Past Features |
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Katie - DonorWe are particularly inspired by one of our youngest donors – 8 year old Katie. At an age when most kids are planning their next play date, Katie is planning to end homelessness. On a rainy night 2 years ago, Katie and her mother talked about how lucky they were to have a safe, warm place to live. Katie was so moved that she decided to help those in need. Her first project – Katie Kares: Make a House a Home – raised over $500! Katie did not stop there. Even through she is busy after school with soccer and basketball, Katie, along with her mom, dad, sister, and brother, found other ways to raise funds for those in need. Katie hosted and participated in a variety of fundraising events, including her own birthday benefit, a walk to end hunger, a garage sale with toys and books from her own collection, a lemonade stand, and more. In addition to working hard to raise funds, Katie also advocates for those in need. She has presented the importance of giving at her church, school, and Girl Scout troop, sharing the phrase “It doesn’t matter what your clothes are; it’s compassion that makes you cool.” Katie is an inspiration for all and offers hope for the future. To learn more about Katie's projects, check out her website: |
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Margaret Daniels - Fund Manager“I look at clients not as statistics, but as someone who’s looking for help.” Those words exemplify the compassion and commitment that Margaret Daniels brings to her role as volunteer fund manager for the Emergency Fund’s Financial Assistance Program. Margaret is one of over fifty Fund Managers helping to serve our clients at partner agencies throughout the Chicago area. An Arkansas native, Margaret relocated to Chicago to pursue a dietician internship at a local hospital. After working as a ward dietician at Cook County Hospital for 15 years, Margaret joined Bethel New Life in 1986 as the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Nutritionist. Bethel New Life provides a variety of services for Austin, Garfield Park and Humboldt Park residents, including but not limited to: family case management, WIC, temporary supportive housing, adult day care, assisted living for seniors, and employment services. Twenty-two years later, Margaret is now the organization’s Program Director of Family Case Management and WIC, in addition to serving as a volunteer fund manager for the Emergency Fund. Margaret has the affect of the friendly next door neighbor or your favorite aunt. She loves to cook, dance, and sing in her church’s choir. But perhaps what is most evident when interacting with Margaret is her passion for helping people. Her motto: “No one is a stranger to me.” Through the Emergency Fund’s Financial Assistance Program, Margaret is able to assist individuals and families that need short term help in remaining or becoming self-sufficient, such as providing a transportation pass to help a single mother get to and from work, or helping a family pay their utilities and avoid eviction. “Often times, just $200-$300 can make the difference in keeping someone in their home. I can actually see the weight being lifted off their shoulders when I am able to help them stay in their homes, or keep the lights on,” says Margaret. “There are no other resources in the community like the Emergency Fund. I thank the donors because it is a much needed service.” The Emergency Fund currently has 58 volunteer fund managers at partner agencies throughout greater Chicago working to further our mission of providing immediate financial assistance to help Chicago area low-income individuals and families through a crisis or transition. We are greatly appreciative of their diligent service on behalf of Chicago area residents. |
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