Big Brothers Big Sisters in North Chicago is part of the oldest mentoring organization in the United States. They match adults and children in a 1: 1 relationship to foster educational achievement, positive choices, and socio-emotional competency. Volunteers can either serve as a site-based mentor, meeting their "Little" in a facilitated group setting, or as a community-based mentor, picking up their "Little" for community outings.

Contact Dawn Steffen at steffen@bbbschgo.org

Lake County United is a consortium of people from Lake County churches and houses of worship that unite to advocate for policy changes that will improve quality of life for Lake County residents. Volunteer to help with a variety of community organizing projects related to advocating for attainable housing, common sense gun laws and much more.

Contact: lakecountyunitedil@gmail.com

Roberti Community House is a community center in Waukegan that provides free lunches and a food pantry as well as classes in English, sewing, and cooking. They also host after-school activities and summer camps. Their culinary program trains people to work in the food service industry through their catering program and cafe. Volunteer opportunities include working with children and youth and making food pickups and deliveries.

Contact: Pam Fisher at volunteerrch@gmail.com

The Legacy Reentry Foundation in Waukegan is a faith-based not-for-profit organization that helps people who are formerly incarcerated reintegrate into society. They assist with employment and therapeutic services, social service applications, home furnishings, clothing, and life skills. Additionally, they mentor at-risk youth and provide them with experiences in the arts. Volunteer opportunities include sorting clothes at the Community Closet, staffing the front desk, and tutoring at the youth center.

Contact: Pastor George and Regina Moore at legacyreentryfoundation@gmail.com

The Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery is a group of people who work together to mobilize Christian church communities to dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery and follow Indigenous leadership. First Pres members have been exploring the work of the Coalition and working on building relationships with Indigenous neighbors by sponsoring and attending the annual Potawatomi Trails Pow Wow in Zion, Illinois each August (August 24 & 25, 2024). To learn more about ways to participate in the Coalition visit https://dismantlediscovery.org/join-the-coalition/.

Youth Conservation Corps in Waukegan mentors young people, ages 16-24, who have left high school without a diploma and are unemployed. Participants earn their GED and participate in training for jobs in construction, IT, and conservation while they also learn career and life skills to get back on track.

Volunteer with beautification projects at their location, help with a community garden, and much more.

Contact: Jennifer Yonan at info@youthconservationcorps.org 

Waukegan to College fills a crucial gap in the Waukegan school system by preparing first-generation college students and their families for university admissions and beyond. They provide tutoring and mentoring for middle and high school students, assistance with college and aid applications, and resources for students and parents. Volunteer opportunities include tutoring, mentoring, and reading assistance.

Contact: Laura Rios at office@waukegantocollege.org