What our volunteers and students are saying about Chicago HOPES! 

Volunteers Say...

"I can say with 100% honesty that Wednesday afternoons are my favorite part of the week. There is nothing more mutually rewarding than helping a child learn. It’s really exciting working with the same student more than once and seeing their progress over time, but it’s also exciting getting to meet new students and learning about their interests and talents." - Sarah

"I'm adoring my time with Chicago HOPES.  I am so thankful to have this opportunity. Because of my experience this fall, I have decided to apply to graduate  school to pursue my teaching certificate." - Clare

"I'm just glad to see that other people are volunteering to help the people that are less fortunate than they are, and it's making me feel good to give back." - Henry

"It has been a joy to work with the kids and the other tutors towards a goal of educational excellence." - Greg

"I could not even begin to imagine our program at Madonna House without our incredible volunteers. Their commitment, enthusiasm, and ability to connect with every child is truly admirable." - Debbie, site coordinator

"If it wasn't for my volunteers, I don't know how I would have made it. They came in ready to work with the students. I love my Ridgeland volunteers!" - Shannon, site coordinator

"The children that I had the opportunity to meet are some of the most genuine, honest, loving, amazing and wonderful individuals that I have ever had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of. Each week has its own challenges and hardships but every time I come to the tutoring session there are several smiles just waiting for me and they make it all worthwhile." - Kinga

Students Say...

"Chicago HOPES is the best!" - 5th grader

"You are a great person to me. You make me feel happy." - 4th grader (when asked if she had a message for volunteers)

"All the tutors are cool!" - 3rd grader (it's true!) 

"I love Chicago HOPES because it's fun and we learn. Plus all the tutors are really funny." - student at Lena Washington

"What I like most about Chicago HOPES is that we have postcards and Around the World. It helps us experience other places we never learned about."