Thank you for your interest in volunteer opportunities at Parenthesis Parent-Child Center. Below is a brief listing of ways to get involved. Many of these are for fundraising events that require volunteers for one or more days for a specific amount of time. Other opportunities are for short- or long-term administrative or fundraising projects. 



BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Our Board of Directors is composed of volunteers with expertise in social work, business administration and community relations. Board members meet the third Monday of every month and serve three-year terms. Contact Kathy Kern, Executive Director, for more information about Board member responsibilities.
 

WHAT'S FOR DINNER?

The Parenteen Program is looking for volunteers to make dinners on Wednesday nights for the teens and their children. If you can help make an entree, side dish, salad or dessert for approximately 15 to 20 people please call Ann Puccetti at (708) 848-2227. Food that needs no refrigeration or heating can be dropped off at any time before the 6:00 pm meal. Hot foods and refrigeration items should be dropped off between 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm. Store-bought and pre-made items are acceptable.

The Parenting On Our Own program, a weekly support group for single parents, is also seeking volunteers to provide meals. It’s a great way to nourish families in our community who gather together weekly to connect, receive support and work through challenges. We need a simple, well-balanced meal for approx. 20 people delivered to Parenthesis on an agreed upon Tuesday. You can sign up for one Tuesday or schedule a few throughout the year. If you don’t cook, you can order a meal (pizza, Chinese food, etc) to be delivered as your donation. Perfect for a group service project or a budding food network star! For sign up or questions, contact Bonnie at 708-848-2227.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS

Our Consignment Sales of Children’s Clothing and Equipment are held in March and September each year. Volunteers are needed before the sale to sort donations for quality and to price donated items. Volunteers also work the day of the sale and help with cleanup after the sale. Contact Christina Coghill, Coordinator of Non-Clinical Programs, regarding dates or for more information. 

Our newest event, the DreamMakers silent auction benefit, has been running for the past two years during the month of February. At the event guests have the chance to bid on donated items, enjoy terrific food and drinks, and mingle with other bidders. Volunteers are needed on the day of the event to help organize the space for before guests arrive. Additionally, we seek volunteers to hostesses the event during the evening. Volunteers are also welcomed to take part in the excitement of bidding! If you are interested in more information please contact Bonnie Andorka, Development Coordinator.

The Parenthesis Kitchen Walk is our biggest fundraiser of the year, usually held the last Saturday in April. The Kitchen Walk is one of the Chicago metro area’s most popular housewalks. Ten to twelve recently renovated kitchens in Oak Park and River Forest are selected, and 800 to 1000 participants attend each year. Over 70 volunteers work the day of the walk, as hostesses at the kitchens, setting up signs, delivering materials as needed at the homes and working at the Parenthesis office. We also seek volunteers who have graphic design, layout and publicity capabilities to help produce Kitchen Walk materials. Contact Bonnie Andorka for more information. 


ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT 

We can also use volunteers on an occasional or long-term basis in various administrative areas:

• Microsoft Access Database support
• Development Support and Research
• Filing/File Cleanup
• Childcare Support (during program hours)

 

Contact Christina Coghill or Bonnie Andorka at Parenthesis (708-848-2227) for further information.