Welcome to the Joyful Giving Catalog. We encourage you to browse, read about and support these local nonprofits that are improving lives in our community every day. Each of these organizations paid a fee to participate in this year’s Season of Giving.
Animal Care League
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.
Austin Coming Together
Austin Coming Together (ACT)’s mission is to increase the collective impact of our 50+ member organizations on improving education and economic development outcomes for Chicago’s Austin community. Since 2010, we’ve been connecting residents to services, attracting investments for the community, and building capacity for policy change. After the pandemic made long-standing inequities even worse, we started addressing growing needs through efforts like the Austin Eats Initiative, a 20+ group focused on strengthening the community’s food access infrastructure.
Learn how Austin is leading efforts to move forward together, and how you can support, at //AustinComingTogether.org/AustinCares
Beyond Hunger
For over 40 years Beyond Hunger has created solutions to end hunger at every stage of life. Our programs now include providing emergency food to families in need, summer meals for kids who lack them when school is out, connecting individuals to valuable benefits like SNAP (“food stamps”), conducting nutrition education and cooking classes to combat chronic illness, and delivering groceries to homebound older adults. Organization-wide we focus on health and nutrition. We provide food that families love, that nourishes and sustains.
To donate, visit GoBeyondHunger.org or send checks payable to Beyond Hunger, 848 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301.
BUILD
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
Cicero Independiente
News for the people by the people. Cicero Independiente is a bilingual news organization that investigates underreported issues, elevates stories of people in Cicero and holds the powerful accountable through community-rooted journalism. Donations help us pay local residents so that they can learn journalism skills and report on issues that matter to them. We foster and support civic participation and a sense of belonging in a community that has traditionally been divested in. We’re creating opportunities for more BIPOC storytellers and working collaboratively to make our town a better place to live.
Support community-rooted, bilingual journalism by making a contribution at https://donorbox.org/cicero-independiente.
The Coalition for Spiritual & Public Leadership
The Coalition for Spiritual & Public Leadership (CSPL) is a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-generational spiritually-rooted organization that labors to transform racial, economic, social and environmental systemic structures through grassroots coalition building, community organizing, and liberative formation. CSPL is based in Maywood and works with community residents to bring about change and helps incubate worker cooperatives.
To learn more or join our efforts, visit csplaction.org.
The Collaboration for Early Childhood
The Collaboration for Early Childhood turned twenty this year! Thank you for your two-decade-long commitment to striving towards a day where every young child has the care, relationships, and resources needed to thrive and to begin school safe, healthy, and empowered to succeed. We need your support to write the next chapter of our children’s success story. There is so much opportunity for our little ones just over the horizon. Consider setting a recurring donation to keep the good going all year long.
Learn more about our impact and make a donation at www.collab4kids.org.
Concordia University Chicago
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, it now offers more than 100 areas of study through traditional, blended or online classes. Students can earn a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees 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.
D97 PTO Council and Diversity Council
The D97 PTO Council and Diversity Council (DIVCO) Angel Fund provides financial support to D97 students, prioritizing students whose families qualify for free or reduced lunch, as well as those who face socioeconomic or cultural barriers, so that all students have a fair chance to participate fully in their school communities. The Angel Fund ensures that all students have a fair opportunity to engage their best selves in academic activities, school events, and traditions, and that they have their essential needs met during the school day. Please donate to be part of our community of care.
Tax deductible donations can be sent via:
Lincoln PTO
ATTN: D97 STUDENT ANGEL FUND
1111 S Grove Ave, Oak Park, IL 60304
The Day Nursery
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
Deborah’s Place
Deborah’s Place has opened doors of opportunity for women who are homeless in Chicago since 1985. Supportive housing offers women the key to healing and moving on from the experience of homelessness. With more than 200 units of housing and over 600 women served yearly, Deborah’s Place is the largest provider of permanent supportive housing in Chicago exclusively for unaccompanied women. After 37 years of service, there is still a great need for Deborah’s Place. Women experiencing homelessness are still an underserved population. With donor support, unaccompanied women will achieve their goals and greater self-determination.
To learn more, volunteer, or donate, visit deborahsplace.org, email info@deborahsplace.org or call 773.722.5080.
Defy Ventures Illinois
What if YOU were known for the worst thing you’ve ever done? Do you believe in second chances? Defy Ventures Illinois shifts mindsets to give people with criminal histories their best shot at a second chance. Using entrepreneurship, career readiness, and personal development training programs, Defy Illinois helps currently and formerly incarcerated people defy the odds. Our graduates start businesses, launch careers, better themselves and their communities, and have a less than 10% return-to-prison rate. Defy works with the business community to create economic opportunities, dispel myths about people with criminal histories, and transform lives. Join us!
Find out more about Defy and support us at defyventures.org.
The Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park
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.
The Frederick Law Olmsted Society of Riverside, IL
The entire Village of Riverside, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1869, is a National Historic Landmark. For over 50 years, the dedicated members and volunteers of the non-profit Olmsted Society of Riverside have strived to preserve, protect, and promote its fascinating history, beautiful landscapes, and outstanding architecture through landscape workdays, educational programs, tours, and special events. This very special American place hosts visitors from around the world who come to experience its many charms, and to learn about Olmsted’s principles.
To learn more or to donate online, visit olmstedsociety.org or mail us at Olmsted Society, P.O. Box 65, Riverside, IL 60546.
Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory
Built in 1929, the Oak Park Conservatory is a Historic Property of the Park District of Oak Park. Free to the public with 50,000 visitors annually, the Conservatory is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Conservatory offers three indoor showrooms featuring more than 3,000 plants and two outdoor gardens including a play area for toddlers. The Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory offers a wide range of programs focused on enriching the visitor experience at the Conservatory. From volunteering to educational and recreational opportunities, tours and classes, there is something for everyone to enjoy year-round.
To learn more or to join, visit fopcon.org.
Growing Community Media
Growing Community Media connects residents through reader-supported journalism–our stories are based in facts, rooted deeply in our neighborhoods and reflective of voices not always heard. Through Austin Weekly News, Wednesday Journal, Forest Park Review, Riverside-Brookfield Landmark and Village Free Press, GCM provides a vital civic service worthy of public support. Our journalists tell compelling stories that strengthen the fabric of our democracy by holding local governments and institutions to account. GCM’s non-profit news sources grow political engagement, create shared culture, and connect community members to businesses and local events. It’s about more than news.
Donate for news that matters to you. growingcommunitymedia.org/donate/
Hephzibah Children’s Association
For over 125 years, Hephzibah has served vulnerable children and struggling families. Hephzibah Home, located in the heart of Oak Park, is where children receive intense therapeutic support to heal from extreme abuse and neglect and is the only program in Illinois designated to care for young children ages 3-11. Our Family Based program supports hundreds of foster care children and stabilizes families in crisis in the Chicago metro area. The after school and summer day camp program delivers quality, affordable care for over 500 elementary school children in Oak Park every year.
Change a child’s life with us at hephzibahhome.org
The Historical Society of Forest Park
The Historical Society of Forest Park collects, preserves, and shares the rich heritage of Forest Park. Through history we explore the past to understand the present and shape the future. We offer experiences of history through events, displays, and programs. Virtual tours, presentations, and films about Forest Park are found on our website. They include Forest Park Amusement Park, Bloomer Girls, Veteran History, Haymarket Martyrs’ Monument, Cemetery Symbolism, and others. Our members support our mission and our programs including the Garden Walk, Prohibition Event, History Hangouts, bicycle tours, and weekly lookbacks to bring history to the community throughout the year.
Visit ForestParkHistory.org to become a member or to learn more about Forest Park
Housing Forward
Housing Forward is passionately focused on one vision – ending homelessness. We believe in bold, comprehensive approaches to prevent homelessness whenever possible, respond to the housing crisis, and create stability through permanent housing. We offer a coordinated response that allows people experiencing a housing crisis to quickly resolve their situation. We offer comprehensive services including homelessness prevention, outreach and diversion, interim housing, medical respite, housing, and wraparound support. Last year, we served nearly 3,000 individuals and families with personalized support and services. 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
Infant Welfare Society
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 address their whole health through sick and well child visits, dental care, behavioral health services, nutrition classes and other wrap-around programs. 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.
Learn more and donate today at https://childrenscliniciws.org/donate or 708-406-8661.
L’Arche Chicago
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. L’Arche Chicago is currently in the process of building a new ADA accessible home in South Oak Park that will extend this unique care model to four more adults with disabilities and address the accessibility needs of current members of the community. Whether you’d like to contribute a one-time gift, or commit to a lifetime of giving to L’Arche Chicago, every dollar will create a lasting impact in our community!
Make a needed local impact through our people and mission at www.larchechicago.org/larcheforlife
Maywood Fine Arts
Equity in the arts is the driving force behind Maywood Fine Arts’ programs and people. Access to affordable, high-quality instruction in dance, music, visual arts, drama, tumbling 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 over 800 students ages 4 to 18 per week, the majority of whom are young people of color. MFA’s facilities anchor downtown Maywood. Families count on MFA’s safe, nurturing out-of-school time environment where children learn artistic and social skills and expand their worldviews.
To donate, visit maywoodfinearts.org or send checks payable to Maywood Fine Arts, 25 N 5th Ave, Maywood, IL 60153.
Maywood Youth Mentoring Program
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 barbaracole@maywoodyouthmentoring.org or 708-344-3577.
New Moms
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/season
The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association
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.
Oak Park Art League
The Oak Park Art League (OPAL) is one of the longest running non-profit arts organizations in Illinois. Since 1921, OPAL has brought arts education, appreciation, exhibitions, and artistic inquiry to the surrounding community. OPAL is committed to meaningful outreach to Oak Park and the surrounding communities through partnerships, on-site arts programming, and collaborations. The Oak Park Art League is located at 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 and online at oakparkartleague.org.
For more information about membership, exhibitions, classes, workshops, outreach, or to donate to these efforts, please contact Brad Nugent, Executive Director, at 708-386-9853 or email inquiries to oakparkartleague@gmail.com.
Oak Park Public Library
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 to these funds connects people and builds community, educates global citizens, and sustains, shares, and respects Oak Park’s community resources.
Choose the fund that means the most to you at oppl.org/give. Or contact Director of Finance Jeremy Andrykowski at jeremya@oppl.org.
Oak Park Regional Housing Center
Oak Park Regional Housing Center has a mission to achieve vibrant communities while promoting intentional and stable residential integration throughout Oak Park. OPRHC is the only non- profit agency in Oak Park promoting intentional integrative housing options. OPRHC is celebrating 50 years of service to the Oak Park community. Consider giving a tax-deductible year end donation so that we may reach our goal to raise $250,000 by December 31, 2022! These funds will help us continue to help integrate and invigorate the Oak Park community for up to 500 individuals in the first quarter of 2023!
You may donate at //oprhc.org/donate. To learn more, please call 708-848-7150.
The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation
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.
Oak Park River Forest Museum
The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest is the community’s storyteller, making history relevant in tangible ways that positively impact today’s residents including walking tours, school field trips, traveling exhibits, and house research. We operate the 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 2023 activities, research center, and knowledgeable staff.
Learn more and donate at oprfmuseum.org or 708-848-6755.
One Earth Collective
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 12th season will take place March 3-12, 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 $35.
Learn more and donate at oneearthfilmfest.org/give.
Opportunity Knocks
Opportunity Knocks was established in 2009 to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they live, work, learn, grow, and connect within their community. We believe in the strength, power, and value in the voice of every Warrior. We value the importance of an interdependent connection between each Warrior and their community, along with developing healthy relationships and social connections. We approach all of life’s experiences fearlessly, unhinged by abilities.
We are 95% privately funded and rely on the generous support of the community. Your gift is integral in moving our mission forward. Visit opportunityknocksnow.org to learn more.
Our Future Reads
Our Future Reads was founded to promote literacy by connecting curious readers with books that interest them. We partner with other non-profit agencies and survey the recipients to create personalized book donations. Through our surveys, the members request specific genres and we fulfill those requests with our book inventory. Our personalized donations create a higher likelihood that the books will be read and shared with their families and friends. We serve youthful and adult readers that may not have the means to buy every book on the shelf but still would love to read them. Let the curious be curious!
Donate today and learn more at https://ourfuturereads.com
Parents Against Child Sex Abuse (PAXA)
PAXA is a nonprofit that in 2022 celebrates five years of delivering on the mission of empowering parents to protect their children from sexual abuse. PAXA offers programs like its PAXA Pointers™ Curriculum, which is a parent-focused curriculum designed to address foundational information about predatory behavior in scenarios where their child is easily accessible. The curriculum is anchored with a high quality printed P.A.X.A. Pointers™ Resource Guide that can be enhanced with a virtual or in-person presentation. The topics included are: Babysitters, Playdates, Sleepovers, Schools, Devices & Online Safety.
Learn more by visiting PAXA.online and KIDSTOO.org
PING!
PING! (Providing Instruments for the Next Generation), a nearly 25-year-old, community nonprofit organization, provides band and orchestra instruments along with mentoring, workshops, and access to lessons, music camps, and trips to students in need in grades 4 through 12, bringing true equity to instrumental music in Oak Park and River Forest public schools. In our community’s high-quality school music programs, PING! students can be on par with peers, regardless of their family situation, and feel like they belong. PING! serves approximately 130 young musicians annually, 70% BIPOC, bringing diversity to instrumental music classrooms and beyond.
Donate: pingoprf.org/donate. Instrument donations: info@pingoprf.org.
Pro Bono Network
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 425+ attorneys to give more than 28,000 hours of free legal assistance to 5,000 clients whose lives were meaningfully changed. Let’s transform lives together 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!
Progress Center for Independent Living
Founded in 1988, Progress Center for Independent Living is a cross-disability organization governed and staffed by a majority of people with disabilities. Progress Center serves people with all types of disabilities in Suburban Cook County. We assist individuals in pursuit of their self-determined goals. Progress Center recognizes the innate rights, needs and diversity of the disabled, works toward their integration into community life, and serves as an agent of social change. Progress Center is dedicated to building a society in which people with disabilities exercise the same freedoms, rights, and civil liberties as everyone else.
Donate today and learn more at http://progresscil.org/
Race Conscious Dialogues
Race Conscious Dialogues are designed to deepen awareness of identity, power and privilege, then to integrate learning with everyday life. This nonprofit community resource offers a variety of cohorts both in-person and virtually, and the foundational workshop series consists of 4 sessions with light readings to be done in preparation. Conversations are framed around 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.
Thank you for considering a donation as well as participation! www.raceconsciousdialogues.org
River Forest Public Library Foundation
In person and online, River Forest Public Library serves everyone from toddlers to seniors by connecting them with information, entertainment, and each other in a welcoming space. RFPL Foundation works to ensure the vitality of the Library through advocacy, fundraising, and grants. Foundation grants have enabled the Library to refresh the Children’s and Teen spaces, maintain the Memorial Garden for gatherings, offer community events like the Dooleys Band concert, explore the feasibility of re-purposing indoor space for community use, and more.
Please donate at rfplfoundation.org and help your Library continue to serve and connect our community for generations to come.
Sarah’s Inn
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. We offer services in three areas of program focus: Intervention services for families affected by domestic violence that includes Advocacy and Counseling; Prevention education for youth to give them the tools to develop healthy relationships; and Training and Education for professionals and community-based organizations to create a network of skilled ambassadors. Intervention services are confidential, bilingual (English/Spanish), and offered free of charge to survivors and their children.
Learn more and donate at sarahsinn.org
Silk Road Rising
Silk Road Rising is a community-centered artmaking and arts service organization rooted in Pan-Asian, North African, and Muslim experiences. Through storytelling, digital media, and arts education, we challenge disinformation, cultivate new narratives, and promote a culture of continuous learning. Our work expands and enriches the American story and explores how we understand both Americanness and belonging. In so doing, we create opportunities for communities of diverse backgrounds to experience cultural interchange, challenge racism and coloniality, and upend polarization.
Learn how Silk Road Rising uses stories to help our world heal, and how you can support us by visiting www.silkroadrising.org.
St. Angela School
St. Angela has served the families of Chicago’s Austin neighborhood for more than five generations, committed to enriching the lives and futures of their children. We have a storied history and an extended family of generous alumni whose philanthropy provides scholarship funds and whose engagement keeps our campus beautiful. We are richly blessed and deeply grateful for the partnerships that have sustained us through the years. Now, early in our second century, we are proud to reaffirm our commitment to love and serve all those who choose to be part of our community. We ask those partners to recommit to our cause as well. Thank you!
Learn more about St. Angela School at saintangela.org or call us at (773) 626-2655.
The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest
The award-winning Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest and its esteemed 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 91-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.
The Answer
The Answer Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, is dedicated to providing support, resources, education, recreation, and advocacy for families in the greater Chicago area that are challenged with supporting family members with Autism & Developmental Disorders. In addition to providing essential resources & services for parents and caregivers, our agency strives to help contribute to the continued growth, educational and recreational inclusion for the children and relatives specifically impacted.
Learn more about The Answer at theanswerinc.org
Thrive Counseling Center
Thrive Counseling Center has provided mental health services to the greater Oak Park area for over 120 years. We build healthy minds, families, and communities by empowering people to attain mental and emotional well-being, regardless of their ability to pay. Hope, resilience, and recovery form the heart of our programs and services for youth and adults.
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Psychiatry and medication management
- 24/7 Crisis intervention
- Case management
- Suicide awareness and prevention training
- Thrive Talks community education programs
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.
UCP Seguin
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
Way Back Inn
Since 1974, Way Back Inn has successfully provided long-term residential and outpatient treatment for substance and gambling use disorders. Our mission is to rebuild lives damaged by addiction in a personalized healing environment. This holiday season, we ask that you gift responsibly with the youth in your family. Children who have early exposure to gambling experiences, including lottery tickets, are more likely to develop a gambling problem later in life.
For more information or to make a donation to our program, go to: www.waybackinn.org or call us at 708-345-8422 ext. 22.
West Cook YMCA
A life best lived includes helping others experience a better life. When you give to the West Cook YMCA, you give to our community. 100% of your tax-deductible donation goes directly to providing scholarships to children, adults, and seniors- your friends and neighbors- transforming their lives through access to health screenings, chronic disease prevention programs, after-school programs, swim lessons, life-skills training for residents, and Y memberships that can open the door to help each person become their best self. Make a difference right in your own community today through your support of West Cook YMCA’s scholarship fund.
To donate, visit WestCookYMCA.org/donate or send your check to West Cook YMCA, 255 S. Marion St., Oak Park, IL 60302. (708-383-5200)
West Suburban Special Recreation Association
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.
Wonder Works
For 20 years, children have learned through PLAY in the safe, enriching environment of Wonder Works Children’s Museum on North Avenue. We put great care into creating a child-sized environment with 8 permanent exhibits that spark curiosity, creativity, and learning in the areas of science, math, literacy, and the arts for children from birth to 8. Your donations support special programs, exhibit improvements, free and discounted admissions for families in financial need, and more! Please join us in our mission to spark curiosity and innovation through play-based learning experiences.
Visit Wonder-Works.org to donate and support the power of play.
YoungLives Chicago
YoungLives Chicago is a mentoring ministry devoted to loving and supporting teenage mothers and their babies. YoungLives mentors walk alongside teen moms in authentic friendship, serving as a bridge to resources and supporting their academic, vocational, spiritual, and relational goals. YoungLives Chicago creates a community of belonging for young families to thrive. Teen moms meet twice a month with their mentors for YoungLives club and have the opportunity for a summer camp experience specifically designed as a respite for teenage moms. The cost of a week of camp is $500 for the whole family. Your gift impacts two generations at once! Please consider sponsoring a teen mom and her baby today. Thank you for being a part of our YoungLives village.
If you would like information about volunteering, please contact kimberly.y.graves@gmail.com. You can also make donation at giving.younglife.org/youngliveschicago
Youth Crossroads
Youth Crossroads supports youth, guiding them through life’s challenges, and inspiring them to discover new opportunities for personal development, healthy relationships, and positive community involvement. We provide youth in Chicago’s near west suburbs with the services they need to achieve success at home, in school, and in life. All services are free, in English and Spanish, including In-School and Community Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Youth Leadership Training, Workforce Development, After-School Enrichment, Food Pantries, and Summer Camp.
Your donation makes it possible for youth to get the guidance, support, and inspiration they need to build meaningful lives. Visit https://youthcrossroads.org for more information.
