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Commons Connections
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November/December 2014
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As this year comes to a close, I continue to be amazed by the generous support Chicago Commons receives throughout the year, especially during the holiday season and winter months, which can be a particularly difficult time for families.
Our staff, volunteers, and friends have been busy bringing holiday cheer to hundreds of children and families in Pilsen, Back of the Yards and West Humboldt Park.
- Through Operation Warm, we've provided more than 300 new winter coats for children at all four of our child development sites.
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Top row (L to R): Student from Nia Family Center with her new Operation Warm coat. Edgar Ramirez with one of HSA Commercial's "Santa Bags." Bottom row (L to R): Christmas Ship arriving at Navy Pier with Christmas trees. Students at Macy's Operation Happy Children.
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- HSA Commercial Real Estate graciously took the holiday wish lists from some of our families at Nia Family Center and created personalized "Santa bags" filled with toys, coats and other items.
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Thanks to Chicago's Christmas Ship, we delivered nearly 100 Christmas trees to families in all of our program areas.
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In November, Macy's hosted their annual Operation Happy Children and invited children from all four of our child development sites to have breakfast, mail their letters to Santa, meet Santa and get a few toys!
The holiday season is a time of celebration and generosity. On behalf of Chicago Commons, we thank you for partnering with us and wish you a very happy holiday and New Year!
Sincerely,
Edgar Ramirez
President and CEO
Chicago Commons
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Commons Program Outcomes
One of the best ways to show the success of our programs is by looking at the numbers. Our new FY2014 Dashboard gives a snapshot of the outcomes from Commons' education and senior care programs, and a look into the landscape of the communities we serve. PDF version.
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New Face at Commons
 We are excited to announce Melinda Sabido as our new Senior Manager of Human Resources. Melinda joins us from LEARN Charter School Network. She has a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the Instituto Tecnologico de Merida. With more than 10 years of HR experience, Melinda has successfully developed a full cycle of recruitment programs, on-boarding processes and has developed comprehensive benefits programs. Welcome to Commons, Melinda!
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New Funder
 In November, Hillshire Brands, for the first time, funded our Health and Wellness programming for child development! We are very thankful that we can continue building relationships that support our work. Thank you Hillshire.
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 Make sure to follow us on our new LinkedIn page.
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Commons is Hiring
 Interested or know anyone interested in teaching/working with children, youth or adults? We are hiring for positions in those areas as well as some administrative positions. Check out our careers page for all postings!
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Donor Tour at Paulo Freire Family Center
Friday, January 30
8:30 a.m.
This tour of our child development center in the Back of the Yards will give you a first hand look into how our program works.
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Help Commons Meet the Challenge
Challenge for Senior Care:
Commons recently received a $25,000 challenge grant from the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Illinois in support of the Senior Care program's new Electronic Visit Verification system.
To meet the challenge, Chicago Commons will be raising an additional $25,000 to match the grant this fall.
Challenge for West Humboldt Park:
We also received a challenge grant of $20,000 in the late summer from the Barker Welfare Foundation in support of our educational programs in West Humboldt Park, including Child Development programming at Nia Family Center and Taylor Center, Youth Services programs at Piccolo School of Excellence, and Adult Education programs at the Adult Education and Training Center.
To meet the challenge, Chicago Commons will be raising $40,000 from new donors during fiscal year 2015.
Help us reach our challenge goals by donating today and spreading the word to your friends, family and colleagues.
For more information contact Evan Johnson, Director of Development at 773-826-3771 or [email protected].
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Visit our website for ways to support families. |
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Thank you!
| | We appreciate your continued support of Chicago Commons. In these challenging times, it is valued more than ever! Click here to find out how you can support Chicago Commons or contact Sarah Frick at (773) 826-3607 or by email to discuss how you can help.
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