We give away our Sunday offering twice a month to agencies in the community working for the greater good. These are organizations whose work contributes in some way to a more just, equitable, and compassionate community, in alignment with our mission and UU principles. Recipients are independent of the church or other UU organizations, and are nominated by 1st U members.

The 2022-2023 GAB Recipients are:

CommunityHealth

The mission of CommunityHealth is to serve people without essential health care and their vision is quality health care for all. Prior to the Affordable Care Act, their patient population was predominantly African American. With its passage, the largest number of patients seen are Hispanic followed by Polish. They only serve patients without insurance and do not have the ability to pay for their care. The recently opened a microsite northwest of their clinic and in Pilsen.

Teamwork Englewood

Teamwork Englewood’s mission is to improve the quality of life of the residents and stakeholders of Englewood by facilitating economic, educational, and social opportunities. The Service Orientation of Teamwork Englewood is in line with the values of Unitarian Universalist values. Our collaboration with local and potential stakeholders expands our capacity to create and foster a healthy and vibrant local community

Hyde Park Refugee Project (HPRP)

This is a volunteer organization working together to resettle refugee families in our neighborhood and helping to transition them to self-sufficiency. The Hyde Park Refugee Project works to recognize the inherent worth and dignity of all persons, honoring their native culture while acquiring the knowledge and skills to fit into their new society. Refugees have been forced to leave their homelands because of dangers, and the families need volunteers who serve as Family Mentors.

Sankofa Chicago

Sankofa Chicago creates educational documentaries discussing the importance of Black history education for all, irrespective of race, for shaping a better future for our youth. Sankofa Chicago lives many UU values in the world. It embodies the Fourth Principle as it promotes the search for truth and meaning by highlighting the value of an accurate American History education. This is especially valuable given that American History education has historically marginalized the stories of People of Color’s contribution to our country. Sankofa Chicago lives out the First and Second Principles in its illumination of the worth and dignity of everyone’s history and compassion in human relationships to heal our countries history of racism. Finally, it lives out the Sixth and Seventh Principles because through education a peaceful world will be created where justice will be felt by all. It is valuable for all children and families to understand the trials and contributions of People of Color, to understand our connections and interdependence in creating a future of peace.

Recipient Organizations must generally meet the following criteria:

1. 501(c)(3) status.
2. Can demonstrate fiscal responsibility and accountability (could provide annual reports, audited financial statements, etc. if requested).
3. Operates with annual budget of less than $500,000 (there may be exceptions to this, particularly in response to a timely and critical problem; e.g. donation to Red Cross following a disaster).
4. Organizations whose work contributes in some way to a more just, equitable, and compassionate community, in alignment with our mission and UU principles. This church has preferred to support local South Side and Chicago organizations.
5. Recipients are not to be controversial or political in nature.
6. Recipients are independent of the church or other UU organizations.
7. Repeat gifts: an organization shall receive only one allocation from the church every two years, (exceptions to be made by board under unique circumstances).
8. Senior ministers retain discretion to postpone a collection or reduce the number of Sundays designated to accommodate unexpected needs (e.g.large-scale disasters)