Thanks to those who make a difference

On behalf of the board of directors and staff of DuPage PADS, I would like to recognize our volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation Week. This year's theme is "Celebrating People in Action," and DuPage PADS volunteers exemplify this theme.

The passion and commitment of our volunteers has enabled us to serve 1,152 individuals during the past year, including 119 families and 142 children, through housing, support services and employment training.

Our volunteers are directly responsible for the successful initiation of new programs and the expansion of current programs including: Children's Birthday Program, Adopt a Child for the Holidays Program and the Holiday Meal Bag Program. Volunteers serve as mentors for our supportive housing tenants and our employment program. They are job coaches and tutors in our GED Program. Over 130 congregations and groups and more than 4,000 volunteers make it possible for over 1000 individuals to have a meal and place to stay last year by providing food and volunteer support to our 30 interim (overnight) housing sites throughout DuPage County.

Every day our volunteers work alongside our staff to empower our participants to rebuild their lives toward self-sufficiency. These compassionate people are dedicated to restoring dignity and self-worth to the men, women and children who are homeless in DuPage County.

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of people who are without a home in our county today.

Carol Simler

Executive Director, DuPage PADS

Wheaton