History
Founded by Leslie Bluhm and Mary Prchal, Chicago Cares is a nonprofit organization that has mobilized nearly 500,000 volunteers to meet Chicago's most challenging needs. As the leading service organization in the city, Chicago Cares creates programs that foster civic engagement by educating and empowering volunteers to be agents of change. With 250 monthly group service projects, corporate programs and annual events, our model connects needs with action.
Specialties
Chicago Cares builds volunteer experiences that mobilize and inspire people to make Chicago a stronger community. We work closely with local leaders and organizations to identify critical needs and then we develop and manage targeted programs to meet those needs throughout the city. Today our programs focus on Children's and Adult Education, Environment, Hunger, Health and Wellness, and Senior Services. Our 250 monthly projects give you the opportunity and flexibility to serve alongside others who share your passion. We also stage Serve-a-thon, the largest day of service in Chicago, each June and invite you to be among the thousands of volunteers who work together to make powerful change on a single day. We also create customized hands-on group projects for companies and other groups. Registration is simple - visit www.chicagocares.org to complete the quick online sign up, and you'll have instant access to our online program calendar.