Janice Neumann

1 week ago | chicagotribune.com | Janice Neumann

As a child, Cindy McMahon remembers walking by Greenstone Church in Chicago’s Pullman neighborhood and stopping in to sit and enjoy its splendor. The place became so important to her that she and her husband Tom even chose the historic church for their 1983 wedding ceremony, even though the church is United Methodist and they are Catholic. But these days the church is in disrepair and has been closed for two years because the gas bill could not be paid and the heat turned off.

2 weeks ago | chicagotribune.com | Janice Neumann

Being a chef was Mickey Whitesell’s dream job until he started working at Trinity Services with people who have special needs. His passion for the job recently earned him the distinction of being the National Direct Support Professional of the Year by the American Network of Community Options and Resources. He will be honored April 9th at the ANCOR Connect 2025 Conference in San Diego.

2 weeks ago | chicagotribune.com | Janice Neumann

Even before the canine birthday boy arrived, people were lining up in NAWS ReTails Resale Center in Mokena to see him. When Yoda did come through the entrance with shelter volunteer Linda Miller, there were cheers and oohs and aahs at the sight of the bundle of energy. His fans got nuzzles, licks and tail wags in return. Several people seated in easy chairs even got the 60-pounder halfway onto their laps.

3 weeks ago | chicagotribune.com | Janice Neumann

The kindness, counselling and wealth of uplifting programs at the Cancer Support Center are well known to clients, but now they’ve been treated to a “makeover” at the organization’s cozy building in Homewood . But those cosmetic changes, which were on full display during a special meeting Thursday at the Homewood location, are part of a plan to keep clients coming and make their difficult experiences with cancer just a little easier. The center also has a location in Mokena.

3 weeks ago | chicagotribune.com | Janice Neumann

Spanish heritage students at Oak Lawn Community High School will soon get more popular books in their home language, after the Media Center secured a grant for that purpose. The $1,500 Feed Your Need Grant from the Association of Illinois School Library Educators/Library Book Selection Service Endowment Fund means there will be more books and e-books like “El Arroyo de lo Llorena” by Sandra Cisneros for those students to read.