Chicago charities and nonprofits perform an essential role in meeting the needs of local communities. Chicago, one of the biggest cities in the USA, is no stranger to social issues. These include poverty, mental illness, domestic violence, a lack of affordable housing and a hunger for skills and leadership development.
Chicago Charities and Nonprofits: Highlights
- A need for social initiatives exists in Chicago.
- Illinois nonprofits are providing the services and resources that are necessary to foster equality in Chicago.
- There are many organizations seeking to create awareness and make services and resources accessible to all.
What Role Do Chicago Charities and Nonprofits Play In The Community?
Chicago charities and nonprofits play an essential role in the community, by meeting the needs of local communities: economic, social and psychological. Such initiatives provide a way to give back and make Chicago a better place for all. How Are Charitable Organizations in Chicago Helping?
Chicago charities and nonprofits are meeting the diverse needs of the community in the following ways:
Mental Health ResourcesThe provision of education, referrals and counseling services to those who are in need.
FundraisersGenerating funds so that the most needy in the Chicago community can gain access to essentials.
EventsEvents are a great way to build awareness, raise funds and create a sense of community.
EducationBy raising awareness, Chicago charities and nonprofits are tackling the stigma that surrounds mental illness.
HomelessnessWith approximately 80 000 living on the streets, charitable organizations catering for this community play an important role.
Creating OpportunitiesChicago charities and nonprofits are providing the necessary support for leadership skill development to take place.
NAMI Chicago
NAMI Chicago strives to help those living with mental illness achieve a better quality of life. The organization’s large team of staff, interns and volunteers provide free classes, education programs, training courses, referrals and community interventions.
Volunteer Opportunities
For those willing to offer their time, there are a range of volunteer opportunities. These include sharing stories about one’s own experience living with mental illness, as well as assisting with fund-raising and event coordination. Click here to explore NAMI Chicago volunteering opportunities.
Events
NAMI Chicago hosts an annual Gala called ‘Light the Darkness”, in which conversations are started in order to fight stigma and generate hope for people living with mental illness. The organization also hosts popular fund-raiser walks, which are free to the public. Find out more about NAMIWalks here.
NoStigmas
This non-profit’s primary goal is to foster awareness and break down the stigma surrounding mental illness. This grassroots organization is created by and for people who have been affected by mental illness.
Take Action
NoStigmas offers various means of taking action, from sharing one’s story, event coordination and collaborative business partnerships; to social media strategy development and volunteering or interning.
Fundraising
NoStigmas provides all of the input and support that you need to become the most effective fundraiser possible. Click here to learn more.
Youth Outreach Services
YOS strives to support at risk youth, as well as these childrens’ broader families and communities. During the last 60 years, the organization has empowered more than 300 000 children and families in need. This has been achieved through a series of therapy, welfare, abuse and substance use programs.
Volunteer
For those interested in donating their time, a range of short and long-term volunteer options exist. These range from teen hang-outs and back-to-school initiatives to holiday cheer and gift wrapping or donation programs. Find out more about volunteer options here.
Signature Events
#GivingTuesday takes place shortly after Thanksgiving each year. This event assists volunteers in fundraising to provide Thanksgiving gifts to children who are at risk. Alternatively, YOS hosts an annual summer barbeque event for their youth. Volunteers can assist with event coordination and company sponsors are also welcomed. Stay tuned to the YOS events page for details regarding their signature occasions.
Jewish Child & Family Services
This organization draws on the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam, which translates to “repairing the world”. The organization seeks to provide healing interventions, to care for the needy and to foster social justice more generally. JCFS services are available to all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender or disability.
Volunteer Opportunities
JCFS relies on the goodwill of their volunteers to make positive changes in the community. A broad range of volunteer projects allow those donating their time to build their own skills while fostering a sense of community. Click here to fill out a form which will help match you with a volunteer project that is suited to your skills.
Upcoming Events
From educational initiatives, grief support programs, fundraisers and communication-building groups for toddlers, this organization truly offers an exciting array of events to keep the community engaged. Stay tuned to their events calendar, which can be accessed here.
Cradles to Crayons
This organization’s overarching mission is to address the needs of children living in poverty. They supply resources and materials free of charge, in order to help disadvantaged children under the age of 12 to reach their true potential.
How You Can Help
You can help Cradles to Crayons by making a pledge or donation here. It is through financial support from individuals and companies that this organization is able to provide essentials to children in need.
Beyond financial contributions, however, volunteers can also donate their time at the ‘Giving Factory’, which distributes gift packages to children in need; or by hosting a product collection drive in order to help children in the community access basic resources.
Donate Your Time or Money
Whether it’s time or money that you’re donating, contributing to Chicago charities and nonprofits is a fantastic way to engage in philanthropy and make the city a better place for all. For those who want to help, there are countless organizations and initiatives that are doing fantastic work in the community. Click here to learn more and get started.
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