Wednesday, April 7, 2010

A Safe Haven Foundation on CAN TV Tonight at 4 p.m.

Catch Neli Vazquez-Rowland, President of A Safe Haven Foundation on CAN TV channel 21 as we launch our Premier broadcast at 4 p.m. tomorrow 4/7! (chicago only) Rob Malnik, Director of Student Veterans of America, will be our guest.

Tune in to learn more about Veteranss and A Safe Haven's work with Veterans to help them overcome homelessness, substance abuse and alcoholism and successfully mainstreaming them. Also learn about how SVA is working with ASH and helping Vets with an upcoming major event!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Doing Service Right

This past summer interns from Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC) spent time volunteering at CCIL. Click here to read Lucas's, one of the IFYC interns, blog posted on serve.gov. Lucas discusses having a heart for service and his experience at CCIL meeting Chicagoans transitioning out of crisis and homelessness.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Feinstein Challenge 2010 - Help Us Fight Hunger!

We at A Safe Haven Foundation (ASHF)/Chicago Christian Industrial League (CCIL) are working around the clock to stop the ravages of homelessness and hunger. In October 2009, ASHF was chosen by CCIL's Board of Directors to shepherd and continue the mission of serving the homeless. Through combined service operations, ASHF/CCIL will have a wider footprint and voice for serving those in crisis and transition.

We can't fight hunger and homelessness alone...we need your help!

For the 13th consecutive year, Alan Shawn Feinstein is dividing $1,000,000 among hunger fighting agencies nationwide to help raise awareness and funds during March and April 2010. Visit www.feinsteinfoundation.org for more information about this remarkable grassroots effort in supporting hungry families. Any donation we receive designated to the Feinstein Challenge, qualifies ASHF for additional funding from this campaign.

Our Community Food Pantry is a prime example of how we're assisting people in crisis and transition. Since its inception in November 2006, the demand in the Pantry has escalated. We are feeding more than 250 families every week, and distribute approximately 10,000 pounds of food per month.

This year we plan on meeting and exceeding Mr. Feinstein's challenge making this one of the most successful anti-hunger campaigns ever! We know, firsthand, the need in these economic times is truly great. All assistance is greatly appreciated.

Friday, February 19, 2010

NFL Alumni and a Parade of Dodge Ram Trucks Will Deliver the 2010 Auto Show Food Drive Collection to A Safe Haven Foundation/CCIL

WHAT:
A parade of Dodge Ram Trucks will deliver more than 15,000 pounds of food collected in the 2010 Chicago Auto Show Food Drive to the A Safe Haven Foundation/CCIL homeless shelter and food pantry with help of Chicago football legends Charlie Brown, Allan Ellis and Bill Schick.

Sponsored by Chrysler Group LLC, the 2010 Auto Show Food Drive kicked off on February 1, 2010 at Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram Truck dealerships around Chicagoland and culminated this week at McCormick Center. Since the program's inception 15 years ago, Chicago auto show goers have donated more than 300,000 pounds of food to the city's homeless.

WHEN:
Saturday, February 20, 2010
10:00am - 10:30am

WHERE:
A Safe Haven Foundation/CCIL Main Campus
2750 W. Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60608

WHO:
NFL Alumni Charlie Brown ('66 Chicago Bears), Bill Schick (Cleveland Browns) and Allan Ellis ('81 Chicago Bears) will join local Chicago high school volunteers in unloading the trucks full of canned goods collected in the 2010 Auto Show Food Drive.

CONTACT:
Wendy Orthman, Chrysler Group LLC
313-971-4933 cell

Neli Vazquez-Rowland, A Safe Haven Foundation/CCIL
630-606-9997 cell




Monday, February 8, 2010

A Safe Haven Foundation is Proud to have had a role in helping Haiti Earthquake Victims

A Safe Haven Foundation provided emergency temporary shelter and accommodations for survivors/evacuees of the recent earthquakes in Haiti. More than 240 Haiti survivors arrived in Chicago the week of January 20, 2010. Among the agencies on hand at O'Hare Airport to greet these survivors were representatives from A Safe Haven. Survivors were transported to A Safe Haven/CCIL's facility in Chicago where they were provided with food, shelter, lodging and comfort. It was originally anticipated that a total of 30 flights of emergency evacuees would be brought to Chicago, and A Safe Haven was prepared to provide whatever support services that were needed to assist in housing and welcoming the survivors. Due to travel conditions being stabilized in Haiti, it has been determined that no additional non-medical emergency evacuations will be required for the foreseeable future. Should the need for evacuations arise again, A Safe Haven/CCIL will be ready to provide immediate support services.

For full disclosure purposes and in response to this new information, A Safe Haven is no longer accepting monetary or in-kind donations restricted for our 'Hope for Haiti' special effort. All monies received by A Safe Haven for the "Hope for Haiti" account will be applied toward the direct expenses related to serving the needs of those evacuees who found comfort and safety at A Safe Haven/CCIL. We will continue our outreach to support those evacuees who are now trying to re-establish their lives after this tragic event. Any donations that are not utilized directly will be donated to other charities that are directly assisting the Haiti relief effort. In redirecting any aid, A Safe Haven intends to respect the intent of the original donation. A Safe Haven Foundation will continue to accept donations that support its ongoing operations in serving the needs of the homeless and those suffering from the disease of addiction.

"We were honored to be asked to be part of the effort to provide comfort and care to these individuals who survived this tragic earthquake. Our experience in providing shelter and support services to stabilize the lives of people in crisis was invaluable in this situation. Our professional staff and volunteers showed extreme dedication and compassion in welcoming the survivors to our facilities," said Neli Vazquez-Rowland, President of A Safe Haven Foundation. "This outreach combined the talents and efforts of A Safe Haven/CCIL, the City of Chicago, volunteers, business partners, other service and public agencies; all working together to care for and comfort these survivors until they could reach their families and friends in other cities. Together, we cried, laughed, prayed, and sang with the survivors. It was very moving to hear their stories, and witness their faith and courage. We are also blessed to have the most incredible staff in the world. Many of our staff and volunteers worked 36 hours straight to ensure everyone was welcomed with warm food and open arms no matter what time they arrived!" added Ms. Vazquez-Rowland.

We would like to thank Sam's Club, Chicago Mini Bus Travel, Aramark, Rotary One, Allison Payne, and all the other donors and volunteers for their support in providing services not only to our guests from Haiti, but their ongoing support of our operations that provide housing and support services to the homeless and those suffering from addictions. Through their efforts we were able to provide the survivors from Haiti with comfort and care in their time of need.


Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Hope for Haiti - A Safe Haven Foundation

Thanks to everyone who donated clothes, toiletries, food and other valuable items for the 240 Haiti earthquake victims who found solace at A Safe Haven Foundation. If you're still interested in donating to our Haiti relief efforts, cash or checks are greatly appreciated as it will help defray the costs involved with providing needed accommodations. Also, please consider donating to programs and services at A Safe Haven Foundation. Our services benefit those in crisis and transition, especially people coping with homelessness, and/or the diseases of alcoholism, substance abuse and mental health conditions.

About A Safe Haven Foundation (ASHF)
Established in 1994, A Safe Haven Foundation provides and coordinates supportive housing, treatment, affordable housing, job training and job placement services. ASH's housing and case management services are available to people who are homeless and/or in for recovery from disease of alcoholism and drug addiction. More than 30,000 people have participated in programs at ASH. In October 2009, A Safe Haven was chosen by the Chicago Christian Industrial League's (CCIL) Board of Directors to shepherd and continue the mission of serving the homeless.

CCIL was founded in 1909 making it one of the oldest social service agencies in Chicago serving homeless men, women and children. CCIL's history and foundation is based on restoring families and individuals affected by poverty and homelessness by providing comprehensive programs and services empowering people to transform their lives and strengthen our community. Comprehensive programs and services include: food, shelter, clothing, security, on-site health clinic, counseling, case management, pre-employment training, academic training, employment training and affordable housing. Through combined service operations, ASHF and CCIL will have a wider footprint and voice for serving those in crisis and transition.

ASHF and its model programs will continue to build on the foundation that CCIL alone established 100 years ago, and the combination will be a mighty force in effectively addressing the issues of homelessness.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Chrysler Group LLC Revs Up 2010 Chicago Auto Show Food Drive to Benefit


Expanded Food Drive begins February 1st at Metro-Chicago Chrysler Group Dealerships and provides discount tickets to the 2010 Chicago Auto Show in return for canned food donations

More than 40 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram Truck brand dealerships in the Chicagoland area will be collecting canned food donations beginning February 1, 2010 in collaboration with the 2010 Chicago Auto Show Food Drive to benefit A Safe Haven Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting people in crisis and transition.

The expanded food drive effort allow auto show goers to receive discounted admission by donating three cans of food at any participating Chrysler Group dealership throughout the month of February. The 2010 food drive will culminate at the McCormick Center during the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, where food can be donated in the main hall February 17, 18, 19.

A Safe Haven Foundation has recently opened their arms to refugees of the terrible earthquakes in Haiti. More than 240 Haitian evacuees have been served by A Safe Haven Foundation since the earthquakes in addition to the daily service to Chicago's homeless.

Chrysler Group becomes the third annual automotive sponsor of the Chicago Auto Show food drive for A Safe Haven Foundation. All the proceeds of the food drive go to feeding Haiti earthquake victims, residents at A Safe Haven Foundation and North Lawndale citizens via A Safe Haven Foundation's Community Food Pantry.

"Chrysler is dedicated to serving the communities in which we live and work," said Lewis Scott, Director of Chrysler's Midwest Business Center. "We are so proud to continue our partnership with A Safe Haven Foundation and the great work they do everyday to feed the people of Chicago and most recently. the victims of the earthquakes in Haiti."

"It is an incredible opportunity to once again partner with the American icon automaker Chrysler Group LLC to raise awareness and support for those experiencing homelessness from the earthquake in Haiti and for Americans that have fallen victims of the economy as they embark on their path to self-sufficiency through an integrated, community-based 'continuum of care' here at A Safe Haven," said Neli Vazquez-Rowland, President of A Safe Haven Foundation.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Chicago Auto Show food drive. To date more than 300,000 pounds of food have been collected through the program and distributed to local food pantries through A Safe Haven Foundation.

About the Chicago Auto Show:
The Chicago Auto Show is the largest on the continent, spanning over one million square feet of production, concept, and exotic vehicle exhibit space. In addition to hosting multiple world and North American vehicle debuts, the Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity raises nearly $2 million annually for 18 worthy Chicago organizations in a single night. The 2010 public show will be held from February 12-21, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (8 p.m. on the 21st). For more information, visit http://www.chicagoautoshow.com/ or facebook.com/chicagoautoshow.

About Chrysler Group LLC:
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Truck, Mopar and Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) brand vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler's culture of innovation - first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 - and Fiat's complementary technology - from a company whose heritage dates back to 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, Chrysler Group LLC's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Ram Truck. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

About A Safe Haven Foundation:
Established in 1994, A Safe Haven (ASH) is America's leading recovery management and supportive housing social and economic development model leading to independence and self-sufficiency, serving the needs of the homeless, and/or those in recovery from the diseases of alcoholism or addiction. ASH provides and coordinates supportive recovery home housing, treatment, affordable housing, job training and job placement services. More than 300,000 people have participated in programs offered at ASH. ASH was recently selected by the Board of Directors of the 100 year old Chicago Christian Industrial League to serve as the steward of their mission to serve the homeless. For more information about A Safe Haven Foundation, visit http://www.asafehaven.com/ or http://www.ccilworks.org/.





Thursday, January 28, 2010

Update on A Safe Haven Foundation's Haiti Relief Efforts

A Safe Haven Foundation is providing emergency temporary shelter and accommodations for survivors of the recent earthquakes in Haiti. More than 240 Haiti survivors arrived in Chicago last week. Those arriving in Chicago airports were greeted by A Safe Haven Foundation representatives who were on hand with food, clothing, and lodging accommodations. A Safe Haven Foundation is extending a helping hand and anticipates assisting more than 500 Haiti survivors over the next couple of weeks.

"We have great experience and interest in helping people who are homeless and experiencing personal crisis in their lives. Our experience in providing shelter and support to provide foundation to stabilize the lives of people in crisis was invaluable in this situation, as our expert personnel showed extreme dedication and professionalism as we had an unprecedented number of arrivals all at once," said Neli Vazquez-Rowland, President of A Safe Haven Foundation. "It will be an unforgettable experience for all of us at A Safe Haven and all of our volunteers who helped the survivors in their time of need. At A Safe Haven, we met, we cried, we laughed, we prayed, and we sang with the survivors. It was very moving to meet these people, hear their stories, and witness their faith and courage. We are also blessed to have the most incredible staff in the world. Many of our staff and volunteers worked 36 hours straight to ensure everyone was welcomed with warm food and open arms no matter what time they arrived," added Ms. Vazquez-Rowland.

We would like to thank Sam's Club, Chicago Mini Bus Travel, Aramark and all other donors and volunteers for their solidarity and commitment to join A Safe Haven Foundation as strategic allies in support of survivors, pledging an ongoing campaign to raise money to help subsidize our costs, provide transportation and provide supplies. Through their efforts we were able to transport some of them to and from the airport and provide not only accommodations and medical attention on site, but also provide care packages that included clothing, toiletries, blankets and other basic supplies to help them begin to rebuild their lives.

Help Us Help Our Haiti Friends. Donations are being accepted to restore devastated lives. To provide services, supportive housing, provide food, clothing, bedding and toiletries, send your checks, or money order donations to:
A Safe Haven Foundation
Attn: Hope for Haiti
2750 W. Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60608
Online Credit Card Donations:
www.ASafeHaven.com
"Donation" Tab

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Charitable Deduction in 2009 for Haiti Relief

The House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 4462 on 1-20-2010. This legislation would allow individuals who make charitable contributions to victims of the earthquake in Haiti to claim an itemized charitable deduction on their 2009 tax return instead of having to wait until next year to claim these deductions on their 2010 tax return. The legislation also includes a provision allowing those who text messaged a donation the ability to use a phone bill as proof of donation.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

A Safe Haven Foundation Providing Shelther for Haiti Earthquake Victims


Giving hope and a home to those in crisis and transition...

A Safe Haven Foundation will be providing temporary shelter and accommodations for survivors of the recent earthquakes in Haiti. Those arriving in Chicago airports will be greeted by A Safe Haven Foundation representatives who will be on hand with food, clothing and lodging options. A Safe Haven Foundation is extending a helping hand and anticipates assisting more than 100 people throughout their facilities.

"We have great experience and interest in helping people who are homeless. Our hearts go out to the survivors who are more than homeless. They're devastated, in shock, mourning and grieving. We're honored to be of service," said Brian Rowland, Rep of A Safe Haven Foundation.

We would like to thank Sam's Club and Chicago Mini Bus Travel for their commitment to join A Safe Haven Foundation as strategic allies in support of survivors, pledging an ongoing campaign to raise money, provide transportation and provide supplies.

Help Us Help Our Friends. Donations are being accepted to restore devastated lives. To provide supportive housing, purchase food, clothing, bedding and toiletries, send your checks, or money order donations to:

A Safe Haven Foundation
Attn: Hope for Haiti
2750 W. Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60608
Online Credit Card Donations:
"Foundation" Tab

About A Safe Haven...
A Safe Haven is a Social Economic Model providing and coordinating supportive recovery home housing, treatment, affordable housing, job training and job placement services. A Safe Haven's housing and case management services are available to people who are homeless and/or in for recovery from disease of alcoholism and drug addiction. More than 30,000 people have participated in programs offered at A Safe Haven. Through their diverse programs, which include phased living arrangements, ASH has achieved great success in aiding the long-term sustainable recovery, self-sufficiency and independence of their residents. A Safe Haven accepts both public and private referrals. A Safe Haven is honored to have recently been chosen by the Board of Directors of the 100 year old Chicago Christian Industrial League to steward the mission of helping the homeless.