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"Chicago HOPES for Kids provides students with the resources and encouragement needed to succeed academically, despite the challenges of homelessness."
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Rita Kahn
Executive Director
THANK YOU to everyone who attended our Third Annual Virtual Seeds of HOPE Gala on November 13, 2020 celebrating the 10th Anniversary of HOPES! The event included a keynote address from former NFL player and astronaut Leland Melvin, a reflection from HOPES Founder Patricia Rivera on celebrating 10 years of service and growth, and the annual HOPES Award Ceremony celebrating our amazing partners. This year we were pleased to recognize the dedication and partnership of CCO Executive Director Sandra Ramsey, program volunteer Cameron Pettigrew and enrichment partner NextWaveSTEM. I also want to thank The Reva & David Logan Foundation for once again this year partnering with HOPES on a warm winter clothing distribution to children at the shelters. Please stay safe and thank you for your continued support during these challenging times.
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Erica Walker
Program Manager
Do you ever happen to wonder what it might be like to be a nonprofit program manager during a pandemic? I have shared with you over the months the many twists and turns Chicago HOPES for Kids has taken in order to keep things going, but this month I would like to share a little bit about my internal process with you, in the hopes that it can help you understand what a day in my life is like these days as the Program Manager at HOPES.
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The Importance of Spreading the Word
By: Phil Katz
Coming from the business world, I didn’t realize just how many students are living in homeless shelters - let alone experiencing homelessness overall. As I talked about my experience with my network, I quickly realized that those around me were largely unaware of this student experience as well. This got me thinking about how we, as people who are deeply invested in education, can spread the word so that students experiencing homelessness can have access to an education that is equitable and thereby work to close the opportunity gap for our students.
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Phil Katz is one of our AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteers. Phil is the Digital Program Coordinator and was nominated for this month’s spotlight for “all of his hard work, tech skills, and willingness to help out and go the extra mile.” Phil is originally from Washington D.C. and has owned multiple digital businesses before moving to Chicago in 2015. Phil began his service with Chicago HOPES for Kids early 2020, just as COVID-19 was beginning.
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Mark your calendars! December 1st is #GivingTuesday and we're counting on YOU to help students have a fun and productive winter break. Students experiencing homelessness often do not have opportunities for academic enrichment while on school breaks, especially during the pandemic. We’re asking you to help provide 175 HOPES activity packages by creating a Facebook or Flipcause fundraiser. Our goal is to raise $13,125 this year to distribute packages to children living in Chicago's homeless shelters. Through your #GivingTuesday campaign, students will receive a HOPES activity package containing a STEAM activity kit, books, and a gift card for purchasing educational games to keep them engaged during their winter break. Your support this year will provide more than just a gift, but a gift of HOPE for every student in our partner shelters. This is also a great opportunity to share with your family and friends why you are passionate about HOPES mission. We hope that you will continue your impact by participating.
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Thank you to all who attended our 3rd Annual Virtual Seeds of HOPE Gala on November 13. We are so grateful for our dedicated family of HOPES supporters! We want to give a special congratulations to our award recipients. NextWave STEM won Enrichment Partner of the Year, Cameron Pettigrew won Volunteer of the Year, and Sandra Ramsey won our Founders Award. A special thank you to Leland Melvin for speaking at this event, and to all of our raffle donors!
Together we raised over $10,000 to fund HOPES remote learning support and after-school programs for students experiencing homelessness!
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CALL TO ACTION: WINTER COAT DRIVE
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As the cold weather approaches, people are in need of winter gear to stay warm and safe. Below are a couple of local drives that are accepting new or gently used winter gear donations!
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Brave Space Alliance will be accepting items all winter long. The drive is for the LGBTQIA+ members of the Chicago community while prioritizing Black, Brown, & Indigenous members who are Trans* or Gender-nonconforming. Items that they are collecting include winter coats, hats, sleeping bags, gloves, hand warmers, scarves, and winter socks. A variety of adult and child sizes are needed. New and gently used items are accepted. Please ensure all items are sanitized before being dropped off!
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La Casa Norte is in need of new or gently used winter clothing for their winter coat drive. Items they are collecting include coats, gloves, scarves, boots, and hats. You can drop off donations any time M-F from 9:00-5:30 at their main community center, which is located at 3533 W. North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647. If you would like to host a drive, you can contact them at volunteer@lacasanorte.org.
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