Commons Connections  

                      April 2015

 
   
As a community-based organization, C hicago Commons relies on a network of members in the community, staff, donors and volunteers in order to work toward our mission to  partner with individuals, families, and communities to overcome poverty, discrimination, and isolation. 

In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month in April, I would like to recognize the contributions our volunteers make to the agency. Without the help of these dedicated and passionate volunteers, we would be unable to help the more than 3,000 people we serve. 

One initiative that would not be possible without the help of our volunteers is our annual school supply drive. We  collect items such as books, paper, crayons and other school supplies to fill backpacks and give to children that will be starting kindergarten in the fall. We would like to thank HBK Engineering for their efforts in collecting school supplies at their office.

Each year, more than 200 volunteers give their time, talents and treasures to Chicago Commons and make a difference in other people's lives. From planning a school supply drive, to serving on our board of trustees, to helping in our childcare classrooms; our volunteers play a crucial role in the work of Chicago Commons. See below for more volunteer opportunities at Chicago Commons. 
     
Sincerely, 

 

Edgar Ramirez

President and CEO

Chicago Commons 

 
Commons' Volunteer Opportunities
Center for Working Families Opportunities: 

Help someone looking for a job by conducting mock interviews with program participants. You can also provide guidance with professional development and career talks.



Senior Care: Adult Day Services Opportunities: 
You can help seniors stay active and independent by volunteering to assist at one of our two Adult Day Service centers. You can assist with crafts and other activities.

For more information, or to volunteer, contact Carolyn Branton at [email protected] or 773-826-4253.
 
Commons' Center for Working Families Relocates 
The Center for Working Families (CWF), Chicago Commons' adult education program that provides job training, employment services and computer classes has relocated to 700 N. Sacramento Blvd. 

The new location offers a training classroom to provide computer classes and additional services in the West Humboldt Park community.


For more information on our adult education programming in West Humboldt Park, contact Rahman Burton at 773-826-0739 or [email protected]

 
House of Commons: Fashion and shopping for a cause
Last night we hosted our first House of Commons event showing off the latest spring/summer fashion trends. We were so grateful to see so many friends supporting us last night. All the fashions were modeled by Commons' staff, board members and supporters.

For any purchase made through this Sunday, Bloomingdale's will donate 10% of the proceeds to Chicago Commons. Proceeds will benefit our school supply drive!  Make sure to contact Bloomingdale's style director James Townsend, so Commons gets credit: 312-208-1909. 

A huge thank you to  Bloomingdale's for being so generous and hosting this event, to James for curating the fashion show and all of our volunteer models! Check out our Facebook page for event photos. 


Presented by

 
School Supply Drive
The school  year is almost over, but it's never too early to prepare for the next year. We will be hosting a school supply drive to benefit children from our early childhood development program who will be going to kindergarten in the fall. 
 
We will collect backpacks, crayons and books among many other items and distribute the supplies to families at the beginning of June.  Here is a full list of supplies and how to participate. 

 
Save the Date  
                              Annual Meeting 
BlackFinn
65 W. Kinzie St. 
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
6-8 PM
Last year at our annual meeting we celebrated our 120th anniversary with board members, donors and friends of Commons including Mayor Rahm Emanuel. We are looking forward to this year's celebration, so please mark your calendar.
Bud Blossom Golf Outing  

2015 Bud Blossom Golf Outing 
Monday, June 22, 2015
Shoreacres
Lake Bluff, IL 

Special thanks to our sponsors who make this event possible:

Henkels & McCoy     
 
 

Sponsorships 
are still available. For more information contact Carolyn Branton at [email protected] or 773-826-4253 
   

  On The Table 2015

Tuesday, May 12

5:30-7 PM

Bin 36 

161 N. Jefferson St. Chicago, IL 

 

 

Join Chicago Commons for a happy hour discussion focused on how organizations and individuals can work together to make our communities stronger, safer and more dynamic through philanthropy. 

 

Appetizers and wine will be provided by Chicago Commons.

 

RSVP by Thursday, May 7 to Carolyn Branton: [email protected]

773-826-4253

 

Learn more about On the Table 2015 here
   
Friday, November 13, 2015
Galleria Marchetti

For more details or sponsorship information contact Carolyn Branton at [email protected] or  773-826-4253. 
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