PADS of Elgin receives Paul L. Jehle Mission Grant from First Congregational

PADS of Elgin has been awarded the Paul L. Jehle Mission Grant by First Congregational United Church of Christ. This generous grant will directly support the organization’s shelter and outreach programs, enabling PADS to continue its relationship-centered approach to serving neighbors experiencing homelessness.

The grant will help sustain essential services including emergency shelter, nutritious meals, and individualized case management that supports community members working toward stable housing and improved wellness. PADS’ programs are designed to meet each person where they are, providing dignity-centered support and pathways to long-term stability.

"We are deeply grateful to First Congregational United Church of Christ for their longstanding commitment to serving our neighbors with compassion and dignity," said Katie Shaw Thompson, executive director of PADS of Elgin. "Partnerships like this strengthen our shared vision of building a healthier, more connected Elgin community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive."

The award acceptance ceremony took place on Feb. 9.

PADS of Elgin’s mission is to respectfully and compassionately empower persons and families who are in need of housing to become self-sustaining by providing shelter, needed services and professional guidance.

First Congregational has been distributing annual grants to non-profits in the region for several decades, thanks to a generous bequest from longtime FCC members Paul and Mildred Jehle.

The church has a team of members who determine themes for the grant each year and then accepts applications from organizations for review. One of those team members, Pat Segel, was the coordinator of this year’s grants. "It has been our pleasure to recognize organizations like PADS by providing financial support for their mission over many years."

In the time that grants have been awarded, well over $1.5 million has been given to qualifying groups such as PADS.