Chicago Executives Volunteer Service And Support - 3,000,000 Benefit Each Year

CHICAGO, April 22, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National Volunteer Week, April 21-27, throws a nationwide spotlight on the rising tide of need that can no longer be met by government programs, philanthropic organizations or corporate citizenship projects. Volunteers everywhere are stepping up to help in countless ways, but one source of help that is bringing a unique impact to the equation is Executive Service Corps (ESC).  

Executive Service Corps of Chicago is a nonprofit that helps other nonprofits to build their boards and strengthen their governance, find new sources of revenue, plan their strategic direction for service and growth, and coach or mentor staff and volunteers. Through this work, ESC volunteers bring benefit to more than 3,000,000 men, women, children and families who rely on nonprofit services each year.   

"We are some 250 seasoned executives and professionals who, with ESC training, go into the community and provide consulting services to nonprofits – mostly those who could never afford market rates for consulting," says Toni Smith, ESC Chicago volunteer and Board Chair. 

Recent example of ESC volunteer impact

ESC consultants worked with White Crane Wellness Center, an organization dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of older adults, to facilitate a strategic plan that would align with new opportunities emerging from new managed health care systems, working to reduce patient readmission rates. ESC helped White Crane develop a strategic approach to provide requisite client support services and follow-up care. As a result, the nonprofit may realize new, sustainable revenue sources with the long term potential for a 300 percent return on the initial grant-funded investment.  Overall and long term, this new source of revenue would enable the agency to enhance the scope of services for clients, their families, and the community as a whole.   

"The experience with ESC and its outcomes were outstanding. Our organizational capacity has been significantly enhanced, thus positively impacting the services and care that we offer our community," says Elizabeth Cagan, Executive Director of White Crane.  

Volunteer Service Philosophy

"We believe that a diverse and vibrant nonprofit sector provides vital services to people in need, creates strong communities and fuels economic health and growth," states RJ Young, former chair of Allstate Canada, an ESC consultant and current Chair-elect. "ESC volunteers do some really great work, doing all they can to help make a genuine difference in people's lives."

Asked why he volunteers with ESC, Don Schwarz says, "It's the satisfaction of thinking that you have contributed to the future success of that organization." Schwarz, former Ameritech executive, was recognized in 2012 for his 1500 hours of volunteer service with ESC.

This National Volunteer Week, ESC Chicago is celebrating 35 years of exemplary service and accomplishment, in more than 3500 engagements, building nonprofit capacity toward mission and nurturing self-sufficiency, effective governance and operational best practices.

For more information, examples and stories, visit the website at www.esc-chicago.org.   

CONTACT: Jo Posselt, jo.posselt@esc-chicago.org, 312.870.5803

SOURCE Executive Service Corps of Chicago