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Happy Holidays to all. The photo is from last years Holiday Tree Lightning Ceremony. What a great time that was had by all. I don’t know where the year went, however may the spirit of the Holidays be in your heart through out the year. My Hanover Park story of compassion follows:
They say it takes a village to raise a child. This is true, several months ago a family of seven found themselves homeless following a serious fire. The local fire department did an excellent job putting out the fire. When all was said and done, seven people were homeless and they had few resources to get them back on their feet. Nearly all for their possessions were lost. They have been living in various hotels since, and are today. This can cost as much as $600 per week, leaving no means for getting ahead to secure a permanent place to live. Still together as a family, they have been doing the best they can to survive day to day, but the emotional and financial impact of the fire and the ongoing struggles of raising three kids continue to make life very hard.
The kids are enrolled in school and the school staff and social workers are already working to meet needs. After receiving food and clothing from “Hands Of Hope” at Evangel Church, they met another Hanover Park resident who had had seen tough times himself. This man provided the name of the Fire Department Chaplain, and suggested they may find hope there. In doing so, a chain reaction of resources was put into action to assist this family with housing, food, clothing, employment, counseling and social support. Keeneyville School District 20, Evangel Church, our Fire Department, Salvation Army, the Hanover Park Community Resource Center, St Columba Episcopal and Living Christ Lutheran Churches are assisting as they provide services and partnerships to help this family. Other resources will be called upon for transitional housing, transportation, financial assistance and case management. Willing to work hard and grateful for the assistance that is being offered, a family once set back is on their feet again, they will be ok.
Hanover Park has its share of problems, but we also have an abundance of resources (human assets) and many people who care. It is because of the commitment to the needs of others that the agencies, Churches, and organizations of Hanover Park we can collectively provide effective services. It is because of the commitment and concern for each other that this family has made it this far. It is by working together as one Hanover Park that we can offer real hope and real change to those in need. Thank you all.
On December 6th, the Hanover Park’s Inclusion & Diversity Committee is presenting “Surviving this Economic Crisis” Strengthening Our Family Symposium. It will be held at the Hanover Park Park District at Noon – 3:00 PM. You are invited; RSVP to TrusteeCarter@yahoo.com or to me Rodney.craig@hpil.org.
This is my Holiday message. We celebrate our blessings and we volunteer to mentor those who have needs and a helping hand to make a difference. Our Schools work to instill opportunities through mentorship, hope, and believing that everyone can succeed, “No Exceptions.” The only risk we see is our commitment to engage and participate. Contact me if mentorship is in your heart.
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