GIVE-ing back

Graduates volunteering at LPCS

One unique part of our programs at LPCS is the GIVE program.  GIVE, which stands for Guests in Volunteer Experience, was created several years ago.  The idea for the program came from guests who were staying at LPCS at the time.  They were inspired by all of the volunteers who gave their time to LPCS, they wanted to find a way to give back, and thus GIVE was born.  Each guest spends a part of their time at LPCS doing volunteer service for a non-profit in the area.  The experience allows them to develop/expand their skills and experiences, as well as their networks.  Some have even gotten jobs as a result of their volunteer work!

We recently got a very nice note from one of our Graduates Jane* about GIVE, and her continued involvement with volunteering:

"I want to thank LPCS for getting me involved with volunteering.  Since I left I have continued volunteering on occasion at the Catholic charities building on behalf of Fourth Presbyterian church serving meals to people of various communities and stations of life.

I have done a few stints at the Chicago Food depository, I am a frequent volunteer with Little Brothers friends of the elderly, I served at the Breakthrough Food Pantry 20 hours per week for an entire year.

Currently, I am a Foster Grandparent volunteer with the city of Chicago.

So, Just wanted to say that LPCS introduced me to something that has given me tremendous joy and a sense of giving back by helping various organizations that are trying to make this world a better place."

We are grateful to all of the volunteers who inspired this wonderful program--thank you! 


*name changed to protect identity

Thank you for Having A Heart, Lincoln Park!

During the month of February, if you had walked down the stretch of Clark Street between Webster and Diversy, you might have noticed bright yellow and pink flyers in the windows of many of the businesses advertising the Have A Heart drive.  If you looked closer, you would have noticed that the Have A Heart drive was for the Lincoln Park Community Shelter.  For the second year, LPCS partnered with merchants along Clark Street to host boxes to collect cereal, coffee, oatmeal, and other non-perishable breakfast items.

If you are an avid reader of this blog, you might be thinking to yourself, "I thought volunteers made breakfast at LPCS," and you would be correct--on some mornings they do.  The opportunity to make breakfast at LPCS is fairly new, so there aren't volunteer groups scheduled every morning, which is where the food drive comes in.  On the mornings that there is no breakfast group, LPCS provides cereal, coffee, oatmeal, and other breakfast items.

The idea for the breakfast food drive stemmed not only from our need for donations, but also from the idea of giving back to the community that has supported us so well for the last 27 years.  Being a community based organization that was founded by a group of concerned neighbors, LPCS likes to give back when it can, in the ways it can.  One of these ways is by encouraging people to shop locally since it has been shown to help with economic sustainability. 

Thank you to all of the individuals who donated to the drive.  While we didn't collect as much as we had hoped, we are grateful for everything that we did collect.  Thank you to Abeille Beauty, AKIRA, BankFinancial, Cycle Smithy, Floyd's Barbershop, Frankie's on the Park, Holtzmann's, Lincoln Park Market, Nest Furniture, New Balance Chicago, Panache, See Eyewear, Siena by Maria, and Spex for participating in this year's drive.  A special thank you to Big Apple Finer Foods who made the generous offer to donate any additional needed items after the drive was over.

We look forward to partnering with the community for the Third Annual Have A Heart drive again next year!

More than just Biscuits & Gravy

"Voices of the Lincoln Park Community Shelter" is a place where staff, guests, grads, volunteers, and community members can share their thoughts about homelessness, LPCS, and its programs through blog posts.  This week, the following post was written by one of our wonderful volunteers after making breakfast last week. 

I’ve been helping prepare a monthly hot breakfast at LPCS for a little over a year now.  Our group is made up of members and staff of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce.  It is always an enjoyable experience between the camaraderie of my Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce cohorts and visiting with the guests over breakfast. Today was especially rewarding--one of the guests that I have gotten to know fairly well over the last year told me she is moving out of LPCS!  We shared a hug and some happy tears.

After a delicious breakfast of Biscuits & Gravy, scrambled eggs, fruit salad, veggie salad, caramelized bacon (heavenly), and sausages, the clean up began. We had decorated for Valentines Day, and I noticed one of the guests removing the decorated tablecloths and folding them up.  When I asked her what she was going to do with them, she told me that she was going to take them to LPCS' Community Engagement Program where she volunteers her time on Saturday mornings.  The Community Engagement Program, or CEP, is where individuals who are currently homeless or tenuously housed can come for a meal, hot shower and laundry facilities. The guest who was saving the tablecloths wanted to make things special for the CEP participants for Valentine’s Day.  In addition to recycling the tablecloths, she also took some of the extra decorations to make Saturday's CEP a bit more festive. Talk about Pay It Forward!

I always leave LPCS with a wonderful, warm feeling. Today those feelings were boiling over.

--Elizabeth Rossdeutscher, LPCS Board Member

Giving Back

"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something, and because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do something that I can do."

--Edmund Everett Hale, Writer

This quote came across my desk recently and I was immediately struck by it.  Edmund Everett Hale captures the essence of what drives many of our volunteers to give their time and energy to LPCS and its guests.  Since the recession hit, like many organizations, we have seen an increase in the number of volunteers.  Our volunteers come from all walks of life.  Many have been with the organization since its beginnings in 1985, others have only been volunteering a short while, while most fall somewhere in between.  We always ask new volunteers why they want to volunteer at LPCS.  More often than not, their response is about giving back to their community.  More and more we are hearing that people want to volunteer not only to give back and help those in need, but because they are grateful--grateful that they are lucky enough to still have a job, a home.  Stories like these are what the quote above reminded me of.  Volunteering has been a part of our nation since its inception and it is important that we continue this tradition today.  Even our guests give back to the community through the GIVE program (Guests in Volunteer Experience), donating their time to area nonprofits while networking and building skills.  

Think you are too busy to volunteer?  Try micro-volunteering!  Sites like Sparked are popping up, connecting busy individuals with organizations (including LPCS) that have projects that don't necessarily need to be done on site.

So for those of you who volunteer, either at LPCS or elsewhere, thank you for continuing a meaningful tradition.  In case you are interested, you can read more about the history of volunteerism here.

--Heather Pressman, Community Relations Manager

New Experiences

We love it when volunteers share their experiences of volunteering at LPCS.  We recently received an article written about a Wisconsin youth group's trip to Chicago and wanted to share it with you.  Enjoy!

If you walked into the Lincoln Park Community Shelter in Chicago, IL on July 31, you would have seen 15 people from Menomonie's First Congregational United Church of Christ.  Kids and adults alike would be found playing games, preparing a supper, and laughing with the guests in the homeless shelter. 

The group of 6 adults and 9 youth left on Friday, July 29, for a long, long drive down to the Windy City.  Upon arriving, the group stayed at St. Pauls United Church of Christ in the Lincoln Park area.  Three teams prepared tow breakfasts, two dinners, and three bunches of sack lunches over the course of three days.  The preparation entailed planning, shoppiung for, cooking, and plating and serving each meal.

This was the first mission trip for many of the youth, and it really showed them that not everybody has a place to come home to every night.  The Lincoln Park Community Shelter is a facility in the Lincoln Park neighborhood that provides housing and meals for 35 homeless people.  Because it's privately funded, the guests, as they are called, can stay as long as they need to.  Some of the men and women staying at the shelter have jobs or are going to school and are making the transition into permanent housing, which is the goal of the program.  When they leave, a spot opens up and a new person comes into the shelter.  Alumni of LPCS (Graduates) often volunteer once they have left, creating a cycle of good-deed doing. 

The experience was a new one for the youth.  "It really made me realize that people on the street sometimes have good skills and just need some help to get into a shelter and have a better life," saus Sean Williams who went on the trip with his father Todd and his younger brother Max.  Rachel Ropella says, "Going to Chicago truly opened my eyes about how I see poverty and how much of a difference serving them with a smile makes."

Fifteen adults and youth returned Tuesday, August 2, with a new way pf perceiving the world.  Everyone had a great time, as is evidenced by their blog: uccchicagomissiontrip.blogspot.com.  For more information about the trip, contact First Congregational UCC at 715-235-5838.

--Emily Billingsley, First Congregational UCC

What are you grateful for?

On Thanksgiving, people around the country gather around tables filled with turkey, sweet potatoes, pie and more.  Many people take this as an opportunity to reflect on and share some of the many things that they are grateful for.  Here at LPCS, some of our guests have already been reflecting.  We recently asked guests "What are you grateful for?"  Both simple and complex things made the list: The sun.  Health. Family.  LPCS.  Here is a sampling of the responses we received:  

"For the volunteers that bring their smiles."
"Strangers who have become friends."
"That my daughter continues to tell me she loves me."
"Being able to help other people."
"The help being offered from so many people that support homeless people."
"A chance to go back to work and get a place of my own again."

The staff at LPCS is grateful for a supportive community of friends, neighbors, and volunteers who have given their time and resources to ensure that the Lincoln Park Community Shelter continues to help men and women make the life changes necessary to move from homelessness to a home of their own.  From everyone here, thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!

Thank you volunteers!

On Thursday, November 3^rd, the Lincoln Park Community Shelter opened its doors even wider than usual to accommodate guests, staff, and volunteers for our annual Volunteer Appreciation event. By all standards, the event was a HUGE success. Hosted by the Graduate Council, the evening featured a wonderful Mediterranean meal, complete with Falafel, home-made Greek Salad, Sautéed Vegetables, Spanikopita, and Greek Chicken. All attendees agreed that the food was delicious! The standout for the evening though was definitely the Cornucopia Cake created by one of the guests. Beautiful AND delicious, what could be better?

Towards the end of evening, we handed out awards to several volunteers who have gone above and beyond in the past year.  Award recipients were voted on by the guests.    The Mission Award, given in recognition of a “hands on” volunteer who has demonstrated a commitment to furthering the mission of LPCS by his/her direct volunteer service with guests, was given to Brad & Karin, a couple who have been serving meals here for over 10 years--most of that time just the two of them! They truly know how to run a kitchen. The Vision Award, given in recognition of a “behind the scenes” volunteer who, through his/her continued active support of LPCS, has furthered the broader vision of LPCS, was awarded to Joel, the leader of our Tech Team, an active Track Activity volunteer, and good friend to guests and staff. Joel has spent countless hours helping maintain our wonderful computer lab, as well as staff computers. We very literally would not be functioning without him and his hard work! The final award of the evening was the Community Partnership Award. Given in recognition of an organization or institution that fosters community and support for LPCS and its mission through collaboration with LPCS, this year’s award went to the ChicagoPhotography Center.  The CPC has been helping many of our guests and grads develop their photography skills, the importance of which can hardly be put into words. This creative outlet has given many people a new passion. This January, for the third time, CPC is hosting a photography exhibition of guest and Graduate work.   Stay tuned for more information!  

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend and help make it such a special evening! We look forward to the next opportunity to spend time with this incredibly supportive community. We could not do what we do without each and every one of you. Thank you to all of our volunteers!

In Remembrance

As a Volunteer Manager, I get the joy of getting to know many wonderful people who give their time and energy to LPCS. Sometimes though, my job can be sad as well. Earlier this month we learned that one of LPCS’ long time volunteers had passed away. Jo Ann Bogdanor Hurd Reynolds, aged 71, died October 4 of complications from ovarian cancer. JoAnn had been an LPCS volunteer for many years.

I attended the memorial service for JoAnn that was held on October 29th at Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church. There were about 100 people in attendance from all walks of JoAnn’s life. Knowing only JoAnn the volunteer, it was touching to hear stories from some of her family and close friends. They told of a woman who was known as feisty, determined, very generous, and always well dressed. At LPCS, we knew the generous JoAnn. She helped prepare dinner and sack lunches with members of her church, Lincoln Park Presbyterian. And each month for many years, JoAnn would serve as an overnight volunteer, providing supervision to the 35 guests of the Lincoln Park Community Shelter. Guests appreciated her attention to detail and no-nonsense approach, and she was consistently voted one of their favorite overnight volunteers!

Jo Ann was born in St Louis. She graduated from Ferguson High School and the University of Missouri with a BA in History, and did graduate work at the University of Illinois. She was a member of Alpha Phi sorority. She moved to Chicago where she began a long and valued career at IBM, working at branches in Chicago and Houston and at headquarters in White Plains, NY. She was an elder and choir member at Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church in Chicago, and at Presbyterian churches in Houston and Fairfield, CT.
In honor of JoAnn’s giving spirit, the family requested that in lieu of flowers gifts be made to Lincoln Park Community Shelter, Sarah's Circle, or to any other of the many charities with which she was active. JoAnn is survived by her husband David; brothers John and James; children John, Judith, Susan and Rachel; and grandchildren David, George and Connor.

Thank you for all that you did for LPCS, JoAnn. You will be missed.

--Heather Pressman, Community Relations Manager

JoAnn Reynolds

Meet an LPCS Graduate!

We love to share to good news when someone graduates from LPCS.  Here is the story of one individual who graduated in the late spring of this year:

Allen* entered the shelter several years ago with a long history of alcoholism, big gaps in his employment history, and going through some serious depression and anxiety.  His case manager was able to connect him to mental health treatment on a regular basis.  In addition, he entered into outpatient treatment for his alcohol problems and went to several support group meetings per week.  Allen had never received his high school diploma and entered into a GED class.  Slowly over time his mood began to improve and he developed a much more positive attitude.  He diligently attended his GED classes over several months and though he initially failed one part of the exam, with the help of a volunteer tutor he was able to overcome that difficulty and did obtain his GED.  He also took a computer class, attended a job readiness program, and a job training program as well.  Recently, he was even asked to be a tutor to other GED students where he had taken classes.  Finally, after a long wait, he was able to move into his own large one bedroom apartment and become permanently housed in the community.  He has now been sober for over 2 years.

*Name has been changed to protect anonymity.

Meet an LPCS Graduate!

We love to share to good news when someone graduates from LPCS.  Here is the story of one individual who recently graduated:

 

Robert* entered the shelter only a few months ago.  He had a long  work history doing primarily maintenance type of work.  He was very concerned about whether he would ever be able to become employed again because he had not worked for almost 2 years, was in his late-50’s, and had virtually no computer knowledge.  Notwithstanding his initial reluctance, he attended a computer class and regularly saw a volunteer computer tutor who came to work with the guests at LPCS.  As a result, he learned how to use email and apply for jobs online.  Attending a job readiness program helped Robert put together a resume and gave him practice with mock job interviews.  Last month he applied for a full-time maintenance position at a new supermarket.  Even though there were over 300 initial applicants, he interviewed extremely well and got the job. LPCS provided CTA passes so he could get to and from work until he got paid.  He has now moved into his own permanent residence and will be financially independent as a fully functioning member of society once again!

*Name has been changed to protect anonymity.

Volunteering and Service

This past week, I was able to attend the National Conference on Volunteering and Service in New Orleans.  More than 4600 people attended the conference from all over the country, and all walks of life.  It was wonderful to see so many people come out in support of volunteers and the work that they do.  Both the mayor of New Orleans and the Governor of Mississippi expressed their heartfelt thanks for all of the work volunteers did to repair the region post-Katrina. Hearing stories of how volunteers have come together in their communities during times of need reminded me how lucky we here at LPCS are to continue to be supported by such an amazing community.  So a big thank you to all of our volunteers and supporters! 

The best part of the conference, learning that the Windy City is the host site for next year's conference!  Congrats on the honor Chicago!

 

--Heather Pressman, Community Relations Manager

Thank you volunteers!

As a volunteer driven organization, we depend so much on the dedication and passion of the many individuals and groups who so generously donate their time and talents to Lincoln Park Community Shelter. And though we appreciate their efforts every day, National Volunteer Week is a time that really allows us to reflect and be thankful for these priceless people who make the mission of empowering homeless men and women to make life changes an attainable goal. Our volunteers are fun. They make our job fun. They are passionate, and their passion translates into the effort they put forth.

So to the committee members, meal makers, tutors, track activity teachers and all the other men and women who have become a part of our community, we would like to take this opportunity to say thank you!

Community Comes Together to Celebrate LPCS Volunteers

Staff and volunteers mingle before the show

Last night, LPCS staff, volunteers, guests, and Graduates came together to celebrate all of the work that volunteers do for LPCS.  It was a fun-filled evening of food, conversation, and cabaret at the Greenhouse Theater!  Attendees were treated to a performance of classic songs, Broadway tunes, and modern classics by James Edward Dauphin and Anita Kallen and were accompanied by Christie Chiles Twillie on piano.  All three of the performers generously donated their time.  Before the show, volunteers and guests mingled while munching on a variety of snacks. After the show, volunteers were treated to a table full of delicious desserts!

Every year, volunteers donate nearly 18,000 hours of service to LPCS.  That is the equivalent of adding 8 1/2 full-time staff members to LPCS!  Volunteers help teach life-skills classes, make and serve meals, work at the front desk, serve on a variety of committees, stay overnight, and serve in a variety of other positions.  Without the continued support of LPCS volunteers, our programs wouldn't be nearly as successful as they are.  All of the hard work that volunteers put in translates directly to our guests.  Thank you LPCS volunteers for all of your time, energy, and dedication!

A huge thank you to Popcorn Palace, Potbelly Sandwich Co., Starbucks Coffee, and Swirlz Cupcakes for generously donating food and drink for the event.  Thank you too to the Greenhouse Theater for donating the space.  And of course,  a huge thank you as well to the performers without whom we couldn't have had a show!  Last, but certainly not least, thanks to the Volunteer Committee who helped organize the whole night.  Thank you everyone!

Learning through Teaching

Imaginarium, 2010

I first heard about LPCS when I was a student at School of the Art Institute in Spring 2010.  Our class worked with some of the guests for several weeks on a Community Art Project entitled Imaginarium, which we then displayed in a one-night show. We worked together, on separate panels that were finally interlocked to make a free-standing sculpture. Each piece was different, and couldn’t stand up on its own, but together they made a wonderful thing, much like each one of us in our community.  I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect, but found the guests to be so friendly, eager to learn and try new things, expressing themselves through different visual media, I felt privileged to be a part of it. The staff and guests are so welcoming, some of my classmates and I didn’t want our "Art Class Wednesdays" to end, so we continued them weekly throughout the summer.

Now I teach it one day a month, and it is one of the most gratifying things I have ever done: for example, when a guest who claims “oh, but I’m not an artist,” jumps in anyway and tries, and ends up creating something beautiful and unique, the smile on their face is priceless. Even though it takes a bit of planning to balance time for my own homework and hunt for art supplies, I love the friendly creative energy at LPCS so much, working with the guests in these art classes is absolutely worth it. I am honored to have been invited back to participate with the LPCS guests and students in this year’s SAIC Community Art Practices class, and look forward to the new amazing work we will create. We look forward to meeting you at our truly unique show in May, so mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 4th!

--Leona, SAIC student and LPCS volunteer

LPCS Open House a Tasty Success!

Last Saturday, July 24th, LPCS held an Open House Ice Cream Social to celebrate 25 years in the neighborhood.  Volunteers, community members, and passersby enjoyed ice cream sundaes with sprinkles and cherries on top, creative facepainting, and relaxing chair massages, courtesy of Lincoln Park Massage Spa.  In addition to the tasty and relaxing fun, visitors to the Open House had the opportunity to take a tour of LPCS' recently rennovated facility and learn more about the history of our time in Lincoln Park. 

LPCS would like to offer a huge thank you to the event committee: Rebecca Devlin, Trina Portillo, Nada Riley, and Lucy Shair.  We would also like to extend a huge thank you to Lincoln Park Massage Spa (www.lincolnparkmassage.com) for donating their Hired Hands On-site Massage therapist.  And lastly, we would like to thank the volunteers who helped give tours, scoop ice cream, and paint faces!  Thanks to everyone for making the Open House a fun and successful event!

For information on other anniversary events, please visit: http://lpcsonline.org/events

Happy AmeriCorps Week 2010!

When I graduated from DePaul University last June 2009 with a degree in Political Science and zero desire to go to law school, I was worried. What to do with the upcoming months of my life as I figured out a plan for my future? I certainly wanted a professional experience, but not SO professional that I would be thrust into a maelstrom of bottom lines, hierarchy and business suits. I wanted to continue my activism and follow the trajectory of non-profit work that I had been on for four years. But not SO activisty that I would be organizing protests, getting arrested and burnt out. I wanted the chance to go to graduate school at some point, but didn’t yet know what I would study. For a die-hard planner, this uncertainty was agonizing!

I came across the AmeriCorps website and was happy to find a position at the Lincoln Park Community Shelter for which I felt I had under my belt the work experience necessary. I was excited for the chance to work in the area of homelessness, a topic I had studied in college, but had little hands on experience. Luckily, this has turned out to be a great fit for me! I am so thankful for a job in which I receive just the right amount of supervision and have constant support from my co-workers. My job responsibilities are appropriate for my skill sets, and the challenges I face day to day are manageable and exciting. There is never a doubt in my mind that I am providing a necessary service to people in need, and that I really am fighting poverty! This immersive experience into a non-profit organization (and such a high level one at that) has helped cement my future plans. I’m thrilled to be starting graduate school at the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration in the fall! Thank goodness for the AmeriCorps*VISTA program and the “grace period” it gave me between college and the next step in my professional development. This “grace period” has been more enjoyable and rewarding then I could have hoped.

For more information on AmeriCorps, please visit http://www.americorps.gov/  

--Katie McNamara, LPCS Volunteer Coordinator and AmeriCorps*VISTA

THANK YOU Volunteers!

Sunday marks the kickoff to National Volunteer Appreciation Week.  LPCS would like to take this time to thank all of the volunteers who make what we do possible.  Our untiring volunteers put in more than 14,000 hours every year making meals, teaching classes, staying overnight, answering phones, stuffing envelopes, and more!  Whether you volunteer at LPCS or elsewhere, LPCS would like to say THANK YOU volunteers!

Thanks for sharing!

This week, I would like to share links to a couple of interesting things that have come across my desk recently, sent in by volunteers.

Here is a shocking story about H&M and Wal-Mart stores destroying brand-new merchandise, rather than donating it: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/h-m-and-wal-mart-destroy-and-trash-unsold-goods-562909/

Are you an LPCS volunteer?  Have you ever wondered where you fit in with other Americans who volunteer?  Check out this fun, interactive graph: http://www.good.is/post/transparency-where-we-volunteer/

Have you seen any interesting article you'd like to share?  Please send them to me at hreynolds@lpcsonline.org.

A different kind of resolution

For many, this is the time of year that people stop and take a look at their lives and assess any changes that need to be made, and resolve to make those changes. For the guests at LPCS, this is a daily process. The 35 guests who stay here are all working towards something, for some it's overcoming small challenges like putting together a resume, for others, it's staying sober.

Make it your New Year's resolution to make the difference in the life of someone who's homeless. Start with something as simple as greeting the homeless individual on the corner--most of the time people who are homeless feel invisible.  Education and helping to inform others about the truths and realities of the homeless situation in Chicago is a first, but essential, step in change.  This could include reading up on statistics, finding out what agencies near you are doing to combat homelessness, sending out an email to someone to share your new-found knowledge, etc. If you are able to do something more, consider volunteering or donating to your local shelter.

Like you, many of the guests at LPCS are interested in making change in their lives, including losing weight, getting more organized, and figuring out their finances. One guest, when asked, responded that his New Year's resolution is "to obtain permanent housing, to persevere until this goal is obtained."  Others responded "to quit smoking and workout more."  Help guests make progress on these goals by teaching a class or leading an activity on one of these topics. Or, get to know a few of the guests personally through staying overnight—an opportunity for one on one chats!

Have a happy and safe new year!

Taproot Foundation helping Chicago-area non-profits

Earlier in the year, LPCS received a service grant from the Taproot Foundation to produce a new brochure. After only a few months, LPCS now has a brand new brochure which we can use to recruit volunteers. It was a great experience to work with wonderful professionals from some of Chicago's top advertising and marketing agencies. The Taproot team was very professional and on-task. They were open to our input and feedback, but also came with their own great ideas. LPCS would like to offer a big thank you to all of the volunteer professionals who worked on the project. Thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to help LPCS!

For more information on the Taproot Foundation, including how to volunteer or apply for a service grant, visit their website.