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Human Resources Commission Packet 2009 06-17-09 �` D CITY O UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE HUMAN RESOURCES COMMISSION Esr. �s3e COMMITTEE MEETING 800 Game Farm Road / Yorkville, Illinois 60560 /�. `MCWNCo✓pry AGENDA Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 Time: 6:30PM City Conference Room Call to Order: Establish a Quorum: Introduction of Guests: Citizen Comments: Approval of Minutes: May 20, 2009 Mayor's Report: Staff Reports: Committee Reports: New Business: 1. Summer Youth Employment Program Old Business: 1. Community Thanksgiving Dinner at Silver Dollar— Update/Discussion 2. Volunteer of the Year Award — Event Organization & Volunteer Nominations 3. Government Day — Update/Discussion 4. Governor's Hometown Award — Submission of Food Pantry Items for Next Meeting Agenda: Additional Business: Adjournment: Page l of 4 ORAF UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE Human Resources Commission Committee Meeting Police Department Conference Room (Moved from City Conference Room [Being Used]) Wednesday, May 20, 2009 6:30pm Call to Order: Chainnan Scott Gengler called the meeting to order at 6:44pm. Establish a Quorum: Quorum Established Present: Scott Gengler, Chairman Joan Knutson Cecelia Sanders Edmont Iljazi Sgt. Barry Groesch City Officials Present: Glory Spies, Community Relations Director Other Guests: Susan Heriaud, Rush Copley Community Relations Associate Introduction of Guests: Chairman Gengler introduced Susan Heriaud from Rush Copley Citizen Comments: None Approval of Minutes: April 15, 2009 Joan Knutson moved to accept the minutes as presented and Cele Sanders seconded the motion. Approved unanimously on a voice vote. Mayor's Report: None Staff Report: None Committee Report: None Page 2 of 4 New Business: L Rush Copley Community Services—Presentation by Susan Heriaud Ms. Heriaud gave a Power Point presentation of the community services available through Rush Copley. Some of those services are: health care related programs for community organizations, blood pressure screenings, health fairs, defensive driving classes, employee events and wellness programs, among many others. She also acts as a liaison for many organizations throughout the area. Some of these are businesses, local government, schools, libraries, industry, community agencies, senior center advisory committee, Chamber and Kiwanis member and several others. Susan also gave an overview of the many medical services provided by Rush Copley. She gave an update of the proposed 24-hour a day healthcare center, but noted it has not been approved as of this time. Ms. Spies said the focus of this committee is to identify concerns for which the community needs assistance. Ms. Heriaud said she could help form focus groups to identify the needs. At present, she said they are holding programs one time a month for the Seniors. Ms. Knutson suggested a possible program at the schools discussing obesity. To conclude her presentation, Ms. Heriaud gave handouts to the committee. 2. Community Thanksgiving Dinner at Silver Dollar- Discussion Mr. Iljazi said that last year 450 people were served and he wants to repeat the dinner this year. He said many people contributed money while there. One concern was that there was no transportation for many who had signed up to attend through the Food Pantry. Edmont said that currently 2400 people receive help from the Food Pantry. It was discussed that perhaps church volunteers could drive diners to the restaurant, however, Sgt. Groesch cautioned that transporting diners in private cars could become a liability issue. A bus driver for First Student had offered to drive a bus to transport diners, but a change of management has occurred and the full rate must be paid. Sgt. Groesch said Senior Services has vans and the committee may be able to enlist their help. Deliveries of meals were also made last year. Sgt. Groesch suggested that deliveries only be made if they are requested and to not advertise this. Meals were also given to participants to be cooked at home. Those who dined at the restaurant were given tickets signed by the Food Pantry Director, Maria Spaeth. Sgt. Groesch will talk with Maria to determine the need for this year and he will report back to the Committee. Also discussed were food handling/delivery guidelines. Mr. Iljazi noted that the Food Pantry does not have guidelines as strict as restaurants. This matter will be brought back next month for further discussion. Page 3 of 4 Old Business: 1. Volunteer of the Year Award—Event Organization & Volunteer Nominations Glory Spies provided brochures with listings of community organizations to be contacted for possible volunteer nominations. The committee members will contact the agencies listed and will report back to the committee at the next meeting. Ms. Spies also said the updated form has been posted on the website and she will also send a revised brochure to the committee members. It was noted that committee members can also make nominations. Publicity will also be needed. Some possible guidelines for nominees were discussed as follows: 1. Must live or work within the boundaries of Yorkville or in the school 2. Brochure states must live in Yorkville for 1 year and dedicate time to Yorkville 3. Can be committed to community, but not live in City 4. Can include schools, but not all schools are in City limits The committee will ultimately choose the winner. This item will be moved to Old Business for the next meeting on June 17`x'. 2. Government Day—Update/Discussion Chairman Gengier reported he had sent an email to Dave Schmelzle and the middle school teachers to ask them about their interest in this project and to possibly include the Government Day in their curriculum for next year. Scott will report on this at the next meeting. In another matter, Mr. Iljazi asked about the progress of the "Pennies from Heaven" project for displaced workers of Caterpillar. Ms. Spies said there is a barrel currently placed in City Hall and the project will be part of the Hometown Days and Kendall County Fair. She said each municipality can have their own special day to promote this cause at the Fair. Edmont said that some of the Caterpillar workers will be coming to his restaurant on June 2°d for a meeting with company representatives regarding possible steps to be taken for those laid off and not eligible for pensions. He said 120-140 people will attend and he asked for some information to give to them. Mr. Iljazi also asked for jars that he could place at his business prior to the meeting. Glory said she had sent the information to area Mayors and asked them, to place barrels also. Local businesses will also be asked to place collection jars in their stores. She said jars were recently placed at 2 local events and $141 was collected. This money will be given to the Food Pantry. October 31" will be the last date of collection and Edmont suggested placing it in a high interest savings account to earn additional money. It was noted that a non-taxable Page 4 of 4 number would be needed and it was questioned if the Food Pantry might have one already. There was no further action at this time. 3. Governor's Hometown Award-- Update Cele said she had met with representatives of the Food Pantry and will meet with them again next week to obtain the number of volunteer hours and the amount of the donated materials. There is also an official form to complete for this award. Additional Business: None Adjournment: There was no further business and the meeting was adjourned on a motion and second by Cele and Edmont respectively. Meeting adjourned at 8:02pin. Respectfully submitted by Marlys Young ♦,`eo Ccol Reviewed By: Agenda Item Number 0+ Legal ❑ NEW BUSINESS ##1 EST, 1836 finance ❑ Engineer En ❑ g Tracking Number ©; i'£1 City Administrator ❑ o�xn, �� Consultant ALE �,'� ❑ Agenda Item Summary Memo Title: Summer Youth Employment Program Meeting and Date: HRC— 6117109 Synopsis: Program through the Kane County Dept. of Employment & Education (KCDEE) to find jobs for youths from economically disadvantaged families. Council Action Previously Taken: Date of Action: Action Taken: Item Number: Type of Vote Required: Council Action Requested: Submitted by: Glory Spies Community Relations Name Department Agenda Item Notes: See attached. � • • • dw • AN • IL • Summer Youth Program e Earn Money Valuable Experience Learn Life Skills k Meet New People do Academic Enrichment ° Mentorin Interviewing Tip iii Ages 14-24 ILLINOIS J TworkNet, Padner 630-208- 1854 Call for your appointment TODAY! I- 71 11'i'1;1 -I ioo . ii:l�:.,rr�; I�r171 1"3171 J:r II" " L �.1 ..I�1 4 _ .y.. j.. a,J}�I �f{:. x�.I'.��.; �ki�: .".1J?(;�'I,Lff:'fi. F'111131,i111 1, :!. I ; ,I.Ir K- _I_I x°YFU4 EC11 1 Say.:li °i'r+ = I1Jit '.I.'1..'�.II Ac Glory Spies From: Dee Reinhardt [DeeReinhardt @kcdee.org] Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 4:03 PM To: Glory Spies Subject: Youth @ work in Kendall County Attachments: Summer Youth.jpg Good Afternoon, (please focus this to the Kendall county zone) Kane County Department of Employment and Education (KCDEE) received stimulus dollars to implement a Summer Youth Employment Program within the communities that we serve— Kane, Kendal and DeKalb counties. Wages are paid through Recovery Act funds. We have received many applications from youth in DeKalb and Kane counties, but we need youth from Kendall County to participate. While it has become increasingly challenging for teens to find jobs in this economy, we have been given a way to secure jobs for dozens of youth through September 30, 2009 All youth must be from economically disadvantaged families. With today's economy, more families may meet the income guidelines. Because the age range was opened up to include youth up to 24 years of age, the hope was to include recently discharged veterans and their families, who may need help finding employment after returning home. Working youth don't just earn a paycheck.Work experience motivates young people to finish high school, continue their education and get on a path toward a lifetime of self-sufficiency. • Teens who work while in high school are more likely to graduate. • Pregnancy rates for teens are lower in metropolitan areas where employment rates for teen girls are higher. • Early work experience significantly increases future earnings. • Youth who earn a high school diploma have a wider range of job choices over those youth without a diploma. Our goal is to allow the youth who participate to learn many of the soft skills that employers appreciate in their employees —like communication, punctuality, appropriate attire, time management, customer service and teamwork. The youth will also gain insight to interviewing skills. If the youth gain job skills while they are working, it is an added benefit. Following is the language from a press release sent a few weeks ago. 1 s' Item Don't Just HOPE for Change,WORK for it! Summer Youth Employment Program for Youth 14- 24 Youth who meet eligibility guidelines can participate in a summer youth employment program to earn money, gain valuable work experience, learn life skills and job skills, meet new people, gain academic enrichment, work with a mentor, and learn interviewing tips. Applications for employment are being accepted until all positions are filled. Applications may be obtained at http://www.kcdee.org or by calling the Youth Hotline at 630-208-1854. Participants must be a resident of DeKalb, Kane or Kendall County. Funds are administered by the Kane County Department of Employment and Education and are provided by stimulus dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. If I can answer any questions for you, please call me at the office number listed below or if after hours on my cell phone at 708-822.2152. Dee Reinhardt Marketing Coordinator KCDEE 630-444-3141 FAX 630-966-1172 www.kcdee.org dee rein hard t(d)kcd ee.o ra Sign-up here,for a FREE copy of our newsletter Follow us @KCDEE5 2 ,��D Co. Reviewed By: Agenda Item Number e J`� 0 ,- � Legal ❑ OLD BUSINESS #1 i EST. ss�s Finance ❑ = � Engineer Tracking Number 0� !� ' l City Administrator El Consultant ❑ E ,�V El Agenda Item Summary Memo Title: Community Thanksgiving Dinner at Silver Dollar-- Update/Discussion Meeting and Date: HRC—6117109 Synopsis: Verbal update to be given. Council Action Previously Taken: Date of Action: Action Taken: Item Number: Type of Vote Required: Council Action Requested: Submitted by: Name Department Agenda Item Notes: c/)- Reviewed By: Agenda Item Number e 0+ Legal ❑ OLD BUSINESS #2 EST, � _ °' 1e36 Finance ❑Engineer ❑ Tracking Number ( e� City Administrator El Consultant ❑ l'��LE �r"y .� ❑ Agenda Item Summary Memo Title: Volunteer of the Year Award— Event Organization and Volunteer Nominations Meeting and Date: HRC—6/17/09 Synopsis: Council Action Previously Taken: Date of Action: Action Taken: Item Number: Type of Vote Required: Council Action Requested: Submitted by: Glory Spies Community Relations Name Department Agenda Item Notes: Updated nomination form attached. United City of Yorkville Outstanding Volunteer Award Nomination - Year 2008 The name of the individual being submitted for Outstanding Volunteer must live or work within the United City of Yorkville or school district#115 boundaries for at least one year prior to the year of nomination. Please type or print neatly the information requested. This form may be accessed online at the United City of Yorkville Web site at www.yorkville.il.us. Additional pages may be included. Please enclose any available articles or other information that supports the activity/contribution of the nominee. All winners will be announced during Volunteer Community Appreciation Day on Wednesday, October 21, 6:30 p.m. in the Yorkville Public Library meeting room, 902 Game Farm Road in Yorkville. The deadline for nominations is Friday, September 4. Nominations will be reviewed by the city's Human Resources Commission. For additional information call 630.553.8564. Nominee: Age Group: Child (12 and under) Teen (13 - 18) Adult(19 or older) Address: , Yorkville, IL 60560 Telephone: { ) E-mail (Optional): Significant activity/contribution that the individual has performed to warrant nomination: Describe how this activity/contribution has impacted the United City of Yorkville, a local organization, group of individuals, or an individual: Estimate the amount of time during the year that was devoted to the activity: In your opinion, what makes this individual an outstanding volunteer? What specific characteristics/qualities does this person possess that you admire? Additional comments: Your name: Telephone: {�} Address: , Yorkville, IL 60560 Thank you for taking the time to submit the name of this individual for the Outstanding Volunteer Award. Please submit this form to: United City of Yorkville, Attn: Glory Spies, Community Relations, 800 Game Farm Road, Yorkville, IL 60560. (Revised 0512912009) ClTy Reviewed By: Agenda Item Number J� 10 �.; Legal ❑ OLD BUSINESS #3 EST. ._, 1896 Finance ❑ .` Engineer ❑ j T �y City Administrator El Tracking Number Consultant ❑ K.plttCuiily ❑ Agenda Item Summary Memo Title: Government Day—Update/Discussion Meeting and Date: HRC 6/17/09 Synopsis: Verbal update to be given. Council Action Previously Taken: Date of Action: Action Taken: Item Number: Type of Vote Required: Council Action Requested: Submitted by: Name Department Agenda Item Notes: ,QED C/Ty Reviewed By: Agenda Item Number J Legal ❑ OLD BUSINESS #4 ESL �e 7836 Finance F-1 Engineer ❑ Tracking Number W City Administrator ❑ Consultant ❑ 1k. El Agenda Item Summary Memo Title: Governor's Hometown Award—Submission of Food Pantry Meeting and Date: HRC — 6/17/09 Synopsis: Application submitted for consideration for Governor's Hometown Award. Council Action Previously Taken: Date of Action: Action Taken: Item Number: Type of Vote Required: Council Action Requested: Submitted by: Glory Spies Community Relations Name Department Agenda Item Notes: See attached. 1. COMMUNITY NEED In 1983, a group of local individuals in Kendall County got together to see how they could fill the need of some of their friends and neighbors who were working but not able to pay all of their bills, or were temporarily unemployed. They were also concerned for homebound seniors and handicapped individuals who were not able to get out and shop for the food they needed. They had a vision of a better life for those in need in their county. A Food Pantry was suggested and a sight was sought. Space was available on the basement level of the Kendall County Farm Bureau building at l 11 E. VanEmmon Street in Yorkville, IL. The space, which had been a meat locker for many years, had been vacated in 1975. Part of that space, a room with about 500 sq. ft., was available. An anonymous donor, who continued this practice for over 25 years, paid the $100 monthly rent! The Kendall County Farm Bureau donated electricity costs. The space gradually expanded over the years to include two adjacent rooms, including a clothing room, giving the Food Pantry a total of about 2300 sq. ft. There was no heat, air conditioning, restroom facilities, or running water in the Food Pantry. Volunteers would sweat in the summer and wore layers of clothing and gloves to keep warm in the winters. The walls and floors were cement and there was only one window that opened. The pantry operated out of this space from 1983 to 2008. In 2008, Maria Spaeth, became the current and fifth director. Jeaness Medin, the previous director retired after 12 years of volunteer service. Ms. Medin, along with her husband had volunteered at the pantry since its inception. In 2008 Kendall County was one of the top two fastest growing counties in the United States. The need for additional space was growing evident. Although the volunteers over the years had withstood the rigors of the lack of heat and air conditioning, it was becoming more and more difficult to have sufficient storage for the food that was needed. In the original location, there was a small walk-in cooler, and only three small freezers, one, which was from the 1940's! There was simply not enough room to keep the necessary food on hand. Families were relying on the Food Pantry as a means to keep themselves fed with the economic struggles and demands on the pantry's resources increasing every month. In the original location clients had to wait outside, no matter what the weather, in wait times that could be up to two hours or longer because the small space inside could only handle a handful of families at time. The need for more space became apparent to more than just the volunteers. In the summer of 2008, Yorkville Mayor, Valerie Burd, Assistant City Administrator Bart Olson, Sergeant Barry Groesch, of the Yorkville Police Department and also the head of the local TRIAD unit, and City Liaison to the Yorkville Human Resources Commission (HRC), along with several other members of the HRC, toured the Food Pantry. It was apparent to all that there was a need for a larger, more accommodating space and more comfortable working conditions. Sgt. Groesch approached a local business woman who owned a vacant building in the industrial park in Yorkville, formerly used by Pond Sweep Manufacturing Co. understanding the need for the Food Pantry to have additional improved space and better working conditions for the volunteers and easier access for the growing population in need in the county, she agreed to donate the space for a minimum of three years (an expense of$40,000 annually). The utilities include electricity and gas. The utilities are paid through the Kendall County Clergy Association. The new space is nearly three times larger than the old space, with 4500 sq. ft. of warehouse space, and an additional 1800 sq. ft. of office space; all of which contains a small conference room, a waiting/reception area, and room for two offices and space for small children to wait while their parents receive food. The warehouse space also includes large overhead doors so the trucks from the Northern Illinois Food Bank, now located in St. Charles, IL can back up to the loading dock to be unloaded by volunteers in comfort; not to mention 4 bathrooms, including 1 designated for clients only! This project was a result of many people realizing a need and stepping up to fill the need in whatever way they could. The Food Pantry was closed for only two weeks due to the efforts of so many volunteers who packed, moved and restocked and opened their door in two weeks! It certainly could not have been accomplished without so many volunteers giving their time, talent and experience. A true community effort! II. VOLUNTEER RESOURCES From the beginning, all of the people who have worked at the Kendall County Food Pantry have been volunteers. There is no paid staff, no government financial aid received (other than food commodities which are received through the USDA program), no advertising done, and no fundraisers held. All donations received are used exclusively to purchase foodstuff through the now Northern Illinois Food Bank and local grocery stores. Most of the 25-30 volunteers, who helped each month in 1983 when the Food Pantry began, were senior citizens. Today, the volunteers come from many ages and backgrounds and number about 110. For the 25+ years prior to the move, volunteers came in on Mondays to stock shelves, sort clothing, pick up food from the Bethlehem Center Food Bank in Carol Stream and did general maintenance work. The Food Pantry was open every Thursday between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. The Food Pantry has operated for over 25 years, with all volunteer help and private donations. Without all of these volunteers, many of them whom have helped for years on a regular basis, those who rely on the Food Pantry for their basic food needs would not have been able to be helped. The first director was Jean Harker and her husband Blaine, who recruited volunteers to help by sending out letters to churches and businesses to ask for donations. An anonymous donor paid the$100 month rent and also paid for garbage pickup. This person kept this contribution up the entire time the pantry was located at the Farm Bureau. For many years the Food Pantry volunteers traveled to the Food Bank in Carol Stream, IL using a small pick-up truck belonging to one of the volunteers, load up and then drive back and unload their groceries. Most of the food came in bulk and had to be repackaged by volunteers for distribution. In 1989, a flood destroyed bags and bags of flour and cornmeal, leaving a huge mess, all of which was again cleaned up by volunteers. In 1993, an average of 198 families were served each month. Each family received food every two weeks. For Christmas that year, volunteers contributed homemade Christmas cookies to include into the food baskets. Special gifts were sent along to senior citizens, and each child was provided with two to three gifts, donated by the citizens of Kendall County. Kendall County was largely considered 'rural' county, many local farmers and gardeners regularly contributed fresh vegetables to the Kendall County Food Pantry during the summer and fall months. In 1996, the Food Pantry expanded beyond food to also collect and distribute school supplies. Children of the families could start school with at least the tools necessary for learning. In 2004, over 300 school children were given supplies through the Kendall County Food Pantry. The project continues today. Each Christmas, local churches, business' and individuals donate toys and gifts for the children of the KCFP. The week before Christmas, gifts are distributed to each child. Last year, over 1200 gifts were provided to the children of the KCFP. In 2002, approximately 90 families per week were receiving assistance. This included unemployed families, single parents, children, underemployed, the temporarily unemployed, the disabled and the elderly. Food was also delivered to about 20 homebound senior citizens. For Thanksgiving, 2002, food baskets containing a turkey,hamburger, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions and apples, along with other non-perishable food items were provided to 214 families in 2008, that number was 608. Today, the Kendall County Food Pantry serves more than 800 families each month, with the number growing rapidly. In spite of the economy, there has also been a huge increase in the donations of food and cash this year. In April of 2008, the number of people provided with food was about 1,200 a month. Today it is over 2,800 a month. III. COMMUNITY SUPPORT As the community heard about the plans to move, individual volunteers, community groups, businesses, schools and church leaders lined up to help. Yorkville School District 115 and DeBoIt Auction Service, Inc., helped to provide office furniture. Local businessman, Rick Winninger, of Action Graphix in Yorkville contributed the signage outside the entryway, logos for the trucks, and arrows on the floor of the warehouse space. Chris Thompson and the crew at Servpro of Kendall County volunteered to do the cleaning of the space, at the request of her sister, Diane Hardecopf, who is a volunteer at the Food Pantry. Other work that was donated by local businesses and individuals included painting, floor sealing, ceiling leaks fixed, ceiling tiles replace, roof repairs, landscaping, and any other work that was needed, with all time and labor provided at no charge. Several people donated shelving units in the warehouse area, and a walk-in cooler. Although the project had the full support of the city and county government, no public funds were used in this project to move and expand the Kendall County Food Pantry. The Yorkville High School Football Team was one of the groups who volunteered to do the moving of all the furniture and shelving. A large walk-in cooler was donated by DeBolt Auction Services and installed by Beery Heating and Cooling. This allows more fresh foods to be kept. Refrigerated and freezer cases allow for more organization and storage. The new larger space also allows families to 'shop' for items and have a larger selection. Families can also receive up to 10 items of clothing per visit along with baby essentials, such as diapers, formula and baby food. In addition, a local restaurant, The Silver Dollar, owned by Mony Iljazi, on Thanksgiving, 2008, opened his restaurant to provide Thanksgiving dinner for anyone who received benefits from the Food Pantry. He served over 200 meals that day, and plans to continue this practice. In spring of 2009, the Food Pantry realized that many families who come to receive food also had pets, and some were no longer able to afford to keep their family pet due to the loss of a job, medical bills, or just not enough income. The Kendall County Food Pantry became the first food and clothing pantry in the nation to become a pet food pantry as well; allowing clients to select needed pet food once a month from donated food from local pet stores and individual donors. Director Spaeth said, "Every single person, every single one-said 'no'to any sort of recognition. How can you thank people enough for giving the most amazing things to help others?" The number of volunteers started out at about 30 per week and today the number is 110 per week, helping out 3-4 days a week to sort the food when it arrives from the various church and community groups and what is delivered by the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Others help to register families, keep track of paperwork, and assist on Thursdays when the Food Pantry is open now from 2-7p.m. with the first hour restricted to seniors and special-needs individuals. The Food Pantry no longer delivers food to the elderly because it is felt that the families of these individuals need to take some responsibility for caring for their older family members. This also encourages visits between the younger and senior generations. The Food Pantry was set up for Kendall County residents. All who come are given food, and then referred to the Department of Human Services to see if they could also qualify for Food Stamps, the WIC program, etc. The Kendall County Food Pantry is currently working with the NIFB to become a satellite site to help clients fill out applications for Link Card and other available services. IV. RESULTS With the move to Iarger quarters, the Kendall County Food Pantry can serve the growing number of individuals and families who are in need of temporary assistance. In the current economy, with job cuts,job losses, foreclosures and other economic distress, as well as the growth of Kendall County itself, the need for a food pantry is great. Without the move to a larger space, the number of people served would have been severely restricted. There was simply not enough room to store the amount of necessary food that is currently needed, and impossible for the amount of people to come through the old facility with its limited space. With the larger quarters, and room for more donations, there are now several food donation sites throughout Kendall County, with volunteers collecting food donations and bringing them to the Food Pantry on a regular basis. Since the Kendall County Food Pantry has been in existence for over 25 years, it has had a huge impact on the entire community, both the donors and the recipients. We believe it will continue to do so. The growth of the county and the downturn in the economy has taken a toll, but the Kendall County Food Pantry has never turned anyone away. With the large space and more room for donations, storage and distribution, the community has stepped up to help and embraced those less fortunate than themselves. Even recipients of the food come to volunteer, knowing that although they may not have a job and cannot contribute financially, they a provide service and help one another. They are welcomed wholeheartedly. V. PROJECT FUNDING/COST SAVINGS Total Number of Volunteers; 35 volunteers at the Food Pantry However, this is no real indication of the number of volunteers throughout the county who provide time to the Kendall County Food Pantry. Every church in the county collects non- perishable food donations and cash donations and these are brought to the Food Pantry on a weekly,bi-weekly, or monthly basis, depending on the church, all by volunteers. In addition, at least 16 businesses, schools, and service clubs collect non-perishable food items and volunteers bring the donations to the Food Pantry on a regular basis. There is no way to track the number of helpers who do this service. Total Volunteer Hours @ $8 per hour: Average is 10 hours per week, per volunteer at the Food Pantry for a total of 350 hours per week with a value of$2,800.00 weekly or$145,600 annually Total Value of Donated Materials: 165 000 in the remodeling ro'ect. $260,000 in food donations annually Private Funds Raise: Cash donations, including grants of$70,000 (including DECCA & FEMA) total $260,000 yearly. Total Dollar Savings to the Community: at least 5500,000 dollars annually However, this again is impossible to estimate. Without the Food Pantry providing assistance to families who are experiencing difficult financial times, there would be a huge economic and socio-economic loss to the community. Without adequate means to feed families, some may resort to crime. If children are underfed, they do not have the ability to learn as well as those who get regular meals, thus increasing the population of those who will be unemployable or under-employed. Paid by Town or Federal/State Grant: DECCA & FEMA =rants total approximatel $40,000 annually Vl. PROJECT SUMMARY (less than 150 words maximum) The Kendall County Food Pantry, located in one of the fastest growing areas of the United States, had provided food and clothing to thousands of residents for over 25 years, out of a less than 2,300 sq. ft,, unheated, uncooled and bathroom-less space. In 2008, with the need growing in a down-turned economy, more space was needed. With the help of several volunteers, a larger (6,300 sq. ft.) building was acquired, at no cost to the program. All renovations, cleaning, repairs, landscaping, furnishings, and moving assistance was provided by community businesses free of charge, and by many volunteers. With all the help, the Food Pantry was only closed for business for two weeks. In just the past 6 years the Kendall County Food Pantry has gone from serving 90 families a week to over 800 families a month, the need growing as the economy struggles to recover. (148 words)