Since 1996, Assistance League Chicagoland West has been identifying community needs and creating innovative programs to fulfill them. Now, thanks to a Community Impact grant, the League is making a bigger impact than ever.

From Humble Roots to Life-Changing Impact

When the Assistance League Chicagoland West chapter started out, they had just $700. Now, with a $300,000 budget and a 106-person membership, the organization runs eight programs, including New Start. The New Start program offers $800 worth of kitchen supplies to families transitioning from homelessness.

Assistance League believes the kitchen is the heart of the home, and New Start provides resources to help families nourish their children and be healthy.

“Having a fully equipped kitchen allows families to eat healthier, more cost-effective meals and improves family bonding,” said Mary Hood, vice president of donor development. “The ability to provide meals for their family is such an important part of being a parent and has a big effect on their self-esteem.”

Moving Forward

Organizations like Assistance League are at the core of a healthy, thriving, and interconnected community.

Take Maria Saldago. Maria was working with another Community Impact grantee, Bridge Communities, Inc., to build a good home for her two boys. Then, thanks to the New Start program, she and her family got everything they needed to outfit their new kitchen and make their house feel like home.

“I didn’t have anything, we just came with our clothes,” said Maria. “I’m usually the one to give, give, give. This was very impactful, especially for people who are not used to receiving love or care.”

With Assistance League’s Community Impact grant, New Start has funded 30 kitchens serving 60 individuals. Now, they’re on track to provide more than 300 kitchens this year, all thanks to community support.

“Imagine what your life would be like if you didn’t have what you needed to succeed,” said Yvonne Mayer, Assistance League’s 2024 board president. “We can help people succeed. We don’t want them to go backwards... we want them to keep moving forward.”

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For more inspiring stories about how we're doing a world of good in our own backyard®, read our 2024 Annual Report.