People's Resource Center Spring 2022 Newsletter

2022 Spring Edition

People’s Resource Center Meeting Our Community’s Needs - Neighbor to Neighbor Supporter Julie Stone contributes recipe and baking tips for PRC’s Video Gift Box.

Nicor Gas donates more than 120 winter coats to PRC.

Care for Cars Spotlight on Duly Health and Care Page 3

Helping Neighbors Strengthen Financial Literacy Page 2

PRC Volunteers Melanie Dawe and Susan Miller distribute gifts at Share the Spirit.

Rita Moon Kain, PRC Art Director Lesley Gena and Tuki Sathaye pose with art exhibited at West Chicago Public Library Library.. Artwork was made during PRC’s virtual art classes.

PRC Volunteer Tina Michaels teaching the Excel 1 computer class at Indian Prairie Public Library.

Care for Cars softens the bumps for DuPage residents Since the late 1990s, People’s Resource Center has supported households experiencing transportation challenges with gas cards, train tickets, taxi fare and car repairs.

Founded in 2012, Care for Cars provides lowcost automotive repairs for safety-related issues including brakes, chassis and even tires so that working adults in DuPage County can get to and from work.

“As transportation needs evolve, we know that repairs are a top priority,” said Jeni Fabian, executive director. “Care for Cars strengthens our ability to respond to transportation emergencies.”

Care for Cars was founded in 2012 to address community concerns about transportation access, especially for people working in healthcare, construction, manufacturing and food service who tend to work non-traditional hours and have unpredictable schedules.

“We noticed that people had a heck of a time keeping their jobs because of transportation,” said John Tartaglione, who co-founded Care for Cars with his wife and workforce development advocate, Barbara. “Cars were essential for them, but they couldn’t afford to fix them. We thought if we can get them back on the road safely, then we can help solve a major issue.”

With John’s automotive background and deep relationships in the industry, the Tartagliones were able to build a partnership with NAPA Auto Parts and three repair shops to launch Care for Cars.

Through the partnership, NAPA provides selected parts at-cost to the repair shops, and repair shops only charge for labor. Approved participants pay $200 or 20% of the repair cost, whichever is least, and Care for Cars covers the rest thanks to generous donations and grants from the community, including DuPage Foundation. PRC and other agencies have referred community members to the program.

The program makes an incredible difference for working households stretching to make ends meet. After paying rent, they have less than $700 to pay for groceries, medicine, childcare and transportation, and other expenses. With such tight budgets, it can be difficult to afford a costly

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President Jeff Zidell Vice President Erin Norton Secretary Anjali Alva Treasurer Brent Loebig

Today, roughly 10% of the calls Social Services receives indicate a need for transportation assistance.

With the acquisition of Care for Cars, PRC will deepen its transportation supports while sustaining a vital local program that has kept working households on the road for nearly 10 years.

Board of Directors

car repair.

“An unexpected and costly repair can derail a family’s finances,” said Fabian. “Care for Cars helps families over this hurdle so that they can worry less and focus more on taking care of themselves.”

In 10 years, John estimates that the program has saved neighbors more than $200,000. Repairs that could set someone back $1,000 might only cost $200 with the support of Care for Cars.

“I honestly would never have been able to get my certificate in addictions counseling if it weren’t for Care for Cars,” said Holly, a licensed counselor who was in school at the time that she worked with Care for Cars.

She was driving to Aurora from Addison every day for an internship that was part of her program.

With no direct or reliable public transportation route, she relied on her car to make the trip.

When Holly’s car broke down, Care for Cars towed it to the closest partner shop. She needed repairs that totaled $1,000 in order to keep her car safe enough to drive.

“Because of them, I was able to get back and forth to my internship,” she said. “I could also get to my classes and take the exam for the certification.”

Jack Baldermann Ophelia Barsketis Consuelo Cabral Mary Constantino John Dalby, Jr. Marsha McDermott Sr. Pat Norton, OSF Kathy O’Malley James Orel Lina Valdez John Wallerius Dr. Leatha Ware Sue Winkler Founder Dorothy McIntyre Chief Executive Officer Jenifer Fabian Vice President, Finance & Operations Linda Cheatham Vice President of Advancement Michelle B. Clegg

Barb, who also served on PRC’s Board for nine years, sees a bright future for Care for Cars as a program within PRC.

Vice President of Programs Christina LePage

“PRC has earned a lot of trust in our community,” she said. “They serve so many people from different populations and life experiences, and we know they will be able to keep the program running in the spirit of PRC’s mission.”

Manager of Marketing & Communications Carl Alston

The leadership, vision and advocacy of the Tartaglione family has earned Care for Cars a strong reputation as an innovative solution to transportation challenges in the suburbs.

People’s Resource Center 201 S. Naperville Road Wheaton, IL 60187

“Barb and John have poured so much of themselves into this resource, and their dedicated work has helped hundreds of neighbors,” Fabian said. “It’s a great honor for PRC to build on this work and guide Care for Cars into the future.”

104 Chestnut Avenue Westmont, IL 60559 Phone: (630) 682-5402 Fax: (630) 682-5412 Peoplesrc.org

A Message from PRC Neighbors Helping Neighbors!

I could not be more excited to welcome the arrival of springtime this year! With the increased warmth, longer days, and neighbors reconnecting – this season is invigorating.

Even as we all seem to be turning a corner in a more positive direction, many of us still feel disconnected due to the constraints of the pandemic.

What’s more, we share deep concern about unrest across the world that adds heartache to communities we care about deeply.

These days bring a mix of beauty, uncertainty, and opportunity.

Over and over, I have seen the PRC family find new ways to reach across barriers and help one other. We have tried new approaches, and have learned so much! PRC continues to innovate with services like online food ordering, hybrid job assistance workshops, financial literacy resources and transportation solutions. All the while, the team has worked to make the wisest use of our space to sustain emergency services, maintain safety, and gradually open in-person programs.

Volunteers, donors and community supporters have worked alongside PRC staff to make all of this possible. Because of your belief in PRC’s mission of service, this season and onward - PRC can take what we have learned and become an even better resource for all of our neighbors.

I invite you to consider the many ways you can get involved and help PRC as we learn and grow together. Perhaps you can explore a new volunteer role, or reach out and invite a friend to learn about PRC. When you share your own talents and gifts with PRC, you make a lasting and impactful difference.

Thanks to you, we all become better neighbors, together.

With gratitude, from all of us at PRC,

Jeni Fabian Chief Executive Officer

Financial Literacy Initiative A groundbreaking study led by United Way found that nearly one-third of DuPage residents do not earn enough to afford basic expenses, like food, housing, childcare, medicine and more.

Many households accessing PRC services feel the tight squeeze, too. They spend 56% of their income on housing, with only $648 left to pay for these and other expenses.

With such tight budgets, many families are forced to make difficult decisions each month, like when to put gas in the car or pay the heating bill.

The resulting financial stress can deeply affect a household’s entire well-being. The economic effects of the pandemic have revealed just how deeply Americans feel this stress on a daily basis.

“Since the pandemic began, people’s stress levels and the types of unexpected emergencies they are experiencing have increased exponentially,” said Tonya Latson, director of Social Services. “When incomes decreased, people that had credit used it to supplement. People who didn’t have access to credit were more likely to take out predatory loans.”

Over the years at PRC, community members have shared their worries with job coaches, intake and social services about their credit, ability to pay bills, savings and lost income.

In response, PRC’s strategic plan set a goal to better support community members who raised questions about finances and available resources. In 2019, PRC convened a group of banking professionals to address the challenges people face and identify potential solutions.

“Our goal was to provide a framework to help our neighbors navigate out of crisis and a standardized way for PRC volunteers to be helpful to clients,” said Kim Coyne, head of retail and senior vice president for Naperville Bank & Trust.

According to Housing Specialist Bruce Malak, economic, cultural and societal barriers have led to deep mistrust of financial institutions.

“Many of our clients have not been exposed to reliable and trustworthy financial guidance and information,” he said.

Malak, who leads the initiative, said the committee focused on how to leverage existing, trusting relationships through PRC and meet people where they are, especially those who have had negative experiences with traditional financial institutions.

The conversations and input led to a multi-part initiative launching with a series of Quick Reference Handouts. These resources are designed to equip community members with reliable information to understand their financial situation, increase their confidence, and advocate for themselves.

Volunteers and staff will have these resources on-hand to share with neighbors when they raise questions or concerns about their finances.

As the initiative grows and evolves, PRC will also offer informational workshops, multi-lingual materials and an information hotline.

“We wanted to provide a wholistic approach, gain trust, and help guide participants down a path to financial literacy with no strings attached,” Malak said. “PRC’s financial literacy resources bridge the gap in a simple and efficient way so clients, regardless of past experience, can work toward a brighter future.”

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Duly staff and physicians give their time to organizations like PRC that fight food insecurity.

Duly Health and Care’s Charitable Fund and PRC continue partnership into a new era For over a decade, Duly Health and Care has partnered with “At Duly, we are focused on helping people and communities People’s Resource Center to improve healthy food access through flourish,” said Megan Lynch, Charitable Fund manager. “Beyond grants from its Charitable Fund, volunteerism and network-wide our clinic doors, Duly’s Charitable Fund supports nonprofit partners supply drives. like PRC that are committed to that same goal. Through the power of partnership, we believe that it is possible to reduce barriers Formerly known as DuPage Medical Group, the organization and advance health equity in our communities.” changed its name to Duly Health and Care in September 2021 to reflect its growth beyond DuPage County and its commitment to challenge the expected and deliver the extraordinary in health and care.

Duly has been one of PRC’s biggest partners. The Charitable Fund has supported PRC’s food access programs, expanded Food Rescue operations by sponsoring a new van, and helped PRC establish the Westmont facility. Their on-going food and supply drives have introduced DuPage residents and care teams to our work or reminded them of it.

As the pandemic continues to reveal and deepen health disparities, Duly Health and Care’s Charitable Fund serves a critical role in addressing social needs and risk factors in our community.

Established in partnership with DuPage Foundation in 2010, the “Duly Health and Care’s support has raised awareness of PRC’s Charitable Fund has granted over $4 million to nonprofit partners work in the community and directly impacted our ability to get focused on food security, affordable housing and support services, nutritious food to community members who need it,” said Michelle and access to healthcare and community wellness. The Charitable Clegg, PRC’s vice president of Advancement.

Fund is supported by generous donations from Duly physicians, Be on the lookout for more ways that Duly and PRC are building team members, and business partners. a healthier DuPage where everyone has what they need to thrive!

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Welcome New Board Members Dr . Leatha Ware

Lina Valdez

Doctor Leatha Ware is Professor Emeritus from Waubonsee Community College, where she taught Business, Marketing, Management and Legal Studies. She began her career at IBM where she was a Regional Marketing Support Manager and a Systems Engineering Manager. She also is a long-time supporter of People’s Resource Center and its mission.

Lina Valdez is a 20-year financial industry veteran and Manager at Wheaton Bank & Trust. She also volunteers at People’s Resource Center in the food pantry, serves as job coach and a member of the Financial Literacy planning team. She has been involved with PRC for over two years.

Dr. Ware believes it is important to give back to the community and that people should be treated with dignity and respect – one of main tenets of PRC’s mission.

Ms. Valdez feels that life brings challenges to everyone and wants to be a source of support for those who need it most.

“Everyone needs help at one time or another and in the provision of that support, dignity and respect should be fostered at every opportunity.”

“When life brings challenges to families, having a resource that brings hope and an opportunity to move forward and have a better future is important. That’s what I love about PRC and that’s why I want to be involved – to bring that light to people’s lives,” Valdez said.

One of the things she hopes to achieve on the PRC Board of Directors is to bring more diversity to the board and help PRC mirror the diversity of the county it serves; demonstrating by example the benefits diversity brings to a community.

Dr. Ware is a member of DuPage AME Church where she serves as a Stewardess. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She served as a board member of DuPage Family Shelter Services. She also has served as a member of American Association for University Women, Marketing Management Society, and vice president of Kappa Delta Pi Honor’s Society for educators.

Dr. Ware holds a doctoral degree in adult continuing education from Northern Illinois University, a master’s degree in management from National-Louis University and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Tougaloo College. She enjoys golf and lives in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

Interns: Preparing

Valdez plans to help the PRC Board of Directors understand what is going on in the community and advocate for people who are struggling. She also wants to help people who reach out to PRC for support become more secure in their knowledge of finances.

Lina Valdez is a graduate of Triton College and in addition to bank management, she is a licensed hairdresser. She enjoys self care and traveling with her family. She lives in Carol Stream, Illinois.

Learn more about PRC’s Financial Literacy Program on Page 2.

for a Future in Social Services

An internship provides students an opportunity to experience the field in which they might pursue a career. It is an introduction to the work they are considering for full-time employment. Arranged for and monitored by an educational institution, an internship can be a wonderful experience for students.

People’s Resource Center is proud to be hosting two interns in its Social Services Department.

Hannah Hayes

Hannah Hayes is pursuing a Master of Social Work degree at Aurora University with a specialization in addiction treatment. While at PRC, Hannah wants “to learn about the various social services that are available to our clients. I think it will be valuable experience when I am working in clinical social work because I will be able to refer clients to the appropriate support agencies and resources.” She chooses to work in social services because people are changing their lives for the better every day and I would be honored to witness that and be along for the ride with my future clients. Hannah is from Chicago.

Tony Priviti

Tony Priviti is in his first year of a Master’s in Social Work at the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago. His goal while working at PRC is “to gain a broader understanding of social work on a macro level, and gain firsthand experience in helping people.”

Tony chooses to work in social services because he wants to better understand the types of assistance that can be provided to people. Tony is from Bolingbrook, Illinois We’re proud to have Hannah and Tony learning about what could become their life’s work at PRC and wish them both good luck!

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Specialized Intake, Getting to the Heart of Service PRC volunteers/community members perform one of the most important services at PRC.

Many of the initial calls back to neighbors are made by Terry Dunsing, a very dedicated volunteer.

Specialized Intake (SPIN) assesses need. A person who comes “Helping people get the support they need really appeals to me. to PRC via the food bank or by phone and asks for support has People have helped me in the past and the idea that I’m giving the opportunity to be interviewed by a volunteer to determine back makes every volunteer shift worth it. It helps me be a better their specific need and also find out of there are other issues person too,” Dunsing said. that PRC can help to address. PRC can then offer services to Once the needs assessment is completed, follow up calls are individuals who qualify and/or direct people to other resources also completed by volunteers. Kay Shannon has been associated in the community. with PRC since 2007as a former staff member and volunteer.

“I really like being able to talk to people and understand why they are calling. As a former PRC employee and current volunteer, I understand how important that call back can be. I have the time to be a better listener, which helps people know they are being heard and, in turn, get the support they need to move forward,” Shannon said.

Kathy Bossingham has been a PRC volunteer for nearly three years. She started doing intake work in the food pantry, then was trained to do SPIN. “I think having a caring person on the other end of the phone makes a big difference for our clients,” Bossingham said. “If I can help people determine what they need or how much they need, that makes us more effective for them.”

“There is no way we could provide this service without volunteers,” said Sarah Martin, PRC’s Social Services Manager. “We get thousands of calls and requests every year. We would never be able to keep up without our volunteers’ help.”

Volume is what got Sarah Huesing to take on SPIN as a volunteer. She has been with PRC for 14 years. She was asked to help out at a time when PRC was receiving a large number of calls and referrals.

“When people come to PRC we treat them with dignity and respect. Part of that includes asking them questions and listening to their responses. This leads to ‘unraveling the layers’ and discovering how to really help a person,” Huesing said. “Many people are unaware of just how much assistance PRC can provide. Our help empowers people to help themselves, which is very important.”

PRC’s Social Services Department received almost 3,700 calls for financial assistance and referrals last fiscal year. We are so grateful to have the help of these wonderful volunteers to respond to our neighbors and support them and their families.

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The Legacy of Dorothy McIntyre In 1975, Dorothy McIntyre, the founding director of People’s Resource Center, gathered a small group of neighbors together around a powerful vision: that no one in DuPage County would have to go hungry, because neighbors helping neighbors would create hope and opportunity for all.

Make a Lasting Impact for People’s Resource Center

Dorothy and her friends sought to do more than simply start a food pantry.

Their vision was to nurture a community rooted in generosity and service. To build relationships across the social and cultural borders that so often divide us. To bring neighbors together to meet the community’s needs.

Dorothy found great joy in her lifelong work to foster compassionate community through peace and justice.

Joining the Dorothy McIntyre Legacy Society People’s Resource Center established the Dorothy McIntyre Legacy Society to honor those who, like Dorothy, have committed to leaving a legacy by including PRC in their wills or estate plans. Membership in the Dorothy McIntyre Legacy Society is open to all who notify PRC that they have included People’s Resource Center in their estate plans.

Grants

Thank you to the following charitable funding organizations for helping PRC achieve our mission in support of our neighbors.

Alfred Bersted Foundation Community Memorial Foundation EcoLab Foundation

One of the most impactful ways to support People’s Resource Center is through making a planned gift. By creating a lasting legacy with a planned gift in your estate plan, you will help ensure a future of hope and opportunity for our neighbors in DuPage county for years to come. Planned gifts preserve what means most to you, while offering financial flexibility and giving the option to change your mind at any time. Leaving a legacy to PRC can be accomplished in many ways, including: Bequests You can list a specific dollar amount, an item, a percentage of your estate, or the remaining balance of your estate.

Beneficiary Designation

FDC Foundation

You can name People’s Resource Center as a beneficiary of your IRA, your retirement accounts, or other qualified plans.

Assets would pass directly to PRC, avoiding income tax heirs would pay when future withdrawals are made.

Nordson Corporate Foundation

Life Insurance

ESCO Technologies

Northern Illinois Food Bank Russell and Josephine Kott Memorial Charitable Trust Topfer Family Foundation Wesley Luehring Foundation Wheaton Franciscan Sisters Corp

You may have a policy purchased for a specific purpose that you no longer need. PRC can be made the beneficiary of that life insurance policy.

To discuss your legacy gift, or inform us of a gift you have already included PRC in your plans, please contact Michelle Clegg at 630-384-1346 or mclegg@peoplesrc.org. Please be sure to seek the advice of your financial or legal advisor through this process.

REPORTING A CORRECTION People’s Resource Center welcomes comments and suggestions, or concerns about errors that warrant correction. Messages regarding a correction can be emailed to prc1@peoplesrc.org or you can call our marketing department at 630-682-5402.

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People’s Resource Center 201 S. Naperville Road Wheaton, IL 60187 630-682-5402 peoplesrc.org

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Things are Happening!

Visit the PRC website and click on the events tab to see current activities in the PRC community. You’ll see classes and drives – and maybe you can host one to help our neighbors in DuPage County. https://www.peoplesrc.org/prc-events/

Dust off the running shoes and join us at the 11th Annual Race to the Flag on Sunday, May 29, 2022. Registration is open NOW for this Memorial Day Weekend run/walk. We look forward to seeing you there!

Sign up today at https://www.racetotheflag.org/.