Viveka Patel, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry. Viveka proposes to initiate a holistic wellness and life-skills program for homeless youth at The Crib, The Night Ministry’s overnight youth shelter. The program will strive to encourage academic achievement through a tutoring/mentorship program, to increase financial literacy through guest speakers, and to provide oral health and systemic health education through workshops focused on giving participants the tools and knowledge to sustain healthy habits for their future. Participants will also have opportunities to practice channeling their anger and frustration into wholesome activities such as dance, yoga, and art. Viveka seeks to raise $400 for art/activity supplies, $200 for projector and projector screen, $200 for health/hygiene supplies, and $100 for miscellaneous expenses.

The Schweitzer Fellowship is a year-long service learning program for graduate students in health-related professions who will design and implement innovative direct service projects aimed at improving the health and well-being of underserved Chicago area communities. Through their community projects and participation in a year-long program that includes mentoring support, monthly meetings, written reflection, and interprofessional collaboration, Schweitzer Fellows are developing the skills and confidence needed to become Leaders in Service—professionals who will remain dedicated to public service and to creating change.

In the summer of 2018, the Schweitzer Fellows for Life network launched Fellows Fest 2018, a campaign to help support our current Fellows' projects. Each of the Fellows has created a "wish list" of supplies and resources that will help them realize their service project goals. We also invite you to join us for our Fellows Fest event taking place on September 11 in Chicago. Click here for more info and to RSVP.

The Chicago Areas Schweitzer Fellowship is a program of Health & Medicine Policy Research Group. Your Summer Fest donation will appear on your credit card statement at "Health & Medicine."