EFE Projects

Volunteers at EFE Help with Development

EFE Volunteers Lorretta Pullinetz and Carrie Calloway Equip for Equality and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Hull House Chicago are working together to provide volunteer opportunities and benefits for Chicago seniors. RSVP provides volunteer placements for people ages 55 and over who live in the Chicagoland area and are willing to contribute their experience and talents in Chicago. RSVP is primarily designed to involve seniors with volunteer opportunities or to provide new assignments for those already active.

Due to government sponsorship, RSVP can provide benefits for senior volunteers at no cost. Benefits for RSVP volunteers include additional accident/liability insurance coverage, referral services, newsletters covering senior issues that list available new volunteer opportunities, an Annual Recognition Luncheon, free or low-cost field trips, fundraisers and seniorissue focus groups. In addition, for RSVP volunteers at approved RSVP volunteer sites that do not provide transportation reimbursements, RSVP reimburses volunteers who provide at least four hours of volunteer service per volunteer day for travel expenses, up to two days per week. To find out more and sign up with RSVP, please call RSVP Volunteer Recruiter Beverly Barr at 312.922.2183, ext. 210.

EFE Holds Priority Setting Meeting

On August 5, Equip for Equality held its annual priorities setting meeting at the Chicago Bar Association headquarters in downtown Chicago. The open forum, publicized in local papers and through notices sent to over 4,700 individuals, began with introductions by key staff and board members and an overview of the organization's current priorities. The second half of the meeting EFE Volunteers Lorretta Pullinetz and Carrie Calloway opened the floor to public comments on how Equip for Equality should direct its resources for 2005. Approximately 75 individuals attended or submitted comments via the Internet.

Public comments reflected a broad spectrum of concerns in the disability community, ranging from new security policies at O'Hare Airport that deny deaf travelers access to TTYs and other accommodations, to the need to reduce the stigma of mental illness. Among public participants were representatives from various service organizations and government agencies. Equip for Equality thanks all those who attended and provided their perspectives, which have been summarized and will be reviewed during the organization's strategic planning process.

Subscribe to the Equalizer | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use