Governors State University acknowledges the occasional need for assistance among individuals and families facing unexpected challenges. Whether it's a sudden expense like a fractured leg, a broken radiator, or a busted water heater, these unforeseen circumstances can lead to financial setbacks, food insecurity, or even homelessness. GovState understands the importance of community support during difficult times and has curated a comprehensive list of outreach services and resources provided by our community partners in the Chicago Southland Region.*
South Suburban P.A.D.S. – South Suburban PADS began in 1990 as a response to the growing numbers of individuals and families becoming homeless in the “southland” region (Chicago’s south suburbs). Partnering with a number of congregations and synagogues who we refer to as our Faith Community, a network of emergency shelters became refuge for hundreds of people experiencing homelessness.
Jo-Ray House – Jo-Ray House, Inc. was formed to fight social and economic prejudice and injustice "one brother at a time" by providing a safe place for men to heal, while empowering them to take back their lives for themselves and their families.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Assists in the rental or purchase of a home, and provides many services and training regarding foreclosure, home ownership, etc.
The Jericho Project – The Jericho Project of Rockford, Il is a faith-based ministry to the homeless, former offenders, and veterans. They provide transitional, long-term housing for men.They provide intensive case management, recovery management, continuing education, and job/career mentoring.
GovState Food Pantry – The GovState Food Pantry was established by the Student Senate in collaboration with the Wellness Club to assist GovState students who were experiencing food insecurity.
The Pantry of Rich Township – This pantry provides Food, Diapers, and Personal Care Products (Soap, Shampoo, Toothpaste, etc.) to low income residents of Richton Park and Park Forest. The pantry is open from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. In addition fresh produce is available on the first Wednesday of every month from 10 to Noon. The Pantry is located at 22013 Governors Highway, Richton Park, 60471. Contact Vicki Sline (708)748-6722 for more information.
Together We Cope Food Pantry – The food pantry is a mainstay of Together We Cope and ensures that no client goes hungry. We purchase food from the Greater Chicago Food Depository, and continuously receive food donations from generous local businesses, restaurants, grocery stores, and community members.
Orland Township Food Pantry – This pantry provides emergency food to residents of Orland Park. In addition to the food pantry Orland Park also has a ‘Pet Pantry’ meant for pet owners experiencing financial difficulty. The pet pantry includes dog and cat food, toys, shampoo, treats, etc. The food pantry is open from Monday through Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Located at 14807 S. Ravinia Ave, Orland Park, 60462. Contact Marianne Hill at (708) 403-4222 for more information.
F.U.T.U.R.E. (Foundation Youth Services) – F.U.T.U.R.E. serves approximately 100 low income youths, providing after school activities to youth between the times of 3 - 9p.m., longer than any agency dedicated to serving youth in Ford Heights.
Wayne Winfield Youth Family Services (WAYS) – Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services (WAYS) mission is to develop societal supports which enable youth, adults, and families to grow and maintain healthy and responsible roles in community life. They also provide counseling, parenting, stress, and anger classes.
Trinity Services Inc. – Trinity offers a wide range of programs and services for children and adults with developmental disabilities and/or behavioral health needs. Trinity Services provides community living programs, adult learning programs, a variety of vocational programs including supported employment, an autism center, respite services, in-home supports, a drop-in center, varied therapeutic services, etc. The Behavioral health program operates psycho-social rehabilitation programs, programs for the dually diagnosed, employment services, and individual or group therapies. Trinity is also the state affiliate for persons with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Samaritan Counseling Center – The Samaritan Ministry is an inter-denominational organization providing spiritually sensitive counseling and education. We provide therapy for individuals, couples and families of all economic backgrounds, consultation for pastors, and education for congregations and the community.
YWCA of Metropolitian Chicago South Suburban Center – Regardless of race or economic status, the YWCA provides women with the support and tools they need to transform their lives, be confident in their choices and raise healthy families. The YWCA is dedicated to promoting racial justice and personal empowerment across all of our programs and services. The YWCA offers programs in the following areas: Racial Justice, Economic Empowerment, Sexual Violence and Support Services, Early Childhood Services.
Crisis Center for South Suburbia – The Crisis Center for South Suburbia is a non-profit community organization that provides emergency shelter and other essential services for individuals and families victimized by domestic violence and address the societal issues that contribute to domestic violence.
Aunt Martha's – Aunt Martha's Youth Service Center provides comprehensive health and social services for family members of all ages across Illinois. With a caring community of several hundred volunteers and more than 900 employees, Aunt Martha’s offers haven, help and hope for youth and their family members. Aunt Martha's most important partner is the child, youth or family who needs help.
United Way – United Way of Metropolitan Chicago is part of a network of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways in 45 countries and territories. Locally, the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago (UWMC) support system includes North-Northwest United Way, United Way of DuPage/West Cook and South-Southwest Suburban United Way. UWMC serves as the backbone organization generating, convening and coordinating resources across funders, service providers, government and civic leaders to delivery large-scale, measurable and sustainable impact across our region.
Safer Foundation - For more than 40 years, Safer Foundation's mission has focused on reducing recidivism by supporting, through a full spectrum of services, the efforts of people with criminal records to become employed, law-abiding members of the community.