Habitat for Humanity is an organization that helps provide affordable housing for families of certain income levels. The homes are sold at no profit and with an interest-free loan. Habitat is always looking for volunteers to assist in rebuilding and improving homes.
A four-story replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa sits directly in front of this YMCA facility. The area around the Tower has a reflecting pool and amphitheater seating for occasional concerts. Inside, the YMCA offers housing, child care and a wide variety of recreational and fitness pursuits. They include aquatics programs in the two pools, fitness, sports such as basketball and racquetball, a large weight room, and classes in dance, triathlon training, martial arts and other subjects for children, adults and seniors.
NU2U Resale is a nonprofit thrift store. It carries clothing, furniture, appliances, toys, housewares and accessories. All profits go to Together We Cope, a nonprofit agency that provides temporary assistance to families in crisis from the south suburbs. Donations are welcome and tax deductible.
The Johnson-Phelps VFW Post 5220 is one of thousands of posts under the auspices of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the largest chartered organization of combat war veterans in the United States.
More than 1,300 veterans comprise the Oak Lawn VFW post, which includes combat veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Middle East wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Members of the Johnson-Phelps post donate hundreds of volunteer hours to supporting veterans and their families, community outreach and events commemorating the military. The post also has a women's auxiliary.
The post operates a meeting hall that is available for private rental and includes a banquet room. Many local organizations use the hall for meetings and events, such as Bingo.
Banquet packages are available, including food and beverages, and there is a kitchen for preparation.
The post meets every second and fourth Tuesday of the month; the women's auxiliary the first Tuesday of the month.
The lounge opens at noon.
Donka, Inc. is a non for profit organization that supplies job training and computer skills to those with disabilities. The training is preformed in a state-of-the-art facility by certified teachers.
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Lake County is a non-profit organization serving abused and neglected children within the juvenile court system. Its purpose is to advocate on their behalf and facilitate their placement in safe permanent homes.
Located on Main Street, the Center for Independent Futures is a nonprofit organization that supports individuals with disabilities and their families. Its services include consultations, facilitated life-planning sessions and supported living arrangements. CIF also has partnerships with schools and human service agencies, and it trains teachers in Evanston Township High School's special education department.
American Legion is a nationwide organization that works to support veterans and community programs. The local Post 1231 offers numerous services and welcomes veterans from all branches of the armed forces. The post hosts many special events and activities, including dinners, weekly specials and community events. The Legion hall is also available for rental for meetings, events and other occasions. Check the main site for details on rates or call to speak with a member about availability.
Founded in 1974, AgeOptions (formerly the Area Agency on Aging) is a resource for the over-60 community in suburban Cook County. While the agency doesn't offer direct services, staffers here are ready to assist seniors in finding information about healthcare benefits, meal programs, jobs, abuse and neglect intervention and a host of other issues. The nonprofit serves about 460,000 seniors in 130 communities in Cook County.
Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse is a nonprofit organization working to reduce landfill waste and recycle usable building and construction materials. The organization offers a wide range of reclaimed building materials at the warehouse at low cost to the community. Some items include cabinets, fixtures, candles, windows, patio doors, building materials, doors, and much more. Check its website for details on how to donate or volunteer or for information on how to get involved.
First Presbyterian Church is a religious institution offering a safe and welcoming environment for residents to worship and pray. The church offers weekly prayer services, as well as communion and holiday services. The church also offers numerous programs for patrons, including community service, youth activities, religious education, adult programs, ministries and more. Some programs include student ministries, group ministries, Bible study, adult education and more. The church also offers child care services, including for infants and toddlers. Check the church's website for a schedule or programs or events, or for details on services provided.
The Ronald McDonald House located near Advocate Hope Children's Hospital provides a caring, homelike atmosphere for parents and siblings undergoing treatment at the hospital.
The home is designed with "a house in the woods" theme, with ample community rooms where families can seek support from others undergoing similar experiences.
Included are 16 bedrooms with private baths, and four extended-stay suites; most bedrooms can accommodate three to four people. There is a handicapped-accessible "tree house," game room and playroom, a large kitchen, laundry facility, library, outdoor patios and Internet access.
The house is open to families with pediatric patients at Hope or other surrounding hospitals. Families must live farther than 10 miles away, and referrals from social workers are required.
Families are asked to pitch in to keep their rooms and house tidy and to wash their own towels.
Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. A suggested donation of $10 per night is suggested, but no one is turned away for inability to pay.
The home is operated by Ronald McDonald Children's Charities, which strives to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children.
The Corner Shop is a donation store that is run by the Community Nurse Health Center, a local, non-profit organization. The store sells gently-used furniture, home decor, artwork, books, crystal and china, vintage jewelry, antiques and collectibles. All proceeds are used to provide healthcare to families in-need throughout Chicago's western suburbs. To coordinate a furniture donation pick-up, be sure to call the number provided.