KCC_Giving Back_2021 by Shaw Media

INSIDE • Features on amazing local non-profits and volunteers doing • Directory of organizations good work in our community A PUBLICATION OF

E D I S N I s ' t Wha 3 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18

Valley Sheltered Workshop Geneva Community Chest Salvation Army Starfish Animal Rescue Horsepower Therapeutic Riding Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity Christ Community Church Anderson Humane

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ComicBooks for Kids! Project Mobility Hessed House CASA Kane County Funding Project Northern Illinois Food Bank Fideliter Club of Elgin More Charities in Our Community

Lazarus House

TITLE SPONSOR: MY ADVISOR AND PLANNER

2 | GIVING BACK | December 2021

EDITOR Jaclyn Cornell (630) 677-7750 jcornell@shawmedia.com ADVERTISING SALES Tricia Walter (630) 845-5272 twalter@shawmedia.com DESIGNER Julie Barichello (815) 431-4072 jbarichello@shawmedia.com

Thank you to our Generous sponsors: AAA DoorTeks Christ Community Church Geneva Cabinet Gallery Hogan Design and Construction McNally’s Heating and Cooling Northern Illinois Food Bank

PUBLISHER Laura Shaw (630) 709-4497 lshaw@shawmedia.com

Premier Living Properties Red Hive Market Solutions Networking State Street Jewelers The Bike Rack Vertex Resource Group

CORRESPONDENTS Pat Szpekowski Kelley White

Published by Shaw Media 7717 S. Route 31 Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Valley d e r e t l she p o h s k r o w E mploying peo p with disabili le ties

alley Sheltered Workshop is one of Batavia’s hidden gems. Despite established within the community for 54 years, many people are not aware of this organization. Valley Sheltered Workshop was founded by Rev. Gilbert Johnstone, the head of Batavia Baptist Church. He was inspired by his son, Bobby, to create an organization in aid of those with disabilities. With the help of six prominent Batavia businessmen, Valley Sheltered Workshop opened on May 6, 1966, in collaboration with Furnas Electric, later known as Siemens. The goal of VSW was to employ students with disabilities who were aging out of the Batavia school system. Starting with just four young men, they have since grown to employ as many as 22 people ranging from 28 to 61 years of age. Since a variety of Fox Valley businesses provide work requiring assembly by hand, VSW can match the right employee to each job according to their skill level. Examples of these tasks include collating, hand packaging, light assembly, mailers, labeling, heat sealing and more. Employees of VSW can work on small or large jobs and can even accommodate one-time jobs. Supervision by VSW staff ensures the company’s quality standards are maintained during production. To support their services, the organization holds two major fundraisers each year. Their annual Pancake Breakfast is held on the first Sunday in

May. In addition to delicious breakfast, they also offer guests a cash drawing, basket raffle, and a silent auction. In 2020 and 2021, The Annual Pancake Fundraiser was cancelled due to the pandemic and the risks associated with hosting a group event. This has created some deficits and financial needs for their organization. Their second main event is the Pig Roast held in October and hosted by Team FIB BBQ – wellknown local pitmasters. All proceeds from these events go to support the operation and maintenance of VSW so they may continue to provide a safe and supportive work environment for their employees and their unique needs. Some general expenses and overhead needs are supported by local and well-established grant providers like Batavia United Way, Geneva Community Chest, and the Dunham Foundation — organizations that support VSW’s mission to provide meaningful employment for adults with disabilities. VSW puts community generosity to work in a way that continues to provide both meaningful employment to our employees and business solutions to our customers. Valley Sheltered Workshop is located at 325 Main Street in Batavia and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM. To find out more about what they do for their community, you can explore their website at www.valleyshelteredworkshop.org.

Sponsored by: My advisor & Planner December 2021 | GIVING BACK | 3

Geneva Community Chest

Dedicated to making a difference C

ommunity is the mission with Geneva Community Chest, a local non-profit that has expanded exponentially since its inception in 1970. Charities are essential to helping those in need, but who helps the charities? On its 50th anniversary, President Kristie Dienst proudly reflects on the accomplishments and volunteerism within the Geneva Community Chest organization. When the going gets rough, Geneva Community Chest gets going, a purpose that means everything to those who need it most. Despite the limitations the pandemic era has forced upon communities, and through the diligence of the 32 individuals that run the non-profit, Geneva Community Chest has continued to stay afloat for the 29 local charities they support. Through it all, Geneva Community Chest continues to work tirelessly in easing burdens and ensuring people get the help they need. “We have 32 volunteers on our board of directors,” details Dienst, “We have no overhead and 95% of what we raise goes back to charities in our community. We promote the health and well-being of our community, and we’re very proud of that.” From social services to literacy, infancy to end-oflife support, Geneva Community chest answers the call to fundraise for charitable events that support the endeavors making our community thrive. If you can give a little bit of funding, it can go a long way in helping the Chest aid in

the most efficient way possible for each charity. Dienst specifies the kind of contribution Geneva Community Chest looks to achieve, “We look forward to supporting those smaller charities in our community that need it the most and funding is a huge help.” Visit their website to learn more about the charities they support and how you can best support their cause. Some examples of the charities they give aid to include Hands of Hope Fox Valley, Tri-City Health Partnership, Joshua Tree and Kane Senior Services-Meals on Wheels. Geneva Community Chest purchases Bike Helmets for all 1st graders for all Geneva Schools, as part of the Think First for Kids Injury Prevention program, which is sponsored by Northwestern Medicine. It is truly evident in their mission and attitude that they have strong dedication in helping others. To be a part of this crucial cause, visit their website, Facebook or Instagram pages to learn more about how you can take the next step and give back to the community with Geneva Community Chest.

CONTACT INFORMATION Address: P.O. Box 441 Geneva, IL 60134

Email: info@genevacommunitychest.org Phone/Fax: (630) 294-0062

Sponsored by: State Street Jewelers 4 | GIVING BACK | December 2021

Giving Back is the greatest gift!

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n o i t a v l Sa army

e h t g n i o D d o o g t s o m

hen you think of the Salvation Army, you may envision bellringers on street corners during the holiday season. But the Salvation Army does so much more to provide customized services in the communities it serves. “While the Tri-City area is a well-to-do area, residents of St. Charles, Batavia and Geneva can face disaster at any time, such as losing a job due to a company downsizing, repairing a house after a tornado, or paying for costly medical treatment,” explains Lt. Scott Smith of the Salvation Army Tri-City Corps. Roughly 34,000 people in Kane County over the age of 16 live in poverty with an unemployment rate of 11 percent. As communities continue to recover from the pandemic, unemployment is up, bills struggle to be paid, and Christmas presents are not a certainty. Even access to food is a struggle for many families in the area. Fortunately, the Salvation Army Tri-City Corps offers a food pantry three days a week. Four days a week it offers fresh foods donated by local grocery stores, rent and utility assistance, and help with holiday expenses.

PLEASE VISIT: www.satricity.org for more information about Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army Tri-City Corps understands parental need and provides affordable childcare, assistance that is especially vital in this recovery period. The average annual

cost of daycare is $4,714 — about 27 percent of income for parents making minimum wage. To help these families, the Salvation Army Tri-City Corps offers an after-school program for $115 per month with scholarships available up to 100 percent. The afterschool program provides youngsters with homework help, arts, crafts, snacks, and a gym for kids to burn off energy. During the summer, kids can find a haven at the Salvation Army Tri-City Corps’ Day or sleepaway camps.

to support families in the Tri-City area. To put that into perspective, Lt. Smith says $20 buys a new coat for a child and $135 sponsors a kid for one week at day camp. “If you sign up to ring a bell in the Tri-Cities, the money raised will stay in this area,” Lt. Smith encourages, “You really have a chance to support your neighbors.”

Come December, the Salvation Army Tri-City Corps’ gym is transformed into a winter wonderland where parents can “shop” for books, puzzles, toys, and stocking stuffers that have been donated by the community. Parents can also receive gift cards for Jewel to buy all the fixings for a holiday meal. “This community has such heart,” says Lt. Smith, “We have about five to six staff members, but it’s mostly our volunteers who run our programs.” With the holiday season upon us, the Salvation Army Tri-City Corps needs volunteers to ring bells and collect donations until December 24 (ringers get Sundays off). The agency’s goal is to collect $200,000

Sponsored by: McNally’s Heating And Cooling 6 | GIVING BACK | December 2021

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Making a difference

One life at a time Starfish Animal Rescue

ot all superheroes wear capes and at Starfish Animal Rescue, the volunteers who give their time and commitment to the mission embody the kind of champions many animals are in desperate need of. Through Starfish, you can adopt or help foster dogs and cats, or donate needed items, all as a part of fulfilling their mission to “rescue animals from high kill shelters, provide transportation for these animals to secure, non-kill establishments, promote and facilitate responsible pet ownership, and place those animals into loving homes.” From 2006 to present, Starfish has helped facilitate the rescue of over 40,000 dogs and cats from 2 open-intake, high volume shelters in Kentucky. Starfish coordinates the transfer of those animals to rescues through the Midwest, and also adopts out approximately 600-700 of those animals a year as part of their own Starfish Rescue mission. Starfish Animal Rescue is run completely by volunteers. Medical Coordinator Laura Weber reflects on the effort it takes to facilitate the Starfish operation and how it is a true labor of love. “There are a handful of us who handle the day-to-day for the rescue. We all

have jobs on top of our role in the rescue. Although it is a lot of time and energy, we get more back in return when we see the animals healthy and on their way to their forever homes.” Weber, along with the entire Starfish team, loves to help and has a passion for rescuing animals from the worst-case scenarios. Despite the abuse and neglect Starfish often finds these animals suffering from, this organization devotes itself to helping the animals by providing medical and behavioral support on their way to finding their home. Weber says, “the group of fosters and medical teams who work with Starfish are nothing short of angels. They give so much to these broken animals who are so deserving of the help.” “People ask why you throw that one Starfish back into the ocean,” says Weber, “because for that one starfish, it mattered.” To find out more about how to make a difference in the lives of countless animals, visit the Starfish Animal Rescue website (www.starfishanimalrescue.com) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ starfishanimallrescue) for more stories and foster/ adoption information.

Sponsored by: Red Hive Market 8 | GIVING BACK | December 2021

A charming home decor boutique specializing in unique one-of-akind artisanal gifts and distinctive products for Makers and DIYers.

SM-CL1928865

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horsepower therapeutic ridin

Harnessing the

healing power

of the horse T

here are few things in this world that compare to the connection human beings have with their animals. These unique relationships are often more rewarding than we can ever imagine. HorsePower Therapeutic Riding recognizes the benefits gained from the bond formed between a human being and a horse. This remarkable organization was founded nine years ago in the close-knit community of Elburn starting with only 4 riders. In the years since, Horsepower relocated a year and a half ago to Honey Bridge Ranch in St. Charles with 66 riders, over 17 horses in the program, around 100 volunteers, four PATH certified instructors and one EAGALA Certified instructor.

CONTACT INFORMATION Website: horsepowertr.com

Location: Honey Bridge Ranch 6N917 Rt. 25 St. Charles, IL 60174 (Visits by appointment only.) ail: P.O. Box 361 M Elburn, IL 60119

Phone: (815) 508-0804

Email: Info@HorsePowerTR.com

The HorsePower Therapeutic Riding organization is in a season of growth and they have set a targeted fundraising goal totaling $500,000 in order to expand their reach, building with Anderson Humane Center. This would provide what has become a much-beloved local program with east and west locations as well as a stateof-the-art equine center. Right now, that is absolutely crucial for a rapidly growing program such as this one. The driving force behind HorsePower Therapeutic Riding is a simple but remarkably altruistic motivation: “To provide creative, inspiring, and challenging therapeutic horseback riding lessons and equine assisted activities to children and adults.” With patience and unwavering

positivity, HorsePower’s volunteers and instructors assist with riders from every niche of their community: from children with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges to adults coping with traumas and addiction. HorsePower is truly welcoming to all, yet another reason they seek to expand their program and provide multiple locations-it is genuinely a labor of love. Volunteer and board member Sarah Ely’s daughter Evelyn is a nine-year-old little girl who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at two years old, the very same year she started to horseback ride. Even with a full plate that includes three different therapies and dance, riding with HorsePower is at the forefront for Evelyn. With HorsePower, Evelyn can take part in a wide range of unparalleled learning experiences and sometimes she even gets the chance to ride with her sister, Olivia. HorsePower needs your help and attention for an undeniably necessary cause. You can help in a variety of ways by donating, volunteering, perusing their ‘wish list’ or taking part in planned giving. Your donations and volunteerism are key in the continuum of programs within Horsepower such as: group experiences, field trips, vocational training and lessons. Visit their website to learn more about how you can be a part of this wonderful organization and make a difference in the lives of those who really need it.

Sponsored by: Vertex Resource Group 10 | GIVING BACK | December 2021

The Point Where Professionals Connect

As an industry leader in our 30th year, we work with a wide range of businesses – from small companies to Fortune 500 corporations – across a variety of professional sectors. Through our family of employment and consulting companies we provide career opportunities from entry level to senior positions in numerous ﬁelds. To meet the demands of a growing and changing business environment, Vertex Resource Group offers comprehensive services to fulﬁll your company’s human resource needs. As a trusted source for employment consulting, Vertex provides complete recruitment, screening, interviewing and referencing services.

Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity

Building Hard-Working Communities in Fox Valley F

ox Valley Habitat for Humanity thrives as the cornerstone of hope and community for those who seek to create a solid foundation in their lives. Their vision is to see “A world where everyone has a decent place to live,” and their mission fosters “God’s love into action.” Through a herculean effort of the community and dedicated volunteers, Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity “builds and rehabilitates simple, decent homes” for those who need it the most and can work towards home ownership. Funds and Marketing Coordinator Barbara Zegiel has a love for this organization that transcends her job description, and a compassion that nurtures every aspect of what they stand for. “Life happens and sometimes you get behind,” reasons Zegiel, “so come and talk with us, we understand.” Zegiel is especially

close to the cause, having experienced the good that Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity works to accomplish in their community. “When it was my home, I met a gaggle of people all helping one another, it is such a wonderful organization,” describes Zegiel, “When it is time for the groundbreaking and dedications, you look out and see all of these angels who worked on your house.” The organization’s success is measured in the hard work these families do to improve their lives. “We’ve done 68 homes and only one foreclosure in all this time, which is an excellent record,” Zegiel proudly states, “We’ve got families from all walks of life.” Despite this, the pandemic has caused a rift in their service like many others. “The cost of building supplies has jumped a large percentage,” points out Zegiel, “That makes a big difference in the cost

of affordable housing.” Not only have building supplies dwindled, but also volunteerism has come to a screeching halt due to various restrictions and hardships. “A lot of organizations that rely on volunteer help, have found a major issue,” reveals Zegiel, “It has cost us.” However, her faith in the organization remains unyielding and Zegiel is looking forward to a future where they can continue to come together and make their communities stronger. “We are hoping to do a certain campaign and we have a piece of land that is going to house 17 homes, we just need homeowners,” says Zegiel, “Do not give up hope-apply.” To find out more about how you can help and become a part of an organization changing lives forever, visit their website (www.foxvalleyhabitat.org) or donate to help mitigate costs.

Sponsored by: AAA Doorteks 12 | GIVING BACK | December 2021

pairs e R d n a e ic rv e S r u 24 Ho

S K E T R O O AAA D 0 6 9 5 3 1 3 630 m o c . S K E T R O O D A w w w. A A

all Us! Broken Springs? C

December 2021 | GIVING BACK | 13

h c r u h c y t i n u m Christ com

Great Days g n i v r e S f o Ahead! G

reat Day of Serving, a legacy event at Christ Community Church, made an exciting and successful return on October 16, 2021, after a ten-year hiatus. Great Day of Serving provided an opportunity for Christ Community attendees to get outside the four walls of the church. More than 700 people from all five campuses--St. Charles, Aurora, Streamwood, Dekalb and Huntley--gave of their time, skills, and resources to positively impact their communities. The goal? To demonstrate the love of Christ to the far west suburbs by serving others through strategic action and partnerships. In fact, many of the dozens of projects that took place were accomplished in collaboration with organizations that have longstanding relationships with Christ Community. Great things were done! At Northern Illinois Food Bank in Geneva, volunteers packaged nearly 20,000 Holiday Meal Boxes that will be distributed to families in need during the Thanksgiving holiday season. Volunteers took on multiple shifts at both Feed My Starving Children locations that will be sending the life-giving provisions to Afghanistan.

At Fox Valley Christian Action, an organization that serves under-resourced communities, Christ Community tended to indoor and outdoor spaces, including painting classrooms, spreading mulch, and rebuilding a bridge for safe use. Streamwood Campus teams partnered with the local police department to clean up properties in the area where residents were facing fines and financial hardship. They also brought bright colors and fun to Sunnydale Elementary School, painting a map of the United States on the freshly paved blacktop to be enjoyed daily by students. Those projects are just the start; there are too many projects to list here in detail. Suffice it to say, more than 700 Christ-followers served over 3,750 volunteer hours during Great Day of Serving 2021! The best news is that there are more great days of serving ahead. This comeback is only the beginning for what God has planned going forward. Christ Community Church is called to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. It is the desire of the church to continue aiding and assisting the communities we love and vulnerable populations around us. How? By empowering and equipping the people of Christ Community for consistent and thoughtful service. This can only be done effectively by recognizing and understanding the various needs of each community that Christ Community calls home. This drives Christ

Community. Failure to intervene can produce less than favorable outcomes for the people and communities that God has called the church to serve (Matthew 25:35-40). Christ Community’s strategy is to create bridges and on-ramps for God’s people to utilize their time, talents, gifts and resources to assist those in need. For instance, Domestic Go Teams in the last year have cleaned up locally following spring storms, in Louisiana after devastating hurricanes, after flooding in Texas, and in Nashville following tornadoes. From church-wide projects to local impact areas, to domestic and disaster relief trips, Christ Community believes good deeds lead to good will and provide opportunities to share the Good News. For more information about Christ Community Church, outreach initiatives, and how you can get involved locally or beyond, please visit CCCLife.org/communityimpact.

Sponsored by: christ community church 14 | GIVING BACK | December 2021

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Fostering connections between

WANT TO HELP?

People and Animals

• There are many ways you can support Anderson Humane:

• Become a volunteer

nderson Humane (formerly Anderson Animal Shelter and Fox Valley Wildlife Center) cares for over 7,000 animals each year. As a one-of-a-kind animal welfare organization serving the northern Illinois area, the mission has expanded to include all animals. They focus on creating and supporting mutually beneficial connections between people and animals, while also engaging with the community to provide education and outreach programs which emphasize the humane treatment of animals. Their lifesaving work is made possible by the generous support of donors and partners. To learn more or make a donation, please visit www.ahconnects.org.

• Adopt a pet!

E CAUSE HELP TH te, visit To dona n.org anderso donateto

• Make a one-time or re-occuring donation • Become a foster pet parent • Attend one of our fundraising events • Host a fundraiser • Donate an item from our Wish List • Choose us as your Amazon Smile beneficiary while shopping online

Sponsored by: Premier Living Real Estate 16 | GIVING BACK | December 2021

giving

612 W. Main St., St. Charles, IL 60174 SM-CL1930085

December 2021 | GIVING BACK | 17

lazarus house

provides shelter during life’s storms A

nyone can face homelessness. A job loss, a cancer diagnosis, a relationship ending – all can bring the risk of losing one’s home. Personal and societal issues can also come into play. Numerous other issues can contribute to the loss of housing, such as physical and mental health issues, substance use disorders, domestic violence, lack of affordable housing, loss of social assistance and other income supports all can be contributing factors. Homelessness happens in all communities, across all cultures and within all age groups. It is just not always visible. Individuals and families may find temporary solutions like doubling-up with relatives, living in motels or cars, couch-surfing or they may end up on the streets. Each story is unique.

CONTACT INFORMATION Lazarus House 214 Walnut St. | St. Charles, IL 60174 (630) 587-2144 | www.LazarusHouse.net

As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, Lazarus House strives to provide services to men, women, and children who are in need of shelter, food, homeless prevention services and resources. It is a great privilege to be able to lend support to neighbors in one of the most frightening times of their lives

and often witness their amazing transformation from despair to hope. We wish to thank you, the community, for being an integral part of this change. Through the time, talent and donations of so many, we can attempt to meet the needs of each individual or family no matter what circumstances bring them to our door. YOU create change in our community! Lazarus House offers emergency shelter, transitional living and homeless prevention programs to individuals from Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and western rural Kane County. Our mission is to offer guests connected to these communities, who are homeless or in need, hope for the future by providing hospitality, food, safe shelter, and education – tools for life. If you know someone who needs shelter, encourage them to call Lazarus House at 630-587-2144. If you are in a position to help, please consider a monetary donation or purchasing an item on our needs list. For more information or to find our needs list, visit our website https://lazarushouse.net.

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! s d i K r o F s k o o B c i Com

Turning the page for hospitalized children

omicBooks For Kids is a non-profit organization whose mission is to bring smiles and page turning adventures to kids and teens in hospitals and cancer centers across the United States and parts of Canada. They gift coloring books, Pez, pop culture items, plush and of course, comic books. In 2017 they had a simple desire to provide comics to children who could really use a hero. They achieved their goal by sending 1,000 items to 20 hospitals and by 2018 had significantly grown their donations to 10,000 items in 110 hospitals. CB4K can now proudly say they support 185 hospitals across the US and have been able to ship over 110,000 comic books within the past three years to every state in the country. Beyond helping those in hospitals, CB4K is most concerned with reaching anyone who could use a hero in their life. “When it comes to kids, we don’t draw a line. We just help.” If you have a need for their services, reach out and inquire more about their comic books and other donation items. The team works every day, full time and the shipping never stops.

A remarkable six-year-old named Gabe, born with a congenital heart defect, is one of the many children who have been helped by ComicBooks for Kids and their mission to generate happiness with comics. Children like Gabe, who are faced with a tough situation, get the chance to escape their reality for a while and just be a kid, holding an adventure in their hands and wonderment in their eyes. Now, tens of thousands of kids have been blessed with this opportunity. This past fall, CB4K received palettes of donations of comic books, Funko Pops and graphic novels and immediately started sending them across the country, ensuring no child would be without friendly and colorful reading materials. ComicBooks For Kids is a 501(3)C organization and takes zero compensation for their efforts. They work closely with retailers, distributors, publishers, and consumers of the comic book industry to procure inventory and income. This makes it possible for them to provide their numerous donations to the hospitals and medical centers in need of them.

Additionally, comic books that are received and thought to be above a child’s reading level or where the content is too mature are provided to the military through their sister non-profit organization ComicBooks For Troops (CB4T.org). With this approach, all donated materials are utilized. Just this year alone, ComicBooks For Troops has delivered over 35,000 comic books to all branches of the armed services Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is simply to contribute requested items or monetary donations. Even a $25.00 contribution means CB4K can ship books to a hospital. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available for consideration; please visit their website (www.comicbooksforkids.org) for more information to learn more. Be a part of something invaluable and help provide a wondrous escape to kids and teens who need a little bit of light in their lives. In the words of ComicBooks For Kids, “Maybe we can’t change the world, but your support is helping change that child’s world.”

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Holiday Adaptive Bike Giveaway to focus on children with cancer

iding a bicycle gives an individual a feeling of empowerment, freedom, and mobility.

That’s just what Hal Honeyman, one of the owners of The Bike Rack (a familyowned store in St. Charles), envisioned when he founded the not-for-profit, Project Mobility, in 2002. His idea was inspired when he customized a bike for his special needs son, Jacob, who has cerebral palsy and cannot walk. It resulted in pure joy for the both of them and has successfully expanded to help countless of others in the Fox Valley and beyond. The mission of Project Mobility is to provide customized bikes for children, adults and wounded soldiers with

disabilities. Through the generosity of loyal supporters, they are given wheels of hope by gifting them with a bicycle to make a positive difference in their lives. “This year during our ‘Holiday Adaptive Bike Giveaway’ we are focusing on surprising and delivering custom bikes to six children [diagnosed with] cancer,” said Tammy Simmons, Honeyman’s sister, one of the owners of The Bike Rack, who serves as Project Mobility’s director of development. In the past, Project Mobility has worked with Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn during adaptive bike days. “In my conversations with Kathleen Brummet, the education specialist at the hospital, I asked a lot of questions to understand the needs of children from the Pediatric Cancer Unit,” said Simmons. “I was saddened to hear that many times the cancer treatments cause terrible side effects. These treatments can result in a loss of function including balance, cognition, endurance, mobility, vision, and so much more. Some children even have strokes and secondary cancers.” This brought back memories of the late Riley Buckholz, who received a bike at Project Mobility’s 2016 Golf Outing.

e s new adaptiv Domenic on hi Rides 2021. y od bike at Everyb

“His mother Adena came to a future golf outing to let everyone know how meaningful that bike was to her son,” Simmons recalled. At 4 years old, Riley was diagnosed with

Project Mobilit aggressive brain and spinal cancer, called Pineoblastoma. He endured intense proton radiation and lost his ability to walk. His mother entered his name into Project Mobility’s Bike Give Away Contest. Through the generosity of donations, he and 2 other children received a bike. “Riley, his older brother Aiden, and I went to The Bike Rack and got to see Riley’s beautiful, adaptive purple bike,” said Adena. “It was the most amazing experience. He rode around the whole store and there was no stopping him. He was able to ride his bike with his brother and enjoy life during those moments. He lost his battle with brain cancer on March 19, 2018. We will forever treasure those special moments when Riley would ride his bike and I would have to run chasing him just to catch up. We would like to express our sincerest gratitude to Project Mobility.” None of these miraculous outcomes could be possible without the support of generous donors. Project Mobility hosts two major events each year, Everybody Rides and Hops for Hope 5K. This year’s events were dedicated to honor the late Dale Honeyman, who passed away on May 29 this year. He and his wife Nancy founded The Bike Rack almost 50 years ago. Everybody Rides will celebrate its tenth anniversary at next year’s event on June 20, 2022. An all inclusive adaptive bike event, this ride is open to everyone. Participants can go on a casual 10-mile family trail ride or a road ride for avid cyclists up to 62 miles. An After Party is held at James O. Breen Community Park

with adaptive bike presentations, food, beer, raffles, and a live band. With the City of St. Charles’ approval, the popular 6th annual Hops for Hope 5K Beer Run will take place on October 1, 2022 with a new Beer Fest component. “We are grateful that Mayor Lori Vitek not only strongly supports our event, but she also kicked it off, spoke at the event and participated.” Former Mayor Ray Rogina has been a part of, and kicked off, our 5K’s since the beginning. In 2018 he noted it to be a signature City of St. Charles event.” Giving away adaptive bikes is just one aspect of Project Mobility’s mission. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization hosted on average over 65 Adaptive Bike Days a year. Another major focus of the organization is its new Veterans Mobility Initiative. For more information, follow Project Mobility on Facebook or visit www.projectmobility.org. Contact Event Director at katherine@ projectmobility.org.

Sponsored by: The Bike Rack 22 | GIVING BACK | December 2021

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www.thebikerack.com | 630.584.6588 2930 Campton Hills Road, St. Charles Mon-Fri 10-7, Sat 9-5, Sun 11-3 December 2021 | GIVING BACK | 23

Hesed House:

Where needs are met with kindness

or the second largest homeless shelter in the state of Illinois, Hesed House of Aurora knows no bounds in generosity and kindness for anyone crossing their threshold. With a mission to “feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless and give people a chance to hope again,” Hesed House continues to serve those in need outside of Chicago with fervor and enthusiasm because “everyone deserves dignity.” “We are a national model for ending homelessness,” says Lauren Jernigan, division director of development, “We’re the very first PADS model, which stands for public action to deliver shelter.” Hesed House seeks to mitigate issues with homelessness and help people heal from the inside out. Living facilities on campus include an adult overnight emergency shelter, a family shelter, and supportive housing. Jernigan also specifies the use of both buildings offering a rare array of services, “We have our comprehensive resource center, case management, and we’re one of just a handful of shelters across the country to have a medical clinic onsite, possible through a partnership with Aunt Martha’s.” In fact, partnerships are a main pillar to the success of Hesed House. They have nurtured the shelter into becoming the comprehensive organization it is today. “We have a legal clinic onsite, we have all sorts of mental health and addiction partnerships right here and easily accessible to our guests,” informs Jernigan, “We understand that partnerships are really critical to the work that we do.” While partnerships are paramount to Hesed House, volunteers have been the lifeblood of its service and care for the community. Jernigan highlights the importance of the shelter’s volunteers and the main role they lovingly take on, “All of our meals are provided by volunteers—we have secular and faith-based businesses, churches and groups making these meals. Breakfast lunch and dinner are all provided by volunteers.” Like most, the organization is still recovering from pandemic era restrictions and hardships, hosting a limited number of volunteers to ensure safety and comfortability for all those involved with the mission. Hesed House has also been successful in securing enough funds to renovate the front of their warehouse into a beautiful women’s shelter. Their hope now is to complete funding for a renovation on the back of the warehouse, making way for a new communal area and men’s sleeping shelter. Until December 31 of 2021, you can help make this dream a reality by donating to the cause. Donations will be matched, up to $500,000 from the NKC Family and Foundation, paving the way to create a finished adult shelter space. Jernigan puts the triumph of Hesed House into her own words: “I think what makes Hesed House unique is being a place people can turn to, knowing we will be here, we will be here without judgment, and we will love and care for them. All of our volunteers who come here are a part of something that is really important, and they speak hope into the lives of our guests.”

24 | GIVING BACK | December 2021

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.hesedhouse.org (630) 897-2156 | donate@hesedhouse.org

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630-377-3608 | CallMendel.com December 2021 | GIVING BACK | 25

HELPING HAND

VOLUNTEER

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A CASA/GAL VOLUNTEER?

WHAT MAKES THE CASA KANE COUNTY ORGANIZATION UNIQUE?

The volunteer provides a judge with information about the child to help the court make decisions for the child’s future and their home placement. The volunteer learns by researching, interviewing and listening to the child. The CASA volunteer makes recommendations and follows through until the case is closed.

CASA programs are the only volunteer organizations that are directly connected to the court. Our volunteers are sworn-in and appointed by a judge to advocate for a child who otherwise may not be heard. They research and learn what the child’s needs are to help prevent a child from falling through the cracks of the child welfare system.

DONATE

CONNECT

100 S. THIRD ST. | GENEVA, IL 60134 | 630-232-4484 | CASAKANECOUNTY.ORG

casa kane county

Are you ready e h t e g n a h c o t life of a child?

asa Kane County is a non-profit, volunteer organization that trains everyday citizens to serve as an advocate for a child who has been removed from their home due to abuse or neglect. CASA volunteers are ordinary people, trained by CASA Kane County, to be a voice for abused and neglected children with the goal of making sure each child is placed in a safe, permanent home. The CASA volunteer is often the only consistent, stable adult presence during a tumultuous time in a child’s life. A CASA volunteer is often the first step in breaking the cycle of abuse and making a lifelong difference in the life of a child. In the words of a former foster youth: My CASA gave me two things that can’t be measured. First, she gave me hope. She made me realize that I wasn’t just another “kid in the system,” that things would get better, and that I could have

a good life and that I deserved a good life. Second, and most important, she believed in me. She believed I was a great person and I just had to get over some rough spots. She believed in me so much that I finally started to believe in myself. And that was when my life started to turn around. I know with certainty if not for my CASA Debbie, I would not be here today. I would be in jail …or worse. -E.G.T., former foster youth CASA Kane County offers Information Meetings to allow interested persons to assess whether volunteering might be right for them. To find out more information on becoming a volunteer or attending an informational meeting, please email sandiec@casakanecounty.org or call 630-232-4484. If volunteering is not right for you, consider donating or helping CASA spread the word on social media.

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December 2021 | GIVING BACK | 27

The funding project

guiding families toward financial resources for Children with Disabilities, Autism and Cancer

tatistics have shown that it takes $250,000 to raise a child from birth to age 18. However, the costs are extremely dire for a family who will raise a child with special needs. That number skyrockets to more than $1 million dollars. Much of the financial burden is imposed on the family. In far too many cases, the insurance company does not cover the costs to provide the necessary adaptive and specialized medical equipment a child with special needs will require to live a normal life. The stress this evokes for the entire family is overwhelming. Parents are not equipped or experienced to find resources for financial help. In most cases, they are not even aware that assistance is available and it exists. In other cases, they are too humble to ask. To make it easier for families to find funding sources, Tammy Simmons, founder of The Funding Project, has spent over 10,000 hours of funding research to compile all the necessary information to help them succeed. Her books, Disability Funding Guide for Children with Disabilities, Autism Funding Guide, and Cancer Funding Guide have been crucial in helping hundreds of parents. Simmons is co-owner of the family-owned, The Bike Rack in St. Charles, and director of development of its non-profit, Project Mobility, which assists children, adults, and veterans during adaptive bike days and obtaining custom adaptive bikes. These bikes can be up to ten times more than the average $200 to $500 for a regular bike. She learned first-hand how well-laid plans can go awry. Simmons funding journey began when she set out on a mission to raise money for her brother’s son, Jacob, who has Cerebral Palsy. Over 20 years ago he was to receive a new and promising treatment using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and at the last minute the insurance company did not approve the treatments. Simmons decided to help out and raise the $12,000 he needed. Not having a clue on how to do that, she sat down at her computer and after a few weeks she raised the money needed. Jacob received his treatments and Hal didn’t have to pay anyone back. It was free money!

ow, ines, Chip Gaines, Tim Teb Melissa Copp, Joanna Ga er Upper.” “Fix s son as seen on HGTV’ Jody Copp, Calan and Law

28 | GIVING BACK | December 2021

Read the full story about the biggest success story to date on the www.fundingproject.org website. The Funding Guide helped Melissa and Jody Copp, who have 2 sons who use wheelchairs, get their dream of a lifetime. Their home was made fully accessible through HGTV’s hit show Fixer Upper with Chip and

Joanna Gaines with football legend Tim Tebow; and received a new back yard from Make-a- Wish Foundation and a Disney trip from Variety of Texas. Not only did all of this happen, but in less than 48 hours Chip Gaines encouraged his fans to help and their donations paid off the Copps’ mortgage! The Funding Project’s mission is to provide the education, resources, and inspiration for parents, therapists, social workers, and more, by teaching them how to raise the funds needed for the products, services, and therapies that their child with a disability, autism, or cancer needs that insurance won’t pay for. The Funding Project achieves its goal through three main components: getting the Funding Guides into hospitals to be distributed to families and healthcare professionals; educating families through in-person or virtual workshops to teach families how to raise needed funds; and educating healthcare professionals through in-person or virtual workshops and training to teach them how to use the Funding Guides. The books have been instrumental in helping parents to find ways to pay for their children’s needs. Her first Disability Guide book inspired and enthused Simmons to continue her mission and to take it to another level to help children with autism and cancer. Simmons has attended many conferences, held workshops, and has made connections with many companies who are able to offer sponsorships and support as a result. “I hope to continue this mission and work with more hospitals and provide the Funding Guides and workshops to those vulnerable parents who do not know where to turn,” said Simmons. “I am proud to have been able to help parents fill out grant applications to receive funding for their children’s special needs.” Simmons enthusiasm to help others resonates with every breath she takes and there’s no stopping her to achieve even more. If you are interested in holding a workshop for a group or your organization, email tammy@ thefundingproject.org. For more information, visit www.thefundingguides.com and www.thefundingproject.org