Stalwart volunteer for disabled housing group

When discussing an important need or a problem that requires action, it is very common to hear people say, "SOMEBODY should do something about this situation."

Anita Morse recognized the need for housing for people with disabilities in the North and Northwest suburbs, and has been volunteering with Resources for Community Living (RCL) in Rolling Meadows since its beginning more than 13 years ago.

Although Morse lives in McHenry, she makes the trip to Rolling Meadows almost every day to help to keep RCL running smoothly. She has a daughter with disabilities who found an apartment and roommate with the help of an agency called Shared Housing for Special Populations that was sponsored by the Arlington Heights Senior Center.

In 1994, RCL separated from the parent agency and even though her daughter has progressed to the point where she has her own apartment, Morse has remained active with RCL.

"I am very aware and grateful for what RCL has done for my daughter, and know what they do for the other clients. I want to give back by helping out so that other disabled people can have the same type of help that my daughter has received," Morse said. "Most of their clients are people that would fall through the cracks if it weren't for RCL because they don't fit the criteria for permanent residential living."

Resources for Family Living is located in Rolling Meadows, and their mission is "to offer adults with developmental and/or physical disabilities opportunities to achieve greater self-esteem, dignity and participation in all aspects of community life through affordable housing options, individualized skill instruction and necessary support services."

It helps individuals with housing, rent subsidies, social contact and skills such as money management, public transportation and cooking.

Morse's volunteer career at RCL began after she lost her job as a result of a car accident. Her duties, too numerous to name, include managing the office, interviewing prospective volunteers, assigning, training, scheduling and supervising about 60 volunteers. She also helps with fundraising events including the annual gala and annual luncheon, being held at Kemper Lakes Golf Club on Oct. 19 this year, and the fun-filled annual poker run to be held on Aug. 17.

Morse is a full-time volunteer; she usually works five days a week, plus her work days frequently stretch to 10 or 11 hours when they are preparing for a special event.

Jeannie Kuehnau, former RCL volunteer coordinator, who is currently involved with fundraising and publicity, describes Morse as, "A person who eats, sleeps, and drinks RCL. She is totally dedicated to the needs of our clients, many of whom do not have families, and to our volunteers, many of whom are also clients. We are a young organization; we need more volunteers, and we also need people who are willing to act as mentors for our clients."

Although Morse and her husband, Allan, are no longer able to do as much camping as they would like, she enjoys crocheting, reading, travel and the health club. Her favorite activity is getting together with their blended family which includes her son, Dennis; daughter, Margarita; stepson, Wayne; stepdaughter; Johnette; granddaughter, Alexandria; grandson, Isaac; and they eagerly anticipate another grandchild in the very near future.

For information on volunteering at RCL, or to offer your services at the many other nonprofit organizations that need the services of volunteers, call The Volunteer Center in Arlington Heights (all ages) at (847) 228-1320; the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) (mature adults age 55 or more) at (847) 228-1006; or visit www.volunteerinfo.net.