Intro: The Heart of the Hood Ravenswood, the community that unites two north-side "community areas." By Ed Zotti

History: Celery, Ceramics, and Conrad Sulzer The story—or stories—of Lincoln Square and North Center By Ann Keating

Politics: The Grand Old Party's Last Stand Before Daley's minions moved in, a Republican reformer called the shots in Lincoln Square and North Center. By Ben Joravsky

Lincoln Square & North Center Listings: Bars, education & recreation, galleries, GLBTQ, lit, movies, music, parks, performing arts, restaurants, shopping, volunteering

More Neighborhood Guides Ukrainian Village/East Village South Loop Logan Square Uptown Rogers Park & West Ridge

Volunteering

Cambodian Association of Illinois Founded in 1976 by refugees who’d fled the Khmer Rouge, this organization provides aid to about 5,000 Cambodians in Illinois. Volunteers can apply (in person or online) to tutor youths in the after-school program, teach ESL classes to seniors and adults, provide computer lab instruction, or assist with the museum, library, and archives.  2831 W. Lawrence, 773-878-7090, cambodian-association.org. —Alex Yablon

DANK Haus Volunteers at this local center for German culture provide assistance setting up and running its many special events and act as docents for its museum and library. For more, contact the volunteer coordinator at sarah@dankhaus.com. See also Education & Recreation, Music, Movies, and Volunteering.  4740 N. Western, 773-561-9181, dankhaus.com. —AY

The Enterprising Kitchen This nonprofit social enterprise provides job and financial training and stress relief in the form of yoga and art therapy to low-income and unemployed women. Volunteers work as attendants and drivers for their farmers’ market and craft-fair stands and do clerical and organizational work. Professional expertise in soap making, financial planning, tutoring, or mock interviewing is particularly helpful. Contact volunteer coordinator Lynne Cunningham at lcunningham@enterprisingkitchen.org.  4426 N. Ravenswood, Mon-Thu 9 AM-5 PM, Fri 9 AM-2 PM, 773-506-3880, theenterprisingkitchen.org. —NT

First Slice Cafe Chef Mary Ellen Diaz runs this nonprofit cafe in Lillstreet Art Center, which both sells food to the public and delivers high-quality meals to men, women, and children in need. Volunteers help prepare and serve food; to get involved, e-mail info@firstslice.org. See also Restaurants.  4401 N. Ravenswood, 773-506-7380, firstslice.org. —AY

JHP Community Center This center offers martial arts classes, academic development and homework tutoring, and arts programs to at-risk youth ages 7 to 18. The tutoring program for elementary school students accepts adults and high schoolers during the school year and provides training.  5110 N. Western, 773-293-3621, jhpcc.org. —KG

Lawrence Hall Youth Service This child welfare agency provides shelter, foster care, counseling, and educational services for at-risk, abused, and neglected youth and their families. Volunteers assist with clerical work, landscaping, tutoring, fund-raising, and event staffing. Volunteers must be at least 21, complete an application (available online), schedule an interview, and attend training.  4833 N. Francisco, 773-769-3500, lawrencehall.org. —AY

Lincoln Square Chamber of Commerce This association of 300 local businesses, institutions, and professionals addresses issues affecting the community. Volunteers can join planning committees or staff special events.  4732 N. Lincoln, 773-728-3890, lincolnsquare.org. —AY

Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club Not affiliated with the national Boys and Girls Club, this organization provides athletic facilities, after-school tutoring and computer classes, and leadership and scholarship programs as well as putting on special events for area youth. Volunteers chaperone events, coach sports teams, and assist with after-school programs. Contact Bonnie Werstein at bonnie@nbgc.org to learn how to get involved.  2501 W. Irving Park, 773-463-4161, nbgc.org. —AY

Northcenter Chamber of Commerce This merchants’ association runs special events throughout the year, including Ribfest. Volunteers can assist with setting up and running these events or join chamber committees on other projects.  2057 W. Irving Park, 773-525-3609, northcenterchamber.com. —AY

Old Town School of Folk Music The venerable live music venue and music school relies heavily on volunteers, who assist with concert promotion, membership drives, and the day-to-day administration of the school and resource center. After attending a volunteer orientation and logging enough hours, volunteers are awarded “points” that can be used toward concert tickets or music lessons. Contact the volunteer manager at tharkins@oldtownschool.org. See also Music and Education & Recreation.  4544 N. Lincoln, 773-728-6000, oldtownschool.org. —AY

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