This is a wonderful organization that does so much to meet the needs of the mentally disabled. They…read moreearn dignity and friendship through the many programs that are offered, from building job skills to housing and respite. My family comes here each year for their Christmas brunch, a tradition my dad started several years ago and one we all look forward to. For a few Sundays each December, Misericordia hosts a massive brunch buffet, complete with entertainment by the Heartbreakers- a group of Misericordia residents that perform a pageant for all in attendance. The food is absolutely outstanding, beating the brunch offerings of many fine-dining restaurants... and it's all done with hard working volunteers. The wonderful work done by this organization cannot be done without help from the outside, so consider this when making charitable donations. Visit their website- Nancy has links- or visit the campus and prepare to be amazed at how much good an organization can do for the people it serves.

My first time here. I ordered a Reuben sandwich. I expect a little fat when you order corned beef,…read morebut this was over the top; there was way too much. The lady in charge asked if something was wrong. I said, " Yes, there's way too much fat, more than an acceptable amount." The lady took the sandwich back to the kitchen to let the chef know. She said it would be a good idea to order something different, so I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich, which was good. I will definitely be back. It's too bad they're not open on Saturday, which would be a good day for me to have lunch with a friend who can't do lunch during the week.

Operation basement makeover kicks off tomorrow, but first I had to get rid of all of our current…read morefurniture occupying our basement. Over the past few weeks I made a list of local organizations that would find good homes for our furniture & remove the furniture from the basement themselves. After reading about the Chicago Chesed Fund I was sold...and even more thrilled when (on a Monday) they told me they could pick up my furniture that Friday. In comparison another local organization told me they were booked until end of July. That didn't help me since all my new furniture would be in by then. I was given a 2 hour window for pick up (12-2pm) and they arrived exactly at noon. Impressed! The driver, Michael, could not have been friendlier. By the time he left my house I was even more knowledgeable about the Chicago Chesed Fund and started thinking about other clothing, furniture, baby equipment and/or even my time that I could give to help. For others interested in donating they only take goods that are in good condition & nothing older than 25 years old. And they won't take sleeper sofas, but there were no issues removing a sectional, entertainment center, nightstands etc from my basement. In fact, they did so in record time. While I called around a bunch of organizations this past week, Chicago Chesed Fund will be the first call I make for donations going forward.

I had about 12 bags of clothes and blankets to donate. They called me to arrange a pickup very…read morequickly. They ended up being able to come even earlier which worked out better. I would recommend them to anyone who has items to donate. Added bonus, you just put your items outside and they come and take it all!

Case Workers are ok, Operater is ok, just staff that are really really bad at their jobs. Just to…read morepreface, they threatened to put me out for drinking water and there's a rule that states you can't knock on black doors, so someone in need gets pushed aside and threatened. They threaten pretty much breathing so, if you want food and shelter and hate breathing, this is the shelter for you. Edit: they are pretty much run by incompletent staff, and they are about as useless as space matter on planet earth. Making threats and acting like no one else is allowed to make any decision. No bathroom, no water, no food after a certain time, it's run like prison.

I volunteer on Saturday at The Night Ministry stuffing stockings for the homeless. This Non-Profit…read moreOrganization is amazing. I look forward to coming out to volunteer again at this awesome organization. The team was very organize and prepared to make sure everything was running smoothly. The volunteers watched a mini video on what the organization is about and how they go out on the streets to make sure the homeless is well loved. I was impress on how much they express their dedication and compassion to the homeless. This is the type of organization I would come out and dedicate my time and support.

I am so glad I came! I volunteered through a face-book event and I was so elated doing it. I was a…read morelittle hesitant but screw it, its about doing things for others once in a while and just enjoying it. I usually do not like to talk about the good one does, but in this case, its more-so for the fact that others can join in and help them out when the need arises. If a teenager has to do volunteer hours this is the perfect opportunity to do so. I was put in the kitchen to cut up veggies and help make the GIGANTIC VAT of spaghetti. I mean this thing fed the 188 people we served just that afternoon. Seriously, it was something of a feat to see this. I didn't think it was actually going to feed everyone in the hall, but wow if it did! I helped prep the salad, spaghetti and even the desserts. I have to admit, I was so happy I went. And although it was hard work, the workers made it fun and exciting if that can be stated. They are a non for profit organization that gets donations of food from all over, and just recently started getting food donated from Aldi, YES ALDI! 7 days a week they feed the hungry and NEVER turn anyone away. Some guy (who I heard is a regular) came in with his 2 liter of soda already ready for the nights food. And you would think that a they would serve small portions, but no, these portions were fit for a football player. I mean seriously big portions. Then at the end of the night, (Food is served from 5-6 and stops after that), a take home bag is given to everyone which could consist of produce and a whole bag is what they give. Not one pack, a WHOLE BAG. Nutritious foods that some of the participants probably would never get access too. Not to mention that I was told by one of the cooks that people from far away south come for this and they are fine with that. What a wonderful thing to see, and I hope that this review will encourage others to volunteer their time at least once, to give back something to the communities that so need it. Parking down the block is free on Paulina, but if you park in front, its metered. I choose this so be prepared.

Feeding Hungry people all year round is not a Joke but this organization has been doing it…read moreeffortlessly.Glad to get a chance to volunteer as part of "Yelp Takeover event". They feed nutritious dinner 365 days which is really commendable. Apart from feeding homeless,veterans this organization also does social projects like Micro lending,Mentoring kids and guiding them in education. The place is spacious enough for feeding 50-60 people at one go. They have a big kitchen and counter to serve food.Rest Rooms are clean . Tammy, the staff is very friendly.This place is 5 min walk from Howard CTA station incase if you want to volunteer or donate.It is always good to spare time for less privileged. You can donate your money/time.Gift Donation is tax deductible. Helping Hands are better than Praying Lips-Mother Theresa.

I highly recommend their 40-hour Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence training. Excellent…read morefacilitator who organizes leaders from various local organizations to speak on their topics of expertise from an intersectional, multidisciplinary lens. Also, they have a reduced student-level fee for the training.

The 40-hour training is so comprehensive and interactive. So much camaraderie is developed among…read morethe participants

The donation day and time changes so call to check. Their IG account is…read morehttps://www.instagram.com/albanyparkmutualaid for number to call to check schedule.

New location on Lincoln Avenue is big and beautiful. We dropped off food donations and were warmly…read moregreeted by volunteers. The operation appeared well staffed and very busy, which made my heart happy. Donations were being sorted and I was so impressed by the organization of tasks, volunteers and efficiency of the facility.

Common Pantry is the best pantry that I have received food from the director Ms. Margaret is very…read morenice and the volunteers are nice and friendly. Quick service great atmosphere I thank God for them they help a lot of people, please check them out they are very professional and helpful. I have spread the word to friends and family.

Melinda should not the intake person. I left two voicemails for her and apparently she is too lazy…read moreto listen to them, so she reads the transcription which can be very misleading as we all know. I can't tell you how offensive it is when someone calls you a different name than what you have clearly left repeatedly. Her attitude was despicable. We didn't even get to the preliminaries. She literally started harassing me about my name and said I can't help you. I think the structure within the corporation at The Ark is fundamentally, cruel, and rude to people. I want to check to make sure they are not receiving any government funds because they should not be. I've heard many stories of them refusing services to Jewish people for different reasons. Melinda should not be the first representative people speak to. It's embarrassing for this organization. I left a message for the lead social worker and of course she didn't call back not surprising. Please steer clear of this place.

There are no words to express how grateful I am to The Ark. The nicest people all volunteer there…read moreand it is such a pleasure to go to such a beautiful place and above all, the wonderful people ; the most intelligent, gentle Dentist and his wonderful assistant, the fantastic pantry and everyone greets you with a big smile. It is truly a pleasure to go there. They have been a true blessing in my life. THANK YOU, FOR EACH OF YOU, Ellen