Italian evening benefits homeless programs
Most days, the Palatine agency, Journeys from PADS to HOPE, goes about its mission of serving the homeless quietly.
Its staff members assist men, women, and families in Cook County who have become homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless -- focusing on intervention and prevention.
On Thursday, however, its supporters took a break to celebrate their mission and raise money for its services, which include providing mental health support, job counseling and referrals and help in securing a permanent residence.
They gathered at the Palatine restaurant Vittorio de Roma Italian Bistro for a four-course dinner and accompanying wine pairings. The event drew board members and volunteers, as well as new supporters who said they were interested in helping the agency.
"This was our third annual," said Sandy Williams of Journeys. "Each year we draw our contingent of steady volunteers and our base supporters, as well as new people."
Owner Vittorio de Benedetto did not disappoint. His staff served up a feast that started with penne marinara and a house salad, and built to include main entrees of roasted chicken Vesuvio and tilapia piccata, capped off with a rich tiramisu for dessert.
The wine selections ran the table, from a Chardonnay, cabernet and Merlot, to a pinot grigio.
"It was nice to be able to support them," de Benedetto said. "We like to be able to support local causes."
In 2001, two agencies serving the homeless -- Public Action to Deliver Shelter and the Hope Center -- merged to form one organization to deliver both the emergency shelter, as well as services to end the cycle of homelessness.
Journeys from PADS to Hope still includes its 18 faith-based shelters, located throughout the Northwest suburbs, which provide a warm place to sleep and hot meals.
In their most recent published statistics, Journeys provided services primarily to local residents, coming from Arlington Heights, Barrington, Buffalo Grove, Des Plaines, Elk Grove, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Prospect Heights, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg, Streamwood and Wheeling.