Illinois Women in Leadership has been empowering area women for two decades, and the nonprofit group has about 200 members in the Springfield area. Its IWIL credo promotes professionalism and leadership through purposeful inclusion, education, mentoring, networking and community involvement. Through its history, IWIL members have mentored many people and made an impact in various […]
JANET SEITZ
Janet Seitz is a local communications professional, writer and artist who has written for a variety of Springfield-area publications.
Posted inColumns
Women for Women
When former Springfield Mayor Karen Hasara visited Hilton Head, S.C., nearly 20 years ago, she was inspired by a group she came across. “I saw a photo and article about a women’s giving circle there and thought it would work here, she recalled. “It seemed like a good fit for us in the Springfield area […]
Posted inColumns
Golfing for a cause
When coming up with ideas for fundraisers, nonprofit organizations often need to give a lot of “fore” thought about to how to attract donors and participants. The result may be a golf outing. Orthopedic Center of Illinois Foundation’s Chip in Fore Charity golf outing was “created as an opportunity to raise funds for the OCI’s […]
Posted inColumns
Promoting our community
The Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance reports that it has helped facilitate more than $1.6 billion in economic development opportunities coming to the region over the next several years. The organization seeks to advance economic development and partnership opportunities across the region. The SSGA engaged with local business leaders last year through about 100 business retention […]
Posted inColumns
Springfield Frontiers International: Advancement through service
Springfield Frontiers International is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization whose goals are achieved through service to others and by working with community leaders in finding solutions to key issues that are civic, social and racial in nature. Members are called Yokefellows, the term originating from oxen bearing the burden of hard work through the yoke it […]
Posted inColumns
100+ Who Care in Springfield
Members of the 100+ Who Care in Springfield play a bit of a numbers game. The group’s intent is to recruit at least 100 people who will donate $100 each with the goal of voting for and awarding $10,000 to a local nonprofit, all in under 100 minutes. Jenny Vaughn, board president, summed up the […]
Posted inColumns
Investing for a different kind of dividend
Springfield-area financial service organizations make wise investments in our community with both dollars and time volunteered to help change lives. National investment and wealth management organizations, such as Edward Jones and Morgan Stanley, have large corporate impact goals which can mean millions of dollars distributed to nonprofits nationwide. Edward Jones, for example, focuses philanthropic giving […]
Posted inColumns
The James Project provides homes, services for foster families
According to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, nearly 600 youths are in foster care in Sangamon County. Among resources and assistance for foster families in the county is The James Project. Its mission is to recruit and support dedicated foster parents in the community through the provision of homes and services. According […]
Posted inArticles
Horace Mann helps teachers and students
By Janet Seitz Among Springfield’s major employers is Horace Mann, founded in 1945 and the nation’s largest financial services company focused on providing educators and school employees with insurance and retirement solutions. With that presence comes responsibility to give back to its educator base and the communities in which they work and live. Historically, the […]
Posted inArticles
Keeping kids and families safe
BY JANET SEITZ Shortages of care and agencies to protect children from abuse and neglect have made for plenty of recent headlines. “As we seem to keep hearing about struggles in our DCFS system every week,” said Beth Yockey, a volunteer with Safe Families for Children, a nonprofit national network of local chapters, “I think […]
Posted inArticles
#ILGIVE encourages charitable donations
BY JANET SEITZ ’Tis the season for giving, as many charities push year-end donations, which historically have provided donors with opportunities for both charitable gestures and tax deductions. Annual efforts such as #Giving Tuesday, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, help spotlight charitable causes and the spirit of giving. Forefront, Illinois’ statewide association for nonprofits and […]
Posted inArticles
Ansar Shrine Circus benefits local children
BY JANET SEITZ Sometimes life seems like a three-ring circus. But a real three-ring circus, such as the November Ansar Shrine Circus in Springfield, can offer family fun and provide some stability in the life of a child and family. “We are known for our funny little hats, our little cars and our clowns, but […]