Cabrini Connections

Cabrini Connections and its partner, Tutor/Mentor Connections, is one of the most comprehensive and forward-thinking tutor/mentor programs in Chicago and perhaps in the country. In my interactions with the program and its founder, Dan Bassill, I've been repeatedly impressed by the ways in which TM/C utilizes social media and technology in order to make Cabrini Connections, as well as tutor and mentor organizations throughout the city and beyond, more effective and efficient. I don't think any other tutor and mentor program focuses as much on the bones of organizing, implementing, and advertising programs and ideas connected to tutoring and mentoring as does TM/C.

I've been lucky enough to interact with both Cabrini Connections and Tutor/Mento Connection. Cabrini Connections has a group of extremely dedicated volunteers. They do great things for the youth in the program, going above and beyond traditional tutoring to provide clubs and opportunities for the kids to experience the world around them. The dedication to providing education about professions and opportunities helps the kids to develop networks that will help them throughout their lives. Tutor/Mentor Connection also quite impresses me. The organization has done a great job of providing resources for tutoring and mentoring organizations. While much of the visual information is specifically geared towards Chicago, the organization has also compiled and showed willingness to share information nationwide. The volunteer-created maps help to visualize the severe need for tutoring and mentoring programs throughout Chicago, while the Conferences and databases help the programs to connect with each other and share experiences.

Cabrini Connections is an outstanding program for both youth and volunteers. The students, volunteers, & staff are wonderful. We do what we can to reach out and help in all ways possible. The program helps the students stay out of trouble and influences them to want to do something positive with their lives. It's fun! There is always something going on so that it isn't always about homework and studying but we try to keep it so that everyone enjoys their time in the program. By the end of the year you will feel great. I know I did after seeing so many turn arounds and positive attitudes that I hadn't seen in the beginning of the school year. Watching the seniors say that they have gotten accepted to multiple colleges by the end of the school year was amazing. It made feel wonderful knowing that I played a part in that. I never knew what an impact I make on so many. I love everyone there and most importantly I love my students.

I've been running online events for social entrepreneurs for several years now, and Dan Bassill of Tutor/Mentor Connections has been one of the most consistently productive participants, building an impressive suite of maps, diagrams and other useful tools for understanding who is in need, where, and what resources (financial, religious, educational etc) are nearby -- and all this in a format that can be translated (and is being translated) to other cities and locations-- and even to other socially needed causes. Support him and his impressive work -- borrow his tools and ideas and apply them elsewhere -- and spread the word!

This is a great organisation to work with. It gives an opportunity to learn, grow and work towards achieving it's noble cause. Everyone involved in the organisation is a great enthusiast working like a team and work in collobration to achieve it's goal. It's been a pleasure to be attached to such an organisation

I have been in touch with this organization for several years and have researched how it networks tutors/mentors throughout Chicago and even nationwide. As a person who heads up an organization focused on bringing visibility to nonprofit causes that replicate their proven solutions, I'm impressed with Tutor/Mentor's willingness to help those outside Chicagoland obtain the needed resources for their programs. They are also on the cutting edge of putting their arms around where programs exist and where they're needed. This is a monumental undertaking for any nonprofit at their funding level. Their loyal volunteers and followers speak volumes about the ongoing success of their effors.

This is a great organization. Everyone who works here is strong and dedicated to the cause. They all truly care about seeing a change in the community and helping these children grow into strong, compassionate, and bright adults. Though this organization may lack some funds, the people within the organization still try their hardest to get the funds that Cabrini Connections needs so that the programs can still run effectively. I applaud Cabrini Connections for their efforts in helping make these children have a brighter future.

While the tutoring and mentor portion of this organization is incredibly impressive, my personal experience with it has shown poor money management and efficiency in utilizing donations and grants. Rather than putting money toward their students, Cabrini focuses on the Tutor/Mentor Connection piece of their program placing way more money than they should towards maps that while might be good in theory physically don't show much or advocate anything. This organization needs to clarify its mission and efficiency in providing resources badly!