Think Good, It’s Friday! 7.24.15

The Trust is committed to supporting efforts to build stronger communities throughout the Chicagoland region—as demonstrated by On the Table, our work to convene residents and community organizations around all types to discuss and respond to pressing challenges and opportunities.

[pullquote]Santa Monica boosts residents’ happiness, Chicago pet rescue gets a loving bequest + more good news! #TGIF[/pullquote]

It’s always interesting to see what other cities are doing. In Santa Monica, California, the Wellbeing Project is developing strategies to maximize their citizens’ happiness. This Fast Company article talks about how increased civic engagement and social cohesion are benefitting this community and its residents.

More good news from around the Web:

• Mark Brown at the Chicago Sun-Times shared the story of a retired CPS teacher who loved cats and died at the age of 93 leaving more than $500,000 to charity in her will—including $339,610 to PAWS. What a special gift, especially knowing how much I love my own cats from Chicago Cat Rescue.
• A friendly voice on the other end of the phone can make all the difference in the world. DNAinfo profiles Carolyn Smigla, who was recently named the National Runaway Safeline’s 2015 Volunteer of the Year. The Safeline works to help keep America’s runaway, homeless and at-risk youth safe and off the streets.
• Public Good shares five organizations working to serve and empower people with disabilities—great to see that three are based here in Chicago. This is a particularly relevant given that this Sunday, July 26, marks the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Learn more about what Chicagoans are doing to commemorate this milestone and expand access and opportunity for people with disabilities through ADA 25 Chicago, and stay tuned to the Trust’s website next week for a series of stories to commemorate the anniversary.
• Access to quality, affordable housing builds strong communities. This week, the People’s Community Development Association of Chicago broke ground on a new rental property in East Garfield Park that will provide families with affordable homes.

We love hearing your stories of philanthropy—big and small. Continue sharing yours here at cct.org, by sending an email to trust100@cct.org or on social media using the hashtag #Trust100.