SHARES CARES
I can't wait to be adopted! 
He’s an outgoing young guy who loves people—especially people who love to play! Dexter is really good at chasing after toys you throw for him. He is, after all, part retriever. But, bringing it back… Well, he’s looking for someone to work with him on that part because he only brings it back about half the time. However, Dexter is eager to learn and to please. He also needs some help learning not to jump on people. Right now it’s a little hard for him. He gets so excited because he likes to hang out with people so much and has lots of love and kisses to give all of them. With the right buddy and a little patience he should be able to break that bad habit. If you would like to meet Dexter to see if he’s the right buddy for you, contact the Animal Protective League in Springfield. It is open every day from noon to five pm.
Step Up. Get Tested.
Since 1995, cities across the country have marked National HIV Testing Day on June 27 with activities that encourage people to get tested regularly for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Chicago’s first Step Up. Get Tested event was organized in 2012 by the Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center and involved two dozen agencies, resulting in more than 5,000 people getting tested in the month of June. The test collaborative continues today by a network of community stakeholders including the Chicago Department of Public Health, Orasure Technologies, and Gilead Sciences Inc., and Shares member AIDS Foundation Chicago. The goal is to not only test at least 5,000 people every June, but to reduce the stigma and fear that surrounds HIV testing. Say yes to the test! Check the calendar of testing events.
DO SOME GOOD
Did you know that pets are excellent therapy for senior citizens? 
Well, it is. For many years now it has been recognized that letting nursing home patients hold and pet cats and dogs has been shown to have strong therapeutic effects upon the patients. Every Tuesday and Wednesday morning, Animal Protective League volunteers take dogs, cats, puppies and kittens to Springfield-area nursing homes to visit with the residents. This program fills needs of both the nursing home and the animals that visit. The residents love the furry visitors and the shelter animals get a great chance to socialize with them. If you would like to participate in this rewarding and fun endeavor, call Angie at Animal Protective League. 217-544-7387 ext. 227.
Enjoy amazing local food at amazing local restaurants during Local Flavors 2014
These special menus are chock-full of fresh, delicious produce straight from Central Illinois farmers. Participating restaurants around Springfield, Champaign, Peoria and Bloomington will prepare a fresh, seasonal meal with produce sourced from local farmers. The meals are fresh, healthy, delicious, good for the community, and good for the environment. Mark your calendars today! Local Flavors is a program of Shares member Illinois Stewardship Alliance. ISA promotes an environmentally sustainable, economically viable, socially just, local food system. Click here for a listing of dates, restaurants and cities.
There are a lot of ways to help at this year's AIDS Run/Walk.
There is solidarity and strength through community. On Sunday, Sept. 14, Chicagoans will gather at Arvey Field to build community and provide vital funding for HIV/AIDS services at AIDS Run/Walk Chicago. Be part of this transformative experience. Register today: aidsrunwalk.org
Volunteer on Race Day. If running isn’t your thing, there’s still plenty you can do. Volunteer activities include providing moral support and cheering for the runners, assisting photographers along the course, assisting with gear check, providing water for the runners and cheering as they pass, greet and welcome guests, direct guests and participants to their destinations, man the information booth, assisting at the main stage, and many more activites. Follow link to volunteer or find out more and to register.