Become a Chicago Lights Tutor and do life-changing work!
Get Involved
Volunteer
If you are volunteering in person with any Chicago Lights program, you are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please send a copy of your vaccination certification card to vaxproof@fourthchurch.org. Medical records will be kept confidential, but if you have questions, please contact the program you are volunteering with.
Our typical volunteer opportunities are below. For more information, contact us at chicagolights@fourthchurch.org.
Volunteer with Chicago Lights and join a community that is helping build brighter futures.
Youth Programs
Chicago Lights Tutoring begins October 3, 2022.
Join us this fall and help build brighter futures for our youth!
Become an in-person or virtual mentor and connect one-to-one with a student.
For more information, contact Mark Dennison at mdennison@chicagolights.org.
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
Have a lasting impact by meeting with your student once a week, on the same day each week. Our mission is to build relationships, trust, and self-esteem through academics, advising, and social & communication skills.
To register to be a permanent mentor click here or contact Program Manager Mark Dennison at mdennison@chicagolights.org / 312.274.3828.
This volunteer position is flexible and allows you to determine the day (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday) that is appropriate for you. Substitute tutors are needed most evenings and are extremely helpful in providing academic support and guidance to a student who would have otherwise been without a Mentor for the evening.
To register to be a substitute mentor click here or contact Program Manager Mark Dennison at mdennison@chicagolights.org / 312.274.3828.
Seeking individuals who can teach early literacy and/or reading strategies efficiently and effectively, to students in grades 2nd-8th. Training Provided.
For more information, contact Debra Evans at Devans@chicagolights.org.
SCHEDULE
October 3, 2022–May 2023
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.
Questions? Contact Program Coordinator Mark Dennison at mdennison@chicagolights.org / 312.274.3828
Due to COVID-19, Summer Day volunteer opportunities are on hold to protect the health and safety of our volunteers.
Our typical volunteer opportunities are below.
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
Questions? Contact Program Coordinator Mark Dennison at mdennison@chicagolights.org / 312.274.3828
Get your hands dirty at our Urban Farm! Work side-by-side with our Urban Farm team to help cultivate over 6,000 pounds of produce each season while supporting job opportunities and urban agriculture.
Typical volunteer tasks may include weeding, shoveling compost or woodchips, seeding/planting, painting, organizing, and general site beautification.
Register at the links below for orientation and community farm days.
What to Know before Volunteering at the Farm
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Fourth Presbyterian Church and Chicago Lights instituted a policy requiring COVID vaccination for all paid staff. In alignment with that policy, we have decided to require that all volunteers serving in person must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
If you are volunteering in person we ask that you please send a copy of your vaccination certification card to vaxproof@fourthchurch.org before you volunteer with us.
Please be assured that this information—which will be received directly by our Human Resources Department—will be kept confidential and will only be used to verify your ability to volunteer with Chicago Lights. Volunteers can show a copy of their vax card with appropriate ID on arrival.
Those who do not have a vaccination certification card on file indicating full vaccination against COVID-19 will not be able to volunteer in person.
- Please dress in clothes that can get dirty and close-toed shoes. Bring your own sunscreen if needed.
- Bring a refillable water bottle if you have one. We have drinking water on site.
- For facilities, there is a porta potty and hand-washing station only.
- Plenty of picnic tables in the shade to take a break.
- Masks are optional; please do what makes you feel most comfortable.
- Bring your own gardening gloves if you have them (we will have a limited number of new small and medium gloves to purchase for $3).
- Please do not bring personal items. We do not have storage for these items and cannot be responsible for your belongings.
- If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or have any COVID-19 symptoms, do not come to the Farm and follow all guidelines provided by the CDC and your doctor. If you do test positive or have symptoms and have been to the Farm in the two weeks prior to your symptoms first occurring, please contact the Farm Director, Ben Jaffe (bjaffe@chicagolights.org), immediately.
Orientation/Tour
Volunteering: Community Farm Days
Spots are available on Wednesdays, 2:00-4:00 p.m. Please sign up only if you can stay the entire time as spots are limited.
Group Volunteering
To schedule your group (5–15 people), contact Associate Director Deja Stout at dstout@chicagolights.org.
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.
Our Social Service Center supports an average of 35 guests each day. Help welcome them with dignity and respect, as together, we walk alongside adults during some of their greatest times of need.
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
Share Shop or assist adults during their appointments.
Second and Fourth Mondays, 8:30-11:00 a.m.
Assist with our bi-monthly Food Pantry delivery from the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Volunteers need to be able to lift 40-pound boxes.
Good Neighbors Field Outreach
Tuesdays and Thursdays,
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Wednesdays and Fridays, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Must be at least 18 years old
Volunteer with a small group, including staff, and connect with neighbors experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. Volunteers provide snack items and hygiene kits to individuals on the streets.
Group Volunteering
When Available
Contact Program Manager Lynn Milligan at lmilligan@chicagolights.org / 312.981.3591.
All volunteering at the Social Service Center is at Fourth Presbyterian Church:
126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago, IL
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!