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DuPage Foundation awards grant to DuPagePads. From left: Deborah du Vair, DuPage Foundation Grant Committee; Carol Simler and Janelle Barcelona, DuPagePads; Del Koch, DuPage Foundation Trustee.

DuPagePads was one of 36 not-for-profit organizations to receive a grant at the DuPage Foundation’s Spring Grant Awards Breakfast held on Tuesday, June 12, at Glen Oak Country Club in Glen Ellyn. The DuPage Foundation awarded more than $500,000 in grants to organizations working in the area of Health and Human Services. The grant received will help underwrite DuPagePadsFamily Outreach program.

“Once children who were homeless obtain a place to call ‘home,’ their health improves and they can focus in school and excel in their studies. DuPagePads Family Outreach program keeps families engaged in comprehensive support services so that they can overcome their challenges to housing and ultimately work toward their full potential,” says Carol Simler, DuPagePads President & CEO.

DuPage Foundation’s grant funding for DuPagePads Family Outreach program ensures participants have access to stabilizing support services including obtaining mainstream benefits, healthcare and employment training. Additionally, DuPagePads case managers advocate for children within local school districts. The Family Outreach program aims to serve over 120 individuals in 40 families, with more than half of those served being 17 years old or younger. The program estimates that 60% will obtain stable housing; and 40% of the families served will obtain stable housing in six months or less.

With over 32 years of service, DuPagePads has become the largest provider of services to those who are homeless in DuPage County. DuPagePads’ mission is to end homelessness in DuPage County through the solution housing, coupled with support services and employment. Last year the agency served 1,233 people, with 72% listing their last address in DuPage County. Of those served, DuPagePads assisted 383 people in obtaining stable housing. The administration office is located at 601 West Liberty, Wheaton, IL 60187. Additional information can be obtained by contacting DuPagePads at 630.682.3846 or at www.dupagepads.org.

DuPage Foundation staff and grant committee members received 53 applications and are proud to say 68% of the projects submitted this spring were funded. DuPage Foundation Vice President for Programs Barb Szczepaniak explained, “It is because of donors who have given unrestricted gifts or established field of interest funds that our Community Needs Grant Program exists. And it is because of donors with individual donor-advised funds that we can supplement the original program and award even more organizations their grant requests. This wonderful teamwork results in support for so many worthy causes!”