LINCOLN PARK COMMUNITY SHELTER
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LPCS is absolutely amazing. They do such good work for so many people, all with private donations and no government money. My husband and I have been volunteers and donors for over ten years. Sitting down with a guest over a cup of coffee and talking, you realize they are people, just like any other people. They have dreams and goals and have hit a bump in their journey. They are at LPCS because they want to succeed and end their homelessness. Every volunteer experience is incredibly rewarding.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
By relating to the guests and listening to their stories. They all say that LPCS is known for tough rules - if you aren't prepared to work toward ending homelessness, then you shouldn't apply to stay. They welcome the discipline because they are committed to change.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Do nothing - they are great!
I was a Guest at LPCS for a short time, and benefited greatly from ALL of the services they offered.... The staff and volunteers are nothing short of miracle workers!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
physical growth of their facility, and widening aspects of their programs
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
a bigger building to help more people
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2007
I was a volunteer for LPCS several years ago -- I now no longer live in Chicago (and therefore can't volunteer there) but have fond memories of my experiences there. The guests are truly in need and I have always felt that the services provided attempted to best meet those needs -- whether it be fellowship/community, charity, a hot meal, job leads, mental health assistance -- you name it.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
hearing the guests talk about how the programs have positively affected them.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Can't think of a way.......
I have been a volunteer at the Lincoln Park Community Shelter for over 8 years and have had wonderful experiences each time I visit to help out. Our group has been a part of the Meal group in that we purchase food, cook and serve for 35 guests of the Shelter. The Staff at LPCS is amazing, and you can really feel a sense of community with their assistance in training these guests to get job skills and housing. I have highly recommended to friends and family if they ever are looking for volunteer opportunities or charity options, LPCS is a great choice!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
N/A
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Nothing. The staff do a great job and the guests are wonderful!
This is a phenomenal organization that works with guests to identify the root cause of their homelessness and provide them with the resources and tools to work toward self-sufficiency.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
hearing how LPCS has positively impacted the lives of program graduates.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
continue doing great work and exploring opportunities to increase the service offering, i.e. actually providing affordable housing, etc.
of the several homeless shelters across the city of Chicago I have served at, Lincoln Park Community Shelter has one of the greatest holistic approaches to identifying and addressing those issues that cause a homeless person to remin homeless. As a result, the staff and volunteers are able to strive to change those behaviors that cause recidivism and teach sustainable skills that will allow a homeless person to rejoin the community as a functioning member.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the testimonials of those who have graduated from the program and have found what they've learned at LPCS to aid them in their fight against returning to homelessness.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
pilot more extensive research on the recidivism and results from the graduates over the years.
The Shelter is one of the jewels in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The community embraced the organization early on and has never let go. There are literally people who volunteered and donated money from the very beginning that are still serving meals, donating money, running events and providing services. Guests get way more than a meal and a warm bed. The LPCS changes lives...helping those less fortunate with a helping hand to get on their feet and stay there. I truly believe the funds I give to LPCS are some of the wisest dollars I spend.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Watching guests grow into confident productive members of society.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Try to find a way to get a younger donor base to embrace the shelter.
I began volunteering a few years ago teaching classes like time management and budgeting. I saw right away how impactful classes and discussions like these could be for people trying to make life changes. It was a wonderful feeling to be able to be a part of that. Now I am active in the fund raising as well as being a dinner volunteer. Bringing friends to make and serve dinner is a great way to showcase the organization and spend quality time with your friends doing something that helps others. I am constantly amazed at the work and diligence of the guests to change their lives. I was most touched when I met a volunteer who had previously been a guest, moved out on his own and chose to come back to work or volunteer. My fiancé’ is now a volunteer at the shelter as well and we hope to bring our children there in the future to join us as dinner volunteers.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I met a man who had been a guest at one time and had graduated and moved out on his own. He chose to come back to work or volunteer and I realized how this place fed the community with more than just meals.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
make the space bigger to accommodate more guests.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
My fiancée and I have helped organize the fall and spring fundraising events for the last 3 years. LPCS provides the physical infrastructure and personal support individuals need to break the cycle of homelessness. The "teaching how to fish" approach used at LPCS provides a significant benefit to the community.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Volunteering
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
No suggestions
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
My wife and I started volunteering more than 10 years ago as dinner volunteers. Twice a month we purchase, prepare and serve food for 35 male and female guests. LPCS is a wonderful place to volunteer because you feel like you're really making an impact. LPCS does more than just feed the homeless, they have rigorous programs that address the root causes of homelessness to help guests transition to full independent living. So instead of serving meals to the same people for years and feeling like nothing ever changes, our best moments are when people stop showing up because they've moved into their own apartment. Many times the 'graduates' come back and tell their new story of independence, holding down full time jobs, reconnecting with family, and that's when you feel that every meal has had an impact.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Seeing people move from long-term homelessness into full independent living.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Make it bigger to serve more people so effectively.
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