Ravenswood Community Services (RCS) provides the basics of food and supplies to our neighbors, respecting the dignity of all and creating community throughout Ravenswood and the surrounding neighborhoods. We strive to offer services and connections to resources that can help people realize health, stability, and self-sufficiency.
Vision: Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Ravenswood Community Services strives to be a place where people, neighbors – whether those in need or those of means – are fed, welcoming all who come to our doors, treating each with dignity. Our hunger relief programs work to provide nutritionally balanced bags of groceries and meals of the same quality we all want for our own families. We include fresh produce, milk, bread, and meat each week and offer alternative items for those neighbors without access to a kitchen.
RCS programs bring together people from all sides of the economic divide in our changing neighborhood. Through our common goals, individual gifts, and shared vision for the future of our neighborhood and the wider community, Ravenswood Community Services strives to be a force for positive change in our corner of the world.
History
Ravenswood Community Services began as an outreach program of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Chicago’s north side Ravenswood neighborhood. In 1993, parishioners began distributing bags of groceries through the front door of the church to about 20 neighbors in need each week. By 1998, the grocery distribution program expanded to include a weekly hot meal. The number of participants quickly doubled and tripled in those early years. All Saints’ parishioners joined with community volunteers to staff the “Just Neighbors” Food Pantry and Community Kitchen.
In 2001, All Saints’ formally launched Ravenswood Community Services (RCS), a separate 501 (c) 3 non-profit agency focused on helping to alleviate hunger in the community. The All Saints’ community and its resources remain an important and integral part of RCS and the achievement of its mission.
Who We Are
RCS Board of Directors
- The Rev. E. Suzanne, President Rector, All Saints’ Episcopal Church
- Brian Lynch, Chair Director, Partner Services, Intapp
- Mark Ortlieb, Treasurer General Attorney, AT&T Illinois
- Nicole Spreen, Secretary Director, MAXIMUS Center for Health Literacy
- Amanda Caldwell Project Development Manager, Stonewall Kitchen, LLC
- Kelly Hewitt Relationship Manager, Wealth Management Group, Northern Trust
- Margaret McCamant Music Director (retired), All Saints’ Episcopal Church
- Daniel Morgan Vice President, Technology, 20/20 Foresight
- Lisa Patel Director, Business Development, Golub Capital
- Erin Ruffolo Group Fitness Specialist, Galter LifeCenter
- Jane Schaefer Vice President, Verge International Inc.
- Jennifer Boyle Tucker Assistant for Communications and Networking, Episcopal Diocese of Chicago
For Financial Statement information, contact us for a request.
To view or download our 2022 Annual Report, use the links below.
Staff
About Lori
I joined Ravenswood Community Services in January of 2012. I have been a parishioner of All Saints’ and a volunteer with RCS for more than 16 years.
Before joining RCS, I spent 11 years working as a project, market and product manager in the telecommunications industry, until the year 2000. At that point, I took a career break to raise my children and began a lengthy and varied volunteer career, including:
- serving on the parent/teacher board of the kids’ elementary school for 7 years in a number of capacities including Treasurer and President;
- working as the parish liaison for the Christmas Basket program with the Cathedral Shelter;
- managing food orders, deliveries and the relationship with the Greater Chicago Food Depository on behalf of Ravenswood Community Services.
In 2009, I began my own business working with both business and residential customers as a professional organizer. Though I loved that work, when the opportunity to join the staff of RCS came about, I knew that this was what was supposed to be next. I left the professional organizing world at the end of 2011 to work with the amazing staff and volunteers at RCS, an organization that has been near to my heart for many years.
When I’m not at RCS or volunteering at my kids’ schools, I enjoy reading, attending all manner of kid sports events, walking my dog, hanging out with my husband and my friends and practicing yoga.
About Parker
I joined Ravenswood Community Services in August 2014 while serving as a Julian Year intern, and in August 2015, I officially joined the RCS staff as the Operations Manager. I manage all volunteer scheduling and opportunities, volunteer communication and social media, pantry and kitchen logistics and supplies, food donations and deliveries, and record keeping. I have a particular interest in social justice and am proud to work for an organization that can provide food to all without restriction.
If you are interested in volunteering with RCS, making a donation, or would like more information about our services, please contact me.
Powered by Volunteers
The Ravenswood Community Services Food Pantry hosts an average of 250 pantry visits and enjoys the volunteer efforts of an average of 40 volunteers each week. Learn more about how you can help!
