Our Place

A Volunteer's Story:

I remember my first day at Our Place. I walked into a Saturday night Social in August as a sophomore in high school. I remember feeling at first a bit overwhelmed as everyone introduced themselves. I wasn’t sure if I could remember all 15 or so names in the room, and I felt slightly awkward as I wasn’t sure of who was a participant and who was another volunteer. I didn’t know Our Place was only a year old, and I was wondering why I was the only volunteer there. The overwhelmed and the slightly awkward feelings, however, were short-lived. Soon, I felt welcomed and invited. As the participants and I danced the Chicken Dance, the Macarena, ate pizza, and got to know each other, I was filled with the laughter and joy in that Wilmette Church basement.  I came back for many more Saturday Night Socials that year, and I fell in love with all that is Our Place. Throughout my time in high school, I experienced many programs at Our Place and can honestly say that I have loved all of my time here, and that I have met many amazing people.

I have funny and sweet memories of the time I have spent here. Some that stand out to me are the writings done by participants in heARTwords with Barry; stories and sentences that were humorous, touching, and honest.  I also have great memories of summer outings: driving down to the zoo and to Ravinia in the vans and getting to explore new places together.

             More than four years later, Our Place has grown and developed. It has welcomed many wonderful new people and new creative ideas along with them. It has developed career programs, new outing programs, and art, music, and dance programs. Despite all the new, Our Place, to me, is the same, amazing community that I look forward to returning to every time I have gone away during my last year travelling, and this year away at school. I am welcomed every time I walk in the building just as I was welcomed the very first night I came in, and I see that same warm treatment extended to every other volunteer, staff member, and participant. I really feel as if Our Place is my place, and I believe one of the most amazing things about this organization is that they have the ability to make every person who is involved feel the same.

Resources for Fundraisers 

Instructions for Team Captains

Team Captain Fundraising Guide

How to Join a Fundraising Team

Your Guide to Being a Great Team Member

Cash Donation Form