08-20-2009, 10:38 PM
North Shore teen volunteer program helping homeless
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August 18, 2009
By TODD SHIELDS <!-- e --><a href="mailto:tshields@pioneerlocal.com">tshields@pioneerlocal.com</a><!-- e -->
A volunteer program is giving Chicago's North Shore and north suburban teenagers the means to help homeless peers.
Teen-Aiders Foundation, <!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.teen-aiders.org">www.teen-aiders.org</a><!-- w -->, a nonprofit group that works for local good causes, recently met in Northbrook for a charity benefit for homeless children and teenagers living in area shelters.
Formed in 2008 in Lake County, Teen-Aiders ages 13 to 18 meet in spring and fall for 10-week sessions to organize fund-raisers for charities of their choice.
Volunteers for Teen-Aiders visit homeless shelters and provide social activities for young residents whose parents also live at the agency.
Eric Lockwood, 39, started Teen-Aiders while building his home in Lake Forest. "I realized my suburb was in a fairly affluent area for kids to grow up in, but they were somewhat isolated in these nice neighborhoods," he said.
"I wanted these teens to visit homeless shelters in Chicago and Waukegan for a better understanding of what their financial situations were compared to others."
Lockwood said his goal was forming a network of local high school students who participated in Teen-Aiders.
While teens spend time with the homeless, shelter supervisors teach them how people end up without housing, what choices led to homelessness and what situations were thrust upon, such as job loss or spousal abuse, Lockwood said.
Cathy Stull, of Northbrook, has been an adult mentor for Teen-Aiders since November.
"I'm very blessed by living in my community. I've never experienced homelessness. The kids at these shelters are so polite, kind and considerate -- not bitter at all," Stull said.
"They hug you and are very grateful with the look of joy on their faces. I found this experience to be fulfilling and wonderful."
So far, students have held fund-raisers for Lake County Haven in Libertyville, The Family Center for Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS) and Safe Place, both in Waukegan.
Bineeta Monga, an incoming sophomore at Vernon Hills High School, became involved in Teen-Aiders when choosing to join a club school.
On St. Valentine's Day, she and Teen-Aiders helped young children at Waukegan PADS decorate heart-shaped cakes.
"It seems everyone believes that homeless children are depressed and sad, but they know how to have fun. They are very sociable and outgoing," Monga said.
"I definitely appreciate having a nice bed to sleep in and spend time with my friends. Everyone should experience going to homeless shelters. It truly changes your life," she said.
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.pioneerlocal.com/wilmette/news/1725346,northbrook-teens-082009-s1.article">http://www.pioneerlocal.com/wilmette/ne ... s1.article</a><!-- m -->
Comments
August 18, 2009
By TODD SHIELDS <!-- e --><a href="mailto:tshields@pioneerlocal.com">tshields@pioneerlocal.com</a><!-- e -->
A volunteer program is giving Chicago's North Shore and north suburban teenagers the means to help homeless peers.
Teen-Aiders Foundation, <!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.teen-aiders.org">www.teen-aiders.org</a><!-- w -->, a nonprofit group that works for local good causes, recently met in Northbrook for a charity benefit for homeless children and teenagers living in area shelters.
Formed in 2008 in Lake County, Teen-Aiders ages 13 to 18 meet in spring and fall for 10-week sessions to organize fund-raisers for charities of their choice.
Volunteers for Teen-Aiders visit homeless shelters and provide social activities for young residents whose parents also live at the agency.
Eric Lockwood, 39, started Teen-Aiders while building his home in Lake Forest. "I realized my suburb was in a fairly affluent area for kids to grow up in, but they were somewhat isolated in these nice neighborhoods," he said.
"I wanted these teens to visit homeless shelters in Chicago and Waukegan for a better understanding of what their financial situations were compared to others."
Lockwood said his goal was forming a network of local high school students who participated in Teen-Aiders.
While teens spend time with the homeless, shelter supervisors teach them how people end up without housing, what choices led to homelessness and what situations were thrust upon, such as job loss or spousal abuse, Lockwood said.
Cathy Stull, of Northbrook, has been an adult mentor for Teen-Aiders since November.
"I'm very blessed by living in my community. I've never experienced homelessness. The kids at these shelters are so polite, kind and considerate -- not bitter at all," Stull said.
"They hug you and are very grateful with the look of joy on their faces. I found this experience to be fulfilling and wonderful."
So far, students have held fund-raisers for Lake County Haven in Libertyville, The Family Center for Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS) and Safe Place, both in Waukegan.
Bineeta Monga, an incoming sophomore at Vernon Hills High School, became involved in Teen-Aiders when choosing to join a club school.
On St. Valentine's Day, she and Teen-Aiders helped young children at Waukegan PADS decorate heart-shaped cakes.
"It seems everyone believes that homeless children are depressed and sad, but they know how to have fun. They are very sociable and outgoing," Monga said.
"I definitely appreciate having a nice bed to sleep in and spend time with my friends. Everyone should experience going to homeless shelters. It truly changes your life," she said.
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.pioneerlocal.com/wilmette/news/1725346,northbrook-teens-082009-s1.article">http://www.pioneerlocal.com/wilmette/ne ... s1.article</a><!-- m -->