Modeling the Gift of Volunteerism: Mentors and Scholars Give Back at Chicago Commons

“My favorite outing of the year” said one scholar, who was delighted to hear words of gratitude from passers-by and see for herself the transformation she made to benefit others as part of PEAK's annual service day.

For this year's service event, PEAK partnered with Comcast for the annual Comcast Cares Day. PEAK scholars, mentors, and mentors-for-a-day headed to the Paulo Freire Family Center of Chicago Commons, in the Back of the Yards neighborhood.

On a sunny Saturday in May, the group pulled together to weed, clean, and paint at a site near the Family Center. Beautifying the overgrown lot was the first step in establishing a bee garden and, most importantly, removing an eyesore that was blighting the block…

From cutting down trees to removing garbage and planting new flowers, we are confident that with the full blossom of spring a renewed pride will bloom within the local residents and the students, families, and staff of the Family Center's early education program.