Wednesday Journal

12/09/2024

Wonder Works Executive Director Rachel Weber says, “Wonder Works Children’s Museum stands out because of its size. We are small and mighty and we seek to serve ALL children, regardless of financial difficulties or sensory needs.”

In 2024, Wonder Works Children’s Museum doubled their number of sensory friendly play sessions. Twice a month on Sunday, the museum opens an hour early for an accessible and inclusive environment and partners with Kids Unlimited Therapy Services and Lifespeed Behavioral Support Services.

Click below for more on Wonder Works, A Children's Museum in Oak Park and more Season of Giving!

Wonder Works Executive Director Rachel Weber says, “Wonder Works Children’s Museum stands out because of its size. We are small and mighty and we seek to serve ALL children, regardless of financial difficulties or sensory needs.”

12/08/2024

Oak Park is moving forward with plans to honor African American scientist Percy Julian through a streetscape design on Chicago Avenue between East Avenue and Austin Boulevard.

12/08/2024

When Jackie’s relationship became abusive, she knew that she needed to get herself and her three children to safety. Following her stay at a domestic violence shelter, she was connected with an advocate at Sarah’s Inn, who helped identify her immediate needs and supported her as she began her healing journey toward a stable and independent life that is free from domestic violence.

Click below for more on Sarah's Inn and more Season of Giving!

When Jackie’s relationship became abusive, she knew that she needed to get herself and her three children to safety.

12/07/2024

After an extensive stay at Loyola University Medical Center, Misty began her journey with Housing Forward. Her hospital social worker knew she needed a stable place to heal and referred Misty to Sojourner House, one of two Medical Respite Programs operated by Housing Forward and our hospital partners. Misty confesses that if Sojourner House had been unavailable, she would have needed to recuperate in the hospital full time. As she admits, “batteries and a plug” are the life-saving devices she needs to keep her heart pumping.

Click below for more on Housing Forward and more Season of Giving!

Misty was just 29 years old when she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Since then, her medical condition has progressively worsened.

12/07/2024

When the weather outside is frightful, you can warm more than your heart with the use of a fireplace.

When the weather outside is frightful, you can warm more than your heart with the use of a fireplace. Fireplaces can heat up a room and help decorate it as well. Many local homes have fireplaces at the center of the living room, and the options from woodburning to gas heating elements with modern or...

12/07/2024

“He looked out for me … he was like a role model in my life,” one young man Reddins mentored said at the candlelight vigil Friday.

Several hundred villagers turned out for the candlelight vigil to honor the memory of slain Oak Park Det. Allan Reddins.

12/07/2024

Oak Park has approved its 2025 fiscal year budget, setting aside $1 million at the last minute for the preservation of African-American scientist Percy Julian’s home at 515 N. East Ave.

12/06/2024

Opportunity Knocks is comprised of Warriors who utilize voice, interdependence, experience, wellness, and social aspects of their lives to face the challenge of living with intellectual and developmental differences. By focusing on these aspects of their lives, warriors are able to thrive and influence their communities.

Click below for more on Opportunity Knocks and more Season of Giving!

Opportunity Knocks is comprised of Warriors who utilize voice, interdependence, experience, wellness, and social aspects of their lives to face the challenge of living with intellectual and developmental differences. By focusing on these aspects of their lives, warriors are able to thrive and influe...

12/06/2024

The funds would help expand street outreach work and expedite housing matches

Housing Forward, a local nonprofit that works to end homelessness in west suburban Cook County, is asking Oak Park for about $800,000 to help expand street outreach work and expedite housing matches.

12/06/2024

Jerell Thomas has been charged in the death of Oak Park Det. Allan Reddins

Chicago man Jerell Thomas, who was charged with the shooting death of Oak Park Det. Allan Reddins, will remain detained until his next court date Dec. 20.

12/06/2024

As Oak Park and River Forest High School celebrates its 150th anniversary, the OPRFHS Scholarship Foundation proudly reflects on its long-standing commitment to empowering students. In the 2023-24 school year, 92 graduating seniors received a total of $222,150 in scholarships, allowing them to pursue their dreams at 4-year universities, 2-year colleges, and trade schools.

Click below for more on the Oak Park and River Forest High School Scholarship Foundation and more Season of Giving!

As Oak Park and River Forest High School celebrates its 150th anniversary, the OPRFHS Scholarship Foundation proudly reflects on its long-standing commitment to empowering students. In the 2023-24 school year, 92 graduating seniors received a total of $222,150 in scholarships, allowing them to pursu...

12/05/2024

In an attempt to help get more individuals experiencing homelessness into stable situations, Housing Forward is opening a new emergency shelter site at 112 S. Humphrey Ave., instead of renovating the one at the St. Catherine – St. Lucy Rectory.

Housing Forward is opening a new emergency shelter site at 112 S. Humphrey Ave., instead of renovating the one at the St. Catherine – St. Lucy Rectory.

12/05/2024

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association is known for sharing its building with the community. This year it has extended this mission to extend the use of its important asset, the Steinway pianos with some of our talented community members. This past summer our newest program, entitled “Raining Pianos” was held at 1pm on the fourth Monday during the months of June thru September. It featured five accomplished pianists from surrounding communities who sprinkled us with music from the nineteenth century.

Click below for more on the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association and more Season of Giving!

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association is known for sharing its building with the community. This year it has extended this mission to extend the use of its important asset, the Steinway pianos with some of our talented community members. This past summer our newest program, entitled “Raini...

12/05/2024

OPRF is finding its way but still optimistic

With the girls’ basketball season more than two weeks old at the time of this writing, it has been a mixed bag of results for the local high schools.

12/05/2024

Amahl and the Night Visitors underscores the transformative power of giving

Petite Opera Productions is boldly going where it has never gone before – Oak Park.

12/05/2024

The Oak-Park-River Forest Community Foundation is committed to you, and to the well-being of every person in the West Cook region. We continue to be inspired by the kindness and engagement of neighbors like you, to better serve our partners and deliver on our promise to advance a racially just society and equitable outcomes for residents of Oak Park, River Forest and surrounding communities.

We need the involvement of the whole community in order to move our region forward. Please consider a gift to the Foundation's Annual Fund today at bit.ly/40SxIxD

12/05/2024

A car crashed into River Forest Dental Studio in the early morning hours Dec. 4 after fleeing Riverside police.

A car crashed into River Forest Dental Studio in the early morning hours Dec. 4 after fleeing Riverside police. 

12/05/2024

As a financial institution, Byline Bank is well-versed in the art of investing. But as a community bank, Byline understands that its role extends beyond just accepting investments; it also actively invests back into its community.

In the last two years, Byline Bank gave over $60,000 in grants and over $2.7 million in community development loans. In addition, Byline employees volunteered over 450 hours with Oak Park and River Forest organizations.

Click below for more on Byline Bank and more Season of Giving!

As a financial institution, Byline Bank is well-versed in the art of investing. But as a community bank, Byline understands that its role extends beyond just accepting investments; it also actively invests back into its community. In the last two years, Byline Bank gave over $60,000 in grants and ov...