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 […]
Sure, it helps to have a good idea. But Highland Park High School student Mishika Narula proves that the success of any nonprofit venture is only as good as the passion and innovation behind it. In her own words, it’s simply the “Power of Pops.” Like many kids her age, Mishika had been looking for a […]
When Evanston resident and yoga instructor Courtney Riley, 33, wants to make a difference, she takes a hike. Not to a local forest preserve, but the highest mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro. The only thing that could top it? The high she gets from helping others. She’s able to do both when traveling with the […]
Gale Gand is royalty in the food world. She’s a successful cookbook author, Food Network personality and a rare female partner at a world-class restaurant. When President Hu of China recently came to Chicago, Mayor Daley asked Gale to cook dessert for the welcome dinner—she has the signed chef’s jacket as a souvenir. As […]
Sharon J. King is the head of membership for the Glencoe Women’s Library Club, which raises money to distribute to different area philanthropies, including hospitals and Glencoe Youth Services. But her service hardly ends there. “If something’s happening, Sharon is in the middle of it,” says Club President Peg Malloy. King is so in the […]
The Volunteer Center (serving NE suburban Chicago) and The Interfaith Housing Center of the Northern Suburbs are teaming up for the third year to offer an exceptional day of service and inspiration for people of all ages. Give Time Sponsored by Harris Bank, individuals, groups and families are invited to help the homeless, hospitalized and […]
When it comes to a career, Lake Forest’s Haley Waud just wants to help people get back on their feet—literally. While studying to be a physical therapist specializing in prosthetics, the 20-year-old is already doing her part to help amputees in Chicago and in Guatemala. A ROMP-ing good time Waud was inspired to pursue physical […]
Joining the Peace Corps at age 60 was more about letting go than giving up. The time was right. After a successful career in journalism and the comforts of a home in Chicago, I was ready for change. As Peace Corps increases the drive to attract more people older than 50. I mused on […]
Students considering a gap year often worry about how to pay for it, especially now when many parents have lost jobs and household incomes have decreased. But there are ways to make taking time off affordable, so it doesn’t break the bank. Myth: Gap year is only for the wealthy. So, taking a gap year […]
