Chicago Cares

Every year, Chicago Cares honors an exceptional staff member with the Bluhm-Prchal Spirit of Social Entrepreneurship Award. This award recognizes a staff member who has exhibited the spirit of civic engagement and social entrepreneurship that inspired our founders, Leslie Bluhm and Mary Prchal.

We are so excited to honor Viviana Barajas, Associate Director of Programs, with the 2023 Bluhm-Prchal Award. Viviana was nominated by her colleagues, who celebrated Viviana’s deep commitment to community-led work both within her role and outside of it. One nominator noted:

”Viviana motivates the team to think critically and deeply about our work and inspires colleagues to connect our work to the bigger picture. She goes above and beyond to move our mission forward, including participating in community organizing and advocacy work outside of her role.”

We are so grateful to have you on the team, Viviana!

From all of us at Chicago Cares, happy New Year! We are honoring the labor and rest of our incredible staff by taking the week to recharge for an impactful year ahead.

During this week, only our [email protected] email will be monitored. Please direct any urgent requests to that email. We look forward to reconnecting with you on January 8th!

As 2023 comes to a close, Chicago Cares would like to take a moment to share some amazing volunteers and their stories!

We’d love for you to volunteer with us in 2024 to write a story of your own. No Chicago Cares volunteer story is the same, but each contributes to a stronger more equitable Chicago.

Thank you to everyone who brought power to the work of change in 2023, and we’re excited what we’ll accomplish together in 2024!

Here’s the impact you’ve made this year ⬇️

Thank you to everyone who has stepped up to support our neighbors and spread holiday cheer this time of year! Across the city, the Chicago Cares community supported food pantries, toy give aways, holiday decorating and more. Happy holidays!

Here are expert insights on inclusivity, community building, self-care, and transformative service from our very own CEO, Rosie Drumgoole.

Next year, we have big plans for bringing people together and having tough conversations! If you’re ready to step into the bridger space, volunteer with us or support our work by making a tax-deductible donation!

Volunteer: www.chicagocares.org/s/find-an-opportunity
Donate: https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/3a1f9761-d1da-42d7-b9c3-d93c921e10ce?638361510473096371

Purchase a limited edition Power Box before we’re all out! Our stock is running low, and we know you want to treat yo self while making the world a better place at the same time 👀.

By purchasing this self-care box, you are investing in the power of service, Chicago Cares’ charge in our work to build a more equitable Chicago and you’re investing in the power of honey, the belief that those impacted by the justice system deserve a sweet beginning into their next chapter.

Buy your box now before we run out: https://bee-love-buzz.myshopify.com/collections/gift-sets/products/the-power-box-limited-edition-collaboration-w-chicago-cares

Right now, the world may feel overwhelming, and we can feel unsure of how to make a difference. That's where Chicago Cares comes in. During this festive holiday season, we encourage you to reflect on your “why”, and how you would like to join us to build a stronger Chicago next year.

Make a tax-deductible donation to Chicago Cares today at https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/3a1f9761-d1da-42d7-b9c3-d93c921e10ce?638361510473096371

❗Volunteers needed to spread holiday cheer! 🎁

Support your neighbors with access to healthy food during the holidays by volunteering at New Hope Church Food Pantry & Market. New Hope has been providing support to residents for over 14 years and has served over 32,000 families. As inflation continues to disrupt Chicagoans’ access to healthy food, their work is more critical than ever. By participating, you’ll learn more about New Hope Church and their work to remain a caring, committed, and connected beacon in the community.

Sign-up for the 5pm shift on December 28th at https://www.chicagocares.org/s/volunteer-job/a0s4V00001kVS28QAG/project-food-pantry-with-new-hope?s=a0u4V00000AIL54QAH

Tis’ the season, and here at Chicago Cares we have so much to celebrate! 🎄

Our volunteers are the heart of our mission and bring people the power to change. In 2023, the value of volunteer time has only risen (equivalent to over $32 per hour in 2023!) This reflects the real, critical, and necessary work accomplished by volunteers every day.

We want to celebrate volunteers like Wyatt Harris who donated his time supporting youth development. In turn, Chicago Cares volunteer programming taught him “a lot about compassion, love, tolerance, patience, and empathy.”

If you are passionate about our mission of making Chicago the strongest, most equitable through our connection work, please consider donating your money or your time to our Holiday Cheer drive! Head to chicagocares.org to learn more.

In 2024, Chicago Cares will be leading the way in supporting those who are seeking asylum in our city and leveraging the resources and connections we have to meet this moment with the urgency and care that it deserves.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps power the work of change and will fuel our work in 2024. Donate today at https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/3a1f9761-d1da-42d7-b9c3-d93c921e10ce?638361510473096371

Chicago Cares is launching our first ever Holiday Cheer Giveaway!

Donate today for a chance to win the limited-edition Power Box, a collaboration between Chicago Cares and Sweet Beginnings.

How to win:

1. All donations that come in today (December 15th) will be entered into the giveaway. https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/3a1f9761-d1da-42d7-b9c3-d93c921e10ce?638361510473096371

2. You must live in and be able to pick up the box in the Chicagoland area.

3. The winner will be announced next week!

Join Chicago Cares and our friends at the Southwest Organizing Project for two exciting events that support the Chicago Lawn community this holiday season!

⭐ Light in the Night Prep Session on Friday, December 15 at 5:30pm

Our prep sessions with SWOP are intentionally designed to prepare volunteers to attend SWOP’s violence prevention programming, Light in the Night. Volunteers will learn strategies for supporting violence prevention efforts in the community.

Sign up at https://www.chicagocares.org/s/volunteer-job/a0s4V00001kV4SuQAK/swop-x-light-in-the-night-prep-session?s=a0u4V00000AQYAeQAP

🎁 Toy Giveaway Saturday, December 16 at 12pm

Spread some holiday cheer by supporting SWOP in a toy giveaway! Volunteers will help hand out toys to youth 17 years and under, as well as enjoy some warm snacks, beverages, and connect with local services. Sign-up to volunteer or join as a community member!

Sign up at https://www.chicagocares.org/s/volunteer-job/a0s4V00001BG9nkQAD/project-light-in-the-night-community-event-with-swop?s=a0u4V00000AQYAZQA5

Chicago Cares has some new team members!

Today, we’re spotlighting Shanee’ Adetunji, who recently joined the team as the Executive Assistant.

Born and raised in the South Suburbs of Chicago, Shanee’ Adetunji holds a Bachelor of Health Science in Community Health and currently pursuing her Master’s in Public Administration, focused in Nonprofit and Human Resource Management.

It has always been Shanee’s passion to work in the community and be a part of organizations who have a passion for increasing access and providing services, capacity building, and opportunities for all. Working for Chicago Cares was a no-brainer for Shanee’. With its impact in communities and having mission driven values, Chicago Cares was an ideal choice for Shanee’.

The impact Shanee’ is able to make, working behind the scenes with systems, executives, and communities, really speaks to the passion Shanee’ carries in her day-to-day life. She currently resides in the South Suburbs of Chicago, where she is a mother to 2 beautiful children.

Calling all holiday elves!

Join Chicago Cares and Chicago Youth Programs (CYP) to prepare for Seasons of Hope, CYP’s annual Christmas Gift Distribution event!

During this special Holiday Cheer Drive experience, volunteers will wrap gifts and bring holiday spirit to CYP’s facility with festive decorations. Take part in hands-on service that contributes to community goals, increases Chicago Youth Program’s access to resources and support needed for success, and prepare the Chicago Youth Program facility to host a fun and festive community event! We can’t wait to see you. Bring a friend!

Sign up today at https://www.chicagocares.org/s/volunteer-job/a0s4V000008WejiQAC/project-gift-wrapping-and-holiday-decorating-with-chicago-youth-programs?s=a0u4V00000AQUZ4QAP

ALERT: EXCITING NEWS INCOMING 🔄

Here at Chicago Cares, we love to collaboratively create with our community. On November 30th we got to do just that! Our team convened a group of community partners (listed below) and amazing volunteers to answer the guiding question: how can we lead volunteers to see service as a vehicle that honors the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr?

In addition to eating, laughing, and enjoying some holiday festivities, participants navigated activities around legacy, creation, and collaboration to create several proposals designed to equip volunteers with the skills and knowledge they need to amplify Dr. King’s legacy here in Chicago!

Stay tuned early next year to see the exciting civic engagement programming born out of this co-design!

Narrative 4
Trash People of Logan Square
The Endeleo Institute
Weave: The Social Fabric Project

Join Chicago Cares and Phalanx Family Services for a Winter Wonderfest Community Event on December 22!

Community events are a great way for volunteers to engage with the heart of what makes a community, a community. This Winter Wonderfest Community Event provides a festive space for put at-risk families to participate in collective joy and celebration. By connecting with fellow volunteers and community residents, volunteers will build their empathy and awareness of the challenges and successes experienced on the South Side of Chicago.

Sign-up to volunteer at https://www.chicagocares.org/s/volunteer-job/a0s4V000008Wf63QAC/project-winter-wonderfest-community-event-with-phalanx-family-services?s=a0u4V00000AQX7vQAH

Leading up to the event, help Phalanx Family Services spread holiday cheer by donating to their toy drive on December 2 and December 16! Learn more at https://www.phalanxgrpservices.org/

Help us spread holiday cheer this week and meet some cool people!

Join Chicago Cares and former MLB All-Star Curtis Granderson’s for a Grand Giving initiative at New Hope Church Food Pantry & Market on November 30th. Volunteers will build connections and make an impact on food insecurity in Chicago’s Northwest Side communities by helping with product inventory, stocking shelves with food, registering people, bagging groceries for residents living in the area and serving guests efficiently in a caring and respectful setting.

Sign-up at https://www.chicagocares.org/s/volunteer-job/a0s4V00001kVS28QAG/project-food-pantry-with-new-hope-grand-giving-marianos?s=a0u4V00000AIL4yQAH

This Small Business Saturday, Chicago Cares would like to show some love for some of the amazing small businesses in North Lawndale!

Service can be how we spend our resources - our time and our money. Whether it is through purchasing a Power Box gift set or dining at your favorite neighborhood restaurant, spending your $$ intentionally is one way to support a stronger, more equitable Chicago for all!

North Lawndale Employment Network, The Beelove Cafe, Open Books, The Firehouse Catering Co., Damon Lamar Reed

Join Chicago Cares and our partners at Armitage Commons Apartments, as we build relationships and memories with Logan Square community members.

Through hands-on service, volunteers will provide Armitage Commons’s residents with a delicious, warm, holiday meal while learning more about Logan Square community and becoming more enriched by working side-by-side with community members.

Whether you are new to Chicago or a longtime Chicago Cares volunteer, this Holiday Cheer Drive project is a great opportunity to connect with communities across the city.

Sign up for this volunteer opportunity at https://www.chicagocares.org/s/volunteer-job/a0s4V000008WerfQAC/project-holiday-senior-meals-for-armitage-commons-apartments?s=a0u4V00000AQVW7QAP

The holiday season is a season of giving. Service is a common way that families celebrate the holidays together. This year, get the fam together on Family Volunteer Day to connect with your community and the many families that are in need during the holiday season.

Join Chicago Cares and Points of Light today, November 18th, to celebrate Family Volunteer Day, a global day of service that celebrates the power of families who work together to support their communities and neighborhoods.

Whether in-person or virtually, at Chicago Cares or the many other amazing organizations participating in Family Volunteer Day, there are so many ways to give back!

Use the hashtags and to share your Family Volunteer Day experience and help us inspire others to get involved. We will be re-sharing posts that do on our account!

Join Chicago Cares and our partners this holiday season to build community and support our neighbors during this special time of year. As Chicagoans hold fast to the commitment of being a sanctuary city, communities have committed to providing a safe and welcoming home for all. This year, Chicago Cares continues to support our partners through unpredictable times.

Our Holiday Cheer Drive has many opportunities for you to address community needs and help build a city open to all, driven by equity.

Sign up at chicagocares.org/s/find-an-opportunity

We are excited to launch The Power Box! A limited-edition collaboration between Chicago Cares and Sweet Beginnings (Beelovebuzz).

Sweet Beginning’s hive-to-jar products are made by justice-impacted people enrolled in their social enterprise program, as part of the North Lawndale Employment Network.

Inside this beautifully crafted holiday box, you'll find an array of products from Sweet Beginnings such as their local 6oz. honey, sugar scrub, lip balm, honey vanilla candle, honey dipper and a Chicago Cares tote bag.

What makes this initiative truly remarkable is that 100% of the proceeds from the sale of these holiday boxes will directly support the missions of both Sweet Beginnings and Chicago Cares.

By purchasing a holiday box, customers will not only acquire a meaningful and memorable gift but also contribute to the vital work of these two organizations.

Buy yours now at https://bee-love-buzz.myshopify.com/collections/gift-sets/products/the-power-box-limited-edition-collaboration-w-chicago-cares

We are so excited for our Chicago Cares colleagues, Viviana Barajas and Natasha Mijares, for participating in Palenque LSNA’s Fellowship this year!

We are so proud of our partners, North Lawndale Employment Network and Instituto del Progresso Latino, for receiving 2023 Bank of America Neighborhood Builders grants!

In addition to a grant, each organization received a year of leadership training for the Executive Director and an Emerging Leader.

It was an honor to be there in celebration with you!

We are so proud of our Chicago Cares colleagues, Viviana Barajas and Natasha Mijares, for participating in Palenque LSNA’s Fellowship this year!

Fellows will take part in monthly educational workshops focusing on fighting for racial equity and taking strategic action for systemic change. Fellows also sit on an issue area committee. Natasha sits on the Education Committee, and Viviana sits on the Immigration Committee.

Earlier this month, Chicago Cares staff attended the 2023 Forefront Annual Summit, which focused on the theme of practicing equitable leadership.

Staff tabled, attended breakout sessions on topics like equitable philanthropy and initiatives to unite Illinois to advance racial equity, and had the pleasure to listen to two keynote speakers: Julia Fabris McBridge and Dr. Eve L. Ewing.

We are grateful to have Forefront as a partner!

Join Chicago Cares and the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) for some exciting fall festivities! Here are two:

🎃 Halloween Party on Tuesday, October 31st at 4pm

🎃 Gage Park Harvest Fest on Saturday, November 4th at 2pm

Through civic action and celebration, these two volunteer opportunities support the Chicago Lawn and Gage Park communities. Participants are engaging in transformational qualities of service through connecting with community and meeting leaders, schools, churches, hospitals and nonprofits from these neighborhoods.

Sign up at https://www.chicagocares.org/s/volunteer-job/a0s4V00001BG9nkQAD/project-light-in-the-night-community-event-with-swop?s=a0u4V00000AIIHdQAP

We are proud to say that our Cheers to Our Volunteers event was a night to remember! Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebration last week.

We want to give a shout out to some of the incredible folks who made the night special. Thank you to our amazing emcee, Juliet de Jesus Alejandre, the Bomba Ensemble, who gave an incredible performance, and DJ Mo Mami, who kept the party going into the evening. We also appreciate our vendors at the event for their contributions to making the evening unique: El Azteca - Armitage, Katherine Anne Confections, Moor's Brewing Company, AroundWeGo, Beelovebuzz (Sweet Beginnings), and MReid Photography. Thank you again to Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center for hosting us for such a special evening!

We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone again next year. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, head to https://www.chicagocares.org/s/find-an-opportunity to see all of the exciting opportunities coming up!

Last week, Chicago Cares hosted our Skills for Good Giving Tuesday Jumpstart, which brought together 17 non-profit organizations with volunteers from Accenture and Chicago Cares staff to begin creating their Giving Tuesday social media campaigns.

We loved seeing all the knowledge sharing, networking, and creativity in the room, and the feedback was incredible! People left feeling like they had a solid roadmap and great next steps for their Giving Tuesday campaigns.

One attendee shared, “Thank you for allowing me to sit in on an awesome event! It really got my creative juices flowing, and helped me think outside the box of what the organization really needs from this Giving Tuesday.” Each of the volunteers expressed that they were happy to have been a part of something where so much good was happening and where the impact was so evident.

Thank you to The Vistria Group for sponsoring this event, and Accenture volunteers for your time!

Cheers to Our Volunteers was a night to remember! We enjoyed celebrating some amazing people, including our 2023 Cheers award winners.

Please raise a glass in real life (or the comments) to the four incredible civic leaders we honored during this spectacular night!

✨ Volunteer Leader of the Year: Pam Lasley
✨ Volunteer of the Year: Catherine Cox
✨ Ambassador of the Year: Venisha White-Johnson
✨ Honorary Star Award: Jay Rudman

💰 Along with their award, each person received a small grant to donate to a cause they care about!

Want to see your name on this list next year? Sign up to volunteer today at chicagocares.org/s/find-an-opportunity