Westminster Partner Organizations

Opportunities in Elgin

AID: Association for Individual Development
(Elgin Branch)

AID helps adults with disabilities and special needs. Contact Maureen Spradlin to volunteer: (630) 966-4020; mspradlin@the-association.org.

1135 Bowes Road
Elgin, IL 60123

Boys and Girls Club of Elgin

The Boys and Girls Club of Elgin provides community youth ages 6-18 with a safe and positive environment after school. Club members participate in high yield activities, targeted programs and recreational activities. Volunteers are needed to perform a variety of functions, including: homework help; career chat; share-a-talent; intern and more. See the volunteer page on the website or contact: Deborah Ficken, dficken@bgcelgin.org.

355 Dundee Ave.
Elgin, IL 60120
(847) 608-5017

Community Crisis Center

The Community Crisis Center provides a safe refuge for individuals of families experiencing domestic abuse, sexual assault, or crisis because of economic circumstances. Volunteer Coordinator: Melissa Owens; mowens@crisiscenter.org.

P.O. Box 1390
Elgin, IL 60121-1390
(847) 742-4088

Crossroads Kids’Club
(Elgin branch)

Crossroads Kids Club is a free after-school club for elementary school children. Using the Bible as a base, children learn positive life skills such as honesty, respect for parents, making wise choices and being trustworthy. Each club session has three main components: a large group lesson, a small group discussion and a game time. Sometimes children also have the opportunity to make craft projects or to participate in service learning experiences. Crossroads was founded by Bern and Jeanne Bertsche, the parents of Pat Bertsche.

Elgin Riverworks Life Skills Outreach*

Riverworks Life Skills Outreach serves those in under-resourced neighborhoods in Elgin. Contact: Roger Simmons, roger@fvchristianaction.org.

*See Fox Valley Christian Action below

The Forgotten Initiative

The mission of The Forgotten Initiative is to bring joy and purpose to the foster care community. This is accomplished through mobilizing and equipping the Body of Christ to serve, mentor, and support the foster care community. Agencies Workers, Foster Parents, Vulnerable Adults and Children affected by foster care often feel alone, misunderstood, and forgotten. The Forgotten Initiative serves to help you tangibly show the love of Jesus to the one who feels forgotten. Email elgin.il@theforgotteninitiative.org to become involved. TFI is a ministry of Lifesong for Orphans www.lifesongfororphans.org.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat ReStore
800 N. State Street
Elgin, IL 60123    

PADS of Elgin, Inc.

PADS of Elgin provides overnight shelter for homeless, plus case managers for counsel and help. Works with Renz Center for substance abuse cases, Accra Center for mental health issues, and Community Crisis Center. See website for volunteer application and requirements. Contact: manager, Penny, penny@padsofelgin.org. 

1730 Berkley Street
Elgin, IL 60123
(847) 608-9744

Senior Services Associates, Inc.

Seeks to assist seniors and keep them in own homes, out of nursing homes. Volunteer programs include: Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Long-Term Care Volunteer Ombudsman Program, Senior Companion Program, Senior Home Repair Assistance Program, and Transportation Program. See the website, or contact Peggy Gomez, pgomez@seniorservicesassoc.org. 

101 S. Grove. 
Elgin, IL 60120
(847) 741-0404

TLC Pregnancy Services
(formerly, The Life Center)

TLC Pregnancy Services is a non-denominational Christian, pro-life, pregnancy-related center, includes medical clinic with testing and ultrasound, supplies for new moms, library, mentoring and Bible studies. Provides alternative to abortion. See website for more information. Volunteers needed for both long-term service and one-time events, such as fundraising banquet or folding newsletters. Email: hope4lives@sbcglobal.net. 

825 Dundee Avenue
Elgin, IL 60120
(847) 622-1235

Youth Leadership Academy

Saturday sessions focus on mentoring, college prep, and developing leadership skills in youth from low-income families. 7th-12th grade. Email: YLAAdmin@elgin.edu. 

410 Renner Drive; Building K; Rm 109
Elgin, IL 60120
(847) 214-6910

Opportunities in the Fox Valley

CASA Kane County

CASA “advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the Juvenile Court system.” Volunteers can serve in several ways. One is as a Guardian ad Litem, who will visit the child, observe parent/child visitations, investigate the child’s needs, review records, submit reports to the court, and participate in court hearings.

Kane County Courthouse
100 S. Third Street, Suite 460
Geneva, IL 60134
(630) 232-4484

Fox Valley Christian Action
(Riverwoods Family Campus and Riverworks Life Skills Outreach)

Aids local churches in building relationships with under-resourced families, mentoring, discipleship, and meeting other needs. See Elgin Riverworks listing for Elgin contact information.

35W624 Riverwoods Lane
St. Charles, IL 60174
(630) 584-2222

More Information

The following websites provide a more complete list of organizations:

If you have questions, or corrections for this list, contact Sharon Kim skim@judsonu.edu.