Hope-Filled Organizations (Part 2)

Viewing Our Children as Emerging Leaders

Our Core Values

Our values inform how we work and interact with each other and those we serve; our vision for a kinder, more equitable world; and underscore our enduring commitment to the future leaders of Chicago.

      

       

VOCEL’s programs are distinguished by six key elements

1. Science at our core, children in our hearts. Children’s brains develop most rapidly in their first few years – we capitalize on this crucial window of time.
2. Driven by the Power of Community. We build communities of supportive peers that become like a second family—because in community we can all become our best.
3. Culturally Responsive. We welcome all and embrace the diverse cultures and backgrounds of families. All of our family programs are offered dual language.
4. Wellness Oriented. We embrace the complexity and interconnectedness of wellness. Our Family Support & Community Engagement team partners with families to meet their emotional, mental health, and resource needs.
5. School + Home Connected. We elevate the importance of at-home learning and parents as children’s first teachers, providing tools for school-home partnership.
6. Data Informed. We collect data and use it as one of several key inputs to inform continuous improvement and grow our impact.

To learn more about VOCEL, Click on this link: www.vocel.org

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West Ridge Chicago: A Chicago Neighborhood Welcoming Refugees

Why has a small corner of Chicago called West Ridge emerged as the hub of a national movement to address the unique challenges facing illiterate refugees?

But what is amazing that is happening in our little corner of West Ridge, Chicago, is that so many of the refugees who have been deliberately scattered throughout the country are now coming to our very special, little corner of the globe.

They are coming to our neighborhood for a reason. Because West Ridge has abundantly invited refugees since the 1920s. First German refugees after World War One. Then Jewish refugees after the Holocaust. Then Pakistani and Indian refugees after the 1947 Partition. And on and on. Croatian refugees after the Balkan Wars. And now Rohingya refugees. While approximately only 8,000 Rohingya refugees have been let into the United States in the past 20 years, there are 400 Rohingya families living within walking distance of FORA’s two empowerment centers. Approximately 2,000 people. Approximately 25% of all Rohingya in the United States are living in this neighborhood.

In the mid-2010s, when the Rohingya crisis was initially receiving international attention, we —the founding board members of FORA—wanted to play our part in welcoming these refugees into the United States. To accomplish this goal,  we became a part of local organizations’ refugee and asylee welcoming teams. Over the course of the past decade, we have hosted more than a dozen asylum seekers in our home. Furthermore, we also welcomed scores of refugees by personally meeting them at O’Hare International Airport and preparing in advance for their initial living situations. These asylum seekers flourished in the United States. The refugees, most of whom were Rohingya, faced significant challenges, but their determination was truly inspirational. Not only were we struck with their plight, but we also admired their resourcefulness and generosity of spirit toward us. As more and more Rohingya individuals came to the United States and settled in the West Ridge neighborhood of Chicago, we gained their trust, fostered long-lasting connections, and were privileged to see these families have the opportunity to rebuild their lives in America. 

However, it quickly became apparent that the Rohingya children we were getting to know were sinking at school with overwhelmed parents unfamiliar with the US education system. As their friends, numerous refugee mothers demanded that we take action.

Kathleen O’Conner with two refugee mothers and a FORA staff member

The refugee mothers were so strident in their demands, not only because they were desperate, but because they knew Kathleen O’Connor—who is now the Head of the HDT Program at FORA—was a great professor and teacher. She is a specialist in the educational field. Professor O’Connor earned a doctorate in child development psychology with a focus on educational reform for marginalized youth. Similar to parents across the world, these immigrants were looking to leverage their relationships to help their kids. So, they did... and the founding board members and our children were tutoring more than a dozen students in students’ cramped living rooms, on their front stoops, in their back alleys, and local parks. While our efforts felt gratifying, we acknowledged that they did not recognize the true need at hand. So, in January 2019, we established  Forging Opportunities for Refugees in America (“FORA”), a non-profit organization aimed at helping refugees achieve the American Dream. 

We are tremendously proud of how hard our students have worked to improve their reading and math skills. But we are also proud and grateful for how our staff has inspired the kids and how much joy they have infused into the learning experience at FORA. The positive atmosphere of our learning center cannot be described succinctly, but it is telling that we regularly attract visitors who are drawn in off the street as they pass by. The happy energy and active learning are palpable even through the windows of our storefront, with visitor after visitor saying that our storefront “glows." Nobody can resist the joy of helping a child learn to read—and that joy resounds throughout the welcoming space that we have created together.

To learn more about FORA, click on this link: About FORA | Refugee FORA To view a 5 minute interview with one of the founders of FORA, click on this link: Today’s hero: Kathleen O’Connor’s dedicates efforts for refugee students – NBC Chicago

 

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About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is the most enduring and influential grassroots environmental organization in the United States.

We amplify the power of our millions of members and supporters to defend everyone’s right to a healthy world.

Mission Statement

• To explore, enjoy, and protect the wild places of the earth.
• To practice and promote the responsible use of the earth's ecosystems and resources.
• To educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment; and to use all lawful means to carry out these objectives.

The Challenge

Today, there are serious challenges ahead: a warming climate, unprecedented levels of pollution, and powerful special interests undermining basic protections. There’s no time to waste in coming together for new solutions which is why the Sierra Club is bringing people together to build the most powerful and effective environmental movement the world has ever seen.

How We Do It

We’ve built a national community of volunteers, advocates, and grassroots activists who show up when and where it counts. From securing protection for 439 parks and monuments, to winning passage of the Clean Air and Endangered Species, to putting over 281 coal plants on the path to replacement with clean energy, to securing the right of every kid in America to visit a national park, we have an unmatched record of success and impact.

We work with other partner organizations, nonprofits, and campaigns to build a diverse, inclusive movement that represents today’s American public. We know that environmental issues can’t be separated from social justice—because we all breathe the same air and share the same land. The Sierra Club also works with and supports companies that know strong values are a part of smart business.

Enjoying the Outdoors

And we help people enjoy the earth we’re protecting. Each year, Sierra Club volunteers lead over 15,000 trips annually, from extended trips across the world to afternoon hikes not far from home.

To learn more about the work the Sierra Club does, click on 2030 Strategic Framework | Sierra Club

To find a Sierra Chapter near you, click on this link: https://www.sierraclub.org/chapters

 

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GivingTuesday is a Movement that Unleashes the Power of Radical Generosity Around the World.

Radical Generosity is defined as the concept that the suffering of others should be as intolerable to us as our own suffering.

GivingTuesday reimagines a world built upon shared humanity and generosity.

Our global network collaborates year-round to inspire generosity around the world, with a common mission to build a world where generosity is part of everyday life.

Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give.

History of GivingTuesday:  GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. GivingTuesday was born and incubated at the 92nd Street Y and its Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact in New York City. GivingTuesday is now an independent nonprofit and a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

Our Vision: We pursue radical generosity, defined by the transformational powers of empathy and solidarity, not a series of transactions or discrete interactions. Radical generosity creates a world in which the collective
recognition of humanity fundamentally respects what each of us can give, receive, and learn from one another. If we were to arrive at any destination, having fulfilled our mission, that world would be built upon a foundation of shared humanity. To view a 1 minute, 23 second about Radical Generosity, click on this link: The Power of Radical Generosity on Vimeo

Generosity is uplifting, generative, equalizing, and connecting. We believe that each and every act of generosity is a worthy act in and of itself. In this work, generosity is the primary means and the primary end : GivingTuesday unleashes generosity to drive generosity. Generosity is GivingTuesday’s universal rallying cry and the foundation of our strategies.

One of over 300 Giving Tuesday groups around the world. There may be one near you.

To learn more about Giving Tuesday and find a group near you, click on this link: Home - GivingTuesday

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Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC)

SUPPORTING ENTREPRENEURS & “PUTTING DREAMS TO WORK” SINCE 1987

What We Care About

WWBIC is a leading innovative statewide economic development corporation that’s been “Putting Dreams to Work” since 1987.

We open the doors of opportunity by providing underserved individuals who are interested in starting, strengthening or expanding businesses with access to critical resources such as responsible financial products and quality business and financial training.

We focus on individuals who face barriers in accessing traditional financing or resources in pursuit of their dreams and economic well-being … in particular women, people of color, veterans, rural and lower wealth individuals.

Every day we work hard to achieve our social goal of improving the economic well-being of individuals by advancing inclusive entrepreneurship and facilitating self-sufficiency strategies.

Opportunity & Hope

The Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) has provided business loans and access to fair and responsible capital, quality business and financial wellness training, and one-on-one coaching since 1987. WWBIC’s impact is seen through the many entrepreneurs, business owners and individuals whom we assist. Our work and support put your business dreams to work.

Every day we are inspired to improve the economic well-being of our fellow residents. While we care about everyone, we focus our efforts on those underserved in the financial market which includes women, veterans, rural, low-wealth and people of color.

WWBIC staff and program participants on the State Capitol steps in Madison Wisconsin

To learn more about WWBIC, click on this link: WWBIC | Putting Dreams to Work Since 1987

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Community Diaper Programs

National Diaper Bank Network provides technical assistance and resources to help establish sustainable diaper banks and pantries in your own community. We are here to assist you.

 

MEET THE NEED

Start a Diaper Bank

Are You Ready to Help Children and Families in Your Community?

The National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) is here to help you assess the need in your community. Equally important, we are here to help you determine how to gauge the level of support for such efforts in your community. Our goal is to help create sustainable diaper bank programs. If your goal is to establish a NDBN member diaper bank or pantry, you’ll want to consider NDBN service areas and benchmarks.

What Are Service Areas?

Diaper need is pervasive in almost all communities throughout the United States. Diaper banks are needed in most all communities from frontier areas to densely populated urban cities. Before you begin, it is important – mostly for the community in need – that you reach out to any NDBN-member organizations near the area you plan to serve. NDBN commits to helping its members grow through smart and sustainable planning. Sometimes this includes regional and state-wide expansion. Whenever possible, we welcome the opportunity to help you contribute your skills and talents to an existing NDBN project.

• If you’re passionate about starting your own independent diaper program from the ground up, NDBN and any nearby members can help identify a service area in need of support.

What Are Benchmarks?

In order to become a certified NDBN-member diaper bank program, all organizations must demonstrate nonprofit best practices and diaper program milestones. These benchmarks cover four key areas:

• Governance
• Participation
• Fundraising and Finance
• Advocacy

If your team is interested in striving to demonstrate these benchmarks, NDBN staff are ready to provide support and assistance to help your program become a certified NDBN member. All NDBN member organizations adhere to or demonstrate the benchmarks. To learn more about this organization click on this link: Index - National Diaper Bank Network

 

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Providing warmth, confidence, and hope through basic need programs that connect underserved kids to community resources needed to thrive.

Operation Warm’s Mission has always been focused on the whole child. Our tagline, ‘more than a coat’ means that the coats and shoes we provide don’t just provide physical warmth, but also emotional warmth, the confidence to socialize and succeed, and hope of a brighter future. We’re proud to say that over the last 23 years, these gifts have become a bridge between our partners and families in need to access critical resources.

Operation Warm ensures that the brand-new coats and shoes we gift, go to the kids that need them the most.  Our beneficiary organizations are nonprofits and 501(c)(3) organizations who support children and families in need such as Head Starts, Title 1 schools where 40%+ of students’ families are at or below 150% of the federally prescribed poverty level, and other urgent need human service organizations like homeless shelters, community libraries, foster care, agencies, and more.

                                                             etic-style shoes for children need, offering a child both physical and emotional warmth.
To learn more about Operation Warm, click on this link: Operation Warm

 

 

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Recognizing the worth and dignity of each person, HOPES helps people end their homelessness.