Season of Giving 2023

A Special Advertising Section

2023

Season of

Giving Your Local Guide to a Better World presented by

OAK PARK-RIVER FOREST

Community Foundation

OAK PARK

AUSTIN

RIVER FOREST

FOREST PARK

RIVERSIDE

NORTH RIVERSIDE

BROOKFIELD

B2 November 22, 2023

Season of Giving presented by

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November 22, 2023 B3

Season of Giving presented by

Nonprofits and rapid response

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n recent years as we begin work on our Season of Giving project it becomes clear that there are new or evolving storylines which demand our focus, as they have demanded the focus and the action of the nonprofits which are at the heart of this annual Growing Community Media project. In the recent past our coverage has focused on issues of racial equity as the nation had what was naively billed as a “racial reckoning” following the murder of George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis. Yes, eyes were opened some as it relates to race and public safety, equity and inequity. After that many of our Season of Giving stories revolved around nonprofits working to pivot as COVID-19 had such massive impact on every life, every battle between safety and normalcy. This year we are still reporting on the work of nonprofits to find their way back from COVID. But the story of this moment, and it turns up in three of our stories in this special

section, is about the care for migrants arriving in waves on the West Side of Chicago and now into the near west suburbs. One story is about a nonprofit in Belmont Cragin which has spent more than a century welcoming and acclimating immigrant to our city. Two other stories reflect on the broader efforts by the West Cook YMCA and Housing Forward to grow their mission but also include the instant pivoting they are doing to help these new migrants from South America. The challenges shift. The impulse to help, to welcome, to solve remains constant among the nonprofits which this section celebrates. Thanks as always for the partnership of the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation in this endeavor. And this year our thanks, too, for the sponsorship support of Byline Bank and the West Cook YMCA.

Dan Haley

Inside

Contributing Reporters Erez Ben-Akiva, Hector Cervantes, Lee Edwards, Jack Helbig, Tom Holmes

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Nonprofit leaders Page B4 ■

Digital Manager Stacy Coleman

Onward Neighborhood House Page B7 ■

Arts groups Page B8 ■

YMCA Page B12 ■

Housing Forward Page B14 ■

Animal Care League Page B34

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Ben Stumpe Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Editor Erika Hobbs Publisher Dan Haley Special Projects Manager Susan Walker HOW TO REACH US 141 S. Oak Park Ave. Oak Pak, IL 60302 Phone 708-524-8300 www.oakpark.com © 2023 Growing Community Media NFP.

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Who helps the helpers?

ook for the helpers. That’s a line one often hears in times of emergency. It’s a reminder that in times of trouble, there are those who step in to help, in ways large and small. It’s also a reminder that the ones providing the most relief may not be doing it under a spotlight. They’re often working behind the scenes to make the world a better place. Some organizations in the Season of Giving guide may be familiar, but don’t let familiarity fool you. These are all new organizations — because the challenges they are trying to address in the community are constantly changing, and they have to evolve in kind in order to provide the help that is needed today. They need your support to continue to do this important work.

By TONY MARTINEZ, JR. President and CEO, Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation

The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation is doing things differently, too. We are trying to be more effective and strategic in terms of how we grow and how we provide resources to organizations in the

West Cook region. One way is by relaunching Impact Excellence, our capacity building program for local nonprofits. The program offers guidance in mission development, human resources, infrastructure and other areas key to the growth and function of an organization.

We need to cultivate relationships with neighbors from different backgrounds and come together to help one another.

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

The problems we face can be solved if we work together as a community. We need to cultivate relationships with neighbors from different backgrounds and come together to help one another. And we need to look for the helpers — and help them, too.

B4 November 22, 2023

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New nonprofit leaders face issues, opportunities Blending learning and making change is complicated By TOM HOLMES Contributing Reporter

We reached out to three nonprofit leaders in new roles to talk about how they made their entry into important nonprofits.

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L’ARCHE

icki Watts is new to her position as the development director for a nonprofit called L’Arche. Its Forest Park headquarters is located at the corner of Madison and Marengo. She describes herself as “a 45-year-old who is an old school scrappy fundraiser.” When she stepped into that role a few months ago big things were happening. For example, L’Arche, Forest Park, was wrapping up a $2 million capital campaign to build a fourth house for its clients in Oak Park. L’Arche homes are “dedicated to the creation and growth of homes, programs and support networks where people who have intellectual disabilities and people without intellectual disabilities live muVICKI WATTS tual relationships and share the daily life, building community together.” With construction of the additional home well underway on East Avenue in Oak Park, Watts said, “It’s an incredibly exciting time. We’ll be in a position to welcome four new core members and our staff will grow, as will our financial needs. Then there are the everyday expenses of maintaining the other homes. One of the nonprofit’s homes in Forest Park had galvanized pipes that needed to be replaced, and the organization was able to complete the costly project thanks in part to funds raised at their annual dinner event. Regarding what lies ahead in terms of challenges, she said, “With three (soon to be four) homes and vehicles, there is always something that is reaching the end of its lifespan – and, just as it is for our personal homes, it’s

important to make sure the washer/dryer is working. My goal is to help grow our endowment fund so we have the needed resources for on-going maintenance needs. As a licensed service provider, the Forest Park branch of L’Arche receives funding from the State of Illinois through Medicaid, but the quality of services they provide costs more than that amount by over $300,000 a year. Watts’ challenge is to raise that money. Founded in 1964, L’Arche is a nonprofit organization now located in 38 countries which, according to one of its websites, For the 12 years before coming to L’Arche Watts worked in the area of corporate/foundation relations “learning the ropes of all areas of fundraising.” She said her work with people with disabilities has taught her to be patient, to not take things personally and to see things from different perspectives.” She said she came to L’Arche because of its holistic approach in which “core members,” persons with intellectual disabilities, live in the same home with their assistants who do not have intellectual disabilities. “My whole life has been shaped by the experience of volunteering and then working with people who have developmental disabilities. It’s an incredible opportunity for the community to take the time to learn about L’Arche, meet our core members, and see how their lives can be changed for the better.”

PROGRESS CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING Erin Hostetter started her job as program director at the Progress Center for Independent Living (PCIL) on July 17. Right from the beginning it has been a roller coaster ride. On a positive note, the center had momentum. “Many things set in place by my predecessor, Gary Arnold, are going well,” she said. “The thing I am most proud of is the deep level of genuine care and empathy all staff have for the community and for each other. It’s so easy to come into work.” Part of the work done by the center’s staff is advocacy. “One of the challenges I had to deal with right away,” she said, “is the Humanize Long Term Care bill we are advocat-

COURTESY OF HTTPS://WWW.LARCHECHICAGO.ORG

L’Arche ing for regarding nursing homes and their reputation for mistreating the patients in their care. “We’re fighting for the patients’ right to advocate for themselves without retaliation, which is unfortunately rampant in many nursing homes across the United States. We’re talking physical and mental trauma to these patients, just for trying to speak up for themselves. There are many other items on our agenda, but this is one example of the work we are doing.” The ups and downs on her roller coaster ride have been due to personal concerns as well as work related challenges. The week before starting,” she said, “I was in Texas finishing cancer treatments, packing up my apartment and driving a U-Haul for the first time. “Moving cross-country is terrifying, but I am so glad I did. A new city clear across the nation and starting fresh at the center is different from the last one I worked at and has been a wonderful experience. I genuinely enjoy the challenges, the faces, and the opportunities afforded to me.”

NINETEENTH CENTURY CHARITABLE ASSOCIATION Ray Ward became the executive director of the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association 11 months ago – Jan. 4 to be exact. On that first day he said he was “eager yet a bit nervous.” “You never fully know the environment,” he said, “until you’re actually in it. Being not only the first man but also the first person of color to hold this position (in the 132-year his-

tory of the association), I didn’t quite know how I would be received by the members or how the staff would interact.” He was relieved to discover that “while there will always be challenges, I am happy to say that 98% of everyone has been absolutely great to me.” He had to hit the ground running. “Our biggest challenge in 2023,” he said, “was the remodeling of our full-service kitchen.” In addition to managing that construction, he had to work with the association’s full-time staff including a chef, sales manager, and a part-time event manager to coordinate activities at the landmark facility on Forest Avenue in Oak Park. “Since the kitchen was down for 2 months,” he said, “that set us back but due to the diligence of our staff, we are looking better than ever.” RAY WARD “As a director,” he said, “there is an immediacy of needing to know how everything properly functions and who are my ‘go-to’ people. I tried to get acclimated as quickly as possible with the vital functions and the most effective ways to communicate and continue to move the association forward. Along with those challenges, Ward embraced an opportunity when the association started live Zooming and recording their popular programs which they put on their website. “We anticipate more opportunities than challenges going forward,” he said.

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November 22, 2023 B5

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Byline Bank fosters growth and unity in our communities

s a financial institution, Byline Bank is well-versed in the art of investing. But as a community bank, Byline understands that its role extends beyond just accepting investments; it also actively invests back into its community. In the last year, Byline Bank donated over $60,000 to local non-profit organizations in Oak Park and River Forest, gave over $30,000 in grants, and over $1.1 million in community development loans. In addition, Byline employees volunteered over 400 hours with Oak Park and River Forest organizations (and 1,200 in the greater Chicago region). “Our involvement in the community is organically driven,” said Susie Goldschmidt, Byline’s Oak Park and River Forest market president. “We’re here. We get to know local organizations who are on the ground and problem-solving, and we get to know local people who ask us to get engaged — we try to answer those calls.” In answering the call, Byline has helped advance a number of Oak Park and River Forest initiatives including those related to animal welfare; the

arts; diversity, equity and inclusion; education; financial literacy; food security; mental health; and family support. Some highlights include: The arts. Byline sponsors Music & Potlucks, the Oak Park Festival Theatre, the Oak Park Art League, the Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest, Heritage Chorale, the Michael Teolis Singers, and One Voice for Arts. These sponsorships enhance access to locally driven entertainment and provide the community with an opportunity to come together and unite behind its shared love of the arts. Diversity, equity and inclusion. Byline supports organizations such as the Oak Park Area Lesbian & Gay Association, Oak Leyden, Opportunity Knocks, Place to Belong, Thrive Counseling Center, AgeOptions and the West Suburban Special Recreation Association. These efforts

contribute to fostering a more inclusive and equitable community — a place where success is attainable for all. Food security. Byline Bank is deeply committed to Beyond Hunger, a charitable organization dedicated to combating hunger through various programs and services. Byline provides essential community development grants for operational needs and sponsors the nonprofit’s 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 in Oak Park, which is located at the Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church. Byline’s community involvement is not limited to traditional philanthropy within nonprofits. “We of course give where there’s a pressing need,” Goldschmidt said, “but we find it’s meaningful to invest in the economic ecosystem and the community as a whole.” For example, during lunch meetings at its Oak Park and River Forest branches, Byline arranges

for catering from nearby eateries — a small yet meaningful way of supporting the local economy, says Goldschmidt. Consistent with its status as the top Small Business Administration lender in Illinois, Byline advocates for local businesses as a member of the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce and a sponsor of Takeout 25. Goldschmidt also serves as president of Downtown Oak Park and as a member of the Village of Oak Park Business Association Council. In addition, Byline has a presence at most Oak Park and River Forest community events, including the Memorial Day and Juneteenth parades, Oaktoberfest and Thursday Night Out. “We want Oak Park and River Forest to thrive,” says Goldschmidt. “Well-functioning charities, well-supported businesses and a tight-knit community equates to more opportunities for our customers, their families and our employees who live and work here. We’re giving back and pitching in because it’s what neighbors do.” ©2023 Byline Bank. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

ABOVE: Susie Goldschmidt (left), Byline’s Oak Park River Forest market president, and Denise Warren, Byline’s Oak Park branch manager, delivered gifts for the Hispanic Business Network’s annual toy drive benefiting children in Chicago Public Schools. BELOW: Members of Byline’s Oak Park and River Forest branches — along with their families — marched in the River Forest Memorial Day Parade. ABOVE: Susie Goldschmidt joined Marianne Birko, executive director of the West Suburban Special Recreation Association and regional politicians at the WSSRA Derby Gala. From left to right: Angelo “Skip” Saviano, village president of Elmwood Park; Kim Goldschmidt, financial advisor at Equitable Advisors; Arlene Jezierny, mayor of Harwood Heights; Susie Goldschmidt; Vicki Scaman, village president of Oak Park; Cathy Adduci, village president of River Forest; Don Harmon, Illinois state senator; and Birko. ABOVE: Teri Miller (from left), director of development at Beyond Hunger; Byline’s Goldschmidt; and Lauren Brightmore, development and events coordinator at Beyond Hunger, staff a booth at Thursday Night Out in Downtown Oak Park.

Byline Bank • 708- 660-1000 • bylinebank.com

B6 November 22, 2023

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A fresh start for Mittens courtesy of Animal Care League first uncertain days at the clinic, it became clear that the shelter’s medical staff would be able to get him back to his old self, four paws and all.

nimal Care League helps local homeless animals find brighter futures, no matter their situation. Each year, more than 1,300 animals from local communities and beyond come through the doors of the Oak Park shelter, and many of them, like Mittens the cat, need urgent medical attention.

Animals like Mittens depend on Animal Care League to help them overcome their circumstances and live the lives they deserve. But ACL couldn’t do that alone. Being there for animals in need is a team effort — with foster families like the one which will soon be Mittens’ forever family, with local police, with volunteers, and of course with its generous supporters. Every animal deserves a second chance like the one Mittens got. As ACL expands its reach, support from the community will allow the organization to continue doing more for the animals who depend on it for shelter, care, and comfort.

In early September, Mittens was found by Oak Park Animal Control in a difficult position: multiple rubber bands had been stretched tightly around each of his front paws, digging in and cutting off his circulation. Although saving his paws was far from a sure thing when he first arrived at ACL’s clinic, Mittens was a trooper. He met his challenge with love and happiness, and soon enough, there was good news. After those

• COUNSELING • AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMMING • WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT • VIOLENCE PREVENTION • COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Animal Care League • 708-848-8155 • animalcareleague.org

ND A I F M HELP THE

Home for the Holidays

AZARIAH

LIL’ DEBBIE

Azariah’s favorite thing to do is stretch out in the sun and relax! She would love a quiet, sunny home where she can take lots of great naps.

Lil Debbie is a big fan of treats, which makes sense since she’s named after one! She loves zooming around the yard, or cuddling on the couch.

683 days in the shelter

Each year over 1300 cats, dogs, rabbits and other animals come through our doors looking for a second chance. You can make a difference in the life of a homeless animal. Please consider adopting a pet this holiday season or support our work by making a donation. 1011 Garfield St | Oak Park, IL 60304 | 708.848.8155

231 days at the shelter

Donations work to help cats like Azariah and dogs like Lil’ Debbie get the second chances they deserve. VISIT US AT animalcareleague.org

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November 22, 2023 B7

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Welcoming immigrants for a century prepares nonprofit for new arrivals today

Onward Neighborhood House is celebrating 129 years of service to migrants By HECTOR CERVANTES

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Contributing Writer

s the holidays are approaching and colder weather has arrived, Onward Neighborhood House is one of many Greater West Side nonprofits helping out with the influx of refugees Chicago is seeing. Onward Neighborhood House is a nonprofit organization located on Diversey Avenue in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood of Chicago. The mission of this organization is to open doors to improve lives and uplift communities through educational, economic and support services. Emilio Araujo is the head of development classes are offered. and communications at Onward NeighborOther resources the organization offers hood House and has been in his role for six are citizenship classes, a healthcare clinic months. Araujo is in charge of community called Community Health and a food pantry. fundraising, creating and maintaining ex“Over the years when immigrants have ternal partnerships and building relation- come, we find resources where they are ships with other organizations and people needed and we are able to grow. We do the across the city. basic steps of people who When asked how this need food and medical sermission is focusing on spevices and understanding cific efforts to help the curhow the laws and asylum rent migrant challenges process works,” Araujo in Chicago, Araujo looked said. to the history of Onward Araujo says there is a lot of activity going on Neighborhood House. since this organization is “In 1893 Onward Neighresponding directly to the borhood House was foundinflux of immigrants. ed as a community service EMILIO ARAUJO The organization is organization where we Onward Neighborhood House served immigrants and working on bringing refuhonored and supported gees basic household items new immigrants and found and hygiene products. As their new place in Chicathe holiday season is comgo,” Araujo said. ing up, Araujo urges the The nonprofit provides community to donate. its clients and refugees with many differ“We also know people have a wish list ent resources. In the education sector, early so providing something that they want. It childhood education opportunities are pro- might be their first winter here and giving vided as well as childcare and tutoring. them a jacket or new toy is a major step in For adults ESL, computer classes and GED recognizing humanity and dignity to wel-

“A major step in recognizing humanity and dignity to welcome them into the city.”

come them into the city. Those kinds of gifts for the holiday are things that we do,” Araujo said. Araujo says Onward Neighborhood House listens to people and recognizes the circumstances that the refugees are facing. “Texas is not listening to them as a person when they send them on the bus to Chicago. We have compassion for the refugees,” Araujo said. When asked how the community is reacting and responding to how Onward Neighborhood House is helping out the refugees, Araujo says there has been a lot of support in the community. “I think on the news we see a lot of people that are anti the new immigrants. Thankfully we have had a lot of great support. People who we have no previous connection to are making donations and people are researching and looking for a way to support people and we have been seeing wonderful support from our elected officials, community members and people across the city to make a positive impact. We have been really blessed,” says Araujo. A compelling story Araujo likes to share with how immigrants can make a difference in Chicago started 10 years ago. Araujo says the organization saw some-

one come to Chicago more than 10 years as an immigrant who attended Onward Neighborhood House’s free computer class. He enjoyed the computer class and while he was working at Pizza Hut, he would deliver the flyers to the organization’s computer class. “He later moved on to attending college and he is now completing a masters in cybersecurity from being a computer expert and he teaches a computer class now with our organization,” says Araujo. Araujo says the story makes clear that Chicago has welcomed immigrants for a long time and with this current influx of refugees Chicago is experiencing the organization is able to handle this influx. Araujo and the staff at Onward Neighborhood House are working on a new building for the organization since they are seeing more demand for their services. The Reva and David Logan Foundation granted Onward Neighborhood House a 21,000 square foot building on North Central Avenue in June 2022, just two blocks from its Belmont Cragin facilities. The new space is in line with the foundation’s campaign to increase access to essential goods and services in underserved communities. This space will not only allow the organization to expand its food pantry but will also provide additional space for the organization’s welcoming center for immigrants and refugees, their health care clinic, a multipurpose community center space and additional community programming. When Lyle Allen, a program officer at the Logan Foundation, came to one of the organization’s Thursday food distributions, he noticed the pantry’s size limits, but he also saw the potential that appropriate capacity could bring to our participants. “We currently have three buildings on the 5400 block of Diversey. We will expand in the Belmont Cragin community and we will start renovations in the community. It will be a community center for the Belmont Cragin community,” Araujo said. According to Araujo, Onward Neighborhood House is running out of space at its current location.

B8 November 22, 2023

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Arts groups slowly rebuild attendance in wake of pandemic Evolving strategies to bring fans back to live performances

Shakespeare shows have been performed every summer since. “We’ve been growing quite a lot, and this past summer, we had by far our biggest audiences,” Corley said. Oak Park Festival Theatre, meanwhile, has rebuilt attendance at performances, By EREZ BEN-AKIVA though they too have not seen pre-2020 numContributing Reporter bers, according to managing director Tom Arvetis. The organization endured not only or Beth Hoover, general manager of the Symphony of Oak Park and River the pandemic but a fire that destroyed the Forest, the beginning of COVID was theater’s office in November 2021. “We’re just not seeing audiences return terrifying. But the symphony, founded in 1931, at the level that they were at 2019,” Arvetis managed to stay afloat. A series of online said. “We’re still a far cry from that.” Nevertheless, this past summer’s outperformances produced in partnership with the Park District of Oak Park salvaged 2020. door production of “A Midsummer Night’s By 2021, the orchestra was again playing in- Dream” led to a “banner year” for the theater, said Arvetis. door concerts. Programming for “We got through World Oak Park Festival TheWar II, and we got through atre moreover has been this,” Hoover said. shaped by the changing Attendance at symphodesires of audiences, ny performances has not which generally now have returned to pre-pandemic less appetite for artistic levels though, according risk, Arvetis said. to Hoover. The theater has thus The Symphony of Oak honed in on outdoor sumPark and River Forest is RICHARD CORLEY mer performances as its not alone in that regard Forest Park Theatre flagship experience. among local music, theater “That’s the thing that we and arts groups. For some want to promote for our organizations in the area, audience and to enhance attendance at events or membership numbers have yet to reach lev- that experience as much as we possibly els seen before the pandemic. Other groups can,” Arvetis said. The Symphony of Oak Park and River however have seen growth since 2020. Forest Park Theatre, for its part, grew out Forest is also turning toward different of ideas born during the pandemic, said programming as it builds back attendance – like an upcoming holiday concert and in Richard Corley, producing artistic director. Corley said he perceived a need for people 2024, a William Grant Still symphony and to come together to see live theater and feel Lincoln Portrait by Aaron Copland – hopsafe doing so. The theater’s first major pro- ing to “get more people to start coming to duction was Shakespeare’s “As You Like concerts because you have to start appealing It,” performed outdoors for free during the to new people,” Hoover said. “You always want a packed house, but summer of 2021. It “really came from the idea of getting people back in front of per- I want it uncomfortably packed,” Hoover formed work,” Corley said. Free outdoor said with a laugh.

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“The work is certainly challenging, and I think it all depends upon partnerships. And nobody can do this alone.”

FOREST PARK ARTS ALLIANCE

Stoop sessions in Forest Park. Two arts organizations, Forest Park Arts Alliance and Oak Park Art League, have emerged from the pandemic on strong footing. Forest Park Arts Alliance president Karen Rozmus said membership in the organization, incorporated in 2017, has grown from around 30 members to more than 100 in the last year and a half. “Every year we grow a little bit,” Rozmus said. Forest Park Arts Alliance organizes “Stoop Sessions,” concerts in which musicians perform on front porches and attendees enjoy the music from the lawn. And after COVID hit, the organization worked with the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce to display art in storefront windows. More recently, the group decorated Constitution Court in fiber art, as part of its “Fiber Flash” event. “We just want to do fun stuff,” Rozmus said. “We don’t need to make a lot of money.” The arts group also underwent a recent rebrand in an effort to be thought of as a viable professional organization, according to Rozmus. “I think we’re stronger than ever,” she said. For Oak Park Art League, weathering the pandemic meant getting past the hesitancy to congregate in physical spaces, something fundamental to the organization and which COVID understandably disrupted. Now, attendance numbers at events offered

by the organization have reached back to pre-COVID levels, according to executive director Brad Nugent. “Because everyone has come out on the other side, really wanting the physical contact with folks again, we are definitely experiencing a resurgence of in-person participation,” Nugent said. By the second half of 2022, there was a sense that Oak Park Art League found “solid ground again,” being financially solvent and able to maintain programming like classes and exhibitions, according to Nugent. Membership in the organization has dipped, though some of it can be attributed to standard attrition. “We’re just ebbing and flowing at just a little under pre-pandemic numbers, but we’re close to where we were,” Nugent said. While local arts organizations have experienced challenges in rebuilding attendance at events, performances and programs, that the groups persisted through the pandemic – or even were born out of it as in the case of Forest Park Theatre – surely is significant in itself. To Corley, for the arts to survive necessitates partnership with the community and a recognition of the importance of the arts. “I wouldn’t be doing this if I weren’t hopeful,” he said. “But it is certainly challenging, and I think it all depends upon partnerships. And nobody can do this alone.”

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November 22, 2023 B9

Sponsored Content

OPALGA+ supports next-gen leaders

“W

hat scares me most is media showing homophobic and transphobic things as normal and okay. Knowing that there are people here who want to help is amazing and validating.”

-- Annie Larson, Oak Park, OPALGA+ scholar, Fenwick 2023, attending Georgetown University

“There’s not much space here for people like me to exist. I accept being misgendered if it keeps me safe. I’ll have the ability to expand myself in college.”

-- Venus Obazuaye, Forest Park, OPALGA+ scholar, Illinois Math and Science Academy 2023, attending University of Illinois-Chicago

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Kendall speaks and A House In Austin listens

n November 2022, Kendall and his father became part of A House In Austin’s Home Visiting program. He was referred to the organization by early intervention services. At the start of the home visit sessions, Kendall was a 3-yearold who could only utter a couple of words, often needing repetition for clarity. Their family seldom ventured outside and, as a result, Kendall had limited social interaction. During the most recent home visit, A House in Austin’s team encouraged Kendall’s father to engage in child-centered narrative play with him. They’d been providing guidance on this approach for several weeks, aiming to stimulate Kendall’s imagination and language development. During this playtime, Kendall began forming two- to three-word sentences, demonstrating a newfound ability for self-expression. It didn’t stop there. There was the moment when Kendall

astonished everyone by articulating an extraordinary six-word sentence! A House In Austin, an organization dedicated to supporting families, played a crucial role in this journey. Their commitment to providing resources and guidance for families facing similar challenges has been instrumental. The home visit leader and Kendall’s father couldn’t contain their celebration of this remarkable milestone. High-fives, smiles, and an outpouring of praise were showered upon both Kendall and his father. This reinforced the power of dedication and the incredible progress that can be achieved when working together to support families like Kendall’s. As the holiday season draws near, please consider helping A House In Austin support families like Kendall’s. You can contribute by texting “AHIA” to 44-321 or visit www. ahouseinaustin.org.

A House in Austin • 773-896-3582 • ahouseinaustin.org

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B10 November 22, 2023

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120 YEARS SERVING OUR COMMUNITY WEST COOK YMCA

YESTERDAY. TODAY. TOMORROW.

Since December 31, 1902, the West Cook YMCA has been providing programs and services to address the needs of our community from serving as a refuge for young men, to physical education and housing, to providing childcare and teaching swim lessons, to becoming a leader in chronic disease prevention and addressing the Achievement Gap in our students. When you give to the West Cook YMCA, you impact our community today and tomorrow. 100% of your tax-deductible donation goes directly to providing scholarships to children, adults, and seniors- your friends and neighborstransforming their lives through access to health screenings, chronic disease prevention programs, after-school programs, swim lessons, homeless prevention for residents, and Y memberships that can open the door to help each person become their best self.

PREVENT DROWNING

SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS

PREVENT CHRONIC DISEASES

GIVE TODAY IN HONOR OF 120 YEARS ONLINE: westcookymca.org/give MAIL: 255 S. Marion St., Oak Park, IL 60302

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HOUSING PROVIDING A HOME SINCE THE 1950s

WELCOMED. SAFE. TOGETHER.

The West Cook joins the Village of Oak Park and other community organizations to provide temporary housing to migrant families.

PROVIDE HOUSING

Give today and support the Y in providing temporary housing for 60 children, adults, and seniors. 100% of your tax-deductible donation goes directly to providing housing, swim lessons, enrichment for youth, and connecting families to community resources for legal aid, medical and dental examinations, mental health services, vaccinations, and permanent housing. As a community coming together, we can ensure all families are WELCOMED, SAFE, and a have a place to stay TOGETHER.

GIVE TODAY TO PROVIDE HOUSING ONLINE: westcookymca.org/give and choose “housing” under campaign

SUPPORT ALL FAMILIES

B12 November 22, 2023

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Why a newly reimagined YMCA?

an analog phone system to finally a digiJimenez refocuses West Cook from tal phone system. All of those upgrades were creating a dignified living experiYMCA beyond fitness into allenceabout for our residents.” Another area that Jimenez has spearequity strategy headed is health equity, bringing the YMCA’s myriad health programs to people who had trouble in the past getting full health care. Contributing Reporter The specific areas the YMCA has been focusver the past 10 years, the West Cook ing on are diabetes, weight, hypertension, YMCA has been transformed from cancer, and mental health. “We are approaching the health focus of a local fitness facility with a pool, treadmills, sports classes and a the YMCA with the idea that we’re not lookSingle Room Occupancy component ing for impacting a volume number of peointo a facility focused on health equity, ple,” said Jimenez, “but more the depth of social justice, and youth/education care, the impact per person. So I think in our culthat also has an onsite SRO and all of the ture, right, the idea of volume drives a lot of fitness-related activities and equipment it people’s interest.” Jimenez. He would rather make a difference in the lives of had before. a smaller group of individuals Those changes have been drivthan have a less profound effect en by Phillip Jimenez, CEO of on large numbers of people. the local YMCA. When Jimenez “We are really focused on findtook over the leadership of the ing the best way to impact them,” YMCA in May 2014, he had a viadding that he wants the YMCA sion for the future of the Y, and to follow an “evidence-based, noduring his tenure he has shown nonsense approach to really adthe drive and focus to see the vidressing” health issues. sion realized. That transformaThe newest health initiative tion was spurred in part by the PHILLIP JIMENEZ at the YMCA is the “Healthy proliferation of more modern Weight and Your Child Proand for profit fitness facilities and by the necessity of adapting programs gram.” This program is being relaunched this year in collaboration with Lurie Chiland purposes during and after COVID. From the start, Jimenez said he planned dren’s Hospital of Chicago and the Illinois to focus on four main areas: Improving the Health Public Institute. Jimenez grew up in Forest Park not far Marion Street facility, the care of SRO residents, serving the broader community, and from West Cook YMCA, the son of a single creative new ways of dealing with the is- mom who had immigrated from Mexico in sues all nonprofits face (fundraising, build- the 1960s. Jimenez went to overnight camp ing maintenance, membership recruitment, at Camp Douglass/YMCA when he was a kid. The fact that his roots run deep in the leadership development). Ten years on, Jimenez has made progress communities West Cook YMCA serves may in all of these areas, despite the inevitable explain why his vision for West Cook inpandemic interruptions, and continues to cludes not only Oak Park but also those vilmake improvements. Let’s begin with the lages west of the facility (River Forest, MaySRO units, spartan 10 by 10 rooms that the 50 wood, Melrose Park). residents call home. “Thanks to a grant from And also, why he insists on a community Loyola Medicine and also from the Village of integrated health approach. “Your quality of Oak Park, we are upgrading the facilities,” life and quality of health is dramatically imsaid Jimenez. “We upgraded the actual room pacted by the zip code that you live in,” said itself. We did new flooring, new painting, any Jimenez. “So our general approach is to emkind of wall or patch repairing, and all new phasize on those communities that are most features like lights and beds, shades. We went at risk for having gaps or, you know, in some

By JACK HELBIG

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FILE

cases, complete blind spots regarding health. And we wanted to make sure to, as best as we could, eliminate barriers to access.” There are cracks that the current normal nine-to-five system doesn’t accommodate someone who has non-traditional working hours, or doesn’t live near a health care facility, or has a transportation barrier, or has childcare issues. “So what the Y is trying to figure out is how we can meet the person where they’re at,” said Jimenez. “Do you prefer a 6 p.m. session? Do you prefer virtual versus inperson? Great. You need it to be close to where you reside? Great. Those kinds of things are the things that we sort of identify what might be the barriers to a person being successful or able to focus on their health risk. And we’re not saints and we’re not perfect, but we’re trying to reduce some of those barriers.” Another initiative for the YMCA is their school partnership with Districts 89 (Maywood-Melrose Park-Broadview) and 90 (River Forest). The program works year-round, with programs that run in the summertime and after-school during the school year. “If a child is participating in the YMCA program and getting enrichment and enhancements through the Y, that over time, we’re able to show that a Y kid has got a richer support system and perhaps there might be outcomes that you can draw from or infer from.” “We also do third-party social-emotional evaluations to make sure we understand what needs students may have,” said Jimenez. “As we start to see the data come in, we can switch up the curriculum and that allows us to really focus in on what that child needs. So, an outcome that is most recent is this past summer, for the second year in a row, our participants at District 90, who normally you might see a traditional

learning slide of one to two months in the summer of a particular child. With this program, we were able to measure an increase of three months in math and literacy for our kids who participated in the Power Scholar Academy.” This partnership program has recently been extended from just first through fourth grade to a full K to 8 program. The most recent initiative for the YMCA is providing temporary housing for asylum seekers. On Nov. 1 Oak Park’s village government reached out to the Y for housing options and the Y responded. “Our staff and vendor partners really came through,” Jimenez says. “In four days, we remodeled roughly 50 rooms. And people were working nine days and we had vendors respond and work over the weekend in large shifts of four to five installers for flooring.” The asylum seekers arrived at the YMCA on Nov. 9 – 58 individuals, men, women, and children. “They really tested our limits because we’ve never housed women and children,” said Jimenez. “Beyond Hunger has been providing us with food. We’ve bought [digital] translators for them [most of the asylum seekers were from Venezuela and spoke only Spanish] so that they can go out into the community and start exploring the Oak Park community, learning through the translator device that we purchased for them how to engage and do their own shopping. and we really want them to integrate as fully and as quickly as possible. We’re working for the village on educational opportunities for the children, and of course, immigration status and steps and social services that they may need.” The West Cook YMCA of 2023 is truly much more than a local fitness facility with an SRO. It has become, under current leadership, a place for health equity, social justice, and youth/education care.

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Laquanda, pregnant and unhoused, embraced by Housing Forward

aquanda was four months pregnant with her first child when she and her boyfriend broke up. At the time, she was living with the boyfriend’s mother and was asked to leave. She was unemployed and did not have family or friends to turn to for help. She began wandering the streets late last winter. Eventually, she began sleeping at the Maywood Police Department. Research estimates one-in-five women who are experiencing homelessness are pregnant at any given time, almost twice the rate of the general population. Laquanda was connected to Housing Forward’s family support specialists, who focus on the unique needs of families with minor children. They immediately began working with Laquanda, focusing first on

housing. The specialist connected Laquanda to an apartment in Oak Park and financial support for rent assistance and a security deposit through the Village of Oak Park’s flexible housing pool of families and other sources. She was also linked to a parenting program that will provide skill-building and support services throughout her daughter’s first three years. Housing Forward’s community health nurse began providing Laquanda with informational and physical support during pregnancy, birth, and the immediate postpartum period. Laquanda welcomed her baby daughter into her new home on Oct. 15 and is looking forward to spending her first holiday season as a new mother.

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The Collaboration strengthens families like Colleen’s

and their communities, too. his group gave me a supportive Achievements from Parent community Leadership Training alumni during an especially have included advocating for challenging time. I needed and getting an IEP for a child, encouragement and securing a new job with a stable accountability and to know income, getting the whole family I wasn’t alone,” says Colleen, the extra support they need in the Oak Park mother of 5therapy, buying a house, and and 3-year old boys. paying off all credit cards. These achievements are game changers Raising a family is a journey, Colleen snuggling with her two boys for families. and finding space to think beyond the day-to-day isn’t always easy. That’s At the Collaboration for Early Childhood, we where Parent Leadership Training comes in. This know that parents and caregivers are a child’s is a free training for parents and caregivers of first and most important teacher. By empowering young children to organize, prioritize, and create families to advocate for their children and find an action plan to identify and then accomplish fellowship with others with shared experiences, their goals. we create communities where all children can thrive. These can be life goals or goals for the community as a whole. Through this training, To learn more about how the Collaboration participants make a plan and discover a sense of for Early Childhood strengthens families, visit: direction all while cheering on others to become www.collab4kids.org. stronger advocates for themselves, their families,

Housing Forward • 708-338-1724 • housingforward.org

On #GivingTuesday and throughout the holiday season, invest in your community by helping neighbors in housing crisis.

Collaboration for Early Childhood • 708-613-6122 • collab4kids.org

Donate at housingforward.org/give Join our community of giving on Tuesday, November 28 through the end of the year.

“The peace we have inside us is now contagious.” —Maurice, Interim Housing Program Participant

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B14 November 22, 2023

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Housing Forward’s bold future after 30 years of service West suburban non-profit Housing Forward continues its legacy of serving the unhoused

By LEE EDWARDS

I

Contributing Reporter

f 25 years of experience as the executive director of Housing Forward has taught Lynda Schueler anything it is that ending homelessness will cause your organization to evolve and requires widespread community-wide buy-in. Since its inception in 1992, Housing Forward, which was formerly known as Tri-Village PADS, has provided temporary housing and related resources to hundreds of people residing in Oak Park, River Forest and Proviso Township, with the assistance of hundreds of volunteers over the years. Housing Forward has grown immensely since its early days. Schueler said this year’s budget of $14.3 million is the organization’s largest. She said 60 percent of their budget or $8 million is used on their rehousing initiatives. Currently, 600 people volunteer with Housing Forward to support their interim housing and emergency shelter initiatives by providing on-site support and meal prep. However, it was in 2009 that Housing Forward’s leadership decided to take the organization down the path it is currently on. Schueler said in that year a “pivotal” conversation was had among the organization’s board of directors during a strategic planning session that shifted the organization’s directive to focus more on finding interim and permanent solutions to homelessness rather than simply providing a place to sleep in a warm church hall. To accomplish their goal, Housing Forward has taken a multifaceted approach. For starters, Housing Forward has been using a “scatter site” housing model for more than 20 years where the organization partners with multiple private landlords to lease apartment units on behalf of clients. The organization agrees to pay the lease on a yearby-year basis, schedules home visits for their clients with their case workers, and more. “I would say 92% of the people that we serve through that program are at least one year with us and generally renewed with us on an annual basis so they’re stable,” Schueler said. “We have clients that have been with us since 2006.” Schueler said Housing Forward currently has access to 300 units of various types

FILE

Lynda Schueler, executive director of Housing Forward gives remarks at their new emergency shelter’s soft opening at St. Catherine-St. Lucy Church on Jan. 4, 2023. of housing through its scatter site housing initiative with more coming over the next three years. “We are looking to expand on our scatter site model,” she said. “We have a pretty audacious goal. We want to expand that model by 250 units. We are underway in developing partnerships. We have 82 new units of housing that we will be bringing online next year.” In addition to the scatter site housing options, Housing Forward broke ground last April on its own permanent housing facility, a 16-unit apartment project in Broadview along the Roosevelt Road corridor. The handsome project is projected to be completed in the first half of 2024. Schueler said she had several conversations with Broadview mayor Katrina Thompson about partnership opportunities prior to the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 before they finally came to an agreement on the apartment construction project. “Mayor Katrina Thompson was nothing less than welcoming to us. She understands the value of the work we are doing. She understands affordable housing and that it is not always about building luxury apartment units,” said Schueler. “She really understands the need to get people into stable

housing. She was very welcoming and that’s why we are developing in Broadview. She didn’t make it hard for us. Oftentimes there are communities that make it hard.” Thompson said in a separate interview that Broadview has a “healthy” relationship with Housing Forward. “It’s healthy because we are talking

about humanity and they are out there doing the work that caters to the human spirit, that gives people hope that they can live somewhere safe,” said Thompson. Although Housing Forward has made an incalculable impact in the lives of many unhoused individuals and those who are at risk of being unhoused in the western suburbs, Schueler said a dearth of local affordable housing and systemic issues like racism and classism help exacerbate the issues unhoused individuals and people atrisk of being unhoused face. “One of the major causes of homelessness beyond not having enough affordable housing is fractured and broken systems that exist between the public health system and the criminal justice system. Those are systems that have structures that don’t always interface with organizations like Housing Forward,” said Schueler. “I would also say that the overlay of inequities in our system harkens back to days of redlining, segregating people into certain communities, and not having access to resources to help communities thrive,” said Schueler. Individuals interested in volunteering with Housing Forward should visit their website, complete a volunteer application, and wait for contact with the organization’s volunteer manager.

Agency jumps in for migrants In examples of being nimble, Housing Forward has also responded to two developing housing needs in the communities. The organization recently relaunched a 15-bed emergency overnight shelter. This time it is housed every night in the former rectory at St. Catherine-St. Lucy Church, Austin and Washington boulevards in Oak Park. And Housing Forward has leapt into providing a range of services to recent South American migrants now receiving temporary housing in Oak Park under the auspices of the village of Oak Park and with the assistance of many volunteers. The individuals and families are sheltered at both the West Cook YMCA and at the Carleton Hotel.

FILE

Former rectory at St. Catherine-St. Lucy Church

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Crystal broke cycle of abuse with Sarah’s Inn

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control. They worked together to create a physical and emotional safety plan. Her advocate was also able to provide her with guidance and resources on how to advocate for herself at work, as the harassment was interfering with her ability to work.

rystal began working with a Sarah’s Inn advocate after experiencing physical, emotional, and verbal abuse from her boyfriend for over 6 years. When she fled the relationship and tried to seek safety in a family member’s home, he continued to call and text her. When she would not respond to his messages, he began sharing private information with their friends and family. He would “love bomb” her by sending her gifts to the family member’s home and would enlist friends to do “wellness checks” on her. With her Sarah’s Inn advocate, they began to talk through the cycle of violence. She learned how perpetrators of violence use power and

Crystal is now beginning to heal after years of abuse. She has found support from her family and employer, which has allowed her to begin the next chapter of her life free from violence. Sarah’s Inn has provided this help since 1980 and works with people in Chicago and the western suburbs.

Sarah’s Inn • 708-386-3305 • sarahsinn.org Sponsored Content

‘I get more than I give’ How L’Arche becomes extended family

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hen Rose Mattax was a child, she treasured the idea of a neighborhood being a close-knit community where people looked out for each other, spent time together, and supported each other. In her adulthood, she longed for that connection with her neighbors. Everything changed when L’Arche Chicago bought the house across the street. Shortly after L’Arche moved in, Rose received a knock on her door. Jean, a core member resident, and an assistant brought over home-baked cookies, marking the start of many new friendships. Over the past eight years, these connections have grown into cherished traditions and lasting memories. L’Arche provides integrated homes for adults with intellectual disabilities. Every Wednesday, Rose sits across from Noah, another core member, at the L’Arche Chicago dining table, ready for their weekly game of Uno.

This gathering is a highlight for everyone, with new players often joining in. On less frequent occasions, Jean will get a hankering for a nonalcoholic beer, and Rose gladly accompanies her to O’Sullivan’s in Forest Park. Jean’s wit and humor never fail to charm the server, making these outings truly special. Rose’s home has transformed into what the community fondly calls the “L’Arche Annex.” For many of the young assistants, moving into Rose’s upstairs apartment is a significant step as they prepare for the next chapter in their lives. This maintains the sense of community – friendship, support and mutual growth. “I couldn’t have imagined the joy that L’Arche as a neighbor would bring into our lives. I treasure every moment of these invaluable friendships. Life is better with L’Arche as a neighbor.” For that reason, Rose is known to always extend invitations for others to join the L’Arche community.

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

LIFE IS BETTER TOGETHER

At L’Arche Chicago, supporting adults with disabilities includes valuing the strong, meaningful bonds that form when you build friendships within the community. You are invited to be a part of our community and see the difference that is made when we all experience life together.

Learn more and join us by making a gift today. larchechicago.org | 708-660-1600 | hello@larchechicago.org

B16 November 22, 2023

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Season of Giving presented by

ive a gift that will change a life.

From now through December 31st, when you make a contribution online, your gift will be matched by generous donors through our annual Hephzibah Holiday Challenge. Double your gift today!

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Gabriel, a foster child, finds stability at Hephzibah

Gabriel knew he needed help. He also knew who would help him — Hephzibah. Hephzibah staff helped Gabriel find an alternative graduation program to help him get his diploma. Knowing the program suited him better, he was able to graduate and now looks forward to his future. Gabriel also made the choice to remain in Hephzibah’s care until he’s ready to become fully independent, much like a parent does for their child.

AD IN VA EQ CL N CO UI US CIN M TA IV G M B E UN LE IT IE S

or 19-year-old Gabriel, a Hephzibah foster child, life was a roller coaster growing up in the child welfare system. Gabriel would encounter frequent twists and turns along his path, and this included many foster homes along the way. Life is not easy for foster kids, and instability can wreak havoc in their life. One thing was always consistent in Gabriel’s life, and that was Hephzibah Children’s Association.

Hephzibah works hard to teach children that they have the potential to do great things, and be great people, no matter what twists and turns their path takes them on. We know that with the right amount of nurturing care, every child has the opportunity to flourish and thrive.

for Joshua, who struggled with his emotions. ife is hard for foster children. With no One way found to keep Joshua calm was time consistent parent or home, they move with a Junior Counselor (JC) named Max. frequently. They switch schools, they say goodbye to friends — they even say goodbye The JC program allows older campers more to siblings. It’s painful to responsibility, and helping imagine, but its reality for younger campers is part foster children. of their role. Joshua and Max bonded right away. Hephzibah Children’s Max readily gave up his Association works counselor privilege of hard to comfort and staying up later, to help nurture children, finding Joshua settle to sleep when creative ways, like Camp he struggled with bedtime. HepSIBah, to support With Max’s help, Joshua was them. This camp reunites able to sleep, stay calmer, siblings separated in Campers and Junior Counselor at Camp HepSIBah and focus more on enjoying foster care for four days time with his brother. of fun and adventure each summer. Camp HepSIBah also allows children the freedom to be Joshua and his brother enjoyed time together at themselves with other foster kids and helps them camp making life-long memories. Max learned strengthen broken family bonds. that a true leader puts the needs of others first — none of which would have happened without Six-year-old Joshua, a Hephzibah foster child, Hephzibah. couldn’t wait to reunite with his older brother at camp last summer. However, camp was tough

NG I C VE N A SI LE ES V AD CLU TAB NITI IN QUI MU E OM C

Gabriel faced many challenges in foster care -mostly at school. Frequent changes to his home life resulted in frequent school disruptions, and traditional school became nearly impossible for him. He suffered emotionally, and therefore his grades suffered. Eventually failing out of school in his senior year,

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Hepzibah’s Camp HepSIBah brings foster kids back together

Hephzibah Children’s Association • 708-649-7100 • hephzibahhome.org

Hephzibah Children’s Association • 708-649-7100 • hephzibahhome.org

ADVANCING INCLUSIVE EQUITABLE COMMUNITIES

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I was living in Wisconsin and wanted to move into Chicagoland area. I went out to visit apartments through the OPRHC GUIDE service, with Gretchen, to find a new Home. I wanted to move here for a new job and to be close to my girlfriend. I needed to be close to the CTA Greenline for his new employment. While we were out,in I fell in love with aand greatwanted apartmenttoin move an owner occupied 2-Flat in the area. Austin Community. I was living Wisconsin into Chicagoland It was an affordable, spacious, two-bedroom apartment with a yard and a parking spot available. I went out to visit apartments through the OPRHC GUIDE service, with Gretchen, I moved in on 11/3/2023 and love with the Chicago neighborhood just east of the Village of Oak Park! The team at OPRHC providedto great service, knows theacommunities well, and howclose to work landlord! to find a new Home. I wanted move here for new job and to be towith mythe girlfriend. -Karl

I needed to be close to the CTA Greenline for his new employment.

Tis the season! Help us continue to help others! oprhc.org/donate • info@oprhc.org

While we were out, I fell in love with a great apartment in an owner occupied 2ͲFlat in the Austin Community. It was an affordable, spacious, twoͲbedroom apartment with a yard and a parking spot available.

I moved in on 11/3/2023 and love with the Chicago neighborhood just east of the Village of Oak Park!

B18 November 22, 2023

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At the Conservatory, travel the world right here in Oak Park

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id you know you can travel the world right here in Oak Park? For over 90 years, the Oak Park Conservatory has invited guests to explore the lush showrooms and gardens of our diverse Conservatory collection. From Madagascar to Turkey and South Africa to Japan, visitors can discover plants representing six continents. Since 1986, The Friends of the Conservatory has offered docent-guided tours of the Oak Park Conservatory. The tours are tailored to each grade level and focused on science and horticulture, climate, and geography. Natural Wonders Await Over the years thousands of students have learned about the difference in rainfall between tropical, Mediterranean, and desert regions. They have learned about plant defense mechanisms, water retention, and how plants are a food source

for a wide array of creatures. Maybe most importantly, they are inspired to explore places beyond where they live and to understand how they can be stewards of the earth. Nature Education for All Last fall, we were delighted to welcome 5th graders from a school in Cicero for a tour. We asked the students when they arrived if they had ever been to the Conservatory -- not a single hand was raised! This was the first school to use the newly launched Tour Grant program. We invite you to help expand our efforts to reach residents from surrounding communities with new opportunities and programs. Please help sustain The Friends and the historic Conservatory by supporting us today. For more information about tours, volunteer opportunities, supporting us financially, or becoming a member, please visit fopcon.org.

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Bobby benefits from ACT Hub’s lasting impact

eet Bobby, a recent high school graduate and participant in the Austin Community Hub’s youth programming. It’s run by Dollie Sherman, engagement specialist at Austin Coming Together (ACT). When Bobby was in middle school, he was held back a year. His Chicago school wanted to hold him an additional year as they felt he could not succeed in his current grade level. When Dollie Sherman caught wind of the situation she knew she had to take action on Bobby’s behalf. She met with his principal to articulate just how detrimental the decision would be for a young African American man. She argued that not only would it set him back academically, but it would adversely impact his future beyond high school. As a result of

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

Sherman’s persistent contact with school officials, Bobby was able to re-test and was ultimately placed back in his original grade level. Bobby became a regular participant in Dollie Sherman’s youth programming, including restorative justice activities and peace circles. These experiences had a positive impact on him and his ability to form bonds with others. Bobby felt his involvement with peace circles not only gave him the opportunity to meet other youth, but also connect with them on a deeper level. Following his graduation, Bobby continues to work to support himself with the hope of starting college soon. He is grateful for ACT and believes their support instilled in him many essential life lessons. He hopes Mrs. Sherman will continue to reach youth across the West Side.

Austin Coming Together • 773-417-8601 • austincomingtogether.org Sponsored Content

This holiday Emily will have a turkey thanks to Beyond Hunger

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t Beyond Hunger the mission revolves around more than just providing healthy and nutritious groceries. It is about creating a relationship with clients that reminds them that our community will always be there for them. As the cost of groceries continues to rise and federal benefits remain difficult to navigate, Beyond Hunger is a steadfast pillar of warmth and familiarity for those that come to the nonprofit. One of the most impactful ways Beyond Hunger completes this mission is with holiday foods including turkeys. A lot of turkeys are delivered to clients during the holiday season. Clients like Emily are particularly grateful. “I actually cannot remember the last time I was able to have turkey for the holidays. I am excited

to receive one in November. I do not know where else I would be able to get one,” she said. Beyond Hunger’s work is only possible with community support. With the generosity of a connected community, the organization can continue to forge the path toward a hungerfree future. Emily’s story is a testament that your contribution, no matter how big or small, can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. Together, this community can create a future where every family enjoys a nourishing meal during the holidays. Keep the community connected and Beyond Hunger’s pantry shelves stocked. Donate today and learn more at www. gobeyondhunger.org

Beyond Hunger • 708-386-1324 • gobeyondhunger.org

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B20 November 22, 2023

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Your ART-venture starts at Maywood Fine Arts

aywood Fine Arts is the first stop for hundreds of students each year on an artistic journey which can last them a lifetime. Children who pass through its doors discover a safe space where they can explore their creativity and build their self-confidence. No matter the class -- whether it’s dance, tumbling, visual arts, music, drama or karate -MFA provides its students with an affordable ticket to anywhere and everywhere. Chloe is a dance student who is thrilled to be adding both tumbling and visual arts class stamps to her MFA Passport. Being able to fully explore her creative world is only possible thanks to MFA’s affordable tuition and scholarships! Nathaniel was just named the Assistant Musical Conductor of the National Tour for “MJ, The

Musical.” He began his MFA art-venture at the age of six but has never forgotten his musical roots and loves coming home so he can jam with his MFA music mentor, Mr. Carter. Nia recently completed an internship at Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Nia began her journey of excellence at MFA where she began dancing and tumbling at age 4 and served as a GOTS Youth Leader all the way through high school. Who knows how far she can fly thanks to her years at MFA. MFA students are going places. Help them stamp their passports with new classes, special performances, recitals, and all kinds of “Artventures” through your generous giving. Every child deserves a ticket to the ARTS!

Maywood Fine Arts • 708-865-0301 • maywoodfinearts.org Sponsored Content

Multiple instruments, multiple bands for Hailie thanks to PING!

Psychiatry Appointments Available Call today to schedule! (708) 383-7500 Our team offers an integrated and holistic approach to psychiatry and medication management. We accept Medicaid, Medicare, and most insurance plans.

THE GIFT OF HOPE We envision a world where mental health is valued, proactively nurtured, and in reach of everyone. All are welcome at Thrive. Our services are accessible to everyone regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, legal status, beliefs, or ability.

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esilience. Confidence. Passion. All characteristics that Hailie and her grandmother, Hildegard, use to describe the impact PING! has had on Hailie, making her “who she is today,” according to Hildegarde. Hailie began playing flute, a band instrument, in 4th grade at Lincoln Elementary in River Forest. But, unlike other young musicians, she soon began learning violin too, part of the orchestra. Both instruments were supplied to her by PING! (Providing Instruments for the Next Generation). Hailie later undertook cello, and plays piccolo when needed, like for this season’s OPRFHS Marching Huskies, where she also serves as flute section leader. “Hailie backs down from no challenge,” says Hildegarde. Her “intellect blossomed and matured through the music program.” Hailie participated in PING’s Mentor Program as a Roosevelt middle

schooler and takes weekly private lessons, funded by PING!, as an OPRF student. Hildegarde says instrumental music and PING! programming has increased Hailie’s self-confidence. “When she was younger, she didn’t have this type of confidence,” says Hildegarde. She sees Hailie’s confidence carry over socially and academically, too. Hailie has participated in musical opportunities from solo recitals through her cello teacher to improvising on flute in Jazz at OPRF, to traveling to Memphis and New Orleans on the OPRF performing arts trip, spring 2023, to embarking with the Marching Huskies for the Thanksgiving Parde at Disney World this month, to enrolling in both curricular band and orchestra at school even though she was first told it could not be done. “If you have a passion to do something, you will achieve it,” says Hailie.

PING! • 708-524-3001 • pingoprf.org

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COMMUNITIES ADVANCING INCLUSIVE G 22, 2023 B21 November ADVANCIN EQUITABLE INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES EQUITABLEING

Season of Giving presented by Sponsored Content

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Charlie’s perseverance makes him an OK Warrior

First to the day program and finally back to his place on the line in the Knockout Kitchen!

pportunity Knocks believes that individuals who face the challenge of living with intellectual and developmental differences are Warriors. OK also believes in interdependence. Warriors build communities and communities build Warriors.

Look no further than Charlie O to see those beliefs in action. One of OK’s Original Warriors, Charlie has been a part of every OK event and program since we opened the doors in 2010. He is a beloved and valued member of the OK family. Charlie lost his mom this year. The loss was devastating. He suffered through the grief and withdrew from his OK connections during that time. With time, and some encouragement from his OK Family, he began a slow return.

He has been a huge part of the rebuild of the Knockout Enterprise team that has reactivated the production line, restored pickle production to pre-COVID numbers, launched a new series of pop-ups and farmed the best season yet on the Knockout Farm! He is part of the amazing group that have been hired & re-hired to total 13 current Warriors at Work. The work continues as OK reenvisions the strategy of the Knockout Kitchen. At Opportunity Knocks, we envision an inclusive community where all individuals experience access, presence and support. Your support will help us continue to build that community. Please consider a contribution.

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

IT’S ALL IN THE NAME When life is work, Life is Work is here. Stemming from the opportunities presented to us on the West Side, particularly in the Austin neighborhood, LIW has been serving the needs of our neighbors since 2017. As time has evolved, our services have expanded in an effort to meet community needs. However, there is more to be done. Since our inception, our definition of "community" has grown, starting with Black and Brown trans individuals, and expanding to work with our neighbors of all backgrounds. Life is Work is hope.

B22 November 22, 2023

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The Joyf Joyful Giving 2023 Catalo atalog g A House In Austin A House In Austin stands as a dual nurturing hub on Chicago’s west side, empowering parents and children simultaneously, igniting transformation within the community. Children gather here to explore art, music, play, and learning, laying the foundation for their future. Simultaneously, parents find a supportive space for connection, and personal and parental development. Through our home visiting program, essentials like diapers, clothing, transportation, and emergency aid, ensure families’ basic needs are met. With partnerships with Early Intervention and Children’s Research Triangle, therapy and mental health support are accessible, completing the circle of care. AHIA radiates warmth, enveloping families in an environment where they can truly thrive, side by side. For more information call/ text 773.896.3582 or to support our mission please visit www.ahouseinaustin. org

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 1,300 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.

Everything you need for a better world: • More Art • More Compassion

• More Education • More Equity

• More Food • More Health

• More Housing • More Peace

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

Arts Alliance Forest Park Creativity is for everyone and Arts Alliance Forest Park (formerly Forest Park Arts Alliance) is The Catalyst for Creativity. Programs include the well-attended and known Stoop Sessions, Teller’s Night, Garage Galleries, Makers’ Market and Fiber Flash. Members enjoy a variety of benefits including discounts to events, advanced notice to opportunities to showcase your talent, all while collaborating with other local organizations and businesses including Forest Park Theatre, the Park District and Historical Society. You were born creative. Join the only Forest Park arts organization that assembles like-minded art enthusiasts for the love, fun and beauty of art.

Beyond Hunger For 45 years Beyond Hunger has been harnessing the power of communities to create a hunger-free future. Through our food pantry, home delivery program, nutrition education classes, and social services, we provide hunger relief that truly goes beyond basic nourishment. We provide our clients with the tools they need to ensure that no one is left behind in the battle against hunger. We know that this work would not be possible without our community. Whether you volunteer, advocate for those in need, or donate, you are essential in moving our mission forward. With your support, we believe hunger is solvable. Learn more about how you can get involved in the fight to end hunger by visiting gobeyondhunger. org or donating using this QR Code.

Austin Coming Together Austin Coming Together (ACT)’s mission is to increase the collective impact of our 50+ member organizations on improving education and economic development outcomes for Chicago’s Austin community. Since 2010, we’ve been connecting residents to services, attracting investments for the community, and building capacity for policy change. When the pandemic made long-standing inequities even worse, we started addressing growing needs through efforts like the Austin Eats Initiative, a 20+ group focused on strengthening the community’s food access infrastructure. Learn how Austin is leading efforts to move forward together, and how you can support, at AustinComingTogether.org/AustinCares

BUILD Since 1969, we have embedded mentors in schools and across neighborhoods to connect with youth who need support. Wrapping young people in the opportunities and care they deserve, we help them build hope, resilience, and a path to a promising future. We engage youth at every stage, with specialized teams dedicated to street violence interventions, gang detachments, creative after-school programming, academic school, 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: www. buildchicago.org

The Collaboration for Early Childhood Early care and education is the workforce behind the workforce. It makes everything else possible, and it allows children to reach their full potential from day one. We are a community-driven organization that cultivates the development of the whole child, birth to age five, by engaging families, local organizations, early childhood educators, caregivers, and health providers to create equitable, nurturing, and interconnected systems of support. Donate today to ensure that our community continues to be a place where families and their babies have the care, relationships, and resources needed to thrive! The biggest change starts with the smallest people. Invest in early childhood. Learn more and donate at www.collab4kids.org.

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, it now offers more than 100 areas of study through traditional, blended or online classes. Students can earn a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees 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.

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Season of Giving presented by Sponsored Content

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At Concordia nursing is truly a work of heart

and hospital-based clinical oncordia University rotations. Chicago began an undergraduate This rigorous program will Bachelor of Science in Nursing prepare students to serve on (BSN) this fall, with all four the front lines of health care years taught exclusively on and take on the daily challenges the Concordia-Chicago of a rewarding career caring campus. The third floor of for others. Through robust the Christopher Center was theoretical and experiential fully renovated into the new learning, students will meet 4,500-square-foot simulation Concordia University Chicago’s new nursing the eligibility requirements program and simulation lab. lab, built specifically for the necessary to gain licensure as a program. It is a bright and registered nurse generalist. airy modern space dedicated to providing “I am incredibly excited to begin offering real-world nursing and medical-based learning this program to students who are called to opportunities that mirror those seen in the the profession of nursing. These future BSNs hospital setting. It features a skills attainment will be catalysts of change in today’s health lab, multispecialty intensive care spaces, a health care environment,” says CUC nursing director assessment-learning center and a simulated Kristen Bayer, MSN, APN, FNP-C. home environment. Each space is complete Prospective students interested in learning with state-of-the-art, lifelike patient simulators, more about the program, touring the new realistic practice models and hospital-grade simulation center and meeting the program equipment, to close the gap between coursework director should visit CUChicago.edu/nursing.

Concordia University Chicago • 708-771-8300 • cuchicago.edu Sponsored Content

One book at a time, one reader at a time, Our Future Reads empowers people

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ur Future Reads has flourished thanks to the support from people in Chicago’s western suburbs. These are people who embody the local spirit of unity and support. Our Future Reads champions literature as a means to empower curious minds, tackling literacy accessibility challenges and touching lives profoundly. Linda, confined to a medical respite center, found solace and escape in the pages of an Agatha Christie novel provided by Our Future Reads. “It was as if I traveled to a different world, one where my physical constraints didn’t define me,” she says. Similarly, Daryll, a shelter frequenter, found spiritual support in the books he received. “These books have been my anchor, guiding me through tough times,” he says. Our Future Reads has positively impacted over 3,000 individuals and families, with more than 9,000 books donated to those in need. This is a testament to the community’s commitment to ensuring access to literature for all, regardless of their background or circumstances.

The stories of Linda and Daryll are just two examples of the organization’s significant impact. They highlight the power of books to provide comfort, escape, and spiritual support, fulfilling the mission of Our Future Reads. As we continue to support this vital cause, let us fuel the flames of curiosity and ensure everyone has the right to access the vast world contained within books. The future of Our Future Reads, backed by the unwavering support of Chicago’s Western Suburban community, looks bright and promising.

Our Future Reads • 773-969-9676 • ourfuturereads.com

A 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. Join us for

Service of Lessons and Carols

Concordia-Chicago’s Christmas tradition, featuring scripture readings, choral music and congregational singing in celebration of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Saturday, Dec. 2nd at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3rd at 4 p.m. Pre-service music begins 20 minutes prior to the start times listed above.

Located in the Chapel of Our Lord Parking and Admission are free; seating is first-come, first-served.

7400 Augusta St. River Forest, IL 60305 (708) 771-8300 CUChicago.edu

B24 November 22, 2023

Season of Giving presented by Sponsored Content

In time of loss, BUILD gathered in ‘Zara’ and ‘Dee’

“Z

ara” was in elementary school when she lost her father to gun violence. She had lost her mother earlier. Her loving grandmother “Dee” took her in, but they both struggled with their grief and trauma. She was failing at school when her teachers reached out to BUILD. A BUILD therapist came to Zara’s school, and they started working together there. And soon, with focused care she began to stabilize and reconnect. Dee saw this effect firsthand and was soon in therapy at BUILD herself. More services were added. A case worker helped Dee secure things like new furniture, winter coats and clothes. They also helped her reapply to public assistance programs that had previously rejected her. Dee and Zara are on their way to a more hopeful future.

Potential doesn’t discriminate — opportunity does. Every young person has the right to discover, explore, and fulfill that potential. So, BUILD wraps young people in choice and opportunity. Opportunities to try things out, find out what they like, and who they are. Meet new people, gain hope and inspiration. BUILD helps them figure out what kind of life they want to build, then helps them make that plan: setting goals for school, health, training and work. We support them with scholarships and emergency funds when we can, look out for their families when they go away to college. And just as important, we help them have fun, and start loving themselves. After all, we don’t only want them to have a diploma, or a job. We want them to have a whole positive future.

BUILD • 773-227-2880 • buildchicago.org

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November 22, 2023 B25

Season of Giving presented by

The Day Nursery The Oak Park & River Forest Day Nursery, located at 1139 Randolph Street in Oak Park, educates young children ages 2 ½ to age 6, and offers working families a safe and nurturing environment which fosters an academic, social emotional, and physical development. The Day Nursery children who transitioned to kindergarten this fall, 100% met the benchmarks for social-emotional and 91% met the benchmarks for mathematics and literacy. Please consider a tax-deductible gift to help us meet a $50,000 challenge grant that will provide equitable access to education for all children. Visit www.daynursery.org to donate today. Thank you.

Deborah’s Place Deborah’s Place has opened doors of opportunity for women experiencing homelessness in Chicago since 1985. Supportive housing offers women the key to healing and moving on from the experience of homelessness. With more than 200 units of housing and over 600 women served yearly, Deborah’s Place is the largest provider of permanent supportive housing in Chicago exclusively for unaccompanied women. With homelessness at crisis levels across our community, Deborah’s Place is there to address the unique and underserved needs of women experiencing homelessness. Donor support makes it possible for women to maintain their housing and achieve their goals. To learn more, volunteer, or donate, visit deborahsplace.org, email info@ deborahsplace.org or call 773.722.5080

Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park 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 60303-2222.

Forest Park Theatre Forest Park Theatre (FPT) delivers language-centered, meta-theatrical, multi-disciplinary, lingual, and cultural performances that create 21st century classics that speak to theatre’s unique power. FPT believes theatre should be accessible to everyone. It should feature diverse casts. Theatre should tell stories that cannot be told any other way, and those stories should be about today’s world. FPT brings theatre arts to Forest Park and neighboring communities through productions, readings and educational programs. FPT is a non-profit through affiliation with Arts Alliance Forest Park, and a member of the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce. For sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, email forestparktheatre1@ gmail.com

Frank Lloyd Wright Trust The Trust is proud to steward Wright’s Home and Studio, an Oak Park treasure and longtime source of community pride and inspiration. We are continually grateful for the ongoing support of our neighbors. It is only through the generosity of donors, members and volunteers who care that we can preserve Wright’s original sites for future generations, sharing his design legacy with visitors from around the world. The Trust will celebrate its 50 th anniversary in 2024 and looks forward to engaging, educating, and inspiring for years to come. Learn more or donate at flwright.org. 951 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302

Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory Built in 1929, the Oak Park Conservatory is a Historic Property of the Park District of Oak Park. Free to the public with 50,000 visitors annually, the Conservatory is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Conservatory offers three indoor showrooms featuring more than 3,000 plants and two outdoor gardens including a play area for toddlers. The Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory offers a wide range of programs focused on enriching the visitor experience at the Conservatory. From volunteering to educational and recreational opportunities, tours and classes, there is something for everyone to enjoy year-round. To learn more or to join, visit fopcon.org.

Growing Community Media

Growing Community Media connects residents through reader-supported journalism--our stories are based in facts, rooted deeply in our neighborhoods and reflective of voices not always heard. Through the Austin Weekly News, Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest, Forest Park Review, and Riverside-Brookfield Landmark, GCM provides a vital civic service worthy of public support. Our journalists tell compelling stories that strengthen the fabric of our democracy by holding local governments and institutions to account. GCM’s non-profit news sources grow political engagement, create shared culture, and connect community members to businesses and local events. It’s about more than news. Donate for news that matters to you at growingcommunitymedia. org/donate

Hephzibah Children’s Association Founded in 1897, Hephzibah Children’s Association is Oak Park’s oldest social service agency. Serving children and families for over 125 years, Hephzibah’s mission of helping children thrive and families flourish is muti-faceted. We offer a residential treatment program for severely

abused, neglected, and traumatized children and those in need of behavioral intervention ages 3-11. In addition, Hepzibah offers foster care services, comprehensive services for children and families in crisis, positive parenting services and an abuse & neglect prevention program. Hephzibah also provides affordable after-school care and summer camp for Oak Park families of all income levels. To make a donation, visit: hephzibahhome.org/donate-now/

Housing Forward

homelessness.

Housing Forward is passionately focused on one vision – ending

Housing Forward is a recognized leader in suburban Cook County offering a coordinated response for people experiencing a housing crisis to quickly resolve their situation. We believe in bold, comprehensive approaches to prevent homelessness whenever possible, respond to people in housing crises, and create stability through permanent housing for the most vulnerable members of our community. Each year we assist more than 2,000 individuals and families with comprehensive, wrap-around support from the onset of a financial or housing crisis to its resolution. To learn more, donate, or to get involved, visit housingforward.org, email development@ housingforward.org, or call 708.338.1724

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B26 November 22, 2023

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Invest in equity and Oak Park’s future at the library

hen you make a tax-deductible donation to the Oak Park Public Library, you’re investing in your community. You’re helping us put “the icing on the cake,” with innovative new programs and unique library initiatives available to everyone. What does this “icing” look like? For one, it’s being able to borrow a sewing machine, or a telescope, or a tennis racket from your library, thanks to our newly launched Library of Things collection. It’s the delight on Oak Parkers’ faces when they see our Book Bike out and about at schools, parks, community events, food pantry sites and more, reaching residents of all ages who may not have been able to access our services and collections otherwise. It’s even the kids we’ve seen ignore the bounce house at their block party, in favor of

spending more time with the Book Bike! Both the in-demand Library of Things collection and our wildly popular Book Bike were made possible by donations. And next year, we will be rolling out a new electric Book Bike, also funded by generous donations, that will expand our outreach even further and help us bring the joy of reading to more families and foster even more community engagement. Your donations empower us to build new connections, increase access to our services and resources, and strengthen relationships within our community. By giving to the library, you are helping us create a more connected, informed and engaged community. Together, we can make a lasting impact. Learn more at oppl.org/give.

Oak Park Public Library • 708-383-8200 • oppl.org

nning Award-wi ! Orchestra inary Extraord Music! our Here in y unity! own comm Celebrating our 92nd Season!

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

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Dominique finds strength, stability at New Moms

ominique knows how important it is to have a community of support when life is overwhelming. Before she found New Moms, she and her son had slept in cars and foreclosed apartments just to find safety and comfort for a night. For the last two years in New Moms’ housing program, Dominique has worked closely with New Moms coaches. “What really impacted me in this program is Ms. Carolyn and Ms. Teneca. They treated me with respect and nurtured me. … When I thought I had no one in my corner, I always had them. I’m forever grateful for them.” These supportive relationships with her coaches provided mental and emotional slack so she could focus on achieving her goals. Dominique took steps to secure stable housing with Carolyn,

New Moms housing locator. Dominique recently signed a lease to a townhome in the neighborhood where she grew up, just 30 minutes away from her grandmother! Dominique accomplished her next major goal of finding employment. She now works at Potbelly Sandwiches, where she got a raise and was promoted to floor manager. Dominique acknowledges that New Moms supported her mentally, physically, and emotionally, providing a sense of security during her journey to build a thriving future. Dominique is excited about having a stable home and enjoying simple pleasures with her son, like hosting sleepovers, playdates, and cooking. Reflecting on her growth during her time at New Moms, Dominique shares, “I’m stronger than ever and will never let fear control me again. Thank you, New Moms!”

New Moms • 773-252-3253 • newmoms.org

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November 22, 2023 B27

Season of Giving presented by

KIDS TOO

Learning Edge Tutoring

KIDS TOO is a non profit that equips parents with methods to protect K-12 youth from overlooked dangers in schools. The organization addresses tough challenges like predatory adults, child on child abuse and online safety with a goal to provide all kids with a trauma-free school experience. KIDS TOO delivers on the mission by supporting policy and educating parents with its marquee program, the PAXA Pointers Curriculum. We invite you to bring KIDS TOO one step closer to our child protection goals by donating online at www.kidstoo.org/ donate.

For over 30 years, Learning Edge Tutoring (formerly Cluster Tutoring Program) has been a part of the Oak Park and Austin communities. Our mission is to strive for more equity in education by providing Chicago area students who live in underserved communities free one-to-one tutoring and academic enrichment opportunities enhanced by caring, mentoring relationships. We help our students improve their foundational reading and math skills, provide homework help, and foster enduring relationships. Your support provides 30 weeks of school year tutoring to students in Kindergarten through 12th grades. To donate or volunteer, please visit our website https://learningedgetutoring.org/.

L’arche Chicago Life is better together… Quality care for adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities extends beyond the basics of supporting someone with their basic living and medical needs. It’s about creating opportunities to say, “I’m living my best life” and mean it! L’Arche Chicago is committed to the highest quality of care for our core members (adults with disabilities), and our intentional community makes it possible for us to experience life to the fullest, together. Mutual relationships transform lives at all three of our homes, located in Forest Park and the Austin neighborhood of Chicago. Our fourth home, located in Oak Park, will open in the summer of 2024 when we will welcome four new core members. You make our community stronger – Join us by making a gift today! www. larchechicago.org | 708-660-1600 hello@larchechicago.org

Life is Work Elevate your impact Life is Work Resources Center, a dynamic black trans-led social services and advocacy organization. We are dedicated to empowering transgender, non-binary people through direct support, relentless activism, and unyielding advocacy. Our mission is rooted in equality, inclusion, and empowerment. With a deep commitment to the trans community, we offer vital resources, mentorship, and a strong voice for change. Together, we amplify the voices that need to be heard, ensuring that no one is left behind. Join us on our mission to create a world where everyone can thrive, regardless of their gender identity or racial background. Life is Work – together, we rise. Learn more at lifeiswork.org.

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Maywood Fine Arts Equity in the arts is the driving force behind Maywood Fine Arts’ programs and people. Access to affordable, high-quality instruction in dance, music, visual arts, drama, tumbling, karate and fitness cannot be taken for granted among families MFA serves from nearby, under-resourced communities such as Maywood, Bellwood, and Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. MFA, whose facilities anchor downtown Maywood, serves over 950 students each week between the ages of 4 and 18 with the majority being young people of color. Families count on MFA’s safe, nurturing out-of-school time environment where children learn artistic and social skills and expand their world view. To donate, visit maywoodfinearts.org or send checks payable to Maywood Fine Arts, 25 N 5th Ave, Maywood, IL 60153.

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.

New Moms For 40 years, New Moms has invested in the beauty and power of being a mother. For moms 24 years or younger, it starts by building confidence in what’s possible. Our comprehensive approach provides housing, paid job training, college success, and family support for those impacted by systemic and structural barriers. Designed to cultivate each person’s inherent abilities, we combine behavioral research, proven methodology, and real-world experience to give young families a path to lasting success and generational change. Join us in this essential work! Visit newmoms.org/season

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association 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. Our Monday programs are now being live-streamed as well as available a week later on our website for all to enjoy. 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 donations at nineteenthcentury.org.

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

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

B28 November 22, 2023

Special Advertising Section

Season of Giving presented by Sponsored Content

Maya’s journey from homelessness to Deborah’s Place brought peace

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borah's Place, independent apartments areapartments paired with with At Deborah's Place, Place, independent apartments are paired At Deborah’s independent are wrap-around services and dedicated case management, paired with services and dedicated around services andwrap-around dedicated case management, case management, empowering women set and empowering women to set and achieve their goals. The wering women to set and achieve their goals. The to theiraopens goals. foundation of home opens foundation home world of possibility. ation of achieve homeofopens worldaThe of possibility. a world of possibility.

aya* lived under a viaduct and used a donated tent for shelter. At night, she struggled to stay awake to protect her body and belongings. Maya sometimes stayed at an overnight shelter when she could get there before the shelter was full and the doors closed. It was an extremely stressful and traumatic time in her life. When an outreach worker approached her about moving from the tent into an apartment, Maya said, “Yes!” She was connected to Deborah’s Place and through its Rapid Rehousing program, her case manager helped Maya identify an apartment and complete all the paperwork for her lease and a subsidy. Now, in

her own apartment with a warm bed, stove and bathroom, Maya feels ready to move toward her goals of finding a job and improving her health. For 38 years, Deborah’s Place has provided homes to thousands of women on the West Side. Last year they served more than 600 women. “There’s so much peace here. … I have more sense of peace. I am much calmer and in my own space. My mental health is in a stable place; even my spirit is settled. What I mean by settled is, I don’t have to worry about where I will sleep tonight or if I can get back into the shelter. Hey, it’s just peace,” says Maya. *This resident’s name has been changed to protect her privacy

Deborah’s Place • 773-722-5080 • deborahsplace.org

OAK PA R K FE S T IV A L T HE A T R E IN V IT E S YO U T O

Your support makes it all possible. support makes it all possible. Your support makes it all possible.

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SA TURD A Y, F EBRUA RY 17, 202 4 Tickets go on sale December 15, 2023 Visit oakparkfestival.com for more information

November 22, 2023 B29

Season of Giving presented by

Oak Park Art League

Oak Park Public Library Investing in equity and Oak Park’s future Through the years, generous Oak Parkers have given to the Oak Park Public Library. These tax-deductible donations help library staff members pursue “the icing on

Oak Park and River Forest High School Alumni Association Since 2003, the OPRFHS Alumni Association has helped current OPRFHS students experience once in a lifetime lu mn ti cultural and academic i A ss o cia enrichment programs through its annual Bobbie L. Raymond Student Enrichment Grants. These grants allow students to explore and expand their interests and knowledge while preparing them for future education and career opportunities. In 2023, we provided $26,600 on behalf of 18 students for a variety of domestic and study abroad programs. Ri

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You may donate at: oprhc.org/donate. To learn more, please call 708-848-7150, or email: info@oprhc.org.

Visit oprfcf.org to learn more about our services for donors, scholars, nonprofits, and the community at large.

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The Joyf Joyful Giving 2023 Catalo atalog g

Oak Park Regional Housing Center has celebrated 51 years with the mission to achieve vibrant communities while promoting intentional and stable residential integration throughout Oak Park and the surrounding communities. OPRHC is the only non- profit agency in Oak Park promoting intentional integrative housing stability options. Consider giving a tax-deductible year end donation so that we may reach our goal to raise $25,000 by December 31, 2023! These funds will help us continue to help integrate and invigorate the Greater Westside communities for up to 100 individuals in the first quarter of 2023!

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 circumstance of birth or upbringing, is treated justly and fairly by its institutions and systems.

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For more information about membership, exhibitions, classes, workshops, outreach, or to donate to these efforts, please contact Brad Nugent, Executive Director, at 708-386-9853 or email inquiries to oakparkartleague@gmail.com.

Oak Park Regional Housing Center

Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation

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The Oak Park Art League (OPAL) is one of the longest running non-profit arts organizations in Illinois. Since 1921, OPAL has brought arts education, appreciation, exhibitions, and artistic inquiry to the surrounding community. OPAL is committed to meaningful outreach to Oak Park and the surrounding communities through partnerships, on-site arts programming, and collaborations. The Oak Park Art League is located at 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 and online at oakparkartleague.org.

To learn more about us and to donate, please visit oakparkfestival.com.

To learn more about giving to the library, visit oppl.org/donate or contact the library’s Accounting and Finance Manager Linda Barnett at lindab@oppl.org.

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To learn more or to donate to the scholarship fund, visit opalga.org/donate.

Best known for our outdoor productions of Shakespeare performed each summer under a canopy of stars in the idyllic Austin Gardens, Oak Park Festival Theatre has been bringing live professional theatre to the western suburbs since 1975. Arts and culture are an essential feature of a thriving community and OPFT has been bringing the community together for nearly fifty years by performing timeless plays in distinctive spaces and creating empowering educational programming in order to foster dialogue, strengthen relationships, and explore the depth of human experience.

the cake” — innovative new programs and unique library initiatives made available to everyone.

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The OPALGA+ Student Scholarship Fund provides financial support for the post-high school education of local students who have demonstrated service and advocacy to the LGBTQIA+ community. Young LGBTQIA+ people face unique challenges in high school and college; students with LGBTQIA+ parents have distinct experiences shaped by their families. The scholarship program depends on the year-round generosity of OPALGA+ members and community support. Since 2014, OPALGA+ has awarded over $170,000 in scholarships and plans to award eight $5,000 awards in 2024.

Oak Park Festival Theatre

Park

Oak Park Area Lesbian & Gay Association Plus (OPALGA+)

Oak

Special Advertising Section

OPRFHS Scholarship Foundation Nurturing Knowledge: A Philanthropic Endeavor by the OPRFHS Scholarship Foundation Unlock futures with a legacy of generosity! In 2023, 101 OPRFHS seniors soared with $275,650 in scholarships. Since 1924, the Foundation has championed dreams, awarding countless scholarships to deserving graduates. Your support empowers academic achievement, leadership, sportsmanship, artistic accomplishment, community service, and more. Join us in shaping destinies—give to the Oak Park and River Forest High School Scholarship Foundation. Every contribution fuels potential and bridges dreams with reality. Visit scholarships4oprfhs.org to make a lasting impact on deserving students. Let’s cultivate legacies of education and opportunity together.

Oak Park River Forest History Museum The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest is the community’s storyteller, making history relevant in tangible ways that positively impact today’s residents including walking tours, school field trips, traveling exhibits, and house research. 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 our new “Ever-Changing, Yet the Same: OPRF High School at 150” and “Open House: The Legacy of Fair Housing.” We are not supported by tax dollars and a gift of any amount funds our 2024 activities, research center, and knowledgeable staff. Learn more and donate at oprfmuseum.org or 708-848-6755.

Make a difference in the life of an OPRFHS student with a donation to the OPRFHS Alumni Association. DONATE at www.oprfhs.com/about/alumni/ support

Learn more. Give more.

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

B30 November 22, 2023

Special Advertising Section

Season of Giving presented by

OPRF Infant Welfare Society and IWS Children’s Clinic Join us in nurturing the complete well-being of children and advancing health equity! At the OPRF Infant Welfare Society and IWS Children’s Clinic, we are committed to serving publicly insured/ uninsured children and addressing their holistic health needs. Our services encompass sick and well-child visits, dental care, behavioral health support, and various wrap-around programs. Annually, we extend our care to more than 3,400 children from various areas, including Oak Park, Chicago, Berwyn, Cicero, and beyond. You can make a meaningful difference today by supporting the comprehensive health requirements of children in our community. A donation of $25 enables a mental health screening, $50 covers the cost of two vaccines, and $100 provides a preventive dental cleaning. Your contribution helps us ensure that every child receives the care they deserve. Act now and be a part of this vital mission! Learn more and donate today at www.childrenscliniciws.org

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 13th season will take place March 7-10, 2024. 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 $35.

Opportunity Knocks Opportunity Knocks was founded in 2009 by families and embraced by a community that recognized significant opportunities to develop more substantial and responsive programs, support and partnerships where people with different abilities would be more present with interdependent connections. We strive to be co-creators of programs, enterprise, and partnerships that contribute to developing a community where people with different abilities are able to live, work, learn, grow and pursue a life of their design. As a 95% privately funded organization, we depend on the community’s generosity to advance our mission. Your support is appreciated. Visit opportunityknocksnow.org to learn more.

Our Future Reads: Empowering Through Literature Dedicated to fostering curiosity, Our Future Reads provides access to literature for all across Chicagoland. Founded on the belief that everyone deserves knowledge, the organization has donated over 9,000 books to those in need. Supported by our community, Our Future Reads combats literacy challenges, serving over 3,000 individuals. Join the mission, empower minds, and ensure a brighter future where books ignite sparks of inspiration. Donate, volunteer, or partner today. Contact: Info@OurFutureReads.com or (773) 969-9676. Your support can shape a future filled with informed, curious readers!

PING!

River Forest Public Library

(Providing Instruments for the Next Generation) PING!, a 25-year-old, community nonprofit organization, provides band and orchestra instruments along with mentoring, workshops, and access to lessons, music camps, and trips to students in need in grades 4 through 12, bringing true equity to instrumental music in Oak Park and River Forest public schools. In our community’s high-quality school music programs, PING! students can be on par with peers, regardless of their financial situations, and feel like they belong. PING! is serving 150 young musicians this school year, at least 75% people of color, bringing diversity to instrumental music while providing access to all. Help support young musicians. Donate: pingoprf.org/ donate. Instrument donations: info@pingoprf. org.

Progress Center for Independent Living Founded in 1988, Progress Center for Independent Living is a cross-disability organization governed and staffed by a majority of people with disabilities. Progress Center serves people with all types of disabilities in Suburban Cook County. We assist individuals in pursuit of their self-determined goals. Progress Center recognizes the innate rights, needs and diversity of the disabled, works toward their integration into community life, and serves as an agent of social change. Progress Center is dedicated to building a society in which people with disabilities exercise the same freedoms, rights, and civil liberties as everyone else.

In person and online, River Forest Public Library serves everyone from toddlers to seniors by connecting them with information, entertainment, and each other in a welcoming space. RFPL Foundation works to ensure the vitality of the Library through advocacy, fundraising, and grants. Foundation grants have enabled the Library to repurpose mechanical room space to build a new multi-purpose meeting room and ADA compliant restroom, refresh the Children’s and Teen spaces, maintain the Memorial Garden for gatherings, offer community events like the Dooley Band concert and Summer Reading Kickoff, and more. Please donate at rfplfoundation.org and help your Library continue to serve and connect our community for generations to come.

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. We offer services in three areas of program focus: Intervention services for families affected by domestic violence that includes Advocacy and Counseling; Prevention education for youth to give them the tools to develop healthy relationships; and Training and Education for professionals and community-based organizations to create a network of skilled ambassadors. Intervention services are confidential, bilingual (English/Spanish), and offered free of charge to survivors and their children. Make a donation at sarahsinn.org/donate

Donate today and learn more at: progresscil.org/

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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November 22, 2023 B31

Season of Giving presented by Sponsored Content

Sharing Stories in OPRF Museum… and in the Streets

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ak Park and River Forest are filled with fascinating stories about the people who walked the streets before us. Oak Park River Forest Museum brings this history to life through exhibits and programs at the corner of Lake Street and Lombard Avenue in a 125-year-old Oak Park Landmark that started its life in 1898 as a firehouse. We are proud to be the repository of so much community history and take seriously our mission as historians and storytellers. That’s why in partnership with the high school community, this fall we created a new featured exhibit, “Ever Changing, Yet the Same: OPRF High School at 150,” which puts the spotlight on Oak Park and River Forest High School in its Sesquicentennial year. This story is told in

colorful artifacts, evocative photos, profiles of alumni, and a timeline that traces the birth and expansion of a central community institution. While we invite residents, students and tourists to visit OPRF Museum and our exhibits and research center, we also bring stories out to neighborhoods in both villages. Our guided walking tours bring history to life on sidewalks and streets. And our free Black History Bike Tour of Oak Park celebrates the unique contributions of African American residents over more than 100 years. “There is a powerful connection with the past when you stand right where history happened,” said OPRF Museum Executive Director Frank Lipo. “Our job is to make history come alive for our community.” Check out oprfmuseum.org to learn more.

Oak Park River Forest Museum • 708-848-6755 • oprfmuseum.org

Sponsored Content

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Way Back Inn: Jillian’s Story

y story begins at the local gas station. The attendant knew me to be homeless and harmless; she didn’t mind that I meandered around the store with my drink, thawing my bones. She merely smiled when I purchased a bottle of Listerine and a pack of cigarettes. “The poor man’s “Rumplemintz” is what I’d jokingly call it. She looked out at me, pensive and remote, then down at me - never down on me, though. I looked up at her and our tear-filled eyes met. I asked if she would call someone for me. An ambulance came shortly thereafter. Toward the end of my stay in the Emergency Room, the staff asked if I wanted to go home. What home? I said if I did leave, I’d just end up back there. I pointed out that was the same response I’d had the last time they asked me, just a few days ago. I was stuck.

My counselor gave me a packet of recovery homes to contact. Way Back Inn answered my desperate call– they said, “recovery first, we’ll figure out the fees later.” It was immediately apparent that Way Back Inn was unique. They provided me with the structure and support I needed to grow and succeed. With the help of peer support, therapy, and the months I spent in this residential program, I was transformed into something I never dreamt I could be: a genuinely happy, stable, sober person.

Way Back Inn • 708-345-8422 • waybackinn.org

New Exhibit Tells Story of OPRF High School at 150 Open Wednesday-Saturday afternoons and by appointment for group tours

Join us for a FREE Open House on Saturday, November 25, from 1-5 p.m.

The Class of 1884

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The new exhibit, “Ever Changing, Yet the Same: OPRF High School at 150,” is featured until the end of 2025! Learn more about the impact the high school has had on this community--and the wider world.

Questions? 708-848-6755 or oprfmuseum.org • 129 Lake St., Oak Park, IL 60302

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Join us at Oak Park River Forest Museum as we tell some of the many stories of OPRF High School in dramatic fashion with artifacts, spirit wear, photos, and the biographies of notable alumni--some you know and some who you SHOULD know more about!

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B32 November 22, 2023

Special Advertising Section

Season of Giving presented by

The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest

Way Back Inn

The award-winning Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest and its esteemed 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 91-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 to Oak Park and surrounding communities for over 120 years. We build healthy minds, families, and communities by empowering people to attain mental and emotional well-being, regardless of their ability to pay. We envision a world where mental health is valued, proactively nurtured, and in reach of everyone. • Individual therapy • Group therapy • Psychiatry and medication management

Since 1974, Way Back Inn has successfully provided long-term residential and outpatient treatment for substance and gambling use disorders. Our mission is to rebuild lives damaged by addiction in a personalized healing environment. This holiday season, we ask that you gift responsibly with the youth in your family. Children who have early exposure to gambling experiences, including lottery tickets, are more likely to develop a gambling problem later in life. For more information or to make a donation to our program, go to: www. waybackinn.org or call us at 708-345-8422 ext. 22.

West Cook YMCA When you give to the West Cook YMCA, you impact our community today and tomorrow. 100% of your tax-deductible donation goes directly to providing scholarships to children, adults, and seniors- your friends and neighbors-transforming their lives through access to health screenings, chronic disease prevention programs, after-school programs, swim lessons, homeless prevention for residents, and Y memberships that can open the door to help each person become their best self. To donate, visit westcookymca. org/120years or send your check to West Cook YMCA, 255 S. Marion St., Oak Park, IL 60302. (708-383-5200)

• 24/7 Crisis intervention • Case management • Suicide awareness and prevention training • Thrive Talks community education programs Open Monday-Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday 9am-5pm, and Saturday from 9am-2pm. To learn more or donate, please visit thrivecc. org or call 708-383-7500.

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 year-round programs and summer day camp. To make a donation please visit wssra.net.

Wonder Works

Youth Crossroads Youth Crossroads supports youth and their families, guiding them through life’s challenges, and inspiring them to discover new opportunities for personal development, healthy relationships, and positive community involvement. We are the only organization in our community offering counseling services and youth development programs free of charge and in English and Spanish. We offer in-school counseling, community counseling, crisis intervention, youth leadership training, after-school enrichment, workforce development, and violence prevention programs.

For 20 years, children have learned through PLAY in the enriching environment of Wonder Works Children’s Museum on North Avenue. Each of our 8 permanent exhibits is designed to facilitate playful learning in the areas of science, math, pre-literacy, and the arts for children from birth to 8. Your donations support sensory friendly play sessions, discounted admission for families in financial need, special events, and exhibit improvements. Please join us in our mission to fuel curiosity and creativity through fun and playful learning in safe spaces.

Your donation makes it possible for youth to get the guidance, support, and inspiration they need to achieve success at school, at home, and in life. Visit youthcrossroads.org for details.

Visit wonder-works.org/give/ to support the power of play with a donation.

The Joyf Joyful Giving 2023 Catalo atalog g

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

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November 22, 2023 B33

Season of Giving presented by Sponsored Content

One Earth Collective inspires action to preserve our planet

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ur planet is warming at an unprecedented rate. This summer, the entire Midwest, including the Chicago area, has encountered numerous days with Air Quality Index values ranging up to 300+ due to uncontrolled forest fires in Canada, exacerbated by climate change. And other regions have fared far worse. Over the past 12 years, One Earth Collective (OEC) has reached diverse communities with impactful programs centered around environmental sustainability and justice, including the One Earth Film Festival (OEFF), the Midwest’s premier environmental film festival. One Earth also leads youth and hyperlocal community resiliency programs and its

unique arts-for-social change festival model has provided much-needed knowledge and inspiration to audiences locally, nationally, and globally to combat the paralysis felt when confronting climate change. Through film, facilitated discussion and select opportunities for inclusive action, we are activating audiences and instilling hope for collective action to preserve our one and only planet. A 2023 audience member shared, “Our experience with the One Earth Film Festival was exciting and profound. It awakened our conscience about caring for our planet and the importance of connecting with our essence (nature) to build a better world.”

One Earth Collective • 708-824-6201 • oneearthcollective.org Sponsored Content

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Historic Nineteenth Century hosts contemporary dance series

he Nineteenth Century Charitable Association is proud to host many talented people with its weekly Monday Enrichment Series. The programs take place Monday at 1:15 p.m. in the club’s lovely and historic building at 178 Forest Ave, in Oak Park. The Nineteenth Century is dedicated to learning, giving and sharing its landmark building with other nonprofits, plus a host of incredible artists and speakers. This year, we want to highlight this exciting dance program from Governor State University. The Governor State University Dance Company explores and expresses themes related to social justice. With original choreography by GSU faculty, students, and alumni, Rise Up! features provocative performances that defy classification and explore topics such as environmental destruction, breaking generational curses, abuse of power, and mental health.

The programs are free to the public and can be zoomed if you can’t make be here in person visit our website for more info. No registration is necessary. Donations are welcome!

The Nineteenth Century Club • 708.386.2729 • nineteenthcentury.org

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B34 November 22, 2023

Season of Giving presented by

Special Advertising Section

Animal Care League celebrates 50 years with expanded facility Ambitious expansion and renovation nearly complete By EREZ BEN-AKIVA Contributing Reporter

It’s sometimes overwhelming, discouraging even, for Kira Robson, executive director of the Animal Care League, to think about just how many animals are in need. So she focuses on a case by case basis, those differences made for individual animals. The impact certainly adds up. An Oak Park fixture for half a century, the Animal Care League is soon set to significantly expand the capacity of its shelter and animal welfare services. Put simply, the organization wants to help more animals. By early 2024, the organization hopes to have completed the expansion and renovation of a 19,000 square foot “pet resource campus,” according to Robson. The ambitious project on Garfield Street in Oak Park will create a facility that will allow the non-profit shelter to exponentially increase its impact. “We will have lots more space for animals,” Robson

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said. “We will basically have a completely separate adoption center from all of our intake and rescue areas. We will have expanded our spay, neuter and medical clinic to be able to do more life-saving procedures in house.” Earlier in 2023, a new adoption area opened, serving as the first completed phase of the construction project. It aims to destigmatize the feeling of walking into an animal shelter. “That adoption center space is intendMITTENS ed to be very warm and welcoming and stress-free for both animals and visitors and just sort of give us all of the right setup to help people fall in love with pets,” Robson said. The facility changes all come in the midst of a considerable milestone for the Animal Care League. Founded in 1973, the organization celebrated 50 years in Oak Park this past October. “We are at this incredible turning point for growth, and so we’re really setting the stage for the next 50 years of history to be pretty amazing,” Robson said. Animal Care League is classified as a no-kill shelter, meaning at least 90% of the animals in its care are PROVIDED

adopted. Robson said the shelter in fact runs at a 95% to 98% placement rate. Of particular note for the organization are cases of animals that require patient, difficult care due to medical or behavioral challenges where animals are eventually placed in homes. “There have been animals who have really special needs or really just are going to take extra patience, and being able to find in the world people who are willing to save them and give them that second chance or go through what needs to be gone through to make sure that they get a second chance is something I think sticks with me,” Robson said. The shelter’s impact, most prominently, is felt locally. Animal Care League partners with nine local municipalities – including Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park – to take in strays. Yet the shelter’s sphere of service also spans throughout the United States. The organization has partners in southern states and beyond, like Texas and Puerto Rico, to assist whenever possible with animals at risk of being euthanized in those areas. “I always try to say Animal Care League is a very locally, community-rooted organization,” Robson said. “But our impact spans kind of nationwide, which is, I think, really cool.” Above all though, the shelter is an institution of Oak Park. And it is relying on Oak Park. The organization couldn’t do what it does without community support, like volunteering and contributing to their capital campaign, according to Robson. “We are rooted in Oak Park,” she said. “We’re not leaving Oak Park, but we also need Oak Park to help us make the next 50 years of history.”

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Season of Giving presented by

November 22, 2023 B35

Sponsored Content

Children’s Clinic helps kids, families with early behavioral health screens

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he IWS Children’s Clinic’s Behavioral Health and Social Services Program plays a crucial role in expanding access to behavioral healthcare for low-income children. What sets our care apart is the complete integration of medical, dental and behavioral health services. Our need for private funding arises from the financial realities of operating a healthcare facility for economically disadvantaged children. There is always a gap between the cost of providing medical and dental services to our patients and what we receive from the State of Illinois for these services, resulting in an annual budget deficit exceeding $1 million that we must bridge each year. It’s alarming that 53% of children in Illinois, aged 3-17, are reported to be dealing with

emotional, behavioral, or developmental conditions. These underserved children can greatly benefit from the support of our behavioral health professionals. Early screening and intervention for developmental delays and social-emotional issues have a proven track record of significantly improving long-term outcomes for both children and their families. We conduct these screenings when patients visit both our dental and medical professionals. Your support can make a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need. Your donation today can help provide essential services and instill hope in those who depend on us. Join us in making a positive difference -every contribution matters.

Infant Welfare Society • 708-848-0528 • childrenscliniciws.org Sponsored Content

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OPRF Scholarship Foundation empowers the future

n the vibrant tapestry of Oak Park and River Forest, the impact of the Scholarship Foundation is a tale of empowerment and transformation. In 2023, 101 graduating seniors experienced the tangible effect of $275,650 in scholarships — a testament to the foundation’s commitment to unlocking the doors of education. Founded in 1924, the foundation transcends being merely a financial support system. It acts as a catalyst for profound change. Scholarships go beyond being granted. They are intentional investments in each student’s promise, recognizing excellence and accomplishments. The community witnesses the ripple effect of this investment as scholars, armed with knowledge and skills, become agents of positive change. Beyond academic achievements, they embody the values instilled by the foundation,

contributing to the community’s fabric and beyond through leadership roles, artistic endeavors, and impactful service projects. Parents, teachers, and residents take pride in the collective investment, seeing the results in a community enriched by the achievements of its scholars. The impact extends beyond graduation, with alumni returning to contribute to the foundation, perpetuating a cycle of giving and receiving. Every contribution, every dollar, is a bridge connecting dreams to reality. The foundation’s website, scholarships4oprfhs.org, serves as a portal for those eager to make a lasting impact on deserving students, ensuring the legacy of education and opportunity continues to flourish in Oak Park and River Forest. Visit scholarships4oprfhs.org to make a lasting impact on deserving students.

OPRF High School Scholarship Foundation • scholarships4oprfhs.org

Since 1924, the Oak park and River Forest High School Scholarship Foundation has awarded college scholarships to hundreds of OPRFHS graduating seniors. Scholarships recognize students who have demonstrated excellence and initiative in academics, leadership, sports, community service, the arts, and more. Learn how you can contribute to our scholarship funds at: scholarship4oprfhs.org.

B36 November 22, 2023

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A Stack of Newspapers

n a cold February day, Shelley opened the front door to her Oak Park apartment where she was greeted by a stack of sixteen newspapers and bags of unopened mail. It was the day after Valentine’s Day and the collection of backdated issues of Wednesday Journal felt more like love letters than local news. Shelley snuggled up in the quiet comfort of her own home and read them in chronological order from oldest to most recent. She was using them as a tool to track time she had lost. In November of the previous year, a heartrelated crisis landed Shelley in the emergency room and a series of subsequent surgeries and unexpected downturns kept in her in the hospital for four months straight. Most of the time she was fighting for her life remains a blur to Shelley. Though she fought her way back to good health with the care of an outstanding medical team and support staff, she struggled to make sense of all that had happened to her. “Coming home and reading those issues of

Wednesday Journal grounded me. They helped me to re-connect to my community, focus on something other than myself and make some sense of the time I couldn’t account for while I was in and out of consciousness,” said Shelley. “I love Wednesday Journal. I read it cover-to-cover every week, but reading those issues felt like going back in time. They made me feel normal after four months when nothing was normal.” Subscribers like Shelley and GCM donors appreciate the attention Growing Community Media publications give issues they care about and understand local newsrooms should not be taken for granted. We are grateful Shelley shared her story with us and we are proud she is part of our GCM community. Her perspective celebrates the unique way local news sources keep residents meaningfully connected to the people, events and institutions inside their newsworthy communities. At GCM it’s about more than news.

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

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November 22, 2023 B37

Wishing you a

Don Harmon

Camille Lilly

Senate President

Assistant Majority Leader

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

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

B38 November 22, 2023

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2023

Index of Organizations and Sponsors

Season of

Giving Your Local Guide to a Better World

Get all the live links! Visit the Joyful Giving Catalog online at: A House in Austin ........................................ B9, B22 Animal Care League..................................... B6, B22 Arts Alliance Forest Park.................................... B22 Austin Coming Together .................. B18, B19, B22 Beyond Hunger ........................................... B18, B22 BUILD .......................................................... B24, B22 Byline Bank ................................................... B5, B40 Collaboration for Early Childhood……..B13, B22 Concordia University ................................. B23, B22 Day Nursery ......................................................... B25 Deborah’s Place ........................................... B28, B25 Don Harmon, Illinois Senate President............ B37 Ernest Hemingway Foundation......................... B25 Forest Park Theatre.............................................. B25 Frank Lloyd Wright Trust................................... B25 Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory .... B18, B25 Growing Community Media............ B36, B39, B25 Hephzibah Children’s Association ........................... .............................................................. B16, B17, B25 Housing Forward........................................ B13, B25

Infant Welfare Society ................................ B35, B30 Kids Too ................................................................ B27 L’Arche Chicago .......................................... B15, B27 Learning Edge Tutoring ...................................... B27 Life is Work Resource Center .................... B21,B24 Maywood Fine Arts.................................... B20, B27 Maywood Youth Mentoring Program .............. B27 New Moms .................................................. B26, B27 Nineteenth Century Charitable Association ....................................................................... B33, B27 OPALGA+ ..................................................... B9, B27 Oak Park Art League........................................... B29 Oak Park Festival Theatre.......................... B28, B29 Oak Park Public Library ............................ B26, B29 Oak Park Regional Housing Center ......................... .............................................................. B17, B21, B29 Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation........................B2, B3, B29 Oak Park River Forest High School Alumni Association ............................................ B29

Oak Park River Forest High School Scholarship Foundation............................. B29, B35 Oak Park River Forest Museum ............... B29, B31 One Earth Collective.................................. B33, B30 Opportunity Knocks .................................. B21, B30 Our Future Reads ....................................... B23, B30 PING! ........................................................... B20, B30 The Progress Center ............................................ B30 River Forest Public Library Foundation ........... B30 Sarah’s Inn.................................................... B15, B30 Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest .... B26, B32 Thrive Counseling Center ......................... B20, B32 Way Back Inn .............................................. B31, B32 West Cook YMCA ............................. B10, B11, B32 West Suburban Special Recreation Association ....................................... B32 Wonder Works ..................................................... B32 Youth Crossroads.......................................... B6, B32

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November 22, 2023 B39

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on’t forget that Giving NewsDay is Tuesday the 28th. And thanks to a generous match from our dedicated Board of Directors, your donation will be doubled until we reach our NewsDay goal of $50,000. We know you value independent local journalism, and we need your support to continue bringing you the stories and features you depend on week after week. We believe journalism should serve the public interest. And we need support from folks like you to uphold that mission. You can help us build a more robust newsroom by making a donation this week - and double your impact! Help us reach our Giving NewsDay goal by Tuesday the 28th give today! Warmly, Erika Hobbs, Editor

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B40 November 22, 2023

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Committed to Oak Park and River Forest. Left to right: Denise Warren, Oak Park Branch Manager; Susie Goldschmidt, Oak Park River Forest Market President; Michael Starrick, River Forest Branch Manager

Whether you’re seeing a movie at the Lake Theatre or strolling through Austin Gardens, we think you should be able to get all of your banking done in your neighborhood… with people who love the area as much as you do. Byline is privileged to be a part of the Oak Park and River Forest community, and we are proud to have contributed more than $60,000 in sponsorships and support in 2023 to local nonprofits like Beyond Hunger, the Oak Park Cycle Club, and the Women’s Global Education Project.

To learn more about our commitment to Oak Park and River Forest, visit bylinebank.com/oprf

©2023 Byline Bank. Member FDIC.