Non-Profits in Chicago Inspire Change

Imerman Angels Fight Cancer in Chicago

Cancer is no joke, and the path to tackling this disease can be difficult and lonely. Therefore, in an organization in Chicago has made it its mission to eliminate the isolation that this illness can bring by bringing people together. Imerman Angels was founded in 2006 by Jonny Imerman after he endured his battle with cancer. He saw how it helped to have a support system through his journey in fighting the illness and wanted to give others the same support that he had.

Jonny made it his vision to bring about an organization that united both cancer patients and survivors so they had a support system of their own. Imerman Angels allows those that are fighting cancer the chance to find a mentor that can guide them through the intense process of fighting the disease. Mentors are usually cancer survivors or caregivers that have experience with the type of cancer that the person is fighting, and they can serve as a guide while the cancer patient goes through the process of fighting the disease and recovering. Mentors are trained and screened before they are matched up with a patient, and a staff member assists them in their training.

Imerman Angels allows anyone that is or has gone through cancer treatment the opportunity to request support. There is a sign-up form on their website for both patients and mentors, and they make these services available to everyone. If you or someone that you know is fighting cancer and could use the extra support of a mentor, feel free to visit their website. There is no reason that anyone should have to go through a journey like that alone.

Wiping Out Homelessness in Chicago

With the cold approaching, many homeless people are wondering where they are going to seek shelter. Luckily in the city of Chicago, there is somewhere that they can go. The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless has been working for years to help those in the public that are in need of shelter get back on their feet.

According to their website, they offer outreach at shelters, street programs, and single-room occupancy facilities. They work to create affordable housing for everyone. They help children that are homeless, and they assist people in gaining access to jobs that could help them support themselves in the future.

The Chicago Coalition for Homeless also offers other opportunities for those that are in need. They offer creative writing workshops to those that are living in homeless shelters. They have a college scholarship to help those that are in financial need achieve their educational dreams, and they offer free legal aid for the homeless.

This organization has the mission to prevent and end homelessness in Chicago, and with all of the resources that they provide, they are well on their way. The next event held by the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is called the Victory Celebration. This event will occur on December 1, and it will honor those that have helped support the organization.

If you would like to learn more about the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, feel free to visit their website, and if you feel like supporting them, they accept donations to support their regular programs and financial support for their scholarship fund.

An Alternative Way for Youth to Grow

In Chicago, one organization is doing its best to create a more positive atmosphere for the youth in the city to grow. Alternatives is an organization in Chicago that works with children and youth that are between ten and twenty-four to increase growth opportunities in the community and inspire these young people to be agents of change.

Alternatives offers several services including prevention programs, counseling, and a youth leadership program, which educates youth on how to add to their community and create a better environment for themselves and others to grow up in. Alternatives holds several events that inspire equity for all and embrace cultural differences in the community.

The next event that this organization will be sponsoring is an event for professionals held by the Washington Park Network. This event will be held on Wednesdays from 3:30–5 p.m., and it will allow professionals in the community to get to know each other and work together on community improvement projects.

There will also be an afterschool program called Just Us for middle and high school students during the week. This program will address social justice awareness and allow members a supportive group in which they can talk about the issues that they may have faced during the week.

Girl World is another afterschool program that will be held by Alternatives. This is for female and nonbinary students, and it is focused on building leadership skills and addressing social justice issues.

For other events or to get more information on Alternatives, feel free to visit their website.