Life in an AMLI Residential apartment comes with a lot of perks. One of these, for individuals who are passionate about serving their communities, is the AMLI FAMLI volunteer program. The program affords residents who are committed to specific causes, as well as those who are interested in volunteering in general, with excellent opportunities to give back to their communities in meaningful ways.
Opportunities for involvement vary by region. To get a feel for the range and scope of volunteer opportunities residents have, here’s a look at three longstanding Chicago AMLI FAMLI volunteer partnerships.
SOS Children’s Villages Illinois
Children who are abused, neglected, or abandoned are often deprived of the loving, stable environments that lay the foundation for long-term professional success and personal well-being. SOS Children’s Villages Illinois, a non-profit concerned with child welfare, seeks to reintroduce the stability and support that make it easiest for a child to thrive. SOS Children’s Villages pairs full-time, professionally trained foster parents with sets of biological siblings in an effort to keep them from being separated and further destabilized.
The AMLI FAMLI first got involved with SOS Children’s Villages nine years ago, when Senior Vice President Dustin Fjeld recognized a deep commitment to enriching the lives of the children it aids. Since then, AMLI and SOS Children’s Villages have partnered on dozens of occasions. Last year alone, FAMLI volunteered and supported SOS at six different events. These included a Back-to-School Drive that raised more than ,000 for books and backpacks and was followed up by a barbecue picnic for the children at which Taj Gibson made a “surprise” appearance, a SOS holiday party, and a gift drive.
The LUNGevity Foundation
After losing her best friend to lung cancer seven years ago, Vice President of Communications Sue Bersh started investing time and energy into raising awareness and research funds for lung cancer. Chicago’s FAMLI has fully embraced the cause. In April, AMLI sponsored and participated in the LUNGevity Foundation’s fourth annual Breathe Deep North Shore run, walk, and balloon launch. The event, which was founded by Sue Bersh, raised more than 18,000 for lung cancer research and support. More than 1,000 of that was raised or donated by FAMLI volunteers. Another way AMLI supports LUNGevity Foundation is through the donation of fines collected from those smoking in AMLI’s Breatheasy® smoke-free apartment communities.
The All Stars Project, Inc.
Another youth-centered cause at the core of Chicago’s FAMLI volunteer program is the All Stars Project, Inc.’s innovative outside-of-school leadership and business training program. The Development School of Youth partners with businesses to help driven and talented young adults from inner-city communities obtain internships that are invaluable in enhancing participants’ professional development. For the last four summers, AMLI has participated by offering paid internships and exposure to the property management industry.
After going above and beyond by hosting a group of interns and mentors in his home for an evening of collaboration, education, and networking with other industry CEO’s, CEO Greg Mutz was honored as an All Stars Project business champion at the organization’s 2015 National Gala benefit. Over 400 leaders from around the country attended, and more than million was raised. The project, which effectively addresses some of Chicago’s most prevalent social problems, is a natural partner for the AMLI FAMLI.
If you want to get involved with one of the AMLI FAMLI causes, speak with a community representative about upcoming AMLI FAMLI volunteer opportunities. From Chicago to Austin to Seattle, AMLI is actively involved in a range of community service projects.
Have you participated in any AMLI FAMLI volunteer projects or benefit events? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments.
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