A Night of Art, Food and Community Cohesiveness

On Thursday, April 11, The Associate Board of Alexian Brothers Housing and Health Alliance hosted a ‘Networking to Advocate Social’ for the areas surrounding non-profits and prospective volunteers. The event took place at Flourish Studios located 3020 N. Lincoln Avenue in Chicago.  With high ceilings, a creative art studio and vast amounts of space filled with fun crafts, the venue made a commendable atmosphere for a spirited evening.

The purpose of the event was aimed at creating partnerships within the community that offer substantial programs and services. It was an overall opportunity for the areas nonprofit organizations and area volunteers to connect.  “The goal of the event was to create a light hearted environment for members of the community to share what their passionate about.  I believe the results strengthened the presence of some do good causes” said Simon Chavez, Associate Board Chair.

Around 30 guests from various organizations and backgrounds attended. Attendees expressed their appreciation for a way to connect their causes and share their desired interest towards community cohesiveness.

The support from local business’s proved to be a huge help in making the event a success including donations with food platters from Suvan’s Café and Edible Arrangements, beverage donations from Starbucks, and a compilation of door prizes priced at over $400 from the French Pastry School and Paired Wine Co.

The night also included ABBHA guest speakers including CEO, Cheryl Potts, Associate Board Chair, Simon Chavez and current Bettendorf Place resident,  Jermaine Jackson.  Each individual spoke at the event to give a little insight of their time involved with ABHHA as well as introduced the organization’s transition from AIDS Ministry to Housing and Health Alliance.

The Alexian Brother Housing and Health Alliance Associate Board was founded in 2012. The group consists of young professionals who are committed to increasing visibility and awareness for ABHHA in the community through social events, fundraisers, outreach and advocacy. Members serve a term of two years and meet monthly; the networking social was the first hosted event of the year for the Associate Board. 

The Community Unites in the Spiritual Fight Against HIV/AIDS

Residents, staff, volunteers and community friends filled the seats as they teamed up with ABAM for National Week of Prayer towards the Healing of AIDS.  The annual nationwide movement taking place in the second week of March aims to bring spiritual support in the fight towards HIV/AIDS. Alexian Brothers AIDS Ministry celebrated the week by holding a prayer service at each of the three facilities all of which included guest speakers, spiritual passages, and light snacks or a hearty meal. 

The week represented a sense of cohesiveness. Among the crowd were individuals from every sort of denomination come to support the movement.  The only thing to bring was faith in a cause and faith to know you’re not alone in the willingness to support healing in an almost thirty year fight. 

Overall, the community put aside their differences, and for it created a stronger presence for a do good thing.  It’s a message to carry through in every aspect of life and perhaps one day, it will be enough for a cure.

 

 

New Outreach Program Connects ABAM Name with South Side

Alexian Brothers South Side location welcomes Chris Dodd and Liz Lowry as the facilities first Outreach and Volunteer coordinators. The position is the first of its kind for Bettendorf since its opening in December 2011 and was created to immerse the organization into the surrounding area.

The new title among Bettendorf stretches across a wide variety of tasks all of which center around positively connecting ABAM services and mission with the community; thus far the pair has met the challenge yielding great results.

Recent outreach from Dodd and Lowry have brought in aid with financial management for tenants from Urban Bank, free haircuts from local barbers and a sealed a contract with Chicago State University for student volunteers.

“The main goal is to create sustainable relationships within and outside the organization and then to connect the needs of both.”  Dodd says.

To further address internal needs, Dodd plans for a ‘Listening Campaign’ which he explains as an opportunity for tenants to sit down in an open forum format and provide feedback for what has worked, what hasn’t and what other outside services they want to be see within Bettendorf.

Some topics he hopes to address include personal growth and development, being good members of society, and general life skills relating to education and job training. “We want to build lasting programs that create permanent and positive changes within the tenant’s life.” Dodd says.

To address the external relationships they continue to reach out towards established sources such as churches, schools, political leaders and other organizations of the like. The idea is to use these connections to create mutually beneficial relationships through community events, outlets to give back and partnerships.

Through the many connections they create, the goal is to lay a solid foundation to keep the outreach program growing. “Setting up clear procedures, policies and a sustainable volunteer program is all part of our process to create a successful outreach/volunteer program here.” Lowry says.

For inquiries on outreach opportunities with Bettendorf contact Chris at cdodd@abam.org

Meet Chris Dodd (left):  Previous to working for ABAM Chris got his degree in Sales at Northern Illinois University and spent ten years as a sales manager for fortune 500 companies until he had a calling towards something more substantial in life. “I didn’t want to just sit on the side lines anymore, I wanted to get out and really do something.” Dodd says. He attended seminary school and became a pastor during which he participated in various healthcare workshops and felt a particular need to cater to the disabled population, enticing him to the work Bettendorf does.

Meet Liz Lowry (right): After getting her BA in International Affairs, Liz wanted to work with outreach in domestic issues which led her to take a position as Outreach Coordinator through Americorps VISTA for ABAM’s  Bonaventure House and The Harbor  in 2010-2011.  Being a positive asset during her term, ABAM was happy to have her back on the team.  She is currently in her second year of Seminary School and will be with ABAM until June to help get the Bettendorf outreach program off the ground.

ABAM VISTA and Staff Give Back to Support a Legacy

The parking lot was jam packed when ABAM VISTA members and staff pulled into the Highland Park Recreation Center on Monday, January 21^st.  In honor of a day of community togetherness, North Shore School District 112 & the Highland Park Human Relations Commission Presented the 4th Annual Martin Luther King Day of Service.  The event was a means to consolidate hands on service projects that gave attention to some of the areas non-profit causes.

The event began at 10 am and started out with performances from Edgewood Middle School Chorus who sang songs of freedom.  Starting at 10:30 am, Aaron Freeman, radio commentator, comedian, and author had people laughing as he gave his interesting but comedic speech regarding his take on MLK Day.  After the performances, from 11 am-1 pm attendees strolled towards the gymnasium where an array of crafty service activities were set up, proving to be engaging for all ages.

 

Aaron Freeman, Comedian, Author, and radio commentator

The variety of activities offered included; Making dog toys for no-kill shelters, crafting paper flowers for hospital patients, assembling toiletry bags for veterans, decorating sandals for children in India, writing letters of inspiration and encouragement to children and soldiers across the globe, and much more.  See the full list of activities here.

A crowd gathers to construct Valentines for Soldiers overseas.

The organizations represented at the Day of Service gave out thorough information about what they do along with each activity.  The event gave a lot of insight to problems around the globe while showing ways to improve them.

ABAM VISTA members and staff participated in the Day of Service, wearing their bright yellow volunteer shirts proudly while they worked.  They fulfilled tasks from the other side of activity tables by aiding children piece together crafts, plopping filled toiletry bags into boxes and helping to clear the gymnasium as the event came to a close.

Overall, the event was an enjoyable way to get families out of the house for the holiday while representing what MLK really stands for.

Check out our Facebook page for a full gallery of photos!

Residents Bring Holiday Cheer to Bonaventure House Hallways

 

After numerous stops to Hobby Lobby and hours of cutting, folding, taping and gluing, residents from Bonaventure House produced an array of festive artwork for this year’s annual Door Decorating Contest.

 

Every year the residents at Bonaventure wrap up the year by using whatever creative means possible to decorate their door to be the brightest and the best.  The contest is a way to make things competitive and fun all while bringing some holiday cheer to the house. 

Ray Canjeas, Bonaventure’s House Occupational Therapist, was in charge of facilitating the contest this year.  “Please, nothing living this year.” Ray said while listing off the rules and regulations. The statement was a humorous reference to the previous year’s use of live tree branches, further evidence that resident’s truly do go all out with the activity.

 

Judging criteria was based on creativity, use of the theme and execution.  Prizes for the top three contenders included a grand prize of $100 gift card from Macy’s, $75 for second place and $50 for third.   The year’s theme was “Holiday Spirit” and was judged by outside unconnected sources.

 

Check out the winners below! For all the entries please visit our Facebook page here.

First Place : Mix in a bit of cutting, folding and attention to detail and  you got yourself one festive 3D masterpiece.

 

Second Place: Representing that lovely Skyline

Third Place:  Creative AND Resourceful

ABAM Stands Against Stigma Around Chicago: World AIDS Day 2012

On Saturday December 1^st, Alexian Brothers AIDS Ministry joined in partnership with numerous community organizations to observe World AIDS Day and unite in the global fight against HIV/AIDS.

World AIDS Day is an annual, internationally-recognized event that raises awareness, commemorates those who have passed, and celebrates the progression of treatment and prevention services related to HIV/AIDS. ABAM represented the cause through various events scattered throughout both Cook and Lake Counties, reaching a wide range of neighborhoods and cultures.

Through the efforts of ABAM along with Archdiocesan Gay and Lesbian Outreach Chicago (AGLO) a prayer service was held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Chicago.  The service included choir performances, a reading of names, as well as speakers living with HIV, including Bonaventure House graduate.

A second Cook County event was held at Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church in Chicago. The service presented a cabaret of sung and spoken reflections on living with HIV/AIDS drawing on the traditions of black and white spirituals.  Members of Saint Peter’s Church and residents of ABAM collaborated to produce this performance, including speeches from two current Bonaventure House residents telling their story of living with HIV/AIDS.

The annual Stand Against Stigma event took place in Lake County at Waukegan High School’s auditorium. This event brings together Alexian Brothers The Harbor, Lake County Health Department, Catholic Charities of Lake County and the YWCA to plan and execute.  The occasion featured complimentary lunch and dessert, and inspirational performances to honor those living with HIV/AIDS and those lost to the disease.  The entire program was provided in both English and Spanish translation to accommodate as many cultures within the area as possible.

ABAM also worked to reduce stigma around various locations on the south side, hosting free HIV testing, conversations, food, incentives, and educational material for surrounding communities.  A balloon release was held to honor all those who have passed from the disease.

Throughout the various efforts on the global occasion, ABAM raised just under $1,500 through charitable donations to aid in the transitional housing and supportive service efforts related to HIV/AIDS.

Founder’s Day Celebration 2012

Saturday, June 9th was Alexian Brothers AIDS Ministry’s annual Founder’s Day Celebration. Every year, we invite community partners, supporters, staff, volunteers and residents to participate in a celebration to honor the organization, its history, and everyone who has come together to ensure its continued success.

This year’s ceremony opened with a prayer led by Bridget Purdome, Spiritual Care Coordinator. A former resident, Michael H., spoke of his experience at Bonaventure House. Cheryl Potts, Executive Director of Alexian Brothers AIDS Ministry, led the Awards Ceremony.

The Alexian Award of Excellence is given to an organization for their outstanding commitment in the fight against HIV/AIDS and that exemplifies the Alexian Brothers values of holism, dignity of person, compassion, care of the poor and partnership.

In gratitude for their dedicated service, ABAM recognized the AIDS United AmeriCorps Program members for their tireless efforts in bringing beauty and dignity to the residents at ABAM’s South Side Location. We commend the AmeriCorps members for their compassion and partnership in the fight for people living with HIV/AIDS.

AIDS United AmeriCorps Program

The President’s Award is given to an organization that has, in an outstanding way, helped either Bonaventure House or The Harbor to carry out the Alexian Brothers values of holism, dignity of person, compassion, care of the poor and partnership.

In gratitude for their dedicated service, ABAM recognized Peterson Contracting Services for their work and dedication to provide dignified and beautiful living spaces for the residents of Bonaventure House. The staff members of Peterson Contracting Services are kind and compassionate individuals for whom ABAM is incredibly grateful.

Representative from Peterson Contracting Services

The Board Service Award honors past members of the Alexian Brothers AIDS Ministry Board of Directors whose partnership, energy and support has furthered our mission and vision. We recognize the following retired board member David Reilly.

David Reilly and Cheryl Potts

The Volunteer Service Award honors volunteers who personify the mission of the Alexian Brothers AIDS Ministry through dedication and selflessness. We recognize Eileen Harakal for his valued volunteer service.

Eileen Harakal, Erika Esponisa, Cheryl Potts

The Outstanding Service Award honors employees of Alexian Brothers AIDS Ministry whose partnership, energy and support has furthered our mission and ultimately helped improve the quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS. This year’s recipient is Karen Kowal, Director of The Harbor.

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate Founder’s Day 2012!