Local Dad Builds a Special Bike for a Special Community

Steven Cohen built a bike for his 11-year-old son Joey, who has autism, and in the process created a tool that brings special needs kids and adults independence and joy. And his JoRide bike (aptly named after his son) is getting lots of attention. Already, local news outlets have praised Cohen for creating a bike […]

by Kristina Tober

5 Ways to Make a Difference on Veterans Day

On November 11, we honor our nation’s veterans and military personnel for Veteran’s Day. There are many ways to mark the holiday, but here are five ways you can make a difference in the lives of local vets and soldiers this Veteran’s Day. Visit the National Veteran’s Art Museum 1801 S. Indiana Ave., Chicago Admission: […]

by Elyse Russo

Everett Elementary School: Embedding Service within Academics

Everett Elementary School students don’t just learn about math, science and language, they use what they’ve learned to make the world a better place. After studying bears in the classroom, Everett kindergarteners took their learning one step further by painting the bears in art class, but it didn’t stop there. Each painting was copied onto […]

by Olivia Murawski

Don’t Ask, Just Do It: Helping Friends in Need

When there’s a new baby, or your friend has the flu, delivering dinner is definitely welcome. But when the worst happens—a husband dies suddenly, a child is diagnosed with a serious illness, or a rugged divorce gets more rugged—what do you do? “Calling and saying, `Call me anytime, I’ll do anything for you’ isn’t going […]

by Laura Tiebert

BuildOn: Empowering through Education

BuildOn is a youth program that breaks the cycle of poverty, illiteracy and low expectations through service and education. As they like to say, “We are not a charity, we are a movement!” Local high school students participate through in-class and intensive after school programs. But they don’t just learn, they also do. First, with […]

by Olivia Murawski