Good Neighbors page

Opportunities to show our commitment to community and volunteer

Brought to you by the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference

This new page, started at the 2004 holiday season, will contain a sampler of ways to help each other. It will grow faster if YOU send us your candidates for inclusion: contact us!. Tell us also if you come across someone who should be honored as a good neighbor, such as the man who goes around picking up the trash in east Hyde Park, or the lady or kids who clean the snow way beyond their property line.
Other pages with volunteer and helpfulness suggestions are, Collaborers in the Community, Community Resources, Ending Homelessness, Affordable Housing inits., Disabilities Task Force,(hpdisabilities@aol.com), Green Hyde Park, History and Preservation, Nonprofit Organizations, School News and opportunities; UC Schools Outreach and University and Community, Art News. To Neighborhood Goals and goal-building. Visit Collaborers and Friends of Blackstone pages for numerous volunteer opportunities.

Quick peek: Visit "Staying Involved" page. Giving food (and here)

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Hyde Park Disabilities Task Force

A coalition of the 4th and 5th wards, DARE, HPKCC, HP Chamber of Commerce, Older Women's League, SECC, UC Police. It seeks to make Hyde Park businesses accessible to persons with disabilities and their service animals, to improve our paths of mobility, and improve etiquette including with bicycles and autos towards all with limited ability. A Caring Community. Learn more at the hydepark.org Disabilities page, hpdisabilities@aol.com, or 773 363-4368.

And support, volunteer to help at the Special Olympics! Games are inter alia at Stagg Field. http://www.soill.org.

Recycle!

Check to see when next Golan's will pick up your dead computer and bring it to the city recycling center.
Make Your Spring CleaningProject Eco-Friendly. Golan’s Moving and Storage Inc. would like to announce a recycling effort geared toward your spring cleaning projects. Do you have unwanted cell phones, printers, cartridges, scanners, hard drives, and old light bulbs? If you do, Golan’s will pick them up from your home, for FREE, and bring to the City of Chicago Computer Recycling Facility. These items, if not disposed of properly, can contribute to major health problems for residents.


Here are the details:We will pick-up your used cell phones, computer equipment, and printers for FREE during the week of April 27th. To participate, please reply to this email with your address for pick-up, and we’ll reply with the exact day for the pick up. Please place your items on your front porch by 7:00 am on the day of pickup. We’ll pick them up and take them to the city of Chicago recycling center at no cost to you. This offer is extended to residents of Cook County only, and has no cash value. We cannot provide any receipt of the drop off.

Restrictions:Sorry, large household appliances such as televisions, air conditioners, dehumidifiers and large home appliances are not accepted for this promotion nor at the facility. No more than 5 items will be picked up from a single location. Participants can win...In addition to participation in an environmentally-responsible recycling effort, participants will be entered into a drawing to win one of three compost bins, courtesy of Golan’s Moving.

Where they will go:Your items will be brought to the City of Chicago Computer Recycling facility at 1150 N. Branch. They accept drop offs each Tuesday and Thursday, and the first Saturday of every month. For more facility information, checkwww.cityofchicago.org/environment or call 311. recycle@golansmoving.com.

Relief

Haiti: to find options to help for now go to www.whitehouse.gov or http://my.barackobama.com/Haiti
to find options or the Red Cross site, below. There is also UNICEF, CARE, and Clinton-Bush. However, don't overlook nonprofits that have been working in Haiti for decades such as Internation Child Care, Haitian Wome for Haitian Refugees.

The Fair Trader, 1623? E. 55th St. and Soul Vegetarian on E. 75th are among places receiving donations. Also Walgreen will take in amounts of $1, $3, $5.

Donations to International Child Care (Grace Hospital inter alia) are matched to $10,000 by Jim Franczek.

February 6, Saturday, 10 am-7 pm. Artisans 21 holds a benefit reception with food, drink, entgertainment. 10% of any purchase goes to relief to CARE. Ongoing raffle. Tickets $5.

Rainbow/PUSH collabordation has ponored 590 doctors and nurses of Hospital fof Humanity.

Ald. Dowell arranged for shipping 10 containers with Norfolk Southern railway.

Hyde Park Union Church is colecting for Partners in Health. This is one example. And there are many collections and benefits at University of Chicago.

 

Tsunami and Katrina and Tibet victims aid. You can go to Google- Help is right on the homepage.
Yes, tsunami villages have not been able to get back to normal, and Katrina victims still can't pay their way in motels--the FEMA cut off has been pushed back. Most media websites and the newspapers list the large and small legitimate collectors of relief aid. Most churches and synagogues, universities, charitable organizations are, or can point in the right direction. The major national organizations are the Red Cross (1 800 HELP-NOW, www.redcross.org), UNICEF (www.UNICEF.org) and CARE, Intl (www.careusa.org).

Red Cross and Salvation Army (esp. for goods) will be helping the Gulf Coast and New Orleans Hurricane Katrina victims. Others: visit AOL or your internet provider's homepage or NBC5.com etc.
Another link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/philanthropy/red-cross.html.

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Special appeals, announcements, seminars. Post to us or give suggestions at hpkcc@aol.com. By dates

March 23, Tuesday, 5:30 pm. Hyde Park Kiwanis Spring Benefit. Help Kiwanis help neighborhood kids. Come socialize, drink, eat, bowl, and play pool. Raffle ticket included in your $50 donation. Tickets from Hyde Park Kiwanis members or call 773 324-8645.

The 2010 census is coming up and millions of workers are needed to help! Most jobs involving going door-to-door, visiting households that did not mail in written questionnaires and asking a few questions. Also, census workers may need to dispel myths about the census. There are some clerical or supervisory jobs. Bilingual workers are especially needed to work in communities with large numbers of non-English speakers. You would work 20 to 40 hours a week; most jobs will last two to six weeks. Most jobs require a valid drivers license and use of a vehicle. But public transportation can be used in some areas. For more information, see: http://2010.census.gov/2010census/involved/job-opportunities.php
People are needed to conduct the 2010 Census-- and few are applying from this area. These are paid positions. Re how to find testing etc. locations visit www.2010censusjobs.gov. How to apply: 1-866-861-2010. Also, if anyone knows places here that can be used for testing and training, call us for a contact at hpkcc@aol.com. on March 4 and 5 at 10:30 and 12:30 at Augustana Church, 5500 S. Woodlawn.
For more test dates, locations and infomation call 1-866-2020.

Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust seeks volunteers for Robie House, starting February 23 (sign up by Feb. 15). Adam Ross, 708 725-3852.

Seeking and training tutors now: Woodlawn Children's Promise Zone. Prof. Charles Payne of SSA shold have contacts- cmpayne@uchicago.edu.

March 17, Wednesday, 4-6 pm. Comer Children's Hospital Service League annual St. Patrick's Irish Coffee silent auction and raffle. $10. RSVP requested. Augustana Lutheran, 5550 S. Woodlawn.

Hyde Park Neighborhood Club seeks seniors to volunteer and read with children aged 6-9 about a half hour at its Children's House program, esp. about 2:30. Or on literacy with 9-12 year old Mondays and or Wednedays after school. Contact Emily Schuttenberg, Emily.schuttenberg@gmail.com, or 773 255-3505.
And Golden Troubadours is recruiting spring singers (many in this program are having memory or functional problems-- it would help to have the less-impaired of us participating or helping). Tuesdays at 1- can eat lunch with them at 11:30. 773 643-49062. http://www.hpnclub.org.

Blind Services Association (Madison and Wabash) needs volunteers to read to the blind, help them read their mail and do correspondence. Call Mary Scully or Beggy Grossman at 312 236-2970.

 

Hooked on drums is seeking energetic and enthusiastic Board
members!
Hooked on Drums: Board Members Needed! Volunteer instructors needed.

Mission

• To provide high quality, constructive educational
opportunities based in the art form of the drums of the
Malinke from West Africa, to youth of diverse cultural
backgrounds in after-school, in-school and out-of-school programs.
• To offer professional instruction, leadership, artistic
direction and resources for youth performance projects during
out-of-school hours.
• To create opportunities for youth to learn from experts in
the ethnic arts, with specific focus on the drums of the Malinke.

Brief Overview of Programs
Hooked On Drums brings the upbeat, inspiring rhythms of
African djembe drumming from the Malinke people in Guinea,
West Africa, to kids in urban Chicago. We offer Hooked On
Drums classes and youth drum performances through the Chicago
Park District, local schools and community organizations.
More than just a way to “blow off steam” or “keep kids off the
street,” the program gets kids hooked on authentic,
traditional music, allowing them to explore African heritage
while sharpening their minds on a complex musical idiom. And
the rhythms are irresistible!
Hooked On Drums is deeply committed to using African music as
a vehicle for fostering creativity, curiosity, discipline,
self-confidence and well-being in youth—above all, inner-city,
at risk youth of diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Board Members Needed

Hooked on Drums is undergoing substantial Board and
organizational development focused on greater structure and
professionalism. Current efforts are on developing a
committed, diverse, flexible and professional 7 person Board
that will put energy into creating and carrying out a business
and fundraising plan and help free the artistic Founders to do
what they do best – teach and perform. These steps will bring
long term sustainability to this dynamic and successful
organization so that it can continue to be a resource for
Chicago youth. Join us!

Join us: Interested candidates contact board@mortengroup.com.

Looking to Get Involved in the Arts? Join Art Corps at the Hyde Park Art Center !

Want to get more involved in art and serve your community at the same time? Then the Art Corps needs YOU!

The Hyde Park Art Center Art Corps is a special group of volunteers who receive in-depth training about the Art Center and our programs. Art Corps members commit to volunteering 10 times a year at our events and in our gallery. In exchange, Art Corps members get a back stage view of the Art Center , a chance to interact with our staff, and to learn more about our programming. Here’s more information:

•A select group of volunteers interested in learning more about contemporary art with a community focus
•Art Corps is a volunteer program where participants assist the Art Center staff at least ten times per year and can specialize in specific program areas, such as exhibitions, publicity, and our school and studios
•Art Corps members will receive training on how to interact with our visitors through art, our exhibitions program and the history of the Hyde Park Art Center and our place in the community
•You must be at least 18 years old to join.

Interested? Click here to visit the website and download an application. The deadline is December 27, 2009. If you have questions, please contact Crystal at cpernell@hydeparkart.org.

Crafts teachers, such as at Nichols Park fieldhouse, can always use common househod remains, such as toilet and paper towel cardboard rolls, plastic water bottles.

Community Shares of Illinois-- your way to donate online. http://www.cs-il.org. 218 S. Wabash, Ste 540, 60704, 312 379-0190.

Yearly last Saturday in September. Annual Hyde Park Jazz Festival is FREE and will bring together world-class headliners and local emerging artists from 11 a.m. until 2. a.m. with nonstop jazz performances in Hyde Park's many landmark and nationally renowned cultural and artistic venues. The James Wagner Main Stage located on the Midway Plaisance on 59th Street wil be the central location for the Jazz Festival produced by the Hyde Park Alliance for Arts and Culture, the University of Chicago, and teh Hyde Park Jazz Society. For more information visit: www.hydeparkjazzfestival.org. Our Jazz Festival page.

Volunteer:

Starting February 27, Saturday, 9:30-12:30 - TreeKeeper class on 7 Saturdays in the Washington Park Fieldhouse basement photolab. Questions? Jim DeHorn at Open Lands, 312-863-6259. For syllabus and registration form (fees?) visit http://www.openlands.org or contact Madiem at sunshine0711@gmail.com. Free to NeigbhborSpace members.

Nichols Park Meadow cleanups underway certain Sundays. 54th/Kenwood. Carol Schneider, 773 684-2619. June 7 and 28, Sunday, 4 pm. Workday in the Nichols Park and Meadow. Clean up, weed removal, grass and wildflower seeding. 54th at 1322 E. at the meadow. Tools provided. Carol Schneider, 684-2619.

Burnham 47th 1st Sats 9:20 am

Jackson 2nd and 4th Sats 10 at the Darrow Bridge

Washington 3rd Saturdays at

June 6, Saturday, 11 am-3 pm. Wine, cheese, music and tips for being environmentally friendly. Hyde Park Neighborhood Club. $15, $10 students. 5480 S. Kenwood. All proceeds to the Club.

Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust has restarted its docent program both in Oak Park and for Robie House even as it continues crucial interior renovation there. Volunteer training begins June 2 and is conducted during the next two weeks. Volunteers enjoy numerous membership benefits, invitations to special events and educational opportunities. The Trust seeks to work with volunteer schedules and interests and skills. Visit GoWright.org or call 773 708-848-1976.


Little Black Pearl and Prologue Arts and Design contract/charter school seek volunteers:

August 23, Sunday. Pearl Festival 773 285-1211. August 23, Sunday. Pearl Fest at Mandrake Park, 39th and Cottage Grove. If you were there last summer you know you don’t want to miss this grand event! We are seeking at least 300 volunteers to make this day a success. Last year we had 3,000 visitors during the festival, this year however, we are expecting up to 6,000 visitors, and we are looking for highly talented, committed, and fun volunteers who are ready to put on a great community festival, with food, live music, Chicago area vendors, and many resources! Please contact Chinyera Moody at cmoody@blackpearl.org , or at (773) 285-1211 ext. 157. Includes a lot of well-known musicians, food and merchant fair, and activities for all ages.

Black Pearl is also starting to host a charter/contract school, Joshua Johnston Fine Art and Design Academy to teach 200 at risk youth ages 17-21 the technical field of art and design.

 


Hyde Park Cats: (Trap-Neuter-Release and home-finding services)

http://hydeparkcats.blogspot.com.

Dedicated to helping stray and feral cats in the Hyde Park/Kenwood/Woodlawn area, with our main goal being to control feline overpopulation through 'TNR.' TNR (trap-neuter-return) is promoted by the national feline advocacy groups Alley Cat Allies and the ASPCA, as well as 'no-kill' shelters in the Chicago area like PAWS and Treehouse. Quarterly meetings; periodic TNR workshops; email alerts. See blog site for details.
The group has been 'in the news' several times lately:
1. From the Chicago Tribune:
http://archives.chicagotribune.com/2008/apr/27/news/chi-schmich-bdapr27
2. From the UofC's Chicago Maroon:
http://www.chicagomaroon.com/2008/5/8/hyde-parks-feral-cats-gain-local-and-citywide-sympathy
3. From the Chicago Weekly:
http://chicagoweekly.net/2009/02/19/from-feral-to-sterile-hyde-park-cat-lovers-trap-neuter-and-release/

Summer jobs are available to youth in partnership with the city.... Read print in pdf.

From: Youth Ready Chicago Youth Ready Chicago
[mailto:YouthReadyChicago@cityofchicago.org]
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 1:07 PM
To: YouthReadyChicago@cityofchicago.org
Subject: Hire youth under the Economic Stimulus

Dear Business Leader,

Mayor Daley's Youth Ready Chicago provides individuals, ages 14-24, the
opportunity to obtain apprenticeships, internships and jobs that will bridge
their classroom experiences and possible career choices. This summer, the
Youth Ready Chicago program will provide up to 7,300 youth between the ages
of 14 and 24 with a government-subsidized paid work experience. The
Department of Family and Support Services (FSS) is seeking applications from
qualified non-profit organizations, public-sector employers, local
government and faith-based organizations to serve as hubs and work sites for
the Youth Ready Chicago program.

Youth Ready Chicago will operate through a system of hubs and work sites.
Hubs will provide operational and administrative oversight of the program
including paying all youth associated with that hub. Work sites will be
assigned to a hub and will provide youth with jobs in the community and
supervise them. Hubs must complete and submit a Request for Proposal (RFP)
and a HUB application by April 13th, 2009. You can obtain the applications
by downloading them from two locations at www.youthreadychicago.org or
www.cityofchicago.org/fss.

If your organization is interested in being a work site for Youth Ready
Chicago, please visit our web site at
http://www.youthreadychicago.org/employers/Work_Sites.html and email the
following information to youthreadychicago@cityofchicago.org.

-Organization Name
-Organization Address
-Contact Name & Title
-Contact Phone
-Job Description
-Number of Youth Positions Available

Please e-mail www.youthreadychicago.org for additional questions or view the
attached PDF for more information.

Bret Harte TEAM school-based mentoring program for 4th-6th graders seeks more volunteer tutors. For information, call Melvina Coleman, 773 268-3815, X 26 or melvina.coleman@chicagoyouthcenters.org.

Transitional Housing Project seeks mentors

Herald, December 24, 2008. By Kate Hawley

The Hyde Park Transitional Housing Project is seeking volunteer mentors to work with families who have been homeless. The organization provides apartment and a range of other services to homeless families for up to two years. Two families are currently housed under the program, according to Allan Lindrup, the group's treasurer.

Volunteer mentors are critical to the organization, Lindrup said. They generally work in groups of two or three, meeting each week with a family for up to two years (with up to six weeks off over the course of each year). The also might attend courses of each year.) They also might attend counseling sessions, support groups or other meetings. The commitment involves advising the families on employment, schooling, parenting, money and a range of other issues, with the goal of helping them become permanently house and financially independent.

While the mentors are not social service professionals, they are expected to link the families with professional help when necessary.

The Hyde Park Transitional Housing Project began its work five years ago, launched by the local chapter of Interfaith Open Communities, an affordable housing advocate. For the last three years, the organization has held the Taste of Hyde Park to raise money for its efforts.

Ronald McDonald house reopens in splendid, friendly new quarters north of 55th. December 13, 2007, seeks volunteers.

Hyde Park Herald, December 19, 2997. By Georgia Geis

A large crowd braved the brisk wind last Thursday to witness the ribbon cutting at t he new 30,000-square-feet, Victorian-styled Ronald mcDonald House at 5444 S. Drexel Ave. The 22-bedroom house has amenities that would rival any luxury hotel.

Architects George Pappageorge and David Haymes with their colleagues designed the house with an elaborate turret, oversized windows and a wrap-around veranda to fit in with the turn of the century row houses on Drexel Avenue. "We pride ourselves in being a god neighbor," said Doug Porter, Chief Executive Officer of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. "We strive to fit in with a neighborhood."

The house was designed with a "Growing Tree" theme based on the popular children's book and is double the size of the original Ronald McDonald House that opened in Hyde Park in 1986 and that will make the work of volunteers like longtime Hyde Parker Noel Brusman easier.

Brusman has volunteered for the Ronald McDonald House for twelve years and has met countless families dealing with a child's serious illness. Brusman said one man's story stands out. A young man from the east cost whose twins were just born was flown here with his one baby who was born with cancer. The man, whose baby dies without ever seeing his mother, was a resident a the home for ten days. "He said eh felt very supported during this terribly sad time. He has come back to visit," said Brusman. In lieu of sympathy gifts, he asked that his friends make donations to the Ronald McDonald House in Hyde Park, brusman said.

Brusman said this story is typical for those staying at the house and this is why she volunteers eight hours a week, doing everything from admitting new guests to loading the dishwasher. "I have never stopped being touched by it," said Brusman, who stated volunteering after she retired from high school teaching. "My eyes tear up along with theirs."

According to Porter, many Hyde Parkers have been involved with the house, for example one generous Hyde Park resident who wishes to remain anonymous donated a million dollars for the project. Porter said he wants the neighborhood to feel welcome at the house and said there is a conference room for meetings and get-togethers.

"It is a big day, it has been a lot of work," said House Manager Mardelle Grundlach, who started herself as a volunteer 20 years ago. Grundlach said a lot of Hyde Park people volunteer at the house. She said there are many volunteer opportunities and "everyone is welcome." Grundlach said she is especially happy about the private bathrooms, which wil make a big difference for the families.

Besides the private bathrooms the house has age-appropriate play rooms from the toddler room, which can be seen from the kitchen, and a family room to a teen room equipped with video games. The house also boasts a computer room, a state of the art kitchen with five fully equipped work stations and a chapel that will provide a place for reflection where the families can see the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital through the huge picture window.

Brusman said one thing people could do is make dinner for the families. Many school, church and work groups come in to make dinner for what typically is 25 people. Brusman said working at the house give her a sense of being blessed. "I just say thank you, God. I have five healthy children and 11 healthy grandchildren," said Brusman.

For more information about volunteer opportunities, call Grundlach at 773 324-5437.

Volunteer for the U of C Folk Festival 2nd weekend of February 2009 or one of their other events such as fiddler's picnic or shape note. visit folkfestvolunteers@googlemail.com or call 773 702-9793.

Fast growing "green" groups are seeking help. Sustain Partners of Civic Knowledge and the Religion and Environment Initiative (http://rei.uchicago.edu, rei@meadville.edu.

Help on park workdays. From home go to parks main or Burnham (1st Sat ams), Jackson (2nd, 4th Sats 10 am), or Nichols, or Washington, Kenwood May Clean and Green.....

Washington Park Natural Area Workdays. 3rd Saturday of the month from March-October 9-noon meet at southeast corner of lagoon near Fountain of Time. (March meet at the fieldhouse). Tools and gloves provided. Steward Madiem Kawa at 773 203-3418 or Becky Schillo, Stewardship Coordinator at 312 742-4072. Please call as a head count is needed.

January 4, 2009: Public notice:

Hello, this is Madiem Kawa, Washington Park's Nature Area Steward and founder of the new organization the Washington Park Conservancy, our mission to preserve and enhance Washington Park's Green Space and to promote education and cultural activities for the public that will be sustained for generations.

I was wondering if you could make a few advertisements for me:
1) The Washington Park Conservancy is looking for a birder to voluntarily lead regular bird walks starting in early spring 2009. The birder can set their own hours.
2) The WPC is looking for someone to lead tree id walks in WP's Arboretum in 2009.
3) We are also looking for butterfly, dragonfly & bat monitors for 2009.

The Chicago Park District designated Washington Park as a bird and butterfly sanctuary.

Interested persons can contact Madiem Kawa directly on her cell phone @ 773-203-3418 or email sunshine0711@gmail.com.

Hyde Park Herald, March 19, 2008. Jackson Park seeks volunteers

Hyde Parkers can welcome spring by volunteering for the first Jackson Park work day of he season form 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The tradition of volunteers work days first started in Jackson Park's Bobolink Meadow and the Wooded Island in 1988.

"These areas need a lot of attention," said Ross Petersen, who has been directing the work days for six years.

Volunteers can expect to do general garden work, removing invasive species such as buckthorn and mulberry bushes, and replanting native vegetation to restore historic nature areas. Petersen said he usually gets about a dozen volunteers to help, six of whom volunteer through the non-profit group Chicago Works [Chicago Cares?]

"We would like to reach out to school, church, community groups to help out on our work days," said Petersen. The volunteer work days are on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month and start at the Darrow Bridge. Tools and refreshments are provided. For more information, call Petersen at 486-0505.

In other news, the Wooded Island working group was given special recognition for their hard work by the Friends fo the Park during the organization's annual luncheon last month.

Nichols Wildflower Meadow- March 29, Sunday, 3-5 pm. Nichols Park Meadow cleanups start (April 5, 19, May 3 prep and planting). 54th/Kenwood. Carol Schneider, 773 684-2619.

Burnham Nature Sanctuary n. of 47th by Metra/Lake Shore Drive 1st Saturdays 9:30.

Anyone wishing to participate in the Hyde Park affordable housing collaborative. Coalition for Equitable Community Development, can call George Rumsey, 773 955-4455 or Pat Wilcoxen. Website http://www.hpkcoalition.org. There find the CECD webpage.

Find out how to join the Hyde Park Disabilities Task Force and its outreach teams. Disabilities page.

You can host or help with a charity event to aid local hunger programs. Call Hyde Park Union Church at 773 363-6063 or visit http://www.hpuc.org, click Hunger Programs.

La Rabida Children's Hospital, 65th and the Lake, seeks volunteer tutors. The focus is on basic math and reading skills for 4-6 year olds. Commitment of at least one hour a week. Sessions are 4:30-7:30 p,./ Tuesdays and Thursdays. October 2- early May. 773 256-5985.

Going green bike collection for working bikes. Learn about next year's collection at www.workingbikes.org. Chase bank.

Or bring it to Blackstone Bicycle Works, 6100 S. Blackstone. Donated bikes help fund educational programming including the earn-a-bike program, mechanical skill training and entrepreneurial training for area youth .Tuesday through Friday 2-5 pm Saturday 12-5 pm. 773 241-5458. www.experimentalstation.org.

Join the Kiwanis in their projects for children and adults. For more information about Kiwanis projects or to participate contact Jon Will at jnwassoc@sbcglobal.net. Nationally, Kiwanis.org. (More in Community Resources page.) Children are also welcome to participate through the Builders Club and Key Club/

VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS NEEDED FOR THE BIG BIKE RIDES OR RUNS/WALKS IN THE AREA. Chicago's Half Marathon, TriMasters Aug. 4 (call 5th Ward Office, 773 324-5555), Boulevard Lakefront Tour Sept. 9...(call Chicagoland Bicycle Federation).

Hanging Baskets in the business districts again are seeking donations. Call South East Chicago Commission at 773 324-6926. Visit our Hanging Baskets page.

 

Military families needs

The U.S. Army has opened up offices, for example in the General Jones Armory at 5200 S. Cottage Grove Avenue, to help support, inform and serve soldiers deployed from this and like facilities and their families. It's the Family Readiness Group.

"These are young men and women who have left their jobs, in some cases their schools, and their families to serve their country overseas for the next year. Family members are left here trying to cope not only with fear, but sometimes with financial problems, with health problems, with family crisis..." It's staffed entirely with volunteers. Needed: people to talk to the soldiers and family members, help with shopping trips,...

Karen Hunt, 708-753-1803 or ispy78@aol.com

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A resident, Yvette Anderson, is seeking to form a cancer survivors group and to crate an outreach center. Anyone able to help, contact Anderson at msydanderson@yahoo.com, PO Box 53-163 Chicago, IL 60653.

Volunteer at The Hyde Park Art Center's 24-hour celebration! of its first year since the opening of its own facility. Fri. April 26 8 pm-27 5 pm: Creative Move THREE.

The Hyde Park Art Center is celebrating their second year in a brand-new
facility with *Creative Move TOO,* 24 hours of free hands-on-art-making,
exhibition tours and artist talks, a parade, live music and performances. Last
April, the Hyde Park Art Center welcomed over 7,000 visitors to its grand
opening; this year the Art Center celebrates with another all-day, all-night
celebration of art, community, and creativity.

There are a lot of exciting things happening, but we can't do it all without
some help! We are looking for volunteers for a variety of activities
throughout our 24-hour celebration, including greeting visitors, helping
performers set up, assisting our teaching artists, and manning the
membership booth. Volunteers are asked to work a minimum shift of four
hours. You'll get a free Hyde Park Art Center t-shirt and we'll keep you
going with free snacks during your shift.

 

If you'd like to be a part of *Creative Move TOO,* or if you'd like for more
information, please contact Colleen Coyne at 773-324-5520 or email
ccoyne@hydeparkart.org.

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Blackstone Bicycle Works and the rebuilt Experimental Station seek volunteers.

6100 S. Blackstone. Connie Spreen is one of the officers. 773 241-5458.

These cross boundaries as they engage youth, teaching real skills and responsibility alongside academic engagement (to aim toward college and business), serving as safe haven, and giving hope and sense of achievement. It currently has 24 regular enrollees and several taking"just in time learning."
The Experimental Station is like a commune for incubator and successful businesses, arts, environmental (especially) , and education programs. Heavily engaged are the University of Chicago Service Center, Civic Knowledge, summer Links, BSD and more.and the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital. Volunteers welcome!

 

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Pantries

Hyde Park Hunger Program, contact Hyde Park Union Church, 5600 S. Woodlawn, www.hpuc.org click hunger. 773 363-6063.

Many congregations (example St. Ambrose) have canned good and other pantry drives regularly.

Maggie LaBarbera wrote in the Oct. 18 Herald, Many thanked to Sophie Johnson for a fine article on the Food Pantry. My 14-year-old daughter read it at breakfast this morning and immediately wanted to see how much allowance she had saved up so she could donate it to this excellent program. I hope and trust many of your readers will have the same reaction. Top

Bread for the World gives training in abatement of hunger and working for justice. 205 W Monroe St. http://www.bread.org.
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 629-9529

Help the Greater Chicago Food Depository- getting really low. Giving down, need up.

Barbara Currie appeals for help for local hunger programs. Nexus for this area is the Hyde Park and Kenwood Hunger Program, centered at Hyde Park Union Church, 5600 S. Woodlawn and satellites at churches to the north. There is also a monthly Saturday breakfast at United Church. See in Helpline for more. Watch for announcements of benefit concerts in November and December.

Nov. 19, 2008: I was thrilled to see in the Nov. 5 edition of the Herald a story focusing on the increasing needs of the Hyde Park and Kenwood (HPK) Hunger Programs. I was recently given the opportunity through the United Counties of Illinois, to direct a donation of $500 to a neighborhood charity. It was with great pleasure that I directed that donation to the HPK Hunger Programs. The food pantry is currently serving more people than it has in its 27-year history. With the economy in trouble and chilly weather driving utility bills up, more and more people will join the line. The pantry and soup kitchen are safety nets -- serving the jobless and the underemployed, the homeless, the disabled, seniors and children. They all need your help, and I encourage everyone to make a donation.

Donations can be made online at http://www.hpuc.org/Other/Hunger_Programs.html, or checks can be made out to the Hyde Park and Kenwood Hunger Programs , c/o Hyde Park Union Church, 5600 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago, Il 60637. For further information on the program, please call Rev. Susan Johnson at 773 363-6063.

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Kiwanis collects clothing, toys and food. Esp at holiday times. 773 324-8645.

First Mt. Calvary M Baptist accepts donations for food giveaway M-F 10:30-6:30. 6118 S. Kenwood. 773667-3209.

Hyde Park Seventh Day Adventist Church, 4608 S. Drexel Blvd., needs volunteer help Tuesdays and Thursdays with the soup kitchen. 773 288-0429.

Hyde Park and Kenwood Interfaith Food Pantry. 1169 E. 56th at Hyde Park Union Church needs volunteers to distribute food, fill food bags Friday and Saturday mornings Jan Deckenbach, 773 702-7034.

Streetwise needs volunteers. 1201 W. Lake. 312 829-2526. 312 554-0060 also given.

Join the Wright Team, the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust. Lead tours, help visitors in Oak Park of at Hyde Park's Robie House. Fall training class forming. wrightplus.org, volunteer@wrightplus.org, 708 848-1976.

Oriental Institute is looking for docent volunteers. Lots of perks. Contact the Volunteer Office t 773 702-9507, oi-education@uchicago.edu.

Back Again- Flower Power. SECC and Chamber of Commerce have contracted with Panoramic Landscaping to install 2 seasonal planting and water and maintain all the baskets on 53rd and 55th. Cost is $26,000. The University pays half and matches additional dollars. Send checks to Flower Power at SECC, 152 E. 53rd Street, 60615. 773 324-6926.
$590 all for a pair of baskets. $295 one, $150 plant material pair of baskets, $50 for one.

Collecting goods, seeking volunteers, holding benefits for the season or victims

Black Star Project seeks mentors for school kids: "One Thousand Mentors, One Hundred Schools." Share your life experiences with kids in Hyde Park and Bronzeville schools, along with student mentors. Shoesmith is one of the schools that has and appreciates the mentors.

The Blue Gargoyle Adult Literacy Program seeks tutors. Next training 5638 S. Woodlawn. 773 955-4108. Blue Gargoyle is again seeking volunteers and tutors--it uses 85 in morning and evening classes and in one-on-one with students. The next training is June 10, 12, 17, 19 6-9 pm at headquarters, 773 955-4108.

Volunteers needed and at partners of The Elliott Donnelley Youth Center (of Chicago Youth Centers) is located in Bronzeville at 3947 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60653, serving children ages 5-17 years old in the following capacities: tutoring, mentoring, after-school programming, swimming lessons, recreational activities, “CPS Out-of-School-Day” care, and teen leadership programming (including career and college readiness). Fees are assessed based on the family’s income level (sliding scale). To apply, contact EDYC to have your child become a member: 773-268-3815 Website: www.chicagoyouthcenters.org. Christy Beighe-Byrne, M.A. Director of Mentor and Volunteer Services. Email: Christy. Beighe-Byrne@chicagoyouthcenters.
Chicago Youth Centers T.E.A.M. School-Based Mentoring Program Visit our website: www.chicagoyouthcenters.org.
CYC’s goal is to bring critcal mentoring resources to students grades 4-6 at our partner schools to help them improve their academic performance and acquire essential social skills. Our partner schools also serve a significant homeless population.

Local Partner Schools: § Bret Harte Elementary: 1556 E. 56th Street (Hyde Park)
° Mondays 2:50 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. / Tuesdays 2:50 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
§ Overton Elementary: 221 E. 49th Street (Bronzeville/Grand Blvd.)
° Mondays and Tuesdays 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Melvina Coleman, Program Coordinator, Elliott Donnelley Youth Center, 3947 So., Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60653, Office Phone: 773/268-3815, Ext. 26, Fax: 773/268-9460 Email: melvina.coleman@chicagoyouthcenters.org.

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Help stop litter--and clean street gutters before they flood, and clean snow and ice too!

Residents of condo buildings on Everett Avenue are increasingly frustrated with the problem of litter on the street, curbstrips, sidewalks, and yards. We've had no luck getting the alderman's office or streets and sanitation to help with prevention. We'd like to do whatever we can to raise awareness and let neighbors and visitors know that we care how the area looks. Perhaps something like the following could be posted on your good neighbors page.

Keep Hyde Park Boulevard and the whole neighborhood beautiful

Residents of Everett Avenue are concerned with a persistent littering problem. Trash from cars is dropped in the street and along the curbs, and pedestrians are dropping trash along the curb strips and yards. We appeal to our neighbors and visitors: please don't litter! Every dropped candy wrapper or stray newspaper adds up, making the neighborhood look shabby, unwelcoming, and uncared for. We care, but we have been unable thus far to convince the city to supply and empty trash bins or post signage. Please help keep the neighborhood clean and pass the word that littering is unacceptable on this street. If other neighborhoods have found successful
solutions to this problem, --or anyone else--please post your ideas here at hpkcc@aol.com. We will send them to neighbors.

 

Please support the Blue Gargoyle Service Centers. Programs supported include Adult Learning, Bronzeville Academic, Counseling Program, Family Learning, Youth Tutoring, Employment Training and Readiness.

Help a south side neighbor improve in reading, writing, math or computers:
Become a Volunteer Adult Literacy Tutor.
You can work with a south side neighbor who is striving to improve his or her education. By sharing your skills and enthusiasm for reading, writing, math or computers, yu can help change someone's life. This set of programs teaches those 16 and older. Tutors attend initial comprehensive training workshop then met individually with a student or small groups 2-4 hours a week.
Training- Tues. Jan. 17, Thurs. Jan. 19, Tues. Jan 24, Th. Jan. 26 6-9 pm.
5638 S. Woodlawn. Call Daschell at 773 955-4108.

Volunteers needed- Blue Gargoyle Youth Tutoring After School Program
Individual or group, CPS students grades 1-12, math, reading, core courses. M-Th 3-6. Volunteer opportunities for adults 18 and older. One on one, small group. Call 773 955-4108 x301, www.bluegargoyle.org.

Volunteers needed and at partners of The Elliott Donnelley Youth Center (of Chicago Youth Centers) is located in Bronzeville at 3947 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60653, serving children ages 5-17 years old in the following capacities: tutoring, mentoring, after-school programming, swimming lessons, recreational activities, “CPS Out-of-School-Day” care, and teen leadership programming (including career and college readiness). Fees are assessed based on the family’s income level (sliding scale). To apply, contact EDYC to have your child become a member: 773-268-3815 Website: www.chicagoyouthcenters.org. Christy Beighe-Byrne, M.A. Director of Mentor and Volunteer Services. Email: Christy. Beighe-Byrne@chicagoyouthcenters.
Chicago Youth Centers T.E.A.M. School-Based Mentoring Program Visit our website: www.chicagoyouthcenters.org.
CYC’s goal is to bring critcal mentoring resources to students grades 4-6 at our partner schools to help them improve their academic performance and acquire essential social skills. Our partner schools also serve a significant homeless population.

Local Partner Schools: § Bret Harte Elementary: 1556 E. 56th Street (Hyde Park)
° Mondays 2:50 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. / Tuesdays 2:50 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
§ Overton Elementary: 221 E. 49th Street (Bronzeville/Grand Blvd.)
° Mondays and Tuesdays 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Melvina Coleman, Program Coordinator, Elliott Donnelley Youth Center, 3947 So., Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60653, Office Phone: 773/268-3815, Ext. 26, Fax: 773/268-9460 Email: melvina.coleman@chicagoyouthcenters.org.

Old computers for Schools. Although the city now has several collection points for old computers and other electric devices, an alternative that refurbishes these for schools is Computers for Schools, 3350 N. Kedzie, Dock 2. 773 583-7575. Chicago Theological seminary also has a program.

It's never too late even though the retailer's programs may have expired! For fall 2006
Help buy 12,000 needy kids their school supplies; CPS' School Supplies Drive for Homeless Students. Less than $15 at www.kitzforkidz.com or call 800 974-KITS. You can also drop off donations at FOX Studios, 205 N. Michigan. Did you know that homeless students in CPS is up from 3,500 in 2000 to 9,000 today?

There are many opportunities to give to or receive from needy (especially homeless) kids school supplies programs. Home Depot and Staples have 2 different programs that get the kits to the school of your choice. There is also a website.... www.kitzforkidz.com or 800 975-KITS for purchase of kits. CPS Director of External Resources Alyson Cooke says the priority is the 9,000 homeless students. Prepared school supply kits are available to purchase, separated into 3 grade levels.. Supplies such as dictionaries, folders, safety scissors can be dropped at FOX News downtown also. And your name will be entered in the raffle to win a BB King guitar donated by his daughter.


Host a foreign student in your home. Here's an appeal, passed on by Dina Weinstein, with contacts.


Here is information about hosting an international student from Chicago's
Sister City office:
From KARIN TINTA ktinta@cityofchicago.org
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Friends of Sister Cities,

While attending the annual Sister Cities International Conference in Spokane, Washington, I met with some representatives of AYUSA, a wonderful organization morally supported by Sister Cities International of Washington D.C., who organize international student exchange programs.

I am taking on a volunteer role of Chicago Host Family Coordinator with AYUSA, and I wanted to reach out to you to see if you would like more information on how to host an international student in the near future. Please see the following link and information, and let me know if I can add you to my interest listing for future consideration.

I speak from personal experience, having participated in two study abroad programs in university, that these types of exchanges absolutely change the lives and futures of the students and families involved.

Thank you in advance for your time. Regards,

Karin Tinta
International Program Coordinator
Chicago Sister Cities International Program
Department of Cultural Affairs
78 E. Washington St., 4th Fl.
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312-744-9181
Fax: 312-744-2178
ktinta@cityofchicago.org
www.chicagosistercities.org
___________________________
http://www.ayusa.org/

"AYUSA is a non-profit 501.c.3 educational and cultural exchange organization with headquarters in San Francisco, California. Since 1980, AYUSA has provided opportunities for more than 37,000 students from the U.S. and around the world to live and study through our programs.

"At AYUSA, we believe that the greatest way to learn the true heart and soul of a culture is not through a tour of its monuments, but by opening your heart and home to a young person from a distant land. All across the world, teens yearn for more knowledge of the American way of life, our language and our ideals. When you choose to host an AYUSA international exchange student, prepare to embark upon a unique and exciting journey. Simple day to day activities, family dinners or holiday traditions become brand new experiences with a fresh perspective and new insight. Along with a suitcase and passport, these amazing young people bravely carry their heritage and values across the world with the hope of living, learning, and sharing with an American host family.

"Welcome A New Family Member!

"The host family/student bond is the most important part of the AYUSA program. Your exchange son or daughter looks forward to full participation as a member of your family. This includes sharing quality time as well as household chores.

"Your student will strive to create a special friendship with each member of your family. Young children enjoy a patient, playful, big brother or sister. They often learn bits of foreign language ahead of their peers, and develop an early appreciation for cross-cultural friendship.

"Older children and teens often look to this new family member for companionship and shared interests. A trip to the mall or attending a sporting event, becomes a new experience, appreciated through the eyes of an exchange sister or brother. American teens develop a more open-minded perspective, and a greater thirst
for world knowledge -- better preparing them for work in the global marketplace of the future.

"Adult families without children at home, enjoy filling their nest with the laughter and warmth of a new son or daughter. Students love the undivided attention, and enjoy exchanging ideas and customs with their host mom and dad.

"Hosting Equals Fun & Learning!

"Hosting an AYUSA student is a wonderful learning experience for the whole family. Social studies textbooks come to life as you sample a cake baked the Brazilian way or a dish of Japanese-style rice and vegetables. A simple family discussion about German politics or a fun lesson in Spanish slang, adds color and interest to an ordinary day. Host brothers and sisters often incorporate this new cultural knowledge into school reports, presentations and research projects. Teachers have a special appreciation for these enrichment opportunities provided at home."

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There is always a severe shortage of blood in the Chicago area. Sufferers from Sickle Cell need continual transfusions and matches are difficult. The University of Chicago is one accepting donations of blood and platelets. 773 702-6247.
LifeSource needs bone marrow. Could you be a match? find out Sept. 10, 9-1 at Northern Trust 2nd floor, 7801 S. State. This is the Rhonda Whiteside-McCoy Bone Marrow Drive. Call Alma Dodd at 773 520-1551. YES, EVEN IF ONLY IN MIDDLE AGE, MULTIPLE MYELOMA COULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR BACK DETERIORATION, especially if you are African-American (it's in the top 10 killers of African-Americans).

ORGAN DONATION. The Secretary of State's Office provides a form with Driver license or Illinois ID signup. Note, family consent is no longer required, but should be informed. For information about the program, call toll free 800 210-2106 or visit http://www.LifeGoesOn.com.

Yvette Anderson appealed in the Herald in April 2006 for sponsors for herself and others in the 3 day walk event of 60 miles September 8-10 for the Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. www.the3day.org.

Look around- many places are selling holiday cards made by their patients, clients et al. Comer and La Rabida children's hospitals. Ray School. La Rabida sells about $100,000 raising between $5,000 and $7,000!


University of Chicago Hospitals Comer Service Committee is making dolls used to show children what procedures are to be done on them. Heather Refetoff is in charge.

You can donate your old computer or cell phone for reuse- Don't dump them, they're toxic and orgs or less affluent or (for the phones) women needing a press-for-emergency-help device. Contact www.carenet.org, phones: Rep. Currie's office, 1301 E. 5rd St., 773 667-0550.

Old computers are also accepted, refurbished by persons with challenged abilities who are professionally trained to do this, then sold or given at reduced cost to individuals or to organizations of limited means. The program is managed locally through Chicago Theological Seminary. They would appreciate hearing from you.

Many find great satisfaction in volunteering at our museums, hospitals such as University of Chicago, the Neighborhood Club or the Blue Gargoyle Service Center. Museums with strong volunteer programs include Museum of Science and Industry and the Oriental Institute. Others work with religious organizations or local nonprofits or in schools and parks: Search the pages at the top or Parks home to find contacts.

The Neighborhood Club is looking for volunteers for the Annual Pancake Breakfast April 2 and setup April 1.

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Volunteer to visit with others, from children to the elderly. One organization is Little Brothers, Friends of the Elderly. Also the Jewish Community Centers.

Visit the Help Line and Community Resources--almost all the organizations and service agencies there could use volunteers.

 

Do a favor- see that walks are clear-- see what the law really requires and how it also reassures.

Merry Bolt, a member of the Conference, wrote this appeal in the Herald, February 2, 2005:

The recent snow can be trying and to some dangerous. We neighbors can do better. Do your part by making sure the snow you shovel or plow isn't deposited on your neighbor's walkway, driveway or in front of his garage. If you hire someone, make sure he understands that he won't be paid if he deposits snow on a neighbor's property. Churches or temples that plow their parking lots but fail to clear their sidewalks are sending mixed messages to the community.

It would also be great if bus stops, paths leading to bus stops and crosswalks could be cleared early and routinely. Many in our neighborhood, including the elderly, depend on walking or buses for transportation.

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You can join and get together a team from such organizations as Chicago Cares (located 300 W. Adams, 312 780-0800) to do work in, among others, our parks (Jackson and Spruce are two that make frequent use of Chicago Cares teams, Nichols sometimes does), schools and schoolyards, elderly housing, and much more.

There are so many ways to be a good neighbor by being green. Only 13% of households participate in the Blue Bag program--can't we boost that a little? Call 311 for information--there are free distribution programs. There is the Hyde Park Garden Fair Committee, leading a pack of greening programs.

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In addition to nearly every org. in this page (or our Nonprofits and Community Resources pages), college students can volunteer and learn a lot about this and surrounding communities through the UC Service Center, Center for Urban Schools, Civic Knowledge Project, and

Chicago Center/Urban Life Center
Valerie Wallace, Administrative Director.
1515 E. 52nd Place, other locations, Chicago, IL 60615. 1-800-747-6059, (773) 667-6419, others. fax: (773) 363-1150.
http://www.urbanlifecenter.org.
Purpose: Counseling and other social services. Celebrating 35 years in June 2006.
We're a nonprofit experiential educational organization in Hyde Park.
Urban Life Center engages college students with Chicago's diverse communities through innovative seminars and internships, expanding the traditional classroom through an experience-based, first-voices pedagogy.
Urban Life Center also designs day to week-long LearnChicago! tours and workshops to teach groups about the city's cultures and communities. Top

Organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Clubs seek volunteers.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago tutors in Hyde Park (and many other) schools. To volunteer. 312 727-0637. Look in Education Resources-Tutoring--nearly all of the providers listed accept qualified volunteers.

Pantries.Hyde Park and Kenwood Interfaith Council looking for supporters, volunteers as the needy escalate. Did you know": Volunteers count in the quota of food for needy from the Greater Chicago Food Depository. The Council thanks the many who have significantly increased contributions and closed the big deficit at the end of November!! See further on the reorganization now necessary for HP Food Panty.

As reported in the December 15, 2004 Hyde Park Herald, the number of families seeking food assistance jumped 162% from June to September 2004 (122 to 320) putting a great strain on volunteer organizations such as Hyde Park and Kenwood Interfaith Council. The Council, made up of 40 congregations and groups, has put out an urgent appeal for help. The Council looks to other organizations to help families get food, particularly the Greater Chicago Food Depository, which since 1979 has grown into a network of over 600 pantries, soup kitchens and shelters--20 in the Hyde Park to Bronzeville neighborhoods. Being a member of GCFD, the HPandKIC pays 7 cents per pound for USDA food. And it gets credits towards food purchases through volunteers it sends--$5 per volunteer hour up to a certain percent. Please note that the Depository does not help the Council raise funds.

Chairman of the Council's Hunger Program is Rev. Susan Johnson, pastor of Hyde Park Union Church. She notes, "Some people have been temporarily displaced since the Chicago Housing Authority resettlement," Johnson said. Also contributing are increased long-term unemployment and the end of the 5-year grace period under the former TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). See details in Ending Homelessness. she sent 3,200 appeal letters in November 2006. Funds also came from the Thanksgiving service at Rockefeller. More appeals are coming in December and January. Donate online at http://www.hpuc.org.

Especially needed are items not covered by food stamps such as soap, deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo. Also sought are canned meat or fish, tea , coffee, sugar , cooking oil, and flower. 773 363-6063.

(See the Help Line page for description of the Food Pantry monthly grocery distribution (since 1982), now at Union Church and the Kitchen at St. James.)

Also contributing since 1992 is Council member Church Home at Montgomery Place, 5550 South Shore Drive. Director is Dr. Robert Petite.

90% of proceeds from the Interfaith Service at Rockefeller Nov. 23 went to the under funded Hyde Park pantry. Maybe $10,000.

Other contributors are the schools--Whitney Young student organization Jack and Jill volunteers organize boxes of food at he Hyde Park Food Pantry and read to children. Kenwood students do likewise.

St. Gelasius closing leaves shelters overwhelmed. But still operates in some capacity as St. Gelasius/St. Columbanus- contact Calvert House Catholic Center for information on collections, volunteer help. (Update of Nov. 2005)

Hyde Park Herald, December 22, 2004. By Nykeya Woods

The recent closing of the St. Gelasius Church food pantry in Woodlawn meant that nearby First Presbyterian Church of Chicago, 6400 S. Kimbark Ave., has had to provide hundreds more needy families with food out of its pantry. Rev. Gerald Wise said that due to the increased numbers, First Presbyterian has had to turn away some hungry families. "We can't carry [the load]," Wise said. "[St. Gelasius] had done such good."

Wise worries that his congregation of 189 members cannot handle the new burden. There are people waiting as early as 7 a.m. for the hot meals they serve on Tuesdays. And Thursday's food pantry, which has always begun at 11 a.m., is now running out of items after only one hour, he said.

First Presbyterian's pantry has been handing out 150 bags of groceries a week since St. Gelasius Church moved out of the neighborhood, thereby closing its 6415 S. Woodlawn Ave. food pantry.

"Susan [Johnson of the Interfaith Council] was right on the money," Wise said, referring to the Dec. 15 Herald article on food pantries. "A lot of people are working and aren't making enough money."

Soup kitchens are places hungry people can go for a hot meal and food pantries offer groceries to needy families. The following is a list of neighbor food pantries and soup kitchens.

______________________________________

 

Hyde Park Union Church-see Hyde Park and Kenwood Interfaith-Hyde Park Pantry in Helpline.

United Church of Hyde Park. 1448 E. 53rd St. Breakfast for the Hungry last Saturdays. 773 363-1620.

First Presbyterian Church of Chicago,6400 S. Kimbark Ave., hosts a food pantry every Thursday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and also hosts a soup kitchen [Tuesdays 1 pm]. For more information, contact Kenneth Martinez or Harold Witherspoon at 773 363-0505.

Second Faith Temple COGIC, 424 E. 49th St., hosts a soup kitchen every Friday between 6:30 pm. and 7:30 p.m. For more information contact Robert Robinson, Jr. at 773 625-0799.

Project Care, 710 E. 62nd St. hosts a food pantry every Thursday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.. For more information, contact Janett Nelson at 684 685-9688.

Hyde Park [and] Interfaith,5600 S. Woodlawn Ave., hosts a food pantry once a month on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and also a soup kitchen Monday through Friday [at Kenwood United Church of Christ, 4608 S. Greenwood] beginning at noon. For more information, contact Bob Naftzger at 773 363-6063.

Lutheran Child and Family Services Refugee Settlement, 6127 S. University Ave., hosts a food pantry every Thursday between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. For more information, contact Lonnie Richardson at 773 753-0600.

St. Philip Neri Service Center, 2132 E. 72nd St. hosts a food pantry every Tuesday between 10 a.m. and non. For more information, contact Margaret Williams at 773 363-1700.

Parkway Garden Christian Church, 6600 S. King Dr., hosts a food pantry every 4th Saturday of the month between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. for more information, contract Rev. Edward Morris at 663 667-0770.

St. Phillip Lutheran Church, 6232 S. Eberhart St. hosts a food pantry every Tuesday between 10 a.m. an noon. For more information contact Ella Jefferson at 773 846-0393.

Martin Temple Community, 6930 S. Cottage Grove Ave., hosts a soup kitchen every Monday between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact Betty Davenport at 773 493-8624.

Kenwood Oakland Community Organization, 1238 E. 46th St., host a food pantry Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. For more information, contact Roderick Wilson at 773 548-7500.

St. Elizabeth Church, 50 E. 41st St., hosts a food pantry every 4th Saturday o the month between 10 a.m. an noon. For more information, contact Lanzie Harris at 773 268-1518.

Tabernacle Baptist Food Pantry, 4130 S. Indiana Ave., hosts as food pantry every 3rd Friday of the month between noon and 4 p.m. For more information, contact Minie Bruce at 773 624-6722.

Ebenezer Baptist Church Food Pantry, 4501 S. Vincennes Ave. hosts a food pantry every Tuesday between noon and 2 p.m. For more information, contact Georgia Coleman at 773 373-6144.

Operation Pull Grant Memorial, 4017 S. Drexel Blvd., hosts a food pantry every Friday between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and a soup kitchen every Tuesday between 1 p.m.and 3 p.m. For more information, contact Rev. Leroy Sanders at 773 285-5819.

Kenwood United Church of Christ, 4608 S. Greenwood Ave., hosts a soup- kitchen Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between noon and 1 p.m. and a soup kitchen every Tuesday between noon and 1 p.m. For more information, contact Rev. Leroy Sanders at 773 373-2861.

Hyde Park Seventh Day Adventist Soup Kitchen, 4608 S. Drexel Blvd., hosts a soup kitchen every Wednesday, between noon and 1 p.m.. For more information, contact Jewell Lenoir at 773 373-2909.

Hyde Park and Kenwood Food Pantry being reorganized, pressure and demand threaten to overwhelm. October 11 2006 Herald. By Sophie Johnson

Last week's treacherous thunderstorm left..the Hyde Park and Kenwood Community Food Pantry --located in the Hyde Park Union Church, 5600 S. Woodlawn Ave.,--cut off from the power they needed to supply clients with emergency groceries.

Rev. Susan Johnson and other volunteers were in a frenzy to find another area kitchen to relocate to so their USDA frozen meat wouldn't spoil. They were finally able to move their operations to the Bartlett Dining Commons at the University of Chicago for two days until the church had fully regained power.

Unfortunately, power outages are the least of the problems currently facing the Hyde Park and Kenwood hunger programs. Within the last few years, the Interfaith Council-sponsored Community Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen have fallen into dire financial straits. For the first time since the Food Pantry opened in 1981 (with the Soup Kitchen following suit in 1982), the Interfaith Council can no longer afford to fund these programs.

"Our situation is pretty precarious at the moment," said Johnson, who is spearheading a committee to broaden the support base for the hunger programs in the area. Due to an increase in demand and less food available through the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry have hit the bottom of their remaining finances.

These programs would benefit from a change in governance, Johnson thinks. "I want to see them supported by the community," she said. "This is a reasonably affluent, socially- and economically-diverse community that ought to be able to support its more vulnerable residents."

Johnson and the Hyde Park Union Church--where she is the reverend--will be taking over fiscal management of these programs for two years until a new financial base can be built.

Those who are passionate about the hunger programs are committed to their survival. With 500 people--including those with mild to severe physical or mental disabilities, single parents, and residents between jobs--benefiting from the food pantry, and up to 200 people a day receiving noon meals from the soup kitchen six days a week, these are arguably programs Hyde Park and Kenwood cannot afford to lose. At noon on Monday through Saturday, the Kenwood United Church of Christ is filed with volunteers and guests working together to set up, cook, and serve each other with respect. after the preparation is done and the meal is ready, Senior Minister Leroy Sanders gives a spiritual pep talk before guests and volunteers enjoy their lunchtime meal. Johnson argues that this easygoing, quiet group of people is a portrait of the community at its best. We've never shut down, we've never closed early, [and] we've never run out of food," Johnson said. "I'm not going to let this rough period change that."

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Barbara Currie appeals for help for local hunger programs. Nexus for this area is the Hyde Park and Kenwood Hunger Program, centered at Hyde Park Union Church, 5600 S. Woodlawn and satellites at churches to the north. There is also a monthly Saturday breakfast at United Church. See in Helpline for more. Watch for announcements of benefit concerts in November and December.

Nov. 19, 2008: I was thrilled to see in the Nov. 5 edition of the Herald a story focusing on the increasing needs of the Hyde Park and Kenwood (HPK) Hunger Programs. I was recently given the opportunity through the United Counties of Illinois, to direct a donation of $500 to a neighborhood charity. It was with great pleasure that I directed that donation to the HPK Hunger Programs. The food pantry is currently serving more people than it has in its 27-year history. With the economy in trouble and chilly weather driving utility bills up, more and more people will join the line. The pantry and soup kitchen are safety nets -- serving the jobless and the underemployed, the homeless, the disabled, seniors and children. They all need your help, and I encourage everyone to make a donation.

Donations can be made online at http://www.hpuc.org/Other/Hunger_Programs.html, or checks can be made out to the Hyde Park and Kenwood Hunger Programs , c/o Hyde Park Union Church, 5600 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago, Il 60637. For further information on the program, please call Rev. Susan Johnson at 773 363-6063.

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____________________

Thanks to the many organizations, congregations and businesses that provided the needy with Thanksgiving and will provide at Christmas and the other coming December and January holidays and festivals. Many provide benefits for the givers also. Here is one example of an annual collaboration: Top

St. Martin de Porres and Kiwanis and friends.

This year Kiwanis will adopt families from St. Martin de Porres House of Hope, 6423 s. Woodlawn, for food baskets and clothing on December 18. Helping are Kenwood Academy homerooms, Powells Bookstores, 57th St. Books. 773 324-8645.

Others include First Unitarian, Hyde Park Vineyard, Metropolitan Apostolic, Christ the King Lutheran School, Haymarket House (4910 King), Subway, Harris (bring in new toys through Dec. 18 for Toys for Tots- 773 241-5100), K.A.M Isaiah Israel.

St. Martin de Porres House of Hope takes clothing, food staples, and other need items.
6423 S. Woodlawn. (773) 643-5843
Battered women and children shelter and services incl. job training, child care, tutoring, GED, substance abuse rehab. Volunteers esp for tutoring children, taking them on outings, visiting the women. Food, clothing, and monetary donations welcome (canned and boxed food and baking supplies).

Another shelter: First Unitarian Cathedral Shelter Program. 5650 S. Woodlawn. 773 324-4100.

Hyde Park Interfaith Cluster/Transitional Housing Project- inquire for need of volunteers. See contacts in Community Resources.
No longer associated with University Church. A contact number will be set up.
Director or president- in search mode.
http://iocillinois.org/hydepark/transitionalhousing/ Download brochure.
For more information visit the hydepark.org Ending Homelessness page and the Affordable Housing Information page. A quarterly brochure is available.
Helps families become self sustaining in mentored settings. Volunteers needed and trained.

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Select social service agencies and facilities needing volunteers

All kinds of Walks/runs/bike rides for various causes need participants and volunteers. One is :

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Holds a Lakefront Overnight Walk "Out of the Darkness" July 26-27 2005. www.TheOvernight.org. 888-NIGHT-05, 888 644-4805.

There are many services and institutions in and out of the neighborhood that take in or mentor from tots to seniors, such as Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, including their Friends First program. 1140 W. Jackson, 312 738-6365.

Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline. Contact Elizabeth at 312 252-0520 x 12. Help survivors of assault and abuse. Answer the only 24-hour toll-free citywide hotline in Chicago. Crisis intervention work, referrals. Non-judge mental. Men also needed for outreach side. 50 hours of training, 12 hours a month commitment on hotline.

Chicago Association of Retarded Citizens. 5333 S. Greenwood. 773 241-5700. Currently seeking, inter alia, potential foster parents. (Info meeting April 20).

Chicago Recovery Alliance. Locations throughout city. Dan Bigg 773 471-0999. cra@attglobal.net. www.anypositivechange.org. Syringe exchange, medical care, overdose prog., safe educ., shelter referrals, legal assistance. Full training.

Court Appointed Special Advocates. Darryl Calhoun, 312 433-4928. 1100 S. Hamilton 8 West. Non legal advocate and friend for a child in the court system. Training provided.

Unity Hospice. 439 E. 31st St. Doris Mitchell, 312 949-1188. Support to terminally ill patients and their families, visiting, reading, conversing, sharing meals, light errands, companionship. 8 h0urs training provided.

Sell or give your goods to help: Christian Industrial League, Salvation Army accept goods (the Co-op?).

The Caring Closet, formerly on Harper south of 53rd, has moved to South Shore.

Deja Vu Consignment Boutique.
5212 S. Harper. 773 667-2118. Clothing including business. Replaces The Caring Closet (now in South Shore) selling at low price and almost giveaway for homeless. Tuesdays through Thursdays 4-7 pm, Fridays and Saturdays 10 am-6 pm, Sundays noon to 5 pm. Seeking new or nearly new women's business and parts suits and designer clothing. Appointment req, price will be decided. Consigner gets 40% of profit.

Kilimanjaro sells hand-crafted art, clothing, jewelry. Much of the profit goes to One Tree of Black Artists of America, which raises money for homeless and abused children in America and Africa and to teach artistic children about entrepreneurship.

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Foster, retarded, senior programs etc.

Chicago Association of Retarded Citizens.

Hyde Park Neighborhood Club. Senior care

Chicago Child Welfare League- see in Help Line.

Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, including Friends First Mentoring Program
The Friends First mentoring program matches adult volunteers with at-risk youth in the community. The volunteer and youth go on outings together to parks, museums, zoos, etc., and the Friends First volunteer serves as a friend and positive role model. Outings are typically on weekends, 3-4 times a month. We take care to set up a good match between the mentor and a specific youth; we provide ongoing support, we help to find fun, free things to do in Chicagoland, and we give tips on building a friendship. Friends First mentors must be at least 21. To learn more about this volunteer opportunity, please go to www.mercyhome.org or call 312-738-7552.

Kristin B. Meyer, MSW
Director - Friends First and Volunteer Resources
Mercy Home for Boys and Girls
(312) 738-6365 http://www.mercyhome.org

Seniors Volunteering: Chicago Dept. of Aging's Light Up Chicago One To One. (312) 744-5795

There are so many agencies linking up seniors and youth to help each other. One that is seeking volunteers of all ages and serving clients in Hyde Park is Little Brothers--Friends of the Elderly. 312) 455-1000.

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Many find helping victims through hotlines, counseling, direct assistance, and advocacy rewarding. Here is a starter list.

Friends of Battered Women and their Children. 773 274-5232.

Resources for Sexual Violence Prevention (RSVP) and
Rape Victims Advocates 228 S. Wabash, 312 663-6303 and
Family Violence Prevention Fund

Kiwanis nationally and locally is a good organization to give to and volunteer with as its activities are focused and practical but highly various, and include hands on helping while being part of socializing-civic organization.

Hyde Park Kiwanis (see above on coordination with St. Martin de Porres)
President Clifford Doyle, vp. Richard Nayer, secretary Gwendolyn Teamer, treasurer Jon Will.
1509 E. 53rd St., Box 120, Chicago IL 60615, 773 324-8645.
Purpose: To raise money for charitable purposes locally and nationally, including Christmas gifts for local indigent children, supporting the Neighborhood Club, supporting a camp for disabled children, research in medicine related to children, and the 57th Street Children's Book Fair in September. And it fosters sociality and the business community. Watch for the peanut vendors several times a year. Looking for young additions!
Late Sept. is peanut day. More info in Collaborers in the Community.

"We're a group of men and women in Hyde Park who are members of a world-wide service organization founded in 1916. The Hyde Park Club dates from 1921 and is composed of business and professional leaders; it is non-sectarian, apolitical and non-discriminatory. Our cause: to serve kids!"
Activities:
-Support Hyde Park Neighborhood Club
-Cosponsor 4th on 53rd July community parade
-Support the Blue Gargoyle Youth Center's Tutorial Prog dram
-Underwrite the board and room costs of a physically handicapped child at Kiwanis Twin Lakes summer camp
-Cosponsor the 57th Street Children's Book Fair
-Prepare food and gift baskets for needy families during the holiday
-Mentor a family from St. Martin De Porres battered women's center going off welfare
-Sponsor and actively support the Kenwood Academy and King High School Key Clubs

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Neighborliness comes in many forms: not parking in handicapped spaces unless you qualify with the sticker, cleaning up after snow or ice, sparing time, or, Dina Weinstein argues, not giving a dime to panhandlers

The 2004 city ordinance on aggressive panhandling provided the following:

Application: Complete ban on panhandling within 10 feet of a bus shelter or bus stop, a public transportation vehicle or facility, any vehicle parked on a public street or alley, a sidewalk cafe or restaurant, a gas station or within 10 feet in any direction of an ATM machine, bank or currency exchange.

Fine: 1st and 2nd within 12 month $50. 3rd within 12 months $100. No jail time.

Police say most violations are with aggression. This means touching, chasing, yelling.

Help for panhandlers doesn't come in a dime

Dina Weinstein, Herald commentary, November 24, 2004

I haven't seen one particular Hyde Park street character in a while. I wonder where he is even though when I see him (and some days our paths cross a few times) I'm filled with a mixture of pity and fear. I feel pity for him because he always looks bloated and raw. Maybe it's the effects of a beating, Maybe it's the effects of alcohol abuse. He walks the streets of Hyde Park, looking behind him, as if being pursued, sometimes changing his course. He is often overdressed for the weather, sometimes with gloves.

I feel fear because there is an air of aggression around him; I don't have a sense of this man's mission. He seems unpredictable. And we often cross paths without another soul around. He never asks for a handout, but it's somehow common knowledge that he doesn't have a home and he lives in the 53rd street Metra station [sic]. My friend offered him food once and he declined it. That friend said he didn't make much sense. His communication was impaired. Perhaps you've seen him too. And you'll let me know if he's OK.

There are a whole cast of street characters on our streets. Many are asking for a handout. Take a walk down Hyde Park's main commercial strip on 53rd street and you'll pass psychotics, junkies, crack heads, alcoholics, panhandlers and drug dealers. Go through Nichols Park, there's an encampment of homeless. The other day, I saw a street character looming behind the utility boxes behind Borders. I think he was urinating. It was not a pleasant site for me or my two small boys.

According to a Chicago Police Department beat cop, people come from all over the city to Hyde Park to panhandle and hustle because people here don't mind giving money. Another cop put it this way: the neighborhood is more liberal than others and people usually are generous.

But police would tell you that as much as those street people seem to be in need, handout s don't help. More often than not, when you give a dollar or some change, you're just enabling an addiction or habit. It may be heartbreaking to stonewall an often blunt, aggressive or pathetic appeal, but Hyde Parkers have got to stop giving money on the street. Police hand out information cards to people who appear to be in need, which are put together by NAMI, the Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Chicago. The card offers resources for homeless, substance abusers and crisis/mental health services in Chicago. Officers have told me that moments after they hand out the car they find them discarded on the sidewalk.

But the spirit of giving is sometimes instantaneous. Most people do not think of a panhandler when they are inside their homes. The urge to give often comes up when one is about to pass a panhandler and rummages for change or a bill or two. I would seek out those selling Streetwise, a newspaper dedicated to empowering men and women who are homeless. Streetwise vendors are legitimate; they must display a badge to prove they work for Streetwise. Sixty percent of what you give goes into their pockets. They are in no greater financial condition than a typical panhandler, yet they sought out Streetwise as an alternative.

I asked one vendor why she sells Streetwise. She told me that she does not have any other skills but cannot hold her hand out to beg for money. To donate to Streetwise, call 773 554-0060 or email abarner@streetwise.org.

[Be aware there is a new ordinance regulating panhandling--see Public Safety.]

 

 

Brother,could you spare some time?

Dina Weinstein Herald commentary November 24, 2004

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we've got. Often this time of year, we give to those in need. I urge Hyde Parkers to put their resources into legitimate organizations. Shoppers at the Hyde Park Co-operative stores can easily give $1, $3 or $5 donations while in the check-out line to the Hyde Park and Kenwood Interfaith Council. This organization operates a food pantry and an open kitchen. The pantry distributes emergency supplies and groceries to residents living between 39th and 60th Streets, and Cottage Grove Avenue to the lake on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers help package, recycle, clean and do clerical work. The kitchen serves hot meals at noon Monday through Friday.

Greater Chicago Food Depository. 4100 W, Ann Lurie Pl. 773 247-3663. www.chicagofoodbank.org
A not-for-profit food distribution center trying to end hunger in the community by distributing donated an purchased food through a network of 600 pantries, soup kitchens and shelters. Information on how to start a food drive is available. Needs volunteers. Has walks yearly.

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Seniors Volunteering: Chicago Dept. of Aging's Light Up Chicago One To One. (312) 744-5795

There are so many agencies linking up seniors and youth to help each other. One that is seeking volunteers of all ages and serving clients in Hyde Park is Little Brothers--Friends of the Elderly. 312) 455-1000. More above.

The Hyde Park Garden Fair Committee
A programmatic committee of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference
Contact: Sue Purrington, 773 363-4368. President: Lesley Bloch.
www.hydeparkgardenfair.org, www.hydepark.org, Committees, Garden Fair.
Purpose: Beautify the community and promote gardening and green space through volunteers and proceeds of its spring and fall sales at Hyde Park Shopping Center.

Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic. 18 S. Michigan #806. 312 236-8714.

Real Men Cook/Real Men Charities. Includes Sweet Potato Pound Cake for sale in Jewel and Cubs and a cook book for sale, "Real Men Cook: Rites, Rituals and Recipes for Living" by Kofi Moyo. Activities range from prostrate cancer awareness to annual cookout in the South Side YMCA, building healthier communities physically, mentally, spiritually, financially, connectively. Rael H. Jackson, 773 651-8008 or 773 459-4115.

Salvation Army. 7158 S. Indiana. 773 487-2600, www.salvationarmy.org. An evangelical Christian based movement which works in more than 108 countries around the world. Programs vary from alcohol and drug rehab to youth ministries to continuing education to soup kitchens. Volunteers needed, especially holidays. You can donate on line. Top

Connected with UC Hospitals or not, they are a good place for you to volunteer --and here are a few of their extramural programs:

The Hospitals say: Volunteers are Vital! Do you have friends who enjoy making new friendships, Are they curious about where you work? Why not invite them to become a volunteer! We are looking for friendly, out-going people to become greeters and way-finders at our hospitals. For information, call 773 702-4421 or visit volunteers@uchospitals.edu.

University of Chicago University Service Center. Not just for students or UC related anymore. Volunteer information sessions January 10th and February 7, 6 pm, 5525 s/ Ellis, Ste. 160.
Day of Service in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. January 15, 10 am -reservations required.
ucsc@uchicago.edu, 773 753-GIVE.
University of Chicago Service League (now open to all)- Do many activities and sponsor many programs throughout the community as well as at the University.

Vitas Healthcare. 1424 E. 53rd st. Bereavement, life-enrichment, patient care provided for terminally ill patients. Volunteers needed. 708- 283-6230.

Unity Hospice. 439 E. 31st St, suite 213. Doris Mitchell or Bryan Hodges, 312 949-1188. Support to terminally ill patients and their families, visiting, reading, conversing, sharing meals, light errands, companionship. 8 hours training provided.

Unity Hospice volunteers make a difference. Bryan Hodges in Hyde Park Herald January 26, 2005

We at Unity Hospice wish to celebrate our Knitting Angels at Breakers program at the Edgewater nursing home located at 5333 N. Sheridan Road in Chicago. The Hospice is located at 439 E. 31st Street, Suite 213, Chicago and provides end of life care for patients with terminal illness.

The seasoned volunteers at this nursing home are heavenly sent. They spend countless hours carefully knitting shawls, booties and scares for our terminally ill patients. Jacques, the activity director, solicits participation through the nursing home's newsletter. These hand crafted wonders are the perfect holiday gifts for terminally ill patients and their families. To earn moe..call Bryan Hodges at 312 949-1188.

 

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Holiday cards by and for kids. There are many such with sales going to charity. University of Chicago Children's Hospital, Ray School and many others make and sell such, usually based on designs by children. Watch here for list in December, 2005. Top

Being a responsible pet owner, many of the items below required by law. Visit also Dog Friendly Area page and Dogs off Wooded Island.

Volunteer with the committees and programs of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference: (contact us)

 

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