A former art instructor and day camp director for the Chicago Park District, she took a sabbatical to raise her three children. When the kids got older, Jan was eager to find an outlet for both her time and her creative side. She volunteered at numerous organizations and explored several opportunities, but it wasn't until she connected with The Night Ministry that she truly felt there was an opportunity to really get to know unhoused youth better.
It was serendipitous. Her art skills and nurturing manner were a perfect fit, and she felt that she was making a real difference. "Although they can stay up to 120 days at West Town Open Door Shelter, most youth are there only several days, sometimes weeks, & occasionally months before they're placed in more permanent housing," Jan reflects, "but for that time, I try to help create some stability and, through art, provide an outlet for their creativity."
"I try to help create some stability and, through art, provide an outlet for their creativity."
Given her love of art and creative expression, it's no surprise that Halloween is Jan's favorite holiday. She and her husband, Jerry have hosted their legendary "Rotten Rotter's Halloween Party" for many years and have raised thousands of dollars for youth programming at The Night Ministry. With the donations, she has been able to get supplies for art projects and essential items such as duffle bags and backpacks. She has even taken them on some fun outings to see what Chicago has to offer.
"My favorite outings have included attending plays at the Steppenwolf Theatre and concerts by the Black Ensemble. They get to experience things they've never had opportunities to before."
She recognizes the stress felt by the youth she encounters at West Town. She is non-judgmental, kind, and has an easy-going nature that makes it easy for them to talk with her when they need someone who will listen.
The staff thinks she is amazing and loves her energy, creativity, and what she brings to the program. "Jan's boundless energy wraps around the weary and provides a calm presence that transforms despair into dreams through her art. We are so lucky to have her share her gifts with our youth," says Felitha Jones-Patterson, Director of Youth Programs at The Night Ministry.
Jan hopes that in some small way, she has helped each of the young people she has encountered while on their path to stable housing and a better future.
"I remember going to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and the girl at the reception desk recognized me," Jan recalls fondly. "She was a former client from West Town, and there she was, doing great, working at a museum. It really meant a lot—I loved seeing that."