Meet the Beneficiary of the Ravenswood Run: Ravenswood Community Services

Ravenswood Community Services (RCS) is a beacon of hope in Chicago's North Side Ravenswood neighborhood, working tirelessly to meet the essential needs of its neighbors while fostering a sense of community and dignity. As the beneficiary of the Ravenswood Run 5K, RCS continues its mission to alleviate hunger and promote stability for those facing food insecurity. Sponsored by Fleet Feet and Altra, this annual race not only raises funds for RCS, but it also brings together the entire community to celebrate the values of compassion and service.

The Heart of RCS: Serving with Dignity

At the core of Ravenswood Community Services’ mission is the belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Their hunger relief programs provide much more than just food—they offer hope, connection, and a sense of belonging to individuals and families in need. Whether it’s providing a weekly bag of groceries or a nutritious meal, RCS ensures that each person who walks through their doors is treated as a neighbor, not a number.

RCS distributes nutritionally balanced groceries, including fresh produce, milk, bread, and meat at the All Saints Episcopal Church every Tuesday, to help families meet their dietary needs. For those without access to a kitchen, they provide alternative food options to ensure that no one is left behind. Every week, volunteers from all walks of life come together to support this vital mission, working alongside RCS staff to ensure that no one in the community goes hungry.

A Vision of Unity and Positive Change

“Neighbors Helping Neighbors” is more than just RCS’s vision—it's the foundation on which they build their work. By creating a space where neighbors of all backgrounds and circumstances can connect, RCS fosters a sense of shared responsibility for one another's well-being. The organization’s programs actively bridge economic divides, bringing together people from different walks of life to collaborate and make a difference in the Ravenswood neighborhood and beyond.

In addition to hunger relief, RCS provides resources and connections that help individuals and families work toward health, stability, and self-sufficiency. Whether it's helping a family gain access to healthcare, find stable housing, or receive job training, RCS strives to empower its clients to build a better future for themselves and their communities.

A Rich History Rooted in Service

Ravenswood Community Services began in 1993 as an outreach program of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Ravenswood. It all started when parishioners began distributing bags of groceries to 20 neighbors in need each week. By 1998, the program expanded to include a weekly hot meal, and the number of participants quickly grew. Volunteers from the church and the local community came together to staff the “Just Neighbors” Food Pantry and Community Kitchen, turning the outreach program into something much larger.

In 2001, RCS officially became a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit, solidifying its commitment to alleviating hunger in the community. Despite this expansion, All Saints’ Episcopal Church continues to play an integral role in RCS's work, providing vital resources and support. The partnership between the church, local volunteers, and RCS ensures that the organization can continue its mission of feeding, empowering, and connecting neighbors.

Community Support: The Ravenswood Run 

Ravenswood Community Services' efforts would not be possible without the unwavering support of the community. The Ravenswood Run, sponsored by Fleet Feet and Altra, is an excellent example of how local events can have a meaningful impact on organizations like RCS. This race brings together individuals from all corners of the neighborhood to run, walk, and raise funds to support RCS’s programs. The event is not only a celebration of physical activity, but it’s also a reminder of the power of community when we come together to help those in need.

In a recent conversation with Lori, the Executive Director of RCS, she shared her gratitude for the ongoing support from volunteers, donors, and sponsors. While unloading a truck full of food donations on a Tuesday morning, Lori reflected on the importance of these contributions. “It’s not just about providing food,” she said. “It’s about creating a space where people can feel seen, heard, and supported. Every bag of groceries we distribute and every meal we serve is a step toward building a stronger, more unified community.”

How You Can Help

The work of Ravenswood Community Services relies on the generosity of volunteers and donors. Whether it's through participating in the Ravenswood Run 5K, making a food donation, or offering your time to help in the food pantry or community kitchen, there are numerous ways to get involved and make a difference.

By supporting RCS, you are not only helping to alleviate hunger in your neighborhood, but you are also helping to create a community where everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Together, we can work toward a future where no one is left hungry, and all are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Get Involved:

• Register for the Ravenswood Run 5K and help raise funds for RCS.
• Volunteer at the Food Pantry or Community Kitchen to directly support those in need.
• Donate food or financial resources to support RCS’s programs.

Visit Ravenswood Community Services' website for more information on how you can make a difference in your community.