In moments of crisis, healing often begins with something simple: a warm meal, a quiet space, the sense that someone sees you. For those navigating homelessness, trauma, or identity-based marginalization, even these basic comforts are often out of reach. But when they are made available — intentionally, consistently, and with care — they can be […] The post The Ripple Effect of a Meal: How Food Restores Dignity in Times of Crisis appeared first on Better Magazine.| Better Magazine
When Ballet 5:8 launched the BIOS Project, they didn’t start with music. Or costumes. Or a theme. They started with a question: What happens when we actually listen? Not just politely. Not in passing. But fully. With time. With no plan to fix, redirect, or explain away what we hear. The invited four women choreographers […] The post Ballet 5:8’s BIOS Project Transforms Real Women’s Stories Into Powerful New Dance Works appeared first on Better Magazine.| Better Magazine
What if the next story that changes someone’s mind — or inspires them to act — comes from your camera roll? Today, thanks to smartphones, photo essays are no longer just the domain of professional photographers. Anyone — parents documenting family life, students working on a project, nonprofit leaders highlighting impact, or travelers recording a […] The post The Camera as a Catalyst for Change: How to Tell Your Story Through a Photo Essay appeared first on Better Magazine.| Better Magazine
As the first day of school quickly approaches, parents are asking me how to get their kids to talk to them more about school. We parents want information! We feel that in exchange for our nurturance and worry and everything we did to get them ready for school, we should at least get to know […] The post How to Get Kids to Talk About School: Expert Tips That Really Work appeared first on Better Magazine.| Better Magazine
On the night of April 26, 2025, the beloved cultural institution, Writers Theatre, a Make It Better Foundation grant partner, welcomed 250 corporate and civic leaders to the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago for its annual WordPlay Gala. With the theme of “Be Bold. Be Here.”, the annual fundraising event raised a record-breaking $905,000 to support […] The post Writers Theatre Raises Record-Breaking $905K at Annual WordPlay Gala appeared first on Better Magazine.| Better Magazine
The fruit of one simple tree is feeding families, creating jobs, and helping the planet. See how breadfruit is transforming communities in Haiti and beyond.| Better Magazine
Loneliness is more than a passing feeling—it’s a serious health concern. Discover timeless tips and community-based solutions from the C.G. Jung Center that foster connection, purpose, and belonging.| Better Magazine
Chicago is in the midst of a silent crisis — one that affects thousands of its youngest residents every day. Families across the city are struggling to afford diapers, a basic but essential need for children. With diaper costs having soared by nearly 50 percent since the pandemic, and families facing cuts to Medicaid and […] The post Chicago’s Diaper Crisis Worsens as Thousands Lose Access to a Basic Necessity appeared first on Better Magazine.| Better Magazine
Imagine being 12 years old, lying awake all night while your parents scream at each other, break things, and slam doors. Your father is drunk and raging. You’re terrified someone might get hurt — or worse. You huddle with your siblings, trying to keep them safe. When morning comes, your mom has a black eye, […] The post More Schools Are Embedding Mental Health Care on Campus — Here’s Why It Works appeared first on Better Magazine.| Better Magazine
On a summer day in July, a group of high school girls from Chicago’s South and West sides gathers in a conference room at Croke Fairchild Durate & Beres. For many, it’s their first trip to River North — and their first time stepping inside one of the city’s prestigious corporate offices. They’ve come for […] The post ‘You Can’t Be It If You Can’t See It’: How One Chicago Program Inspires Girls by Connecting Them With Women Leaders appeared first on Better Magazine.| Better Magazine
With summer in full effect, come see what the city has in store for you! Read our list of things to do this month for help.| Better Magazine
A Silent Crisis Is Undermining Global Food Security — These Scientists Have a Solution | Better Magazine
While the world grapples with visible threats to food supply, crop disease quietly destroys up to 40% of harvests each year. Meet the scientists turning cutting-edge research into resilient crops that could change the future of food.| Better Magazine
Marine Trades Institute in Cedarville, Michigan, is expanding its campus and programs to meet growing demand for marine technicians and boat builders — and a limited-time matching grant is helping fund its next chapter.| Better Magazine
Chicago leaders Michael Alter and Ravin Gandhi share how purpose-driven service — not just profit — has shaped their careers, leadership, and impact through City Year.| Better Magazine
Venture philanthropy is reshaping charitable giving by combining smart investing strategies with measurable impact. Learn how to apply its principles to your own financial decisions.| Better Magazine
Clearwater Capital Foundation’s annual Supercar Show may draw crowds with Ferraris and McLarens, but it’s the event’s successful giving model — and year-round educational podcast — that’s making a lasting impact in Chicagoland.| Better Magazine
Domestic violence victims often stay for reasons most don’t see — fear, survival, and lack of options. The Survivor Justice Center helps women like her find safety, legal protection, and a path forward.| Better Magazine
More than 5 million children undergo surgery each year, many experiencing intense anxiety. Hope Always Foundation offers a research-backed solution: secure, content-curated Warrior Tablets designed to comfort and calm young patients — without sedatives or social media.| Better Magazine
In Chicago’s West Garfield Park, the Sankofa Wellness Village is advancing health equity through community-led development — bringing healthcare, fresh food, and economic opportunity to a neighborhood long impacted by disinvestment.| Better Magazine
From fireworks to food fests, outdoor concerts to art exhibits, discover the best things to do in Chicago and the suburbs this July.| Better Magazine
The Open Canopy: How One Journalist’s Journey Is Connecting Students Around the World | Better Magazine
After School Matters’ Sneaker Ball raised $175,000 to support Chicago teens — funding paid programs that help young people develop skills, confidence, and career pathways.| Better Magazine
Inspired by prize-winning journalist Paul Salopek’s 24,000-mile walk across the globe, The Open Canopy invites students worldwide to slow down, share their stories, and connect across cultures in a one-of-a-kind virtual classroom.| Better Magazine
The Joffrey Ballet’s 2024 gala transformed Cinespace into a Wonderland-inspired dreamscape, raising $3 million for arts education and honoring Anne L. Kaplan and Fred Eychaner.| Better Magazine
The North Shore of Chicagoland is full of events hosted by local communities. Read this list of the best events to catch this summer.| Better Magazine
A unique collaboration between a Chicago filmmaker, Joffrey Ballet dancers, and the International Crane Foundation brings whooping cranes to life through dance in Mates for Life, a new conservation film series.| Better Magazine
Research suggests children who felt loved by their fathers are more likely to have higher self-esteem, self-acceptance, and life satisfaction as adults.| Better Magazine
In Chicago’s West Garfield Park, MAAFA tackles gun violence by healing relationships, restoring dignity, and empowering young people to lead lasting community change.| Better Magazine
The premier magazine, website and community resources for Chicagoland. Look no further for the best in food, fashion, fun and giving back.| Better Magazine
Want to raise kids who are kind, empathetic, and inclusive? Expert advice from Keshet, the Greater Good Science Center, and the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence share how to help children embrace differences and build a more compassionate world.| Better Magazine
Joffrey Ballet’s Jonathan Dole brings his tap roots and versatility to two lead roles in Christopher Wheeldon’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Follow his journey from small-town studio to Chicago’s Lyric Opera House.| Better Magazine
Whether you're looking to soak up some sun, support local artists, or catch a world-premiere performance, our curated list of the best things to do in Chicago and beyond will help you make the most of the season.| Better Magazine
After the LA wildfires destroyed Aveson Charter School, GO Campaign helped students heal by organizing a joyful, mission-aligned day at the Los Angeles Zoo — proving that even in disaster, staying true to your purpose can be the most powerful form of aid.| Better Magazine
Music Theater Works’ 2025 Producers Gala raised a record-breaking $220,000 with 200 guests enjoying performances, auctions, and the Joyce Ruth Saxon Award presentation.| Better Magazine
Radical Generosity Chicago has helped thousands of housing-insecure families find shelter and more—read about and support their mission here| Better Magazine
Chicago’s Cultural Stadium concept unites arts, culture, and civic spaces to drive economic growth, tourism, and community engagement—and offers a model for cities nationwide.| Better Magazine
As Goodman Theatre approaches its 2025/2026 Centennial Season, the theater’s commitment to storytelling beyond the stage is stronger than ever. Through education and engagement programs that reach Chicagoans of all ages — from toddlers experiencing live performance for the first time to older adults reflecting on their lives through storytelling — the Goodman fosters meaningful […]| Better Magazine
On April 30, 2025, more than 800 guests filled the Hilton Chicago ballroom for the 23rd Annual American Red Cross Heroes Breakfast — an uplifting celebration of ordinary individuals doing the extraordinary. Hosted by the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago, the event honored 12 exceptional people whose courage, compassion, and service have made a […]| Better Magazine
Every night, when the sun goes down, more than one billion people around the world are plunged into total darkness. For many of us, flipping on a light is second nature. But for families living in extreme poverty, darkness brings danger, lost opportunity, and hopelessness. Without light, education stalls, entrepreneurship fades, and economic freedom slips […]| Better Magazine
When I’m asked, “How are you?,” my knee-jerk reaction is to quickly just say, “Fine” or “Good.” But a couple of years ago, I remember being stopped in my tracks when an acquaintance paused after my automatic reply and asked me again, “How are you, really, dear?” She saw right through my hasty answer and […]| Better Magazine
Solidarity Bridge's mission is to train, equip and empower the medical communities in Bolivia and Paraguay to serve the most needy.| Better Magazine
Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) is a dream come true for parents in underserved urban Indianapolis.| Better Magazine
Horizons for Youth is an organization that believes that every child, no matter his or her academic ability or socioeconomic background, can graduate from college and successfully pursue a career.| Better Magazine
Every day, the American Red Cross is on the front lines, helping communities in need and bringing hope, comfort and care to those facing their darkest moments. As the interim CEO of the American Red Cross of Illinois, I’ve witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact of our work. That’s why this year’s 13th Annual Day of […]| Better Magazine
Nurse-Family Partnership empowers new moms by pairing them with dedicated nurses who provide personalized support during pregnancy and early childhood, helping families build healthier, brighter futures.| Better Magazine
Our 2024 Guide to Giving is here. In which we highlight the needs and aspirations of Chicagoland organizations doing amazing work near and far| Better Magazine
Helping our veterans and their families: Learn about the organizations providing assistance and support to those who have served.| Better Magazine
Chicago's Bruce Sagan receives the National Medal of Arts from President Biden, honoring his impact on journalism and the arts.| Better Magazine
A groundbreaking clinical trial at the Cleveland Clinic is showing promising results for a breast cancer vaccine. Discover how this vaccine could revolutionize breast cancer prevention and treatment.| Better Magazine
Justin Phongsavanh discusses moving forward, the realities of life as a Paralympian, and what it takes to chase greatness after unimaginable loss.| Better Magazine
Learn about the growing crisis of clothing insecurity and how it affects children's education. Find out how you can help make a difference.| Better Magazine
If you're looking for ways to help those affected by Hurricane Milton, here are just a few organizations offering assistance that could use financial support and even volunteers.| Better Magazine
SitStayRead's innovative approach to reading fluency has shown remarkable results. Classrooms enhanced by volunteers have shown significant improvement on assessment tests.| Better Magazine
In the year since the mass shooting at Parkland, there has been nearly one mass shooting every single day. If you're feeling helpless and hopeless, join the fight to make real change and end gun violence in the U.S. by taking action in one of these easy ways.| Better Magazine
If you’re still buzzing about the 2024 Paris Olympics, you’ll be happy to know the games aren’t over. The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games have begun and run from August 28 to September 8. These games feature more than 1,000 athletes, with 138 representing the United States. Events for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will take […]| Better Magazine
Step into the fantastical world of Joffrey Ballet's Midsummer Celebration. Experience a night of surreal delights inspired by 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' by Alexander Ekman.| Better Magazine
Whether for business or pleasure, most of Chicago’s many exclusive members-only clubs offer a plethora of benefits. Find out which club is right for you.| Better Magazine
Joffrey Ballet is putting their team first by offering in-house access to a mental health provider. Read about their new initiative here.| Better Magazine
Learn about the Art of Skin's nationwide impact for dermatologic equity. Discover how this event is addressing racial disparities and promoting diversity in dermatologic care.| Better Magazine
Enhance your writing skills with expert tips and learn how effective communication can make a difference in various aspects of life.| Better Magazine
Learn how one child's life was transformed from living in a Tanzanian orphanage to receiving a scholarship in the U.S., thanks to the support of a volunteer.| Better Magazine
Recognizing concussion symptoms and understanding treatment options can help prevent further injury to the already-inflamed brain.| Better Magazine
Here's a look back at Steppenwolf's 2024 Gala, a star-studded event that raised over $1.6 million for Steppenwolf Theatre Company's education and artistic programs.| Better Magazine
One out of every eight people live with a mental health disorder. Many of them cannot receive the care they need due to the shortage of mental health providers. In Illinois, there are only 13.8 behavioral health care providers for every 10,000 residents; this means 4.8 million Illinois residents live in a mental health shortage […]| Better Magazine
Learn how the Nurse-Family Partnership helps young families in need, providing home health care nurse visits and support during pregnancy and early childhood.| Better Magazine
Those experiencing suicidal thoughts or other mental health emergencies can receive 24/7 help by calling or texting 9-8-8.| Better Magazine
Convergence: Health Equity in a Changing Environment explores the powerful link between environment and health through multimedia storytelling.| Better Magazine
Gain insights into how leading arts organizations have leveraged collaboration and partnership to find creative ways to problem solve and thrive.| Better Magazine
From the Air and Water Show to pop-up restaurants, you know August in Chicago is packed with fun, read our list of activities here!| Better Magazine
Learn how SitStayRead is using the power of dogs to help migrant students overcome language barriers and improve their literacy skills.| Better Magazine
Countdown to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Learn about Team USA's impressive roster and the incredible number of returning Olympians.| Better Magazine
Learn how the U.S. Center for SafeSport plays a vital role in ensuring athlete safety at all levels of sport.| Better Magazine
Own Your Expertise Online Your voice, ideas and engagement are important to help us accomplish our mission. We encourage you to share your ideas and efforts to make the world a better place by submitting a “You Said It.” “You Said It” submissions, as mentioned above, are similar to OpEds — written features which explain […]| Better Magazine
Celebrate your Pride this June with any of these ways to enjoy, support and show love to the LGBTQIA+ community in Chicago and beyond.| Better Magazine
Support the mental health of struggling teens. Find out about the rise in adolescent depression and how free mental health services can make a difference.| Better Magazine
Find out how the Honeycomb Project is empowering youth to tackle social challenges in Chicago. Learn how youth civil service can create change and make a positive impact in our communities.| Better Magazine
Find support through NAMI's 988 hotline for mental health distress. Connect with trained volunteers who provide a listening ear and local resources.| Better Magazine
Find out how After School Matters is empowering high school students to navigate the transition to college and explore career paths through immersive programs and college visits.| Better Magazine
Enjoy outings with family and friends around Chicago this July. Find fireworks, food fests, live music and more on our list of things to do.| Better Magazine
Chicago might be called “The Second City,” but it’s definitely the undisputed metropolitan golf mecca of the Midwest. Here, 13 public golf courses avid golfers should put on their to-play list.| Better Magazine
Get outdoors by visiting some of the best hiking spots around Chicago. Here are 10 of our favorites you need to check out.| Better Magazine
The fight for diversity education in the workplace: Explore the consequences of banning diversity education on federal agencies, businesses, and higher education.| Better Magazine
Ensure your child's safety at summer camp with these safety tips from the U.S. Center for SafeSport. Learn about abuse prevention resources and best practices.| Better Magazine
Here's Make It Better's guide to where to donate throughout the North Shore and Chicago — whether it's furniture, books, clothes and more.| Better Magazine
Sneakers Ball, hosted by After School Matters, saw lots of support including vital fundraising. Read about the event and how to support here.| Better Magazine
There are a number of ways you can support your community through volunteer work—visit The Volunteer Center online for opportunities.| Better Magazine
Ignatian Spirituality Project helps those facing homelessness and addiction find stability through community and spirituality—read more here.| Better Magazine
Whether you celebrate St. Patty's Day, Women's History Month or just spring weather—our roundup of things to do will have you busy all March.| Better Magazine
Joffrey Ballet and Alder Planetarium have joined together to create their new program, Cosmic Rhythms. Read our review here.| Better Magazine
