Community Service Options

Supervisors and managers should select a community service project from the list below for their areas to complete during Investiture Week (October 3 through October 7). When the activity is completed, please log it here:

Habitat Restoration at Harper

Join the Harper Biology Department for a habitat restoration event in the Craig Stettner Prairie on Friday, October 7, at 1 p.m. Registration is required. Questions? Contact Virginia (Ginger) McHugh-Kurtz.

JOURNEYS | The Road Home

JOURNEYS | The Road Home is a non-profit agency that provides both shelter and social services to the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless in 37 towns in north/northwest suburban Cook County. The agency consists of the PADS Shelter Program, the HOPE Center Supportive Services Program, and the Pathways Housing Readiness Program focusing on intervention and assistance for those in need.

PADS Shelters – PADS are emergency shelters located at facilities of faith communities throughout the Journeys service area. The shelters provide a safe place to sleep at night as well as dinner, breakfast and a sack lunch the next day. Volunteers are needed between 5:30-8 p.m. to help set up shelters for the evening and staff welcome tables. Contact Anna Malhotra, a.malhotra@journeystheroadhome.org for schedule and details. Volunteers must complete an orientation and agree to a background check.
Donations – Due to limited storage space, Journeys is asking for donated items rather than assembled kits. Contact communityoutreach@harpercollege.edu to request a list of items needed.

Kenneth Young Center

Kenneth Young Center partners with communities to support people of all ages to navigate life’s challenges through personalized prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery. KYC serves the community through mental health services, youth empowerment programs and care for older adults.

Color a positive message - Practice mindfulness while supporting others. Take some time out of your day to color a positive message that will be shared with clients in need. Completed sheets will be collected and delivered to Kenneth Young Center. Request coloring sheets.
Fall Clean Up - Visit the Elk Grove Village office to help with some fall clean up. Help trim bushes, pull weeds, sweep sidewalks, etc. This activity is limited to 8-12 people. Registration is required. Contact Ravi Kalani, ravik@kennethyoung.org for details and to register.

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels is a national program that delivers meals to individuals that are homebound or unable to prepare their own meals. Community organizations throughout Harper’s district participate in the Meals on Wheels program.

Meal Messages - Share a thoughtful message, a joke or well wishes with seniors in the community. Cards will be provided to volunteers to fill out during the week and will be delivered to organizations throughout the district to be included in Meals on Wheels deliveries. Request cards.

Partners for Our Communities

Since 1999, Partners for Our Communities (POC) has welcomed and introduced families and individuals in need to the Palatine community. The POC connects people with local resources and provides a pathway for their integration and success. They are dedicated to helping people help themselves through a variety of programs and services.

Roots Community Garden - Help harvest, water, weed and more. The community garden provides fresh vegetables for families in the community. This activity is limited to 15-20 people. Contact khaas@ecdec.org to volunteer.
Clothing Closet – the POC Clothing Closet assists with providing clothing and basic needs for families in crisis. Volunteers are needed to help hang and sort donations so families can easily shop for items. View available dates and times and register to volunteer.

All Saints Lutheran Church Food Pantry

Volunteers are needed during the week to receive and sort donations, stock shelves, and package groceries for distribution. Volunteers prepare bags of food, direct traffic, help clients select groceries, and load food into client vehicles. Contact foodpantry@allsaintspalatine.org for more information.

Positive Posts

Everyone could use a positive message or a quick pick me up. Request specially designed stickers and note cards to share a positive and affirming message. Notes will be placed on Positivity Boards that will be displayed at partner locations so clients and employees can grab message that speaks to them. This is fun and easy project that can make a difference in someone’s day. Request note cards.

Second City Canine

Second City Canine Rescue’s mission is to rescue homeless animals and responsibly place them into permanent, loving homes.

Puppy Playtime – Volunteers are needed on various days and times to socialize and care for puppies. Volunteers must complete an online application and introduction in order to sign up for a two-hour shift at the adoption center. The adoption center is located at 570 N. Smith Street, Palatine. Please plan on completing the application process and reserving an open shift at least two weeks in advance. Questions? Contact volunteer@sccrescue.org.

WINGS

WINGS provides a pathway to independence for adults and children who are escaping from domestic violence and abuse. Their goal is to provide the tools and support necessary to ensure that victims can escape their abusers and begin building new, violence-free lives.

Care kits – Collaborate as a department to collect donations and assemble kits for families living in the WINGS emergency shelters. Assemble men’s and women’s hygiene kits or housekeeping kits. Kits will be collected and delivered to WINGS at the end of week. Contact communityoutreach@harpercollege.edu to request a list of kit items.
Resale Shops – Proceeds from the three WINGS Resale shops support families in the WINGS program. Volunteers are needed to help sort and organize donations. Volunteer individually or as a group. Contact Bruna Srb, bsrb@wingsprogram.com for details.