In moments of crisis, healing often begins with something simple: a warm meal, a quiet space, the sense that someone sees you. For those navigating homelessness, trauma, or identity-based marginalization, even these basic comforts are often out of reach. But when they are made available — intentionally, consistently, and with care — they can be […]
What if we rejected the messaging that has permeated our country and our schools: that the arts are a luxury for only the well-to-do, something to cut when budgets need to be balanced, creativity a skill meant for only those who can pay at the door? How would we see ourselves and the thousands of […]
To many, urban planning feels like a mystery — something happening in the background until one day you wake up and that vacant corner lot is suddenly a coffee shop. As an architect working in city planning for most of my career, I know how these decisions get made. For the average resident in a […]
In West Garfield Park, a square-mile Chicago neighborhood that has seen nearly 1,000 shootings throughout the past five years — roughly one every other day — young people live in a constant state of fear. They watch over their shoulders, wary not only of those called to protect and serve but also of each other. […]
Inclusion isn’t just being invited to the party — it’s being asked to dance. The metaphor is simple, but the message runs deep: real inclusion means making sure everyone feels seen, valued, and involved — not just present. And teaching that kind of inclusion starts early. Experts in child development, education, and disability advocacy agree: […]
Finally! Colorful produce as far as the eye can see, stalls full of fresh-cut flowers, and plenty of tasty treats from local vendors — the summer farmers market scene in Chicagoland is in full swing. Check out our list of great farmers markets throughout the city and North Shore — whether you’re shopping for groceries, […]
The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago proudly celebrated the 2025 class of heroes at the annual Red Cross Heroes Breakfast on April 30. These individuals have gone above and beyond to build stronger, safer communities and have made a lasting impact through their selfless actions. The Heroes Breakfast was established to raise public awareness of local heroes […]
The town of Highland Park, a tight-knit community north of Chicago, has been grappling with the fallout of the July 4, 2022, mass shooting that turned a holiday parade into a scene of horror. Seven people were killed and nearly 50 others injured when a rooftop gunman opened fire with an AR-style rifle. Nearly three […]
In a time when many nonprofits are struggling to sustain year-over-year support — and donors seek more transparency about where their money goes — a small church just north of Chicago has quietly built a model of grassroots philanthropy that’s helped dozens of local organizations not just survive, but thrive. Kenilworth Union Church’s approach might […]
Loneliness isn’t just an emotion — it’s a growing public health crisis. A 2023 Gallup Poll found that one in four people around the world report significant loneliness, while another 27 percent say they feel at least a little lonely. And surprisingly, it’s not just older adults who are affected. The highest rates of loneliness […]
