For years, Chicago has been a welcoming city for displaced people from all over the world. Whether they have been fleeing war in Ukraine, political unrest in Afghanistan, or economic instability in Venezuela, our neighborhood is now home to children and families who need refuge and a new start.
Along with the Hyde Park Refugee Project, Street Soccer USA, the Hyde Park Kenwood Interfaith Council, and other grassroots initiatives, HPNC is here to welcome our new neighbors. Through inclusion in current programs, development of specialized offerings, and collaborations with our partners, HPNC is a community hub.
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We hope you will join this grassroots neighborhood movement to extend a warm welcome to our new neighbors. Those who have the least deserve a chance to make a new life in their new home. And it is best for all neighbors, new and local, to help displaced people transition into their new homes peacefully. Just as we have something to share with them today to help them settle in, no doubt they will have much to share with us tomorrow.
HPNC is initiating neighborhood collaborations, adding ESL and bi-lingual tutoring, and opening our doors for longer hours to our new neighbor children, families, and volunteers so that they can learn, grow, and thrive in community. Designate your gift by typing in New Neighbor Support.
New Neighbor Support
Weekend Program
On Sunday, November 12th we launched the volunteer-run New Neighbor Support Weekend Program to provide support aiding in the transition of our new neighbors currently being housed in shelters. Coordinating with Street Soccer USA, Hyde Park Refugee Project and dedicated community members, we are currently offering ESL classes, kids soccer sessions, early childhood playrooms, and game/art room programming free of cost for new neighbor families at HPNC.
Program runs on Saturdays from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm and Sundays from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm.
First session is November 12 - December 17. Second session is January 6 - May 26.
Families are encouraged to come on Saturdays and Sundays to register and join us for programs. Our front desk volunteer will gladly assist with registration and ask any questions about the program!
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Interested in volunteering? We are seeking bi-lingual volunteers for Saturdays and Sundays to assist with programs. See the community resources and volunteer opportunities table below for volunteer roles and descriptions.
Prospective volunteers must do the following:
1. Fill out HPNC's quick volunteer application
2. Register and join us for a volunteer orientation and training.
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Volunteer Orientation Dates:
Saturday, March 9th from 10 am- 12pm
Thursday, March 14th from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
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Inquiries and questions can be directed to Community Engagement Manager, Chanel Easter at ceaster@hpnclub.org
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