Outreach Spring Newsletter – COVID-19 Edition
Individual articles from the Spring 2020 newsletter are each posted separately in our News section, but for your convenience, to view the newsletter in its entirety, please click here.
Outreach Launches Host Family Program
DuPage County continues to have a significant number of youths facing homelessness – with expectations of a startling increase over the coming months as a result of the Coronavirus Pandemic. From day one, Outreach has been committed to a wholistic approach supporting our most vulnerable youth. Our Transitional Housing ministry has helped young women
Outreach In The Midst Of COVID – We’re In This Together
Our entire organization has re-engineered its operations in the midst of this crisis - superbly! We are serving in new ways wherever we can, within safety protocols. We continue to have "essential service" staff on the front lines serving client’s needs at each of our five sites; Wheaton, Warrenville, Carol Stream, West Chicago and
Overcoming The Unemployment Gap: Jubilee Village/Hawthorne House
Every headline reports the devastating impact on our economy as a result of the pandemic. As of mid-May, the unemployment rate in the U.S. increased to over 14% and forecasts warn that this trend will continue in the coming months. But, in many neighborhoods, even in DuPage County, we see just how disproportionately Covid
The Kids Are Savvy
As students complete their 10th week of e-learning, our Youth Development teams continue to maintain close contact with our students and their families, providing supplemental tools for academic enrichment and encouraging creative and fun ways of connecting. Collaboration with each local school has been essential in ensuring each child has the technology and support
Counseling Centers Now 100% Telehealth
In just four days, all Outreach Counseling Centers successfully transitioned to 100% telehealth, allowing OCM therapists to provide mental health treatment ‘virtually’ during this pandemic – which is crucial for the hundreds who rely on these services. “We are seeing many experiencing a feeling of increased mental or emotional strain brought on by the
Our Families Are In Crisis
During times of hardship, OCM Case Managers are on the front line advocating for children and families in need. They assist with resolving various crisis situations including financial issues, loss of employment, potential loss of housing, emergency food, legal matters and navigating public systems such unemployment insurance and disability. With the onset of COVID-19,
In The Driver’s Seat – Volunteer Spotlight: Dave Heslinga
Dependable transportation is often taken for granted. Without it, many face obstacles in retaining employment. Outreach relies on volunteers to ensure many of the young adults participating in the Employment Opportunity Center (EOC) have a way to and from work. When Dave Heslinga retired from his civil engineering career in 2018, he was looking
Older Adults Program Update
The health of our seniors is our number one priority, so most Older Adult Programs (OAP) are on hold – BUT Outreach Community Center volunteers and staff have been getting creative over the last several weeks with inspiring ways to stay connected with the many seniors we serve. Technology has been a godsend with
2020 Outreach Community Center Virtual Spring Dinner
The Virtual Spring Dinner for the Outreach Community Center In Carol Stream is "LIVE"! Each year at this time we count on the Center’s “family of partners” to provide the financial foundation for the Center throughout the new year. Let me be honest – At first it felt very daunting to shift from