- Nov 2, 2018

7 SPECTACULAR | Local Places to Be Thankful For In DuPage County

'TIS THE SEASON TO GIVE BACK THESE SPECIAL PLACES

VOLUNTEER OR MAKE A DONATION! ‘Tis the season to be thankful. DuPage County is home to countless residents who give back in a variety of different ways through many organizations that put caring and sharing as their primary mission. Every local family has been touched by some form of hardship or been in a position of need. We are honored to share these 7 Spectacular Local Places to Be Thankful For with you this season & ask that you share them too in social media by visiting us at www.glancermagazine.com. Each is a local non profit in need of support. Please help this season by volunteering or making a donation.

1. GiGi’s Playhouse Fox Valley AURORA – This nonprofit Down syndrome Achievement Center offers activities, resources, educational programs and support for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. Their vision is to see a world where individuals with Down syndrome are accepted and embraced in their families, schools and communities. Our mission is to increase positivie awareness of Down syndrome through national campaigns, educational programs, and by empowering individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. www.gigisplayhouse.org/foxvalley

2. Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans GLEN ELLYN – This NFPs mission is to provide veterans and their families with housing and supportive services that lead to self-sufficiency. www.helpaveteran.org

3. Mutual Ground AURORA – Founded in 1975, this NFP provides programs that focus on Safety, Healing and Prevention for domestic violence and sexual assault victims. Services include: 24/7 bilingual hot-line, emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and their minor children, hospital advocacy, domestic violence victim advocacy, counseling and support groups for victims of sexual assault, medical/legal advocacy, court advocacy, information and referrals to other agencies and prevention education programs for schools and community groups. www.mutualground.org

4. Alive Center NAPERVILLE – Naperville and Aurora’s teen center helps kids discover who they are building stronger, more resilient kids. The center is Teen-Led Teen-Driven (TLTD) where high schoolers create and lead programs for younger kids. They all become empowered in the process! Alive offers free after school drop-in hours for 6-12th grade with tutoring, mentoring, workshops and programs in a variety of practices that support physical and emotional well-being and inspire personal growth and purpose. Topics include STEM, leadership, career development, nutrition and healthy eating, stress management, community service projects, healing arts through music, art and dance, creative writing, mindfulness and more! www.alivenaperville.com

5. Glen Ellyn Food Pantry GLEN ELLYN–The Glen Ellyn Food Pantry is a non-profit ecumenical endeavor of Glen Ellyn churches, working together since 1979 to help fight hunger. They work closely with their network of food pantries, agencies and community to maximize their effectiveness in serving the food insecure in our service area. Located at 493 Forest Avenue (inside Grace Lutheran Church) in Glen Ellyn. www.glenellynfoodpantry.org

6. CASA DuPage County WHEATON–CASA DuPage County is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the Juvenile Court system. CASA DuPage County prevents children from falling through the cracks of the heavily populated court and child welfare system. This is done by providing each child with the voice of a well-trained volunteer advocate. Meeting the needs of children is their priority. THE PROBLEM… Overwhelmed Systems. THE SOLUTION… Citizen Volunteers THE RESULTS… Brighter Futures www.dupagecasa.com

7. The DuPage Historical Museum WHEATON–The DuPage County Historical Museum is operated as a facility of Wheaton Park District, owned by the County of DuPage by resolution of the County Board pursuant to state statute. Its principal purposes are to educate the general public through the collection, preservation, interpretation, and exhibition of materials which document the history of DuPage County and its relationship to Illinois and the nation. www.dupagemuseum.org

Watch for a new, uniquely themed 7 Spectacular List inside each issue of Glancer Magazine.