Daybreak of Lisle celebrating 35 years on April 20

Supporters of Daybreak of Lisle Transitional Housing are celebrating 35 years of service to homeless families with a Mass at Sacred Heart Monastery Chapel in Lisle at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 20, followed by a luncheon.

“Daybreak had humble beginnings in 1989,” said Sister Mary Bratrsovsky, OSB, president of Daybreak, “as volunteers gathered to support one apartment to house a family who had lost their housing due to drug abuse.”

Today, Daybreak sponsors five apartments, and has helped 107 homeless families to get back on their feet.

Cassie, one of Daybreak’s recent graduates, put it this way: “The program made me a better mother, a better friend, a better daughter, and just a better person across the board. And I’m grateful.”

Daybreak of Lisle provides transitional housing and supportive services for two years to homeless families with children. In partnership with Bridge Communities, families are screened and supported with case managers. Trained volunteer mentors meet weekly with the families to help them with employment, budgeting, and family issues.

“When I meet families who are homeless, the first thing I sense is a paralyzing fear,” said Ed Hatfield, volunteer program director. “Knowing your children are defending on you for survival is scary. But it also reminds me the none of us survives without help from others. And that’s where Daybreak come in.”

“I remember watching former president, Jimmy Carter in an interview, talking about his involvement with Habitat for Humanity,” said Mary Ellen Durbin, one of the founders. “Jimmy Carter said, ‘if you ever sit across the table from someone who is homeless, it will change your life.’ And he was right.”

“We have all learned how it really doesn’t take much for our lives to fall apart,” said Rich Weigel, a volunteer mentor. “A medical crisis, a divorce, the loss of a job … within a short time, we can be in crisis.”

“Daybreak has been a blessing for all of us,” Durbin said.

To learn more or volunteer, call Ed Hatfield at (630) 969-4402.