Chicago Lights

17 Pages·2006·0.69 MB·English

2005 Annual Report
Chicago Lights
“Changing Lives
— One at a Time”
Board of Directors Dear Friends of Chicago Lights,
Mark Bereyso (2006–2009)
Changing lives. Th at’s what Chicago Lights is all about.
Betty Bergstrom, Vice President (2006–2009)
Vern Broders
Th ink of the Tutoring student who improves her reading skills and self-confi dence through weekly
Jeanette Bitter
interactions with her tutor. Or the homeless guest of the Elam Davies Social Service Center who learns
Marilynn Cason
computer skills and obtains an e-mail address, enabling him to communicate with others and fi nd a job. Or
Frederick L. Chisolm (2006–2009)
the person who is retired and lives alone but has a community of friends because of her participation in the
Robert Doak
Center for Older Adults. Th ese are just a few examples of the 7,000 lives Chicago Lights impacts every year.
Lisa Guynn, Secretary
Robert Holben, Treasurer
As we look to 2006, our third year as Chicago Lights, we see opportunities for exciting growth: We will
Gunnbjorg Lavoll
expand our tutoring services through a partnership with the Nancy B. Jeff erson Alternative School,
Ed Miller
participate in the City of Chicago’s “Plan to End Homelessness” by supporting two families, and begin
Mark Nelson, President
providing services through the Near North Healthy Heart Program for women in Cabrini-Green.
Sandra Nelson
Cristina Ohr
One of the joys that oft en goes unnoticed is the impact that Chicago Lights has on our volunteers and
Jennifer Tretheway
donors. As you read the inspiring stories in these pages, I encourage you to consider how your life might be
Linda Valentine
changed by becoming a volunteer or making a generous gift to Chicago Lights.
John M. Buchanan, Pastor
Beth Truett, Executive Director
On behalf of the board and staff of Chicago Lights, thank you for your support. Your generosity makes a
diff erence in the lives of many Chicagoans.
Sincerely,
Mark H. Nelson
President, Chicago Lights Board of Directors
Chicago Lights has a unique focus of working
one-to-one with individuals,
empowering people to build bridges
to a brighter future.
Building Bridges to a Brighter Future
Center for Older Adults
Chicago Lights at Fourth Presbyterian Church is a 501(c)(3) nonprofi t
Center for Whole Health organization that brings together, under one banner, programs that strengthen
individuals, families, and neighboring communities. Th e diverse programs that
Elam Davies Social Service Center
comprise Chicago Lights serve 7,000 people each year, changing lives, one at a
Partners in Education time—of children living in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, of older
adults seeking community, of neighbors who are homeless or living in poverty
and others who are striving to overcome the challenges of aging and of access to
healthcare and education.
Many dating from the 1960s, the four program areas of Chicago Lights are
Partners in Education (PIE), which includes Tutoring and Scholarship, Summer
Day, Kids Cafe, and the Near North Magnet Cluster partnership; Center for Older
Adults; Center for Whole Health; and Elam Davies Social Service Center.
Th e programs of Chicago Lights serve as beacons of promise within the urban
landscape. Th ey off er hope and opportunity to people of all ages, races, and
religious traditions who seek wholeness in body, mind, and spirit.
Education Changes Lives
Lifelong learning revitalizes retirement: Foreign language, current aff airs, history, and cultural arts classes
off ered 200 seniors an opportunity to move beyond barriers of aging to expand their minds and spirits.
“Th inking together is part of the fun at the Center for Older Adults.”
—Jane Hunt, History Instructor, Center for Older Adults
One-to-one tutoring off ers key to success: More than 23 percent of tutor-student pairs enjoyed long-term
relationships of three years or more, building trust that infl uenced wise decisions about education and life.
“I was able to dip my feet into many opportunities, exposing myself to anything that was helpful to reaching my goals.”
—Diara Fleming, Student Leadership Council President, Tutoring and Scholarship Program
Skills for living alleviate homelessness: Bimonthly housing seminars addressed the needs of
some of the Social Service Center’s 2,700 guests for honest answers about permanent housing.
“Th e guidance and the direction that I’ve gotten from the Social Service Center has
had a tremendous impact on my life. Th ey really help me to help myself.”
—Tommy Lark, Guest, Elam Davies Social Service Center
Accelerated Reading helps Cabrini-Green kids: During 2005, 900 students in grades three to eight
from three Cabrini-Green schools together read 18,507 books and tested their own progress through
computer-based quizzes.
“Accelerated Reader helps to stimulate my students’ interest in reading and to develop their love of reading.”
—Jamie Bennett, Near North Magnet School Teacher, Jenner Academy of the Arts

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Arts and Technology Change Lives
Building an artistic edge: Nearly 300 students engaged with the classical literature of
Lewis Carroll to produce Alex in Wonderland for a Fine Arts Festival that drew
1,500 friends and family members to celebrate the students’ achievements.
“I have learned that acting can take me far, with a little help from my teachers and friends. Being Alex
in this play has made a diff erence in my life, and it has set me on the right path to success.”
—Willie Crowder, Near North Magnet Cluster Seventh Grader, Manierre School
Mixin’ up technology and art inspires kids at risk: Daily computer classes attracted
120 students each day for 4 weeks during Summer Day, with seventh and eighth graders using
advanced animation soft ware to choreograph their dance performances.
“Technology provides students with information, career opportunities,
and the chance to enhance their communication skills. To keep them interested,
we incorporate technology into activities that interest them, such as the performing arts.”
—Penny Smith, Technology and Student Vocational Trainer, Partners in Education
Art opens horizons for older adults: Drawing and watercolor painting classes cultivated the artistic
talent of 40 students, including beginners. Work culminated in May, when a wide variety
of artistic expression was displayed with pride during the annual COA art exhibit.
“Art classes have opened up exciting new horizons for me by developing unexplored skills and
by getting in touch with the possibilities for growth (that we too oft en fail to develop).”
—Shirley Henninger (not pictured), Member and Art Student, Center for Older Adults
Igniting creativity among women living in poverty: Fift een percent of the
Social Service Center’s 100 guests at Sunday Night Supper are women, who
are now coming together through art to move toward trust and self-esteem.
“I try to provide an environment where women can create something that
takes their mind away from the other challenges they have in their life.”
—Ann Cole, Volunteer, Elam Davies Social Service Center

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Healthcare Education and Services
Change Lives
Staying fi t extends senior lives: Young and older seniors strengthened body, mind, and spirit
through 350 classes annually, including T’ai Chi, NIA, strength-building, and aerobic exercises.
“Th is is a superior class. I have been to many exercise classes outside of the COA,
but you just can’t beat this class; you can’t fi nd anything better.”
—Julie Young, Member, Center for Older Adults
Life skills contribute to healthy kids: Prior to a healthy dinner and Tutoring, 300 students gathered for
30 weeks in 2005 to focus on goal setting, eff ective communication, teamwork, and healthy lifestyles.
“I have enjoyed the interaction as well as sharing life experiences with the kids. Th ey are great, and I truly believe
they’re grateful and appreciative of the wonderful opportunities this program off ers.”
—Paul Ruppe, Volunteer, Kids Cafe—a collaboration with America’s Second Harvest
and Greater Chicago Food Depository
Building healthy hearts for low-income women: Nearly 50 women joined in the Center for Whole
Health’s Near North Healthy Heart program for women at Holy Family Lutheran Church in Cabrini-Green,
gaining the necessary information and resources to live a healthy life for themselves and for their children.
“Th ese are strong, extremely faithful women, who have taught me as many life lessons
as I have taught them about healthy lifestyle changes.”
—Lola Coke, DNSc, CWH Healthy Heart Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor,
Rush University College of Nursing
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Community Building and Caring
Change Lives
Civic partnerships build leaders: Th rough partnerships with local businesses, 20 percent of
the 110 teens in the Tutoring and Scholarship program received hands-on experience,
with paid summer internships, which also reinforced the importance of higher education.
“Th is internship made me realize the commitment I was required to have. It required
discipline—waking up at early hours, getting to work on time, not calling ’cause you’re tired.”
—James Mills, Job Training and Readiness Graduate, Alabama A&M University Freshman
Intentional listening nurtures seniors: Older adults benefi ted from 338 hours
of one-to-one counseling and small group discussion focused on good
healthcare practices and making sound life decisions.
“My work with the Center for Whole Health is heavily relationship based.
It is grounded in trust—a gift the COA members have generously extended to me.”
—JoAnn Gruca, Ph.D., Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, St. Xavier University
Breaking bread together promtes hospitality: Sharing a meal together
met a fundamental need for community and relationships
for 100 guests on 52 Sunday evenings.
“Sometimes supper at Fourth Presbyterian Church is the only time
during the week that our guests are greeted by name.”
—Jill Keiser, Operations Manager, Elam Davies Social Service Center

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Giving to Change Lives
In 2005, more than 1,000
households contributed to
Chicago Lights, giving a gift that
changed a life. Th rough their
collective generosity, these donors
made an immediate and personal
impact on the men, women, and
children whom Chicago Lights
serves. We rely on the generosity of
many donors to serve individuals
in need in our community. Annual
gift s are critical to our success in
Ways to Give
meeting those needs.
Chicago Lights values each and every gift of time, talent, and treasure.
Please make a contribution to You have the power to give hope. Here are just a few ways
the Annual Fund today. Whether you can make a diff erence through giving.
you choose to make a one-time gift ,
monthly gift s, or multiple gift s, you
are supporting our commitment Make an Outright Gift
to serve 7,000 individuals in need We off er several easy ways to give an outright gift to Chicago Lights.
each year. You are ensuring that
students will receive one-to-one Cash Gift s: A donation by check or credit card benefi ts Chicago Lights immediately and can be used for
tutoring from a caring adult. You everyday operating and program expenses. Donors may designate their gift to a specifi c Chicago Lights
are providing hot meals to adults program or allow the gift to benefi t all of Chicago Lights. Th ese gift s are tax deductible and can be made
and families who are homeless. through the mail or by calling Katy Frey in the Chicago Lights Development Offi ce.
You are off ering fl u shots to elderly
neighbors. You are giving a gift that Memorial Gift s and Tribute Gift s: Memorial gift s are a lasting remembrance of a special person who touched
changes lives! you during his or her life. Tribute gift s honor individuals celebrating birthdays, weddings, graduations, and
other special life occasions. Chicago Lights will acknowledge your gift by sending an appropriate note to the
To make a gift , complete the family or to the friend in whose name the gift was made. Th e amount of your gift will not be mentioned, and a
enclosed reply envelope or the separate receipt will be sent to you.
tear-off card on the back cover, visit
www.chicagolights.org, or contact Make Your Gift Go Even Further
Katy Frey, Associate Director of Many companies off er a matching gift program to their employees, directors, employees’ spouses , or retirees.
Development, at 312.274.3816 Th rough these matching gift programs, companies match an employee’s gift to charitable and educational
([email protected]). organizations. Th is is a great way to double or even triple your gift . Contact your Human Resources offi ce to
receive a matching gift form, and submit it with your next gift to Chicago Lights.

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“At the heart of our
tradition is the radical
idea that God calls
God’s people into
a new future, that
God is the one who
agitates and disturbs
us and makes us
uncomfortable with
the status quo. It is
God who calls us
to be on a journey,
always following
with courage and
commitment into an
uncertain future.”
Give for the Future
—John M. Buchanan,
A planned gift to Chicago Lights is a wonderful commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the programs
Pastor,
long into the future and may also further your fi nancial goals. Planned gift s include gift s through your will,
charitable gift annuities, life insurance, pooled income funds, and charitable trusts. Contact Lisa Radetski, “The Journey,”
Director of Giving Ministries, at 312.981.3380 ([email protected]) for more information. September 11, 2005
Save the Date
Mark your calendar for the 2007 Mission Benefi t to be held Friday, February 16, 2007. Th is annual gala features
a live and silent auction and opportunities for individual and corporate sponsors to join us in raising money
for Chicago Lights and the Lorene Replogle Counseling Center.
Volunteer Your Time
Volunteers make the diff erence. In 2005, volunteers contributed more than 21,864 hours to the programs
of Chicago Lights. No matter what your skills or commitment level, Chicago Lights can use your help. Join
our volunteer corps. Contact Larry Nicholson, Director of Volunteer Ministry, at 312.981.3382 (lnicholson@
fourthchurch.org) to learn how you can help.

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Partners in Education
off ers children
from economically Chicago Lights shines because of the generosity of our friends and partners.
We are honored to acknowledge the many gift s you gave us!
disadvantaged
Th ese lists refl ect gift s received between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2005.
neighborhoods the
educational assistance Anonymous Ron Barrett and Susan Hill Larry and Judi Braskamp Barbara Champion Chris and Kristin Crawford
Marty and Dala Aavik Douglas and Mary Ann Barrie Jeff Braun and Sue Holt Elaine Chan David and Elizabeth Crawford
and life skills practice Susan Abbate Rodney Barrington Bunny Brent Ariel and Sally Chavez Mike and Joan Crouch
Nancy Abshire D. Harlean Barth Debbie Bricker Robert and Laura Chen James and Paula Crown
needed to break the
Katherine Acles Mary Bartholomaus Bob and Debbie Bridges Suzann Chester Lester Crown
Bill and Liz Adams Bob and Kathi Bates William Briggs George and Carolyn Chiang Hugo and Linda Cuadros
cycle of poverty. More
Gordon and Paula Addington Jim and Deborah Baughman John Brill James and Dorothy Childers Lloyd and Jan Culbertson
Naa Addy Lana Baumeister Dennis Broderick and Marian Mary Ann Childers Margaret Cunningham
than 2,000 youth learn
Sola Adelowo Linda Bazarian Kinney Kunal Chopra Jim Cuno and Sarah Stewart
and grow each year Alan Ahr Gabriele Beck-Engeser Vern Broders and Francee Wayne Christenson Drew and Dani Cupps
Almay Alday Gary and Ruth Beckman Harrington Christy Christian John and Julie Curran
through three PIE Randall Alexander Mark Beckmann Glenn and Sandra Bromagen Richard and Linda Cirillo Pat Curtner
Carol Allen Breda Beilfuss Martha S. Brown Tom and Pat Cirone Tony and Pat Cutilletta
programs: Tutoring Gail Allen Elizabeth Beiser Tokela Brown Laurali and Konyia Clark Connie Dahl
Ron and Julie Allen John Bell David Browne and Catherine Sue Clark Karin Dahl
and Scholarship, Alina and Richard Althans Hallie Belt Sigmar Ken and Lauren Clarke Marilyn Daleo
David and Joy Anderson Micki Bence Sharon Brunelle Ronald and Deborah Clarkson John Dallas
Summer Day, and the Geoff Anderson Gabriel and Paige Ben-Dashan Richard and Michelle Bucenec Kathleen Cleary William Dallenbach
Roger and Ruth Anderson David Benjamin Andy Buchanan and Mary Laureen Cleary Hope Daniels
Near North Magnet Scott and Sue Ann Anderson NJ Bennett McMahon Barbara Cleveland Ranjan and Kalen Daniels
Steven Andes Rita Bennett John M. and Sue Buchanan Bonnie Clyde Lillian Davidson
Cluster. These students Mary Andino John and Jean Berghoff John R. and Nancy Buchanan Haven and Terry Cockerham Bennie Davis
Edie and Edward Andrew Bob and Betty Bergstrom Martin Buchheim and Cindy Don and Frances Coe Beth Davis
develop relationships Elizabeth Andrews Steven and Karen Berkowitz Jurisson Matthew Coe Edward and Catherine Davis
Diana Anton Mary Ann Berry Don and Judith Bucknam Amos Coff man and Julie Weber Terrence Davis
with caring adults
Rita Antonczyk Velma Berry Nancy Bueche Kristine Cohodes Alex Dawson
Douglas Antonio and Sarah Jay Bestmann Ruth Buikema Ed and Lola Coke Gabrielle Dawson
who challenge them to
Antonio Nadelhoff er Laura Bice Albertine Burget Nathan Cole Meta and Raphael Dawson
Michele Archambault Hilary Bishop Burkey and Fran Burkey Betty Coleman Ed and Grace De Young
envision possibilities,
James and Virginia Archer James and Jeanette Bitter Kathryn Burkhardt Delia Coleman Sylvia Decker
cultivate their Carolyn Arnolds Robert and Jan Blaich Anita and John Burns Clare Colnon Cheryl and Michael Del Campo
Rick Artwick Ethel Blaine John and Sarah Jo Butter David Colwell and Mary Ann Edwin Denson and Sharon
creativity, and realize Fred and Allison Aske Raymond and Janice Blaney John and Helen Byce Quick Socoby
Vann and Heidi Avedisian Loren Blecha John and Betsy Cairns Leroy Conley Marjorie Derrah
their potential. Robert and Julie Bacon Gerald Bloomer and Linda Bebe Moore Campbell Jana Conover Hans Detlefsen and Emily
Beatrice Badal Crane Palma Camren Lesley Conzelman and Ellen Bradley-Detlefsen
Keith Baird Agnes Boateng Rhonda Carlson Schaller David and Margaret Deverick
Bob and Juanita Baker Robert Boehret Richard and Brenda Carlson Ed and Melissa Cook Michael and Louella DeVries
Robert and Dalia Baker Genevieve Bohrman Jamie and Heather Carney Larry and Diane Cooper Lou Di Cerbo
Steve Baker C F Bostrom David and Diane Carpenter Martha Cooper Karen Di Monte
Susan Baldwin Ron Bottrell and Polly Peters- Jeff Carpenter Sylvia Coppersmith Clyde and Rebecca Dickey
Irris Ball Bottrell Richard and Ann Carr Tim and Amy Copsey Connie Dickinson
Michelle Bamm Bill and Sonja Bowen Walter Carr Ruth Cornwell Anthony and Kristie Dilaura
Dean Banick Stephen Bowen Paul Carson Andy Costello and Camila Lynne Dinzole and H. Rigel
Paul and Nancy Barlage Clyde and Alice Bowles Helen Carstensen Montoya Barber
Ron and June Barnard John and Kathye Boyle Marie Carstensen Th eresa Cothern Jerry and Debbie Dipert
Michelle Barney Anca Brad George and Judie Carter Michael Cotter Patricia Dixson
Austin Baron Stu and Annie Bradley Jeff and Lisa Carter Michael Cotter Bob and Lisa Doak
Brenda Barr Joan Branin John and Sally Carton Fred Cousineau Jim and Betty Doig

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