Together We Cope

THE ORGANIZATION BRIDGES THE GAP FOR CHICAGO SOUTHLAND RESIDENTS IN TEMPORARY CRISIS BY PROVIDING FOOD, SHELTER, CLOTHING AND REFERRALS, EMPOWERING THEM TO RETURN TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY. ITS MISSION IS ESSENTIALLY TWOFOLD. FIRST, TO PROVIDE GOODS AND SERVICES DIRECTLY TO THE POOR AND NEEDY. SECONDLY, THE ORGANIZATION ACTS AS CONDUIT IN THE BROADER NETWORK OF SOCIAL SERVICES.

THE ORGANIZATION OPERATES A FOOD PANTRY FIVE DAYS A WEEK LOCATED ON ITS PREMISES, PROVIDING A WEEK'S WORTH OF GROCERIES AND PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS TO RESIDENTS IN NEED FROM 26 CHICAGO SOUTH SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES. THE STAFF IS ASSISTED BY A LARGE VOLUNTEER FORCE, WHICH DONATED 30,000 HOURS OF SERVICE THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2021. IN THAT SAME TIME PERIOD, AN AVERAGE OF 1,918 PERSONS PER MONTH RECEIVED ASSISTANCE FROM THE FOOD PANTRY. FAMILIES RECEIVED CANNED AND BOXED FOOD, BREAD, MEAT OR POULTRY OR FISH AS AVAILABLE AND PRODUCE (IN SEASON). ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE IS PROVIDED DURING THE THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS SEASONS IN THE FORM OF COMPLETE HOLIDAY MEALS. FURTHER ASSISTANCE IS PROVIDED DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS WHEN SCHOOL IS OUT OF SESSION AND CHILDREN NEED BREAKFAST AND LUNCH IN THE HOME.

THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO BRIDGE THE GAP FOR CHICAGO SOUTHLAND RESIDENTS IN TEMPORARY CRISIS BY PROVIDING EMERGENCY PAYMENTS FOR RENT, MORTGAGE AND UTILITIES SO THAT THE FAMILIES CAN REMAIN IN THEIR HOMES AND NOT BECOME HOMELESS. CHILDREN GET SPECIAL ASSITANCE IN THE BACK TO SCHOOL PROGRAM IN WHICH THEY RECEIVE NEW BACKPACKS AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES, RELIEVING THEIR FAMILIES OF THOSE COSTS. CHILDREN AGAIN ARE AIDED DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON WITH THE SANTA'S WORKSHOP PROGRAM WHICH PROVIDES TOYS, PAJAMAS, HATS, SCARVES AND MITTENS. MANY FAMILIES ALSO RECEIVE FREE CLOTHING, FURNITURE AND HOUSEHOLD GOODS FROM THE AGENCY'S RESALE SHOP. FOR THE YEAR-ENDED JUNE 30, 2021, SUPPORT WAS PROVIDED TO MORE THAN 2,749 INDIVIDUALS.

THE ORGANIZATION PARTICIPATES IN THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT'S "FAMILIES FIRST" PROGRAM PROVIDING TO HOMELESS PARENTS BOTH HOUSING AND GUIDANCE IN LEARNING BASIC LIFE SKILLS. THIS CRITICAL SUPPORT HELPS HOMELESS PARENTS TO SUCCEED AT RAISING AND SUPPORTING THEIR FAMILIES. FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2021, SUPPORT FOR 55 PERSONS WAS PROVIDED THROUGH THIS PROGRAM, INCLUDING RENT, FOOD, FURNITURE, TRANSPORTATION AND EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS.

THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDES LIFE'S NECESSITIES TO FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING A CRISIS. SERVICES INCLUDE THE PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED PROGRAMS AND EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE, SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND ONGOING SUPPORTIVE SERVICES,AND CASE MANAGEMENT. ADDITIONALLY, THE ORGANIZATION HAS PROVIDED CHILDREN WITH BACKPACKS AND SUPPLIES FOR SCHOOL AND PRESENTS AT CHRISTMAS.