In time of need, remember that Lazarus House is here to help

With the economy the way it is, Lazarus House in St. Charles is reminding folks it's there to help.

The nonprofit transitional center, which serves the homeless as well as people just struggling to stay afloat, is putting out another call for individuals and families on the verge of losing their housing.

"The current economic pressures have put a significant stress on many people, and we are so thankful that we are able to help some of these folks stay in their homes," said Liz Eakins, who directs the agency's rental assistance program. "We encourage households facing significant financial struggles to call us to learn about programs and resources that may be available to them."

Lazarus House, 214 Walnut St., currently helps 23 area households pay the rent through grants from the Illinois Housing Development Authority. And Eakins said there is funding to help more.

The program is open to low-income households in the Tri-Cities or western rural Kane County. Those who are eligible must be able to pay at least 25 percent of their rent as well as their utilities.

Participants meet monthly with Lazarus House staff, who keep tabs on individual cases and help households budget their income and expenses. The ultimate goal is self-sufficiency.

So far this fiscal year, an average of 62 people a day are seeking shelter at Lazarus House. Of them, the number of children in need of shelter, food and other support is up 38 percent from the same time last year.

Eakins said anyone in need of help can call (630) 587-5872.

Help Miss Illinois: The Miss Illinois Scholarship Association, which now holds its annual contest in St. Charles, is soliciting donations of makeup, body lotion, journals, picture frames and other items for 2008 contestants.

The donations are needed to fill dozens of goodie bags to be handed out during Miss Illinois Week, set for June 17-21 at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St. Cash donations also are accepted.

Donors will receive ad space in the event program, a logo and link on the Miss Illinois Web site, and mentions in all upcoming press releases. This year's competition begins June 18 at the Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road. The winner goes on to compete for the title of Miss America.

For more information, call (224) 623-4891 or visit the Web site, www.missillinois.org.

Colonial names top chef: The St. Charles-based chain of Colonial Cafe & Ice Cream restaurants recently announced the hiring of local restaurateur J. Grant Werner as its new corporate chef.

Werner is the former owner of 18 North restaurant in St. Charles and has more than 11 years of experience in the restaurant industry, including seven years at the parent company for Red Lobster, Olive Garden and Bahama Breeze. According to Colonial, Werner will "enhance the dining experience and add a contemporary feel to (Colonial's) wide selection of comfort foods."

The announcement comes as Colonial, which now operates in seven suburban locations, celebrates its 100th year in business.

"Having grown up in Elgin, I remember going to Colonial Cafe as a child," Werner said in a statement. "When I discovered Colonial was looking for a corporate chef, I thought, 'What an awesome opportunity to be part of their new vision.'"