“We know our volunteers are vital to achieving our mission of ending homelessness in DuPage County. We are continually humbled by their commitment and are excited to share the stories of Diane, Ben and Riya,” says Carol Simler, DuPagePads’ Executive Director.
When people think of homelessness, a lot of their thoughts may be misconstrued or uninformed. Some people tend to think that homelessness is a choice, that people would rather be homeless than work for a living or that they aren’t trying hard enough. Carol Simler and DuPage Pads is working to end the stereotypes of homelessness and get people back into a place they can truly call home.
DuPage PADS is celebrating the 12 days of the holiday season by welcoming formerly homeless families and individuals into 12 new apartments and a place they will call home for the holidays! The staff is busy finalizing apartment leases, securing furniture and getting move in schedules arranged. Families and individuals are eager to open their new doors this holiday season.
Each June for the past three years, West Chicago’s Mike DeMeritt has run in a 100-mile race in southern Wisconsin.
People do amazing things every day to support DuPage PADS and the mission to end homelessness in DuPage County. But once in a while someone will take an extra step – or in this case, thousands of steps to help the homeless.
In recognition of National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, 2012, DuPage PADS requested volunteers to submit nominations for the Inaugural Volunteer of the Year Award for their fellow volunteers in two categories: Adult and Youth (age 13 to 18). A committee comprised of DuPage PADS’ senior leadership selected the winners: Allan Carter, Adult Winner and Desiree Faulkner Watson, Youth Winner. Winners were awarded plaques and given special recognition.
In recognition of National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, 2012, DuPage PADS requested volunteers to submit nominations for the Inaugural Volunteer of the Year Award for their fellow volunteers in two categories: Adult and Youth (age 13 to 18).
The recession has taken its toll on the nation’s economy with 12.7 million people unemployed, according to recent statistics. Losing a job can have a domino effect, sometimes even resulting in homelessness.
CEO Justin Norman needed to hire workers at his Addison-based manufacturing firm, JD Norman Industries. Instead of turning to a temp agency or a headhunter, he turned to Carol Simler, executive director of DuPage PADS. Since last fall, he’s hired four formerly homeless people and is considering a fifth person.
The first joint fundraising effort by Chicago Indoor Racing and DuPage PADS was titled “The Drive for 25” because organizers hoped it would raise $25,000 for the fight against homelessness.
Tickets are now available for the sixth annual Taste of Hope that will be held on Thursday, March 8, 2012 from 5:30pm-9:30pm at Abbington Distinctive Banquets in Glen Ellyn, IL.
Today, just as it has for 25 years, DuPage PADS continues to provide hope for men, women and children who are homeless. Moving beyond providing shelter and meals, DuPage PADS has evolved to provide an array of services which seek to stop the cycle of homelessness in DuPage County.