​Volunteer Spotlight

Kicking Off Fall with Fresh Faces and Familiar Hearts
​ at Chicago HOPES for Kids

As the fall season begins, we are thrilled to introduce our incredible new AmeriCorps State & National members who are joining us for the Fall 2024 Program Semester! This passionate group of individuals brings diverse skills and a shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of our students. Their energy and enthusiasm align perfectly with the mission of Chicago HOPES for Kids, and we’re excited to see the impact they will have as they begin their journeys with us this week.

Our new members include Mia Hainer, Londan Booth, Sarai Viveros, China Smith, Rose Williams, and Noor-Alyn Mirza. Each of them has been drawn to HOPES by a desire to serve their community and support children in need. For Mia Hainer, it was the "desire to work with and in my community and provide access to educational resources and social support to underserved populations" that motivated her to join. Londan Booth shares, "I was excited by the opportunity to serve my community and be involved with kids."

In addition to welcoming our new members, we are also delighted to see familiar faces returning for another round of service. Lashawn Gordon, Will Grade, Kay (Brad) Golab, Emily Walls, and Ryland Roberts all contributed their time and talents during the Summer 2024 program, and their decision to return speaks volumes about their dedication and the positive experiences they’ve had at HOPES. We are grateful to have them back as they continue making an impact on our students and programs.

As we kick off the new semester, we wish all of our AmeriCorps members the best of luck as they begin their service. Whether they are starting fresh or returning for another round, we know they will make a lasting impression on our students, fostering growth, learning, and positive connections. China Smith reflects this dedication, stating, "Being a volunteer means putting your best foot forward, and being open to improving weaknesses for the benefit of others. Volunteering isn’t always sacrificial; it’s intentional and centered around development."
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We are eager to see the contributions and positive energy that Mia, Londan, Sarai, China, Rose, Noor-Alyn, and our returning members will bring to HOPES. Your passion and dedication to our students are what make our programs thrive, and we are proud to have each of you as part of our HOPES family. Best of luck as you embark on this new semester—let’s make it a great one!