Local Clergy Collaborates At Highland Park City Hall

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Representatives from denominations across the religious spectrum met with Mayor Nancy Rotering at Highland Park City Hall last week as part of an on-going effort to address human service needs, increase equity and inspire civic engagement throughout the community.

This group serves as a direct line to the City, strategically enhancing communication and connecting community members to a multitude of initiatives that benefit the day-to-day lives of those who live and work in our area. As part of the meetings, non-profit partners are often invited to educate and raise awareness of services and critical issues facing the community.

“People often go to their faith and community leaders in search of guidance, comfort and assistance. Too often, they do not know where to access programs, services and even discover opportunities to make a difference,” stated Mayor Nancy Rotering.

“Since its inception, this group has been vital in forging partnerships, connecting our most vulnerable neighbors with services that address quality of life issues, and bringing the community together to address challenges before us.”

The outcome of the recent meeting resulted in plans to assist with the assessment and communication of expanded transit services available to seniors via the Senior Connector, as well as free income tax return preparation assistance for low-and-moderate income taxpayers offered by Moraine Township.

In addition, the group plans to collaborate on drug abuse prevention via Community. The Anti-Drug and assist with raising awareness of specific legal services available at the Highland Park – Highwood Legal Aid Clinic.

The following houses of worship and representatives have participated in current and past meetings:

• Ryan Daniels, Steve Mason, Lisa Greene, Wendi Geffen: North Shore Congregation Israel
• Tom Baldonieri: St. James
• Jay Greener, Richard Hocking, Amanda Rosengren, Dan Babarik, Ethan Carlson, Michelle Becker: Church of the Redeemer
• Tom Gindorff: Bahai Faith of HP
• Susan Shulman, Alicia De La Cruz: HPHLAC
• Isaac Serotta, Allison Gelman: Lakeside Congregation
• Michael Sommer: Har Shalom Synagogue
• Bruce Elder: Hakafa
• Steven Lowenstein, Elaine Wexler: Am Shalom
• Julian Martinson: Central Avenue Synagogue
• Luke Tillett: Chinese Christian Union Church
• Dan Syversten: Christ Church
• Evan Moffic: Congregation Solel
• Rick Bersano, Jim Buckman: Faith Lutheran Church
• Young Choi, Shin Han, Lee Hyu Jae, Ro Jae Yong: Galilee United Methodist Church
• Jason Acres: Harvest Bible Chapel
• David Perkins: Highland Park Presbyterian Church
• Kenneth Anderson, David Yep: Immaculate Conception Church Rectory
• Adam Chalom: Kol Hadash
• Marlene Walker: North Shore Unitarian Church
• Vernon Kurtz, Michael Schwab: North Suburban Synagogue Beth El
• Court Williams, Herbert Brostein: Trinity Episcopal Church

In 2013, Mayor Nancy Rotering created the all-volunteer Human Services Task Force (HSTF) to assess needs and inventory services available to the community. The HSTF identified area clergy as a group that could help assist with outreach and programs. Beginning in 2014, an ever-growing group of clergy meets quarterly with the Mayor at Highland Park City Hall. Coordinated efforts, communication and areas addressed by the group include: domestic abuse prevention, food insecurity, promoting volunteer opportunities, gun violence prevention awareness, anti-bullying, inclusivity, and the prevention of child abuse.

Top photo and information courtesy of City of Highland Park