HandsOn Suburban Chicago: Comprehensive Market Research Report

Background

Overview

HandsOn Suburban Chicago (HOSC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to positively impacting communities by connecting individuals to enriching volunteer experiences. Established in 1969, HOSC operates across 44 suburban communities in the Chicago metropolitan area, encompassing both Cook and DuPage counties. The organization partners with over 100 nonprofits, schools, and government bodies to provide essential services to vulnerable populations, including victims of violence, individuals with disabilities, veterans, older adults, youth, and those in need of food, shelter, mental health services, and other critical assistance.

Mission and Vision

• Mission: To positively impact communities by connecting people to enriching volunteer experiences.

• Vision: To be a premier resource and community leader for volunteerism and effective volunteer management while driving change to address substantial community needs for underserved and marginalized individuals and families.

Industry Significance

As the largest suburban volunteer center in Illinois, HOSC plays a pivotal role in mobilizing community members to support local nonprofits and schools. By facilitating volunteer engagement, HOSC enhances the capacity of these organizations to deliver vital services, thereby strengthening the social fabric of the Chicago suburbs.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Volunteer Mobilization: Recruit and refer volunteers to local nonprofits through an online database, community classes, and direct outreach.

• Capacity Building: Provide training and resources to nonprofits, schools, and government organizations to enhance their volunteer programs and overall impact.

• Community Engagement: Foster a culture of volunteerism by offering diverse opportunities for individuals, families, and corporate groups to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Areas of Specialization

• Civic Engagement: Enrich volunteer experiences through a user-friendly online database, outreach, and education, enabling volunteers to be matched with opportunities that best fit their interests, schedules, and locations.

• Capacity-Building: Support over 100 nonprofits, schools, and government organizations in providing vital services to underserved populations by successfully matching them with volunteers beyond their typical budgets.

• Older Adults: Engage individuals aged 55 and better in the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP program, assisting with meal delivery, transportation to medical appointments, financial literacy through tax-aide, and other vital services.

• Education: Offer school programs that provide opportunities for low-income, high-risk elementary and middle school students to succeed in high school, improving grades, attendance, and social and emotional well-being.

• Social Responsibility: Ensure that all people, regardless of race/ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, citizenship status, or religion, have access to fair distribution of programmatic, financial, and informational resources.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Online Volunteer Matching Database: A 24/7 searchable platform that connects volunteers with opportunities that align with their interests and availability.

• Volunteer Management Software: Tools that assist nonprofits in managing volunteer data, tracking service hours, and reporting outcomes.

• Communication Platforms: Utilize email newsletters, social media, and community classes to engage and inform volunteers and partner organizations.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Nonprofits and Schools: Organizations seeking to enhance their volunteer programs and service delivery.

• Corporate Partners: Businesses aiming to implement corporate social responsibility initiatives and engage employees in volunteerism.

• Community Members: Individuals and families interested in contributing to local communities through volunteerism.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

As a nonprofit organization, HOSC's funding primarily comes from grants, donations, and corporate sponsorships. Specific details regarding total funds raised and recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed. The organization is a grantee of AmeriCorps, which provides support, resources, and networking to equip people and organizations with the inspiration, creativity, and sustained energy to make change.

Notable Investors and Sponsors

• AmeriCorps: A federal agency that funds and supports volunteer programs across the United States.

• Points of Light: A global nonprofit dedicated to accelerating people-powered change.

• First Bank Chicago: A financial institution supporting community initiatives.

• Itasca Bank & Trust Co.: A community bank involved in local philanthropic efforts.

• Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago Foundation: An organization supporting community development projects.

• Wheeling Township: A local government entity collaborating on community programs.

Utilization of Capital

Funds are allocated towards program development, volunteer recruitment and training, capacity-building initiatives for partner organizations, and operational expenses to sustain and expand HOSC's impact in the community.

Pipeline Development

Key Programs and Initiatives

• CHiL Afterschool Program: Provides volunteer mentors to foster socialization, facilitate social-emotional learning activities, and offer homework help to high-need elementary and middle school students.

• Lunch Buddies Program: Engages volunteers as in-school tutors during lunch hours to improve numeracy skills and foster a love of reading among elementary students.

• Intergenerational Pen Pals Program: Connects AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers aged 55 and better with elementary and middle school students through monthly letter exchanges to enhance students' academic, emotional, and social development.

• Service Learning Program: Offers elementary, middle, and high schools various service learning opportunities, including lesson plans, hands-on projects, and community service days.

Anticipated Milestones

HOSC continues to expand its programs to meet the evolving needs of the community, with plans to increase volunteer engagement, enhance training resources for partner organizations, and develop new initiatives that address emerging social challenges.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• HandsOn Connect Database: A proprietary online platform that matches volunteers with opportunities based on their interests, skills, and availability.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Volunteer Management Training Series (SVMTS): A series of professional development workshops designed to equip nonprofit staff with effective volunteer management strategies.

• Strategic Action of Volunteer Engagement (SAVE) Process: A consulting service that helps organizations define and recruit for skills-based and pro-bono volunteer needs.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

• Chris Swope Cholewa: Chief Executive Officer since 2000. With over 25 years in the nonprofit sector, Chris has led various initiatives in health and human services. She is passionate about community engagement and has served on local and national boards.

• Aaron Wasserman-Olin: Director of Operations since 2012. Aaron has held multiple roles at HOSC, including Director of School Programs and Technology Manager. He is dedicated to empowering communities through technology and volunteerism.

• Carolyn Roberts: Director of AmeriCorps Senior RSVP. Carolyn focuses on engaging individuals aged 55 and better to address community issues, emphasizing intergenerational service and the mutual benefits of volunteering.

• Nicole Fenzel: Director of Strategy and Operations. Nicole oversees strategic planning and operational efficiency, ensuring HOSC's programs effectively meet community needs.

• Montana Lechner: Manager of School Programs. Montana leads school-based programs aimed at providing enriching opportunities for students, focusing on equal access to resources and support.

Board of Directors

• Anne Ronstadt: President. Anne brings over 20 years of cybersecurity and technical expertise, along with a strong dedication to community welfare. She aims to utilize strategic insights to guide HOSC's governance and growth.

• Shelia Pardo: Vice President. With over two decades of business acumen, Shelia is recognized for her passion for helping others and exceptional leadership skills. She holds an MBA with a concentration in Leadership.

• Therese Lescher: Treasurer. Therese contributes financial expertise to ensure HOSC's fiscal responsibility and sustainability.