Catholic Charities' remodeled Care Cupboard opens

The Care Cupboard in Lake County recently received a makeover to foster a more welcoming environment for people living with HIV or AIDS.

The Care Cupboard provides food to enhance the wellness and prolong the lives of those living with HIV or AIDS in Lake County. Currently, about 100 clients utilize the Care Cupboard. It was in need of a "facelift" and generous board members donated their time and resources, as well as staff, to make the Care Cupboard and meeting space more inviting.

A special ribbon cutting ceremony and blessing was held on Tuesday, April 26. The staff and clients expressed appreciation of the new, more welcoming space. The Care Cupboard is partially funded by grants from the Chicago Department of Public Health, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, the Washington Square Healthcare Foundation, and by generous donors of Catholic Charities.

The HIV/AIDS program holds six weekly groups in the Care Cupboard space including HIV support groups in English and Spanish, a substance abuse recovery group, and three mental health groups.

"We are the only HIV-specific food pantry in all of Lake County," said Program Director Laura Kuever. "There are two other HIV support groups at Lake County Health Department, but they only focus on HIV support overall.

"Our support groups are in English and Spanish and include general support, as well as specialized support for clients living with HIV who are also dealing with mental health, and a support group focusing on helping people living with HIV who are also dealing with addiction issues," she added.