Created by: Nancy

After a string of projects, we took a moment – several moments – to catch our breath and reflect on the past four years of service and look ahead to what is next.  While it did not allow for our Annual Fall Clean-Up this year, know that we are back at the drawing table planning for the holidays.   Look for announcements soon.

Let’s catch up in the meantime… read on.

IMN School

When we think of the progress the IMN School in Haiti has made, our smiles – well, there’s not enough space when we stand side by side – our smiles are that wide.  Together we have made life after a devastating earthquake, just a little brighter.  The  principal, Maxandre Bien Aime, has worked hard to allocate donations in an effort to return this school to a thriving educational facility with happy children eager to learn – and an aside here, ten eager sixth graders passed the notoriously challenging national tests – that’s 10 out of 10 – and according to Maxandre, an unheard of feat in Haiti.

Last year, GH’s donations paid for staff salaries and installed a well and water storage and re-established running water for the school and surrounding community.  This year’s donations funded the purchase of 6 sturdy iron windows, 1 iron gate and 14 iron panels (cut, welded, rust-proofed and installed) that now grace the newly built walls of a structure that, aside from the greater security provided, elicits great pride in the community.  To date, 180 students are learning, the community is better functioning and the school’s staff is beaming.  There is plenty more to do – one step at a time.

JAMMIN’ 4 VETS

it was an honor and a sight to behold as GH (along with the Legion Riders Post 80) presented a $9000 check to Robert Adams, president of the Midwest Homeless Shelter for Veterans in Wheaton, IL and we were equally honored and thrilled to present another check for $9000 to the Hines Physically Challenged Sports Program for Veterans.  Of course, that was after a gala event that filled one summer night in July with music and laughter and the lively chatter of new and old friends alike, during a most scrumptious meal of roast pig and all the trimmings – all of it to honor and support our veterans and the quality of their lives.  What a wonderful way to say “Thank you” to those who serve our country.

Fire Safety Project

It all began with a group of high school students at UIC College Prep- Noble Street Charter School and a project concerning fire safety…  GH learned of this and purchased 50 smoke detectors for distribution to students’ families. There’s more… on a Saturday in early September, a group of GH volunteers travelled to the inner city to personally install smoke detectors in 5 separate homes.  There’s even more… in recognition of this service, GH was the proud recipient of the “Corporate Award” presented by the Illinois Fire Inspectors Association.  It all began with a group of high school students.  We say to them,”Bravo for putting your goodwill into motion”!  …And the goodwill just keeps rolling.

Global Hope Community Garden

What a season of giving this beautiful garden provided.  From May through mid-October our little garden supplied us with 78 bags of produce that were delivered each Monday and Friday to the Downers Grove Township Food Pantry.  We have a slew of wonderful volunteers to thank.

First, we extend a special thanks to Liz Rossignuolo for wearing the hat of “volunteer coordinator”.  Liz kept a consistent and reliable rhythm of volunteers tending to our garden in 2 week sessions throughout the entire growing season – no easy task.  Theresa Suchy-McGraw and Maura Clark both played large parts in the melody of our garden this year by being there “till the very end”.  Thank you so much for your commitment to helping GH to help others.

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We are so happy to have so many to thank!

Teresa, Rita, Maura, Steve, Pat, Vivian, Leslie, Cheryl, Sarah, Ken & Marjie, Beth & Sheila, Teri, Janet, Marina, Gayle, Teri, Cheryl, Liz, Michelle and kids, Lisa, Theresa and Aileen, Mary, Linda, and the fabulous Green Team from Whole Foods (Willowbrook).

From deep within the heart and soul of Global Hope we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and we send you a resounding “THANK YOU”.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Contact Mary for details

Global Hope, together with the American Legion Riders Post 80,
are hosting a fundraiser to benefit two essential local organizations
that assist, specifically, veterans facing critical challenges.

The Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans (MSHV) in Wheaton, IL
With the mission “Serving Those Who Served the Nation”, this program helps veterans transition from homelessness to independent living within a two-year time frame (the average stay is 6 months). The program is run 24/7 by a dedicated staff of professionals who provide a wide range of intensive one-on-one support services. Most impressive is their 70% success rate (well above national averages).

The Hines Physically Challenged Sports Committee
With the goal of “motivating veterans to overcome physical challenges and boost morale”, this program recruits and trains all ages and disabilities in therapeutic recreational activities. Many go on to attend one of the Veteran’s Affairs National Competitions/Clinics.

Our goal is to raise $20,000!!

An anonymous donor has offered to MATCH

all donations dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000

Please send your donations today!  Any amount is sincerely appreciated. A list of donors will be posted at the event.

Make checks payable to: American Legion Riders Post 80, Tax ID#27-2520134

and mail to: Global Hope, PO Box 863, Downers Grove, IL 60515

Event Tickets — Please purchase in advance so that we have a headcount for the pig roast. Contact Anna, purchase at the Community Bank of Downers Grove, 1111 Warren in Downers Grove or click here

How about a “play in the dirt” raincheck??

We are still looking for volunteers to tend to the weeding, watering and harvesting throughout the growing season.

We’ve created several “2-week teams” to tend the garden throughout the summer.  Pick a 2-week session and join in the fun.  Weed with a friend – meet new friends – it’s all happenin’ at:

Global Hope Community Garden,
Mar-Duke Farm,
67th & Saratoga in Downers Grove, IL

Get started by checking out our scheduled sessions listed below…then…check your calendar to confirm when you can help out.

Session 1:  May 29 – June 11
Session 2:  June 12 – June 25
Session 3:  June 26 – July 9
Session 4:  July 10 – July 23
Session 5:  July 24 – Aug 6
Session 6:  Aug 7 – Aug 20
Session 7:  Aug 21 – Sep 3
Session 8:  Sep 4 – Sep 17
Session 9:  Sep 18 – Oct 1

Let us know what dates you have picked to volunteer by CLICKING HERE to email us at Global Hope — we’ll add you to the volunteer list.  We will send you an email with all the information you will need to join the team!

Our intention is to
Create and maintain a thriving vegetable garden,
Donate the harvest to local community groups and food pantries,
Feed many, many families this summer,
To have you join our GH community to make it happen.

Read about our successful, and fun, GH Community Garden Project last year in our blog post.  And we thank you in advance for your supporting this project in your local community! If you have any ideas or resources to help with this garden, please let us know.

We can’t wait to meet you in the Garden!

We have a change of date for our 2011

Community Garden Planting Day: