Sam Tenuto of Pioneer Center for Human Services was our guest at this morning's zoom meeting. Sam gave the club a quick overview of the new 70 bed facility that is being constructed for McHenry County PADS. The facility is not yet complete, but is currently being used on a limited basis. Fundraising for a commercial kitchen that will accommodate the preparation of meals for the residents is almost complete. This is a major goal as it will also be used to teach residents food preparation skills that can be utilized when relocating from the facility. Funds are also needed for additional projects being considered.
While most perceive PADS as being for adults only, there is also a need to provide shelter to families with children. The program at PADS is not a permanent solution, but is designed to give temporary assistance and training to allow residents to become self-sustaining. In their presentation, Carrie Freund reminds us that "most of us are one life event away from being homeless ourselves." To learn more about this effort, visit their website at https://www.pioneercenter.org/homeless-services/mchenry-county-pads/