Hello Summer Work Program families. The program is almost coming to an end and the youth have worked hard on completing the many projects assigned to them. Our team continues to work to make this the best work experience for your child. I have weekly staff meetings with the mentors to discuss the accomplishments, plans for the upcoming week, and to evaluate and improve current processes. Together, we planned different activities and job assignments making sure there are a variety of tasks so the youth don’t become bored. The youth assigned to work at Zion Township have completed many projects and have learned the importance of keeping our community clean. The youth have also interacted with our seniors by completing small projects at residents’ homes. The youth assigned to the Zion-Benton Public Library, Zion Township office and Zion Assessor’s office, have done clerical work and customer service. All youth have learned the importance of being on time, and the commitment of getting the job done from start to finish. They also had the opportunity to be part of a building exercise and went on a field trip. We have one more week left of the program and there are still projects and activities scheduled for the youth to complete. We are celebrating the youth on the last day of the program. This will be during work hours. Everyone completing the program will receive a certificate of completion. Information about the event was sent home with the youth. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. Stay tuned for more updates.
Adriana Ortiz Client Services Director
NEWSLETTER July 22, 2022 WEEK 3 & 4 2022 SESSION – ISSUE 2
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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Each year our interns get the opportunity to take a trip to Feed My Starving Children in Libertyville. A nonprofit organization committed to feeding hungry children across the world to break the cycle of poverty. A unique and powerful experience that teaches the youth about volunteering, showing kindness, and the impact they made working together.
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Teams packed little bags with the specific food items and then sealed the bag. They packed enough to fill boxes that will be shipped to different countries. The youth assisted in packing 58 boxes, which is 12,528 meals and will feed 34 kids for a year. Their kindness will impact so many across the world.
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INTERNS IN ACTION
Working in the Zion Township Assessor’s office, Adriana has shown efficiency in her work. She has demonstrated the six-character words while working with the team members.
Interns weeding and cleaning parks around Zion.
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Zion-Benton Library has been a great partner in our program. Interns assigned to the library gain experience working by learning the different functions.
Interns alongside Zion Township Supervisor, Cheri Neal, hauled wood chips at Zinnia field located at the Metra train station, to create a walking path through the flowers.
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Zion Township Supervisor Neal also assisted the interns with weeding and trimming bushes around the bell tower at the Zion Fire Department. Interns also were active at the Zion Township by cleaning windows.
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Upcoming SWP Events •
July 29 – Youth ONLY, year-end celebration 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Upcoming Community Events Zinnias for Zion Coloring contest - Entries due July 30th at participating locations. Winners will be announced at
the Zion Together Days Monarch Mania Event. o Pick up pages at locations listed below §
Zion-Benton Public Library – 2400 Gabriel Ave
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Culver’s – 3335 Sheridan Rd
Zion Together Days (Zion Park District Bandshell) – 2400 Dowie Memorial Dr.
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August 4 – Concert in the Park featuring “The Lloyd Stephens Band” @7pm
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August 5 – Movie in the Park featuring Encanto @8:15pm (bring your blankets/chair)
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August 6 – Community Clean up @2771 Galilee Ave 8am – 12pm
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August 7 – Monarch Mania @ Shiloh Blvd & Elisha Ave 1 pm – 5pm
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Feed My Starving Children trip Weekly Assessment: Responsibility & Safety Painting swing set frames at Nazareth Park & Aaron Park Street Cleaning Wood chips/weeding at community parks Built 2 picnic tables Assignments around Zion Township Picked up trash @ Shiloh & Jordan Park Helped out @ Abiding Love Food Pantry Picked up litter & debris @ Salem Blvd Picked up trash @ Aaron, Elizabeth & Beulah Park Cleaned lockers @ Zion-Benton High School Pulled weeds @ Shiloh Park Trimmed bushes and trees @ a senior’s home Spread mulch @ Joanna Park
If you want to be added to the email list to receive these newsletters and other Township updates, please visit www.ZionTownship.org to sign up.
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