You Said It: During Disability Pride Month, Communities Should Focus On Improving Accessibility For People With Developmental Disabilities

Each July, we celebrate Disability Pride Month, commemorating the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. The ADA has become the cornerstone legislation that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, public housing, transportation, and other areas. It has been a crucial tool for holding ourselves accountable and creating […]

by Erin Ryan, CEO, Shore Community Services

Life Expectancy Linked to Nature Access: Brushwood Center's 'Convergence' Transforms Research into Art

Across the United States, how long you live is determined by where you live. A person’s health is shaped  by their environment, their ability to access nature, and the systems that support communities. In Lake  County, IL, north of Chicago, often recognized for an abundance of nature, including Lake Michigan,  forest preserves, parks, and grassroots-created […]

by Better Staff

You Said It: I’m an Economist — Here’s Why DEI in Business, Education and Community Leads to Economic Prosperity

In 2020, President Donald Trump signed an executive order revoking all federal government diversity, education, and inclusion (DEI) training. While several lawsuits followed that order, and President Joe Biden has since reversed the ban on DEI training, federal government agencies, businesses, and nonprofits that contract with the federal government already felt the impact from the […]

by Better

UNICEF CEO Discusses Launch of New Multimedia Experience 'Heart Strings: Creating Connection to the World's Children'

Michael J. Nyenhuis, president and CEO of UNICEF USA since March 2020, sat down with Make It Better founder Susan B. Noyes to share his insight and excitement about the launch of “Heart Strings: Creating Connection To The World’s Children.” The interactive, multimedia experience, a collaboration between UNICEF USA and award-winning multimedia studio Moment Factory, […]

by Susan B. Noyes

Where to Donate: A Handy Guide

Ready to get organized and rid your home of the clutter? Whether you’re cleaning out your closet or bookshelf or updating your furniture, don’t just toss those items — donate them and make a difference to one of the many local organizations in need. Here’s our guide to where to donate throughout the North Shore […]

by Olivia Ellis and Marie Scheidler

Celebrate Chicagoland Heroes: Support the Red Cross Now and Double Your Impact With This Donation-Matching Opportunity

July 2023 saw record-breaking floods on Chicago’s Westside, causing severe home and property damage in the city’s Austin neighborhood. As a longtime Austin resident and community advocate, Jacqueline Reed spearheaded relief efforts, mobilizing resources and volunteers to help 75 homes become habitable.  That same month, Firefighter and Paramedic Nicholas DeLeon encountered an active shooter at […]

by Jessica Braun Gervais

A Safe Haven's New Community Mental Health Center: Saving Lives and Winning The Fight Against Homelessness

A Safe Haven Foundation (ASHF) is a Chicago-based organization with a proven record of empowering individuals experiencing homelessness, behavioral health crises, and substance use disorders to achieve sufficiency. ASHF serves clients of all ages, including children and seniors from all 77 Chicago communities. For over 20 years, ASHF has led the charge in helping individuals […]

by A Safe Haven