DuPagePads Together we can end homelessness!

July 2025

Lindy Achieves Her Dream!

In 2022, Lindy* was staying with family after falling behind on bills and other expenses after being in a serious car accident. Her situation was unsustainable, however, and Lindy was forced to live in her car. Scraping together enough money for a rare night in a motel, Lindy headed over to the address she found on the booking website. Upon arrival, she realized there was a mistake on the website and that where previously a motel stood, now stood the Interim Housing Center (IHC). Lindy explained her situation to IHC staff who sprang into action to help her, connecting her with intake services and finding a room for her.


“I was so overwhelmed,” she shared. “I felt like I was in the right place at the right time – everyone was so accommodating and helpful.”

 

While staying at the IHC, Lindy dove into EES programs and worked hard to prepare for a home of her own again. EES stands for Education and Employment Services. Employment programs and resources for individuals who are homeless or have experienced homelessness are crucial in breaking the cycle of poverty and providing opportunities for success and self-sufficiency. At DuPagePads, these programs provide essential skills training, resume building, and interview preparation that empower clients to compete in the competitive job market. DuPagePads is fortunate to have an Education and Employment Services department that helps clients navigate the complexities of career planning.


Two years after first arriving at the front door of the IHC, Lindy stepped into a new chapter of her life by moving into a DuPagePads Supportive Housing apartment. This change marked the beginning of her journey towards stability and accomplishing her dreams, including her career goals. One such goal was to become a certified Pharmacy Technician. Through dedication and hard work, Lindy passed her certification exam with an almost perfect score! 


Lindy shared her gratitude to the employment team at DuPagePads, whe she says helped her overcome numerous challenges in obtaining employment. The resume review and interviewing tips classes were particularly influential, and Lindy shared, “You can have the experience, but you have to put it into words. After DuPagePads helped make changes, my resume started getting hits.”

 

Now, Lindy is about to reach 90 days at her dream job as a pharmacy technician, with aspirations of becoming a lead and obtaining additional certifications! We are so proud of Lindy’s hard work, dedication, and commitment.


Lindy’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of the EES team at DuPagePads. To continue this life-changing work, DuPagePads relies on your support. Each donation helps provide the resources necessary to equip individuals with what they need to build brighter futures for themselves. Your support can make a real difference. 

Register for the Rock & Bowl by August 1 for the chance to win BIG!

Saturday, September 27

Noon

Fox Bowl


Join DuPagePads at Fox Bowl in Wheaton for a fun afternoon of bowling! Invite family, friends, or co-workers to create your team of 5 bowlers.


Register your team and design your fundraising page. Then, work together to raise a minimum of $500 in team fundraising for DuPagePads.


All team members receive a t-shirt, pizza, ice cream, and a chance to win great raffle prizes!


Awards will be given to the top three fundraising teams, and the teams with the three highest bowling scores.


Can YOU help us fill every lane at Fox Bowl and help more neighbors experiencing homelessness? Register your team and begin fundraising today!

DuPagePads Thanks Outgoing

Board Members

Pictured Left to Right: Outgoing Board Members Tami Weir, Vickie Tabbert, Hon. Steve Rosenblum and Ryan Bird

This June, DuPagePads recognized and thanked four outgoing board members, including our Board President Vickie Tabbert. Please join us in sharing the best of wishes to Vickie, along with outgoing Board Members Tami Weir, Hon. Steve Rosenblum, and Ryan Bird!


Our four outgoing board members were instrumental in navigating the planning and purchase of the Interim Housing Center, which has exponentially increased our ability to provide shelter, food, and support services to those experiencing homelessness in DuPage County. Under their guidance, we welcomed April Redzic as President & CEO, whose leadership has brought us tremendous success in our mission. During their tenures, our housing programs have expanded significantly, allowing us to serve many more vulnerable members of our community.


We are so grateful for their years of dedication to ending homelessness and for the amazing difference they’ve made. Tami, Vickie, Steve, and Ryan, we thank you for all that you have done and will continue to do in our community!


Joining the board are three passionate community members who bring a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to DuPagePads. To learn more about our wonderful new board members, click below!

DuPagePads Volunteer Opportunity: Coffee (and tea) Lovers Unite!

The Coffee Station still needs help! Providing a warm and welcoming start to the day for clients at the Interim Housing Center is a great way to give back to your community.


We are seeking YOUR HELP with this service every morning. Without more volunteers, the coffee cart cannot operate for the over 300 individuals who start their day at the IHC.


Help make mornings brighter for IHC clients—one cup at a time!

URGENT NEEDS


Donations of non-perishable, shelf-stable foods and personal care items have run incredibly low this month for our clients in shelter. New donations can be made 24/7 using the Contactless Donations Drop-Off box in front of our Access Center at 703 W. Liberty in Wheaton, or by shopping from our Amazon Wishlist and ship it directly to us.


Click below to see what items are most needed this month! 


Abigail Black

Case Manager

Supportive Housing


De'Onna Clark

Engagement Specialist Supportive Housing


Vanessa Freeman

Case Manager

Supportive Housing


Lauren Milligan

Employment Specialist

EES


Debra Taylor

Case Worker

IHC

 
 

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