4greyhoundracers ZERO STARS!!! Stay away from this adoption group! I have been adopting retired…read moregreyhounds since 1998. I have homed 13 to date. I recently lost my male to cancer. I was looking for another pet to adopt for my family and to find my 11 year old senior female greyhound another brother.WeI have always had two greyhounds together because usually when we loose one we adopt another. I contacted 4 greyhound racers and told them exactly what I was looking for, a male that would not be alpha, one that would be laid-back a bit, and one too fit in with an 11-year-old senior hound. I have had older dogs in the past and have actually adopted them at the age of 7, 8 and 9 years old and ones with cancer that no one else wanted I figure they all need to be loved and older hounds can steal our hearts as well as any other age. The group brings you dogs to your home. They expect you to adopt one of them because some of their foster volunteers live quite a distance away and have to travel to your home. They tell you this so from the beginning of the adoption process, you feel a bit obligated to take a dog on that day. They also told me the day they brought them that if somebody returned a dog, they would badmouth them to other groups and make it hard for them to adopt again. My experience with this group was they brought two dogs that I picked out and two dogs that I did not. The first who came into the home brought in by the president of the group. One dog was very, very young she had kept on a leash. I don't think the dog was trusted to be off me. The other one walked around the house and peed three times all over everything. Then the third dog came in he seemed like he was the one I was interested in just by looking at pictures, but anybody knows that when you are going through a greyhound group you never adopted by pictures alone you have to meet the dog and you have to also make sure the dog is going to work in your family. I knew this dog was younger, but by the way they described him between the adoption group and the foster family was that he was pretty laid-back but like to play, etc. We ended up adopting the third dog. He was pretty laid back for around two days by day three he was running through the house , pushing my 11-year-old around and was a horrible fit for our family. I contacted Sue Purdom told her I was having some issues she told me to crate the dog which I really didn't see how this was going to fix things. Maybe prolong them to any time outside the crate I have never created my greyhounds because I never have had to. I've always taught them to get along and respect each other. This was a completely different experience in any of the dogs I have ever adopted. I decided that he wasn't going to work out and it was time to return him. Mind you they had an older seven year-old that was looking for a home, but his name was never mentioned. They went on to tell me well you didn't pick him off the Internet. It's not always up to the adapter to pick a dog off the Internet. It is up to the group to find the correct dog for the family And suggest them. This dog was never mentioned. When I asked if the seven year-old would be a better fit, I was told we don't exchange greyhounds. They basically came took the dog back. Did not refund my $750 and also sent out an email to another group that I was looking into to adopt from. Needless to say I was able to call that group and tell them what had happened. Period. this was by far the worst group I have ever dealt with in my life of adopting greyhounds. It wasn't about getting the correct dog into the home. It was about getting a dog into a home and taking the money. I don't believe this group is all about the dogs. I believe it is all about the money and just getting a dog placed wherever possible. So I give this group no stars not even one. When I spoke to other groups about this and other people who have been adopting greyhounds for many years, they all said this is not the way you go about placing greyhounds. They would have never had a return if they would have got me the right dog. Someone is not doing their job correctly and that is all I really have to say. It is a sad reality in the greyhound adoption world.

From the owner: We are an all-volunteer, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to finding caring,…read morecommitted homes for retired racing greyhounds. We promote greyhound adoption by providing information to the public on what wonderful pets these retired athletes make. 4 Greyhound Racers serves the northern Illinois and Southeastern Wisconsin areas. 4 Greyhound Racers is a foster-based adoption program. While waiting for their "happy ever after", our hounds are in a foster home, learning the basics of how to be a pet. Our foster families have cats, small dogs, children and work hours. They live in apartments, townhouses, single family homes and farms. Our foster families are the heart and soul of our adoption group - and truly, what sets us apart.

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.

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

This is a great resource for the community. I volunteered here for a few months too. Support them…read morein any way you can!

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 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 !

Recently came to this Goodwill as one of my last stops in the Glen Ellyn area. It's your average…read moreGoodwill store, parking could be a little bit of a challenge but this store features everything practical that you can find at a Goodwill store. This location is more quieter than other Goodwill locations. I feel like dislocation is pretty limited on finding rare gems. Staff here was doing a lot of cleaning inside as well rotating while we are still browsing. Restrooms are fairly maintained. Overall this location could be a hit or miss, check out lines can be long. You'll save a few bucks if you have a rewards number. Average experience.

The Morton Arboretum is a must visit for everyone in the Chicago suburbs and visitors! There is so…read moremuch to see and do. Tons of walking paths and trails and such a wonderful and expansive children's garden with water play, opportunities to explore nature and get hands on plus a fun hedge maze! We always have a great time visiting. If you live near enough, getting a family membership is worth it to go a few times a year including their holiday lights walk through which is AMAZING and a yearly tradition for my family.

I have nothing but positive things to say about the Morton Arboretum. It offers a wonderful variety…read moreof scenic trails to explore, a fun children's area, a short maze, beautiful gardens, and impressive outdoor sculptures. There are also picnic and dining areas, along with clean, well-maintained restrooms. The Arboretum is such a peaceful place to relax, unwind, and even sit down with a good book. Whether you're looking to enjoy nature, get in a great walk, or simply take in the beautiful views, it's the perfect destination. It's a fantastic place to get your steps in while surrounded by stunning scenery.