Briefs: Help for buying a home

Residents with loan difficulties are invited today to meet with local lenders, counseling agencies and state officials for a Home Ownership Outreach Day in Bolingbrook. Congresswoman Judy Biggert, a Hinsdale Republican, is joining the Illinois Housing Development Authority in offering today's event, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at DuPage Township Levy Center, 251 Canterbury Lane, Bolingbrook. Personalized guidance, workshops on refinancing, foreclosure prevention, legal rights, loss mitigation and credit counseling will be available. For more information, visit www.ihda.org.

Fighting child abuse

Friends of the DuPage County Children's Center is reaching out to the public and businesses to help make the nonprofit group's annual fundraiser a success. The family brunch and silent auction is April 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Drury Lane in Oak Brook. Last year, the center investigated 363 cases of abuse involving 396 children. Proceeds from the fundraising event help pay for victim counseling, family support programs and staff training. Tickets are $50 for adults; $15 for children 12 to 5; or free for kids under 5. Corporate sponsors also are needed. For more information, visit www.fdccc.org.

New youth movement

West Chicago announced the creation of a new program Friday to help address the needs of youth in the community. The city has created a new youth coordinator position whose duties include working with other organizations, recruiting volunteers and promoting existing youth programs such Open-Gym and Senior Leaf-Raking.

Car dealership approved

Lombard trustees have authorized a car dealership to open along North Avenue at Grace Street. European Auto Exchange aims to sell 400 to 600 automobiles within the $15,000 to $25,000 range annually. The owner plans to update the building interior and add landscaping. All car servicing will occur elsewhere. The dealership is expected to open later this spring.