LaSalle’s Outreach & Advocacy Team has identified neighborhood support organizations that are doing great work in and around our community. If you’re looking to support or volunteer with some great groups beyond LaSalle’s official ministry partner organizations, we recommend you start with the list below!
In particular, the Outreach & Advocacy Team encourages all LaSallers to support groups working with recently arrived migrant family — you’ll see migrant support resources listed first on the page below.
Migrant Support Resources
ChryS’s Closet
This ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago collects and distributes clothing, household items, and other necessities to recently arrived migrant families in the city. Chrys’s Closet is currently based at the Church of the Ascension, the Episcopal congregation across the street from LaSalle. You can help with ministry by making a donation of clothes, toiletries, or other items, or volunteer to help organize and distribute items to families during their weekly shop hours, Wednesdays from 11 AM - 3 PM. Contact Mtr. Murphy-Gill for more details.
Oak Park Community Migrant Resettlement Mission
This neighborhood justice and advocacy task force is working to coordinate a thoughtful and intentional transition for over 140 migrants who’ve arrived to the Oak Park area since last October. Alongside the interfaith Community of Congregations, Housing Forward, and West Cook YMCA, the Resettlement Mission is currently seeking funds and volunteers to help scure long-term housing for these migrant families. Head to their web site to donate or learn more volunteer opportunities!
City of Chicago Migrant Resources
The city has multiple official partners and organizations they’re working with to support migrant arrivals to Chicago, such as One Warm Coat, Cradles to Crayons, the Chicago Furniture Banks, and more. Read more on the City of Chicago web site.
Community Organizations
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Since 1954, FCA has been challenging coaches and athletes on the professional, college, high school, junior high and youth levels to use the powerful platform of sport to reach every coach and every athlete with the transforming power of Jesus Christ. Check out their web site for more info.
Cornerstone Counseling Center
This community counseling center provide exceptional counseling and therapy services to individuals of all ages, couples, and families in the Near North Side. CCC is based in Cornerstone Center — read about them on their web site.
Cornerstone Academy
Cornerstone Academy provides a supportive Christian education for students who may benefit from personalized attention as they work toward a high school diploma while developing tools for self-sufficiency and a Christian life ethic. The academy was based in Cornerstone Center for many years, and currently operates in Oak Park — learn more online.
Poor People’s Campaign
Taking inspiration from the 1968 Poor People’s Campaign, this is a movement organization taking action to demand federal and state living-wage laws, equity in education, an end to mass incarceration, a single-payer health-care system, and the protection of the right to vote. Many LaSallers have volunteered with and support the Poor People’s Campaign over the years — we encourage you to find upcoming opportunities on their web site.
Art on Sedgwick
Art on Sedgwick is dedicated to fostering creativity and connecting our Near North community through the power of art. They host innovative arts classes and collaborative events in the neighborhood with a storefront along the Sedgwick corridor. Read more on their web site.
Sojourners
Sojourners is an ecumenical Christian media and advocacy organization that works towards social and racial justice. Sojourners publishes an award-winning magazine, produces daily news and commentary on sojo.net, and mobilizes people of faith for social justice through its advocacy initiative SojoAction. Read more on their web site.