“We read to know that we are not alone,” observed writer William Nicholson. At a time when the world feels fractured, books can remind us of our shared humanity — offering wisdom, comfort, and the courage to seek connection even in the face of division and uncertainty. At Siena Retreat Center, a nonprofit spiritual retreat […]
In a world fraying with loneliness and division, Mark Nepo says friendship is how we find our way back to ourselves. The beloved poet and spiritual adviser describes friendship as a “place of high safety” — a refuge where we can fall apart and still be held, a place that steadies us when everything else […]
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. […]
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 […]
On a cold and blustery Sunday morning, hundreds of Chicagoans gathered in Humboldt Park on Feb. 9 for the inaugural Winter Walk, a powerful event dedicated to raising awareness and support for people experiencing homelessness. Inspired by similar walks in Boston and New York, the heart of the Winter Walk was a two-mile walk through […]
As we enter the holiday season, the true spirit of joy is found in giving, especially to those who need it most. And there’s science behind this. Research has consistently shown that acts of generosity — whether it’s giving gifts, financial support, or donations — increase our happiness even more than spending on ourselves. At […]
