Meet the Clark Family: #GivingTuesday 2021 Family Ambassadors
Meet the Clark Family: Search Giving Tuesday Family Ambassadors
Our families put the heart in giving so for #GivingTuesday this year we are shining a light on a few of the families who make up our extended Search family tree. They are truly near and dear!
Meet the Clark family, one of our #GivingTuesday 2021 ambassadors. Mary Clark is Anthony’s mother and resides in Chicago. Anthony grew up in the city, attending high school at Northside Learning Center. Anthony has a sister who lives in the Chicagoland area as well.
Anthony joined Search in March 2020 and lives at our Newgard home. Anthony moved in just one week before the first COVID-19 shelter-in-place began. Although it was an uncertain time, the Clark family never wavered in their resolve to have Anthony move in to Newgard. After touring many of Search’s homes and program sites, they had no doubts in Search’s commitment to the health and safety of the people under their care.
Before choosing Search, the Clarks visited a number of agencies in the Chicagoland area. Ms. Clark was very impressed with the quality of the environments and person-focused programs at Search. She shared this about her visit to Search’s Lincoln Square site, “The Search team stressed the importance of making personal choices when receiving your funding. The Search team was careful about placement of clients with housing and took the time to see where each person fit in best.” After touring a few of Search’s homes, Anthony and his mom felt that Newgard was a great fit!
Anthony celebrated his first year at Newgard in March 2021 where he continues to thrive. Anthony and his mom think Search is a special place. They say it’s special because of the, “dedication of the staff members.” The staff commitment to service and compassion during the pandemic has truly shown through. Anthony’s team at Newgard volunteered to live-in at the home when COVID infection rates were at their highest.
Anthony says he feels like he’s grown up a lot this past year. He really enjoys hanging out with his housemates, all of who love to go bowling on Wednesdays and visit Lincoln Park Zoo. Anthony is also very involved at his church, where he sings in their choir.
At Search, Anthony enjoys taking part in Visibility Arts with his housemates. Visibility Arts participants get exposure to art history, learn about other artists, are introduced to new materials and use studio time to create their personal art. About Visibility Arts, Anthony shared, “It makes me calm and relaxed. There is no stress.”
Anthony has created many pieces of artwork in Visibility Arts, but his favorite is his painting depicting Chicago’s Willis Tower. Anthony’s aunt was the inspiration for the painting as she used to work in the Willis Tower.
Since they both live in the city of Chicago, Anthony and his mother are able to stay very close, and see each other weekly. Anthony’s sister also lives close by, and the whole family enjoys celebrating the holidays together, walking, and hosting big family parties. One of Anthony’s favorite memories with his family is attending a White Sox game at Comisky Park (pictured above).
The bond that Anthony and his mom share is beautiful to see, and just one example of how our Search families truly put the HEART in giving.
#GivingTuesday is November 30th, but you don’t have to wait until the day to unleash your generosity. Throughout the month of November you have a special opportunity to maximize the impact of your gift, and make a meaningful difference the lives of Search participants like Anthony. From November 1 to November 30, any gift of $200 or more to Search will be matched with a $200 gift from the Coleman Foundation.
Our goal is to raise $20,000 by midnight November 30, #GivingTuesday. Will you help us reach our goal? Your gift in any amount makes a big difference.
Donate here.
