Why does Tammy Alvarez value helping with PADS?

Why does Tammy Alvarez value helping with PADS? Here is what she had to say, "Five years ago I was invited to be on the PADS board by a friend. Helping provide shelter to the homeless had long been something I wanted to be a part of. That same year I began volunteering on the 2nd shift at Peace Lutheran Church on Monday nights. Going to work the next day after volunteering sometimes was hard, but I would remind myself that I was fortunate enough to have a soft bed, a warm house and more than enough groceries in my life. 4 hours once a month to be a little tired seemed like a small inconvenience compared to helping those in need. After the first year my husband joined me volunteering. We are fortunate to be able give back to our community."

Thank you Tammy for making our community a better place! If you would like to join the PADS mission in Grundy County, please message us. The new season starts soon & help is still needed!

From PADS Board member Marilyn Yuhas...

PADS Board member Marilyn Yuhas wanted to share this about her experience with PADS, "I have always believed that when you live in a community it is your duty to support the different organizations and causes. I was asked to join PADS as a Board member about a year ago. My knowledge about PADS was limited but thought I might be able to help. I have learned much, this past year, about this amazing organization and I am proud to be a part of such a wonderful support service. This past year has given me more insight to the people who struggle with being homeless and empathy for the daily challenges they face. No one wants to be homeless, but due to circumstances they find themselves seeking shelter during the coldest months of the year. I have met many people who volunteer and have so much love in their heart. They support the mission of PADS to provide Shelter and Sustenance to those who are in need. I have always believed in the “Pay it Forward” philosophy in life. Please consider volunteering for a 3 hour shift once a week. Your heart will be full after helping those in need."

Thanks Marilyn - that says it all!

The PADS Mission at Work

In case you were wondering what the PADS mission is all about, here is a bit of info. Local churches take turns offering overnight shelter & food to area homeless families & individuals. Every night of the week from Oct-Apr the PADS program rotates to a different church. Local volunteers staff each evening over 3 shifts. After a secure check-in process, PADS guests are provided with a warm meal, access to a shower, a comfortable safe bed for the night, breakfast in the morning, & a lunch to go. Guests are also put in contact with local social services that may help meet their needs to move towards food & home security.

in 2016 PADS hosted 71 different people with 10-11 guests per evening on average. The guests ranged in ages & genders and even included several families with teenagers & young children. In total, PADS provided 1,842 meals & shelter last season to those in need. New numbers for 2017 coming soon...

This amazing local mission is much needed in our community & as you can see is doing very good work. It cannot continue without the help of all of us. Please consider lending a hand to someone. It makes all the difference in our community & it makes Grundy County be a more compassionate & wonderful place that we can all be proud to live in!

From Grundy County Housing Authority C.E.O. Brent Newman...

"I volunteer for PADS because it reminds me love can work amazing miracles in our lives, no matter how desperate or awful our lives might seem. I do it because of the small victories that make huge differences in the lives of the people who are served at PADS. I do it because a kind word can be the difference, literally, between someone deciding to trudge through another cold Illinois winter's day or just lay down and die."

PADS Training Video

From PADS Volunteer DeWitt Buchanan...

PADS volunteer DeWitt Buchanan had this to say about what PADS means to him, "PADS has been an eye‐opening experience for me. New to the program, I had some pre‐conceived notions about the homeless, that I found to be largely wrong. They are much like me in many ways. Regardless of why they are here, PADS has given me a tangible way to show care and support for those less fortunate. PADS has also provided a way that I can give of my time in trying to make our community stronger and better. I have met some really wonderful people—both guests and other volunteers— some who have become special friends to me."

Please consider joining our local PADS mission to make Grundy County a better place for all - both the homeless & those who serve. 

From PADS Volunteer Tom Hardman...

Thought we would share a special PADS memory from volunteer Tom Hardman... "Last season we had a family with teenagers staying at PADS. Some of the volunteers got Christmas presents for the children. We shared the gifts the family and in return they also had candy & gifts for the other guests & volunteers."

We invite you to join us and be part of the PADS family this winter. Volunteers are still needed to be able to offer shelter & food season. We hope that you will consider sharing in a spirit of love with your neighbors!