The Honeycomb Project: Creating Change — and Reaping Lifelong Benefits — Through Youth Civil Service

Nearly every Saturday, 11-year-old Brody wakes up early, not to scroll on his phone and watch YouTube videos, but rather to volunteer alongside his parents and siblings. Brody is one of many children in Chicagoland who steps up to address pressing challenges in our communities, such as poverty, food insecurity, and homelessness.  According to Illinois […]

How NAMI’s 988 Call Center Provides Local Support for the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

In January, National Alliance of Mental Illness Chicago (NAMI) began operating its own 988 center. 988, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is a phone and text crisis line for people experiencing mental health difficulties, linking callers to local support. 988 is for folks who are experiencing mental health distress, including suicidal crisis, […]

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 […]

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, […]