While celebrating a new era in its 30-year history at the organization’s “Day Without Hunger” event, Loaves & Fishes Community Services also was being recognized at the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago (UWMC) Community Celebration at the Spertus Institute in Chicago as a Top Agency Partner in the area of Safety Net. Held June 13, the event was a celebration of successful community collaborations that are making measurable change in increasing high school graduation rates, building financial stability, improving health and meeting basic needs.
“Loaves & Fishes was selected because of its extraordinary service in providing safety net services to individuals and families throughout the western suburbs who need it most,” said David Cassel, chief professional officer at United Way of DuPage/West Cook. “Loaves & Fishes continues to be a leader in developing service delivery models that are inclusive, coordinated and collaborative in a way that allows service recipients to access all of the services they need.”
During the celebration at Spertus Institute, Loaves & Fishes was simultaneously making major announcements at its facility in the western suburbs, including a name change that encompasses the organization’s multi-faceted approach and a $6 million campaign to help it achieve its strategic goals. Several service model revisions also were announced along with the forecasting of multiple locations in the near future.
“The Loaves & Fishes approach to ending hunger and empowering lives assisted 4,770 west suburban families last year,” said Charles P. McLimans, Loaves & Fishes’ president and chief executive officer. “As we evolve our approach and begin replicating our service model throughout the suburbs, our partnership with UWMC is crucial to our success. This recognition as a Top Agency Partner gives us confidence to take these necessary steps forward and advance our mission.”
Loaves & Fishes
Loaves & Fishes is a 501 (c) (3) anti-poverty organization located at 1871 High Grove Lane, Naperville and provides multi-faceted programs, such as job search support, food assistance, skill-based classes and public benefit assistance, to low-income, west suburban residents. Learn more about getting help, making a donation, or volunteering at http://www.loaves-fishes.org or call (630) 355-3663.
United Way of Metropolitan Chicago
United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, located at 333 S. Wabash Ave., 30th Floor, in Chicago, is part of a network of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways in 45 countries and territories. It serves as the backbone of local United Way offices, generating, convening and coordinating resources across funders, service providers, government and civic leaders to deliver large-scale measurable and sustainable impact. Learn more here: http://uw-mc.org/.
Story and photo submitted by Jody Bender, Director of Community Engagement, Loaves & Fishes.
