Urban Outreach
During COVID-19 our ways of serving might look different but the needs are greater than ever. Write letters to North Park students at Stateville Penitentiary, do virtual tutoring for refugee children in Chicago, sort and pack supplies for people in need, visit with residents of a local assisted living home through video meet-ups, get a group together and adopt a classroom, serve at a local food pantry, pick up trash in the neighborhood, or come up with your own creative idea.
Students can get involved by doing the following:
- Explore the service opportunities below.
- Fill out the Volunteer Interest Form.
- University Ministries will follow up with information on ways to get involved.
- Have questions? Email Laura Kraybill, Co-Pastor / Outreach Chaplain.
About Urban Outreach
The purpose of Urban Outreach is to inspire, inform, and invite North Park University students, faculty, and staff to engage the city of Chicago living a life of significance and service to others.
Policy
North Park Faith and Justice is a grassroots student-driven organization that partners with local community-based organizations to address public policy issues in our city. We believe democratic engagement is an important moral obligation and intrinsic to what it means to be a citizen.
Programming
The Programming team plans events that promote an ethos of civic engagement across the campus and connect us with our community. We believe events like Service Day can help galvanize our student body to be active participants in the dynamic work that is already taking place in our city.
Presence
Service initiatives place an emphasis on a ministry of presence by building relationships across various contexts. We believe these relationships can influence both our personal sense of vocation and transform our worldviews.
Service Opportunities
Service Day
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Serve our Chicago neighbors through an all-campus Service Day. Support locals experiencing food insecurity, isolation, and financial hardship.
Peterson Tutoring
Serve as a tutor for local students at a weekly afterschool program in a church right across the street. Be a mentor and build relationships that help kids grow in faith and learning.
World Relief Tutoring
World Relief’s mission is to empower the local church to serve the most vulnerable. Serve weekly as a tutor and mentor with children of refugee families (virtual options available).
New Life Food Pantry
Serve Albany Park residents in need at New Life Community Church Albany Park. Volunteer to serve food, move boxes, or register people in line (Spanish speakers needed for the registration role).
By The Hand Club For Kids
By The Hand is a Christ-centered, after-school program that takes kids by the hand and walks with them from kindergarten through college, loving and nurturing them—mind, body, and soul. There are opportunities to feed the children, teach them about the Lord, and help them succeed in school and in life. Get a group together and adopt a classroom, sending notes of encouragement, birthday cards, and snacks. (Other virtual options available.)
Covenant Homes
Meet outside or by video with residents experiencing isolation. Options for small groups, partners, or one-on-one visits. Perform music or masked sing-a-longs outside for residents.
Friday Night Street Ministry
*Temporarily suspended due to COVID-19.
Started by North Park University students, Friday Night Street Ministry serves those without permanent housing in downtown Chicago by providing meals and companionship on a weekly basis in the Spirit of Jesus.
Volunteer Across the United States
If you don’t live in Chicago, visit the Mutual Aid Hub created by the Town Hall Project to highlight volunteer opportunities all over the country.