100 Black Men of America
Mentoring program that nurtures creativity, emphasizes academic achievement and reinforces social responsibility. 404-892-5534.
www.100blackmen.org
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Aidscare, Inc.
Assists those living with HIV/AIDS through achieving a higher quality of life through care, housing and support services. 773-935-4663.
www.aidscarechicago.org
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American Red Cross
The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, provides relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. 800-HELP-NOW.
www.redcross.org
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Amnesty International
Works to free all prisoners of conscience detained for their beliefs or ethnic backgrounds. 800-AMNESTY.
www.amnesty-usa.org
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Anti-Cruelty Society
Provides human education, low-cost spay/neuter surgeries, cruelty investigation, ambulance service, dog training, behavior counseling, low-cost veterinary services, animal assisted therapy, and more to the Chicagoland community. 312-644-8338.
www.anticruelty.org
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Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundationa
Named after a giving child who lost his battle with cancer, Bear Necessities is dedicated to the fight against pediatric cancer. Bear's dream was to help other kids with cancer and their families in all sorts of ways. Please come visit our site, learn more about the foundation, its services, and how you can help make Bear's dream a reality.
www.bearnecessities.org
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Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the oldest mentoring organization serving youth in the country, remains the leading expert in providing one-to-one mentoring relationships between adult volunteers and children at risk. BBBSA currently serves over 100,000 children and youth in more than 500 agencies throughout all of the United States. 215-567-7000.
www.bbbsa.org
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Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Their mission is to inspire and enable all young people to realize their potential as productive, responsible citizens. 404-815-5700.
www.bgca.orge
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Boys Scouts of America
Provides an educational program for boys and young adults to build character, to train in the responsibilities of citizenship, and to develop personal fitness.
www.scouting.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Career Vision
Career Vision, a leading career planning organization, uses a proven process to help individuals identify their strengths and make decisions that lead more quickly to career success. We provide insight and career recommendations to help identify college majors and career options for students and adults. A division of the non-profit Ball Foundation, we also offer free presentations as a public service to educate parents and students about the importance of Career Literacy and what it takes to make great career choices. Call 630 469-6270.
www.careervision.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cat Guardians
Cat Guardians is a no-kill, cageless shelter for homeless cats in Lombard. We help animals that might not otherwise have a chance! We are completely volunteer-run. Volunteers clean the shelter, work with the public to find homes for the cats, help at fundraisers and more! Call 630-543-3395 or visit our site.
catguardians.hypermart.net
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago
The social-service arm of the Arcdiocese of Chicago and represent the Catholic Community in its Mission of Charity. 312-655-7000.
www.catholiccharities.net
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Center for Economic Progress
The Center for Economic Progress encourages financial stability and helps build the assets of thousands for working families each year. As a front-line service provider, advocate and community educator with a presence in more than 30 Illinois communities, the Center’s programs and services impact tens of thousands of families each year, providing resources for a brighter future.
www.centerforprogress.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Center for Neighborhood Technology
Founded in 1978, CNT is a leader in researching and applying innovative strategies that transform markets and public policies in ways that build more sustainable urban communities, in Chicago and across the country.
www.cnt.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Chicago Children's Museum
Volunteering has never been more fun! At Chicago's Children's Museum, volunteers can connect to kids and families throughout the city, by assisting in our three-floors of hands-on exhibits, as well as with programs, activities and special events that spark young imaginations... both on-site and out in the community. Volunteers are also welcome in our administrative offices. To learn more about CCM's volunteer program, please call 312-464-7652.
www.chichildrensmuseum.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Chicago Coalition for the Homeless
Organizes and advocates to prevent and end homelessness. 800-940-1119.
www.chicagohomeless.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind
Social service agency to aid visually impaired & multi-disabled persons. 312-666-1331.
www.chicagolighthouse.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Chicago Park District
Works to enhance the quality of life throughout Chicago by becoming the leading provider of recreational and leisure opportunities. 312-742-PLAY.
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Chicago Public Radio
A community-supported, non-commercial public service broadcasting institution, broadcasting throughout Chicago and surrounding regions at WBEZ 91.5 FM Chicago, WBEQ 90.7 FM Morris, and WBEW 89.5 FM Chesterton, Indiana. Each week, more than 600,000 listeners tune-in to the station for its eclectic and innovative programming. From news and public affairs to music and arts, the station’s distinctive selection of internationally, nationally, and locally produced programs reflects the diversity of the community it serves. Chicago Public Radio is online, streaming live webcasts and now offering podcasts.
www.chicagopublicradio.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Citizens' Scholarship Foundation of America
Expands access to educational opportunities by involving and assisting communities, corporations, foundations, organizations, and individuals in their support of students and in encouraging their educational achievement. 800-537-4180.
citizens.scholarship-foundation.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Community Nutrition Network
As one of the nation’s largest providers of nutrition programs for seniors, Community Nutrition Network serves seniors in Cook, Grundy and Kendall Counties of Illinois. Our programs include Home Delivered Meals, Group Dining, as well as Weekend Meals for those who qualify. For more information on how to qualify call our offices at (312)207-5290.
www.cnnssacookcounty.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fairygodmother Foundation
The mission of Fairgodmother Foundation is to make wishes come true for loved ones facing terminal illness. Our wish recipients are adults (18 and older) who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness (having 1 year or less to live). We strive to bring joy to these individuals and their families in their time of greatest need. If you are interested in volunteering with Fairygodmother Foundation, please contact Amanda Dixon, Director of Volunteer Services, at amanda@fairygodmother.org or 773-388-1160.
www.fairygodmother.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Gilda's Club Chicago
Gilda’s Club Chicago provides a place where men, women and children, with cancer, and families and friends, join with others to build social and emotional support in addition to medical care. Free of charge, Gilda’s Club Chicago offers support and wellness groups, lectures, workshops and social events in a warm and welcoming setting. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities please call 312-464-9900.
www.gildasclubchicago.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Girl Scouts of Chicago
Provides a way for girls to participate in projects involving computers and technology, careers, the environment, personal finance, and sports. 312-416-2500.
www.girlscouts.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Girl Scouts - South Cook County
The South Cook County Council offers enjoyable, informative and up-to-date activities for all interested girls from 5 to 17 years old. Girls can learn teamwork, leadership, computer skills, science fun, camping, culinary arts, sports and much more. Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. Call 708-957-8100 for information on membership or volunteering.
www.girlscouts-scc.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Global Volunteers
Global Volunteers strives to wage peace through the world by helping establish mutual understanding between people of diverse cultures. Each year Global Volunteers coordinates more than 150 teams of volunteers who participate on short-term human and economic development projects in 20 countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, and the Pacific. 800-487-1074.
www.globalvolunteers.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Greater Chicago Food Depository
The Greater Chicago Food Depository is a not-for-profit food distribution center working to feed hungry people in Cook County. The Depository is committed to efficiently distributing donated and purchased food through qualified agencies such as soup kitchens, shelters and pantries. Our biggest need is food repacking in preparation for distribution. Individual volunteers as well as corporate, civic, academic, social, and church groups are always welcome to volunteer. Please call 773-247-3663 for more information or visit our website.
www.chicagosfoodbank.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Guild for the Blind
Serves children and adults who are blind or visually impaired through its education and skill-building programs, transcription services, product center, devotional services, and tape-lending library. 312-236-8569.
www.guildfortheblind.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Heartland Alliance for Human Needs and Human Rights
Heartland Alliance is a service-based human rights organization focused on investments in and solution to help the most poor and vulnerable in our society succeed. We provide housing, health care, human services, and human rights protections. Call 312.660.1300 or visit our website.
www.heartlandalliance.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Horizons for Youth
Horizons for Youth provides tuition scholarships, adult mentors, and monthly child enrichment activities for inner-city children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Volunteer opportunities exist in virtually all aspects of the organization, including mentoring, event planning, fundraising, marketing, public relations and program evaluation. Please contact Jennifer Lacoff, Volunteer Coordinator, at 312-627-9031 for more information.
www.horizons-for-youth.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Illinois Humanities Council
The IHC, a private nonprofit (501 [c] 3) organization, is an educational organization dedicated to fostering a culture in which the humanities are a vital part of the lives of individuals and communities. Through its programs and grants, the IHC promotes greater understanding of, appreciation for, and involvement in the humanities by all Illinoisans, regardless of their economic resources, cultural background, or geographic location. The IHC creates and funds numerous humanities activities throughout the state. Through these activities, the IHC serves as a catalyst in imaginative ventures which bring scholarship into the public forum. All our programs utilize a broad definition of the humanities, but all are committed to providing lifelong learning. The IHC has been at the crossroads of ideas, energizing cultural and civic life in Illinois for more than 30 years.
www.prairie.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Illinois Loop
A network of parents, teachers and others throughout the Chicago area working for education reform, with an emphasis on curriculum and effective teaching.
www.illinoisloop.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Inspiration Corp.
Provides supportive programming to help homeless men and women exit homelessness with dignity and respect. 773-878-0981.
www.inspirationcafe.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Job Corps
Job training for at risk kids ages 16-24. 800-773-JOBS.
www.jobcorps.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Joint Action in Community Service (JACSINC)
JACS is a national human service organization of community volunteers helping at-risk youth enter the workforce and become self-reliant adults. 800-522-7773.
www.jacsinc.orge
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Junior Achievement
Educates and inspires young people to value free enterprise, business and economics. 800-THE-NEWJA.
www.ja.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
Main objective is to support and fund research to find a cure for diabetes and its complications. 800-JDF-CURE.
www.jdf.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Lincoln Park Community Shelter
A community-based, volunteer-driven non-profit organization. The mission of LPCS is to empower homeless individuals to make life changes. LPCS offers transitional housing, intensive, individualized case management, and comprehensive social services including recovery meetings, shower and laundry facilities, transportation assistance, fax, phone & voicemail usage, medical and dental referrals, and job training referrals and assistance. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator for more information. 773-549-6111
www.LPCSonline.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Literacy Chicago
Provides free individual adult literacy services. 312-236-0341.
www.literacychicago.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Little Brothers/Friends of the Elderly
Volunteers visit and become friends with lonely elderly in Chicago. To find out more about his and other opportunities, call 312-455-1000 or visit our website.
www.littlebrothers.org/chicago
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Little City Foundation
Provides state-of-the art services to help children and adults with mental retardation or other developmental, emotional and behavioral challenges to lead meaningful, productive and dignified lives. 847-358-5510.
www.littlecity.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Leukemia Research Foundation
Dedicated to funding research and providing support to people affected by blood cancers. The Foundation’s mission is to conquer leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes by funding research into their causes and cures, and to enrich the quality of life of those touched by these diseases. For 60 years, thousands of volunteers and 24 chapters have helped the Foundation raise more than $35 million to help fund research specifically targeting aspiring, eager, and innovative scientists and physicians around the world. Headquartered in Glenview, IL. 847-424-0600.
www.leukemia-research.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ MADD
Provides local progams to assist victims of alcohol-related crashes; educates the public of dangers of drunk and drugged driving. 800-438-6233.
www.madd.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Make-A-Wish Foundation
Works to fulfill the favorite wishes of children between the ages of 2 1/2 and 18 who are battling life-threatening illnesses. 800-722-WISH.
www.wishes.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ March of Dimes
Join Chicago Radio stations in the battle against birth defects. We can make a difference. But instead of dimes, we need your dollars. Click here to make your donation to the March of Dimes.
www.marchofdimes.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Meals on Wheels Foundation
The Foundation works collaboratively with Community Nutrition Network to ensure that there are adequate financial resources available to help serve the nutrition needs of elderly seniors in Cook, Grundy and Kendall Counties of Illinois. To learn more how you can help, call us at (312) 207-5290.
www.mowcookcounty.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Merit School of Music
Merit School of Music provides high-quality music education to students in metropolitan Chicago. Its primary goals are to help young people achieve their full musical potential, to remove economic barriers to participation, and to stimulate personal and educational growth through music. Instruction at Merit is provided for free or low fee with nearly $2 million in financial support provided to students each year. 312.786-9428
www.meritmusic.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Morton Arboretum
The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized 1,700-acre outdoor museum with collections of more than 3,700 kinds of trees, shrubs and other plants from around the world, offering the public 9 miles of roads and 14 miles of walking trails. The Arboretum's beautiful natural landscapes, gardens, research and education programs, and year-round family activities support its mission: the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier and more beautiful world. The Arboretum offers guided tours, including walking tours and tram tours, which range from general interest to seasonal-specific and special collection area tours. There is a Visitor Center, great food at the Ginkgo Café, and gifts and books at The Arboretum Store. The Arboretum's Plant Clinic is open to visitors with questions about plant identification and selection, growing tips, pest and disease problems and general gardening information. Located at 4100 Illinois Route 53 Lisle, IL 60532 (Just north of I-88 at Rte. 53). Grounds open year round. 630-968-0074.
www.mortonarb.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Multiple Sclerosis Society
Provides services and education and is dedicated to the prevention, treatment, alleviation and cure of multiple sclerosis, and to the improvement of the quality of life of individuals with MS and their families. 800-922-0484.
www.msillinois.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ National 4-H Council
Engages youth in solving issues critical to their lives and communities. 800-368-7432.
www.fourcouncil.edu
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
edicated to the empowerment of battered women and their children and committed to the elimination of personal and societal violence in the lives of battered women and their children. 800-799-7233.
www.ncadv.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
Provides education to children, intervention services to families, and referral treatment for alcoholics and drug addicts. 800-NCA-CALL.
www.ncadd.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame
The NIASHF is a 501 (c) (3) educational institution and museum dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage and history of Italian Americans in sports by exhibiting and interpreting its collections for a diverse audience, and honoring Italian Americans who have made lasting contributions to sports and society. The NIASHF is committed to providing educational opportunities for children of all backgrounds through our programming and scholarships. "Preserving Honorable Values Through Sports – Family, Friends, Faith and Community"
www.niashf.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ National Kidney Foundation of Illinois
Committed to increasing the awareness of kidney and urinary disease and organ donation. 312-663-3103.
www.nkfi.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ National Mentoring Partnership
Advocates for expanding mentoring programs and a resource mentors. 202-729-4340.
www.mentoring.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ National Runaway Switchboard
Provides confidential crisis intervention and referrals to youth and their families through national and local telephone switchboards. 800-621-4000
www.nrcrisisline.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Omni Youth Services
Dedicated to strengthening famlies by developing responsible children, youth, and parents; empowering youth to become positive participants in the community. 847-541-0190.
www.ominyouth.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Points of Light Foundation
Engages people in volunteer community service to help solve serious social problems. 800-VOLUNTEER.
www.pointsoflight.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Prevention First
A statewide nonprofit training and information resource center dedicated to the prevention of drug use and related issues such as child abuse, teen pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and juvenile delinquency. It is the Illinois affiliate of the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. Offers free educational materials, lending library, anti-drug public awareness campaigns and initiatives such as the Be Real middle school program, Latino Coalition for Prevention and Illinois African American Coalition for Prevention. In Chicago 312-988-4646. In Springfield 217-793-7353 or 800-252-8951.
www.prevention.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic
RFB&D produces and provides accessible recorded textbooks to people with print disabilities, including visual impairment, dyslexia, and other physical disabilities. Volunteers in our Chicago, Naperville, and Orland Park recording studios work in many areas to turn a print textbook into an audio recording. (312) 236-8715 x213.
www.rfbd.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Northern Cook and Northern DuPage Counties) is a not-for-profit agency located in Arlington Heights that places seniors, age 55 or better, in meaningful volunteer assignments in their communities. 847-228-1006
www.volunteerinfo.net
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ronald McDonald House
Help families overcome the stresses associated with a child's illness by encouraging supportive interaction with other parents in a comfortable, homelike environment. 773-324-KIDS.
www.ronaldmcdonaldhouseuc.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Save The Children
Creates positive, lasting changes in the lives of children in need. 800-243-5075.
www.savethechildren.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium promotes the enjoyment, appreciation and effective conservation of acquatic life and its environments through education, research and public display. For volunteer information contact Betty Kojima Goldberg, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 312-692-3309 or download the volunteer application on the website.
www.sheddnet.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Style for Charity
Style for Charity is a Chicago-based non-profit organization that exists to provide women transitioning from public assistance into the workplace with complimentary makeovers of the body, beauty and spirit. Our programs and services do not focus solely on style but also on substance. Our motto is "not only do we offer our clients fresh new looks, but also new spirits enriched by our programs and services and enhanced by our family of volunteers". To learn more about volunteer opportunities call 773-298-0710 or visit our website.
www.styleforcharity.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Arc of the United States
Assists people with mental retardation in areas of education, employment, aging, recreation and housing, as well as providing information and support to families. 800-433-5255.
www.thearc.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The British Home
Our mission is to create, provide, manage, and support a variety of housing options, programs, and activities that compassionately and efficiently serves the changing needs of mature adults of all nationalities and encourages well being and independence.
www.thebritishhome.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Public Square at the Illinois Humanities Council
The Public Square at the IHC fosters debate, dialogue, and exchange of ideas about cultural, social and political issues with an emphasis on social justice. Our programs promote participatory democracy by creating space for public conversations. Knowledge is power, yet much crucial knowledge still circulates only in small, isolated communities. We build bridges between theory and practice in order to empower individuals to use ideas as tools to improve their lives.
www.thepublicsquare.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Salvation Army
An international movement to meet basic human needs without discrimination. 800-SAL-ARMY.
www.salvationarmyusa.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Volunteer Center of Northwest Suburban Chicago
TVC is a not-for-profit agency that matches volunteers of all ages, including families and corporate groups, with local not-for-profit agencies that need volunteers for on-going assignments or special community projects. 847-228-1320
www.volunteerinfo.net
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Turning Point Behavioral Health
Turning Point is the community wellness resource for individuals and families that builds sound minds. By responding to the mental health needs of our community, we: Treat each person compassionately and effectively; Support those who struggle with mental illness; Champion the rights of the mentally ill; Promote community awareness and understanding of mental health. Our efforts will improve the quality of life and well-being for our clients, their families, and the community. 8324 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60077. 847-933-0051
www.tpoint.org/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tutor/Mentor Connection
Builds and sustains "village" of tutor/mentor programs. 312-467-2889.
www.tutormentor.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ U.S. Committee for UNICEF
Provides medicine, clean water and sanitation, improved nutrition, basic education and emergency assistance to children around the world. 800-FOR-KIDS.
www.unicefusa.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ United Way
National system of volunteers, contributors, and local charities helping people in their own communities. 703-836-7100.
www.uwonline.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Volunteers of America
Designed to promote community service. 800-899-0089.
www.voa.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Windy City Habitat for Humanity
Brings families and communities in need together with volunteers and resources to build decent, affordable housing. 912-924-6935.
www.windycityhabitat.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Women in Community Service
Works to reduce young women living in poverty by promoting self-reliance and economic independence. 800-442-9427.
www.wics.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Women Employed
Women Employed’s mission is to improve the economic status of women and remove barriers to economic equity. Women Employed promotes fair employment practices, helps increase access to training and education, and provides women with information and tools to plan their careers.
www.womenemployed.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Y-Me Breast Cancer Organization
Committed to providing information and support to anyone who has been touched by breast cancer through their national hotline, open door groups, and early detection workshops. 800-221-2141.
www.y-me.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ YMCA of the USA
Builds strong kids and communities. 800-872-9622.
www.ymca.net
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ YWCA of the USA
Empower women and girls; eliminate racism. 212-273-7800.
www.ywca.org
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