Thank you for your interest in volunteer opportunities at Parenthesis Family
Center. Below is a brief listing of ways to get involved. Many of these are
regarding 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. If you are interested in any of the
following, please call Parenthesis at 708.848.2227 and ask to speak with the
appropriate contact person.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our Board of Directors is composed of
volunteers with expertise in social work, education, business administration and
community relations. Board members meet the third Monday of every month and
serve three-year terms.
Contact Kathy Kern, Executive
Director
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 we would greatly appreciate it. Food that needs no refrigeration or
heating can be dropped off at any time before the 5:30 pm meal. Hot foods and
refrigeration items should be dropped off between 5:00 pm and 5:30 pm.
Store-bought and pre-made items are acceptable.
Contact Ann Puccetti.
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 approximately 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,
sandwiches, etc) to be delivered as your donation. Perfect for a group service
project or a budding food network star!
Contact Bonnie Andorka
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 help with various aspects of
setup. Volunteers also work the day of the sale and help with cleanup after the
sale. Benefits include, meeting and socializing with other parents, free
childcare during shifts (when available) and a chance to shop the sale before it
opens to the public!
Contact Christina Coghill
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!
Contact Bonnie Andorka
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
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
We can also use volunteers on an occasional or
long-term basis in various administrative areas:
Quickbooks and Auction Pay Database
support
Development Support and Research
Filing/File Cleanup
Childcare Support (during program hours)
Contact Kathy Kern
