From L to R: Brenda Morales, Connections for Abused Women and their Children; Maria Kim, The Cara Program; William Hansen, Family Service of Glencoe; Colette Allen, Family Focus; Adam Alonso, B.U.I.L.D.; Robin McGinnis, Infant Welfare Society of Chicago; Kara Teeple, Lawrence Hall; Amber Webb, Lawrence Hall; Mari Christopherson, CASA — Lake County; Lissette Casteneda, Center for Changing Lives; Sol Flores, La Casa Norte.
September 26, 2016 — GLENCOE, IL — The board of North Shore Exchange along with the Woman's Library Club of Glencoe proudly announce the grant recipients of $275,000 in proceeds from its last fiscal year, bringing the total amount of grants given away in just three years to $700,000.
North Shore Exchange is Glencoe's charitable, upscale resale shop that offers an edited collection of designer women's clothing and accessories, as well as beautiful home furnishings and decor. As the charitable endeavor of the Woman's Library Club, 100% of all proceeds go to support nonprofit organizations serving children and families at or near the poverty level.
New this year, North Shore Exchange is awarding three different categories of grants -- ten traditional Exchange Grants that are similar to those awarded in the past; one Community Grant given to our local social service agency, Family Service of Glencoe; and two new Invigorate Grants given to organizations to fund innovative approaches to solving important challenges within the nonprofits' constituencies.
“With another incredible year of growth, we are humbled by the community’s support of our mission," said Wendy Serrino, president of North Shore Exchange. “With more money to distribute we were able to add our Invigorate Grants to support the forward-thinking, critical work these worthy organizations are doing. For these grant recipients these funds will invigorate creative thinking allowing innovative programs to become a reality."
The following organizations were presented with checks at a reception honoring their important missions:
EXCHANGE GRANTS
- BUILD
- Connections for Abused Women and their Children
- Center for Changing Lives
- The Cara Program
- EMBARC
- Family Focus
- Infant Welfare Society of Chicago
- Lawrence Hall
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
INVIGORATE GRANTS
COMMUNITY GRANT
The following is an overview of the the missions of each of the grant recipients in the categories of abuse, education, healthcare, disabilities, homelessness, hunger, mental health and social services:
ABUSE
Connections for Abused Women and their Children: Connections for Abused Women and their Children, formerly Chicago Abused Woman Coalition, is committed to ending domestic violence. Using a self-help, empowerment approach, the organization provides a shelter for women and children, as well as counseling, advocacy, and a 24-hour hotline for people affected by domestic violence.
CASA — Lake County: CASA Lake County is a nonprofit membership organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the juvenile court system. Based on the belief that every child is entitled to a safe and permanent home, thoroughly trained CASA volunteers work in collaboration with key agencies, legal counsel and community resources to serve as the child's advocate and represent the child's best interest in juvenile court.
EDUCATION
Broader Urban Involvement & Leadership Development (BUILD): Started in 1969 as a gang intervention program serving fewer than 200 gang-affiliated youth in the one community, BUILD has grown to serve more than 3,000 youth annually. Its mission is to engage at-risk youth in schools and on the streets so they can realize their educational and career potential and contribute to the stability, safety and well-being of their communities.
EMBARC: EMBARC is a 3-year program that provides community-driven, experienced-based learning opportunities to low-income high school students to inspire and prepare them for college and career success.
HEALTHCARE/DISABILITIES
Infant Welfare Society of Chicago: Providing services since 1911, Infant Welfare Society is committed to providing critical healthcare services in a one-center location. Services include general healthcare, dentistry, optometry, child development and behavioral health services to children and families from underserved communities who otherwise would lack access to basic medical services.
HOMELESSNESS
The Cara Program: This Chicago organization focuses on giving homeless and disadvantaged individuals the opportunity to secure permanent employment through a comprehensive range of job training, placement, retention and career advancement services. These services prepare and inspire motivated individuals to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty, transform their lives, and forge paths to real and lasting success.
Center for Changing Lives: This organization changes lives, not just circumstances. Its mission is to provide comprehensive support to serve, empower and advocate for community residents experiencing homelessness or housing instability so they may obtain and maintain permanent housing. Individuals working with the center build their economic capacity to achieve their vision for their life.
La Casa Norte: This Chicago organization serves poor families and children in the Midwest by providing stable housing, and delivering comprehensive services that act as a catalyst to transform lives and communities.
HUNGER
Northern Illinois Food Bank: This organization’s mission is to lead the Northern Illinois community in solving hunger by providing nutritious meals to those in need through innovative programs and partnerships.
MENTAL HEALTH
Family Service of Glencoe: Supporting those who live or work in Glencoe, Family Service of Glencoe’s mission is to provide a stronger community and meet individual and family needs through services that identify, prevent and resolve social and emotional issues.
SOCIAL SERVICES
Family Focus, Inc.: Family Focus helps Chicago-area families living in low-income communities give their children the best possible start in life. The organization helps families gain the confidence and skills to be the parents they want to be through customized classes, support groups and referral services in a welcoming and caring environment. Family Focus helps families help themselves while building a relationship based on equality and respect.
Lawrence Hall: Lawrence Hall is a community-based service agency embracing at-risk, neglected youth and their families by instilling resilience, healing and changing lives for good.
“We are so grateful for the community’s support of our resale shop,” said Maxine Retsky, president of the Woman’s Library Club of Glencoe. “Our continued success goes so far in truly making a difference in the lives of those in need.”
For more information about North Shore Exchange, including how to donate or consign items, shop our online store, how to arrange for a donation pickup and how to join North Shore Excahnge's email list, visit www.northshoreexchange.org.