Chicago Shares Connects With Area Groups Addressing Vulnerable Populations

Recently Chicago Shares representatives (Julie Stagliano, Executive Director, board Vice
President Elizabeth Kohlbeck and board member Susan Gold) attended a meeting convened by
the Social Action Ministries of Old St. Pat's Church. The goal was to inform and connect with representatives from numerous Chicago area organizations delivering basic services to the
disadvantaged, be they the homeless, recently arrived immigrants or others in need. 

Many of those at the meeting were unfamiliar with Chicago Shares and we were pleased to
share our mission and goals, as well as point out how we had partnered with several of the
organizations present through our grants program. We found many examples of intersections
of services and collaborations among these diverse organizations.

Meeting representatives included Chicago Help Initiative, St. Sabina’s Church, St. Chrysostom
Church, Assumption Church, Catholic Charities, Fourth Presbyterian Church, Young Men’s
Educational Network, Franciscan Outreach, to name but a few of the 20 or so in attendance.

Follow up to this meeting will include completing a Survey of Basic Needs Services that will
facilitate making referrals, as well as finding opportunities for collaboration and partnering in
various outreach activities. Chicago Shares will be following up with several people whose
organizations may be willing to promote/purchase/distribute Chicago Shares in the future.