The Boulevard: The Road to Health and Home

The First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette has supported Interfaith House for over a decade both financially and with service projects including cooking meals, sorting clothes, and playing bingo with donated prizes. Last May we brought our Chancel Bell Choir to perform for the residents after dinner. We have performed at many venues in the past, but our visit to IFH was the most fun, engaging and rewarding event we’ve ever shared. We enjoyed talking with the residents before and after the concert and many of them were interested is seeing the bells and music up close and trying a few rings themselves. We had many one-on-one conversations with residents who told us their own stories of playing musical instruments either themselves or by family and friends. We congratulate Interfaith House on their 20th anniversary and we are honored to be even a small part of their great mission. They provide a critical and unique service to the community and we look forward to returning soon.

What’s not to like about the Interfaith House mission?! Founded in 1994 by religious leaders from many walks of faith, IFH provides residential care for homeless men and women in medical recovery. Several times over the past few months, I’ve organized a group of girls from church to do crafts with some of the residents. Together we all seem to have a blast! The IFH staff is pretty flexible, too, giving us freedom to pick activities and times that fit our schedules and budget. In other words, there’s no excuse not to volunteer. ;)

Interfaith House is a unique organization that provides critical care to those who are less fortunate in the Chicago area. Not only does the House provide the extended health care that is needed to prevent further illness/injury, it also provides services (e.g. physiological, job search, educational) that can create the opportunities for future success! Everyone who I have encountered that supports this noble organization has been a pleasure to work with. The compassion that the staff and volunteers demonstrate is unparalleled.

Interfaith House is a wonderful organization! They make tremendous strides to help those recovering from surgeries and getting back on their feet again. They are conveniently located for all downtown companies to do a lunchtime serve, or a work/group activity. There is so much need, and many options for people to choose from in order to help. Plus the staff AND the residents are consistently gracious and appreciative of our efforts. My company volunteers regularly!

I have been volunteering at IFH for several months (and occasionally my pre-teen children have joined me) and it has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. The mission of IFH is very compelling and the people I have worked with are not just devoted to the mission and the people they serve, but pleasant and helpful. They have been flexible about finding work for me when I am available, and it is easy to get to.

I found Interfaith House, via this site, I was looking for places to volunteer near my home-this fit the bill! I never knew this place existed-I came to help with the mass mailing opportunity. A total of 2 FT employees and 3 Volunteers were there to help. Friendly staff and residents, we even got a tour of the place and a little bit of background too. Parking is on the street, California green line is close too, but I got dropped off.