TOV Partners

The Federation and non-Federation affiliated programs with which TOV partners are listed below in alphabetical order by category.

Jewish Federation Agencies and Affiliated Programs

The ARK
The ARK provides free social services for the needy including crisis intervention programs for the mentally ill, legal assistance, and medical and dental care. Volunteer opportunities include food pantry work, meal and holiday food delivery, assisting at the Chanukah party and serving dinner at Caffe ARK. The Chanukah Gift Wishes and holiday meal delivery programs are family friendly.
Interest Area: food, low-income, shelter
Small Group or Individual Project
Age: 12+, 7+ for the pantry
Family Friendly: Meal delivery/Chanukah Gift Wishes

Associated Talmud Torahs (ATT)
ATT is a central agency for Traditional and Orthodox education that operates and oversees supplementary day school and informed educational programs in Jewish education throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Volunteers are needed to tutor students and to assist in the classroom.
Interest Area: youth, education
Individual Project
Age: 18+
Not Family Friendly

Council for Jewish Elderly (CJE)
CJE provides counseling and programs for individuals age 60 and up and their families as well as health services, transportation, legal assistance, housing programs and personal care. CJE offers assisted living residences and low-to-medium cost rental apartments. Volunteer opportunities include friendly visiting, transporting clients to doctors, assisting with a Shabbat luncheon, Meals on Wheels, pet care, personal care (i.e., bringing forms to clients homes, doing surveys, and helping to organize homes) and special events (i.e., helping at a Bingo game).
Interest Area: elderly, friendly visiting
Group or Individual Project
Age: all
Family Friendly: Activities include birthday parties at the Lieberman Geriatric Centre, holiday decorating and delivering meals to the elderly.

CJE Adult Day Services
1015 W. Howard Street, Evanston, 60202
Interest Area: elderly, friendly visiting

CJE Lieberman Geriatric Health Centre
9700 Gross Point Road, Skokie, 60076
Interest Area: elderly, friendly visiting

CJE Robineau Residence
7550 N. Kostner Avenue, Skokie, 60076
Interest Area: elderly, friendly visiting

CJE Friend Center for Early Alzheimer’s Care & Gidwitz Place for Assisted Living
1551 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, 60015
Interest Area: elderly, friendly visiting

Jewish Child and Family Services (JCFS)
Jewish Child & Family Services offers a continuum of innovative therapeutic, educational and preventive social services for the Chicago community. JCFS delivers necessary services to those in need regardless of religion or heritage. Their pioneering programs are designed to enable individuals, children and families to grow and develop positively throughout their lives. Services include counseling, foster care and group homes, prevention and education programs and services for individuals with disabilities. Volunteer opportunities include mentoring, tutoring, childcare helpers, respite workers, cooking coaches and more.
Interest Area: education, seasonal events, youth
Small Group Project or Individual
Age: 14+ for group projects; 18+ for mentoring/tutoring
Family Friendly: Projects include annual coat shopping and other opportunities that arise during the year.

JCFS Goldie Bachmann Luftig Building
Volunteer opportunities include helping with the Deaf Kids Fest, a social/networking event for families with members who are deaf or hard of hearing. The agency also offers a nursing home visitation program.
Interest Area: children and families, elderly
Group or Individual Project
Age: varies
Not family friendly

JCFS Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society of Chicago (HIAS of Chicago)
HIAS Chicago, a partner with the Jewish Child and Family Services, provides immigration related services for refugees and immigrants arriving in Chicago. Volunteer opportunities in Chicago, Skokie and Arlington Heights include being a group citizenship teacher, a practice interviewer for those taking the citizenship test and interview, and an English language tutor for new immigrants preparing for the citizenship test and interview.
Interest Area: Immigrants, English language tutoring
Individual Project
Age: 18+
Not Family Friendly 

JCFS Jewish Healing Network of Chicago
Jewish Healing Network of Chicago is a joint project of Jewish Child and Family Services, Council for Jewish Elderly, the Chicago Board of Rabbis and the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago/Jewish United Fund. JHN works to ensure that members of the Chicago Jewish Community struggling with issues of illness and loss can find out about and access social service, health and spiritual resources. Volunteer opprotunities include participation in a nursing home visitation program and creation of a Bikur Cholim (visiting the sick) group within congregations and youth groups. Support for the creation and maintenance of Bikur Cholim committees in synagogues is available from Jewish Healing Network of Chicago.
Interest Area: elderly, friendly visiting, health
Individual or Group Project
Age: varies
Not Family Friendly

JCFS Virginia Frank Child Development Center
Virginia Frank Child Development Center provides a network of preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic services to families with children under six years of age experiencing intra-family emotional or developmental difficulties. Methods of service include family counseling, therapy groups for parents and children, preventive outreach services and a therapeutic nursery/kindergarten. Volunteer opportunities may include painting murals at the Center, providing holiday treats for families and generally improving the facilities of the Center.
Interest Area: Young Children and Families
Group or Individual Project
Age: 16+, 7+ with an adult
Not Family Friendly

Jewish Community Centers of Chicago
JCC offers a wide range of social, educational and recreational activities and services. There are multiple city and suburban locations. Volunteer opportunities exist with the JCC Women’s Auxiliary, JCC Senior Service League, Maccabi JCC of Chicago, Camp Chi, JCC Day Camps, JCC Early Childhood Learning Centers, JCC Family-to-Family Program through the Pritzker Center for Jewish Education and Project Chesed.
Interest Area: elderly, youth
Individual Project
Age: varies
Family Friendly: Speak to Janet Schlaes at the Kaplan Center to inquire about opportunities.

Jewish Federation South Suburban Office
The South Suburban office coordinates referral services and works with Jewish community organizations to assess needs and coordinate services. The office also interfaces with other area social service networks and synagogues to secure services for the Jewish community.
Interest Area: all
Group or Individual Project
Age: varies
Not Family Friendly

JUF Uptown Cafe
The JUF Uptown Cafe, a program of the Jewish Federation, is coordinated by the Dina and Eli Field EZRA Multi-Service Center under the auspices of the Jewish Community Centers of Chicago. The Cafe - a kosher, anti-hunger program - provides four meals per week to people who are hungry while nourishing their spirits. Dinner is served Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings and brunch is served on Sunday mornings. Volunteers are needed year round to serve meals and visit with guests.
Interest Area: food
Small Group or Individual Project
Age: 18+, 12+ with adult
Not Family Friendly 

Jewish Vocational Service (JVS)
JVS provides vocational counseling, job placement services and college counseling for adults including those unemployed, underemployed, disadvantaged, disabled and elderly. Volunteer opportunities include English language tutors and mock interviewers. JVS always has a need for volunteers with a financial and/or investment banking background to work with the small business enterprises helping business owners with money management.
Interest Area: Immigrants, Vocational Services
Individual or Family Project
Age: 18+
Not Family Friendly

Keshet
Keshet enables children, ages three and up, and adults with disabilities to participate as fully as possible in mainstream life, regardless of their family’s religious orientation or the child’s disability. Volunteer opportunities include assisting at Keshet’s Sunday School, buddy baseball, special Olympics and other special events.
Interest Area: disabilities, youth
Small Group or Individual Project
Age: 16+ (must be old enough to work independently)
Not Family Friendly

Maot Chitim of Greater Chicago
Maot Chitim of Greater Chicago provides food to needy Jewish people in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs for Passover and Rosh Hashanah so that they may observe the holidays in a traditional and dignified manner. Volunteers are needed to assemble boxes, pack perishable and non-perishable food and deliver food packages by truck, van and passenger car. Volunteer groups are needed to meet the trucks and distribute food boxes to individuals' apartments and homes. Volunteers are also needed on an ongoing basis to assist in the office.
Interest Area: food
Group or Individual Project
Age: Delivery - family friendly, Warehouse - 12+

Mount Sinai Hospital
Mount Sinai Hospital and Sinai Children's Hospital, a 432-bed hospital in Chicago’s Lawndale neighborhood, is committed to a mission of high-level patient care, medical education and research and community service. Mount Sinai operates on the principle that health care is a right, not a privilege, and that quality health services must be delivered regardless of the individual’s ability to pay. Volunteer opportunities include visiting patients, volunteering in the pediatrics and infant intensive care unit, office work, and staffing Mount Sinai Woman's Board resale shop located at 814 W. Diversey in Chicago. Volunteers who work with patients must have a TB test and a physical.
Interest Area: friendly visiting, health, resale
Small Group or Individual Project
Age: 16+
Not Family Friendly

Response Center
Response Center, a multi-service center for adolescents, offers professional services in an informal and friendly environment. Services include outreach and education; individual, family and group counseling; medical services directed toward sexuality; and community education.
Interest Area: education, youth
Individual Project
Age: Teenagers
Not Family Friendly

SHALVA
SHALVA exists to raise awareness of domestic abuse in the Jewish community and to provide services for Jewish survivors of abuse. Volunteers are needed for the speakers bureau and to facilitate discussions in middle school and high school classrooms as well as to help  facilitate training for beauty salons. All volunteers are trained.
Interest Area: education, women's advocacy
Individual Project
Age: 18+
Not Family Friendly 

Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies
Spertus invites people of all ages and backgrounds to explore the multifaceted Jewish experience. Through its innovative public programming, exhibitions, collections, research facilities and degree programs, Spertus inspires learning, serves diverse communities and fosters understanding for Jews and people of all faiths locally, regionally and around the world. Volunteer opportunities include serving as a docent for the Spertus Museum, assisting with public programs, archival research, assisting the Spertus Library staff and assisting with special projects.
Interest Area: education, culture, arts, research
Individual Project
Age: 21+
Not Family Friendly

Other Agencies

Agudas Achim North Shore Congregation
In its almost 120 year history, Agudas Achim has touched the lives of thousands of individuals. Socials, educational programs, cultural events and religious services are a significant part of Agudas Achim North Shore Congregation's history. Volunteers are needed to help restore the building by painting, plastering and cleaning the synagogue.
Interest Area: Building and renovation
Group or Individual Project
Age: 12+
Not Family Friendly

Bottomless Closet
Bottomless Closet provides 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. Volunteers help clients select appropriate clothing and accessories for job interviews, assist with general management and intake, and take on various roles at the Serendipity fair. Donations are accepted the second Saturday of every month from 9:00 a.m. to noon, except in January and September.
Interest Area: low-income, vocational services, women’s advocacy
Small Group or Individual Project
Age: 18+
Not Family Friendly

The Boys and Girls Club of Chicago (BGCC)
BGCC partners with families and communities to enable young people in greater Chicago to grow up to be responsible, self-reliant, caring adults. Volunteers are needed as mentors, tutors, coaches, computer lab aids, art instructors and recreation assistants at various locations.
Interest Area: youth
Individual Project
Age: 21+
Not Family Friendly

Brentwood North Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
For more than 25 years, Brentwood has provided long-term, sub-acute and rehabilitation services for over 100 residents. Brentwood organizes a variety of recreational programs for the residents in its dementia, rehabilitation, skilled nursing and long-term units. Volunteer opportunities include friendly visiting with pets, assisting with group activities, and one-on-one visitations.
Interest Area: elderly, friendly visiting
Group (ususally 12-15 people) or Individual Project
Age: 16+
Not Family Friendly

The Campus Kitchens at Northwestern University
The Campus Kitchen is dedicated to eradicating hunger in Evanston. They use existing food from campus dining facilities to prepare nutritious meals for local community organizations such as shelters, senior citizen groups and after-school youth programs. They use volunteers to prepare and deliver food packages during the week.
Interest Area: Food
Group or Individual Project
Age: all
Family Friendly

The Cathedral Shelter of Chicago
The Cathedral Shelter of Chicago is an affiliate of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago located on the near west side. Their mission is to minister with love and compassion among and with the most vulnerable of their community through crisis intervention, addiction, recovery, community assistance and life skills development. Volunteers are needed to help with their food service programs and a variety of support services. Interest Area: food, low-income
Small Group or Individual Project
Age: 15+
Not Family Friendly

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago 
Catholic Charities is the official social service agency of the Archdiocese of Chicago. It serves people of all religious, national, social, racial and economic backgrounds living in Cook and Lake Counties and makes accommodations for persons with disabilities to the extent that resources are available.
Interest Area: elderly, low-income, youth
Group or Individual Project
Age: 16+
Not Family Friendly

Catholic Charities Bishop Conway Residence
Bishop Conway is designed for seniors on a fixed income who are experiencing difficulties living alone but are not in need of a full-service nursing home. Most residents have special needs and volunteers should be comfortable in that environment.
Interest Area: elderly
Group or Individual project
Age: 18+, 5+ with an adult
Not Family Friendly

The Center for Enriched Living
The Center for Enriched Living assists the developmentally disabled. The Center offers community integration, recreation, social programs, skill development and education for greater independence.
Interest Area: disabilities, seasonal events, youth
Group or Individual Project
Age: 15+
Not Family Friendly

Chabad/Northwestern Memorial Hospital Visitation Program
The Chabad Hospital Visitation Program meets every Friday to pack and deliver Shabbat packages to Jewish patients in Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Since its inception in 1990, the program has delivered baskets to over 30,000 patients. Volunteers are needed to deliver baskets to and visit with Jewish patients.
Interest Area: food, health
Individual Project
Age: 14+
Not Family Friendly

Chai Lifeline
The Chai Lifeline helps children suffering from serious illnesses and their family members. The program offers a comprehensive range of services that addresses the multiple needs of children and their families. The Chai Lifeline also offers big brothers/big sisters services.
Interest Area: youth, health
Individual and Group Project
Age: 16+
Not Family Friendly

Chicago Botanic Garden
In 1972, the Chicago Horticultural Society opened the Chicago Botanic Garden to further its mission of promoting gardens and gardening. Today the Chicago Botanic Garden consists of 23 gardens, 100 acres of woods, 15 acres of prairie, 81 acres of waterways and much more. The Garden’s mission encompasses four important components: collections, education, conservation and research. Volunteer opportunities include assisting with special projects, visitor services, education and planting.
Interest Area: environment, seasonal events
Individual Project
Age: 15+ with work permit
Not Family Friendly

The Children’s Place Association
The Children's Place is a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the present and secure the future for children and families confronted by health problems such as HIV/AIDS and/or economic, social, or educational barriers. The thirteen-year-old organization continues to care for children in its residential center, family center, day care and early learning programs,and foster/adoptive care programs. Volunteer opportunties include caring for children in the residence, tutoring (must be 18) and assisting with special one-time events.
Interest Area: health, youth
Small Group or Individual Project
Age: 12+
Not Family Friendly

The Claremont Rehab and Living Center
The Claremont is a family-run, rehabilitative and nursing-care center that provides a full range of specialized services including short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, respite care, hospice care, an in-patient dialysis unit, and Parkinson's disease and stroke recovery services. The Claremont also houses The Greendale Unit, a facility that provides a safe and secure environment for individals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Interest Area: elderly
Group or Individual Project
Age: all
Family Friendly

Cornerstone Community Outreach (CCO)
Cornerstone Community Outreach (CCO) started in 1989 as a grassroots organization. Today CCO serves a hot meal once a week and runs four shelters where it offers case management and housing, and job placement services. Volunteers are needed to help serve meals to guests at the shelters, to tutor youth, and to sort donated items.
Interest Area: education, food, low income, shelter, youth
Small Group or Individual Project
Age: 12+
Not Family Friendly

Danada Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
The Danada Forest Preserve District of DuPage County works to make a positive impact on the conservation of one of DuPage County's valuable ecosystems. Volunteers are needed for a variety of projects and special events such as Parent-A-Tree, Danada Fall Festival, or "Just for Kids" Fishing Derby. Volunteer opportunities are available on a one-time or ongoing basis.
Interest Area: education, environment
Group or Individual Project
Age: varies
Family Friendly (except for opportunities in the Equestrian Center)

Deborah’s Place
Deborah's Place serves women in Chicago who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Dedicated volunteers and staff provide food, housing options and services so that women can succeed in achieving their goals of stable housing, sustainable income and greater self-determiniation.. Volunteers are needed to help with a variety of services including food service, tutoring, and many more. The shelters are located at various locations in the Chicago area including Lakeview, Old Town, Lawndale and Garfield Park. Participation in a new volunteer orientation session is required prior to volunteering. These take place the second Wednesday of every month from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at 1530 N. Sedgwick. You can register online.
Interest Area: food, shelter, women’s advocacy
Small Group or Individual Project
Age: 16+ (flexible)
Not Family Friendly

DuPage Children’s Museum
The DuPage Children's Museum strives to stimulate curiosity, creativity, thinking, and problem solving among young children. Experiences are expanded through self-directed, interactive exhibits and programs focusing on the integration of the arts and sciences. Volunteer opportunities include visitor services, learning labs, art studio program, administrative aid, special events and more. There is a special need for volunteers with unique talents such as calligraphy, photography, sewing and storytelling.
Interest Area: education, youth
Group or Individual Project
Age: 15+
Not Family Friendly

DuPage Senior Citizens Council
The DuPage Senior Citizens Council helps seniors cope with the difficulties they may face when aging. A variety of programs are offered to help the elderly live safely in their own homes and to give them an opportunity to maintain their physical and mental health. Volunteer opportunities include delivering meals, aiding staff during meals, office and resale shop assistance and special events.
Interest Area: elderly, friendly visiting, resale
Group or Individual Project
Age: varies
Family friendly: Opportunities include the twice-a-year "Chore Day" program.

Emily Oaks Nature Center 
An oasis in the middle of Skokie, Emily Oaks Nature Center is 13 acres of natural scenery. Dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the native Illinois oak savanna (grassland), Emily Oaks also promotes a sense of relationship with the natural world. Volunteers are needed to assist with grounds work and to prepare props and crafts for children.
Interest Area: environment
Group or Individual Project
Age: 16+
Family friendly: Opportunities are limited to outdoor or flower workdays.

Erie Neighborhood House
Founded in 1870, Erie Neighborhood House is a community service agency that promotes a just and inclusive society by strengthening low-income, primarily Latino families through skill building, access to critical resources, advocacy and collaborative action. Erie Neighborhood House meets the human needs of its community through the diverse programs it offers such as child care services, youth options, adult education and emergency services. Volunteers are needed at their child and adult education program as English language coaches, citizenship tutors, career preparation counselors, and computer skills tutors.
Interest Area: citizenship, education, English language tutor, food, vocational services
Group or Individual Project
Age: 18+
Not Family Friendly

Executive Service Corps of Chicago (ESC)
Executive Service Corps of Chicago (ESC) provides high-quality consulting for nonprofits, schools and government entities. ESC's goal is to improve the management and governance of client organizations and help organization leaders reach their potential. Founded in 1978, ESC is powered by more than 260 dedicated volunteers. Coming from senior-level positions, ESC consultants and coaches are well-versed in identifying and solving management and governance issues. ESC volunteers have the knowledge, commitment, time and energy to help others in the community; and they do this in the best way they know how, by sharing their expertise with ESC clients.
Interest Area: Professional services
Individual Project
Age: Post-College, Working Professionals, Retirees
Not Family Friendly

Franciscan Outreach Association’s Marquard Center
Franciscan Outreach helps the needy and homeless daily with the basics on which they need to live. It is a place where they can go for dinner every night. They have a 250-bed overnight shelter, a dining room for the homeless and case management services that help guests build a better life. Volunteer opportunities include setting and cleaning up at their soup kitchen and office work.
Interest Area: food, shelter
Group Project
Age: 14+, younger with supervision
Not Family Friendly 

Friedman Place
Friedman Place is a sheltered-care residential facility for blind and visually-impaired adults. It is small in size and provides a safe, family-like environment. Friedman Place offers a full range of daily and special activities, which are also open to members of the visually impaired community. Volunteer opportunities include friendly visits and assistance with activities and trips. Additionally, volunteers are invited to share talents, interests, or special skills with our residents.
Interest Area: adults, elderly, health, seasonal events
Group or Individual Project
Age: 14+
Not Family Friendly

Garfield Park Conservatory
The Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest and most stunning indoor gardens in the world. Volunteers are needed to help garden in several of the greenhouses and, weather permitting, in the new outdoor gardens.
Interest Area: environment
Group or Individual Project
Age: 14+
Not Family Friendly

The Good News Community Kitchen (GNCK)
GNCK serves Rogers Park and the surrounding communities. It is the only organization in the neighborhood that serves dinner 365 days a year. It provides a sense of community and a safety net for its patrons who are struggling with poverty, homelessness, and isolation. Volunteer opportunities include preparing, setting up, and serving meals; one-on-one work with patrons is available upon request. First-time volunteers are required to attend an orientation session.
Interest Area: food
Group or individual Project
Age: 16+, 10+ with an adult
Not Family Friendly

Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD)
GCFD is a non-profit distribution center working to feed the hungry. The Food Depository distributes “rescued” food to soup kitchens, shelters, and pantries. In Cook County alone, more than 300,000 people rely on the food distributed by the GCFD. The Food Depository distributes over 40 million pounds of food through 600 agencies each year. Volunteer opportunities include inspecting, sorting and packing food before it is distributed to other food distribution centers.
Interest Area: food
Group or individual Project
Age: 16+
Not Family Friendly

Habitat for Humanity (North and South Suburban Chicago)
A non-profit equal opportunity housing organization that seeks to eliminate poverty, Habitat has built over 85,000 homes in over 2,000 communities throughout the world. More than 425,000 have been provided with safe, decent and affordable shelter. Through volunteer labor and donations of supplies and money, homes are built in partnership with the homeowner families.
Interest Area: building, low-income
Group Project
Age: 16+ (landscaping), 18+ (construction)
Not Family Friendly

The Hallmark
The Hallmark is a full-service retirement community in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Volunteers are needed for friendly visiting and to assist with the Yiddish Club and other programs. Looking for volunteers who can come in on a regular basis.
Interest Area: elderly, friendly visiting
Individual or Group Project
Age: all
Family Friendly: Opportunities are available during the holiday season.

Holocaust Memorial Foundation of Illinois 
Since 1981, the Holocaust Memorial Foundation of Illinois has served to defend and preserve the value and dignity of human life through remembrance of the events surrounding the Nazi Holocaust of the Jews from 1933 to 1945. Through a broad spectrum of programs, services and resources, the Foundation provides educational outreach to educators, students and members of the community. Volunteer opportunities include office work, library archival work and serving as museum docents.
Interest Area: education
Individual Project
Age: 15+
Not Family Friendly

H.O.M.E
Committed to improving the quality of life for Chicago’s low-income elderly, Housing Opportunities and Maintenance for the Elderly (H.O.M.E) helps seniors remain independent and part of their community by offering opportunities for intergenerational living and by providing a variety of citywide support services.
Interest Area: elderly, low-income
Group and Individual Projects
Age: 18+, 10+ with an adult
Family Friendly: Opportunities on game days.

Horizons for Youth (HfY)
Horizons for Youth’s mission is to create opportunities for and build relationships with children from low-income families so they can conceive and achieve their dreams. HfY has scholarship, mentorship and child enrichment opportunity programming. Volunteer opportunities include mentoring, participating in and planning enrichment outings, planning fundraising events and assisting with various special projects.
Interest Area: youth, low-income
Individual Project
Age: 21+
Not Family Friendly

Inspiration Corporation
Inspiration Corporation currently encompasses two agencies: Inspiration Cafe (IC), located in Chicago’s Uptown Neighborhood, and The Living Room Cafe (TLRC) in the Woodlawn community on the south side of Chicago. Both agencies serve meals in a restaurant-style setting and provide other supportive services designed to help individuals on their journey toward self-sufficiency. Inspiration employs a concept of therapeutic community, where the community of people in common effort is the healing agent for the individual. This unique milieu is what makes Inspiration a safe, supportive and motivational environment which impacts the lives of guests for years. Together, the Cafes have the resources to assist up to 235 individuals annually. Volunteers are needed to serve a restaurant-style meals to guests, to help in the Weekend Engagement Center (WEC), to teach classes and workshops and to make bag lunches. Family friendly opportunities include helping prepare bag lunches.
Interest Area: food
Small Group or Individual Project
Age: 14+, 21+ for WEC
Family Friendly: Opportunities include preparing bag lunches.

InterFaith Refugee and Immigration Ministries (IRIM)
InterChurch Refugee and Immigration Ministries is a non-profit, community based refugee resettlement agency which provides direct services to refugees and immigrants as well encourages involvement in refugee and immigration issues. Volunteer opportunities include assisting with women’s projects and after-school youth programs, being an English-language and citizenship tutor or mentor, and helping with employment skills/job readiness.
Interest Area: citizenship and immigrants, education, English-language tutor, youth
Small Group or Individual Project
Age: 14+
Family Friendly: Opportunities include prearrival preparation for refugees; families can go grocery shopping and organize apartments together.

Jewish Big Sisters
Jewish Big Sisters is an independent group in its 90th year of pairing girls between the ages of 9 and 19 with positive female role models. Big Sisters participate in group activities (i.e. cultural, religious, educational and recreational events) first, and then may be paired with a Little Sister. Female volunteers are needed to mentor girls in one-on-settings and in groups.
Interest Area: youth
Individual Project
Age: 21+
Not Family Friendly

Jewish Council on Urban Affairs (JCUA)
JCUA combats poverty, racism and anti-Semitism in partnership with Chicago's diverse communities. Since 1964, JCUA has assisted groups in low-income and minority communities, built coalitions with diverse groups, advocated on issues of poverty and racism and mobilized a Jewish constituency around such issues as affordable housing, economic development and workers' rights. JCUA members/volunteers take part in planning and carrying out social justice campaigns and actions; attending press conferences and rallies; coordinating educational and cultural events; and doing legislative advocacy. Volunteers are also needed for projects such as creating an urban community garden in Englewood, promoting a day laborers' center in Albany Park, and general office support.
Interest Area: education, poverty, housing, healthcare, workers rights, job creation
Individual Project
Age: 18+
Not Family Friendly

Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN)
KEEN is a non-profit volunteer organization that provides free one-to-one recreational opportunities for children and young adults with mental and physical disabilities. Since its inception in the United States in 1992, KEEN has served hundreds of children and young adults with severe and profound disabilities who, because of their need for individualized attention, have experienced difficulty accessing existing programs. KEEN volunteers act as coaches and work one-on-one with KEEN participants. KEEN sessions take place on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month (except when Sunday is a holiday) from 1:00 PM -4:30 PM. The schedule includes training and a break.
Interest Area: youth, disabled
Individual or Medium Group (up to 10) Project
Age: 15+
Not Family Friendly

La Rabida Children’s Hospital
La Rabida is a specialty children’s hospital providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care for children with chronic illnesses and disabilities and for those who have been neglected and abused. Volunteer opportunities for students and adults include working in our nursing unit, tutoring, working at our information desk.
Interest Area: education, friendly visiting, health
Individual Project
Age: 16+
Not Family Friendly

Lakeview Pantry
The Lakeview Pantry, through innovative programs, makes substantial progress toward eliminating hunger in our community by: providing food to fill the basic need of hungry people, increasing the independence of our clients through self-help initiatives and raising awareness of poverty and its solutions. Volunteer opportunities include helping with the neighborhood bag drives, ongoing maintenance, and sorting food in the food pantry. Lakeview Pantry partners with the Lincoln/Belmont Pantry on Oakdale; this pantry is open at night.
Interest Area: food
Small group or Individual Project
Age: 10+
Not Family Friendly

Lamb’s Farm
The mission of Lamb’s Farm is to empower people with developmental disabilities to lead personally fulfilling lives. Founded in 1961 as an alternative to the traditional sheltered workshop, today Lamb’s Farm serves over 250 men and women per year. Volunteer opportunities include working with children, helping with special events and assisting in the restaurant.
Interest Area: disabilities, youth
Group or Individual Project
Age: 14+
Not Family Friendly

Lincoln Park Conservatory
This 115 year-old conservatory is in the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. The Lincoln Park Conservatory’s display houses are open every day and boast four major flower shows per year.
Interest Area: environment
Group or Individual Project
Age: 13+
Not Family Friendly

Little Friends, Inc.
Little Friends, Inc. is a non-profit organization serving children and adults with developmental, emotional or behavioral disabilities. Little Friends was founded in 1965 and now operates 14 programs serving more than 800 people each year. Their services include early intervention, alternative schools, vocational training, and community-based residential support. Volunteer opportunities include planning special events, assisting at the resale shops, and building friendships with a child or adult served by Little Friends.
Interest Area: disabilities, resale, youth
Age: children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Family Friendly: Opportunities include seasonal events and/or coordinated events with other volunteer agencies, such as the United Way.

Living Room Cafe of Inspiration Corporation
The Living Room Cafe, part of the Inspiration Corporation, is a gateway to social services for men, women, and children who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Through the development of relationships and the provision of services, guests of the Cafe can get jobs, find permanent housing, and address substance abuse and other issues to improve their lives and become self-sufficient.
Interest Area: food
Group Project
Age: 14+
Not Family Friendly

Loaves and Fishes Community Pantry
Loaves and Fishes Community Pantry is a non-sectarian community-based organization established to provide food to needy Naperville residents. Volunteers are needed to bag and deliver groceries to homebound clients, pick up supplies in the local area, help organize synagogoue/community-wide food drives and provide clerical support.
Interest Area: food, low-income
Group or Individual Project
Age: varies
Family Friendly

Luggage for Freedom
The Luggage for Freedom project, sponsored by the North Shore Section of National Council of Jewish Women, helps victims of domestic abuse and their children start life on their own when they leave domestic violence shelters.
Interest Area: women's advocacy
Group and Individual Projects
Age: all
Family Friendly

Catholic Charities: Meals on Wheels-Lake County
The Meals on Wheels program delivers nearly 140,000 meals annually to homebound seniors in Lake County. Hundreds of volunteer drivers deliver the food and supply human contact and a smile to those who have limited access to their community. The Meals on Wheels program is administered by the Catholic Charties; Serior Community Services of Lake County.
Interest Area: elderly, food, friendly visiting
Group or Individual Project
Age: varies
Not Family Friendly

Misericordia Home
The mission of Misericordia is to support individuals with developmental disabilities by maximizing their level of independence and self-determination within an environment that fosters spirituality, dignity, respect, and enhancement of quality of life. They promote development of natural family and community support, community awareness, education, and advocacy. Misercordia offers regular volunteer commiments as well as special event opportunities.
Interest Area: disabilities, seasonal events
Group or Individual Project
Age: 14+
Not Family Friendly

Morton Arboretum
The Morton Arboretum’s goal is to encourage the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. A variety of volunteer opportunities are available including gardening, laboratory research, providing visitor information, and supporting special events.
Interest Area: education, environment
Group or Individual Project
Age: 14+
Not Family Friendly

Naperville Public Libraries
The Naperville Public Libraries have numerous volunteer opportunities available including shelving materials, delivering books to nursing homes, bringing books to the ill, reading with elementary school children, and assisting with special database projects. Opportunities can also be tailored to individual talents, skills, and needs.
Interest Area: education, elderly, friendly visiting
Individual Project
Age: varies
Not Family Friendly

Naperville Park District
The Naperville Park District offers many diverse volunteer opportunities on an ongoing and seasonal basis. Available volunteer opportunities include after-school sports instructors, senior volunteers, pre-school instructors, youth soccer coaches, and tee-ball coaches. Volunteers are needed for special events like the Halloween Happening and the Santa House..
Interest Area: environment, youth
Age: varies
Not Family Friendly

Naperville Area Humane Society
The Naperville Humane Society is a non-profit corporation whose purpose is the adoption of unwanted and abandoned animals and humane education. Volunteer opportunities for adults and children include dog walking, cat socializing, teaching dogs basic commands with the Behavior Modification program, Pet Therapy with your own dog, animal care/cleaning, office phone help, and outreach events.
Interest Area: animals, friendly visiting
Age: Junior Volunteer Program: 10-17 w/ an adult
         Adult Volunteer Program: 18+ for 6 month commitment
Not Family Friendly

National Runaway Switchboard (NRS)
The National Runaway Switchboard, established in 1971, serves as the federally designated national communication system for runaway and homeless youth. Their mission is to keep America’s runaway and at-risk youth safe and off the streets. Volunteers (especially needed during the summer months) answer their 24-hour, toll-free, confidential hotline and take steps to either reopen the lines of communication for families or develop a safe and supportive action plan for youth who have already run. Volunteers must first attend an orientation and then interview with the Volunteer Coordinator. They will then participate in a 36.5 hour training program which will teach volunteers to effectively handle calls on the crisis hotline.
Interest Area: youth, families, crisis intervention, advocacy
Individual Project
Age: 16+
Not Family Friendly

The Night Ministry
Through their core programs such as the Open Door Youth Emergency Shelter, the Outreach and Health Ministry, and the Youth Shelter Network, The Night Ministry builds supportive relationships that empower thousands of individuals to recognize their own self-worth and ability to meet their own needs. They offer many direct service opportunities such as accompanying the Health Outreach Bus and making dinner for residents at the Youth Shelter. There are many congregational activities as well, including making and packing cookies, hygiene kits, or sack suppers for the Outreach Bus. All direct service volunteer assignments have specific requirements that must be met prior to starting as a volunteer.
Interest Area: food, health, shelter
Group Project
Age: 16+
Not Family Friendly

Northfield Township Food Pantry
The Northfield Township Food Pantry has been operating for about 30 years to help Township residents who have difficulty providing enough food for themselves and their families. The Food Pantry is sustained entirely by local individuals, community organizations, businesses, schools, and faith organizations that donate non-perishable food, food certificates and/or funds. Cash donations are used to access food from the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Volunteers sort and shelve donated food and pack bags.
Interest Area: food
Group or individual Project
Age: 18+, 6+ with an adult
Not Family Friendly

North Park Village Nature Center
The mission of the Chicago Park District's North Park Village Nature Center is to provide urban citizens with an opportunity to interact with wildlife, plants and other natural resources through environmental education and access to improved natural landscapes. Volunteers are needed to help with the ecological restoration of the grounds.
Interest Area: environment
Group Project
Age: 18+, 6+ with an adult
Not Family Friendly

OMNI Youth Services
OMNI Youth Services is dedicated to strengthening families by developing responsible children, youth, and parents; empowering youth to become positive participants in the community; serving communities through partnership and prevention strategies; and being a successful alternative to costly institutional care. Volunteer opportunities include office work, tutoring and mentoring programs, and community events.
Interest Area: youth
Group or Individual Project
Age: varies
Not Family Friendly

Onward Neighborhood House
The mission of Onward Neighborhood House is to empower families and individuals in need to achieve their full potential in a community-based setting through participant-driven educational, recreational, and social service programs. Volunteers are needed for preschool and elementary school programs, special/holiday events as skilled performers/mentors, and for office work.
Interest Area: education, elderly, food, low income, seasonal, youth, families
Group or Individual Project
Age: varies
Family friendly: Opportunities available for families that want to help with cleaning, painting, or reading to and tutoring children.

The Pantry of Rich Township
The Pantry of Rich Township is an extension unit of the Salvation Army and is a community-wide, funded, emergency assistance program on a limited basis. Besides helping with food, “The Pantry” assists with prescriptions and utilities such as electricity and water. The Pantry is open to low-income families of Rich Township and Park Forest and distributes food to over 720 families.
Interest Area: food
Group or Individual Project
Age: 14+
Family Friendly: Packing boxes during the Christmas season

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
At its current location since October 1999, the Nature Museum helps urban dwellers to connect to the natural world through scientific learning and environmental programs. Administrative, special events, biology, education and visitor services volunteers are always needed at the museum.
Interest Area: environment, education
Individual Project
Age: 18+
Not Family Friendly

Polish American Association (PAA)
Since 1922, the PAA has been committed to serving the diverse needs of Chicagoland’s Polish community and others in need. As the nation’s only non-profit human services organization providing a comprehensive range of bilingual and bicultural programs and services to the Polish community, PAA has helped thousands of immigrants learn English, find jobs, and become U.S. citizens. In addition, the professional staff at PAA helps victims of domestic violence and their families, the homeless, seniors, youth, needy families, and those wanting to free themselves of alcohol and drug addictions. Volunteer opportunities include English-language tutoring, working at the food pantry, food package preperation, and assisting at special events.
Interest Area: education, elderly, food, seasonal events
Small Group or Individual Project
Age: 13+
Not Family Friendly

The Sanctuary South Suburban Family Shelter
The Sanctuary is a 12-unit apartment building in the southern suburbs that provides transitional housing to homeless women and children ready to make the transition to independent living. Families reside in the building for six months, where they can take advantage of support services. Residents are also required to take a variety of classes from budgeting to nutrition. Volunteers are needed for special events such as holiday parties and ice cream socials.
Interest Area: low-income, seasonal events, shelter
Group or Individual Project
Age: all
Family Friendly: Special events only

Sarah’s Circle
Sarah's Circle offers daytime supportive services in a welcoming, safe refuge for women who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Sarah's Circle respects each woman and her individuality and offers her the opportunity to make positive changes in her life. We work toward ending homelessness by providing options, services, advocacy and meeting the needs of the women who come through our doors. Volunteer opportunities include serving meals and participating in special projects.
Interest Area: food, women’s advocacy
Small Group or Individual Project
Age: all
Family Friendly

Share Your Soles
Share Your Soles donates quality used shoes to poverty-stricken people throughout the world. Since 1999, the agency has provided over 20,000 pairs of shoes to 26 locations worldwide. Volunteers are needed at the processing center.
Interest Area: low-income
Small Group or Individual Project
Age: 18+, 16+ with an adult
Family Friendly: Holding shoe drives

South Suburban PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter)
South Suburban PADS is an inter-faith program providing shelter and supportive services to homeless persons. Compassion, hospitality and dignity are key characteristics of the PADS program. Volunteers are needed to help with a variety of activities, ranging from administrative work to helping at the food pantry.
Interest Area: lower-income, food, shelter
Group or Individual Project
Age: 18 + (individual), junior high age with sponsor (groups)
Not Family Friendly

St. Leonard's Ministries
Open since 1954, St. Leonard's Ministries provides comprehensive residential and case management services to men and women who have been released from prison with no resources for rebuilding their lives. St. Leonard's helps approximately 400 individuals, ages 18-65, annually. Volunteer opportunities include tutoring, outings, and meal service.
Interest Area: food, low-income, building and renovation, seasonal
Small Group or Individual
Age: 16+, 10+ with an adult
Not Family Friendly

Vital Bridges
Each year Vital Bridges helps more than 2,400 people impacted by HIV and AIDS improve their health and build self-sufficiency. By offering case management, food, nutrition counseling, housing assistance, and prevention education at their six sites, Vital Bridges helps clients easily access high quality, professional help when they need it. Whether they need to find emergency housing, learn how to manage their diet, resolve a problem in their relationship, or deal with financial concerns, Vital Bridges is there to help.
Interest Area: food, health
Group or Individual Project
Age: 15+
Not Family Friendly

Waterford Estates
Waterford Estates is one of Chicago's largest rental retirement communities. Located in the southern suburbs, Waterford Estates offers both independent and assisted living options and catering programs to meet the needs of each individual resident. Waterford provides a caring environment with a full range of staff devoted to the well-being and peace-of-mind of each resident. Volunteers are needed to assist with various recreational programming that Waterford provides and friendly visiting with their pets.
Interest Area: elderly, friendly visiting
Small Group or Individual Project
Age: 18+, 12+ with an adult
Not Family Friendly

YMCA - High Ridge
The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago provides diverse programming and support to more than 1 million people throughout the Chicagoland area. YMCA programs focus on family, self-sufficiency, childcare and development, youth sports, leadership, and health and wellness. The High Ridge YMCA, serving the communities of Rogers Park and West Ridge, has many youth focused services. Volunteer opportunities include renovation projects, youth activities, office assistance and janitorial work. Background checks are required.
Interest Area: building and renovation, education, youth
Group (2-20 people) or Individual Project
Age: 16+ (individual), 10+ with an adult (groups)
Not Family Friendly