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2020 Citizen of the Year

Chiles Freidman

When looking at a list of the ways Chiles Freidman serves the city and residents of Englewood, the most common reaction is, “there’s no way one person can do that much.”

And yet, he does. Tutoring underserved youth, serving meals to those experiencing homelessness, picking up trash at local parks, repairing and donating bicycles—this is just a sampling of what Freidman does in a week.

Freidman is Englewood’s 2020 Citizen of the Year, and for those that know him, it’s easy to see why.

“Anyone who meets Chiles comes away encouraged, inspired, hopeful and motivated to do more for our community,” said Christine Brinker, the person who nominated him.

According to Brinker, Freidman is especially dedicated to helping those struggling with basic life necessities, those whose life circumstances have left them with many challenges, and those working hard to make their lives better.

Not one for the spotlight, Freidman was reluctant to accept the award, and only agreed to this nomination because of the attention it would bring to the organizations he serves, of which there are many. The best way to get to know him is to volunteer at one of the nonprofits below, just a few of the places where he can be found working tirelessly for everyone that calls Englewood home.