Operation New Start in the News

 

St John of the Cross' bulletin lists ways that parishioners can become involved in several of its Outreach Ministries.  In August, Bill Bright, coordinator of Outreach Ministries, listed ways in which parishioners could assist Helping Hand Center in Countryside remodel their apartment in Lyons for 6 of their clients.  One of his requests was for kitchen supplies.  This prompted me to call Helping Hand Center for further information.  Helping Hand Center staff  had spoken at an ALCW chapter meeting a while ago to acquaint us with their work with the handicapped.   The Center was delighted with our offer to furnish their newly remodeled kitchen in one of their residential units.  Bill Bright was more than happy to help us out by picking up the kitchen supplies and delivering them to the apartment.  Bill brought with him 2 veterans that help him in his ministry and these men did the heavy lifting for us.

                                                                                                              --Marie Raffl

 

On Tuesday, September 18, several members toured the home and met two residents, Patricia Hochorowski and Lupe Villa, who gave permission to use their name and photo.

 

Helping Hand submitted the following story to local press:

 

 

Local nonprofits give people with disabilities new kitchen

 

La Grange, IL —Two local nonprofits came together to give six people who live together with developmental disabilities a fully supplied and renovated kitchen.

Helping Hand Center, a nonprofit in Countryside serving children and adults with developmental disabilities, announced the need for kitchen essentials in one of its 11 residential homes. Assistance League of Chicagoland West responded immediately by providing Helping Hand Center with all the utensils and accessories they need to make their newly renovated kitchen complete.
 

 

 

Assistance League 50th annual conference

Opening session

 "Expect the Unexpected" was the theme of the 50th annual Assistance League National Conference, held Sept, 12 -16 at Hilton Americas in Houston. Mary Parsons and I (Marianne Cortopassi) represented our Chicagoland West Chapter. Two new chapters: Greater Wilmington, NC and Sierra Foothills, CA and two new guilds: Southern Utah and South Puget Sound, WA were announced, adding to Assistance League's powerful nationwide presence. (120 chapters to date)







Keynote speaker Vicky Hitzges, whose resume includes news anchor, talk show host and publicist for the Dallas Cowboys and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar, opened the conference with a rousing speech that has applications for our volunteer work inside the office and out.

Keynote speaker Vicky Hitzges

"Don't do it (help others) for what you get, do it for what you become."
"The best way to make ourselves happy is to find someone less fortunate and help them."
"We should want to be a 'river of blessings', not a 'lake of accumulation'."
"Be the person who lights up a room when you walk in."
"People reach out to people who reach out."

Some practical advice:
1.  Greet people - don't just meet people. (have eye contact)
2.  Smile
3.  Have a firm handshake
4.  Really listen (lean forward, nod your head, open arms)
5.  Encourage people (give sincere appreciation and watch people blossom)
6.  Look for the good in other people (and then look for the good in yourself)
       
  

Anita Friesen, director of resource development, moderated a session on fundraising

Mary and I attended different morning and afternoon sessions.  Some featured professional speakers; others, like the one of the right, were presented by chapters.

Marianne and Mary at breakfast

Jan Jackson and Charlene Liesveld (Omaha chapter) with speaker Dalya Massachi

Dalya offered writing tips that make a difference

The national conference unites hundreds of like-minded women from around the country. One of the major benefits is meeting and chatting with Assistance League members, sharing ideas, asking questions, learning more about our organization and how other chapters are putting caring and commitment into action.

The 2013 Conference is Sept. 19-21 at Hilton Chicago at 720 South Michigan Avenue. 

Circle chair Hilary Small (left) greets a member

Kathy (Newport-Mesa, CA) and Mary Bartley (Charlotte, NC)

Lots to buy in the Red Star Shop

Keynote speaker Matt Weinstein

Mary and Marianne at the closing dinner (before hitting the dance floor)

ALCW goes Glam with Bergio

Berge Abajian and Sheila Nicosia

Nieman sales associates ready to assist us

Trish Reider, Carla Feinkind, Linda Legner

Berge Abajian, CEO of Bergio International, and Sheila Nicosia, Manager of the Precious Jewelry Salon at Neiman Marcus Oak Brook welcomed ALCW members to a private breakfast reception that kicked off a two-day Bergio trunk show. We were honored to meet the very engaging and charming designer who traveled from Russia for just two days to attend the exclusive event at Neiman Marcus, an authorized Bergio jeweler.  ALCW is very grateful to Abajian who generously donated a diamond and sapphire pendant necklace for
our Books & Brunch jewelry raffle after Nicosia, a long-time ALCW supporter, introduced him to our philanthropic work. Talk about kids in a candy store. We had fun trying on the stunning rings, bracelets and necklaces from amazing Bergio collections.

Madelon Pearlman, Diane Mrozek, Meg Cooper

Ricki Lessig, Laurie Cleary, Marianne Cortopassi, Heather Laughman

Diane Mrozek and Becky Moats

Heather Laughman modeling a ring with Sally Rozak

Madelon Pearlman and Maureen Hegarty

Marie Raffl and Carla Feinkind trying rings on for size

Marilyn Krafthefer (left) and friends

Trish Reider and Marie Raffl

Ricki found many options

Trish and Diane convince Linda to buy the necklace

Maureen, Laurie, Meg, Heather and Carla watching...

...Colleen model Bergio

Carla Feinkind honored for Service

Carla Feinkind and Trish Reider

Carla Feinkind, Assistance League of Chicagoland West 2010-2012 president, was recognized for her commitment, leadership and service at the August 29 chapter meeting. Trish Reider presented Carla with a National Assistance League Circle of Honor pin, as a thank you from board members who served with Carla. 

Carla wrote:

I just want to thank Trish Reider and the 2011-2012 board for the very kind words of recognition and NAL Circle of Honor pin.

The moment caught me totally by surprise.  It might seem to be a trite remark to say, "Oh, I couldn't have done 'it' without you..."  But, in my case it is completely true.  The high powered dynamic board of talented and passionate women who led a membership of caring and committed women resulted in a year of amazing accomplishments which made real differences in our communities.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  It was an honor to  work with the board and membership.  

You are all truly examples of Caring and Commitment in Action! 

You are Assistance League