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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 

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Elementary/Middle School (4th-8th grades)

When: Mondays from 4:00-5:30pm 

Who: Open to all youth in grades 4-8 of any gender 

Cost: FREE, registration required

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High School (9th-12th grades)

When: Wednesdays from 4:30-6:00pm 

Who: Open to all youth in grades 9-12 of any gender

Cost: FREE, registration required

GUIDING VALUES  

migrant support guiding values.png
Coordinate support efforts 

Communicate clearly and transparently 
Passcode for Zoom Call: %D1uA#&^
  • Meal Distribution for District 2 and 3 Police Stations
    https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044AA4AF2DABFB6-district1#/ WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Iw6ssI0oBP31fv9XfD25MS
  • HPNC is seeking Bi-Lingual Volunteers to assist with Weekend Programming!
    Volunteers Needed for Saturday and Sunday Programming Hours: 12:30 pm-3:30 pm Volunteer Descriptions Facility and Space Host (Sunday shift 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm) As a facility space host, you will play a vital role in supervising groups to ensure that our facilities are clean, organized, and conducive to the well-being of our new neighbors. The ideal space house can commit to their scheduled time slot; are trustworthy and responsible; and have excellent communication skills and friendly demeanor. Responsibilities: •Attend a comprehensive training to familiarize yourself with the facility layout, security measures, and emergency protocols. •Assume responsibility for designated spaces, including opening and closing the facility as needed. Maintain a clean and friendly atmosphere. •Assist neighbors as needed with any questions or concerns. •Oversee returning facility to the condition is was in prior to group’s use. Front Desk Host ( Saturday shift 2:30 pm -3:30 pm, Sunday shift 12:30 pm -3:30 pm) As a Front Desk Host, you will serve as the welcoming face as new neighbors walk through the front doors. Your role is essential in creating an inviting atmosphere and providing assistance to all who enter our facility. We are looking for individuals who are friendly, organized, and have excellent communication skills. Responsibilities: •Attend a comprehensive training to familiarize yourself with the facility layout, security measures, and emergency protocols. •Assume responsibility of front desk, letting new neighbors in and out of the doors •Ensure the safety of the space and report any security concerns or issues promptly. •Assist neighbors as needed with any questions or concerns regarding information about the scheduling and programs for the weekend •Ensure that all program hosts and volunteers sign out at the front desk ESL Teachers/Assistants (Saturdays and Sunday 12:30-3:30 pm) We are seeking ESL teachers and assistants to provide support to both adults and children helping them to learn English to aide in their transition. Ideal volunteers have patience, empathy, and have great communication and friendly demeanor. Responsibilities: •Deliver effective English language instruction to learners •Provide guidance and support in various subjects and provide language translation support when needed •Help create a positive and encouraging learning environment. Game/Play Space and Art Room Hosts (Saturday and Sunday 12:30-3:30 pm shift) As Game or Art Room Host, you will be the caretaker of the rooms that will be held for open and free play games or art projects. We're seeking individuals who are dependable and can communicate effectively with program participants. Responsibilities: ·Attend a training and orientation to familarize yourself with the needs of the classroom ·Maintain a clean and organized space ·Provide guidance and support and answer any questions or concerns. ·Assist in setting up art supplies and materials for various games and art projects ·Foster a welcoming and positive atmosphere ·Ensure the art room is returned to its original condition after each group's use. · · Early Childhood Room Host (Saturday and Sunday 12:30 pm -3:30 pm) As an Early Childhood Room Host, you'll play a nurturing role in our space designed for our youngest neighbors and their families. We're looking for individuals who are patient, dependable, and have excellent communication skills to create a safe and welcoming environment for our little ones. Responsibilities: ·Attend a training and orientation to familarize yourself with the needs of the classroom ·Maintain a clean, organized, and child-friendly atmosphere in the early childhood room. ·Assist parents and caregivers with questions or needs related to the early childhood room. ·Create a warm and welcoming environment for children and families. ·Ensure that the room is left in its original condition after use by different groups. Interested in volunteering? Fill out our volunteer application to get started!
  • Saint Paul and the Redeemer Migrant Refugee Program
    The SPR Migrant Refugee Program is looking for those to assist with: - Spanish-Speaking interpreters who can make home visits to mentor migrant tenants making them aware of the resources available to them in Hyde Park. - ESL instructors to help them improve their English language proficiency - Financial contributions to help the tenants meet some of their living expenses. For more information visit: http://www.sprchicago.org/refugees Donations can be made: tinyurl.com/SPR-Migrant-Program
  • Welcoming All- Merch Fundraiser
    Police Station Response Team Volunteers set up fundraising page selling merchandise to help pay for the everyday expenses needed to support the needs of those migrating. Check out their page below. https://welcoming-all.company.site/ Article: https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/9/28/23882324/how-much-have-regular-chicagoans-been-spending-on-the-migrant-crisis
  • Make a Blanket for our new Neighbors!
    Blankets are a HUGE priority, and we need more solutions for the long term. My idea is to make fleece tie blankets because they are no-sew, no experience needed, quick to make, and very warm. To make 1 blanket we just need two, 2 yard wide (72 inches) fleece fabrics, scissors, and the ability to tie double knots. Contact Sofia at sofia.2019.fr@gmail.com or 773-497-7574 if you would like to: 1) make blankets 2) secure fleece donations from local fabric stores 3) otherwise contribute blankets, blanket making resources, or hook us up with other blanket making groups. Supplies for 10 child sized blankets (48 inches wide) are supposed to arrive by 9/30, so I should be ready to go this weekend unless I can get more supplies tomorrow. How to make a fleece tie blanket: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/craft-ideas/a44628176/how-to-make-fleece-tie-blanket/
  • Socks and Blanket Donations
    Contact Tiffany Mankowski from the Nichols Park Advisory Council at tiffanyabeard@gmail.com or 773-727-6435 to drop off blanket and socks donations.
  • Chicago Organizations Donations
    https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/texas-new-arrivals/home/donations.html
  • Lake Shore Hotel Support Group WhatsApp
    https://chat.whatsapp.com/FeBqPQfV2X1FgQoOlwHjS8
  • Neighbors Helping Our New Neighbors- South Side Chicago
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/812760860498394
  • Hyde Park Kenwood Interfaith Council – Hunger Programs
    https://hpkinterfaith.org/programs/food-pantry/
  • Hyde Park Refugee Project
    https://hprpchicago.org/
  • Street Soccer USA-Chicago
    https://www.streetsoccerusa.org/chicago/
  • The Southwest Collective Page
    https://linktr.ee/swcollectivechi
  • Block Club Chicago- "Here's How to Help The Latest Wave of Migrants Coming to Chicago"
    https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/05/03/heres-how-to-help-the-latest-wave-of-migrants-coming-to-chicago/?utm_source=Pico&utm_campaign=9b2ea4c669-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_09_01_07_52_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-a585dc3d9a-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=9b2ea4c669&mc_eid=c691815402
  • Informational Page for Migrants located in Woodlawn, South Shore, and Kenwood
    https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HoD2oQTl5e7vOgseP_vyEB5ZyThQE8nLg2Qi3yvNdlo/edit

Community Resources and Volunteer Opportunities 

Have a volunteer opportunity or resource that you want posted on this page?

Click the button below to fill out our new neighbor support list. 

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