Lindsey Bressi, ReEmployAbility’s Non-Profit Relationship Manager, had the opportunity to go to Chicago and meet with some of our Nonprofit Partners. On her trip, she was able to stop by Project Vida to connect with the Volunteer Coordinators and Transition2Work volunteers to see the amazing work that they’ve been doing.
Creating Purpose
While on her trip, Bressi met with Jerome and Larynae, two individuals overseeing ReEmployAbility Transition2Work volunteers. Project Vida takes Transition2Work volunteers to help with their organization. Transition2Work volunteers are able to give back to their community while recovering from workplace injuries. This symbiotic partnership allows Project Vida to have volunteers for their necessary work while allowing injured workers to recover and work at a modified pace.
Larynae participated in ReEmployAbility’s Transition2Work as an injured worker back in 2020 and has continued to give back to the organization. She connected with Project Vida and their cause due to the impact that the organization has on her and her community. Due to this, she decided that this was the work she wanted to continue to contribute after her Transition2Work assignment ended. Larynae is Project Vida’s office manager and helps ensure Transition2Work volunteers have a meaningful experience as they recover from their injuries.
A Mission for Life at Project Vida
Project Vida is a nonprofit organization in the heart of Chicago whose mission is to improve the quality of life and reduce health disparities in underserved communities. While they traditionally serve individuals living with HIV, they’ve expanded their network to assist anyone in need of basic life necessities. Their location offers services such as counseling, health testing, case management, support groups, wellness centers, housing navigation, and more! Project Vida actively connects individuals to community resources to help better their lives. Additionally, Project Vida’s food pantry receives nearly 300 individuals in need each week. The work that they do cannot be understated
Building Connections in Recovery
ReEmployAbility is all about bringing worker’s compensation workers and nonprofit organizations together across the country! Through our light-duty assignments, we aim to create genuine and long-lasting connections for individuals in their community. It’s our mission to help people find purpose and joy during their most challenging times, while also supporting their recovery.
About Project Vida
Project VIDA was founded in 1992 to address the urgent needs of racial and ethnic minorities. We are a non-profit organization located in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago’s southwest side. Initially, the organization started by providing HIV Education through street outreach services to area youth. Now, we have grown to offer free and affordable programs and services for prevention, care, health education, and wellness to ensure that everyone has access to quality programs and services, regardless of their income or insurance status. Offering all bi-lingual programming, since inception. Our Wellness Program (Mind, Body, and Soul Health and Wellness Circle) takes a holistic approach by focusing on the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of an individual.
Here, we take pride in serving everyone, regardless of their background. Project VIDA is a safe haven for members of the LGBTQ+ community, who may face challenges in finding support and resources. We specialize in services for people affected or at risk of HIV/AIDS. With a profound commitment to leading with love and compassion, we ensure that community members receive the assistance they need, even during their most challenging moments.
For more information about NFP and to support their organization, please visit them at ProjectVida.org.