Community Engagement
Community Engagement Heading link
The Department of Family and Community Medicine promotes and enhances the health of our community by extending our education, patient care and research endeavors beyond the clinic setting. We partner with many community organizations to improve the health of communities through:
- educating students and residents how to become community-responsive health professionals;
- working closely with community organizations to provide clinical care as part of community initiatives;
- supporting community-based research that is responsive to community needs by building trust with community partners over time, while providing research and training opportunities for faculty, students and residents.
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities Heading link
Faithful-2-Fitness®
Faithful-2-Fitness® is an organization that promotes anti-obesity initiatives by enhancing public awareness of healthy childhood practices, emphasizing both healthy nutrition and increased physical activity.
Student volunteers are needed to help motivate families by participating in group fitness classes on Saturdays from 12-1 p.m. at Peak Sports Club in Loves Park, through July 13, 2024. In addition, volunteers will have the opportunity to learn about healthy meal prep and nutrition from a dietitian and assist with the meal prep class for parents and children. Students do not need to be members of Peak Sports Club, and there is no cost to participate.
Individuals interested in volunteering should email Dr. Nguyen, clinical assistant professor of pediatrics, at knguyen@faithful2fitness.org.
Gigi’s Playhouse
Gigi’s Playhouse provides free educational, therapeutic-based and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community, through a playhouse model. If interested, register here
Northern Illinois Food Bank
The Northern Illinois Food Bank has an ongoing need for food sorting, packing, and distribution to our neighbors. If interested, register here.
Rockford Rescue Mission
The Rockford Rescue Mission has an urgent, indefinite need for meal servers for breakfast and dinner each day of the week. If interested, please contact Sabuj Sarker, Rockford Rescue Mission volunteer supervisor at SabujSarker@rockfordrescuemission.org and let him know what day and meal that you can help serve. Rockford Rescue Mission volunteers need to complete an application.
United Way of Rock River Valley We Volunteer
United Way of Rock River Valley hosts a volunteer dashboard where individuals can register to volunteer at a variety of community organizations.
Walk with U
Volunteer at Walk with U, the UICOMR doctor-led walking group, to help with set-up, registration, walk, and clean-up. Sign up by emailing Vicki at vweide1@uic.edu at least two Fridays before the event. See all upcoming Walk with U events.