Building Community: Families Helping Families founded to help homeless mothers

When Vicky Joseph first formed Families Helping Families Naperville in 1994, she was determined to help homeless mothers and children in her community.

But the Naperville resident and mom of two was unsure of where to secure funding for such an endeavor. She first received support from the Gerald Auto Group, which helped the new organization establish credibility and a positive reputation. That initial contribution from the Gerald Auto Group led to a yearslong relationship that still helps Families Helping Families thrive today.

"We didn't know anybody," Joseph said. "We were a bunch of moms making it up as we went along. Gerald Auto provided support all these years, but it's not just the financial support, it's the credibility they gave us in the community."

The daughter of a Holocaust survivor, Joseph grew up always wanting to give back in the same way a courageous teenager from the Dutch resistance saved her mother's life in the Netherlands. Her calling was to assist moms in need.

"There was always a sense that we needed to pay it forward," Joseph said. "I wanted to pay it forward with single moms who were struggling to provide a life for their children."

Created under the umbrella of Bridge Communities, Families Helping Families has 11 apartments for homeless mothers and children, along with 100 volunteers who provide mentoring, financial coaching and other assistance. Many of the clients have been victims of domestic violence or poverty and live in the apartments for about two years while returning to school, securing careers and saving for their own homes. Education is one of the main goals, with clients receiving certification and training to pursue jobs in nursing, radiology and other fields.

"You can't do that while you're working two jobs - you don't have the time and energy," Joseph said. "We're providing for their basic needs - housing and utilities - so they can spend time increasing their value in the workplace."

Through the Gerald Cares initiative, the Gerald Auto Group assists Families Helping Families in a variety of ways, including vehicle repairs for families in the program and other services. Gerald Cares is a Gold-level sponsor for the 16th Annual Benefit Dinner on Saturday, Feb. 4 at Cress Creek Country Club in Naperville.

"Nearly all eight of our dealerships in the Naperville/North Aurora area have at one time or another done some work to help Families Helping Families," said Donna Lawler, Vice President of the Gerald Auto Group. "They are amazing people with a huge heart caring for people who truly could use a helping hand at this time in their lives."

For Joseph, her organization's special relationship and history with The Gerald Auto Group is something she will always treasure.

"When you have a successful business that cares about people, it sets a really good tone for all businesses," Joseph said. "The Gerald family are people who care about their community. They are truly living the Golden Rule to do unto others."

Interested in attending the February 4 fundraiser? Email sueshanahan6@gmail.com. For more information on Families Helping Families, visit www.famhelpingfam.org. For more information on the Gerald Auto Group, visit www.geraldcars.com.