HandsOn Suburban Chicago links volunteers with those in need
It all started in a box.
In the 1960s, local activist Lois Moore began filling a recipe box with the names of friends and neighbors who were interested in volunteering, but unsure of where to go.
As that box began to overflow, Moore worked with the Arlington Heights Clergy Fellowship to found the Volunteer Service Bureau of Northwest Cook County, a clearinghouse for volunteer opportunities.
The bureau opened its doors on May 1, 1969, in a cramped high school office, connecting more than 100 people with opportunities to make a difference in the first year.
From these humble beginnings, HandsOn Suburban Chicago — as we've been called since July 2011 — has grown into a force for change, referring more than 5,000 volunteers annually and serving more than 200 social service agencies, nonprofits and schools in 40 communities in Northern Cook and Northern DuPage counties.
While we continue the tradition of referring people to organizations, today's volunteer center goes further, with volunteer programs for youth and with Senior Corps-RSVP (a federal program to provide retirees with the opportunity to use their time, talents and lifetime experience to volunteer), and also by providing professional training and consulting services for area nonprofits.
While we are continually evolving as an organization, our long commitment to the community is reflected in our mission statement: “To inspire, equip and mobilize people to volunteer to take action that builds vibrant and prosperous communities.”
Our goals are to:
• Assist nonprofits, schools and government agencies to meet community needs through effective volunteer engagement, training and consulting.
• Partner with corporations and local businesses to help build the capacity of nonprofits to serve more people through skills-based projects.
How it works
As a volunteer connector organization and leader in establishing volunteer management programs, HOSC provides 24/7 access to traditional and skills-based volunteer opportunities. For individuals and groups, up to 400 opportunities are available each day to help the community. These opportunities are updated each day at www.handsonsuburbanchicago.org/Volunteers_Search_Opportunities.
Giving opportunities
Due to the recent state budget impasse, as well as cuts from foundations and reduced donations, HOSC is seeking donations to keep our programs going to support volunteer opportunities to help communities in our service area. To donate, go to www.HandsOnSuburbanChicago.org/Donate.
Other giving opportunities include sponsorship for our annual Volunteer Recognition Breakfast held in April, as well as program sponsorships.
Upcoming event
Celebrate Senior Corps-RSVP Day at Boomers Stadium at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10, at 1999 S. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Tickets are available free to any current active Senior Corps member. Community members 55 and older interested in becoming a Senior Corps-RSVP member also are welcome as are younger people who would like to celebrate the accomplishments of the senior volunteers. Email rsvp@volunteerinfo.net or call (847) 228-1006 for information and reservations.
Vital statistics
Annual Budget: $433,208
Funding sources: Local, state and federal government; corporate programs; local grants; donations
Employees: Five full-time, two part-time
Executive director: Jordan Friedman
Volunteer opportunities: Close to 400
Number of volunteers: More than 7,500
Website visits in a year: 27,378
Information: <a href="http://www.HandsOnSuburbanChicago.org">www.HandsOnSuburbanChicago.org</a>, (847) 228-1320