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Giving OAK PARK-RIVER FOREST
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your Community your Foundation Please, give to the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation's Annual Fund today.
OA K PAR K-R I V ER F OR E ST
Community Foundation
The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation is a unique and vital part of the fabric of our community. With leadership, advocacy, and perseverance, the Foundation has mobilized essential resources to help those most in need in our neighborhood and beyond. Our service to our local organizations, donors, and scholars has continued without interruption, pushing for a more just and socially equitable community.
Together, we can create a brighter future for all. Donate today at oprfcf.org or call 708-848-1560
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Building skills, gaining confidence at New Moms “New Moms helps me gain experience in a paid job training program. It’s amazing. They teach us about teamwork and how to be leaders. They tell us about opportunities, like applying for student financial aid to go to college. I didn’t know that I’m flexible at work or that I have good time management skills, but I learned that about myself here…My mind was broken down before. Now, I feel confident. I built my strength back. As soon as I finish New Moms, I’m going back to college to study child psychology and become a therapist.” – Kanesha, New Moms’ Participant Learn more about New Moms, and donate at newmoms.org. Kanesha
Every single person has the power to change the world.
Together we give.
Tuesday, December 1st
SCAN TO DONATE Let’s build a sustainable future while building community
ALL DONATIONS MATCHED DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR Get involved at animalcareleague.org/givingtuesday
Clean water. Clean air. Healthy food. Environmental justice. Climate action. If these are important to you, please become a One Earth Film Fest member. Your contribution will help us present 17 solution-packed, view-from-home films and action-inspiring programs from Oak Park to the South Shore and beyond! Plus, members get additional benefits! Memberships start at $25 and make terrific gifts. Join here: oneearthfilmfest.org/members
Save the date for our 10th Anniversary Fest March 5-14, 2021
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Interim Connecting your child to Housing everything they need. Targeted at Securing a Permanent Home
Mentor Case Manager
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Therapist T
Family Counselor
Crisis Worker Outreach Worker Care Coordinator
Prevention Specialist
In-person counseling and telehealth services available. Donate at www.yos.org/donate or call 773-777-7112.
Ronald
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f you shop at the Oak Park Target store, you may recognize Ronald. That was his regular spot when he lived on the street. It’s where Danette, a member of our Street Outreach Team, got to know Ronald, before referring him to our new Interim Housing Program. The COVID-19 pandemic added a new challenges for people experiencing homelessness. The shelter-in-place order and closures have made life even more of a struggle. To respond quickly, Housing Forward moved away from the PADS Emergency Shelter model as the congregate setting made social distancing challenging. We shifted to temporary individual accommodations in local motels, where clients could stay 24/7. As colder weather approached, Housing Forward took the bold step of signing a 12-month lease for the 65-bed Write Inn hotel as an Interim Housing site.
The location and accommodations are ideal for a program model offering a temporary place for people to stabilize while seeking housing as soon as possible. After a screening and assessment, Ronald entered the program and his team immediately focused on making connections to resources. His stay will not be long-term but is an opportunity to regain his bearings and participate in structured programming with the goal of permanent housing. After securing a temporary job with the board of elections, Ronald enrolled in our employment program, and is working with his case manager to find an apartment. “I’m so proud of the positive steps Ronald has been making,” said Danette. “We believe in him and know he will keep on winning.” To learn more and to donate, visit housingforward.org.
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Student thinks his tutor is a ‘Super Teacher’
ust like in school, tutors and students must work through the challenges of remote learning. Cluster Tutoring’s Maggie Boyaris and her student, Kevin, have developed a winning tutoring structure — they’ve met four times each week since September. Maggie and Kevin started tutoring together in summer 2018 at Oak Park’s Mathnasium for special math tutoring. Maggie joined Cluster that fall to keep working with Kevin, who is now a 6th grader. The two meet over Zoom Monday-Thursday afternoons. They work on all subjects, but have the most fun with math, “where Kevin has made leaps and bounds of improvements. One of Kevin’s greatest strengths is his ability to keep trying and to keep putting in the effort when things are hard.” “I love working with Maggie,” Kevin said. “She helps me understand my work and makes me feel comfortable when I’m wrong.”
evaluate how the school year was going, and his parents sent Maggie links to access Kevin’s classes and teachers. “It’s been a real team effort,” Maggie said. After their first summer tutoring together, Kevin wanted to find a special way to thank Maggie. His mother, Yolanda, told him that a gift “has to be about that person. I told my mom, ‘I think she is a super teacher.’ My mom made her a Super Teacher shirt like the hero Superman!” Kevin’s parents agree. “We really appreciate Cluster for bringing Ms. Maggie into our and Kevin’s world,” Yolanda said. “She’s always cheering him on and reminds him to believe in himself.” Donations to Cluster Tutoring go toward materials that help students learn. Learn more and donate at clustertutoring.org. Kevin and his Super Teacher, Maggie
Maggie also credits Kevin’s parents. She had a Zoom call with the family in September to
MAKE 2020
DONATE ONLINE TO UCP SEGUIN ON
DECEMBER 1 DONATIONS WILL BE DOUBLED BY CHALLENGE GIFTS GIVE O N GIVI NG TUE S DAY AND THR O UGHO UT THE HO L IDAY S E AS O N TO MAK E A D I F FE R E NCE IN YO UR CO M M UNITY.
ucpseguin.org UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago 332 Harrison Street Oak Park, Illinois 60304
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Neighbors helping neighbors
ak Park Mutual Aid was formed in spring 2020 by neighbors who came together to care for each other. Since its inception, this grassroots, resident-led group has distributed more than $30,000 in direct financial assistance, food, cleaning supplies, and clothing. Volunteers have also made nearly 500 deliveries of food and other essentials, and helped more than 180 families and individuals in and around Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park. True to its name, mutual aid builds community and reciprocity. Some of OPMA’s own volunteers are having to navigate official systems of assistance for the first time, making them uniquely suited to help others in the same position. One aid recipient said, “I’ve never had to look for help like this and I appreciate you guys helping us out. Other places we’ve went were so judgmental…(it) is so nice to not feel bad
or made to feel like garbage when you need help.” One resident contacted OPMA needing help to cover a utility bill. She then started volunteering, helping call aid requesters and making deliveries. Another resident who received direct financial assistance got back in touch with OPMA weeks later, this time to donate several bags of warm winter clothing. The power of mutual aid is found in these small gestures of care—doing a grocery run, covering a copay, making a phone call—that form meaningful connections
Oak Park Mutual Aid volunteers distributing groceries.
between neighbors and give new resonance to the notion of community. To get involved with OPMA, either through donations and/or volunteering visit oakparkmutualaid.com.
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Investing in the futures of OPRF students
osh Ogunsanya, an Oak Park and River Forest High School class of 2020 graduate, is one of 63 graduating seniors who received scholarships from the OPRFHS Scholarship Foundation last spring. In addition to his academic achievements, Ogunsanya won a State championship in wrestling as an OPRF senior and helped start OPRFHS’s History Club. In recognition of his many accomplishments, Ogunsanya was awarded two scholarships, including the Dr. Gerald L. Clay Scholarship. Donor Evelyn Clay, who worked with the Scholarship Foundation to create this scholarship in honor of her husband, Dr. Gerald L. Clay, said “Josh is an outstanding student and has accomplished so much already. Gerald would be so proud of him.”
“Your support and investment in my education has made the financial toll on my family less burdensome,” says Ogunsanya. “I do not take your contribution lightly and aspire to continue giving my best effort.” We hope you will join us by investing in the future of OPRFHS students like Josh and make a tax-deductible donation to the OPRFHS Scholarship Foundation. Please visit our website at scholarships4oprfhs. org and make a gift to our General Fund or any specific Scholarship Fund, including the College Knowledge Project (CKP) Scholars Fund that supports our CKP alumni, many of whom are first generation college students. Contact scholarshipsoprfhs@gmail. com to learn more about all scholarship opportunities.
Ogunsanga is now thriving as a freshman at Columbia University in New York City. While he still plans to wrestle for the Columbia team, wrestling is currently on hold due to COVID-19.
Josh Ogunsanya flanked by his parents, Demoda and Peter.
THROUGH DECEMBER 15
THROUGH DECEMBER 31
DONATE A WISH LIST ITEM
MATCHED GIVING
We are currently collecting gifts for children living at Hephzibah Home and in our foster homes, and for families receiving our services. You can find our wish list at hephzibahhome.org/donate/wishlist
Make a contribution online by December 31 and your gift will be matched by generous benefactors through our annual Hephzibah Holiday Challenge. Double your gift today at hephzibahhome.org
Your donation will impact a child's life.
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Your donation on #GivingTuesday will impact the lives of MORE than
2,000
Hephzibah Salutes Our Exceptional Essential Heroes
individuals and families
in the coming year.
www.HousingForward.org/donate
DECEMBER 1, 2020 Hephzibah Home
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hile many organizations were able to transition to remote operations at the start of the pandemic, Hephzibah’s essential workers have continued delivering in-person services to vulnerable children and struggling families. More than 70 percent of Hephzibah’s staff are designated essential workers. Hephzibah Home’s 40 residential counselors, supervisors, therapists, cooks and maintenance staff work around the clock on-site caring for the 26 children who live there. Since March, the home has been on lockdown with only staff permitted to enter. “While our roles haven’t changed, the anxiety of keeping the children and our coworkers safe, is different,” explains Scott Bruckman, supervisor in the Diagnostic Treatment Center. “That stress switches off however, when I arrive and a child really needs my attention. I know I am here for this guy today. I am reminded why I’m here and why I do what I do.”
Hundreds of foster care children and families in crisis rely on the support and services provided by Hephzibah’s Family Based Services team. Every day, 30 therapists and caseworkers don protective gear to visit the children and families in their homes. “There is tremendous stress on families, and often we are their only source of support,” says Piper Caldwell, LCSW, Foster Care supervisor. “The need is great and resources are scant.” Additionally, Hephzibah’s 50+ child development specialists follow rigid health and safety protocols while providing quality, affordable day care with e-learning support for over 200 elementary school children. Undeterred by the pandemic, Hephzibah’s essential heroes will continue to meet the needs of vulnerable children and families, with support from our generous community. Find out more about Hephzibah and make a donation at hephzibahhome. org.
TODAY’S LEARNERS. TOMORROW’S LEADERS. Now enrolling Preschool Through 8th Grade www.saintangela.org (773) 626-2655
This is a time for big dreams. For our neighborhoods, our city, our country, our planet.
To learn more about the people, the programs, and our vision for the future at St. Angela School, please visit www.saintangela.org
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We believe a commitment to equity and diversity is what makes our community strong. Please give to the Annual Scholarship Appeal – you can help a child or adult pursue a dream participating in Park District programs! OPRF students in a Japanese classroom.
To learn more and to make a donation visit parksfoundationop.org
is as easy as 1•2•3!
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Order Chef Woody’s Take Home Meals Contactless Wednesday Pickup New Menus each week Give yourself a night off from cooking!
Attend a Monday Virtual Program Be it Art, Literature, Music, Science or Social Science, our weekly afternoon Zoom programs will quench your creative thirst
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Donate Help us keep our lights on while our doors are closed due to the Pandemic.
Menus, Upcoming Programs and Donation Opportunities are available at www.nineteenthcentury.org or 708-386-2729 x 3
Offering life-changing opportunities for OPRFHS students
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hrough its Bobbie Raymond Summer Enrichment grant program, the OPRFHS Alumni Association helps current students take part in cultural exchanges, camps, and enrichment opportunities that advance their interests, knowledge and preparation for future goals. Teanla went on the OPRFHS Japan Exchange program, where she lived with a host family and attended a Japanese high school. As Teanla describes it: “This program gave me many wonderful things to learn and build on. I enjoyed seeing the Japanese culture close up living with my host family, they really tried to help me feel at home. We went out and I discovered landmarks and different traditions every day. I felt nervous at the beginning of the trip but my host family and other friends helped me relax. I learned that
we should not feel ashamed of who we are, we all are different and that is what makes us ourselves.” Lila attended an international music exchange program with Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, and says: “I made many very close friends with the people on the program. Not everyone that I traveled with held the same political viewpoints as me and I found that difficult initially because I was used to the liberal perspective of Oak Park. However, I found that it was an opportunity to grow and consider how other people see things.” Our ability to fund these life-changing opportunities for students most in need depends on your support today. Please donate now at https:// tinyurl.com/oprfalumni-donate. Find out more about the Alumni Association at oprfalumni.com.
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The Joyful Giving Catalog Browse, read, share with your children. Give Locally – Give Joyfully! Everything you need for a better world: • More Art
• More Food
• More Compassion
• More Health
• More Education
• More Housing
• More Equity
• More Peace
Each of the organizations listed in this catalog paid a fee to participate. If you run a nonprofit and you would like to be listed here, or if you would like to sponsor a nonprofit to be listed here, please contact Lourdes Nicholls (Lourdes@oakpark.com) or Marc Stopeck (Marc@oakpark.com). Animal Care League Animal Care League offers a safe haven for pets in need. Rooted in the community since 1973, Animal Care League takes a proactive approach to animal care and adoption as well as preventative measures to help reduce the number of homeless animals in our communities. With over 1000 pets coming to our doors each year, Animal Care League counts on supporters to ensure that we can provide what is needed from routine vaccinations to life saving surgery. Make a difference in the life of a homeless animal by visiting animalcareleague. org where you can sign up to volunteer, make a donation, view our adoptable pets, and learn about upcoming events.
Beyond Hunger When the pandemic hit, we revamped our service model to keep everybody safe. Instead of inviting people to shop inside our food pantry, we now prepack boxes with nearly 80 pounds of groceries and pop them into car trunks or shopping carts for participants. We’ve added more home delivery recipients knowing that elderly and disabled individuals are more at risk for COVID-19. The contents of each box is tailored to meet the needs of our community. Along with food, we include toilet paper, toothpaste, and reusable washable masks. With your support, we can make sure no one in our community goes hungry this winter. Even a little goes a long way: every $1 donated can feed a neighbor for an entire day. To donate, visit GoBeyondHunger.org or send checks payable to Beyond Hunger, 848 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301
BUILD Since 1969, BUILD has helped Chicago’s most vulnerable youth escape gangs and violence to become positive leaders in their
communities. These young people face enormous obstacles and trauma, and so we surround them with the counseling, mentoring, training, and opportunities they need to build a future and succeed. We engage youth at every stage, with specialized teams dedicated to street violence interventions, gang detachments, creative after-school programming, academic school and college support, mental health care, community violence crisis response, and enrichment activities ranging from art and music to sports, podcasting, engineering and gardening. Potential doesn’t discriminate, neither should opportunity. Join us in BUILDing a better future. Visit and donate at buildchicago.org/
Celebrating Seniors Coalition Since our inception a decade ago, the Celebrating Seniors Coalition has been passionate about dispelling outdated and inaccurate myths about what it is to be a senior in our society. At the same time, the Coalition has raised funds to help meet the basic needs of daily living for dozens of elders in our community. As we get to the “other side” of the pandemic and embark on our second decade, join us in Celebrating Seniors—those people 60 and over in Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park. Learn how you can join honor and support these esteemed elders at our updated website: www.CelebratingSeniors.net.
Cluster Tutoring
Cluster Tutoring is a nonprofit, communitybased organization that provides free one-toone tutoring to students in grades K through 12 from Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. Tutorstudent pairs work together during the school year on reading, math, and other homework to prepare the student for a successful academic career. When Cluster started nearly 30 years ago, fewer than half of Chicago Public Schools graduated from high school. Now, all of
Cluster’s seniors not only graduate but are accepted at colleges and other post-graduation programs. Donations go toward materials that help students learn. To learn more or to donate, visit clustertutoring.org.
The Collaboration for Early Childhood
preparing students for success in their chosen vocations. Beyond academics, Concordia offers NCAA Division III athletic teams, intramural sports, touring music ensembles and numerous student clubs and organizations focused on service, recreation, spiritual life and more. Currently, more than 6,400 students are enrolled. To learn more, please visit CUChicago.edu or CUChicago.edu/GiveNow to support our students.
The Day Nursery Support young children this giving season. For over 15 years, the Collaboration for Early Childhood has embraced the vision that all children should arrive at kindergarten safe, healthy, and ready to thrive. This year we sharpened our equity focus and responded to the needs of our community members affected by the health pandemic and national events of racist violence. We launched Ready, Set, Kindergarten! a virtual support system for 30 families whose children transitioned to kindergarten in the midst of COVID-19. We distributed 175 ‘Activity Kits’ to families of children with disabilities to enhance their at-home learning. We supplied 62 families in need with essential items, and the work continues. For more information, or to make a donation, please visit us at www.collab4kids.org or follow us on Facebook.
Concordia University Chicago Concordia University Chicago is a liberal arts, Christ-centered, Lutheran university where truth, freedom, and vocation form students for lives of influence and service for the common good. Founded in 1864, the University is located on 40 acres in River Forest, Illinois. 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 Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education and the College of Graduate Studies. Professors are passionate about teaching, learning and
Since 1912, The Day Nursery has provided exceptional early childhood education in an environment that welcomes all children, enhances individual strengths, and fosters the academic, social-emotional, and physical development that leads to school readiness. You can help lay the foundation today for successful adults tomorrow. To learn more about us and to donate, visit www.thedaynursery.org Randolph St, Oak Park, IL 60302 The 1139 Friends the Oak Park 708.383.8211of - Fax: 708.383.0692 Email: info@thedaynursery.org - www.thedaynursery.org Conservatory A United Way Community Partner/NAEYC Accredited
The Oak Park Conservatory began as a community effort to house exotic plants residents collected during their travels abroad. Completed in 1929, it is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Free to the public with 50,000 visitors annually, the Conservatory offers a rich atmosphere throughout three indoor showrooms featuring more than 3,000 plants. The Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory offers programs focused on enriching the visitor experience at the Conservatory. Toddlers through adults can participate in year-round educational and recreational programs, volunteer opportunities and special events. To learn more or to join, visit fopcon.org.
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The Joyful Giving Catalog Growing Community Media Growing Community Media is dedicated to building community through independent, non-partisan local journalism. We believe that high quality community journalism preserves and strengthens the fabric of our democracy. Independent community journalism holds local governments to account. It connects neighbors. It is the credible source when social media goes haywire, and it allows a community to debate and celebrate. Through Austin Weekly News, Wednesday Journal, Forest Park Review and Riverside-Brookfield Landmark, Growing Community Media reports local news and tells compelling local stories across many platforms. Our mission calls us to build fact-based accountability and connection, conversation and civility, diversity and a sense of belonging. Join our mission by donating at growingcommunitymedia.org or contacting dhaley@wjinc.com
Hephzibah Children’s Association Hephzibah is making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and struggling families. Oak Park’s oldest social service agency, Hephzibah is the only program in Illinois designated to care for the most severe cases of abuse and neglect of young children ages 3-11. Hephzibah Home provides comprehensive, therapeutic care for traumatized young children. Our Family Based Program supports more than 100 foster care children and stabilizes 150 families in crisis. Our Day Care Program delivers quality, affordable day care and summer camp programming for elementary school children in Oak Park. Make a difference with us at hephzibahhome. org.
Historical Society Forest Park The Historical Society Forest Park was founded in 1975 for the purposes of “collecting and preserving the rich heritage of Forest Park.” The historical society offers tours of Haymarket Martyr’s Monument in Forest Home Cemetery every Saturday in the summer, collect oral histories of Forest Park Veterans of Military service, hosts several historical events a year and celebrates Forest Park. For more information about the Society, its events and programs, or to donate visit forestparkhistory.org or mail us: Historical Society of Forest Park, PO Box 311, Forest Park IL 60130
Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest We are the community’s story tellers and our new facility is an 1898 Oak Park Landmark at Lake and Lombard called Oak Park River Forest Museum, selected by Illinois Association of Museums as Small Museum of the Year. We invested $1 million in private funds to create a welcoming space in a former firehouse. Come and check out featured exhibit “Open House: The Legacy of Fair Housing,” before it closes in 2021. We are not supported by tax dollars and a gift of any amount funds our 2021 schedule of programs, our research center, and our knowledgeable staff. Learn more and donate at oprfmuseum.org or 708-848-6755
Housing Forward Housing Forward is passionately focused on one vision – ending homelessness. We believe in bold, comprehensive approaches to prevent homelessness whenever possible, respond to housing crises, and stabilize individuals and families through permanent housing. With offices in Maywood and Oak Park, we offer wraparound services including case management, housing, outreach, employment, and emergency assistance. Last year, we served over 2,000 adults and families across 20+ communities. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our emergency shelter and supportive services programs consolidated into a 24/7 Interim Housing model for clients on a path to permanent housing—including medical respite. This site joins Sojourner House and Ohana House in assisting individuals and families, plus two new housing programs focused on youth and veterans. To learn more, volunteer, or donate, visit housingforward.org, email giving@ housingforward.org or call 708.338.1724 ext. 262.
IWS Children’s Clinic Help us champion childhood health! The OPRF Infant Welfare Society and our Children’s Clinic have continuously been there for at-risk children and families since the start of the pandemic. We serve the dynamic whole health needs of children: sick visits, critical vaccines at well child check-ups, integrated behavioral health services, and preventive and restorative dental care, including for children with special needs.
Together, we are ensuring the health and well-being of children in our community, including Oak Park, Chicago’s West side, Berwyn, Cicero and beyond. IWS Children’s Clinic serves 3,400 children each year, and your generosity is key as our costs of providing care have increased substantially due to COVID-19. A gift of $50 pays for two essential vaccines. A gift of $150 provides specialized dental services. Champion Childhood Health – Give Today! www.oprfiws.org/donate or 708-406-8661.
L’Arche Chicago L’Arche Chicago provides high quality care in community-integrated homes for adults with intellectual disabilities in the OPRF area. Our mission is lived through daily life shared in mutuality: afternoon walks to the park, doctor’s appointments, and dinner parties. Moreover, L’Arche is committed to life together in a way that welcomes difference. As our society seems increasingly fearful of difference, L’Arche offers a counter story: that the differences so often keeping people apart can become the substance of joyful and transformative relationships. Make a needed local impact through our people and mission at www.larchechicago. org/opendoors
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 youth providing positive role models for college and career choices. Funds are needed to continuously provide free services and incentives for participation. To volunteer, or to donate, visit us at maywoodyouthmentoring.org, or contact Barbara Cole, founder/CEO at 708-344-3577.
New Moms
New Moms believes in the strength, skills, and potential of all families and communities to achieve audacious possibilities for their futures. At New Moms, young moms take powerful first steps towards economic mobility and family well-being. Our 2-Generation Approach puts families experiencing poverty in control of their goals and unleashes their potential. We partner with families to construct the foundations of well-being by strengthening core life skills, incorporating early childhood development supports, building pathways to and preparation for education and employment, and expanding positive social networks and access to community resources. Learn more and donate at newmoms.org.
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 (80% of its usage is non-profit). During COVID-19 our building has been largely closed, but we have been connecting with our community with weekly Monday Enrichment Zoom programs. We are also providing community outreach to food pantries, shelters and first responders. We need your help keeping our ‘doors’ open. If you would like information about donating, please contact us at 708-386-2729 x 3 or epayton@nineteenthcentury.org. You can also make a donation at nineteenthcentury.org.
Oak Park Art League Celebrating its centennial in 2021, the Oak Park Art League (OPAL) is one of the longest, continually running non-profit arts organizations in Illinois. OPAL is a vibrant cultural center where the invitation and challenge to use art as a medium for personal and community growth is made available to people of all ages. Since 1921, OPAL has brought arts education, appreciation, exhibitions, and the spirit of artistic inquiry to the surrounding community. OPAL is committed to meaningful community outreach to the population that makes up our greater community through partnerships and on-site art and programming with local social service agencies through our “Family stARTs” program. For more information about membership, volunteering, or to make a donation, please
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For 20 years, L’Arche Chicago has opened doors ~ providing lifelong homes for people with intellectual disabilities, building communities of mutuality and belonging, and revealing the many gifts of people with disabilities.
‘Pouring out’ resources, support and love
2020
has been a year of challenge and re-imagination at Opportunity Knocks. This has meant drawing on inspiration and love from our Warriors and our community to continue to meet the needs of young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Our staff has responded to these challenges with resilience. We have restructured programming to provide both a virtual program platform as well as safe, cohort-based in-person activities so that all Warriors could maintain access to life skills, wellness and social connections with friends and peers. The perseverance of our Warriors throughout this period has also been remarkable. “I missed being with all my friends,” said Warrior Madeleine Gancer. “It feels a little different and weird, but it felt amazing to be back.” Despite the hurdles within our organization, we felt it necessary to spread love back to our community, especially those dealing with job loss and food insecurity issues. Our social enterprises, which employ many of
our Warriors, worked to spread love to community beneficiaries through donated meals from our Knockout Catering, donated produce boxes to families in need from our Knockout Farm, and donated harvest to local food pantries. We are grateful to our community of supporters who have helped our mission meet this moment thus far but we’ve still got a long way to go. The cancellation of many key fundraising events continues to constrain our financial resources. In the words of Warrior Jess Wood, “People should support Opportunity Knocks because you’re supporting people who love to do activities and an organization who accepts people for who they are. Please support OK so that the staff can pour their love out to us and have the resources they need to support us. Thank you so much. We love you all.”
With the high, state wide demand for community integrated living spaces and the growing accessibility needs of our aging members, L’Arche Chicago plans to acquire a fully accessible home for adults with intellectual disabilities. A new home provides opportunities for existing members to thrive in an adaptive environment as well as creating room for new members, who seek the same thriving community. Join this effort and make a needed impact by donating towards a home for life!
Go to: www.larchechicago.org/opendoors
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Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. JOHN 14:27
Giving Tuesday
Consider a donation this season so that we can continue to create opportunities, change lives, and spread love. Love Grows Here. Visit opportunityknocksnow.org/annualgiving-fund
CUChicago.edu/GiveNow
7400 Augusta St. River Forest, IL 60305
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(708) 771-8300
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The Joyful Giving Catalog contact Executive Director, Jill Kramer Goldstein at 708-386-9853 or director@ oakparkartleague.org. The Oak Park Art League is located at 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302.
Oak Park Regional Housing Center For more than four decades, the Oak Park Regional Housing Center (OPRHC) has been an advocate for fair housing. Our mission is to achieve vibrant communities and promote intentional and stable residential integration throughout Oak Park. The OPRHC is the only non-profit in Oak Park and the Greater Westside Region that encourages pro-integrative housing options. Our work is at the heart of why Oak Park is such a wonderful, diverse, and vibrant community, welcoming to everyone. Support our work with a donation at oprhc. org/donate. To learn more about the OPRHC call 708.848.7150, inforequest@ liveinoakpark.com, 1041 South Blvd, Oak Park, IL 60302.
Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation The Oak ParkRiver Forest Community Foundation is based on a powerful promise: to create an enduring institution where people can come together and pool their resources to meet our community’s most pressing needs — not just now, but forever. For sixty years, generations of thoughtful and caring donors and residents have empowered the Foundation’s work to safeguard and advance the community in which we live, raise our families and work. From helping donors with legacy gift planning, to managing donor advised funds, to strengthening local non-profits, we connect. Visit oprfcf.org or call Rhea Yap at 708-848-1560 to start a fund, discuss your charitable estate plans, or make a donation today.
Oak Park and River Forest High School Alumni Association Through its Bobbie Raymond Summer Enrichment grant program, the Oak Park and River Forest High School Alumni Association helps current OPRFHS students experience life-changing experiential learning opportunities that advance their interests and knowledge in preparation for higher education and future career goals. All freshman through juniors are
eligible to apply for awards, though students from under-resourced families receive greater consideration. For more than 20 years, students have traveled to destinations throughout the U.S. and the world, taking part in cultural exchanges, camps, and enrichment opportunities. The future outlook of these life-changing opportunities, and their accessibility for students most in need depends on your support today. Donate at https://tinyurl.com/oprfalumnidonate
OPRF High School Scholarship Foundation In May 2020, the Oak Park and River Forest High School Scholarship Foundation granted $140,000 in scholarships to 63 graduating seniors. Since 1924, the Scholarship Foundation has been an important and growing partner in the community, providing much-needed financial assistance to OPRFHS students as college tuition and expenses continue to increase. Please visit our website at www.scholarships4oprfhs.org. and make a gift to our General Fund to help increase the number and amount of scholarships we offer or to the College Knowledge Project (CKP) Scholars Fund that supports our CKP alumni, many of whom are first generation college students. We hope you will join us by investing in the future of OPRFHS students today and make a tax-deductible donation. Contact scholarshipsoprfhs@ gmail.com to learn more.
Oak Park Mutual Aid Oak Park Mutual Aid (OPMA) is a coalition of neighbors dedicated to directly caring for one another and those around us in greatest need. We provide direct community support including food, clothing and limited financial assistance. Our website and volunteer responders also share a collection of resources that can help support those living in Oak Park and the surrounding area during this difficult time. To date, we have raised more than $47,000 in donations and assisted hundreds of area residents. As the situation will remain difficult for the foreseeable future, we need your help through donations and volunteering! https://oakparkmutualaid.com/
One Earth Film Festival By taking care of each other, we take care of ourselves. That’s the lesson that the COVID19 pandemic and the growing social & environmental justice movements are teaching us. And that’s the Power of We! The One Earth Film Festival continues to grow and expand our circle of engagement. Save the date for our exciting 10th anniversary One Earth Film Fest, March 5-14, 2021. The Festival was born in Oak Park, and this year, we will be screening virtually to a national audience. Join us for quality films, engaging discussion, meaningful action opportunities and community-building. Memberships start at $25 ($15 for students / seniors). 0 For more information and to donate, visit oneearthfilmfest.org/give.
Opportunity Knocks Opportunity Knocks is dedicated to enriching life and community for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) as they live, work, learn, grow and connect within their community. We use a dynamic, person-centered and communitybased approach to programming that serves to engage the voice of our participants, foster interdependent connections, encourage exploration, promote holistic wellness and healthy relationships. We are 95% privately funded so your support is more important than ever this year in keeping our mission moving forward. To join us in creating a more dynamic and inclusive community for all, visit opportunityknocksnow.org, 8020 Madison Street, River Forest, IL 60305.
The Parks Foundation of Oak Park The Parks Foundation of Oak Park promotes giving opportunities to support initiatives for the Park District. Our mission is to collaborate with residents, community groups and partner organizations to support exceptional projects that enhance and enrich our parks and community life. We believe a commitment to equity and diversity is what makes our community strong. Our fundraising efforts enhance scholarship funding to make it possible for all community members to participate in Park District programs. Last year over 200 scholarships were provided to enable individuals and families to
participate in park district programs. To learn more, and make a donation, visit parksfoundationop.org
PING! Providing equitable access to instrumental music for students in grades 4 through 12 in Oak Park and River Forest public schools has been the mission of PING! (Providing Instruments for the Next Generation) for more than 20 years. PING! loans band and orchestra instruments to students in need, and provides music enrichment through workshops; mentoring; and scholarships for summer music camps, school music trips, and private instruction. In this challenging year of COVID, PING! is adapting these enrichment programs to fit the needs of our students learning at home. Community support for our PING! students this year is more important than ever. For more information, or to make a donation, please visit our new website at pingoprf.org. If you have an instrument to donate, send us an email at pingoprf@gmail.com.
Pro Bono Network We believe access to justice should not depend upon your ability to afford an attorney. There are simply not enough legal aid lawyers to help people in dire need of civil legal aid. These include issues of safety from an abuser, adequate housing, critical care documents, and more. Pro Bono Network has enabled 400+ attorneys to give more than 24,000 hours of free legal assistance to over 4,300 clients whose lives were meaningfully changed. To get involved or donate, visit pro-bononetwork.org. Your support will make an impact the lives of many!
River Forest Public Library Foundation
River Forest Public Library connects our community with information and entertainment, with each other and the world. RFPL Foundation works to enhance the Library today and for the future through fundraising and advocacy. The Foundation fully funded major updates in the Children’s Room in 2019. We have provided support for the Lobby/Circulation renovation, Summer and Adult Reading Programs, special programming, and the Anne Smedinghoff Memorial Garden.
GIVING TUESDAY Special Advertising Section
November 25, 2020
Explore Local History at oprfmuseum.org
John Miniutti with his dear late son Fritz
UCP Seguin – Loving Father Gives Generously to Honor Son
J
ohn Miniutti has a wealth of expertise and successful business experience. But most of all John has a wealth of kindness, informed by the loving relationship with his late son Fritz. In 2011, John sought an effective organization to provide support for Fritz, his son with disabilities who resided with him in their River Forest home. John found a willing partner – UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago – to support Fritz with a range of services to make his life more productive and meaningful. John wanted to be an advocate for his son and other individuals with disabilities. In 2012 he joined UCP Seguin’s Board, providing his keen insights to ensure excellence in its programs and soundness in its finances. But John has provided so much more, generously donating his treasure to help sustain UCP Seguin’s innovative services. Sadly, John’s son Fritz Miniutti passed away in August 2014. Fritz was an intelligent, active man with many interests – going to the gym, working with computers, watching movies,
dining out, playing with pets, and working, either at the local theater or as a volunteer for the office of State Senator Don Harmon. Fritz received Life Skills Training, Employment and Respite services from UCP Seguin, accessing social-recreation venues with a UCP Seguin staff member who became his good friend. Imbued with his love for Fritz, John has been a generous donor to support UCP Seguin’s programs. He sees his gifts of time and resources as going hand in glove to ensure the success of the agency that gives so much to individuals with disabilities. Through these years of dedicated service and giving, John Miniutti has been a philanthropist in every sense, keeping individuals with disabilities served by UCP Seguin foremost in his thoughts and deeds. Like John Miniutti, you too can help provide life without limits for people with disabilities. Donate online at ucpseguin.org or send gifts to UCP Seguin, 332 Harrison Street, Oak Park IL 60304
Even when state health guidelines keep us physically apart, we are open 24/7 online to share stories and be a resource. Explore oprfmuseum.org to: • Sign-up for on-line programming, including a Christmas visit to Marshall Field’s on Dec. 5 • Shop from your home and order unique gift items delivered right to your door • Learn about the fascinating people, places, and events that shape or villages • Share your own stories of life in 2020
oprfmuseum.org • 708-848-6755
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GIVING TUESDAY
November 25, 2020
Special Advertising Section
The Joyful Giving Catalog Help ensure a strong community and a bright future for River Forest Public Library with your gift. We gratefully accept cash, credit/debit, securities and bequests. Visit RFPLFoundation.org/donate.
UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago
West Suburban Special Recreation Association
St. Angela School St. Angela School has walked with the families of Chicago’s west side for one hundred years— walked with a deep commitment to enriching the lives, and the futures, of their children. We have a rich and varied history – and a future of great promise. We provide our children with a safe and loving environment and challenging academics; we help them explore paths that lead to meaningful and rewarding careers; and we teach them, above all, to believe in themselves. As we prepare for our next hundred years, we’re proud to reaffirm our commitment to love and serve all those who choose to be part of our community.
UCP Seguin believes that all people, regardless of ability, deserve to achieve their potential, advance their independence and act as full members of the community. So we stop at nothing to provide life skills training, assistive technology, meaningful employment and a place to call home for people with disabilities, as well as specialized foster care for children. Our goal: life without limits for people with disabilities.
therapeutic interventions, and mentorship to improve their safety and well-being. Through the past 60 years, YOS has offered outpatient, community-based behavioral health and substance abuse treatment, after school mentoring and outreach, family therapy, crisis intervention services, case management, foster care, transitional living and housing services, inschool prevention curricula, and juvenile justice programs.
West Suburban Special Recreation Association provides recreational programming for individuals with disabilities who reside in Oak Park, River Forest & nine other surrounding communities. Join us for our Virtual Celebration Benefiting the Stars of WSSRA. Auction opens 9:00am November 30. View Auction Items or make a donation at https://one.bidpal.net/ wssrastars2020
Help youth flourish by donating at www.yos. org/donate or text @YOSCARES to 52014. Or help empower youth to reach their goals, by calling 773-777-7112 to refer them for services.
Youth Outreach Services
Make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Donate online at ucpseguin. org or send gifts to UCP Seguin, 332 Harrison Street, Oak Park IL 60304
Learn more about St. Angela School at saintangela.org or call us at (773) 6262655
Building the ‘Power of We’ with One Earth Film Festival
Youth Outreach Services supports youth ages 12 to 21 and their families, by providing free programs that offer skill development,
While the health pandemic overtakes the headlines, One Earth Film Festival continues crucial work on the climate crisis and inequality. One Earth leverages its greatest asset— The Power of We—to inspire people to build an equitable and sustainable future. As One Earth plans for its 10th anniversary season, the Oak Park-based nonprofit is deepening its work at the intersection of environmental and social justice. Environmentalists of Color joined One Earth in putting on a highly successful July virtual screening, “Outdoors While Black: Unpacking History, Reframing Safety, and Taking Action.” From that event grew an environmental justice bike ride through community gardens and environmental fallout sites in Chicago’s North Lawndale and Little Village neighborhoods. One Earth also focuses on youth engagement and education through programs including “Young Filmmakers Contest,” “Austin Grown” youth agriculture and mentoring program, the Pilsen-based
“HEALTH” program, and “It’s Our Future” leadership program. Each March, One Earth activates thousands of people through environmental films, discussions and action opportunities through hundreds of environmental partners. In 2020, One Earth pivoted to view-from-home screenings in a virtual environment: Over 3,000 viewers from more than 15 US states participated. One Earth continued its partnership with a diverse range of local communities, including Oak Park and River Forest, plus surrounding communities and Chicago neighborhoods such as Austin, Englewood, South Shore, and Little Village. In 2021, as the pandemic continues, One Earth will expand its audience globally through virtual film programs that inspire people to solve our “other pandemic”— the climate crisis—and build a healthy sustainable future for all. For more information and to donate, visit oneearthfilmfest.org.
GIVING TUESDAY Special Advertising Section
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November 25, 2020
Plant a garden and support the Conservatory
or over 30 years, the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory in partnership with the Park District of Oak Park has offered one of the most anticipated and abundant plant sales in the Oak Park area. From the first “Herb and Scented Plant Sale” in 1989 until today, the Annual Plant Sale has provided carefully grown plants while raising funds in support of the historic Oak Park Conservatory. Each year, thousands of plants are grown in the Conservatory greenhouses using healthy soil and integrated pest management (IPM) practices providing healthy, sustainable plant products. From hearty vegetables and popular herbs to a unique array of colorful annuals and perennials, there is something to delight gardeners old and new. Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory volunteers make this community event possible. They begin in the early days of fall by selecting the plants, then starting seeds in winter and nurturing the seedlings into plants. In the days leading up to the Plant Sale, dozens of volunteers give their time and energy to pull orders and make the Plant Sale days run smoothly.
Gardeners and volunteers at the Annual Plant Sale Community support of the Plant Sale helps The Friends provide quality educational programs, volunteer opportunities, community events, and other support for the historic Oak Park Conservatory. The 2021 Plant
Sale will take place May 11-13. To learn more, visit fopcon.org
Why I work at Growing Community Media and why I’m asking you to make a donation For over 25 years I have worked at Wednesday Journal because I believe in local, public interest journalism. Wednesday Journal is the best independent news platform in the area, reporting only on Oak Park and River Forest issues. I am proud to be a part of this amazing team! Lourdes Nicholls, Sales and marketing rep
Please support our independent community newsroom. Right now your match is doubled by NewsMatch and our local supporters.
Visit www.GrowingCommunityMedia.com/donate and donate today!
95% of Day Nursery children transition into Kindergarten with the skills for school success. 1139 Randolph St, Oak Park, IL 60302
Quality early childhood education all children IS social equity. 708.383.8211 - Fax: for 708.383.0692 YourEmail: gift today creates the foundation for tomorrow's adults. info@thedaynursery.org - www.thedaynursery.org thedaynursery.org/donate/
A United Way Community Partner/NAEYC Accredited
1139 Randolph St, Oak Park, IL 60302 • 708.383.8211 Email: info@thedaynursery.org • www.thedaynursery.org
A United Way Community Partner/NAEYC Accredited OPRF Chamber Local Legend Spotlight Award
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GIVING TUESDAY
November 25, 2020
Special Advertising Section
presents
A Wednesday Journal & A Tribe Called Aging Production
wabi sabi F I L M F E S T I V A L
Our Covid-19 free gift to the community watch it free on ZOOM in your own home
Appreciating the beauty of impermanence, a quarterly Film Series encouraging everyone to embrace and respect our aging population and the transformation of our society.
Olympia Friday, December 4 • 10am This sublimely intimate, fly-on-the-wall verité documentary tells a poignant story of a woman finding her own voice on her own terms to assert a gigantic creative force into the world. Throughout an engrossing story that seamlessly blends past and present, Olympia Dukakis opens her heart and exposes her truest self to Harry Mavromichalis’ unobtrusive camera. Exhibiting both candor and vulnerability, we see her deal with age, grief and sexuality while opening up about her struggles with motherhood, depression, suicide and drug addiction. Through her brutal honesty and sincerity, Olympia compels us to confront our own shortcomings and differences by letting go and moving forward with defiant conviction. This intimate portrait of a working-class professional, a scholar actor of intense intuitive power, and a woman beloved around the world, culminates on the steps of the Dukakis’ humble ancestral home in Lesbos, Greece. Here we see Olympia’s life come full circle, both personally and professionally. Joining us for Q+A/discussion is the film’s Director Harry Mavromichalis, moderated by Elizabeth White.
Signature Sponsors
Non Profit Patron Sponsors
Oak Park Township/River Forest Township
Learn more and register at: wabi-sabi-olympia.eventbrite.com
GIVING TUESDAY Special Advertising Section
November 25, 2020
Why we work at Growing Community Media and why we’re asking you to make a donation. Across our pages today you’ve seen our colleagues here at Growing Community Media explain why their work in our independent community newsroom is so important to them. They write about the impact they feel they have on our communities, about the accountability we bring to local government, about the stories we tell, especially in these hard days of COVID-19. Underlying the 50 words each contributed is their sense of privilege that we get to do this work, to connect our neighbors, to be that glue in a moment when things feel tugged apart. All of us are also asking you to consider making a donation to our non-profit during this exciting national NewsMatch opportunity. Local news isn’t guaranteed. It needs to be paid for and these days a portion of that cost has to come from our readers. Between NewsMatch honoring us as one of 267 non-profit newsrooms in America to be funded this year and the generosity of so many in our seven neighborhoods we’re off to a strong start. Now we need you. On behalf of my colleagues please become a member of this team. Dan Haley, Editor and Publisher Growing Community Media
Stacey Sheridan, Staff reporter
Michael Romain, Equity reporter and columnist
Lacey Sikora, Real Estate editor
Jill Wagner, Reader engagement manager
Maria Maxham, Forest Park Review editor
Michelle Dybal, Arts editor
Melissa Elsmo, Food editor
Ken Trainor, Viewpoints editor and columnist
Alex Rogals, Staff photographer
Bob Uphues, Senior editor
Mark Moroney, Editorial designer
Lourdes Nicholls, Sales and marketing rep
To donate, visit www.growingcommunitymedia.com/donate
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November 25, 2020
GIVING TUESDAY
Special Advertising Section
WEST COOK YMCA
48th Annual
Christmas Tree & Wreath Sale
CONTINUE THE TRADITION THREE WAYS TO PURCHASE
Curbside Pickup With Online Purchase Reserve Private Viewing of Lot Your purchase comes with this special offer:
NO JOINER’S FEE PLUS 1 MONTH FREE CREDIT (to be applied towards annual membership fees) Offer Code: 20TreeMem Expires: 12/31/2020
Open Lot with Social Distancing For more details, to purchase online, or to make a reservation, visit: www.westcookymca.org/christmas-tree
Tree Sale Begins Friday, November 27
Your purchase ensures access to the West Cook YMCA through a scholarship to those who may not have the means to join. We change lives every day, and you can help us make that happen. COVID-19 measures in place. 255 S. Marion St., Oak Park, IL 60302