Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food & Outreach Program

My mom has taught me all of her networking skills. I assisted her in networking with The Greater Chicago Food Depository, Quaker Oats, and a couple others in order to create our food pantry outreach organization. It has made a major impact in the community. People of all creeds come from surrounding areas to get food. We don't turn anyone away and we don't just assist those in the community. Whoever is in need of food in the surrounding communities are welcome to get food as well and it is no strings attached and no requirements. It has really helped during these hard economic times. I've seen all kinds of people with many different situations. A retired firefighter who receives just enough to pay his bills which leaves him none for food so he comes to our pantry. Another young widow lost her husband to a heart attack, her job was downsized causing her to be laid off, and her furnace went out. Because her children are over 18yrs of age she was told she could not receive any financial or food assistance therefore she turned to us for help. Immigrants who can't get the assistant of the govt with food have come to us. People laid off their jobs without unemployment funds. Young teen mothers struggling to feed their babies let alone themselves. Children who's parents are drug addicts/prostitutes/alcoholics. Those struggling with heart disease, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS which all require a specific diet that may be too costly. We get them all and it feels good to be able to provide for them and be a food safe haven.