Foreman HS @ Chopin Park

Our youth are crafty! In addition to drawing an amazing hornet on their Summer of Service banner, students from Foreman High School also did an incredible job of engaging youth from Chopin Park Day Camp in conversation and a craft activity of creating butterflies.

After explaining and introducing the craft to students each Foreman HS youth was paired with a table of campers to engage and encourage them as they craft.

Foreman students did a great job of supporting campers with many smiles, 4th of July stories and artistry tips crossing the tables. Over two hours, Foreman students worked with eighty campers to make over 100 beautiful butterflies!

Thank you to Nicole Viverito and Chopin Park for inviting us to craft and serve at your day camp!

Kelvyn Park @ Cob Connection & Foreman @ Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse

A week ago we were concerned our Environmental events would be rained out, but this week were hoping our students could handle the heat! But a heat index of 100* can't stop these students. They are tough service learners.

On Thursday, students from Foreman and Kelvyn Park literally headed 'into the field' to serve with two incredible organizations transforming their local communities.

Foreman High School students went to Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse, an amazing center for organic gardening, classes, events and education that makes us think a bit more about where our food comes from, how its grown and what we eat. Students helped prepare the steamy greenhouse for youth programs begining next week.

Kelvyn Park High School students went to McCormick YMCA which has provided the Cob Connection with a city-lots for urban agriculture development. Cob Connection in addition to transforming vacant lots into urban farms and gardens also uses the experience as job training for youth and their families and then donates the food grown to local food pantries - creating a sustainable, locally-grown system for food development.

Cob Connection is also preparing for youth programs next week and Kelvyn Park students were able to get a great deal done building out an entire row to be ready for planting.

Thank you to Kirsten Akre, Gardener from Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse and Chad Bliss, Executive Director from Cob Connection for allowing us the opportunity to serve in your green gardens!

Foreman @ CCIL

The students from Foreman High School spent the morning volunteering at the Chicago Christian Industrial League. Located in Lawndale, this transitional housing facility is home to single men and women as well as homeless families.

While they provide social services to their residents they also provide bags of food the local needy. Each Wednesday volunteers help put together sacks of dry goods, fresh vegetables and meat that are then distributed to those who need them.

The twelve students representing Foreman High School spent the morning packing some of those bags and distributing them, providing water to waiting patrons and passing out popsicles to children also waiting in line.

After a quick lunch break, students heard the story of one former patron who had been homeless and is now a counselor at CCIL. By hearing one man’s story, the students were able to see how their work today could affect the life of another.

Over the course of the day, our students helped distribute bags to over 150 patrons; delivered water and cleaned up the community pantry.

Thanks to Chris and CCIL for letting us spend the day in the Community Pantry!