Welcome to Women Giving Back Illinois
Presenting our donation to the Center for Independent Futures
(l) Ann Sickon, Executive Director and (r) Megan Madigan, Program Director
We support local charities doing great things!
Presenting our donation to the Center for Independent Futures
(l) Ann Sickon, Executive Director and (r) Megan Madigan, Program Director
Donations to date (nine meetings): $66,852
Next Zoom meeting: Thursday, November 19
Meet our TWO newest charities: Antioch Traveling Closet and the Ryan Banks Academy
WGB Sets Record for Donations - $10,260!
Everyone on the July 20 Zoom meeting was supportive of BOTH charities. We ended up with a tie vote and the consensus was to select the two charities. As with all our charities, they do very important work in their communities.
For July 20 meeting details...
Meet the Antioch Traveling Closet
The Antioch Traveling Closet collects donated items from the community such as clothing, toiletries, school supplies, and cleaning supplies. These items are then distributed, free of charge, at giveaway drives held several times a year at the Antioch Senior Center where residents can come and “shop” for whatever items they are in need of—completely free-of-charge.
Because of COVID-19, the ATC has pivoted to delivering food and toiletries to over 60 needy families on a weekly basis. This charity was founded by Lisa Fisher, who saw a need in the community and met it. She was nominated as one of four Remarkable Women in the Chicago area for her work.
New shoes! Antioch Traveling Closet
Meet the Ryan Banks Academy
The Ryan Banks Academy currently operates as a day school with the goal of soon becoming Chicago’s first urban and tuition-free boarding school for disadvantaged youth in grades 7-12.
Its namesake was a 12-year-old boy tragically killed by gunfire in Chicago. His death devastated students and teachers in his Chicago Public School, including his social worker, Valerie Groth. She quit her job and vowed to found a 24/7 stimulating learning environment that would insulate kids in the inner city from the violence that took Ryan's life.
Valerie has written a book about her vision called The Power of the Possible: The Dire State of Inner City Education and One Woman's Revolution to Fix It.
Great things happening at the Ryan Banks Academy!