fall 2014 | Volume 25, Number 2
ighlights Established 1983
It is our mission to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless and give people the chance to hope again.
In This Issue Executive Director Letter
2
Career Connect
3
Picosa 3 The Right Support
4
Annual Report
5
Providing The Tools To Self-Sufficiency: Education And Job-Training
Aurora Soup Kitchen
9
Formerly Homeless
9
HEAT Employment Training Program Re-Launches at Hesed House
New Appointments
9
Gerald Auto Group
10
Holiday Help
10
Upcoming Events
11
Phinetta
Back Page
Counting Miracles
Outcomes (“Successes”) for Calendar Year 2014 Outcome Obtained Identification
Jan-Sep 2014 113
Reunited with Family
3
Resolved Legal Issue(s)
10
Successfully Addressed Mental Health Issues
69
Successfully Addressed Substance Abuse Issues
289
Successfully Addressed Medical Issues
1356
Obtained Employment or Job Training
69
Achieved Educational Goals
17
Obtained Housing
164
TOTAL of ALL 47 Outcomes
3029
Despite reaching out to find employment on their own, dozens of men and women at Hesed House spend day after day waiting for someone to give them a chance with that first job that could lead them back to sustainable employment and housing. Unfortunately, those “chances” come too infrequently to assist all the individuals in those circumstances here. Recognizing that education and employment are two of the key tools necessary to regain self-sufficiency and independence, the HEAT (Hesed Employment And Training) Program at Hesed House was relaunched this fall. Similar to the successful, privately funded HEAT Program that operated from 2008 to 2010, a two-unit workforce – the Volunteer Maintenance Team and the HEAT Team – have been designed to create opportunities to ensure that our folks are “job-ready.” During that first initiative, 174 individuals who stayed at Hesed House worked on the Team with 135 of them going on to find outside employment and utilizing many skills acquired at Hesed House. Individuals staying at Hesed House must apply for the positions and complete the on-site Waubonsee Employment Skills Development Program before being considered for the Team. Once accepted into the Program, which is supervised by a Transitional Jobs Coordinator, the Volunteer Maintenance Team is the first step for individuals to prove their commitment and desire to advance to the HEAT Team. They must show up for work on time and display a desire to perform the daily upkeep duties for Hesed House facilities: cleaning areas of the physical plant and grounds, scrubbing and waxing floors, emptying trash, washing windows, etc. Those showing the desire and ability to work at higher levels of responsibility will be considered for transition to the HEAT Team where participants are paid $10 per hour and work 4 hours per day, five days a week – allowing them time to pursue outside employment opportunities the remainder of the day. Each participant is required to save 30% of their pay and do so with the assistance of the Hesed House Human Resources Office. The HEAT Team Program is also designed to give the Team an opportunity to provide a service to the community (picking up trash, shoveling snow, removing graffiti, planting flowers and trees) downtown and in surrounding areas while allowing them to gain current and positive work experiences that assist in the achievement of independence. In subsequent phases, Hesed House will formalize partnerships with businesses, industry, labor and government to hire HEAT participants. With partial funding for Phase I provided by First Midwest Bank, Annunciation Church, Custom Culinary (a Division of Griffith Labs) and Enterprise, screening of qualified candidates has produced many viable candidates for the Transitional Jobs Training Program. Phase I of HEAT currently employs two individuals; Phase II will employ 3 individuals; Phase III will employ 4 individuals and will also include the purchase of much-needed maintenance equipment for teaching new skills to the Program participants. Each participant will be employed in the Program for approximately one month, and upon his or her departure, another qualified candidate will be transitioned onto the team. Said on-site Waubonsee Community College Employment Skills Advisor Leslie Lantow: “The HEAT Program will help our guests prepare to get back to work. Some guests will learn new maintenance type skills that are relevant for a potential job. All of the workers will benefit from having a current work related continued on page 3
Hesed House is a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are deductible to the fullest extent of current tax law. Hesed House does not provide or sell donor information to outside parties
www.hesedhouse.org
HESED HIGHLIGHTS - fall 2014
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Letter From The Executive Director “Anyone can hold onto the helm when the sea is calm.” - Publilius Syrus
Dear Friends of Hesed,
As I completed my one-year anniversary as Executive Director of Hesed House on September 16th, I took a deep breath and began to reflect on what had become one of the more meaningful years of my career. Looking back on the foundation of what we do here, the very meaning of Hesed is underscored in the bible passage of Micah 8:6, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy (Hesed), and to walk humbly with your God?” Simply put, “Hesed” is God’s unfailing mercy and love. For 31 years this foundation has steered all of our efforts to collaboratively serve the less fortunate in our communities. My reflections took me back to another place and time when I was sitting at my office desk facing what seemed to be some insurmountable challenges. It was then that one of my staff walked in and handed me a plaque. The plaque displayed a painting of a large ship that was in the eye of what one would call the “perfect storm”. Surrounded by mighty waves towering over, and completely surrounding the vessel, it was clear that the ship’s demise was imminent. Or was it? The caption on the plaque reads, “CHALLENGES. Anyone can hold onto the helm when the sea is calm.” Like the boat in the storm and as battered as I felt, this individual pointed out that despite all of the challenges before me, I was still holding on to the helm. I realized then, and I believe now, that holding on to the helm is simply holding on to what you believe in - your core values. For me it was, and is, my faith in knowing that the work I do is honorable before God. Why is this important? For many years and again this past year, on the first Thursday of the month, our staff gathers for an All Staff meeting. The first order of business is to review Hesed House’s five core values. These values were in place long before I arrived and will remain long after I am gone. The opening statement reads, “The following five core values, as determined by Hesed House staff and directors to define who we are, are not open to change…ever.” 1. Service without judgment: We seek to serve individuals without judging how they became homeless. We consciously reject the notion that there are “deserving” and “underserving” poor. 2. Ministry based: We profess to be called to serve those less fortunate. We join hands with believers of all faiths to accomplish God’s will. 3. Hospitality and dignity focused: We seek to offer individuals assistance in a way that affirms their humanity and inherent worth, treating every person like honored guests in this house. 4. Advocacy for social justice for the poor and homeless: We strive to give a voice to those who have been deprived of representation at every level of society, from the federal government to the local food stamp office. 5. Compassionate approach: We strive to live up to the following definition of compassion: “the deep awareness of the suffering of another, coupled with the wish to relieve it.” These five core values are the embodiment of Hesed and what we hold on to no matter what challenges we are facing. When I say we, this includes the 1,000+ unduplicated individuals who come through our doors every year, along with their challenges which become our challenges. The barriers they face to move from homelessness to self-sufficiency include a lack of affordable housing, inadequate employment opportunities, overcoming domestic violence, low self- esteem, physical and verbal abuse, inadequate mental health services in the Greater Fox Valley area and, in some cases, substance abuse. We consider our core values when we address the needs of more than 130 children who grace our doors every year and the newly homeless individual who comes to Hesed House seeking hope every 8.5 hours. Approximately, 400 individuals a day receive services through Hesed House, all of whom are treated with dignity and respect. If not careful, one might view these challenges as insurmountable. They are not! We are now in our 32nd year of service and the state of Illinois’ second largest homeless shelter. This is a reality that we do not boast about, but prefer to face as we work toward our goal of one day “serving ourselves out of a job” and posting a sign on our door that reads, “No longer needed.” But, until that day, Hesed House is still needed, along with our 90 faith-based partners, corporate and individual sponsors and over 6,000 volunteers, who will continue to accept the challenge of living out Hesed. In this edition of Hesed Highlights, you will be introduced to individuals and families that are facing their challenges head-on. And with your generous support, they are overcoming those challenges. You will read how we are continuing to provide new opportunities in workforce development through our Hesed Employment And Training (HEAT) Program and our Career Connect partnership. We are also discussing plans to extend our day services into our Comprehensive Resource Center and what that would mean for future vocational and training opportunities, such as a culinary training program along with possible social enterprise opportunities for our guests. Developing a safe place and a peersupportive program for those who may be experiencing a mental health crisis, is a possibility we are working on as well. One of our biggest challenges remains the lack of affordable housing for our guests. We currently have over 70 formerly homeless individuals and families in their own apartments, with their wellbeing overseen by our dedicated case managers who provide support as needed. But, despite having all of these services in place, it seems like we are just scratching the surface of the larger affordable housing issue. Talks are taking place with several stakeholders to ensure that opportunities like permanent supportive housing are being considered for our guests. Yes, we are facing challenges. The “Hesed Way” faces a challenge and says thank you for trusting me to take on this challenge. This is what so many of you also do every day. I must tell you that being at the helm of Hesed is a heavy responsibility that cannot be steered by just one person. But that was never God’s plan. “CHALLENGES. As long as they exist for those we serve, we will never let go of the helm!” This is a Proven Way, this is the Agape Way, this is the Hesed Way! Sincerely,
Michael Cobb Executive Director
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www.hesedhouse.org
HESED HIGHLIGHTS - fall 2014
Hesed Guests And Career Connect: A Promising Start! by Bruce Bachmeier, Director of Volunteers Some Hesed House guests are getting an opportunity for manufacturing training through a new non-profit called Career Connect Metro West.
Doug Howell, employee Relations Manager from Caterpillar, provides job interview guidance to Hesed House resident Starlette, assisted by Leslie Lantow, Employment Skills Advisor, on the Hesed campus.
continued from page 1 reference that is usually required on job applications. The income earned will be a big help to pay for basic costs necessary to complete job search activities such as: transportation to and from job interviews, purchasing work clothing and a cell phone and even a haircut.”
Career Connect Metro West is a non-profit corporation established to help connect unemployed and underemployed people to quality living-wage jobs in western Cook, DuPage and the Fox River towns of Kane and Kendall Counties.
Career Connect’s first effort will be to target the mid-skills jobs gap in the local manufacturing sector. To do this, they have partnered with the Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC) and the Alliance for Illinois Manufacturing (AIM). The hands-on training will take place at the Technology Center of DuPage in Addison, Illinois. “The manufacturing sector in the western suburbs is rich with opportunity for career path employment – provided that individuals can gain access to high quality skills training,” said JARC’s Associate Director, Regan Brewer in a press release regarding Senator Dick Durbin’s visit to the new program in Addison. “JARC’s training programs are free; they pool resources from DuPage County and the state of Illinois; and they partner with Career Connect and the Alliance for Illinois Manufacturing – two nonprofits whose missions are closely aligned with JARC’s. So, essentially, JARC offers a pathway into those careers.” The hope is to help some Hesed guests take advantage of these pathways. Currently, Hesed is looking into transportation solutions for a group of guests who make it through the Career Connect and JARC interview and testing process. We are also working with and thankful to our Fifth Third Bank volunteers as well as some local volunteers on-site and off-site who work with guests on the math tutoring necessary to pass the testing process.
Krystian Reyes of Fifth Third Bank helping TLC resident Courteney with some math tutoring.
Hesed House Transitional Jobs Coordinator Tom Aguilar discusses transitional employment training opportunities with a potential candidate
To have the HEAT Program running at Phase III full capacity level, we will continue to reach out to potential funders who would like to partner with us on this endeavor. If you, your church or business would like to help support the employment training initiative at Hesed House, please contact Executive Director Michael Cobb at 630-914-6424 or via email at mcobb@ hesedhouse.org.
Hesed Goes Classical With Picosa! by Bruce Bachmeier, Director of Volunteers Picosa, a professional ensemble performing virtuosic chamber music, has partnered with Hesed House for its inaugural season! The group began its fall schedule with a music workshop for the children at Hesed House and will continue at some of the finest venues in Illinois, including PianoForte in Chicago, Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook and Wentz Hall at North Central College. Although the artists – Jennie Brown, Flute; Andrea R. DiOrio, Clarinet; Elizabeth Brausa Brathwaite, Violin; Christopher Ferrer, Cello; Jeffrey Panko, Piano; Jonathon Kirk, Composer in Residence; Joann Cho, Contemporary Piano – are entering into their first season as Picosa, they have performed together for The talented musicians of Picosa. years. Three of the artists, Brown, DiOrio and Brausa Brathwaite, visited Hesed House to lead their first music workshop. The children were rapt with attention for over an hour as the artists performed, gave music history and instrument lessons, answered questions and engaged in rhythm activities which included clapping and playing a recorder. “Every moment of the workshop was designed to be engaging and interactive,” Brown said. “The Members primary goal for us is to shower the children with our attention and make it known that we value their of Picosa ideas. These are children who can feel invisible in the real world, but they are precious to us. The leading a enthusiasm of the children and steady support of the parents in the room led to the success of the workshop workshop.” for the Brown said her group was very pleased with their first music workshop at Hesed House, and they look children of Hesed forward to scheduling more. House. Picosa’s fall schedule can be found on their website at www.picosamusic.com. With a donation to Hesed House, either from our needs list online or a monetary donation, audience members will be given a $5 discount off of general admission.
Over 6,000 volunteers, many serving through the 90 regularly-scheduled PADS churches, touch the lives of those at Hesed House each year.
www.hesedhouse.org
HESED HIGHLIGHTS - fall 2014
Aig Team Giving Back At Hesed House The week of October 13th brought a flurry of activities provided by a volunteer team from AIG as part of IICF’s (Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation) Week of Giving. Said AIG Senior Vice President Greg Jones, “Our team of AIG volunteers was pleased to have contributed in a variety of capacities at Hesed House. Each of our AIG volunteers came away with a strong sense that the Hesed team is doing outstanding work for the community, and we were humbled by the appreciative comments by many of the guests of Hesed House during the time we spent together over lunch. It was evident to me that the support provided by the Hesed team is making a significant impact. We look forward to our future efforts to assist Hesed House in continuing the fine work that they’re doing.”
Just a few of the dozens of AIG employees who volunteered at Hesed House this fall.
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The Right Support By Leslie Lantow, Waubonsee Community College Employment Skills Advisor I have been waiting a long time to write this story. I would like to introduce to you Keith, who experienced a life of rejection growing up in a negative and hostile environment – one filled with loneliness, isolation, depression and despair. Somehow, Keith mustered up the strength to leave his family behind and move to Illinois to start over. However, there was an unforeseen bump in the road as Keith found himself struggling to stay employed as the economy took a downturn. Although he was occasionally able to find work through temp agencies, with so many workers underemployed in the labor force, the jobs became fewer and farther between. Finally, unable to afford his apartment, he found himself at Hesed House, once again feeling ashamed and all alone without a support system (or so he thought!). Keith soon discovered that the shelter staff was genuine as they reached out to help with whatever needs he had. He completed the employment class and is truly the hardest working jobseeker I have ever met. He has spent countless hours in the computer lab completing online applications and assessments. His persistence has paid off and he has completed numerous long-term temp assignments as a forklift driver and humbled himself to take other jobs as well to help him stay in the workforce. At one time, Keith had obtained a promising job in Bolingbrook, except it was second shift. Without a bus to take him from the Downers Grove train station, Keith needed a bike. Thankfully, a staff member had stored a bike for just such a need. On that first day of work, Keith needed to arrive at his job by 6:00 a.m. As he was peddling south in the dark on dangerously busy Route 53, the peddle assembly broke off, and he nearly careened into a mailbox as a car barely missed hitting him. Keith had to abandon the bike and walk the rest of the long hike only to arrive late. About mid-morning, he left me a message about what happened. My mind raced as I learned about his situation. I couldn’t just leave him stranded without a bike to get to the bus so he could catch the train back to Hesed House. Amazingly everything worked out that I could bring another bike to him and inconspicuously find him just as he had started a lunch break. Keith was elated to say the least. It turned out that with the transportation challenges to that job, he had to let it go. There have been many more temp jobs and a few more bikes after an inexpensive car turned out not to be road worthy after a month.
Hesed Home Starter Kit Transitioning out of homelessness and into a home is a wonderful feeling, but it can cause a lot of stress, too. The new home that people move into is usually pretty empty, and all of the “little things” that a person needs become sorely missed. That’s why we have created the Hesed Home Starter Kit that provides all the “little things” that someone needs when they move into a new home: dishes, laundry supplies, towels, toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap and all of the other basics. Since this program started, over 20 kits have been given to people in need. If you have a group that would like to help out and donate a Hesed Home Starter Kit, please contact Director of Volunteers Bruce Bachmeier, at
[email protected].
If you talk to Keith, he would amaze you as he can recant volumes of corporate and industry history for just about any shipping/half load provider. Keith is a self-starter with ambition to finish a degree in business logistics. He had his sights set on taking online classes this fall, so he bought a used laptop. Remember, Keith lives out of a half locker. You get the picture. Keith has faced insurmountable odds and has consistently fought discouragement and frustration. Keith is an overcomer, which is why the day finally arrived when he recently started a permanent direct hire forklift driver position in a warehouse he describes as “excellent.” Is there a tug on your heart like there is on mine to be a support to guests like Keith? Every day at Hesed House is another opportunity to help guests make positive changes in their lives. I only wish you could hear all the voice messages I’ve had from Keith that have said “thank you, thank you, thank you for all your help” each time he has started a job. Those “thank you” messages really belong to you since you are the support system for guests like Keith as they find their way back to independence and self-sufficiency. We thank you.
70% of adults attending the Waubonsee Community College on-site Employment Skills Program will find employment.
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www.hesedhouse.org
HESED HIGHLIGHTS - fall 2014
Aurora Soup Kitchen by Debbie Harrington, Soup Kitchen and Food Services Ministry Coordinator The annual gathering of Aurora Soup Kitchen (ASK) volunteers brings together some of the longest serving volunteers at Hesed House. For over 32 years, the Soup Kitchen has operated on Monday and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. And while the primary purpose of the ASK volunteers is to serve hot, Volunteers of the Aurora Soup Kitchen, joined by Hesed nutritious meals to homeless, poor staff Michael Cobb and Debbie Harrington (far right), and marginally employed residents of recently gathered for pizza and conversation our community, the volunteers also make connections with those they serve. Although it is not strenuous work and requires only a few hours a week, the hospitality the Soup Kitchen volunteers extend to our guests is felt and welcomed by every person they serve long after lunch is over. This meal program is also a means for the potential engagement of services by those living on the streets and an opportunity for our guests to get to know people in a casual, nonthreatening setting. While a guest may hear of our meals and come for food, they often learn of other important services we offer to help them overcome their challenges. And although they may not investigate these services when they first arrive, at the very least they learn what is available for them and know that we will be here for them when they are ready to get help. Hesed House is truly fortunate to have this gifted, dedicated group of volunteers in the Hesed Family and to witness all the joy they bring to so many lives.
Niu Law Clinical Assistant Professor At Hesed House Honored From NIU Today Northern Illinois University College of Law clinical assistant professor Colleen Boraca was named one of this year’s “40 under 40” attorneys by the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. Boraca is a clinical assistant professor at NIU Law, where she supervises and teaches at the law school’s new Health Advocacy Clinic located at Hesed House in Aurora. The clinic features teams of lawyers, medical professionals and social workers trained to simultaneously address the legal, medical and social needs of the area’s homeless and low-income population. The Law Bulletin Publishing Co. conducts the “40 under 40” survey annually to determine who they believe are the “up and coming” young attorneys in Illinois younger than 40. Forty attorneys are chosen – from hundreds of nominations each year – based on professional achievements, passion and a desire to help the community. “We are so proud of Colleen,” said Jennifer Rosato Perea, dean of NIU Law “[She] represents the breadth of what NIU Law graduates and faculty can accomplish in academia, politics, legal practice, public interest and service to their communities.”
New Appointments At Hesed House Congratulations to David Boege, recently appointed Director of Finance and Human Resources, and to Karen Swandby for her recent promotion to Director of the Transitional Living Community.
11% of those served at Hesed House are U.S. veterans.
Formerly Homeless, Now Excelling At Wiu by Karen Swandby, TLC As a reader of Hesed Highlights, you may recall a feature that we wrote on (at the time) 16-year-old Bryan Finn and his mother who were living at Hesed House. Bryan was an exceptional student with a goal to one day serve our country. The family later moved to independent housing through the Hesed House “I am at WIU to learn LIGHT-House about something that really Program, and intrigues me, and time is Bryan went on to absolutely flying by!” attend college. Bryan Finn is now halfway through his first semester at Western Illinois University and is learning how to manage his time and prioritize obligations. Along with classes and homework, Bryan is involved in ROTC, Investigator’s Club and Rifle Team and still finds time for friends. ROTC is a huge time commitment for Bryan, but he feels it is one of the best decisions of his life. Through ROTC he is learning to be a leader and to live the Army values while participating in the physical training. As a member of Investigator’s Club, Bryan has the opportunity to apply what he has learned in the classroom to real life situations, and Rifle Team allows him to practice his marksmanship and compete against other schools. In addition, Bryan was recently selected as one of only ten students in his ROTC class to receive a scholarship that will cover his remaining college expenses as long as he is enrolled in the program (which he expects to be all four years). In the few months he has been at WIU, Bryan made many new friends and learned many life lessons. Bryan is forever grateful to his mom and Hesed House for going above and beyond to help and support him. In addition to being a recipient of the Marchesani Scholarship established at Hesed House, Bryan is also thankful for the support of the donors who gathered together essentials to prepare him for college – a group that continues to support and encourage him with monthly care packages.
www.hesedhouse.org
Hike For Hesed
HESED HIGHLIGHTS - fall 2014
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Gerald Auto Group Helps Hesed Score Big With The Blackhawks by Bruce Bachmeier, Director of Volunteers
Three generations of hikers and helpers of the homeless: James Dolinar (far right) with his son Chris and father, Tony are pictured preparing for the Hike.
More than 250 hikers converged on Hesed House on September 13th to take part in the 10th Annual Hike for Hesed. This year’s event saw participants (including many of our four-legged friends) wend their way along the scenic Fox River Trail in an effort to raise awareness – and funds – for the 400 men, women and children who come to Hesed House for help every day. Hikers were treated to a hearty breakfast, fun activities for their children (including a visit by the Aurora Fire Department), music by Twist of Faith and the knowledge that their efforts generated enough proceeds to get 36 of their neighbors out of homelessness.
Adopt-A-Family At Hesed House we try to help families in our Carpenter’s Homeless Prevention Program and anyone who might be going through a hard time financially. These families may not be able to set aside enough money to buy gifts for the holidays. So that’s why Hesed House started Adopt-A-Family for families receiving services here. If you or your group are interested in adopting a family this holiday season please contact Michael Dutra at 630-897-2156 ext. 557 or at
[email protected].
A new person comes through our doors every 8.5 hours.
Doug Gerald of the Gerald Auto Group, Hesed House Board President Patrice Bertheau and Hesed House Executive Director Michael Cobb celebrate the Geralds’ pledge to the “Goals for Charity” Program to benefit Hesed House.
On the eve of the 2015 Kentucky Derby Gala Committee’s first meeting to plan for the May 2, 2015 benefit, Hesed House received word that the Gerald Auto Group would once again be proud to serve as the naming sponsor for this annual soldout event. And in making the announcement, Doug Gerald had a very creative way to help reach – or surpass - that sponsorship goal. Doug said, that while it would certainly be okay to just write a check for the sponsorship, “we felt that there was a more impactful way to support the work at Hesed House and increase the awareness of homelessness in our communities.”
The Gerald Auto Group teamed up with the Chicago Blackhawks through the “Goals for Charity” program presented by WGN Radio that takes advantage of the Hawks’ aptitude for scoring goals. Every time the Blackhawks score a goal, a $100 donation will be made to Hesed House by the Gerald Auto Group. Said Doug, “Gerald Auto Group is proud to sponsor Hesed House as a part of the “Goals for Charity” program because of the impact the organization has had on the community for over 31 years. Through their mission to feed, clothe, shelter and provide hope to homeless men, women and children in our communities, it provides individuals with the tools and services they need to break free of homelessness.” In learning of the Gerald Auto Group pledge and expressing his gratitude, Hesed House Executive Director Michael Cobb said, “Like our champion Blackhawks, the Geralds and the Gerald Auto Group are champions in their own right as they continue to help change the lives of so many in need here. There goes the heart of true champions!” Neil and Ginny Gerald were honored – to a standing ovation - at the 2014 Kentucky Derby Gala for their outstanding support of Hesed House through the annual event which they also sponsored in 2013. It will be our pleasure to once again give thanks to the generosity and compassion of the Gerald Family and the Gerald Auto Group and to tally the ongoing goals made by of our beloved Blackhawks! For more information about the Fourth Annual Kentucky Derby Gala to benefit Hesed House on May 2, 2015 at the Chicago Marriott Naperville Hotel, please see the Events Page in this publication or contact Mary at 630-914-6428.
Hesed House Wish List Hesed House needs presents, too! Don’t forget about us! I invite all of you to keep checking our needs lists, found on our website (www.hesedhouse.org). All of our volunteers and donors are extremely wonderful each year and help us stay stocked up on all of those items, but our needs list changes a little bit each Holiday Season. If the Hesed Home Starter Kit (see page 4) or Adopt-A-Family aren’t your thing, then I invite you to check out some of the items on our Holiday Wish List, which include batteries, belts, coats, flannels, gift cards (Meijer, Walmart, Target, gas cards, etc.), gloves/mittens, hats/stocking caps, hoodies, jeans, scarves, socks (both athletic/white and heavy/warm/wool), sweaters and sweatshirts, sweatpants, underwear (regular and thermal), wallets, warm winter boots (including work boots) and watches. We will be collecting these items for our annual “Christmas Store” where our guests at Hesed House have an opportunity to do some Christmas shopping for their families, without having to spend any money. If you are interested in making a donation please remember that due to the high volume of donations we receive during the Holiday Season, we can only accept new items. So take a look and see if there might be something you can put together. We do just love getting presents!
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HESED HIGHLIGHTS - fall 2014
www.hesedhouse.org
Upcoming Events Annual Christmas Fundraiser to Benefit Hesed House Saturday, December 13, 2014 Doors Open at 6 p.m. Dinner served at 7 p.m. Tickets $35 pp for dinner on sale at O’Malley’s! Dinner tickets are limited, so make sure you purchase them in advance! A dinner purchase is not required to attend, and there will be plenty of drink specials and exciting raffles, too, so please join us! If you cannot attend the event but are interested in making a donation, please contact Carolyn at Hesed House (630-897-2156 or
[email protected]) or contact O’Malley’s at 630-340-4986 or via email at
[email protected].
Seventh Annual Champions of Hope Breakfast Wednesday, April 8, 2015 from 7:00 to 8:30 a.m. Start your day in a beautiful setting, enjoying breakfast with inspirational music and presentation. Learn more about Hesed House and how you can impact the lives of over 400 men, women and children a day by becoming a Champion of Hope!
Fourth Annual Kentucky Derby Gala to benefit Hesed House Saturday, May 2, 2015 • 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. • Chicago Marriott Naperville Hotel Dual theater screens, live coverage of the 141st Run for the Roses from Churchill Downs! Southern elegance and hospitality, delectable food and spirits, live jazz, men’s and women’s hat contests, derby diamond showcase, live auction and much, much more! A sold-out event in its first three years! For reservations and/or sponsorship information, please contact Mary at 630-914-6428;
[email protected] or visit www.hesedhouse.org/events.
Past Events Hike for Hesed Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this year’s 10th Annual Hike for Hesed an overwhelming success!
More than 233,000 meals are served each year in PADS and TLC.
NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID Fox Valley, IL PERMIT NO. 414
HESED HOUSE
BECAUSE EVERYONE DESERVES DIGNITY
659 South River Street Aurora, IL 60506-5551
Phinetta By Lynne Saidac, TLC Assistant Director Phinetta came to Hesed House after living off of part-time jobs and looking for work for five years. It had been a very difficult time for her, and she was unable to make ends meet. When her daughter left for college, Phinetta moved to a motel. When her money ran out, Phinetta went to a shelter in DuPage County for a couple months. It was at this shelter that she found help to apply for various programs such as the Transitional Living Community at Hesed House. Upon moving into TLC, Phinetta was working at an insurance company, getting paid solely on commissions. For a second job, she was then hired at a temp agency and, shortly thereafter, was let go. The good news was that she was later called back to this job. In this position, she manages the telemarketing for a roofing company. While at TLC, Phinetta began to seek subsidized housing. A coworker put in a good word for her at one apartment complex, and, with the additional positive reference given by Hesed House, Phinetta was accepted to be a new tenant. Hesed House helped Phinetta financially to be able to pay her security deposit and first month’s rent while Knox Presbyterian Church completely furnished the apartment for her from furniture to dishes, and everything in between! Phinetta is now in her own place. She is working three jobs to manage financially but, as she says, is “happy to have a home to come to.” Before moving out, Phinetta joined the art journaling group at Hesed House to find some stress-free alone time. What she found was a way to continue on her journey of healing. She loved being able to put her feelings on paper with words and art. She describes the time spent in the group as “being in another world.” This group was, and is, very cathartic for Phinetta. After leaving TLC, she found herself returning each week to continue her journey. Most recently, Phinetta is also “paying it forward”. She is painting canvases to be part of an upcoming fundraising event for Hesed House. It is important to her to give back as she counts the many blessings she had while living at Hesed House. Not only are her canvases beautiful (you can view them on Hesed House’s website), but Phinetta is a beautiful person with a beautiful heart and soul.
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