Danielle Drinkuth, a Dual-Degree Masters of Urban Planning and Policy + Public Health student at the University of Illinois at Chicago, proposes to create a community resource program in partnership with Respond Now, a non-profit serving over 12,000 people in need in south suburban Cook County. She plans to host weekly community gatherings at Respond Now's Chicago Heights office to connect people to the resources they need through culturally competent information, advocacy, and skills-based training. While community members will have the power to choose what topics are covered at the gatherings, Danielle envisions the community resource program addressing all of the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age including but not limited to food security, fair housing, access to quality healthcare, and educational opportunities. Danielle seeks to raise $500 for bus passes and gift cards for community members wishing to participate in the program and miscellaneous supplies to use in weekly gatherings

The Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellowship is a year-long service learning program for graduate students in health-related professions who will design and implement innovative direct service projects aimed at improving the health and well-being of underserved Chicago area communities. Through their community projects and participation in a year-long program that includes mentoring support, monthly meetings, written reflection, and interprofessional collaboration, Schweitzer Fellows are developing the skills and confidence needed to become Leaders in Service—professionals who will remain dedicated to public service and to creating change.

Each of the Fellows has created a "wish list" of supplies and resources that will help them realize their service project goals. Please consider supporting a specific Fellow's project or click here to donate to the general Schweitzer project fund. 

The Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellowship is a program of Health & Medicine Policy Research Group. Your Fellows Fest donation will appear on your credit card statement at "Health & Medicine."