Polk Bros. Foundation

Exciting news! Polk Bros. Foundation is pleased to welcome four new staff members to our team, and a new director to our Board. We’re excited to introduce all of them here. Read our full news update: https://lnkd.in/g--aWsrp ➡️Jasmine “Jaz” Lopez (program assistant) "I'm excited to join the Foundation's team and to be part of the incredible work they do to make Chicago a better place for everyone. As someone who grew up here and benefited from Chicago Public Schools, it’s exciting to now have the opportunity to support the Foundation’s efforts to strengthen our communities,” said Jaz. ➡️Orlando “Chilly” Mayorga (program officer) "I've dedicated my career to advocating for systemic changes and supporting communities affected by harm, and I’m excited to continue that work at Polk Bros. Foundation. I look forward to collaborating with the team and continuing partnering with community leaders to create lasting, positive change for Chicago,” said Orlando. ➡️Gabriella “Gabby” Nelson (program officer) "My work has always centered on creating opportunities for communities to thrive, and I’m excited to build on that by helping drive solutions that support long-term, transformative change for all Chicagoans,” said Gabby. ➡️Alexandria (Lexi) Nieves (program assistant) "I'm thrilled to work alongside such a dedicated team and support the work of our grantee partners. I feel very lucky to be exposed to the breadth of sectors the foundation contributes to and look forward to responding to the needs of our community-led partners," said Lexi. ➡️Jill Cutler (Polk Bros. Foundation Board member) "Joining the Polk Bros. Foundation Board is both an honor and a tremendous responsibility. Over the years, I’ve seen and learned about the incredible work this Foundation has supported to strengthen Chicago’s communities. I feel immense pride in the Foundation’s legacy, and as an educator, I am especially excited about contributing to this meaningful work," said Jill.

Today is the LAST DAY to register for Forefront's Annual Summit! In a special episode of #GatheringGround, Forefront’s CEO, Monique B. Jones, joined Mary Morten for a deep dive into Forefront's journey to its 50th anniversary and a special preview of Forefront’s Annual Summit 2024: United and Thriving. Morten Group, LLC is a media sponsor of Forefront's Annual Summit. We thank them for their support and collaboration. Listen to the episode here: bit.ly/gatheringground. Register here: https://bit.ly/3LuKlWx #ForefrontUnitedAndThriving

Congratulations to Jason Coleman of #PolkBrosGrantee Project SYNCERE!

After joining Polk Bros. Foundation in 1989 as its second employee, Program Director for Education Suzanne Doornbos Kerbow is set to retire in late November 2024. “Suzanne has done so much for Chicago public school students and their families, while also ensuring more Chicago educators and principals have the professional learning and support needed to meet students’ needs,” said Polk Bros. Foundation CEO Gillian Darlow. “We will miss her, as a colleague and a friend. Suzanne's legacy of leadership, especially in spearheading the Foundation's Full-Service Community Schools Initiative, will continue to shape our city's educational future long after her retirement. Her empathy, passion and integrity have been a gift to all of us.” Here's to you, Suzanne — may your next adventure be as extraordinary as the one you've shared with us! https://lnkd.in/gMhB-2FC

The time is now! Early registration discounts for Forefront's Annual Summit 2024 end on September 4. Discounted rates for Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile are only available until September 2. Get your team registered and join us for a day of dynamic programming. https://bit.ly/3LuKlWx #ForefrontUnitedAndThriving

Your voice matters! This meeting is more than just a discussion - it's about shaping the future of our communities. We need everyone’s input to ensure that our programs continue to meet the needs of our residents for years to come.

Fresh Taste Austin Fresh funder collaborative has opened its 2024 Call for Ideas. Is your organization embedded in Austin and working to: - Build the Austin economy through food-related businesses including grocery and culinary enterprises? - Innovate emergency food efforts and nutrition assistance programs that expand healthy food options? - Expand access and quality of green spaces and food production? - Develop and promote culturally relevant food justice education? - Promote information on food resources and activities to Austin residents? Submissions are due Monday, August 26, 2024 at 11:59pm. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/dbfBVkh9. 

After 8 years with Polk Bros. Foundation, JC Aevaliotis is transitioning to the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, where he has accepted an exciting role as Senior Program Director (Arts & Culture). We are so thrilled for JC and the opportunities ahead for him in his career. And yet, we will very much miss him and all the ways he inspired us, challenged us and made us laugh.    Please join us in cheering JC on in his new role! We are eager to see the positive impact we know he will make there. https://lnkd.in/gaHffvDq

Congratulations to #PolkBrosGrantee LIFT, Inc. which just opened its new HQ in Bronzeville's historic Rosenwald Courts today! Polk Bros. Foundation Program Officer Channing Lenert (pictured here) joined in the festivities along with Polk Bros. Foundation's Vice President of Program Evette Cardona and Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Anna Lee. Channing, who also serves as chair of LIFT-Chicago's board of directors, said, "LIFT provides coaching and direct cash assistance to more than 200 families with young children throughout the city. And, the LIFT-Chicago team is now amplifying our mission by providing technical assistance to key allies and advocating for policies that address the root causes of multi-generational poverty, like the recently-passed Illinois Child Tax Credit. The new office will be a space where LIFT families can participate in coaching sessions, pick up day-to-day items for parents, and build community with each other. What was really special today was to see how welcoming the space was for little kiddos to hang out and play – essential for an effective two-generation strategy."

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of James Fawley as our new vice president of investments and administration. “I am very excited to join the Polk Bros. Foundation at such an important time in its history. In these volatile, uncertain times, the Foundation’s mission has never been more critical and I look forward to supporting our team and Board to make Chicago a place where all people have the opportunity to reach their full potential,” said James. Please join us in welcoming James to Polk Bros. Foundation! Read the full update. https://lnkd.in/gPz_sAbx