Become a tutor/mentor and make a meaningful difference in a young person’s life.
Get Involved
Volunteer
Volunteer with Chicago Lights and join a community that is helping build brighter futures.
Our typical volunteer opportunities are below. For more information, contact us at chicagolights@fourthchurch.org.
Youth Programs

Help build brighter futures for youth!
Become an in-person or virtual tutor/mentor and connect one-to-one with a student.

To me, there is nothing better than making a difference in the life of a child. Whether that’s helping them with homework, playing games, or just talking with them, I love having the opportunity to have a positive impact on their lives.”
Vince DiGirolamo, Tutor/Mentor, Chicago Lights Tutoring
OPPORTUNITIES
Permanent Weekly Tutor/Mentor, 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Weekly Substitute Tutor/Mentor, 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
SCHEDULE
October 2, 2023 – May 2024
Once a week: Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday
In-person tutoring is held at Fourth Presbyterian Church: 126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago, IL. Virtual tutoring is held on Zoom.
To register to be a permanent or substitute tutor/mentor click here or contact Program Manager Mark Dennison at mdennison@chicagolights.org / 312.274.3828.

Please check back in May of 2024 to learn about opportunities to volunteer with Summer Day or contact Program Manager Mark Dennison at mdennison@chicagolights.org / 312.274.3828.
Help students get a jump start on the school year while having a safe and fun summer. By participating in this program, 94% of our students improved or maintained their language arts skills, and 96% improved or maintained their math skills.

Cathy Flaa, Volunteer, Chicago Lights Summer Day

Typical volunteer tasks may include weeding, shoveling compost or woodchips, seeding/planting, painting, organizing, and general site beautification.
Please check back in April of 2024 to learn about opportunities to volunteer with the Chicago Lights Urban Farm or contact Interim Director Deja Stout at dstout@chicagolights.org.
What to Know before Volunteering at the Farm
- Please dress in clothes that can get dirty and close-toed shoes. Bring your own sunscreen if needed.
- Drinking water will be provided, and we strongly encourage that you bring a reusable water bottle.
- For facilities, there is a porta potty and hand-washing station only.
- Plenty of picnic tables in the shade to take a break.
- Please bring your own gardening gloves.
- Please leave any unnecessary valuables at home for the day – we do not have a secure space to hold valuable items.
Orientation/Tour
Volunteering: Community Farm Days
Spots are available on Saturdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Please sign up only if you can stay the entire time as spots are limited.
Group Volunteering
All volunteering is on site at the Urban Farm, 444 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago (intersection of Chicago and Hudson Ave.).
Questions? Contact Deja Stout at dstout@chicagolights.org.
Adult Social Services


I used to be a guest at the Social Service Center, and the community is amazing. I always feel wonderful when I’m here. People talk about wanting to do something, so I put my words into action. I now volunteer and help guests in the Food Pantry and organize the clothing Share Shop.”
Hilda, Volunteer, Chicago Lights Social Service Center
Assist at the Food Pantry and Share Shop
Assist with our bi-monthly Food Pantry delivery from the Greater Chicago Food Depository on the second and fourth Mondays, 8:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Volunteers need to be able to lift 40-pound boxes.
Good Neighbors Field Outreach
Group Volunteering


After tutoring with Chicago Lights, I joined the Associates Board because I wanted to find a way to make a bigger impact in my community, but I’ve found much more than that. I’ve gained a community of young professionals who are passionate about furthering Chicago Lights’ mission. Whether it’s putting together a large fundraising event or volunteering together on the weekend, we’re all here with the same mission of making Chicago a better place.”
Taylor Wong, Former President, Chicago Lights Associates Board
Membership
Attend a monthly meeting!