Research has shown that staying social connectedness can improve physical health and emotional well-being, and even increased life span. The Volunteer Center provides a path to making such connections and fostering positive emotion through volunteering. Here’s how. Volunteering enhances well being It is a scientifically accepted premise that contributing time and effort to a cause greater than […]
In the heart of Chicago, a growing tide of migrants continues to arrive, seeking refuge from their troubled homelands. As the city welcomes these new neighbors, Family Empowerment Centers (FEC) has stepped up to provide critical support and care, but the situation remains dire. Amidst the narratives of hope and resilience, there is an urgent […]
Steve Hester, Jeff Hester and their team at Hester Painting and Decorating are all about paying it forward. Founded in 1968 by Tom Hester, the company — which serves both commercial and residential customers — has beautified spaces for many Chicago-area homes and businesses, including schools, healthcare facilities, hospitality providers and tech companies. They were […]
The Make It Better Foundation recently hosted its 2023 Philanthropy Awards with emcee Suzanne Le Mignot of CBS 2 Chicago to honor the Chicago-area nonprofits working to make a difference in violence interruption and prevention throughout the city. This year, the Make It Better Foundation recognized recipients with evidence-based programs that prevent gun violence by […]
Looking back on the past three years, we can finally see some of the silver linings of the pandemic. The ability to work at home more often; more precious time with our kids; adopting a pet that is now a treasured family member; discovering gifts and talents that we never knew we had in the […]
In 2015, the United Nations proposed a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere by 2030. Seventeen goals were adopted by all UN Member States as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Although progress is being made, with less than a decade […]
For over 45 years, the Carole Robertson Center for Learning has been committed to the development of children, youth and their families across Chicago — serving culturally, linguistically and ethnically diverse populations and reaching more than 2,500 children and families across 27 communities. In celebration of this impactful work and the people who make it […]
It has often been said that opera is an acquired taste, more so than any other form of music or art. Many opera aficionados are well into adulthood and, over time, have come to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of a wonderfully executed performance, including the grandiose music, emotional vocals and elaborate costumes that are […]
In the modern age, the ever-present symptoms of the climate crisis, socio-political strain, civil unrest and more loom larger than ever in our lives. Oftentimes, this puts us in a reactionary position instead of one based in action and forethought on how to navigate these issues. For analogue collage artist Sierra Severson, there is a […]
For 20 years, Israeli violinmakers Amnon and Avshalom (Avshi) Weinstein collected and restored Holocaust-era violins. The father and son duo presented these beautifully crafted string instruments worldwide through their project Violins of Hope — an international sensation showcasing Jewish stories of resilience, resistance and unity through the power of musical performance. The Jewish Community Center […]
