Welcome To Fourth Presbyterian Church

Gift Index
Opportunities Organized by Activity

I want to . . .

• Help with worship services at Fourth Church
Communion Servers
Ushers
Chancel Guild

• Sing or play music at Fourth Church
Choirs
Musicians

• Contribute to the arts at Fourth Church
Fourth Acts
Art Exhibit Docents
Art Acquisition Committee

• Teach our faith to children and youth at Fourth Church
Sunday School
Youth Group leaders
Confirmation Class teachers

• Welcome others to Fourth Church
Sunday Hospitality
Sanctuary Hosts
Invitation Committee
New Member Welcoming
Fourth Church Promoter

• Plan and help with social events at Fourth Church
Annual Church Picnic
Special Occasions Hospitality

• Offer professional or office support to Fourth Church
Professional and Office

• Offer friendship and support to older adults
Caring Connectors
Care Teams
Christopher House—60+ Club
Center for Older Adults
Presbyterian Homes
Congregational Services
Flower Power

• Assist and give encouragement to persons
Care Teams
Caring Connectors
Communities of Care

• Minister to the ill or assist the disabled
Communities of Care
Care Teams
Flower Power
John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County
Erie Family Health Center
Blind Service Association
Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic
Vital Bridges/Open Hand Chicago
The Children’s Place
Benevolent Guild
REST
Health Ministry
Misericordia

• Care for or entertain young children
Sunday School—Nursery
Children’s Story Teller
Christopher House—Child Care
Children’s Place—Child Care
Children’s Place—Entertainment
Chicago Commons—Child Care
Misericordia

• Tutor or mentor children and youth
Partners in Education (PIE) Tutoring
PIE—Summer Day Assistants
PIE—Friends of Cabrini
“Tech Mentoring”
Tools for Schools
Summer Youth Tennis Camp
Christopher House
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

• Tutor adults or assist adults with job training
Chicago Commons
PIE—Job Readiness Internship Site Host
“Tech Mentoring”
Cook County Jail Tutor
Christopher House

• Promote literacy
Literacy Chicago
Christopher House

• Prepare food for the needy, fight against hunger
Kids’ Cafe
Elam Davies Social Service Center
Deborah’s Place
REST
North Side Housing and Supportive Services
Grainger Hall Holiday Parties
Greater Chicago Food Depository
Vital Bridges/Open Hand Chicago
Christopher House
The Night Ministry

• Provide shelter to the needy, homeless, and abused
Central City Housing Venture
Habitat for Humanity
Hope Alive!
Deborah’s Place
Elam Davies Social Service Center— Hospitality Staff
Residents for Effective Shelter Transitions (REST)

• Supply clothing and basic goods to those in need
Benevolent Guild
Sewing and Knitting Workshop
Fourth Church Elves
Tools for Schools

• Go on a mission trip
Global Mission

• Increase social awareness of important issues
Social Justice Advocacy
“Blue Bow” Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Program

• Assist struggling women and their children
The Enterprising Kitchen
Grace House Aftercare Mentoring
Communities of Care
Deborah’s Place
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
The Children’s Place

• Tend to God’s creation
Friends of the Parks
Lincoln Park Zoo
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Congregational Service

Worship, Music, and the Arts

Ushers
Members of the church, serving as ushers, welcome worshippers, assist them in finding a seat, and greet them as they leave. In emergencies, ushers are the first to respond. They arrive in the sanctuary 30 minutes prior to a service, stay after the service until the sanctuary is cleared, pick up bulletins and lost personal items, and replenish the pew racks. Ushers wear dark suits (black or navy) and black shoes. At any given time, positions in the usher corps may be temporarily filled, but members are invited to be on waiting lists.
Sunday morning ushers—serve regularly at 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., or 11:00 a.m.
Sunday Vespers ushers—serve on rotation at 6:30 p.m.
Special events ushers—serve at concerts/performances; may include ticket sales; report for assignment one hour before the event
Service funeral and memorial ushers—serve as needed

Choirs
Volunteer choirs are a strong tradition at Fourth Church. The Chancel and Vespers Choirs are an integral part of the worship life of the congregation. The choirs seek to express the love and glory of God and enhance the worship experience through inspiring and artistic expression of praise. For more information, contact John Sherer at 312.981.3592 or jsherer@fourthchurch.org.
Chancel Choir—sings at the 8:00 a.m. service, September to June; rehearses on Thursday from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Vespers Choir—sings at the 6:30 p.m. service; rehearses on Sunday from 5:30 to 6:10 p.m.
Cherub Choir (kindergarten through first grade)—sings in the Christmas Eve pageant, on Palm Sunday, and occasionally the Introit at 11:30 worship from September to May; rehearses on Sunday from
10:30 to 10:50 a.m. Children learn a variety of age-appropriate songs that may also incorporate movement and instruments. No musical background is necessary.
Children’s Choir (second through seventh grade)—sings in the Festival of Advent Lessons and Music service, the Palm Sunday services, the end-of-year concert, and during 9:30 worship on the third Sunday of the month from September to May; rehearses on Sunday, 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. Children learn traditional choral anthems and also play the church’s choir chimes.
Youth Choir (six through twelfth grade)—sings during 9:30 worship on the third Sunday of the month from September to May; rehearses on Sunday, 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. The Youth Choir also participates in special services and in the musical. Members of Confirmation class are excused at 9:30 a.m.

Chancel Guild
Members of Fourth Church who are especially committed to the church and faithful in their service assist in the preparation of Holy Communion and attend to the appearance of the chancel in concert with the liturgical year. Volunteers value the sacredness of communion, have an eye for detail, are conscientious, enjoy serving in the background, and wish to be part of a group of people committed to enhancing the meaning of worship and celebration of the sacrament of communion.

Guild members take care of and change the paraments and banners in accordance with the liturgical year. They polish the silver quarterly and attend to the care of the church’s ware and generally are responsible for all items related to the decoration and worship utilization of the sanctuary. On the first Saturday morning of even-numbered months, Guild members prepare the communion elements and place the trays in Stone Chapel in sets for each of the Sunday morning worship services. On special occasions (e.g. Lent), the Guild prepares the communion for an evening service. Following communion, they oversee the washing and storage of the communion service.

Minimal responsibilities related to weekly Vespers Communion may also be requested. At any given time, positions on the Chancel Guild may be temporarily filled, but members are invited to be on a waiting list.

Communion Servers
Church members ordained as Deacons or Elders by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are invited to help serve communion, ordinarily on the first Sunday morning of the even numbered months at the 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 a.m. services and on other special occasions. Volunteers are scheduled four weeks in advance and receive their specific assignments fifteen minutes prior to the start of the worship service. They wear dark suits and shoes; black is the custom.

Christmas Candle “Sleevers”
Several days before Christmas Eve, volunteers place drip sleeves on 5000 congregational candles for
use during the four worship services. “Sleeving” may be done at any time—day or evening—alone or
in groups.

Fourth Acts
Volunteers, representing all careers and professional training, perform a wide variety of dramatic readings in support of worship and education at Fourth Church. Fourth Acts celebrates God’s gift of creativity through dramatic expression and exploration. Contact Sue Pellowe at 312.981.3593 or spellowe@fourthchurch.org.

Art Exhibit Docent
A docent at Fourth Church serves as a guide and host to the many visitors and church members who come to view art exhibits. An extensive background in art is not necessary to volunteer as a docent. Information about the art is available for all to share. Contact Sue Pellowe at 312.981.3593 or spellowe@fourthchurch.org.

Fourth Church Promoter
Periodically, volunteers are needed to visit businesses in the Fourth Church neighborhood, delivering brochures and posting fliers and informing passersby of special upcoming events at the church. Volunteers may go individually or in pairs, either during the day or in the evening. Since promoters ask permission to leave materials or to post information, they must have basic greeting skills and an awareness of the unique role the church plays in the community. Contact Sue Pellowe at 312.981.3593 or spellowe@fourthchurch.org.

Art Acquisition Committee
This committee gathers on an “as needed” basis to consider donations or the purchase of paintings, sculpture, and other types of visual arts for Fourth Church. Fourth Church members with a strong knowledge of art history, or who are themselves trained artists, are ideally suited for this group. Contact Sue Pellowe at 312.981.3593 or spellowe@fourthchurch.org.

Hospitality

Sunday Hospitality
You can help make Fourth Church a warm, welcoming community by serving with any of the following groups.
Greeter—greets members, visitors, and friends at various locations throughout the church before each of the four worship services at 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 6:30 p.m.
Welcomer—welcomes members, visitors, and friends during the morning coffee hours, provides answers to questions, distributes materials about the life and ministry of the church at 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11:00 a.m.
Coffee Hour server—pours coffee or serves cookies following the morning worship services at
8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11:00 a.m.
Parking ticket validation attendant—performs this service in the Narthex on Sunday morning

Sanctuary hosts
Trained members welcome visitors to Fourth Church’s sanctuary during the week, Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) and on Sunday (12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m.) when worship services are not in progress. With two hosts in attendance, this ministry connects with and serves many types of visitors, and offers our hospitality with human warmth and caring spirit. Hosts provide information on the life and ministry of Fourth Church and conduct guided tours, noting architectural highlights, building history, and the church’s mission. During weddings and memorial services, they assist the wedding coordinator and ushers by explaining to visitors what is occurring, asking them to stay in the Narthex or to return later. With training in hospitality, tour presentation, and other matters requested by visitors, Sanctuary Hosts make new friends for Fourth Church while serving the larger community that passes our open doors each day. Volunteers are asked to serve in two- or three-hour shifts.

Invitation Committee
Members meet at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday to receive the names of Sunday visitors who have expressed an interest in learning more about Fourth Church. Under the guidance of the church staff, this group learns how to answer many of the questions our prospective members ask. Volunteers then make welcoming telephone calls of invitation during the week from their homes. The Invitation Committee is Fourth Church’s oldest committee and dates back to January 1913. At any given time, positions on the Invitation Committee may be temporarily filled, but members are invited to be on a waiting list.

New Member Welcoming
Host our newest members at a brunch on the third Sunday of the month in the dining room, following the 11:00 a.m. service. Several of the Welcomers gather at 11:00 a.m. to prepare the dining room for the meal. Welcomers are members of the church. At any given time, positions on the New Member Welcoming Committee may be temporarily filled, but members are invited to be on a waiting list.

Annual Church Picnic
This all-church event, usually held in late June, requires the help of many to arrange for a festive afternoon.
Planning committee and chair—think creatively and organize events for this annual festive event; March to June commitment
Publicity—make and distribute posters around the church, write announcements for bulletins and Fourth Press, provide information to fellowship groups, order and deliver balloons for the event
Ticket sellers—provide information about the picnic and sell tickets at Sunday coffee hour and at
the picnic
Children’s activities coordinator—plan, organize, direct kids’ games; arrange for face painting, balloon sculpture, magician, etc.

Special Occasions Hospitality
Throughout the year, special occasions require the help of many people to ensure their success. Some of the opportunities that welcome your contributions are:
Advent Lessons and Music reception—assist Women@Fourth Connect with serving hot cocoa and providing home-baked cookies for this annual tradition, following the evening service.
Church open house host—welcomes visitors in the sanctuary during the quarterly open houses held on Saturday or Sunday afternoons; provides information about the Presbyterian faith, Fourth Church’s programs, ministry, history, and architectural highlights
Special occasions host—provides directions, serves refreshments, and monitors doors for visitors attending memorial services, celebrations, and meetings of the Chicago Presbytery
Overnight guest host—provides lodging and breakfast for musicians and other special guests of the church; members who live near the church or who reside close to public transportation opportunities are especially encouraged to offer their homes and hospitality
Church dinners server—sets tables, serves at the buffet, and clears dishes for holiday dinners (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter), stewardship dinners, and meetings of the Chicago Presbytery

Youth, Children, and Families

Sunday School
The varied ways of volunteering in the Sunday School accommodate many different interests, skills, talents, and schedules. A commitment of one school-year (September to May) to the program is encouraged. Sunday School is a community effort and should be run on a volunteer basis; therefore, it is important that the volunteers reflect diversity in age and familial status. Love and respect for children and Fourth Church membership (or in the inquiry process) are the only requirements for this volunteer opportunity. Contact Emilie Syberg at 312.640.2578 or esyberg@fourthchurch.org.
Teacher—teaches as a team twice per month during the 9:30 or 11:00 a.m. worship service; prepares the curriculum, opens the classrooms before the children arrive, teaches the children about a Christian life
Substitute teacher—teaches when teachers are not available due to unforeseen circumstances; called when needed
Helper for Sunday School children with special needs—provides extra attention for a child with unique needs. Occasionally, an individual child will benefit from extra attention while the classroom teachers are involved with a group of students. Consider being part of a cadre of volunteers trained to assist special needs children (e.g. ADD, Down’s Syndrome, MS) on Sunday morning. Training will be provided, and background reading will be expected.
Room parent—supports the teacher and helps with class special events and coffees; provides a link between parents and teachers
Office assistant—greets teachers, takes overall school attendance and offerings, shepherds children from worship service to the classrooms, straightens the office; one Sunday per month
Nursery greeter—welcomes parents who come to the nursery and instructs them about procedures. The greeter’s work is finished once all children have arrived and parents have departed. Greeters serve the half hour before the 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services.
Nursery caregivers—holding babies is the primary role of this volunteer opportunity during all three of the morning worship services; regularity of caregiving is important, as the frequent presence of the same volunteers helps create a stable atmosphere in the nursery.
Summer Vacation Bible School staff—meet for one week during August, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Children move from classroom to classroom in small groups called crews. Each crew has a leader and five children of mixed ages. Crew leaders are needed for children, first through fifth grades. The pre-school program needs teacher assistants for three- to five-year-olds, and these children stay in one classroom. Junior and senior high age young people (age thirteen and older) may serve as assistants to teachers or crew leaders. Door monitors are also needed for the safety of the children, starting at 8:45 a.m.
Children’s Story Teller/Reader
Volunteer reads or tells stories to children during coffee hour (10:30 to 10:50 a.m. or 12:00 to 12:20 p.m.) and sits with the children in the corner by fireplace. When coffee hour is outside, Story Corner meets in the southeast corner of the Garth on the curved steps; rotating schedule.

Youth and Young Adult
Junior and Senior Highs leader—meets with the Junior or Senior Highs (generally once a week) for fellowship, social activities, and outreach; helps plan the calendar, leads lock-ins and retreats, and participates in and chaperones summer work camp. Leaders should enjoy mentoring young people, be good role models, and have the ability to reach out and befriend them. A one-year commitment is expected, and a two-year commitment is encouraged and appreciated. Couples and singles are invited to help.
Senior Highs leader—description for these leaders is essentially the same as Junior High leader, but volunteers work with senior high school students.

Confirmation Class teacher—helps the Associate Pastor for Youth and Campus Ministry lead the confirmation process in which the church’s eighth graders learn about Presbyterian history and polity, reformed theology, discipleship, and membership, in preparation for being accepted into membership. A solid working knowledge of the Presbyterian church and its beliefs is recommended. Teachers should be good role models, be comfortable working with thirteen- to fourteen-year-olds, and have the ability to reach out and befriend them. Monthly classes begin in September and continue through confirmation in early May. A one-year commitment, including participation in at least one weekend retreat and a lock-in, is expected.

Caregiving

Angels on Call
A swift response is sometimes needed for individuals and families going through difficult times, frequently health related. Fourth Church provides “Angels on Call,” people who are glad to be called in an emergency to provide assistance such as:
–Providing transportation for medical appointments and services
–Preparing and delivering a meal
–Feeding pets
–Shopping for groceries and running short errands f0or the homebound
-Sitting with children
–Contacting family and friends
–Being with someone in the emergency room or surgical waiting room
-Providing transportation to family members or friends to visit their loved ones in the hospital
–Taking mail to the hospital or opening it and bringing time-sensitive pieces to the attention of family

Ordinarily “angels” are members of Fourth Church or neighboring congregations. Some may be friends or neighbors of the care receiver. Being an angel does not imply a long term commitment. If long term assistance is needed, a care team is created, and while angles are invited to be part of the team, there is no expectation that they do so. “Angels on Call” is a good example of “big church being little church.” For more information, contact Ali Trowbridge, Associate Pastor for Congregational Care, at 312.573.3360 (atrowbridge@fourthchurch.org).

Caring Connectors
As advocates for the elderly, Caring Connectors offer friendship and emotional and spiritual support to individuals in the church and wider community who are becoming frail and isolated from desired social contacts. Caring Connectors call, visit, and enjoy the city with their care receivers. The program provides older adults the opportunity to interact and form a friendly relationship with a caring individual. It offers a direct connection to the church for those who are no longer able to attend on a regular basis. Caring Connectors are asked to make a one year commitment. Contact Ali Trowbridge, Associate Pastor for Congregational Care at 312.573.3360
(atrowbridge@fourthchurch.org).

Communities of Care
A Community of Care consists of pairing a team (of three to eight people) with a “partner,” an individual (or individuals in a family) living with HIV or AIDS, to provide emotional, physical, and spiritual support in a compassionate, nonjudgmental way. Care partners are often referred by the Chicago AIDS Pastoral Care Network (APCN), which provides the initial training and orientation to their ministry and later serves as a resource to the teams. Some care partners, however, find their own way to Fourth Church or are referred by members. Team recruitment is normally conducted by zip code proximity to the care partner. APCN also needs office volunteers to answer phones, file, make calls, perform computer-based projects, and greet visitors. Contact Ali Trowbridge, Associate Pastor for Congregational Care at 312.573.3360 (atrowbridge@fourthchurch.org).

Care Teams
Following the model of Communities of Care (see description above), members on a team assist an individual (and his/her caregivers) with household chores, transportation, friendship, support, and (to the caregiver) respite. Volunteers receive an initial training and are asked to make a one-year commitment. Team recruitment is normally conducted by zip code proximity to the care receiver. Health Care Teams have a monthly meeting and are supported by the Associate Pastor for Congregational Care. Contact Ali Trowbridge, Associate Pastor for Congregational Care at 312.573.3360 or atrowbridge@fourthchurch.org or Terry Stumpf, Director of the Center for Whole Health, at 312.981.3396 or tstumpf@fourthchurch.org.

Flower Power
Amateur flower arrangers, as part of a team, pick up donated fresh flowers from a nearby site, assemble small bouquets of fresh flowers for shut-ins on Tuesday and Friday afternoons. Volunteers with no artistic ability are welcome to be part of this outreach. Training is provided periodically. Occasionally, Flower Power arranges bouquets and centerpieces for special events at the church.

Read to the Blind
Two blind Fourth Church members need volunteers to read their mail and occasional magazines and to assist them with bookkeeping tasks. Day or evening hours are gladly accommodated. Volunteers of the same gender are sent to their homes. The gentleman lives in the 400 block of W. Belmont, and the lady lives in the 1400 block of N. State.
Help needy people pack and move (boxes, furniture).

Professional and Office Support
Many programs at Fourth Church and community organizations with which the church is affiliated depend upon the solid professional assistance of Fourth’s talented and professionally trained members and friends. Volunteers help on an “as needed” basis in these ways:
–Photographer
–Audio/video recording equipment operator—11:00 a.m. Sunday service
–Audio/video recording equipment operator—Saturday weddings
–Media relations
–Musician
– Medical/healthcare
–Fund-raising
–Grant writing
–Event planning
–Event implementer
–Data entry (often for tutoring program)
–Internet searchers (on home computer)
–Church library assistant
–“First Class”—a team to fold, stuff, label, sort; includes monthly church newsletter, Fourth Press,
(usually done in the daytime, often on short notice)

Committees at Fourth
Oversight of the programs and care of the congregation at Fourth Church are carried out by the Session (ruling body) through its committee structure. These committees are comprised of officers of the church and congregational members who have volunteered in the various programs and bring broad vision and insight to the task. For more information about the committees, call Larry Nicholson.

Board Members for Agencies
Frequently, Fourth Church is approached by nonprofit agencies requesting candidates for board members. Typically, agency board members are asked to become well acquainted with, support, and promote the agency’s mission, attend and help all major fundraising and public relations events, represent the agency whenever possible to professional colleagues and social contacts, and attend at least one monthly meeting and subcommittee meetings as scheduled. Most agencies also welcome board members’ financial support. To be considered as a board member for one of the agencies with which Fourth Church is affiliated, Fourth Church members should contact Vicki Reynolds at 312.981.3384 or vreynolds@fourthchurch.org.

Community Outreach

Education

Partners in Education
The Partners in Education Tutoring Program (PIE) at Fourth Presbyterian Church has several volunteer opportunities. PIE tutoring serves over 400 children each week in grades one through twelve, primarily from the Cabrini-Green and Henry Horner neighborhoods. Most of the children arrive at 5:00 p.m. to participate in a life skills lesson, enjoy a hot nutritious meal in Kids’ Cafe, and then meet with their tutor from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. In addition to receiving help with homework, students are offered educational enhancement in the program’s library, art, computer, and job readiness classes. Tutoring begins in early October and runs through May. We hope that one of these volunteer opportunities will appeal to you!

Permanent weekly tutor—comes with patience, creativity, and the desire to help a young person meet their goals. No prior experience is necessary. Children in grades seven to twelve are tutored on Monday and Tuesday evenings; children in grades 1 to 6 are tutored on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. On all four evenings, the tutoring hours are 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. It’s the hardest job you’ll ever love!

Casual substitute tutor—This is the volunteer opportunity for someone who needs a very flexible schedule. A “casual sub” is willing to pop in at 6:00 p.m. on any tutoring night to meet with a child whose tutor was not able to attend at the last minute. This is a great opportunity for people who live or work in the neighborhood.

Kids’ Cafe helper—Volunteers prepare the dining room and help facilitate an enjoyable experience for the tutoring students. As a Kids’ Cafe volunteer, you will set up for the lesson and dinner, assist the coordinator with the evening’s life skills lesson, serve the meal, and assist the students in cleaning up after themselves. Previous volunteers have said that they have a great time with the kids and leave with a feeling of caring and accomplishment. (4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday for elementary students; Monday and Tuesday for grades 7 to 12, buffet style). Contact Stacy Jackson at 312.981.3562 or sjackson@fourthchurch.org.

Computer “techy”—Volunteers with technical savvy help maintain the work stations in the lab. Helpful skills include repairing used computers, upgrading and installing software, network administration, Windows 2000/XP configuration, web development, and curriculum design. This is another volunteer opportunity with a very flexible time commitment.
Job Readiness internship site host—During July and August, high school students get hands-on experience and display what they have learned during the year in the Job Readiness class. Site hosts provide an eight week internship opportunity in their place of business while serving as a mentor to students. Each student works 12–16 hours per week and receives a stipend which is funded through generous foundations.

Summer Day assistants—Volunteers (age 13 and above) are needed for this high-energy program serving children entering 1st through 8th grades. The program offers instruction in reading, math, computer science, music, dance, and art. This heterogeneous group of students from our tutoring program, church neighborhood, and Fourth Church families also enjoys field trips and service projects. Your help is needed to:
–Chaperone field trips
–Assist classroom teachers by working with a small group of students in reading and math
–Read your favorite stories with a student (to each other)
–Lend a hand in one of our performing arts classes
–Help prepare and serve breakfast and lunch as part of Kids’ Cafe

Friends-of-Cabrini Near North Magnet Cluster Schools
Label books. Do you love children’s books? Volunteers are needed to label thousands of new library books for the Near North Magnet Cluster Schools. Hours and days are flexible. With advance planning, transportation is provided. There is ample, safe parking for those who choose to drive.
Tutor at the schools in Cabrini-Green (daytime)

Book Worm Angels
Book Worm Angels is an Illinois 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to children’s literacy through the development of regular reading habits among at-risk, low income children in grades K – 8. Launched in 1999 by Kermit Myers, a volunteer reading tutor in the Cabrini-Green Cluster Schools, Book Worm Angels encourages at-home reading through a rewards success program, involving principals, reading specialists, teachers, and parents/caregivers. “Angels” provide new and gently used “fun” books for in-classroom use and lending libraries. Volunteers are needed in these ways:
–to call prospective donor schools and organizations to set up book drives,
–to organize book drives,
–to pick-up and deliver donated books,
–to represent the program to schools, encouraging their participation, and
–to encourage Fourth Church members and visitors to donate gently-used children’s books.

“Tech” Mentoring
The Youth Community Technology Program (YCTP) at Korean American Community Services, located in the Albany Park neighborhood, needs the help of technology professionals to mentor young people, ages 14 to 21, to learn how to build and maintain computers, gain valuable experience through internships in area nonprofits, and benefit from the experience and companionship of people from the IT industry. The YCTP also offers education assistance, one-on-one counseling and social service referrals, soft skills workshops, and job and education placement assistance.

Mentors are asked to make a minimum 3 month commitment to a mentee, meeting him/her twice a month at Korean American Community Services, 4300 N. California, for the first 3 months of the program; after that they may meet elsewhere with advance notice to YCTP. Prospective mentors agree to a background check conducted through the Illinois State Police.

Volunteers are also needed to assemble curriculum materials to supplement the in-class training offered by YCTP’s A+ certified instructors. While this volunteer opportunity does not require a technical background, it does require facility with computer applications for desktop publishing. A+ certified volunteer instructors are needed on Monday through Thursday, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., for twelve weeks.

The YCTP is located 150 feet south of the California/Montrose intersection and is accessible by public transportation. Mission: “We celebrate our ethnicity and empower all members of the community by providing educational, legal, health, and social services.” Contact John Stanton at 773.583.5501 or stanton@kacschgo.org.

Tools for Schools
Every year, the Chicago Sun-Times’ Tools for Schools program provides over 6,023 homeless Chicago children with a new book bag filled with grade-appropriate school supplies. Volunteers are needed in August to sort and pack book bags. Donations of book bags, loose-leaf paper, spiral notebooks, pens, pencils, and crayons are also welcome. Contact Amy Cornell at 773.725.1662 or acornell@lycds.com

Cook County Jail Tutor
Tutors help inmates prepare for their GED exam. The time commitment is one night a week, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., for six weeks. Men are tutored on Monday and Tuesday nights; women are tutored on Monday and Wednesday nights. Daytime tutoring hours are 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. GED preparation and tutoring occur year-round. Volunteers are needed also to help inmates with life skills and resume preparation as well as to share special talents (creative writing, hobbies, etc.). Application processing and training are held three times a year. The jail is located at 26th and California. Free, safe parking lots are provided for volunteers after 5:00 pm. The number 60, Blue Island/Cicero bus goes directly to the site.

Free daytime parking may be available in the staff garage with advance notice; street (metered) parking is available as is a nearby (pay) parking lot. Contact Jane Cintron, Volunteer Coordinator, at 773.927.1536 or jane.cintron@saferfoundation.org.

Literacy Chicago
Literacy Chicago (located at 70 East Lake, number 1500), is the largest provider of free, individualized adult and family literacy services in Illinois. In 2001, over 2,200 adult learners were served, ranging in age from eighteen to over eighty years. More than half came with a reading skill below the fourth grade. Contact Lisa McCaskill at 312. 870.1100, ext. 109, or lmccaskill@literacychicago.org. Volunteers are needed in the following programs:
Adult Basic Literacy
GED preparation
Employability skills
English as a Second Language
Family literacy
Reach Out and Read
Workplace literacy

Adult Tutoring in Basic Literacy
A new program “under construction” is tutoring of adults in basic literacy—reading, writing, and arithmetic—from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. at Catholic Charities (721 N. LaSalle) following the free meals served there on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings. Watch for details as this exciting program is launched.

Blind Service Association
Since 1925, volunteers have been reading to individuals and recording college level textbooks and leisure books. Located at 22 West Monroe, this local association provides space for volunteers to meet with their clients for two hour reading sessions. Volunteers are asked to come once a week. The center is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. On Friday, the hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on the second Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Contact Teresa Togtman at 312.236.0808 or blindsrvc@aol.com.

Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB & D)
Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic was founded in 1948 in the attic of the New York Public Library. The mission was to provide recorded educational materials to blind World War II veterans who wanted to attend college under the G.I. Bill of Rights. In 55 years, RFB&D has grown to include 30 studios in 17 states, to provide materials to students with any type of print disability, and is now making digital recordings. The master tape library, at RFB&D Headquarters in Princeton, New Jersey, contains more than 93,000 volumes, from kindergarten through graduate level, that have been recorded by volunteers. These books are available to students and professionals around the world.

Illinois has three recording studios, located in downtown Chicago, Naperville, and Orland Park. Each studio needs volunteers who like books and can commit to a minimum of two hours a week in the studio. Each studio has daytime and evening hours, and the Loop studio is open Saturday mornings.

Illinois studios record many technical books and have a special need for people with a background in math, sciences, accounting, finance, and computers. Readers for general books are also needed.

Volunteers read, direct, help with book set-up and book checking. After an orientation, each person has individual training and learns RFB&D reading conventions and studio procedures. After training is completed, a reading audition is given to become a certified RFB&D reader.

To volunteer, contact the Loop studio, 180 N. Michigan Ave., #620, Chicago, IL, 60601, or Nat Meyer (312.236.8715, ext. 213; nmeyer@rfbd.org).

Adult Social Services

Elam Davies Social Service Center at Fourth Presbyterian Church
The Center, founded in 1983 and named after Fourth Church’s Pastor, 1961–1984, welcomes all people seeking social service assistance in time of need or crisis. Dr. Davies envisioned an oasis of care and support along Michigan Avenue’s “Magnificent Mile” which would actually seek out and invite in the poor and homeless people who pass by. It is open to all people regardless of age, race, creed, sexual orientation, income level, or nationality. All services are free of charge. The Center works with other social service agencies and religious organizations to provide the most effective and comprehensive services possible for our guests. On-site services include food and clothing assistance, computer and internet use, referrals to shelters and employment training, recovery or mental health assistance programs, and individual case management. Contact Jill Keiser at 312.981.3590 or jkeiser@fourthchurch.org. Volunteers are needed to help with these programs:
Cook and serve the free Sunday Night Supper—Dinner is prepared and served at Fourth Presbyterian Church every Sunday night. The dinner is open to any member of the community, especially those who are homeless or living on a fixed income; 100 guests are served. Kitchen volunteers work under the guidance of a volunteer supervisor, using the ingredients and recipes provided. This is an excellent opportunity for people in the community – regardless of socio-economic circumstances, church members and non-members together – to meet and talk with their neighbors. No experience is needed to cook and serve. Volunteers should wear cool, washable clothes and comfortable closed-toe shoes. Pants are preferred over skirts or shorts (for safety’s sake). Aprons, plastic gloves, and hairnets are provided. (2:00–6:15 p.m.)
Prepare Food Bags—Volunteers are needed to maintain pantry inventory and pack food bags based on family/individual needs. (Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.– 12:00 noon)
Unload Food Truck—Each month, the EDSSC receives food from the Greater Chicago Food Depository, packaged in cardboard boxes of varying sizes. Volunteers are needed to assist the staff in unloading and transporting food to the pantry and cold storage, (fourth Friday of the month).
Shop for Sunday Night Community Supper—Volunteers purchase and deliver food to the church kitchen during the week on your own schedule. The volunteer shopping supervisor provides the grocery lists and handles reimbursements. Positions in the shopper corps may be temporarily filled, but volunteers are invited to be on the waiting list.
Personal Shopping Assistants—Guests frequently need assistance in the Share Shop, finding appropriate clothing and matching garments during their 30 minute appointment. (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, 1:30–5:00 p.m.)
Sort and Size Donations—Each month the EDSSC receives hundreds of pounds of donated clothing that must be sorted, sized, and stocked in the Share Shop. Volunteers with retail experience can lend a valued hand in keeping the Share Shop neat, orderly, and guest-friendly. (Monday and Wednesday mornings)
Assist in Free Market—Guests visit the Market after dinner on the 2nd and 4th Sundays. The Free Market inventory comes from Share Shop “overstocks.” Volunteers help with the set-up and then assist the guests. This, too, is a wonderful opportunity to meet and interact with the Sunday evening guests. (3:00–6:15 p.m.)
Cook and Serve Saturday Breakfast—On the last Saturday of each month, volunteers gather in the church kitchen to cook and serve a hot breakfast to approximately 40 guests. Like the Sunday supper, this is a wonderful opportunity for people of varying backgrounds to meet and talk. No experience is needed. Supervision, ingredients, and recipes are provided. Volunteers should wear cool, washable clothes and comfortable closed-toe shoes. Pants are preferred over skirts or shorts (for safety’s sake). Aprons, plastic gloves, and hairnets are provided. Volunteers must be age 16 or older. (9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.)

Monday Night Supper
In March 2004, the Deacons of Fourth Church launched another weekly free meal for 125 guests who are homeless or living on a low fixed income. It is served at Catholic Charities, 721 N. LaSalle because the Fourth Church kitchen and dining room are in use for Kids’ Café and Tutoring. One group of volunteers arrives at 4:00 p.m. to set tables and pour beverages; they also stay and help serve the meal. An additional group arrives no later than 4:50 p.m. to serve the meal and beverages and to clear and clean the tables. Ordinarily, the volunteers are finished and leave at 6:15 p.m. Social services are not provided at the meal, but guests are given information cards, explaining when they can receive them, both at Fourth Church and Catholic Charities.

An additional program (“under construction”) will be tutoring these guests in basic reading, writing, and arithmetic, from 6:15–7:45 p.m. in the same dining room at Catholic Charities. Tutors will be needed not only on Monday evening but also on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Watch for details as this exciting program is launched!

Sandwich Teams—Volunteers make sandwiches to be served at the Monday Night Supper and for sack lunches. This last-Saturday-of-the-month (11:00 a.m.) and second-Sunday (after the 11:00 worship service) opportunity is open to individuals, families, and groups (such as work colleagues). Sandwich teams are invited to purchase ingredients or make a donation to cover the cost.

Cookie Bakers––Volunteers bake 250 cookies at home and deliver them to the church for Monday Night Supper.

Bottomless Closet
The mission of Bottomless Closet (located at 445 N. Wells, # 301) is to provide professional clothing, job readiness, and post-employment training and coaching services to women on assistance and working-poor women, enabling them to add value to the organizations that hire them while empowering them to craft a new vision for their lives. Contact Rachel Riley at 312.527.9664 or rriley@bottomlesscloset.org. Volunteers are needed in these ways:
to act as a personal shopper, helping each client select interview-appropriate clothes and accessories (2 hour appointments), Tuesday–Friday at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.; Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.
to accept clothing donations and manage inventory on monthly intake day (second Saturday of the month) and interim weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; 25–30 volunteers needed on intake Saturdays (good for a group)
to re-stock the showroom and improve appearance, 1st Saturday of the month, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to offer clients personal and professional development workshops such as identification of strengths, resume and interview preparation, communication skills, professional image development
to assist in the office, answering telephones, preparing mailings, entering data

Chicago Christian Industrial League
Established in 1909, the League is a non-sectarian, non-profit organization serving poor and homeless men, women, and families. Originally functioning as a “rescue mission,” the League primarily served those whose skills and self-esteem had been battered by the ravaging forces that soon would come to be known as the Great Depression. The “industrial” part of the name reflects the founding belief that work was a key solution to the restoration of productive independence.

Today the people served have lives typically chronicled by urban violence, substance abuse, entrenched poverty, long-term unemployment, limited literacy, low skills, an absence of work values, and many poor personal choices. The League attempts to provide the resources, opportunities, and support necessary so that these poor and homeless Chicagoans can return to the workforce and lead independent lives.

The League is located at 123 S. Green Street; contact Eric Nelson at 312. 491.2026 or enelson@theleague.org. Volunteers are needed in these ways:
to organize a field trip or activity for children living at the League
to organize a drive (for clothing, toiletries, non-perishable food, school supplies) or fundraising event
to work in the League’s resale store
to prepare and serve meals (minimum age 16 years)

Deborah’s Place
Deborah’s Place, a private, nonprofit corporation, serves women in Chicago who are homeless or formerly homeless. Dedicated volunteers and staff provide food, shelter, and supportive services so that women can become empowered to take back and maintain control over their lives. Volunteers help in these ways: being a friend-in-need, preparing and serving food, and performing general clerical tasks (filing, typing, entering data). Orientations are held normally on the second Wednesday of the month from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at 1532 North Sedgwick. Volunteers are needed at all three sites: 1456 West Oakdale, 1532 North Sedgwick, and 2822 West Jackson. To register online for an orientation, visit www.deborahsplace.org; allow for a lag time because chairs fill! Contact Amy Schwarz at 773.638.6579 or aschwarz@deborahsplace.org.

The Enterprising Kitchen
The Enterprising Kitchen (TEK) is a small nonprofit business created to provide employment and life skills to women who are working towards self-sufficiency and independence. TEK operates a micro enterprise that produces high quality hand-made soaps and bath products in an environment that enables women to maximize their individual potential and self-esteem. TEK strives to address the needs of those women whose difficult personal histories, often including substance abuse and homelessness, would otherwise make them among the least likely to find work and achieve independence. TEK is located at 4545 North Broadway. Contact Lauri Alperen at 773.506.3880 or lauri@theenterprisingkitchen.org. Volunteers are needed in these ways:
Assisting TEK participants fill jars, wrap gift boxes, package the soap products (weekdays from
10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with flexibility)
Marketing the products, helping with fundraising, public relations, technology
Hosting TEK parties or representing TEK products to friends and colleagues

Friends of Battered Women and Their Children
Friends of Battered Women and Their Children is a nonprofit agency dedicated to breaking the cycle of domestic violence and abuse by providing education, support, counseling, and advocacy services. Friends works with individuals, families, and communities to create awareness about domestic violence and abuse and to reduce its prevalence and impact. Contact Kathy Doherty at 773.262.2543 or kdoherty@afriendsplace.org. Volunteers are needed in these ways:
to work directly with clients including crisis line worker, child care worker, community education speaker, and court advocate
to plan and implement fundraisers including marketing and sponsor and donor solicitation
to help present 40-hour domestic violence training three times per year

Grace House Aftercare Mentoring Program
Grace House, located at 1801 W. Adams, is a transitional residential facility of St. Leonard’s Ministries that provides comprehensive rehabilitative programs for adult women released from prison who are attempting to set new directions for their lives. Its goal is to be a place of respite for formerly incarcerated women. Its services provide time, extensive personal and group counseling, educational and job counseling, and a supportive community environment to help these women move from unhealthy choices of the past, and the debilitating experience of life in prison, to life as independent, responsible adults. Residents are paired with mentors, individuals or small groups, from faith communities and community groups who support them after they leave Grace House. Contact Annie J. Gonzalez at 312.733.5363 or gh-annie@ix.netcom.com. Mentors are asked to:
listen
share personal and practical insights
help find possible alternatives
be a reality check
be a bridge to the broader community

REST
Recognizing that there are various causes and reasons that adult single men and women in Uptown/Edgewater are homeless, REST provides safe, quality, overnight shelter and food. REST assists those homeless individuals who desire independent living in permanent housing to achieve this transition by providing supportive social services and housing and helping them develop their employment and life skills.

REST has three sites: People’s Church, 941 W. Lawrence—for men; Uptown Baptist Church, 1011 W. Wilson—for women; Epworth United Methodist Church, 5253 N. Kenmore—for men. Contact Kari Aosved, volunteer coordinator at 773.784.0909 or restvolunteer@spcglobal.net.

Help is needed in these ways:
seven volunteers cook and serve the meal and prepare the center for overnight guests (collapsing
tables/chairs, distributing sleeping mats and towels), 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.
transporting food from a Lincoln Park area grocery to REST (car needed) anytime between 8:00 a.m.
and 6:00 p.m.
overnight volunteers to help the staff, hosting, sorting donations, organizing supplies; they may also
facilitate AA/NA meetings
physicians and nurses to staff the Tuesday REST Care (free) Clinic, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
committee members to organize the annual REST “Sleepwalk” fundraiser (late April). Volunteers plan
the event during the winter, then recruit walkers. Other tasks are sponsoring recruitment, logistics, decorations, and raffle.

Family and Children’s Social Services

Summer Youth Tennis Camp
Sponsored by the Fourth Church Deacons, the tennis camp serves between 30 and 45 children (ages 8 to 16 years) daily, who have fun and get good exercise while receiving guidance in playing tennis. Volunteers commit to one evening per week and are asked to attend one of the training sessions. The camp is held at the UIC tennis courts for six weeks (mid-June through July) on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:45 to 6:30 p.m., and transportation from the church (at 4:20 p.m.) is provided. An end-of-the-camp party is held to celebrate the children’s accomplishments, and volunteers are strongly encouraged to participate in that.

Benevolent Guild
Since 1873, under the umbrella of Women@Fourth Connect (formerly Presbyterian Women of Fourth Church), the Benevolent Guild handcrafts toys and treats for children in hospitals and shelters. The members gather weekly during the school-year on Wednesdays—except the third Wednesday of the month—from 9:30 a.m. to noon, followed by a sack lunch and continued lively conversation. For information, please contact Anne Ellis at aellis@fourthchurch.org (312.573.3369).

Sewing and Knitting Workshop
Under the sponsorship of Women@Fourth Connect, members gather on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. to make goods to benefit needy children and families. For information, please contact Anne Ellis at aellis@fourthchurch.org (312.573.3369).

Grainger Hall Holiday Parties
Women@Fourth Connect sponsors holiday parties throughout the year at Grainger Hall, a family residence located at the Chicago Christian Industrial League. Volunteers help families celebrate Easter, Independence Day, Halloween, and Christmas by providing baked cookies and cupcakes or by serving as hosts. Normally, the parties are held on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Grainger Hall (southwest corner of Halsted and Monroe).

Fourth Church Elves
Each Christmas, Fourth Church members and friends donate about 1200 gifts for children and adults in need. Some of the recipients participate in Fourth Church sponsored programs (such as the Social Service Center or Tutoring), and some are served by agencies with which Fourth is linked. Volunteers (“elves”) are needed to receive the gifts on Saturday and Sunday mornings, sort and wrap them during a Sunday afternoon party in mid-December, and deliver them to the agencies.

Casa Central
Casa Central’s mission is to stabilize and empower individuals and families, encourage self-sufficiency, and promote healthy community functioning through social service programs; special emphasis is placed on the needs of Hispanics. Volunteers are needed to sew and knit items for the elderly and children, paint apartments, garden, share job skills and help participants develop interviewing skills, and tutor in after school programs. Contact Cheryl Debusmann-Serra at 773.645.2300.

Chicago Commons
Since 1894, Chicago Commons has partnered with individuals, families, and communities to overcome poverty, discrimination, and isolation. Chicago Commons creates programs that build self-sufficiency, strengthening individuals at key stages of their lives, from child development to job preparedness. Commons selects neighborhoods where opportunities are fewest and obstacles greatest. Chicago Commons is located at 3645 W. Chicago Ave., Suite 1-W. Contact Bernice Haynes at 773.826.4280 or 773.638.5600, ext. 3250, or haynesb@chicagocommons.org.
Volunteers are needed for
Tutoring women studying for their GED, helping with ESL lessons, teaching basic reading, writing, and computer skills
Child care for children from six weeks to five years
Free clinic assistance

Court Appointed Special Advocates of Cook County (CASA)
CASA is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the court system. Based on the belief that every child is entitled to a safe and permanent home, CASA trains and supervises volunteers who work in collaboration with key agencies, legal counsel, and community resource groups. Through written and oral testimony, CASA volunteers serve as the child’s advocate in court.

After successful completion of a thorough training program, CASA volunteers are matched to a case of an abused or neglected child or sibling group. The volunteer gathers information from anyone who has an impact on the child—foster parents, teachers, counselors, and caseworkers. The volunteer then submits a written report and may also testify at court hearings regarding the child’s best interests.

Volunteers are carefully screened through an application, a law enforcement background check, and an interview. A $35.00 application fee is requested. In addition to serving as advocate, CASA volunteers are also needed as event planners, event participants/supporters, office managers, and drivers of CASAs. Contact NeAngela Marshall at 312.433.4928 or neangela.marshall@casacookcounty.org

The Children’s Place
The Children’s Place (located at 3059 W. Augusta), is a facility that has a mission to improve the quality of life for children and their families who are affected by HIV/AIDS or other life-threatening or serious health conditions. Opened in 1991, the Children’s Place was established to care for children who were “falling through the cracks” in health and child welfare systems. It now includes a 10-bed residence, foster care, in-home nurse visits, and day care and family housing. Contact Peggy Thoma at 773.826.1230, ext. 30 or pthoma@childrens-place.org. Volunteers help in these ways:
Child care—assist in providing quality care for children through play, reading, games, and arts and crafts on a weekly basis. This volunteer opportunity is available in the residence with children from birth to 5 years old, in the day care program with children 18 months to 5 years, and in the summer day camp with children 8 to 12 years old. There are also opportunities to work with school age children in tutoring, arts and crafts, or recreation on a weekly or monthly basis.
Special events—assist in putting on holiday parties, going on field trips, or working on special projects for children and their families; work on the Children’s Place garden, which benefits families
Benefits and fund-raising—help set up and staff the annual silent auction and dinner dance in April, or assist with various other one-time fundraising events
Management support—assist with day-to-day administrative essentials, including special projects for the Volunteer, Development, and Administrative departments, such as graphic design, data entry, mailings, sorting donations
Spruce-Up Brigade—be on call for special tidy-up duty, including organizing materials, cleaning, and painting
Entertainment—plan some entertainment, using your own unique talents, for the residence or day care children
Children’s Place needs the special talents of singers, musicians, clowns, tutors, production artists/workers, arts and crafts specialists, photographers, gardeners, Spanish translators, web designers/maintainers, typists, and marketers.

Christopher House
Established in 1905 by Evanston’s First Presbyterian Church, Christopher House is a nonprofit family resource center dedicated to helping families thrive. Through early childhood and youth development programs, parenting skills, literacy classes, counseling and the meeting of basic human needs, Christopher House provides the tools economically disadvantaged children and adults need to become resilient, self-sufficient, and successful. The sites include 2507 N. Greenview, 4303 N. Kenmore, 850 W. Eastwood, 2610 N. Francisco, 4701 N. Winthrop, and 2140 N. Richmond. Contact Jill Antoniewicz at 773.472.1083, ext. 3074, or jantoniewicz@christopherhouse.org. Volunteers are needed as
Classroom aides—assist teachers, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., throughout the year at all six sites. Minimum time commitment: three hours per week for three months. TB test and background check required.
Tutors—Work one-on-one with a student for an hour, focusing on literacy skills, homework, and educational games. Minimum time commitment: one hour per week during the school year. Choice of 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., or 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.
Club coordinators—coordinate and run after-school clubs. Minimum time commitment: one hour per week for three months.
Mentors—develop a supportive relationship with a youth, one-on-one or with other mentor-student matches for two hours per week or four hours bi-weekly to take part in arts and crafts, field trips, sports, homework assistance, and games. Minimum time commitment: one year. Background check required.
Adult tutors—tutor teens and adults completing the pre-GED, ESL, and ABE programs, Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. or by appointment. Minimum time commitment: one hour per week for three months.
60+ Club helpers—assist seniors in transportation to special events and at regularly scheduled events at the Greenview site. Minimum time commitment: once per month for three months.
Child Caregivers—care for infants and toddlers on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Minimum time commitment and age requirement: one hour per week; 18 years old.
Summer Camp Counselors—chaperone field trips, assist coordinators, help children with daily projects. One-time and ongoing volunteers needed (late June to mid-August).
Adopt-a-Family—Provide food or gift certificates for a holiday meal and gifts for each member of a matched (with donor) family. Sort, label, distribute gifts at Greenview site during December. Hundreds of individuals and families are recipients.
Thanksgiving Food Walk—On two Sundays before Thanksgiving, collect food donations from Greenview site’s neighbors and put together food baskets for hundreds of families

The Night Ministry
Since 1976, The Night Ministry, a unique nonprofit organization, has responded to the needs of people on the nighttime streets of Chicago—regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or social status. Homeless and runaway youth, working poor adults, uninsured and underinsured individuals seeking medical assistance, children who are unsupervised and need a place to gather in safety—all of these groups, representing many who have “fallen through the cracks” of our social service systems, have benefited from the work of The Night Ministry, located at 4711 N. Ravenswood. Between 12,000 and 15,000 teens in Chicago are homeless. The Ministry’s Open Door Youth Emergency Shelter serves many of these young people and is the only shelter that serves pregnant and parenting teens 17 years old or younger. Contact Gail Bernoff at 773.784.9000, ext. 216, or gailb@thenightministry.org. Volunteers are needed to help with these programs:
Starlight Soup Suppers—four to six people (Monday through Saturday from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m.) to serve 6 gallons of hot soup, chili, or stew from the Health Outreach Bus during the winter months; meet bus at 1651 W. Diversey
Moonlight Picnics—five to seven people (Monday through Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.) to serve 200 hot dogs and sides from the Health Outreach Bus during the summer months; food and monetary donations welcome; meet bus at 1651 W. Diversey
Sunday Dinners—four people to prepare and serve dinner at the Open Door Shelter (in Lakeview) for 16 teens, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Sack suppers—donate and pack sandwiches, chips, cookies
Hygiene kits—donate and pack travel size toiletry items: shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, razors, combs, moist towelettes
Chocolate chip cookies—donate or bake cookies to be given from the Health Outreach Bus
Individual volunteers—become a trained volunteer for the bus or shelter
Holy Night (December 24)—make the holiday season brighter by donating gifts or Christmas stockings, wrapping gifts, or baking cookies

Hunger and Housing

Central City Housing Venture
Fourth Presbyterian Church is an active member of CCHV, a consortium of Chicago religious congregations advocating the preservation and expansion of affordable housing in central Chicago. Its mission includes a) meeting the housing needs of low-income wage earners, those precariously housed, and those currently homeless, b) preserving and expanding the availability of safe, affordable, and permanent housing in Chicago’s central area, c) providing residents with access to on-site supportive services, and d) educating and advocating for the importance of maintaining affordable housing options, including single-room occupancy (SRO), multi-family, and single-family communities. CCHV is located at 77 W. Washington, # 1124. Contact Rick Roberts at 312.357.0990 or richhcg@aol.com. CCHV needs volunteers to help with the fundraising, public relations, and finance committees. Fourth Presbyterian Church and Cabrini-Green: Cultivating a Diverse and Caring Community on Chicago Avenue!

Chicago Avenue Community Garden
Fourth Presbyterian Church and Cabrini-Green: Cultivating a Diverse and Caring Community on Chicago Avenue!
Launched in spring 2004, the Chicago Avenue Community Garden has been growing friendships, flowers, and produce. The garden is an outgrowth of Fourth Church’s 40 year involvement with the children and families living in Cabrini-Green, seeking to strengthen the church’s relationship with the community as that neighborhood transforms. With individual vegetable beds for personal cultivation, communal beds for volunteers and visiting groups, and the kids’ programming, there is always plenty to do and people to meet. Contact Anne Ellis at 312.573.3369 or aellis@fourthchurch.org. Go to www.fourthchurch.org and click on “Site Index” then “garden.”

Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD)
The GCFD is a not-for-profit distribution center, working to feed hungry people. It is committed to efficiently distributing donated and purchased food through qualified agencies such as soup kitchens, shelters, and pantries. Annually, in Cook County, more than 309,600 people rely on food provided by the Food Depository. Of these, 36.7 percent are children 17 years of age or younger. GCFD is located at 4100 W. Ann Lurie Place, Chicago, IL 60632. Contact Katie Hershey at 773.247.3663 or krhershey@gcfd.org. Volunteers are needed to
Clean, sort, and repack donated food
Load food into agency vehicles weekdays in shipping department
Assist in the office; computer and non-computer skills utilized
Drive GCFD vans and deliver produce to agencies weekday mornings
Join a committee to plan a special event
Help with an off-site fundraiser or food rescue

Windy City Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical, international organization whose goal is to provide affordable housing for low-income working families with children. Since 1976, Habitat has built tens of thousands of houses around the world, using mostly donated money and materials. Volunteers work side by side with the new homeowners who put hundreds of hours of their own labor—sweat equity—into building their houses. The homes are then sold to partner families at no profit, financed with affordable, no interest loans. The families’ mortgage payments go into a revolving Fund for Humanity used to build more houses with more families in need.

Dry walling, insulating, priming, painting, laying tile, hanging cabinets and doors, landscaping, and preparing land for sidewalks are some of the tasks completed by volunteers at local sites. Volunteers need to be at least 18 years old, mature, and have an interest in working with families to become responsible homeowners. Fourth Church volunteers work Saturdays during the summer months from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. excluding travel time. Van transportation from the church is provided when possible. Volunteers are needed to:
Perform construction as described above
Be one of several captains to organize the volunteers on specific Saturdays and assist the Habitat staff in giving directions for the day’s work
Drive the church van to the site

Help Ease Local Poverty (HELP)
Fourth Church supports HELP with volunteers and donations. Volunteers help prepare Wednesday night suppers at Catholic Charities (located at 721 N. LaSalle) and contribute Christmas gifts. Contact Jacqueline C. Hayes at 312.861.1700 or jhayesassociates@attglobal.net.

Hope Alive!
Volunteers rehab apartments (cleaning and painting) at Cabrini-Green or clean surrounding grounds on alternate Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Volunteers meet at Holy Family Lutheran Church, 542 W. Hobbie Street. Free, safe parking is available. When possible, van transportation is provided from the church. Contact Janet Stewart at 312.337.5443.

North Side Housing and Supportive Services (formerly Lakeview Shelter)
Opened in 1983 and located at Lakeview Lutheran Church, 835 West Addison, the Lakeview Shelter is a nonprofit facility for homeless men that, in addition to providing the basics of over-night shelter and food, also provides important supportive services (including case management, medical support, self-help, group substance abuse counseling, supportive living programs, and housing and vocational assistance) to help these men regain their footing and live self-sufficient lives. Fourth Church volunteers prepare and serve the free hot supper to 25 homeless men on Wednesday evenings from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m. Parking is available.

Vital Bridges (formerly Open Hand Chicago)
Since Christmas Eve 1988, volunteers from Vital Bridges have provided prepared meals and groceries to people living with HIV/AIDS. Its mission is to provide food and nutrition services free of charge to people living with or significantly affected by HIV/AIDS without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, or mode of infection. Contact Mary Carlson, volunteer manager for all sites at 312.948.2789. Vital Bridges needs over 350 volunteers annually in these areas:
Grocery centers, including greeting clients, packaging food, stocking shelves, shopping for clients, bagging orders (centers are located at 5543 N. Broadway, Humboldt Park, Elk Grove Village, Oak Park, 75th Street, and Harvey)
Home-delivered meals, including organizing routes, packing meals, delivering meals
Nutrition services, including leading workshops, creating bulletin boards, visiting homebound clients to assess their nutritional needs
Main office administration including developing public relations publications, maintaining records, assisting with telephone answering, and data entry
Special events/fund-raising including selling tickets, soliciting donations, working on committees
Volunteer services including participating in recruitment and outreach efforts, staffing booths at community events, giving presentations
Training and orientation for new volunteers, assisting in planning recognition events

Elder Care and Nurture

Center for Older Adults (COA)
The Center for Older Adults began in 1965 as a two-day-per-week noontime program for seniors. As time went on, the COA developed into a five-day-per-week program of adult education, health and wellness, arts, travel, and companionship.
Fourth Presbyterian’s COA creates its own unique character by making community a priority. Our ecumenical foundation invites individuals from all faith backgrounds, or none at all, to learn, stay well, and grow.

The philosophy behind the COA is that older adults need meaningful engagement to stay well. People need to feel safe, cared for, and respected in order to make healthful decisions about themselves and their relationships. Our adult education classes are challenging but non-competitive. The health programs are meant to provide people with accurate information so they can make good decisions about their own health care. Our social outings provide opportunities for members to build friendships with one another and the staff. In addition, we act as a safety net for many individuals who are without family to care for them, should their abilities decline. Contact Patty Jenkins at 312.981.3385 or pjenkins@fourthchurch.org. The volunteer opportunities in the COA include
Program leader/teacher in the COA—this noon program provides an hour-long presentation following a brown bag lunch and features lectures, travelogues, demonstrations, and performances. New ideas from leaders and teachers are welcome!
Birthday Party Decorators—to celebrate the birthdays of members of the COA, decorators are asked to help the COA Director plan a theme, shop for decorations (funds provided), and decorate the dining room (every other month). The parties begin at 11:30 a.m. and end at 1:00 p.m., so decorating occurs beforehand. Decorators are invited and welcome to stay for the parties, but they are not expected to do so.

Presbyterian Homes of Evanston, Lake Forest, Arlington Heights, Chicago
The Presbyterian Homes are not-for-profit retirement communities.
Contact Pat Fiorio at 847.492.2980 or 3200 Grant Street, Evanston, IL 60201.
www.presbyterianhomes.org

Volunteers help in these ways:
Visiting residents
Working in The Little Store or Westminster Gift Shop (Evanston)
Transporting residents in wheelchairs to physical therapy, the fitness center, activities, or chapel
Reading a book or writing a letter
Accompanying a resident on a short walk to enjoy the flowers in the greenhouse or to The Little Store (Evanston), on bus outings, and to appointments with doctors
Providing transportation to Fourth Church on Sunday morning

Health and Wellness

Center for Whole Health at Fourth Church
Health and healing are central in the ministry and work of Jesus and the early church. The miracles of Jesus were not only signs of the rule of God in human affairs but also a demonstration of God’s concern for health, healing, and wholeness within persons and the communities in which they live.

Health ministry within Fourth Church is an approach to wholeness and health that builds on strengths of the congregation and its community. Health ministry stresses wellness, health promotion, and disease prevention and focuses on body-mind-spirit for the health and healing of individuals, the congregation, and its community. Contact Terry Stumpf at 312.981.3396 or tstumpf@fourthchurch.org.

Volunteers are needed to help in the following programs:
Blood drive—hosting donors, assisting with paper work, serving refreshments; twice annually on Sunday at Fourth Church
Flu immunization—hosting recipients, assisting with paper work; RNs filling syringes, administering vaccine, and taking blood pressures; held annually at Fourth Church and at Cabrini-Green on weekdays and Sundays
Skin cancer screening—hosting participants, assisting with paper work; held annually at Fourth Church on weekdays
Blood pressure measurements—twice weekly (Tuesday and Thursday) for members of the Center for Older Adults; volunteers are RNs or LPNs

Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Inc.
Established in 1992, in memory of Barrett “Bear” Krupa, Bear Necessities serves children and research in eight city hospitals. Volunteer opportunities include office support, grant writing, public relations, project management, fundraising events coordination, and service on committees: finance, development, medical advisory.
Contact: Susan Mura at 312.836.2327, ext. 23, or smura@bearnecessities.org at 23 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610.

John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County
John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County (formerly Cook County Hospital) at 1900 W. Polk, (volunteer services office), invites volunteers to help in these ways:
Chapel coordinators to oversee the chapel, extend sensitive hospitality to all, take conscientious messages, reach chaplains on call; regular weekly or twice-weekly shifts are appreciated
Emergency Waiting Room helpers to take coffee to people waiting and to hold their place when they make restroom trips
Delivering books to patient rooms
Holding babies
Delivering juice and CDs to patients having dialysis (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
Reading to children in the High Risk Clinic, as part of the “Reach Out and Read” program
(9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Delivering Christmas presents to children on Saturdays (morning and afternoon shifts)
Assembling layettes for mothers going home with new babies
Sorting bills in the office

All volunteers having patient contact are required to have a free health screening at the hospital which includes a tuberculosis test, a blood draw, three hepatitis B shots, and a background check to be certain the volunteer has not been convicted of a felony. The Forest Park branch of the Blue Line “El” (Medical Center or Polk Street station) serves the hospital. Contact Sheila Tucker at 312.633.6366.

Erie Family Health Center
The mission of Erie Family Health Center (EFHC) is “to provide quality community responsive, cost effective health care to West Town, Humbolt Park, and Logan Square residents, regardless of color, creed, gender, age, language, or ability to pay. Beyond mere treatment of disease, working with the community, we promote wellness through consumer and community education in order to foster healthier lifestyles. We believe quality health care is a right, not a privilege.” EFHC was founded in 1956 as a volunteer program of Erie Neighborhood House to provide primary health care for elderly residents of the West Town community. Today, it is a full service family health facility that was incorporated in 1976. In 1984, EFHC was designated a federally funded community health center under the U.S.