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IVolunteer! Special Advertising Section

April 4, 2018

2018

Celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Week

Empower Yourself! N

ational volunteer Week is April 15-21, 2018 and all over the nation, service projects will be performed and volunteers recognized for their commitment to service. Our community thrives thanks to many volunteers who support nonprofit and governmental activities, and as many of us know from personal experience, giving of oneself to another empowers the giver and recipient. Oak Park and River Forest are very giving communities in terms of volunteering with 85% of people giving their time compared to a national average of 25%, based on a 2015 study of charitable giving in Oak Park and River Forest (http:// www.liveandgivesurvey.com/ ). However, despite the availability of local volunteers, a 2016 assessment by the Oak Park- River Forest Community Foundation that

examined volunteer engagement needs for local nonprofits cited the need for additional support to recruit and coordinate volunteers. Working with an incredible group of local nonprofits, the Community Foundation developed the first Volunteer Meet and Match event in 2016. This annual event connects people seeking opportunities to volunteer with community organizations that need help. Last year’s event was a great success! 44 nonprofits discussed their mission, work and needs with more than 320 potential volunteers. The Coordinating Committee works hard before the event to ensure a good match for volunteers and nonprofits, and the number of volunteers recruited per organization last year ranged greatly, up to 20 volunteers per organization.

Match event takes place on April 18, 4-8 pm at the West Cook YMCA. 46 nonprofits that serve Oak Park, River Forest and surrounding communities are registered for the event and looking for volunteers. The event has been developed once again by the Community Foundation and a great Coordinating Committee consisting of individuals from West Cook YMCA, Housing Forward, Hunger Walkathon CROP Walk, Oak Park Public Library, Pro Bono Network, Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest and Ten Thousand Villages and Triton College. We are looking forward to another successful event this year! Are you looking for an opportunity to volunteer? Join us on April 18 4-8 pm at the West Cook YMCA for this year’s Volunteer Meet and Match event!

Elizabeth Chadri Program Director Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation

This year’s Volunteer Meet and

Kate Rieke, Volunteer Coordinator, Animal Care League

nimal Care League recruited 5 new volunteers and offered them opportunities that fit with their skills, e.g. one works at the Second Chance shop, one works in the front office assisting with a myriad of administrative duties, and one has become their photographer for several community events. The individuals who were recruited have 2 critical characteristics of good volunteers: Consistency and Reliability. All the new recruits have attended one of their monthly new

volunteer orientation sessions. Having volunteers staff their table at the 2017 Meet & Match event gave interested persons the opportunity to hear from a volunteer what might be expected and why they volunteer and this contributed towards successful recruitment last year. According to Kate Rieke, Volunteer Coordinator, the 2017 M & M was by far the most successful recruitment fair the Animal Care League have participated in! Looking forward to this year’s event.

Kate Rieke Volunteer Coordinator Animal Care League

April 4, 2018

Volunteering at 10,000 Villages Vyll ‘s Story

he 2017 Volunteer Meet N Match used my listed skills and timetable with an organization which was a Vyll L – Volunteer at Ten good fit for me. I Thousand Villages have a penchant for admiring ethnic arts and crafts and collecting objects from foreign lands, especially souvenirs. Working at Ten Thousand Villages gave me

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Kathy Berousek, Volunteer Cluster Tutoring Program Kathy Berousek, Volunteer Cluster Tutoring Program

the chance to become involved with an honorable organization and made me aware of the makers and learn the stories behind every item, which mades my experience so meaningful. I learned to value and appreciate everything and everyone in the store. I am learning the tricks in business through my volunteer retail experience. Much thanks to my mentors. I get to assist the customers which is a nerve racking and pleasing ordeal!

Vyll is an energetic, upbeat, and fun person. She fits right in with the other volunteers who feel our fair trade store is helping others who desperately need it in other parts of the world. Her ability to bring a smile to people when she is with them is a very valuable asset. Kathy Gentile, Assistant Manager and Volunteer Coordinator, Ten Thousand Villages

hen I moved into Oak Park back in May 2017 after retiring from my job I was excited to learn about the Meet and Match that would be taking place in a few weeks. I read about it in a local magazine that I had found in the River Forest Library. At Kathy Berousek– Volunteer at Cluster Tutoring the Meet and Match in Oak Park Library I walked around and spoke the last to leave. Both Lena and her to representatives from different mother are very appreciative and organizations and picked up the loving towards me. I moved into Oak Park back in May 2017 after retiring from my job I was excited to learn about the Meet brochure and read them at home. When that the and Match that wouldIbewould taking place in asay few weeks. I read about it in abiggest local magazine that I had found in the River Forest Library. At the Meet and Match in Oak Park Library I walked around and spoke to representatives from different organizations and picked up the brochure andof read them at home. I knew I wanted to work with kids; personal benefit tutoring with knew I wanted to work with kids; I have a background in teaching so cluster was on the top of my list. When I I have a background in teaching Iwent Cluster is thethe joy filled relationship to the Cluster Orientation and heard speakers including Kara Kalnitz and past volunteers I knew this was the place for me. so cluster was on the top of my I have enjoyed these with Lena. past six months of working with a wonderful fourth grade girl who is very motivated to be best she can be. Lena's mother is very invested in her daughter's education. Lena is often one of the first list. When I went to the Cluster the Watching student children to come to tutoring in the evening and my usually the last to leave. Bothimprove Lena and her mother in are very appreciative and loving towards me. Orientation and heard the speakers her reading/writing skills -taking I would say that the biggest personal benefit of tutoring with Cluster is the joy filled relationship with Lena. including Kara Kalnitz and past Watching my student her time to read every word and improve in her reading/writing skills -taking her time to read every word and using her opposite hand to hold down the paper when she writes is resulting in improvement in her comprehension and writing legibility. using her opposite hand to hold volunteers I knew this was the place I can't think of any other comments about last year's Meet and Match. It was well attended and much info was for me. the paper when she writes taken away from down it. It was well organized. I have enjoyed these past six is resulting in improvement in months of working with a wonderful her comprehension and writing fourth grade girl who is very legibility. motivated to be the best she can be. I can’t think of any other Lena’s mother is very invested in her comments about last year’s Meet daughter’s education. Lena is often and Match. It was well attended and one of the first children to come to much info was taken away from it. It tutoring in the evening and usually was well organized.

Volunteer Meet&Match 2018 How Volunteer Meet & Match works: Participating Organizations Accion in Chicago African American Christian Foundation Animal Care League Arbor West Neighbors Austin Coming Together By The Hand Club Expressions Graphics Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park Hephzibah Children’s Association Housing Forward Hunger Walkathon West CROP Walk IMPACT Life Span Misericordia Home NAMI METRO SUBURBAN New Moms Oak Park Education Foundation Oak Park Public Library Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry Oak Park River Forest Museum Oak Park Township Senior Services

Oak-Leyden Developmental Services Opportunity Knocks Park District of Oak Park PING! Providing Instruments for the Next Generation Pleasant Home Foundation Pro Bono Network River Forest Citizen Corps (CERT/MRC) River Forest Township Rush Oak Park Hospital Sarah’s Inn Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest Ten Thousand Villages Oak Park The Economy Shop Triton College UCP Seguin West Cook YMCA Wonder Works Children’s Museum and more…

Volunteer Meet and Match connects individual interests and skills with nonprofits that need help. How does this work?

•N onprofits provide information about their causes and skill requirements online. Potential volunteers also sign up and provide info about the causes they care for and their skills. • Meet & Match staff matches volunteers with nonprofits before the event. • Volunteers arrive on the day of the event and receive a map showing where different organizations are located as well as their causes and skill requirements. • Pre-registered volunteers will get a list of recommended matches with nonprofits. • Volunteers and nonprofits meet to discuss their interests.

•N onprofits will share information about their work and impact on the community. •V olunteers will share information about their interests and expertise and offer their time and skills to make a difference in their community.

Discussions will be based on: •D escription of the mission and impact of the nonprofits. olunteer job descriptions prepared by •V the nonprofits. • List of skills or qualifications prepared by the volunteers

New for this year! This year’s move to the YMCA allows for: •M ore space and all nonprofits in one room

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April 4, 2018

Volunteering at 10,000 Villages Clare ‘s Story

retired in August of 2016 after working as a registered nurse for 44 years. I gave myself 6 Clare Mason – Volunteer at months to just Ten Thousand Villages do nothing, then figured out I better find something to do. I received a flyer for the 2017 Volunteer Fair at the Oak Park Library and found it to be a good opportunity to get information. The fair was laid out with interests in mind and I connected with a few organizations that interested me.I attended a volunteer information session at Ten Thousand Villages. I had shopped at

the store and wanted to know more. Being a fair trade organization and helping families in third world countries make a living was important to me. The staff and volunteers that I met at the information session were welcoming and informative. The time commitment was something I could easily make. I have enjoyed meeting new people and especially enjoyed the holiday season when the pace in the store really picked up. I got a good orientation to my responsibilities and it was a big day when I could check in merchandise on my own. Everyone in the store is always friendly and helpful.

Volunteering at 10,000 Villages Delacy’s Story

hat

motivated me to volunteer at Ten Thousand Villages was my familiarity Delacy – Volunteer at Ten Thousand Villages with the stores from years ago, visiting ones in other cities. So I was excited when you opened the Oak park store, a few blocks from me. It

took me years to volunteer because I was working 3 days a week and did not have time. I now work only one or two days per week so I have been able to volunteer. Having lived and traveled in developing countries, helping the people raised their standard of living is important to me. The Meet N Match made it easier for me to take the step.

Delacy is a character! She is a great listener and works with our customers very well. She fits in well with our customers as she has been one for so long. Have one of our dedicated customers decide to become a volunteer is quite a compliment for us! Luckily we were at the Volunteer Meet N Match for her to find us. Kathy Gentile, Assistant Manager and Volunteer Coordinator, Ten Thousand Villages

Thanks to the hundreds of volunteers who help end local hunger! Use this logo for reductions only, do not print magenta. Do not reduce this logo more than 35%. Magenta indicates the clear area, nothing should print in this space. You may reduce the logo to 30% without the tag and strap lines. Color of Wood Block Motif critical match to Pantone 1805. Letters print Pantone Process Black.

Learn more and volunteer at

oprffoodpantry.org

Volunteering at the Pro-Bono Network Sue Piha’s Story

n 2017, I preregistered for the Volunteer Meet and Match. Because I listed my skills and interests before the program date, I received a list of organizations Sue Piha – Volunteer at to check out. Pro-Bono Network That was a good thing, because I otherwise might have felt overwhelmed by the roar of conversations, huge crowd, and many tables, and backed away. I had not heard of the Pro Bono Network before, but it seemed a great fit. I had worked in law-related jobs, and could appreciate the need for free legal services

in our area. I was glad, too, that they needed skills I had developed during my career. It can be hard to find volunteer work beyond the envelope-stuffing skill level. I am grateful for the sense of contribution I experience when I help an organization doing important work. I encourage others to sign up and attend the next Volunteer Meet and Match event at the YMCA, 255 Marion, on April 18 from 4-8 pm.l.

April 4, 2018

Organization Listings Housing Forward The mission of Housing Forward is to transition people from housing crisis to housing stability. By emphasizing prevention, supportive services, employment readiness and supportive housing, we are able to offer a comprehensive, long-term solution that moves clients into housing quickly and keeps them there. This housing-first approach to homelessness is more efficient, more fiscally responsible and less traumatic to clients who are typically facing extraordinary hardship. It is also beneficial to the communities being served who do not have to bear the costs of homelessness in the form of expanded social services, health care and public safety costs. We offer an attractive return on your investment — measured in terms of human lives and futures. To donate, please visit housingforward.org/give, or contact Janet Gow, Director of Development & Communications, at 708.338.1724 ext. 262.

How Volunteers Can Help: Volunteers are needed for Housing Forward’s 16th Annual Progressive Dinner on Monday, April 23. Guests enjoy a 3 course meal at 3 different restaurants along Oak Park Avenue. Volunteer positions include registration, raffle ticket sales and general support with 4 hour shifts beginning at 4pm, 5pm and 6pm. Contact Amanda Rochon at arochon@housingforward.org or 708-338-1724 x230 for more information.

Housing Forward Headquarters 1851 S. 9th Avenue Maywood, IL 60153 708-338-1724 Oak Park Office 6634 W. Roosevelt Road, 2nd Flr Oak Park, IL 60304 708-338-1724 housingforward.org

Leadership Lab Leadership Lab, a program of the Oak ParkRiver Forest Community Foundation, brings together committed citizens and emerging and current leaders, to build and practice transferable, valuable leadership skills, and to explore and assess the strengths and opportunities in our community, in a unique, hands-on curriculum. Leadership Lab 1049 Lake Street, Suite 204 Oak Park, IL 60301 708-848-1560 oprfcf.org/leadership-la

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Oak Park Food Pantry For nearly 40 years, Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry has been committed to providing hunger relief programs and services to our community. Last year we provided over 15,000 families with healthy food, nutrition education, and help connecting to public benefits. Volunteers are crucial to every aspect of our services. Volunteers help with rescuing surplus foods from grocery stores and cafeterias, to administrative tasks, delivering groceries to homebound seniors, stocking shelves, assisting clients and so much more. Oak Park and River Forest Food Pantry 848 Lake Street Oak Park, IL 60301 (708) 386-1324 oprffoodpantry.org

Rotary Club of Oak Park River Forest We are members of the largest humanitarian organization in the world. We volunteer and provide support locally in our community, as well as around the world. We have been taking on the big issues in the world for a century: polio eradication, literacy, clean water, domestic violence. Join us! Rotary Club of Oak Park River Forest PO Box 654 Oak Park IL 60303 www.oprfrotary.org Local Action-Global Impact

Join 1200 Volunteers Working to End Homelessness Housing Forward has been leading and transforming the delivery of shelter, prevention and supportive housing services in west suburban Cook County since 1992.

Current Opportunities AmeriCorps Program

Are you a recent grad, young professional, or simply someone looking for a professional opportunity to give back while learning about a new career field? AmeriCorps is a great way to: • Gain valuable experience while earning a living stipend • Propel yourself into a future social services or non-profit career • Deliver vital programs to make a significant change in the lives of those we serve • Earn an educational award

Qualifications apply for AmeriCorps positions.

PADS Shelter

Seeking Volunteer Teams to support new Sunday night PADS Shelter beginning April 8. • Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner Provider (for 20 people) • Evening Team - 6:30pm to 10:30pm • Overnight Team - 10:30pm to 2:00am or 2:00am to 5:30am • Morning Team - 5:00am to 7:30am * Minimum of 2-4 people teams needed for meal groups and overnight shifts.

Volunteers will be asked to attend an orientation session.

For more details visit: www.housingforward.org/get-involved Or email: tdaniel@housingforward.org tel: 708.338.1724 ext. 220

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April 4, 2018

VOLUNTEER

www.oprffoodpantry.org/volunteer

HELP END LOCAL HUNGER OAK PARK RIVER FOREST FOOD PANTRY

April 4, 2018

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April 4, 2018

local employees happy employees! Hire Local.

Place an ad on Wednesday Journalâ€™s Local Online Job Board.* Go to OakPark.com/classified or RiverForest.com/classified today!

Contact Mary Ellen Nelligan for more information. (708) 613-3342 â€˘ maryellen@oakpark.com *$25/week

hip

April 4, 2018

Special Advertising Section

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oprfcf.org/leadership-lab

Learn more and apply today. oprfcf.org/leadership-lab

Leadership Lab is a program powered by the Communityworks Fund of the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation.