Philanthropy

After 10 years of operating from Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church, Wooden It Be Lovely, a nonprofit that assists women transitioning out of difficult life experiences, has moved to its new location at 1140 W. Governor St. in the building previously occupied by Temple Israel. Women participating in WIBL’s program are taught how to refurbish […]

While the American Business Club of Springfield is part of the national AMBUCS nonprofit organization, its impact has been locally focused for 100 years.“Springfield volunteers raising Springfield dollars impacting Springfield lives,” said Kevin Lust, one of the club’s recent presidents.Lust said ABC of Springfield is “dedicated to inspiring people to conquer challenges related to mobility […]

Bless ‘It Beauty Salon, a faith-led nonprofit organization, experienced an uplifting, hair-raising boost thanks to a $25,000 grant from Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation.  The Molina foundation was created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable and innovative programs.  “Molina takes a comprehensive approach to addressing health-related social needs,” Kris […]

St. Patrick Catholic School, located at 1800 South Grand Ave., opened its doors in 1910, a time when families of Irish descent – some of them immigrants themselves – dominated the surrounding neighborhood. The area also was home to German, Austrian and Italian residents. Many were struggling coal miner families who desired a Catholic education […]

“Thank you for your service” is often said when encountering a member of the military or a veteran, given the many sacrifices involved. Military service can bring challenges and financial hardships for military families. When Mike and Shelly Pawelczak attended their son’s graduation from Marine boot camp in August 2022, they were grateful they had […]

Three Springfield banks created the Sangamon County Foundation in 1924 to provide financial resources to local charitable causes. As those causes grew, the board of directors saw the need to evolve to better serve area residents. The board voted to reorganize as the Sangamon County Community Foundation in December 2002. At the time, John Stremsterfer […]

Operations in a low-key building located on South Grand Avenue West help people live their lives without limits. The Springfield Center for Independent Living serves people with disabilities, their families and communities in Sangamon, Christian, Logan, Menard and Montgomery counties by breaking down barriers and prejudices and replacing them with positive attitudes.  The organization’s philosophy […]

While some jobs may be replaced by machinery or artificial intelligence, jobs that require people to collaborate and use soft skills are irreplaceable. Soft skills are those personal attributes and interpersonal skills that shape how people work together. Communication, teamwork, adaptability and emotional intelligence are examples and transfer across roles and industries. These skills set […]

University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Janet Gooch and vice chancellor for student affairs Jamarco Clark put their heads together to create the UIS Chancellor’s Thinkers Series. Clark said this initiative “grew out of conversations between the chancellor and me about creating opportunities for people to engage constructively, even when perspectives differ. Too often, society struggles […]

The long-standing Salvation Army tradition of red kettles and bell ringing kicks off from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 15 at White Oaks Mall. Jeff Eddy, corps officer and envoy of The Salvation Army Clear Lake Corps and Community Center, said the public event will have Capitol Big Band and other musical groups, crafts, face painting […]

Since 1991 the local nonprofit Asian Indian Women’s Organization has been assisting with raising funds for other nonprofit organizations. Current AIWO president Dr. Richa Pandey said she has been involved with the organization since 2016 and became a member in 2018. She served as secretary from 2021 to 2023 and then stepped into the role […]