Hope For Families

Pastor Rick Duncan and a team of thirty volunteers from Hope for Families served a Christmas meal to CCIL residents Sunday, December 21, 2008. The meal was scrumptious and consisted of salad, steak, spiraled ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, macaroni and cheese, corn bread, and cake. An energetic band from Kenosha, Wisconsin invigorated everyone with live music performances. They played a variety of Christmas tunes and opened the microphone to CCIL residents who read poetry and sang their own favorites. The children received gifts that included winter clothing, coloring books and bubbles.

“This was a special night for the residents. The kids, especially, had a wonderful time. They lead songs, played games and ended up giving a real gift of youthful happiness back to the volunteers. It was incredible to sit back and witness,” said Chris Wiens, CCIL Volunteer Coordinator.

CCIL Landscape Services Appreciation Ceremony

Under the direction of Eric Hage, managers Beau Barnett, Alex Hurd, Kris Sokol and Matt Stickels honored trainees and crew leaders at CCIL’s Annual Landscape Appreciation Ceremony Friday, December 5, 2008. Distinguished guests included CCIL board members, city officials and a variety of loyal vendors.

Thirty-three trainees received certificates for completing one year of hands-on training and 8 trainees graduated from the two-year landscape training program. Kenneth Brooks, George Brown and John Lamb were recognized as the Most Improved Groundskeepers. Gary Wetter, Carl Lee and Selester Mims were awarded Groundskeepers of the Year. Ceremony attendees enjoyed a delicious meal and were dazzled upon hearing compelling, heartfelt testimonials from two of the graduates - Geoffrey McKnight and Carl Lee.

CCIL, in partnership with the City of Chicago and ARAMARK, created a Landscape Services program more than 15 years ago. Through this on-the-job training program participants are placed in a paid work environment and are trained to do landscaping and grounds maintenance. For two consecutive seasons of eight months each, trainees are provided with technical skills and experience in grounds care, equipment use and safety standards.

Key CCIL Landscape Clients:
Chicago Department of Transportation
Chicago Department of General Services
Chicago Park District
Chicago Housing Authority
Chicago Gateway Green
Mayslake Village

CCIL Landscaping Services has become an integral part of the beautification of the city, providing maintenance services to a large portion of the downtown-area medians, sidewalk planters, malls and plazas, and numerous green spaces throughout Chicago. This program enables more than 1,000 formerly homeless men and women to gain skills and employment in landscaping and related industries.

Call Eric Hage at 773-435-8393 today for a FREE estimate on your landscaping needs.

Thanksgiving Day at CCIL

CCIL, located at 2750 W. Roosevelt, was humming with holiday activities on Thanksgiving Day as Governor Blagojevich and the First Family, Congressman Danny Davis and the Talk of Chicago’s Richard Pegue all gathered for a celebration of giving and being thankful. Volunteers served more than 400 people heaping helpings of turkey, stuffing, vegetables, rolls, pastries and beverages throughout the morning.

“We were able to provide a safe, relaxing environment and plenty of food for people who otherwise would have had absolutely nothing. It was heartwarming for me to see Governor Blagojevich and his family along with Congressman Danny Davis take time out of their busy schedules to visit with our residents and our neighbors in the North Lawndale community,” said Mary Shaver, CCIL Interim Executive Director.

The Talk of Chicago’s Richard Pegue and his crew broadcasted live during the meal while promoting a food drive sponsored by WVON 1690AM.

CCIL receives coats and cash from Northbrook and Deerfield Rotaries

The Northbrook and Deerfield Rotaries helped make the 43rd Annual Coat Off Your Back campaign a huge success. A generous supply of coats, clothing and more than $2,000 cash was donated to help support CCIL, the non-profit organization dedicated to helping homeless families and individuals rebuild their lives.

Representatives Jimmie Beck, CCIL alum, and Patti Blagojevich, CCIL Development Director, attended the November 25, 2008 Rotary meeting in Northbrook where the items collected were presented to the organization. Blagojevich spoke about CCIL’s programs and Beck received a standing ovation from the Rotarians and their guests after sharing his compelling testimony.

Patti Blagojevich comments, “The philanthropic efforts of rotaries all over the world, especially in Northbrook and Deerfield, are admirable. CCIL is fortunate to benefit from such sincerity and generosity from friends in neighboring communities.”

Art Wolter from Deerfield and Chet Bloden from Northbrook originally started the Coat Off Your Back campaign 43 years ago. Both were Rotarians and directors of CCIL. The campaign really started to gain momentum the past 10 years under the direction of the late Rotarian Ken Thiel. Thiel set up a number of collection places in various communities and was integral in spreading the word about CCIL. Lorraine Clark, CCIL Board Member, her husband Barry Clark, Deerfield Rotary and Ronald Bernardi, Northbrook Rotary are now the driving forces behind
the campaign.