360 Youth Services seeks support for Emergency Shelter Program
In response to the recent rise in youth homelessness in the community, 360 Youth Services launched an Emergency Shelter Program in January. This one-of-a-kind program in DuPage County helps to provide hotel rooms for young people ages 18-24 experiencing homelessness.
Young people who have been sleeping outside, couch surfing, or living out of vehicles can gain access through 360 Youth Services to case management, life skills education, and connections to public benefits while waiting for stable housing via transitional or rapid rehousing programs, or sometimes, reunification with family.
The community is welcome to help break the cycle of homelessness by contributing to the Emergency Shelter Program.
Founded in 1971, 360 Youth Services now offers substance use prevention education, counseling and housing. The organization serves youth and families in Naperville and surrounding areas.
For more information all programs or to donate any amount, visit www.360youthservices.org.
Food, family fun and fireworks coming to The Naperville Salute Independence Day Weekend
Naperville Responds For Veterans will host The Naperville Salute, a hometown focused Fourth of July celebration, on July 2-4, 2021. The Salute will be designed for the Naperville community and honor our hometown heroes, first responders, military, and Veterans.
The Salute is will welcome the community for a fun-filled Independence Day Weekend; however, the COVID-19 landscape is changing daily. Details regarding entertainment, food options, family fun and activities will be announced as they become available.
The inaugural Naperville Salute was postponed in 2020 due to COVID-19.
“We are excited to host The Napeville Salute, and a return to celebrate our Independence this year – that the community can enjoy – and we can support and honor our hometown heroes, first responders, military, and Veterans,” said Michele Clemen, The Salute’s Chairwoman.
The Salute Planning Committee is monitoring all COVID-19 guidelines and safety is the top priority. The Salute will be taking all necessary COVID-19 safety precautions as recommended by local health officials, the State of Illinois and CDC. These include but are not limited to mandates regarding social distancing, mask wearing, and capacity limits.
The Salute will blend community, local entertainment, food and family fun at Rotary Hill located near downtown Naperville along the Riverwalk July 2-3 and conclude with fireworks July 4 at Frontier Park in south Naperville.
Sponsorship opportunities are available by emailing sponsorships@napervillesalute.com. Proceeds from The Salute will benefit Naperville Responds for Veterans. For more info, visit www.napervillesalute.com.
Naperville Irish Fest is set for Aug. 6-7
The West Suburban Irish officially will launch its Inaugural Naperville Irish Fest, a two-day family-friendly festival, on Fri., Aug. 6, 2021, with an Opening Ceremony at 2:30PM. The fun continues Friday until 10PM and begins again at noon on Sat., Aug. 7, 2021, until 10PM. The event will be held at the Frontier Sports Complex, 3380 Cedar Glade Road, just south of 95th Street in Naperville.
“In addition to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Quiz Nights, we wanted to share the rich cultural history and tradition of Ireland with the community,” said Terry O’Dowd, Event Founder and Co-Chairman with his wife, Marjorie. “The Naperville Irish Fest is open to everyone and it offers a variety of activities, there is something here for everyone to enjoy.”
Join the West Suburban Irish for live music, Irish cultural activities, Irish Dancing, a Hurling Tournament, Camogie Games, food, beverages, children’s activities, rides, and so much more.
“With the rollout of vaccinations, we feel comfortable taking the steps to create an Irish experience this summer for all to safely enjoy,” said Mike Reilly, President, West Suburban Irish.”
West Suburban Irish, Inc. is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Naperville. For more than a quarter century the fun-loving group has brought the rich Irish culture and tradition to thousands of people in the western suburbs of Chicago through parades, charitable giving, cultural events, and more. For tickets, volunteer opportunities, and the latest updates on Naperville Irish Fest, go to wsirish.org.
The music lineup will be announced with a program schedule to follow in the summer.
Save the date! Save July 30!
The first annual Walk On! in Memory of Chuck Papanos, benefiting the Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF), will take place on July 30, on at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion.
Registration will begin at 6PM with the walk stepping off at 7PM. To donate or participate, go to Lymphoma.org/NapervilleWalk.