborhood Giving Project Many parents are eager to teach their children about the importance and the rewards of helping others. The Neighborhood Giving Project is a 501c3 non-profit organization providing community service opportunities for busy families in the Oak Park-River Forest area. Our mission is to inspire our children to be better citizens of the world by providing hands-on, hands-together community service opportunities; to enrich their learning with civic responsibility, social justice, and charitable action. Partnering with local organizations, NGP develops service projects that are developmentally appropriate for children, and also genuinely fun. Topics include hunger and homelessness, education and literacy, family health, animal care, and more. To learn more about getting involved or to make a donation, go to neighborhoodgivingproject.org
Nineteenth Century Charitable Association The Nineteenth Century Club was established in 1891 and the spirit of the founders continues today in the work of the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association through community outreach grants, scholarships, and public programming in five areas: music, art, literature, science, and social sciences. The NCCA 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 Club. Programs are open to all and we welcome men and women of 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.
Oak-Leyden Developmental Services In 2016, Oak-Leyden Developmental Services helped nearly 600 children and adults with developmental disabilities reach their highest potential. Our multi-disciplinary Early Intervention Program provides therapies to help prepare young children for their years ahead, as well as education that supports the entire family. Our enriching, adult day programs offer community activities, life skills coaching, and vocational training. In our 12 group homes, adults receive residential care, social and recreational opportunities, and access to healthcare providers.
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Transforming lives
Each year, neighbors choosing to give locally are supporting the power to transform lives. Take, for example, the recent $500 gift to the Oak Park Public Library from the Schwab Charitable Fund that was earmarked for adult literacy in memory of a loyal library patron. Twenty-six new Main Library titles in the Rapid Reads Series now offer contemporary, entertaining plots and come with
tutor tools for testing comprehension and discussion. Adult Education Librarian Rashmi Swain was thrilled to be able to fulfill an Oak Park literacy volunteer’s request with the donated funds. “The new titles are perfect for instilling foundational reading skills, and for fostering a continued love of reading,” Swain said.
Give oPRF Please volunteer, donate items on our wish list, make a contribution, or become an OakLeyden Enrichment Partner at oak-leyden.org or call 708-524-1050 x102.
Oak Park Art League Founded in 1921, the Oak Park Art League (OPAL) is one of Oak Park’s first cultural institutions and fulfills its mission through its offering of high quality art education to people of all ages and skill levels, programs and guest lectures, artist demonstrations and critiques, plus monthly exhibitions in OPAL’s historic Carriage House art gallery. On Giving Tuesday, leave your legacy of support by sponsoring a Century Club limited edition brick in OPAL’s garden courtyard. Purchase a personalized brick for yourself, a business, or honor a loved one and help pave the path to OPAL’s centennial anniversary in 2021. 720 Chicago Avenue/708-386-9853 oakparkartleague@gmail.com oakparkartleague.org
The Oak Park Education Foundation (OPEF) Strong schools are at the heart of a strong community. Established in 1989, OPEF is a privately funded, nonprofit organization that brings artists, architects, scientists, and technology experts into K-8th grade classrooms at every District 97 school. Our professional partners share their passion for learning while conducting free, hands-on residencies with more than 4,200 students annually. OPEF also runs BASE Camp, exceptional summer and day-off enrichment. Learn more, volunteer or donate at opef.org.
260 Madison St., Oak Park, IL 60302 Contact: Deb Abrahamson, Exec. Dir., dabrahamson@opef.org. 708-524-3023
Oak Park Public Library Support literacy, learning, and community connection When you give locally, you can choose to share a gift that nurtures ideas and spreads knowledge in and around Oak Park. You can support the freedom to read, to learn, and to grow. Loyalty to your local public library helps a 113-year-old institution, dedicated to literacy and community connection, continue to be free and accessible to all. To learn more about how you can make a difference and keep Oak Park’s center of information, local history, and civic engagement strong, contact Executive Director David J. Seleb (d.seleb@ oppl.org, 708.697.6911) or Deputy Director Jim Madigan (jmadigan@oppl. org,708.697.6909).
Oak Park Regional Housing Center The Housing Center promotes and sustains the racial integration of Oak Park. We help over 3,500 households and 250 landlords annually. The Housing Center provides the foundation for equity and inclusion in Oak Park. Your gift helps keep Oak Park’s promise of diversity that we all cherish. To donate visit: oprhc.org/donate or make checks payable to OPRHC, 1041 South Boulevard, Oak Park, IL 60302
Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry $1 = 3 meals, is an equation only you can make possible. With your help, Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry has been reducing local hunger for nearly 40 years. Your support means we are able to meet the needs of nearly 16,000 families struggling with hunger each year. It means we can provide over 50 pounds of nutritious food plus access to vital programs and services to help people stretch limited food budgets in healthy ways. It means that even a little goes a long way: every $1 donated can feed a neighbor for an entire day. To make a donation, visit oprffoodpantry. org or send checks payable to OPRF Food Pantry to Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry, 848 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301.
PACCT PACTT Learning Center is committed to empowering people challenged by autism with choice in regard to where they live, learn and work. PACTT’s mission is to assist individuals with autism in becoming as independent as possible with the ability to integrate effectively into their homes and
Frank and Mary Pellegrini, Prairie Title Services
Frank and Mary Pellegrini take a personal approach in their business that assures customers a smooth process in real estate endeavors. Since 1982, Prairie Title Services provides access to talented real estate professionals who manage title transfers, escrow operations, legal, and other services that help buyers achieve their dream of home ownership. They now support nine offices serving eight counties in the Chicago area, including their Corporate Headquarters here in Oak Park. Longtime Oak Park residents, Frank and Mary remain committed to sustaining arts and culture in this community. The Oak Park Art League (OPAL) is grateful for the Pellegrini’s ongoing support, serving as major sponsors for annual fundraisers while their Oak Park office provides a satellite gallery space for local artists to exhibit and sell their artwork. In 2017, Prairie Title will be the presenting sponsor for an Oak Park Art League regional exhibition that will showcase the Midwest’s finest artists at OPAL’s historic Carriage House gallery. In celebration of the Oak Park Art League’s 95th milestone anniversary the Pellegrini’s are participating in
community. At the core of this mission is to see each individual as a unique gift and then provide the person-centered supports that foster learning and growth. PACTT programs include a therapeutic day school, residential services for children, transition program for older teens, vocational training/job placement and residential services for adults. To learn more about PACTT or make a donation, go to pactt.org or call 773-3389102 ext. 2424
Pillars Pillars is the largest nonprofit provider of mental health and social services in the western and southwestern suburbs. The agency serves 10,000 people each year through direct client services, including Mental Health, Addictions, Domestic & Sexual Violence, Child & Family Services, and Community Housing. Untreated mental illness and addiction can lead to hospitalization, encounters with law enforcement, violence, and even early death. Pillars’ programs empower people to break out of those cycles and lead healthy, productive, independent lives—which ultimately saves the community money. Stand together as Pillars, with us. Donate online or pledge a monthly gift today at www.pillarscommunity.org/donate.
OPAL’s Century Club campaign by sponsoring a personalized, limited edition Century Club brick in OPAL’s garden courtyard. With this support, the Oak Park Art League is able to continue its mission for future generations, providing access to the arts through high quality art classes, programs and guest lectures and monthly gallery exhibitions. For more information about OPAL’s Century Club campaign, go to: oakparkartleague.org
Frank & Mary Pellegrini
Give oPRF
Ping! PING! (Providing Instruments for the Next Generation) is an allvolunteer organization that loans musical instruments to students in need in grades 4-12 in Oak Park-River Forest school districts 90, 97, and 200 so that they can participate in their school band or orchestra. PING! also provides music enrichment for its students through workshops, mentoring, summer music camp scholarships, private lessons, and field trips. PING! serves between 125 and 150 students each year who would not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in the music programs at school. PING! depends on the community for donated instruments and financial contributions to maintain our instrument inventory and program funding. For more information or to make a donation, go to pingoprf.org. If you have an instrument to donate, send us an email at pingoprf@ gmail.com.
The River Forest Library Foundation Since 1905, the River Forest Public Library (RFPL) has been transforming lives and nurturing a love of reading and learning in children, teens, and adults. Today, as a 21st century library, the RFPL not only provides the latest books and periodicals, but also digital content, remote online access, onsite computer technology, and interactive educational programs By giving to the RFPL Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, you can honor a parent, child, or other family member; a cherished teacher or mentor; a dear friend; or your own love of learning. Your gift will inspire others and help to ensure that the Library will always be here to grow and change with us. Mail donations to the RFPL Foundation at 735 Lathrop Ave, River Forest, IL 60305, or go to riverforestlibrary. org/donate.
Sarah’s Inn
Pleasant Home Pleasant Home Foundation, a nonprofit organization, restores and preserves our National Historic Landmark house museum while offering a wide variety of educational opportunities, cultural programming and free community events. Financial support is crucial to sustain Pleasant Home as an important resource for tourism and as a center for the community. 217 Home Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302 pleasanthome.org, hruehlemay@ pleasanthome.org 708-383-2654
Pro Bono Network Access to justice should not depend upon one’s income. During this time of need, there are not enough lawyers to help people with human rights needs. These include safety from an abuser, adequate housing, and the ability to get a job. Pro Bono Network, a locally-grown and new kind of organization, has brought over 200 attorneys to pro bono work by making legal representation practical. As a result over 1000 clients have received legal aid services which often encompass human rights. Learn more at pro-bono-network.org. Donating will make a difference!
Since 1981, Sarah’s Inn has worked to improve the lives of those impacted by domestic violence and to break the cycle of violence for future generations. Our Intervention Program provides bi-lingual services for families affected by domestic violence in order to safely navigate crisis, effectively process trauma and ensure self-sufficiency. Our Training and Education Program creates a network of skilled bystanders to appropriately intervene as first responders and community advocates. Our Together Strong Project was created to prevent relationship violence by teaching youth about the impact of their choices, giving them the tools to lead healthy lives, and empowering them to make a difference in their community. To donate, visit donatenow.networkforgood. org/sarahsinn, or make a tax-deductible donation through postal mail by sending a check to: Sarah’s Inn, PO Box 1159 Oak Park, IL 60304
The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest Each year The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest receives support from loyal patrons and generous friends. Ticket sales provide less than half the funds needed for the Symphony’s performances. Your gift keeps this award-winning orchestra going strong, allowing us to keep our ticket prices low and provide free tickets to students through college to our concerts held at Dominican University. This year we celebrate our 85th Anniversary and your help is needed to ensure our future. We will reward donations of $100 (or more!) with a complementary ticket to our February 12 BEETHOVEN’s 9th concert or a free CD of our April Symphony Center concert. Make your end-of-year tax-deductible donation at symphonyoprf.com, or: P.O. Box 3564, Oak Park, IL 60303-3564.
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Thrive Counseling Center
Make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Donate online at ucpseguin. org send gifts to UCP Seguin, 332 Harrison Street, Oak Park IL 60304
West Cook YMCA Thrive Counseling Center (formerly Family Services of Oak Park) has provided community mental health services for 118 years. Located in the heart of Oak Park, 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. Last year we provided critical services to approximately 2,000 friends, neighbors and family members including…
• counseling for youth and adults • psychiatric care and medication management • 24/7 crisis intervention • in-home counseling for older adults • case management and supportive housing • psycho-social recovery day program • stress reduction courses To learn more or donate, please visit thrivecc.org. or call 708-383-7500, ext. 316. Follow us on Facebook!
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.
It’s our passion at the West Cook YMCA that financial need should never stand in the way of anyone who wants to achieve vitality and improve their well-being. YMCA scholarships cover everything from memberships and class fees to after-school programs and summer day camps for children. Community support makes it possible for us to provide more than $120,000 in scholarships to local residents for Y programs and memberships each year. Your holiday donation will help even more neighbors receive the gift of healthy living. To donate, visit WestCookYMCA.org/ donate or send your check to West Cook YMCA, 255 S. Marion St., Oak Park, IL 60302,
THANK YO U ! To the sponsors of Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry’s annual concert.
708-383-5200
Wonder Works Children’s Museum Creative and imaginative play are vital to a healthy child and Wonder Works Children’s Museum provides countless opportunities for both, giving children a safe space to explore. Wonder Works is committed to providing an environment where early learning flourishes through thoughtfully designed “experience zones” and educational programming. Rachel Rettberg CEO Wonder Works Children’s Museum 6445 W North Ave, Oak Park IL 60302 773.636.7971 rrettberg@wonder-works.org wonder-works.org www.facebook.com/ wonderworkschildrensmusem
PRESENTING SPONSORS: The Moller Family Foundation Bill & Emily Reedy
PREMIERE EVENT SPONSORS: Forest Agency Insurance
Giving Guide Sponsors:
Sober Grid
Gibbons, Fortman & Associates
Community Bank of Oak Park River Forest Kopecky Schumacher Rosenburg PC
EVENT SPONSORS: Blue Cab
Sassetti, CPA
Buzz Café
West Cook YMCA
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We help you give back. How is up to you. “This is a great time for the entire community to invest in the Community Foundation.”--John & Linda Tibensky, donors
If you or your family has had a liquidity event or significant income this year, consider establishing a Donor Advised Fund with us right here in your community. We have the staff and experience to work with you to give locally and/or elsewhere around the country. A donor-advised fund, or DAF, allows donors to make a charitable contribution and receive a tax deduction this year and then recommend grants from the fund over time. Establishing a DAF with the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation in 2016 is a smart move. With uncertainty on the tax front – including potential limitations on the charitable contribution deduction – 2016 is an excellent year to give into a DAF, take the deduction this year, and continue to make meaningful contributions to organizations in future years. A donor-advised fund is like a charitable savings account: a donor contributes to the fund as frequently as they like and then recommends grants to their favorite charity when they are ready. While we can manage any size DAF over $10,000, DAF’s of $500,000+ can continue to be managed by your current Financial Advisor. Set up with us is easy and takes a minimum amount of your time. Connect with Kristin Carlson Vogen or Rhea Yap kcvogen@oprfcf.org | ryap@oprfcf.org 1049 Lake Street, Suite 204, Oak Park | 708-848-1560 or visit us at: www oprfcf.org | facebook.com/OPRFCF
Donate to the Fund for Now https://v.gd/7cO3Kb
Donate to the Fund for Forever https://v.gd/BR71VE
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