Our institutional location provides us with an incredible opportunity to interact with and minister to immigrants who, through persecution, oppression, war, and political unrest in their native country, find themselves here in the city of Chicago.

Brain Booster

Background: World Relief was founded in the year 1944 as the War Relief Commission with the express purpose of ending world hunger during WWII.  It received its current name in 1950 with the goal to provide food for the body and soul. They work in over 20 countries including the U.S “equipping churches and communities to help victims of poverty, disease, hunger, war, disasters, and persecution”. Their main website is www.worldrelief.org

Among its numerous arms is a focus on refugees and immigrants both here and abroad. And this focus on immigrants and refugees is what fuels Brain Boosters.  The aim of Brain Boosters is to provide a place for students to come for help with school work as well as a safe environment where they can grow and have fun.  It begins with a period of free time where the kids can play in the gym or do puzzles and games in the lobby.  Then we head into homework time, where we as tutors do our best to help the kids with their school work.  Once they finish their homework we play educational games and puzzles with them until it is time to do.

Focus: Tutoring and playing with neighborhood kids including non English-speaking recent refugees.

Our Role: North Parkers are assigned 1 to 2 kids per volunteer, for a whole semester/year. We help these kids, Chicago public school kids some of whom can barely speak English, with their homework, English language skills, etc.

Time commitment: 2hrs weekly

Volunteer requirement: See Tutor Handbook (Given at Site)

Typical volunteer work day:  Arrive at the church at about 3:30.  Sign in and hang out with kids in the gym, kitchen, or studying area for games.  At 3:45, the bell will ring and you will find the kids you are working with.  You will work together doing homework, educational activities (Ex: flashcards), or reading.  During the last half of “tutor time” you can play one of the many educational games that are provided.  At the end you fill out an evaluation on how you spent your time and if there are any questions or concerns you may have.  5:30 leave Brain Boosters.

Contact:
World Relief: Richelle Haines
Title: Volunteer Coordinator
Email: rhaines@wr.org
Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church: Jessica
Title: Volunteer Coordinator
Tel: (773) 478-7941

Site Rating:
This site is particularly beneficial to those interested in learning more about other cultures and or honing their intercultural communication skills. Majors: Education, Cross-cultural studies, Service, Ministry

Directions to site:
Head south on Spaulding, past the “L” tracks about a block and a half.  The church is on your left hand side.

Site Coordinator: Kirk Carpenter