Ginny Kowalczyk, Manager, Market Data Services, was first introduced to The Night Ministry in 2016 through a Securities Traders Association of Chicago (STAC) board member. They had been volunteering at The Night Ministry and told Ginny about the value and impact of the organization on the local community. She learned that The Night Ministry provides healthcare, meaningful connection and housing support to individuals facing homelessness and poverty in the community and was inspired to begin volunteering.
Over the years Ginny became more involved with The Crib, a branch of The Night Ministry that specializes in providing a safe overnight shelter for young adults ages 18 to 24 who are typically a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Ginny supports The Crib through breakfast and dinner meal donations.
She usually volunteers on the weekends and will cook or pick up breakfast and dinner to bring and serve to the residents.
“Seeing a smile on their faces for a warm meal reinforces my commitment to The Night Ministry,” she says. “I’m glad I can help improve the lives of the youth in Chicago who don’t have a home to go to or a meal to eat.”
After seeing the impact of her volunteer efforts with The Crib, Ginny hopes to volunteer with other branches of The Night Ministry that support homeless mothers and young children to continue giving back to her community.
“I really value the hands-on nature of The Night Ministry and the way they provide resources to help people transition to stable housing,” she says. “I’m excited to find additional ways to stay involved and make an impact.”
Ginny received Cboe’s 2025 Outstanding Community Service Award in recognition of her continued volunteer efforts. As part of the award, Cboe will donate $5,000 to The Crib a branch of The Night Ministry to support essential needs for residents including bedding, clothing items and basic necessities for daily living.
There are numerous ways to get involved with The Night Ministry, learn more today.
