CARING + SHARING | To Give, To Inspire

DUPAGE PADS Run, run, run. This summer is full of runs and walks for various organizations, but here’s one that benefits the whole community of DuPage – helping those who metaphorically run and trip to be able to run again.

On Saturday, September 16th, DuPage Pads will host their 13th Annual Run 4 Home 5K & 10K Run and 5K Walk to raise funds vital to help their homeless neighbors throughout DuPage County. It begins at their Client Service Center in Wheaton and ends with a community gathering including a Kids Corner with games, prizes, face painting and more. It is fun for the whole family and a great cause to support.

DuPage Pads serves and provides housing, employment and support for the homeless that transforms lives. “The work that our organization does is vital to our community,” says Carol Simler, President and CEO of DuPage Pads. “Last year, we provided overnight housing every night of the year for families and individuals; 130,355 meals were served to 1,322 individuals, including 250 children in 123 families. Best of all, 365 individuals obtained permanent housing!” DuPage Pads ultimate goal is assisting participants in finding this permanent housing through continued case management in the Interim (Overnight) Housing program and Client Services Center. “We find an individual’s health improves, individuals access mainstream benefits, obtain employment, and become productive citizens of their community,” says Carol. Carol has seen such improvements over the past twenty years of being involved with the organization.

In addition to their Run 4 Home, DuPage Pads hosts three major events a year: their Wake Up Your Spirit Breakfast in November, Taste of Hope in March and the Galaxy Bowl in April. There are also outside fundraisers including the Drive for 75 (a Karting Enduro) in June and their new Swing for 25 Softball Tournament in August.

A runner? A walker? Come join the Run 4 Home this year or join in on any of the other fun events that hit on your interests. You can become involved as a volunteer, a participant, or a corporate sponsor/donor. The events not for you? You can support DuPage Pads by becoming a Pads Partner and volunteering at one of the 31 Interim (Overnight) sites and directly work with the participants. For more information visit www.dupagepads.org.

Mindy’s August Giving Inspiration: Smile at someone who looks sad or lonely.

ABOUT THE WRITER Mindy Kyle is the owner of Be Inspired Studios and is passionate about helping people discover what brings them joy and to live a full, healthy and happy life. She has her Masters in Fine Arts degree in creative writing from DePaul University and lives in Naperville with her husband, three children and the cutest dog in the land.

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