We have
been here since 1969 answering the emergency needs of residents of the
Chicago South Suburban Area (to see other human assistance agencies working
near us,
click here). We are a United Way agency. Currently,
in striving to help the truly needy first, we are forced to require
documented verification of South Suburban residency and all circumstances of
any emergency. We are here to offer relief and a helping hand to the poor
among us. We believe in helping our neighbors because we have no doubt that
CARING is the key to true community!
Click here to donate For
a list of needed items, click here and look on the right hand side of the
page Can you give 3 hours a week and
volunteer Monday, Wednesday or Friday? We especially need help in the
afternoons. Jobs include interviewing clients, general office work, filling
food bags, organizing the pantry and clothing room and especially sharing
smiles to lift the spirit of others. Help others and make friends.
Volunteering is good for your mental health. In order to serve approximately
2700 clients a month we need lots of caring hearts. Please help us. Call
Barbara Fields at 708-755-4357 Click here to volunteer
FINANCIAL LITERACY EDUCATION PROGRAM
Respond Now and the Jones Memorial Community Center in Chicago Heights have
agreed to jointly sponsor a personal financial literacy education program
that will empower participants to take charge of their financial lives and
help them get out of or avoid financial problems. Our objective is tohelp participants develop the skills
required to make informed choices onfinancial matters and to take
positive action that improves their financial well-being.
Personal financial literacy is the ability to read, analyze, manage, and
communicate about the personal financial conditions that affect material
well-being. It includes the ability to discern financial choices, discuss
money and financial issues without (or despite) discomfort, plan for the
future, and respond competently to life events that affect everyday
financial decisions, including events in the general economy.
Our
program would be for low-income adults with sessions tailored to English
speakers, Spanish speakers, and seniors. Our program would require basic
literacy skills because, at base, financial literacy requires general
literacy. For a curriculum we plan on using a program called “All My Money”
- offered by the University of Illinois Extension.
Our
first sessions will be offered in late summer or early fall.
COMMUNITY GARDEN
We
will soon be breaking ground on a community garden located on city-owned
land next door to our office on Emerald Avenue. The only thing growing
there now is broken glass. We have been in contact with the University of
Illinois Extension and have received enthusiastic support on this project
from several Master Gardeners at the Extension. They will help plan the
garden, assist with material for the raised beds, and generally oversee the
whole project One has even arranged for a plumber to put a garden hose
spigot on the side of our building. We really appreciate the expert help!
The garden will be a mix of flowers and vegetables. Plots will be offered to
some of our local clients so they can grow fresh produce.
FOOD BANK IN SAUK VILLAGE
According to a recent study by the
Greater Chicago Food Depository, several southern suburbs were in the top 10
communities with the highest unmet food needs. A new pantry at 21701
Torrence Avenue in Sauk Village. This pantry will be open Tuesdays from 10am to
2pm and will serve those who meet the Agriculture Department's eligibility
guidelines for getting free food. Clients must have identification that
shows that they live nearby.
To volunteer or donate food to the new food bank: Click here to donate Click here to volunteer Back to Top
The holidays are an especially busy time
for Respond Now. To see some of our holiday activities this year
click here. Santa came to Olympia Fields for Brunch
click here
Aunt Martha's Youth Service Center 708/747-2701
(24 hour)
Bremen Youth Services 708/687-9200 (24 hour answering service)
Child Abuse Hotline 800/252-2873
Crisis Center for South Suburbia 708/429-7233 (24 hour)
Crisis Line of Will County 708/258-3333 ( 24 hour)
National Runaway Switchboard 800/621-4000
South Suburban Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse 708/957-2854 (24
hour)
South Suburban Family Shelter 708/335-3028 (24 hour)
FOOD BANK IN SAUK VILLAGE