I have contributed to and had some non-proift business contact with Bridge Communities since it was…read moreformed some twenty years ago. I have the highest opinion of Bridge and their staff. They are effective, business like with a heart and warmth and they have a top reputation for their field of activity. Bridge has helped many adults and children to a better life. I support them wholeheartedly.

http://www.bridgecommunities.org/ They provide transitional housing for people in the process of…read morebecoming self-sufficient. One of the goals is to keep the children in their same school, because bouncing from place to place is detrimental to kids' academic progress. They are taking part in the Sleep Out for the Homeless this November. Great great GREAT people. Give them your time and $$ - it's worth it.

What a great organization! Even if you know nothing about building homes or construction, you can…read morestill volunteer here. They will show you what you need to do. If you do know how to do these things, you should volunteer because they would love you. We had a great experience today. They have volunteers that are experienced that will teach you the way. They are very friendly and funny. You will work hard. We put up drywall, but the options of things you may do are endless (besides a few items like roofing). You volunteer for a full day, get a lunch break and a break in the morning. Be prepared to use a portapotty. Also be prepared to build a home or make modifications to a home for a person who really needs it. Worth it.

A genuine organization that is very well run. I would wholeheartedly donate and give references to…read morethis agency. Fresh fruits and vegetables available and healthy food options. Plus clothes and books. Help with bills etc.

Tonya & Kate have been extremely rude & unprofessional in handling my emergency rental assistance,…read moreI am self employed and owed 6,800 through IDES both employees failed to have me do any questionnaire on what's the delay for the money & they never sent over the 1099 documents for the cash I've received to help get qualified for the grant. They have been dismissive, won't transfer me to the correct person or schedule an appointment to speak with a board member on why I can't receive a written response with detailed explanation on how we can't go further, Tonya constantly kept saying this was pending litigation & didn't ask any questions on the documents sent to her that showed that I have a large sum of money coming my way that will help me pay my rent from that point on, this grant is for emergencies & everything I sent was never looked at or questioned on the severity of the emergency

I wrote this a while back, but never posted it. I didn't want to change my wording so I left it…read more This event was several months ago, but I left my feelings written as I originally wrote them because they were written in the moment.... This morning I wake up feeling lucky. Lucky to have the wonderful family I have been blessed with and lucky to be a part of their lives. Last night, I went to a fundraiser for Teen Parent Connection. If you don't know what it is, take a moment to look it up. It's a wonderful organization of people who help teen parents when they need it most. They have support groups and classes about becoming parents and what's involved with it, they support these young people during the time when they need it most. My sister was a part of this organization both as a teen parent and then as a mentor for others once she was a mom. I tend to forget how hard it was for her because I was so young when my nephew came into this world but last night I heard stories from other teen moms that bravely spoke to hundreds of people that attended the event. It's was beautiful. These young women who took a situation that I'm sure scare them to death and turned it into a blessing with the help and support of Teen Parent Connection. They became teen moms like my sister once was and didn't let that stop them from living their dreams. It's funny how you forget how things once were. Teen Parent Connection is a real organization doing things to change the lives of people that could be your neighbor, coworker, cousin, child, friend, sister or even you. The stories I heard made me cry. The reason: because they were real. People become parents at many different ages and its doesn't necessarily become easier at any specific age but teens are judgmental, society sucks, people don't generally support teen pregnancy but its a real thing and it happens. Life happens. Who knows, maybe I could have had a child but it wasn't in the cards for me. Everything happens for a reason and the children and families involved in TPC are proof of that. I'm not mentioning anyone in particular here but he knows who he is and I couldn't imagine my life without him. 17 years ago, I was still a child and was pretty excited my big sis was pregnant and I was going to be an auntie! I knew people were not supportive and I'm sure there were moments people judged but if there is one value OUR mother taught us, it's that we were not put on this earth to judge. Well leave that to the big guy upstairs. Lots of love to you, sister. There is no price I could put on the things you have taught me. My support last night, that's nothing. Giving back to an organization like TPC is priceless.

The mission statement of Teen Parent Connection: "To serve…read morethe community through education on the realities and responsibilities of teenage pregnancy and through long-term assistance to adolescent parents for their development of self-esteem, parenting skills, and empowerment toward self-sufficiency." Yea for TPC! Here are some of the services they provide for young moms and dads: -Doula (pregnancy support person). Will met with mom and dad throughout pregnancy to prepare for the 'big day'. The doula will be there at the hospital during the birth to provide information and support. Doula's also meet with parents after birth to help with breastfeeding, postpartum depression screenings, etc. -Childbirth Education Class (CBE). Parents can learn about birth while meeting other young parents! -Health Families DuPage: Trained family support workers visit families in their home and answer any questions about taking care of baby/toddler/child. FSW's can answer questions and provide support for discipline, immunizations, illness, and also perform developmental tests. -Groups: Parenting support groups are a great way to meet other young parents and learn more about how to care for your child. We have groups all over DuPage county! -Parents Pantry: When a parents utilizes any of the above services, they are rewarded with Baby Bucks. They can use these Baby Bucks to go shopping in our AMAZING Parents Pantry, and purchase diapers, wipes, formula, baby clothes, etc. -Prevention: Health educators and peer educators visit classrooms and community groups to discuss the realites of teen pregnancy, and how to prevent an uninteded pregnancy, as well as STD's/HIV. -And finally, our scholarship program: parents can apply for a large shcolarship to be used for a college or vocational school. So, yes, I work for Teen Parent Connection. Please refer any interested parents to our website, www.teenparentconnection.org, or call us directly at (630) 790-8433.

VFW's bring up childhood memories of cranky old men complaining about the war. At least that is…read morehow they seemed where I grew up. This place is anything but cranky old men complaining about the war. My first experience here was completely surprising. I came for the Friday fish fry with my father and the nugget, who was a baby at the time. During Lent, this place is PACKED with people on Friday nights. I could not believe it. While waiting for my fish to arrive, I got a glass of wine at the bar. I thought I misheard the price...nope I didn't...it was soooo cheap compared to a bar or restaurant. After I bit into a nice meaty piece of fried fish, I was hooked (buh duh cha). The fish fry continues all year long...not just during Lent. Don't like fish, no problem. They have Italian Beef sandwiches, hot dogs, and fried shrimp. The price of your meal also includes coffee, and cake for dessert. You can't go wrong. Don't forget to bring some cash for the raffles. They usually do a 50/50 raffle, and some other thing. For Valentine's Day there was a delicious pork dinner and a band. For St. Paddy's they do a corned beef dinner. High suggested! Tuesday is Bingo and Thursday is wing night. There is almost always something going on here. Check it out!

I know it's a Fish Fry but they have 1/2 pound prime rib burgers that are the best tasting burgers…read moreI have ever eaten. And I've eaten a lot of burgers! The fish can be ordered fried (not as healthy) or baked (healthy). Both taste great but I can't resist fried!

I'll keep this review shorter than a blast of diarrhea. When a thrift store charges $6 to $8 for a…read moredonated used t-shirt, they have sealed the deal. I see it is better to support Amazon and Walmart then this For Profit corporation.

I would rate Negative 5 stars if I could !…read more I wanted to Donate an entire condominium 's worth of furniture, clothes, and miscellaneous items. I spoke with the manager here who gave me a flyer with a number to call for a Pick Up of all items. In order to Pick Up they wanted to CHARGE ME almost $800 TO PICK UP everything !!!! Is Goodwill out of their freaking minds?!?! That is now the LAST TIME I will EVER consider donating or visit a Goodwill !

Morton Arb! Oh my, one of my favorite places! No matter how many times you visit here, you are sure…read moreto find something new or different every single time. The seasons bring so many beautiful changes to this place, but the Arb is absolutely phenomenal at continuously expanding its attractions. From rotating art/sculptures, hosting gorgeous weddings, to their children's area, live music, dog days, pop up events, art shows and an awesome gift shop. Even the most anti-outdoors person would enjoy coming here. Parking is ample and the park is huge, spanning 1,700 acres! It took me many years realize how fortunate I was to grow up with this sensational outdoor museum within minutes from my home, after visiting many similar gardens, I can confirm the Arb is certainly a must see experience for nature lovers. There is some amazing history about this place as well. J. Sterling Morton created Arbor Day and he was the father of Joy Morton (founded Morton Salt). Joy made moneeyyyyy and decided he was going to buy land and basically collect trees from all over the world. In 1922, The Morton Arboretum was established with 175 acres and it's SO COOL this place still exists and has blown up to 1,700 acres. BTW there is still a cemetery on site honoring the Morton family.

It's been a very long time since I've been to this place since I was little and it's still as…read morebeautiful as I remember when I was little girl When you drive up to the cashier in your car, you can pay one dollar with your WIC card if not general admission is $27 The service is very nice and very quick

Fantastic business with great products for people in need!! Definitely take your unneeded things…read morehere to donate, as they will go to people who are grateful to receive them and put them to good use!

Don't take your stuff to Goodwill where they are profiting from your drop offs. Bring it here. It's…read morenot a resale shop. They provide necessities for people who are actually in need. For free. Many of whom are refugees. No one makes a dime here. And no one pays a dime. Getting ready for a major renovation, I went through every closet and nook and cranny and collected anything I didn't need anymore. It was the perfect time to buy new towels, so I donated all of my old towels. All of the redecorating I've done in the past, filled my linen closet to the brim with nice bedding sets. I bagged them up and donated those too. Clothes I don't wear anymore. Snow pants and coats that never get used. Dishes that were gifts that I didn't want. Old utensils that have been replaced. My closets have never looked better, and refugees without basic necessities can get help starting their new lives here.

Nancy reworked my 30 year old silk wedding dress into a mini that my daughter is so excited to…read morewear. She did an amazing job! She understood what we wanted and provided suggestions on the best way to get there and didn't miss a detail. I highly recommend her!

Nancy is wonderful to work with! She has altered a few of my dresses, and every one has turned out…read morebeautifully. She is easy to schedule with and consistently finishes her work ahead of the estimated completion date. I highly recommend her for anyone looking for reliable, high-quality tailor.