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The Power of Community, Part 2

The Power of Community, Part 2

by | Jun 29, 2025 | Partners, Scholars

In my last blog, I shared the beginning of my journey with my new employer - Give Something Back. Now I want to share more information about where we are now and how our community engagement has grown. 

When I say that we have “partners” that means that they:

1) know our mission and goals

2) we know their mission and community-based goals

3) both organizations have found a place of alignment. 

Years before starting with Give Something Back, I learned a great lesson. I was speaking to a potential partner and explaining everything the organization I worked for at the time could do for them. When I finished, he said, “Yes, all this sounds great. I know we will have an amazing partnership.” And I said,  “Sir, I outlined all that we could do for you, but a partnership is two-sided. What do you plan on doing for us?” I guess he was surprised by that question. But that conversation left an impression on me.  Going forward, I would always go into meetings not just with a request, but also with an idea of how we could benefit the potential partner. At Give Back I always look for ways of alignment with partners that would prove mutually beneficial.  

I started my position with Give Something Back with that in mind. To date, we have the following organizations as partners: 

▪ Aurora Regional Economic Alliance

▪ Bolingbrook Police Department

▪ Boys & Girls Club of Joliet

▪ BUILD (Chicago) 

▪ Chicago Bulls 

▪ Citgo 

▪ Easter Seals 

▪ Illinois Tollway 

▪ IMPACT-CCRN 

▪ Joliet Junior College 

▪ Kiwanis Club of Joliet* 

▪ Lockport Police 

▪ Macy's* 

▪ Midland Bank* 

▪ Nicor Gas 

*Also, program sponsor 

▪ Pace Bus 

▪ Romeoville Police 

▪ School District 335U 

▪ School District 204 

▪ School District 205 

▪ ServPro* 

▪ State Farm - Howard Wright* 

▪ State Farm - Susie Sheehan* 

▪ St. Joseph Medical Center 

▪ Tomorrow Startz Today 

▪ United Way of Will County 

▪ Will County Center for Economic Development

▪ Wintrust Bank 

▪ YMCA of Joliet

By creating effective partnerships with the organizations listed above, Give Something Back has made an even stronger impact in the communities we serve. Many of the organizations listed above attended our community engagement luncheon in May of 2023 (1st Annual) and 2024 (2nd Annual). During the luncheon we provided our partners time to network, and we showed our appreciation through award and certificates. LINK TO PICTURES FROM 2nd LUNCHEON 

And in May 2025, we altered our format and welcomed keynote speaker, Adrienne S. of the Chicago Bulls. Additionally, our founder Bob Carr provided remarks. There were three awards and fourteen certificates passed out. VIDEO OF LUNCHEON / PICTURES OF LUNCHEON 

More Connection, More Caring Across the Country

More Connection, More Caring Across the Country

by | Jun 6, 2025 | College Success, Scholars

At Give Back, we are dedicated to finding new and accessible ways for our students to connect, learn, and grow together. This is in part why we are thrilled to be offering Community Cafes, an online space created to bring you, our students, together from all across the country.

Sometimes, building or maintaining friendships can feel hard. Especially when life gets busy or throws challenges your way. Connection does not have to be perfect or constant. There will be peaks and valleys. Some things will change while others stay the same. And the community you choose to build is one that best serves you. Maybe you want to have a huge group of friends, or you prefer two-five close ones. Some of your friends could live down the street, or across the country. You have the choice in the community you build.

Personally, I have preferred to keep my circle small. I have two best friends, one who I met when I was just a year old, Sarah. We grew up as neighbors for 10 years before I moved 1,167 miles away: from Oklahoma to Las Vegas. We chose to find ways to stay connected through phone calls, writing letters, and planning visits every year. We are going on 25 years of friendship and have supported each other in all stages of life, from starting high school, boyfriends, college and career changes. 

Not all friendships start at a young age. I met my second best friend, Maya, as a freshman in college. Our bond was instant and deep, despite meeting later in life. Our friendship is proof that it is never too late to form a life-changing connection. These friendships have shown me that the most meaningful communities grow out of intention, not timing or distance. That is why Give Back is offering Community Cafes; so students can find support, encouragement, and connection that lasts. 

Give Back is so thrilled to be offering three new welcoming, interactive, and inspiring online forums. Each is designed to help you- our students- to thrive personally, academically, and creatively. 

  1. Tools for Success - This time will be an opportunity to build a toolkit of practical skills. Students will develop a variety of skills including resume building, time management, career planning, and financial literacy to support any path they choose. 
  2. Creative Corner - This will be a space to express, reflect, and build resiliency. Students do not have to be an “artist”, just bring a notebook, pencils, and an open mind. This space will provide art projects to spark student’s creativity and imagination. 
  3. Cafe Conversations - This is where real talk happens. There will be student-led discussions to share personal experiences, ask questions, or just listen. This is a space to remind our students that you are never alone, and others share a similar journey.

The purpose of Community Cafes are to make students feel seen, heard, and supported. They will quickly learn that they are never alone. Research shows that students who feel connected to their peers are 50% more likely to report high levels of well-being and are more resilient when facing academic and personal stress. Virtual connection is an opportunity to bridge the gap between busy schedules and allow students to come together, share their stories, and build powerful connections.

Community Cafes are being offered in addition to our monthly Scholar Saturdays, virtual events that already bring together more than 250 students from across the country. Participants range from 8th grade to seniors in college. These events last about 90 minutes and are aimed at increasing students' social, emotional, and resource capital. They expand our students' community, foster coping strategies, and better prepare them for school and the workforce. 

One more bonus, all Community Cafe events count toward Give Back scholarship participation requirements. Students are investing in themselves and their future every time they attend. Get excited, and let’s build something meaningful together! 

Class of 2025!

Class of 2025!

by | May 28, 2025 | College Success, Education, Scholars

Congratulations!

As graduation season kicks off, more than 145 high school seniors and more than 200 College seniors are preparing for this expectant and exciting milestone. Amidst the last papers being written, gowns being fit and parties being thrown, I want you to pause and take in just how far you've come.

I've seen firsthand that your journey to this moment has not been easy - in fact, for many of you, it was never meant to be. Society didn’t expect this of you, maybe not even of me. It didn’t always invest in you, believe in your potential, or smooth the path in front of you.

You believed in something bigger, even in the face of every obstacle in your way. You held onto hope, and you stayed resilient in the face of every challenge you encountered. You showed people you didn't even know were watching what is possible when a young person possesses both the courage to persevere and the support to thrive.

I built Give Back for students like you. You are why I started this work, and you are the reason our talented team goes to work every day. I know deeply the impact of having someone believe in you at just the right moment. That belief - your belief in yourself, and ours in you - helped carry you here.

As you move on from this moment and onto the next milestone, please always remember: the world needs your voice, your story, your leadership and your contribution. As I've said, to more than 2,000 students, my greatest hope for you is that you continue to give back.

From the entire Give Back family and from me personally, you have made me so proud. You have already changed the world just by reaching this milestone. I can’t wait to see what you do next.

Bob Carr
Founder, Give Back

Gratitude

Gratitude

by | Mar 14, 2025 | Making an Impact, Scholars

What is gratitude?

What does it look like beyond the “humblebrag” social media posts and cliche smiles?

And why is it important?

Gratitude is what makes us smile, inside or out. It is that component in life that gives us grace, grounding and awareness. It is the tiniest of light that helps us see a step forward in the darkest of nights. Finding gratitude helps us to be resilient. To remind us that there is beauty in life.

Gratitude is the sound of little sisters playing.
It is the taste of chocolate.
It is the smell of mint.
Gratitude is the puppy that always has a smile.

Gratitude is looking at the stars on a clear night.
It is a hug from a friend.
Gratitude is acing that last exam you worked so hard on.
It is a warm meal and enough to eat.

It is a teddy bear and a stuffed avocado pillow.
It is a feeling of breath.
It is an art supply kit.
Gratitude is “You”.

At least this is what our students say.

At our National Scholar Saturday in March, our Give Back community had the opportunity to explore the positive impacts and healthy practice habits of gratitude with speaker Miriam Hathaway.

Miriam is an author and positive mindset expert who has written more than 30 books, including several focused on gratitude, living life with meaning and purpose, and the importance of positive relationships. She has been featured on several national lists; her work can be found in stores nationwide and one of her projects was even featured in Oprah's Favorite Things. She is known for infusing joy and curiosity into all that she does and writes books that inspire people in making their creative ideas come to life. Which she certainly did for our community in March!

Gratitude was chosen as a theme this month as an inspiration from our December speaker, Wesley Hamilton. It has been shown to help overcome trauma, lower rates of PTSD for war veterans and increase resilience for survivors of terrorist attacks. In his podcast, Dr. Andrew Huberman, Ph.D., a neuroscientist and professor at Stanford University, indicates that specific gratitude practices have been shown to have tremendous positive effects on mental and physical health. We hope that by introducing students to mindful gratitude practices with Miriam, that it will help them find resiliency and positive threads during a time of national uncertainty.

Miriam introduced participants to the positive benefits of gratitude and how to incorporate it into our lives- even when it may not be what we really feel like there is not much to be grateful for. One particular exercise, Miriam asked students to write or share “Five Things You Can See”, “Four Things You Can Touch”, “Three Things You Can Hear”, “Two Things You Can Smell” and “One Thing You Can Taste”, of which students responded with overwhelming thoughtfulness.

In our post-event survey, many students shared that some of the most valuable parts of the ninety minutes together were learning about other things that their peers are grateful for. They shared that they appreciated “The connection I had with other students”, “When we became vulnerable and shared what we were grateful for.” and “Hearing all the great things that happened to the other Give Back students”.

Hopefully, students will carry this amazing learning experience forward with them. When life feels like a whirlwind, we can all take time to recall our “5,4,3,2,1 Gratitude Exercise” and remember that a moment of gratitude might just be one appreciative breath away.

Peer Mentor Reflections: Irene Juarez

Peer Mentor Reflections: Irene Juarez

by | Jan 31, 2025 | Scholars

Hello! My name is Irene Juarez, and I am a junior at Chapman University. I am pursuing a major in Integrated Educational Studies with a minor in English. I am also included in the Chapman 4+1 program to pursue my master's and teaching credentials after graduating from Chapman University with my bachelor’s. My future goal is to grow and build stronger connections within my communities at Chapman and with Giveback. I would like to better understand all those around me and reach out to them outside the professional field.  

When I create events or do one-on-one check-ins, I would like to do more that benefits and makes scholars comfortable while still having fun. So, having better communication and networking skills is another goal I’m working on. A third goal that I have is regarding my peer mentor position. I would like to build a comforting relationship with the mentees; I want to be a strong foundation for them so that they know they can come to me with no bias when they need anything. 

The entire reason I was motivated and intrigued to become a peer mentor for Chapman University was so that I could help other scholars in Giveback who have experienced the same background and situation as I have when leaving home for the first time: being in a new place, battling all these new obstacles that they have never before dealt with, even imposter syndrome. I want all the mentees to know I am a safe space for them to talk to and chat with. Whether on campus, in the dorms, or outside campus life, I want them to feel secure and welcomed. I, too, have experienced similar difficulties. I had a fantastic connection with fellow Giveback scholars as they helped me navigate college life, always at my side when I needed them, especially when I was struggling and feeling homesick. 

R&R: Ethan’s Trip to Guatemala

R&R: Ethan’s Trip to Guatemala

by | Oct 17, 2022 | Scholars

Bitten by the ice of the alpine winds, their feet sloshed through the puddled volcanic gravel in the dead of night. The fiery roar of Volcan de Fuego sounded off in the distance. Deep breaths. In through the nose, out through the mouth. It had been two days since they began their trek and the journey’s end was within sight. As they reached the summit, the sun at last began to peak from behind the clouded sky, casting its brilliant rays across the breathtaking scenery.

This past summer, Northern Illinois University sophomore and Give Back Scholar Ethan Gonzalez spent some time relaxing and recharging–and reaching mountaintops–in his father’s hometown in Guatemala. He traveled there in June with his father and brother, and stayed with his uncle who led them on a host of adventures throughout the country.

Ethan kept busy during his two week stay with trips to the Mayan ruins of Tikal, hikes to the hidden pools in Lanquin where he swam in their crystal waters, and down-time spent soaking up the sun at the beach. He even put his Music Education and Vocal Performance studies to good use by serenading his grandparents with an Italian Aria.

A fervent proponent of walking and being in nature, Ethan treasured his scenic experiences during his summer travels, some of which he said were physically taxing but mentally and emotionally rewarding. His most gratifying experience was his journey climbing one of Guatemala’s most famous volcanoes, Volcan Acatenango.

“It was a thrill to climb this 13,000 foot-tall volcano with my dad and brother by my side,” said Ethan. “It was a challenge going through the rain and frigid winds near the summit, but it paid off with a victory lap around the crater once we reached the top!”

A rewarding and centering experience, Ethan’s journey on Volcan Acatenango opened his eyes to the powerful practice of breathwork, and it reminded him to always take a break and appreciate the beauty that surrounds you.

With the new school year in full swing and students across the country trading in their tank tops and towels for backpacks and binders, remembering to take a step back and recenter yourself is more important now than ever. Whether you are an incoming freshman or pursuing a master’s degree, practicing self-care year-round is paramount to success in all aspects of life.

“College can be very stressful, but having the opportunity to stay in tune with nature and taking a step back has made me realize that I have made it very far as a person,” said Ethan. “Last year as a freshman I had to go through a lot of self-growth and learn a lot more about myself than I already knew. I am focusing on myself and not worrying about what others are thinking about me. I’m the one that’s responsible for doing what I love and setting myself up for success. I’ve learned that there are going to be many volcanoes in our lifetimes. But once you reach the top, you feel weightless.”