OUTREACH AND EVENTS

Throughout the year, the outreach team reaches out to veterans and their families with co-sponsored events and presentations to the community. To request a presentation on Military 101, PTSD 101 or to learn more about partnering with us on future events, contact ashton_kroner@rush.edu

VOLUNTEER

FEATURED EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Soldier Field 10-Mile
Monday, May 30

Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with this classic 10-mile race along beautiful Lake Shore Drive. The race begins inside Soldier Field with a tribute to our fallen heroes and ends post-race with a full day of music and festivities on the grounds outside the stadium. Road Home is the official charity of the Soldier Field 10-Mile.

Veterans Softball Tournament
Beverly Park, July 23

In partnership with the Chicago Park District and Chicago Sport and Social, the Road Home Program invites veterans and their families for a day of fun – DJ, activities, bouncy houses, Mission BBQ and a 16-inch softball tournament. Saturday, July 23 at Beverly Park (2640 W. 102nd St., Chicago, IL 60655).

Registration and tickets are available at Eventbrite

Help-A-Hero
19th Ward Special Event

19th Ward alderman Matt O’Shea hosts the Help-A-Hero fundraiser from Memorial Day through July 4 including PTSD Awareness Month in June. All proceeds benefit the veteran’s mental health services at the Road Home Program. Learn more at the19thward.com.

Learn More

Turkey Drop
Thursday, November 17

Every year between Veterans Day and Thanksgiving, JewelOsco, MolsonCoors, the Chicago Bears and the Road Home Program partner to give a Thanksgiving feast complete with turkey and all the fixings to over 600 veteran families.

Sign-up at Eventbrite

2023 CALENDAR

January, 2023 (Download PDF)

Date

Activity

January 5
11AM – 2PM

Veterans Education Benefits, Home Loans and Legal Rights Conference
Representatives from UIC Law Veterans Legal Clinic, Recruitment & Outreach and Student Veterans Affairs and representatives from US Department of Veterans Affairs: Veterans Benefit Administration and Veterans Justice Program (VJP) will be on site to answer questions regarding your VA Benefits, home loan opportunities and legal rights.

Register for free at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/veterans-education-benefits-home-loan-legal-rights-101-tickets-472745643947

The Auburn Gresham Healthy Lifestyle Hub
839 West 79th Street, Suite 312, Chicago, IL 60620

January 11
10:30AM – 3PM

Volunteers of America Employment Workshop
Volunteers of America will hold a job readiness workshop including access to job training skills and employment coaching for veterans and others in need. Attendees must be registered clients of VOA Illinois. For more information, call (312) 564-2424.

VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA ILLINOIS
47 West Polk Street, Suite 250-2, Chicago, IL 60605

January 14
5PM – 8PM

Bowlero Veteran and Family Night Out
Join the Road Home Program for pizza, laser tag, bowling, arcade games and fun with your family and fellow veterans. Register for free at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bowlero-veteran-and-family-night-out-tickets-492001418487

Bowlero Randall Road
1611 South Randall Road, Algonquin, IL 60102

January 18
6PM

Liberty Call: A Veteran Networking Event
Head to American Legion Post 735 on the South West Side of Chicago to meet up with fellow veterans, supporters and service providers including The American Legion, Team Red, White and Blue, Wounded Warrior Project, Merging Vets and Players, The Mission Continues and more. Our Liberty Calls are designed to connect current military members, veterans, spouses and civilians in a fun, casual setting. Make new friends, build a stronger support network and learn about additional resources, programs and opportunities available for military-connected families and veterans.

Register for free at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/liberty-call-a-veteran-networking-event-tickets-502708363247?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

American Legion Post 735
6945 West Archer Avenue, Chicago, IL 606382

Meet virtually
every other
Wednesday
1800 – 1930

Coffee with Chaps: A Veteran-To-Veteran Peer Support Group
The Road Home Program offers a Veteran-To-Veteran Peer support group moderated by Mark “Chaps” Schimmelpfennig, Chaplain and Spiritual Care Director at Road Home. The group meets virtually to discuss issues and get support from fellow veterans who understand the challenges you are coping with.

Coffee with Chaps is free and open to Illinois residents.
Register at https://roadhomeprogram.org/family-center/community-support-group/

Meet virtually on
the first Thursday
of every month
6PM – 7:30PM

Do You Love a Vet? A Caregiver Support Group
The Road Home Program provides a supportive and informative forum where caregivers, spouses, partners, family members, loved ones and friends meet virtually once a month to ask questions and offer encouragement as part of a community of people who understand the challenges you are facing.

Do You Love a Vet? meets virtually. Attendance is free and open to Illinois residents.
Register at https://roadhomeprogram.org/family-center/community-support-group/