Wheeling Nonprofits and Charities

Ever since we were welcomed to Bounce, our family has made so many fun memories thanks to this organization. It is a great space for families and children with disabilities.

I've been volunteering at Heartland for about 3 years. This organization has changed so much from when I started in early 2017. There have been a lot of improvements such as the way they conduct their volunteer orientations allowing more volunteers to give back, there have been updates to the kennels, the cat room, the puppy kennels, the kitchen, there have been improvements to the outdoor runs, and these are just a few of the many things I have seen change in the past few years. Since I started volunteering, my family has adopted one dog, Clyde, and earlier this year we foster failed with a FeLV+ cat named DaVinci. I am currently serving my second term on the Board of Directors and am the President of the Heartland Young Professionals organization that has raised approx. $18,000 in about a year and a half. This organization is very near and dear to my heart. I've met a lot of amazing animals and also made a lot of friendships with people that love the same thing I do, helping animals! I love taking the animals for a drive around the block or a drive-thru and really see them transform when they're away from the shelter for just a few moments. Covid has impacted my on-site volunteering, but I've still been able to help with HYP and also the Instagram (@heartland_animal_shelter) and Twitter (@AdoptHeartland) social pages. I hope to be back real soon walking the doggies, because I really enjoy seeing all the new animals coming into Heartland. Amazing work they are still going stronger than ever.

On of their best programs is their PACE program for students with disabilities.<br><br>The P.A.C.E. Mission<br><br>Our mission is to empower and build independence in individuals with multiple intellectual, learning and developmental disabilities through employment preparation, independent living skills coaching, functional academic courses and social development through community based instruction in the vibrant city of Chicago.<br><br>The P.A.C.E. Philosophy<br><br>P.A.C.E. at NLU is grounded in the belief that all students can achieve a higher potential through instruction and the opportunity to practice concepts learned in a real world setting. Instruction is based on the observation that students learn best when actively involved in the process and when teaching is directly linked to events and activities. P.A.C.E. provides a unique real world arena for our students to put theory into practice every day.<br><br>Although all students succeed at differing rates or levels, each is capable of growth and movement toward living safely and productively in the broader community. P.A.C.E. at NLU encourages, supports, and instructs students in their efforts to reach their ultimate goal of independence.<br><br>While at P.A.C.E., all experiences are important in the growth process. Students are taught to balance between work, play, and responsibility. Challenges are expected, and serve as a platform for teaching and learning. Students are encouraged to become more confident in their ability to make decisions, build relationships, work successfully, and solve problems, both with support and on their own.

An amazing choir- children of different ages sing from their heart. The maturity of their compositions is unbelievable. The voices are angelic. I would love to see more of these organizations that promote and teach conscious spiritual way of living. Well done to the organizers!!