Your guide to local non-profits

Animal Care League offers a safe haven for pets in need.  Rooted in the community since 1973, Animal Care League takes a proactive approach to animal care and adoption as well as preventative measures to help reduce the number of homeless animals in our communities.  With over 1000 pets coming to our doors each year, Animal Care League counts on supporters to ensure that we can provide what is needed from routine vaccinations to life saving surgery.

Make a difference in the life of a homeless animal by visiting animalcareleague.org where you can sign up to volunteer, make a donation, view our adoptable pets, and learn about upcoming events.

Supporting the Human/Animal Bond

Austin Coming Together (ACT)’s mission is to facilitate the collective impact of 50+ members and hundreds of partners to improve the quality of life in Chicago’s Austin community. Since 2010, we’ve been connecting residents to services, attracting investments for the community, and building capacity for policy change. Recently, the pandemic made long-standing challenges even worse. But we mobilized resources to address growing needs, from food, laptop, or PPE distributions and vaccine access, to advocacy for racial equity. 

Learn how Austin is leading efforts to move forward together, and how you can support, at //AustinComingTogether.org/AustinCares

Over the course of the pandemic, meeting the emergency food needs of our community hasn’t been simple. We now serve people safely with a drive thru food pantry, a scaled-down socially distant food pantry inside First United Church, an off-site pop-up “Despensa” serving vulnerable immigrant families, and a vastly expanded Home Delivery program for older adults and people with disabilities. For over 40 years Beyond Hunger has been creating solutions to end hunger at every stage of life – we know it takes all of us. With your support we can make sure no one goes hungry this winter. Every $1 donated can feed a neighbor for an entire day.

To donate, visit GoBeyondHunger.org or send checks payable to Beyond Hunger, 848 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301

Beyond Hunger feeds families in trying times

Since 1969, BUILD has helped Chicago’s most vulnerable youth escape gangs and violence to become positive leaders in their communities. These young people face enormous obstacles and trauma, so we surround them with the counseling, mentoring, training, and opportunities they need to build a future and succeed. We engage youth at every stage, with specialized teams dedicated to street violence interventions, gang detachments, creative after-school programming, academic school and college support, mental health care, community violence crisis response, and enrichment activities ranging from art and music to sports, podcasting, engineering and gardening. Potential doesn’t discriminate, neither should opportunity.

Join us in BUILDing a better future. Visit www.buildchicago.org

Chevy finds growth and success with BUILD

BUILD breaks barriers

The Collaboration for Early Childhood embraces the vision that all children should arrive at kindergarten safe, healthy, and ready to learn. In 2022, we will turn twenty, and we invite you to help us celebrate this two-decade-long community effort to ensure that every child thrives. This year, we safely administered over 700 hearing and vision screenings to young children, granted 1,099 professional development hours to early childhood educators with a focus on mindfulness and trauma informed practices, and gave 65 baby bundles to new and prenatal moms and parents in our community.  

To learn more about our impact, or to make a donation, please visit us at www.collab4kids.org and follow us on social media. 

Compound Yellow is an artist-run exhibition and performance space in Oak Park hosting artist residencies, community workshops, curated and open-mic music series, a public learning garden, and three happy chickens. Compound Yellow is operated and organized by a volunteer team working collectively towards a local sharing economy, creative practice, participatory learning, intergenerational living, ecological resilience, neighborly conversation, and community solidarity.

Compound Yellow is currently undertaking a five year layered residency project titled Compound Layers, consisting of four seasonal artists-in-residence, each hosting programming and exhibitions alongside a community music series, creating an ecosystem of creative activity and participatory production.

Weekly open hours are 2PM to 6PM every Saturday, and event programming is updated and available at compoundyellow.com

Compound Yellow is an artist-led experimental art space

Founded in 1864, Concordia University Chicago has equipped students to serve and lead with integrity and compassion. Concordia-Chicago is a Christ-centered Lutheran university where truth, freedom, and vocation form students for lives of influence and service for the common good. Historically a college for teachers, we now offer more than 100 areas of study through traditional, blended or online classes. Students can earn a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree through one of four colleges: the College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Health, Science & Technology, and the College of Theology, Arts & Humanities. 

To learn more, please visit CUChicago.edu or CUChicago.edu/GiveNow to support our students.

Impacting lives of faith and education

Since 1912, The Day Nursery has provided exceptional early childhood education in an environment that welcomes all children, enhances individual strengths, and fosters the academic, social-emotional, and physical development that leads to school readiness. You can help lay the foundation today for successful adults tomorrow.

To learn more about us and to donate, visit www.thedaynursery.org

Julia and Anthony learn support is The Day Nursery Difference

The Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park is a non-profit 501(c)(3) literary arts and educational foundation dedicated to thoughtful reading and writing. The foundation offers a wide variety of programming, all open to the public, to nurture and encourage creative expression for students and for people of all ages. Through tours and exhibits at Ernest Hemingway’s birthplace museum, the foundation fosters an understanding of his life and work, his Oak Park origins and his impact on world literature. Your gift supports creative outlets for people of all ages through professional teacher development, local author and performing artist programs, inter-generational engagement, a writer-in-residence program, as well as student writing workshops, mentorships, and scholarships. 

For more information about us or to donate online go to hemingwaybirthplace.com or mail us at: Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park, P.O. Box 2222, Oak Park, IL  60303-2222.

Nurturing the creative spirit for the next generation

Inspiring tomorrow’s architects today, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust continues the long road to recovery, steadfast in our mission to preserve an Oak Park treasure. Through the stewardship of the Home & Studio, the Trust provides a source of community pride and inspiration. While enhancing the vitality of Oak Park and the western suburbs of Chicago, Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy is upheld through the Trust’s educational programming. Enduring the global pandemic, we are thrilled for the opportunity to welcome back in-person education programs and tours. 

To learn more or donate, go to flwright.org  951 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302

Frank Lloyd Wright Trust engages and inspires youth in any environment

Hephzibah is making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and struggling families. Oak Park’s oldest social service agency, Hephzibah is the only program in Illinois designated to care  for the most severe cases of abuse and neglect of young children ages 3-11. Hephzibah Home provides comprehensive, therapeutic care for traumatized young children. Our Family Based Program supports more than 100 foster care children and stabilizes 150 families in crisis. Our Day Care Program delivers quality, affordable day care and summer camp programming for elementary school children in Oak Park.

Make a difference with us at hephzibahhome.org.

A Gift of Cookies & Helping Kids

Hephzibah to their core

The Historical Society of Forest Park was founded in 1975 to collect, preserve and share the rich heritage of Forest Park. Through history we explore the past to understand the present and shape the future. The historical society offers several virtual tours on our website including Forest Park Amusement Park, Bloomer Girls, Veteran History, Haymarket Marty’s Monument in Forest Home, Cemetery Symbolism and others.  In addition, there are several programs including a Garden Walk, Prohibition Event, History Hangouts, bicycle tours and weekly lookbacks to bring history to the community throughout the year.

Visit ForestParkHistory.org to learn more about the events, programs or to donate

The impact of local history

We are the community’s story tellers who make history relevant in tangible ways that positively impact today’s residents.  We operate Oak Park River Forest Museum in an 1898 Oak Park Landmark at Lake and Lombard next to Stevenson Park. We invested $1 million in private funds to create a welcoming space in a former firehouse. Exhibits include “Open House: The Legacy of Fair Housing.” We are not supported by tax dollars and a gift of any amount funds our 2022 activities, our research center, and knowledgeable staff. 
Learn more and donate at oprfmuseum.org or 708-848-6755.

Free Black History Bicycle Tour Puts Spotlight on Stories of Triumphs and Tragedies

Housing Forward is passionately focused on one vision – ending homelessness. We believe in bold, comprehensive approaches to prevent homelessness whenever possible, to respond to housing crises, and to stabilize individuals and families through permanent housing. We offer wraparound services including case management, housing, outreach, employment, and emergency assistance. Last year, we served nearly 2,000 adults and families.  Our new Interim Housing Program provides clients a path to permanent housing; Interim Housing sites include units dedicated to medical respite. Housing Forward also has programs that specifically address the housing needs of families, youth, and veterans.

To learn more, volunteer, or donate, visit housingforward.org, email development@housingforward.org, or call 708.338.1724

A Housing Forward Client’s Journey Home

Housing Forward develops clients’ workforce skills

Help us care for the whole child and create greater health equity! At the OPRF Infant Welfare Society and IWS Children’s Clinic, we serve publicly insured/uninsured children and their whole health needs: sick visits, critical vaccines including COVID-19, behavioral health services, and dental care, including for children with special needs. We treat more than 3,400 area children each year, including Oak Park, Chicago, Berwyn, Cicero and beyond. Support the whole health needs of children in our community today! $25 provides a mental health screening, $50 provides two vaccines, $100 provides a preventive dental cleaning. 

https://childrenscliniciws.org/donate or 708-406-8661.

The OPRF Infant Welfare Society expands resources to ‘care for the whole child’

L’Arche Chicago provides high quality care in community-integrated homes for adults with intellectual disabilities in the OPRF area. Our mission is lived through daily life shared in mutuality: afternoon walks to the park, doctor’s appointments, and dinner parties. Moreover, L’Arche is committed to life together in a way that welcomes difference. As our society seems increasingly fearful of difference, L’Arche offers a counter story: that the differences so often keeping people apart can become the substance of joyful and transformative relationships.

Make a needed local impact through our people and mission at https://lc.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/lc/donation.jsp

L’Arche gives residents a sense of belonging

Equity in the arts is the driving force behind Maywood Fine Arts’ programs and people. Access to affordable, quality instruction in arts and fitness cannot be taken for granted among families MFA serves from nearby, under-resourced communities such as Maywood, Bellwood, and Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.  MFA serves about 800 students ages 4 to 18 per week, the majority of whom are young people of color.  Families count on MFA’s safe, nurturing out-of-school time environment where children learn and expand their world view.

To donate, visit maywoodfinearts.org or send checks payable to Maywood Fine Arts, 25 N 5th Ave, Maywood , IL 60153.

Maywood Fine Arts guides students with support and joy

Organized in 1993 as a 501c3, the Maywood Youth Mentoring Program has served hundreds of middle to high-school youth providing a variety of programs, workshops, field trips, and experiences designed to increase academic potential and instill cultural pride. Since 2008, the program has hosted free monthly youth breakfasts with topics ranging from anger management and conflict resolution, etiquette, police/community interactions, sexual health, drug and alcohol avoidance, and academic excellence. Youths practice critical thinking skills to encourage positive life choices. Volunteer mentors interact with youths, providing positive role models for college and career choices.  Funds are needed to continuously provide free services and incentives for participation.   

To volunteer, or to donate, visit us at maywoodyouthmentoring.org, or contact Barbara Cole, founder/CEO at 708-344-3577.

Since 2017, the Nehemiah Community Project (NCP) has provided an array of services in the Maywood Proviso Township community. Community violence, scare resources and unemployment have a particularly negative impact on residents. NCP addresses the mental health/well-being and other service needs of youth and young adult men, providing tools to help them move forward in their lives. 

Programs include:

En-Game: Men’s support group to problem-solve, receive affirmation and deal with life’s challenges.

T.A.C.T.(Trauma Awareness Capacity Training): Provides awareness, coping skills and resources for those who have experienced trauma. For more information and to donate go to https://www.thenehemiahcommunityproject.org/.

New Moms’ mission is to strengthen families by partnering with young moms as they progress toward housing stability, economic mobility, and family well-being. We believe in the strength, skills, and potential of all families and envision a future where all young moms and their children thrive! Coaches in our housing, job training, and family support programs partner with moms, 24 and under, to decrease stress, build social connections, and set and track personalized goals. Together with their coach, moms build the foundations of long-term well-being for their families and communities. 

Join us in this essential work! www.newmoms.org/donate

New Moms works for Jylisa and her family

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association strengthens our community through learning, giving, and sharing our landmark building through space grants to local non-profits, who account for 80% of its usage.  We provide community outreach, scholarships, and public programming in five areas: music, art, literature, science, and social sciences. The Nineteenth Century is the owner of 178 Forest Avenue, commonly referred to as the Nineteenth Century Club. Our charitable and cultural activities are supported by our members, volunteers, donors, and by the events held at the building. Programs are open to all and we welcome all ages to join.

If you would like information about volunteering, joining or donating, please call us at 708-386-2729 email to info@nineteenthcentury.org. You can also make donation at nineteenthcentury.org. 

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association’s pop-up pantry urges neighbors to help neighbors

Celebrating its centennial in 2021, the Oak Park Art League (OPAL) is one of the longest, continually running non-profit arts organizations in Illinois. OPAL is a vibrant cultural center where the invitation and challenge to use art as a medium for personal and community growth is made available to people of all ages. Since 1921, OPAL has brought arts education, appreciation, exhibitions, and the spirit of artistic inquiry to the surrounding community. OPAL is committed to meaningful outreach to the population that makes up our greater community through partnerships and on-site arts programming & collaborations with other non-profit organizations.  

For more information about membership, volunteering, or to make a donation, please contact Executive Director, Jill Kramer Goldstein at 708-386-9853 or director@oakparkartleague.org. The Oak Park Art League is located at 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302.

The Foundations of an Art Practice

Since 1975 Oak Park Festival Theatre, the Midwest’s oldest professional outdoor classical theatre, has brought the magic of the classics right to your backyard. Whether performing under the stars in beautiful Austin Gardens as we do each summer or at any of the many local venues where we partner with local philanthropic agencies (such as Housing Forward, Oak Park Housing Authority or Nineteenth Century Charitable Association), Festival Theatre breathes fresh air into timeless texts for Oak Park and beyond. With ticket prices kept friendly for every budget and free admission for all under 13, we rely on the generosity of our audiences to continue our dynamic community dialogue.

Donations can be made online at oakparkfestival.com/donate or mailed to us: Oak Park Festival Theatre, P.O. Box 4114, Oak Park, IL 60303.

Give to empower every voice in our community. Invest in Oak Park’s future. The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation manages eight endowment funds for the Oak Park Public Library. Monetary donations are tax deductible. Giving supports work dedicated to literacy, education, diversity, inclusion, equity, health, safety, and affordability. Your generosity connects people and community, educates global citizens, and sustains, shares, and respects Oak Park’s community’s resources. 

Choose the fund that means the most to you at oppl.org/give. Or contact Executive Director David J. Seleb at davids@oppl.org and 708.697.6911. 

Supporting digital equity during the pandemic

For more than four decades, the Oak Park Regional Housing Center (OPRHC) has been an advocate for fair housing.  Our mission is to achieve vibrant communities and promote intentional and stable residential integration throughout Oak Park. The OPRHC is the only non-profit in Oak Park and the Greater Westside Region that encourages pro-integrative housing options. Our work is at the heart of why Oak Park is such a wonderful, diverse, and vibrant community, welcoming to everyone.  

Support our work with a donation at oprhc.org/donate. To learn more about the OPRHC call 708.848.7150, inforequest@liveinoakpark.com, 1041 South Blvd, Oak Park, IL 60302. 

The mission of the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation is to unite community members and mobilize resources to advance a racially just society and equitable outcomes for residents of Oak Park, River Forest and surrounding communities. We envision a racially just and equitable society as the full inclusion of all people into a society in which everyone can participate, thrive and prosper. In an equitable society, everyone, regardless of the circumstance of birth or upbringing, is treated justly and fairly by its institutions and systems. 

Visit oprfcf.org to learn more about our services to donors, scholars, and nonprofits.

Giving for a better tomorrow

One Earth curates vibrant environmental programming that inspires action, facilitates learning, promotes justice, and fosters equity and inclusion to create resilient communities and a healthier planet. We focus our work in 3 areas – One Earth Film Festival, One Earth Youth Voices, and One Earth Local. One Earth Film Fest’s 11th season will take place March 4-13, 2022. We’re excited to welcome Chicagoland audiences back live, in addition to our virtual screenings. Join us for captivating films, engaging discussion, impactful action opportunities and community-building. Memberships start at $25.

Learn more and donate at oneearthfilmfest.org/give.

Ensuring a future for our One Earth

Opportunity Knocks was established in 2009 to support young adults with intellectual and

developmental disabilities as they live, work, learn, grow and connect within their community.

OK offers a person-centered and highly-flexible curriculum, enabling participants to be equal

architects in the development of program content. As we solidify our post-pandemic offerings,

we look forward to continuing the residential component of the OK mission and other future endeavors. We are 95% privately funded and rely on the generous support of the community. Your gift is integral in moving our mission forward by offering unique opportunities for these young adults.

Visit opportunityknocksnow.org

Warriors discover life without boundaries at Opportunity Knocks

Based in Oak Park, Parents Against Child Sex Abuse opened its doors in 2017, dedicating itself to empowering parents to protect their children from sexual abuse. P.A.X.A. has set waves by curating customized resources to help guide parents on their journey of child protection and safety. With recent news on an increase of child exploitation throughout the pandemic, more parents are in need of guidance and resources, and P.A.X.A. is here to provide parents the empowerment and education they need to protect children everywhere.

To learn more visit www.paxa.online where you can make a donation to help end child sexual abuse.

P.A.X.A. brings child protection resources to parents

PeopleCare,Inc., is a local nonprofit that provides free transportation, friendly visitors, telephone reassurance, subsidized taxi voucher program, weekly group grocery shopping, and referrals for seniors in Riverside, North Riverside, Brookfield, Lyons, and LaGrange Park. We are passionately committed to our original vision that “no older person in the last third of life will feel abandoned and will be able to live out their life in the most productive way.” We are the safety net for those with no family close by and who no longer drive.

To donate, learn more, or volunteer visit www.peoplecareinc.org or call 708-442-1223.

PING! (Providing Instruments for the Next Generation) makes equitable access to instrumental music possible for students in need in grades 4 through 12 in Oak Park and River Forest public schools. PING! provides band and orchestra instruments as well as music enrichment through workshops; mentoring; and scholarships for music camps, trips, and instruction. Studies show that there are academic and social benefits to participating in a music program. To give our youngest students the best start, PING! is offering music lessons to our 4th and 5th graders, a program implemented during the pandemic to keep them engaged. 

For more information, or to make a donation, please visit our website at pingoprf.org. Have an instrument to donate? Send us an email at info@pingoprf.org. 

PING! (Providing Instruments for the Next Generation) Brings Positive Experiences to Youth 

We believe access to justice should not depend upon your ability to afford an attorney. There are simply not enough legal aid lawyers to help people in dire need of civil legal aid. These include issues of safety from an abuser, adequate housing, critical care documents, and more. Pro Bono Network has enabled 400+ attorneys to give more than 25,000 hours of free legal assistance to over 4,500 clients whose lives were meaningfully changed. Let’s together transform lives by increasing access to legal representation.

To get involved or donate, visit pro-bono-network.org. Your support will make an impact on the lives of many!

The Ripple Effect of Representation

Eleven years after its founding, the Quinn Center stands by its mission to build an inclusive culture of justice, health, and peace in Proviso Township. We inspire, educate, and empower through relationship building while confronting intersecting social problems and filling resource gaps to address social determinants of health. Today, year-round programming is available for over 1,000 community members at low or no cost. From youth enrichment to hunger ministry to senior social activities, we offer something for the whole family and work to create a safe space where neighbors can find connection and belonging.

For more information and to donate go to https://www.quinncenter.org/

The Quinn Center strengthens minds and its community

The Race Conscious Dialogues are designed for people who are white to deepen their awareness of identity, power and privilege, and then develop tools for anti-racism work. The foundational workshop series consists of 4 sessions, 3 hours each, with light readings to be done in preparation. This volunteer-based nonprofit was intentionally created for our community of Oak Park and surrounding areas. All discussions, readings and activities are framed around unpacking and understanding Whiteness – our own racial identities, the historical and current harm being caused by Whiteness, and guided discovery of how we show up and work collectively to eradicate racism. We invite your participation! 

Donations are appreciated as well www.raceconsciousdialogues.org/donate

Our story is a community story

RFPL Foundation helps ensure the on-going vitality of the River Forest Public Library.   Your gift will help preserve our historic building and continue our high-quality services and programs while preparing for future needs.  Grants from the Foundation have enabled RFPL to refresh the Children’s Room and Teen space, maintain and beautify the Memorial Garden, offer community events like The Dooleys Band concert, explore the feasibility of creating additional indoor space for meetings and programs, expand self-checkout service and more.   Your help ensures our Library continues to live at the heart and soul of our community.  

Please donate at rfplfoundation.org

Empowered by The RFPL Foundation, Amy engages her community

Sarah’s Inn is a community-based organization whose mission is to improve the lives of those affected by domestic violence and to break the cycle of violence for future generations. Based in Forest Park, we offer services in three areas of program focus: Intervention for families affected by domestic violence that includes Advocacy and Counseling; Prevention education for youth to prevent future relationship violence; and Training and Education for professional first-responders, prospective volunteers and interns, and community-based groups. Intervention services are confidential, bilingual (English/Spanish) and offered free of charge to survivors and their children.

For more information and to donate go to https://sarahsinn.org/

Sarah’s Inn brings families safety and support

Founded in 1982 by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, SisterHouse educates and empowers women to lead sober and fulfilling lives by providing a safe and structured spiritual living community. Each successful and resilient woman is reaching towards her full potential by growing in self-awareness, self-respect and forgiveness, learning to embrace self and others, while building healthy relationships. She learns not only how to maintain sobriety, internalizing the 12 steps and building a support system, but also how to thrive in life. Each SisterHouse woman secures quality employment and stable housing. She makes plans for her future and acquires the skills, knowledge, and abilities to realize her dreams.

For more information or to donate go to sisterhousechicago.org.

St. Angela School has walked with the families of Chicago’s west side for one hundred years—walked with a deep commitment to enriching the lives, and the futures, of their children.   We have a rich and varied history – and a future of great promise.  We provide our children with a safe and loving environment and challenging academics; we help them explore paths that lead to meaningful and rewarding careers; and we teach them, above all, to believe in themselves.  As we prepare for our next hundred years, we’re proud to reaffirm our commitment to love and serve all those who choose to be part of our community. 

Learn more about St. Angela School at saintangela.org or call us at (773) 626-2655.

Sports are back, bringing Saint Angela Pride with them

Since its 2017 inception, Sweet Rest has provided various forms of sabbaticals for Black Women throughout the country. Moreover, Sweet Rest is working to grow into a social investment that creates sustainability for Black Women entrepreneurs, while contributing to the greater good of providing rest and magnifying the need and capacity of wanderlust for Black Women and other women of color. 

To support this initiative and to give the gift of sweet rest, please visit Sweetrest.net.

Awarded “Community Relations Orchestra of the Year” in 2021, The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest, under the leadership of award-winning conductor Jay Friedman, continues to bring extraordinary and accessible concerts to our community. Ticket sales provide less than half the funds needed for the Symphony’s performances. Your gift keeps the orchestra going strong and allows us to maintain affordable ticket prices, including free admission for all students through college.  Please help us continue and strengthen our 90-year tradition of bringing beautiful and inspiring music to Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park and neighboring communities. 

Make your end-of-year tax-deductible donation at SymphonyOPRF.org, or: P.O. Box 3564,

Oak Park, IL 60303-3564.

Thrive Counseling Center has provided mental health services for over 120 years. Our mission is to build healthy minds, families, and communities by empowering people to attain mental and emotional well-being. Hope, resilience, and recovery form the heart of our programs and services. Thrive’s services for youth and adults include: 

• Individual therapy  
• Group therapy  
• Psychiatry and medication management  
• 24/7 Crisis intervention  
• Case management 
• Suicide awareness and prevention training 
• Thrive Talks

We are open Monday-Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday 9am-5pm, and Saturday from 9am-2pm. To learn more or donate, please visit thrivecc.org or call 708-383-7500. 

Thrive expands resources for community mental health

UCP Seguin believes that all people, regardless of ability, deserve to achieve their potential, advance their independence and act as full members of the community. So we stop at nothing to provide life skills training, assistive technology, meaningful employment and a place to call home for people with disabilities, as well as specialized foster care for children. Our goal: life without limits for people with disabilities.

Make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Donate online at ucpseguin.org or send gifts to UCP Seguin, 332 Harrison Street, Oak Park IL 60304.

With UCP Seguin, Peter lives a life without limits

UCP Seguin paralympics athlete to represent USA in Brazil

Since 1974, Way Back Inn has successfully provided long-term residential and outpatient treatment for men and women in Oak Park and surrounding communities who are trying to overcome substance and gambling use disorders.  Our mission is to rebuild lives damaged by addiction in a personalized healing environment, where men and women’s lives are transformed and relationships are healed.  Our recovery program focuses on the integration of the body, mind, and spirit.

For more information or to make a donation, go to: www.waybackinn.org or call us at 708-345-8422. 

The Way Back Inn offers a second chance at life

Welcome to Fatherhood Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization created by Dr. Raheem Young and Sir Royce Briales. Our goal is to help fathers of all ages cope with the pressures and stresses of fatherhood. We formed Welcome to Fatherhood to provide all dads with a forum to discuss the ups and downs of their parenting journey with other men. Welcome to Fatherhood’s mission is to strengthen the family unit by empowering fathers and educating them on the importance of positive, active, and engaged paternal role models.

For more information on Welcome to Fatherhood, please visit our website at www.wtfatherhood.org.

West Suburban Special Recreation Association (WSSRA) provides recreational programming for individuals with disabilities who reside in Oak Park, River Forest and nine other surrounding communities. 

Donations to WSSRA, help provide financial assistance to those participating in our year-round programs and summer day camp. To make a donation, please visit wssra.net.

For nearly 20 years, children in Oak Park and our surrounding communities have been learning through PLAY in the safe, enriching environment of Wonder Works Children’s Museum. We put great care into creating a child-sized environment, for children birth to 8, designed to spark curiosity, creativity and learning in the areas of science, math, literacy and the arts.

Your donations support free and reduced-price admissions for families in financial need, exhibit improvements, one-of-a-kind programs and so much more! Please join us along our exciting path to learning.

Visit www.wonder-works.org and donatetoday to support the power of PLAY!!

Play is key at Wonder Works

Youth Outreach Services supports youth ages 12 to 21 and their families, by providing free programs that offer therapeutic interventions, life skills development, and mentorship to improve their safety and well-being. For more than 60 years, YOS has offered community-based behavioral health and substance abuse treatment, after school mentoring, family therapy, crisis intervention, case management, foster care, transitional living and housing services, in-school prevention curricula, and juvenile justice programs.

Help youth get one step closer to reaching their goals, by donating at //www.yos.org/donate or text @ONESTEPCLOSER to 52014. To help a youth in need right now, call 773-777-7112.

Connor is one step closer