Leadership Team
Carol Alcorn
I have been involved in the mission through PADS for 33 years. I volunteered once a month for years and managed a team from my church to participate by volunteering and providing a meal once a month. I have served on many community boards and one of them was the PADS Board of Directors. Thirteen years ago, I applied and was hired as the Executive Director. This has been a journey of faith in meeting the needs of so many in such meaningful ways. I am humbled and thrilled by the progress we have made together in reaching out to those in need. To know that individuals have a brighter future and are living in a better place under better conditions is rewarding. I am thankful to all those who over the years have assisted us in growing and accomplishing the mission of giving hope and help to the homeless population in our area.
Marissa
I was welcomed into the IV PADS family back in 2008 when I was a Human Services student at our local Illinois Valley Community College. Being blessed with the opportunity to grow simultaneously through education and experience is something that I cannot thank the organization for enough. I was honored to accept the role of Ottawa PADS Program Director back in 2015, and I enjoy learning something new daily. My current role consists of coordinating the involvement of generous volunteers, supervising a dedicated team of staff who work on the front line serving our clients, and overseeing the implementation of the programs that are offered. We strive daily to make sure that our shelter guests never lose the true sense of home while residing with us at Ottawa PADS. Our clients truly have a way of walking through our shelter doors and straight into my heart. To learn more about Ottawa PADS, or to see how you can become part of our family too, give us a call at (815)433-1292.
Jen & Kelly
Both with retail backgrounds, Jen and Kelly have a combined 19 years working for Lily Pads. We have a passion for interacting with the public as they come to donate or shop at Lily Pads. Our favorite part about what we do is when we have the opportunity to help shelter guests or others from the community. We not only help them shop using their clothing vouchers but we get a chance to be a part of their journey, whether it's finding the right pair of comfortable shoes or an outfit for a job interview. And it makes our hearts happy when we get to send items to help a client establish a new home. To reach Jen or Kelly, call (815) 224-7970.
Brenda
I have always had a passion for serving the public and working with people from all walks of life. Early on, I set my heart on expanding my horizons. Pursuing this led me to become a Military Medic, Bilingual Teacher's Aide, Volunteer firefighter, and Domestic Violence Advocate. It wasn't until July 2022 when I walked through the doors of Peru PADS that I realized my true calling, and I felt like I was finally home. That is the same feeling that I strive for our clients as they take their hardest step of walking through our doors. The fulfillment I have felt working at the shelter has pivoted my focus toward my passion in a way that I never imagined. My desire to help people is a simplified answer as to why I am where I belong. To reach Brenda, call (815) 224-3047.
Jessica
I have always had a love for helping out those in need, whether it be people or animals. Although I’ve only been with Lily Pads for a short time, I feel this is where I belong. My heart feels full at the end of the day knowing that we are helping our community. To look back into the history of Pads and see where it started and what it has grown into today amazes me, and I cannot wait to be a part of its growth in the future. Jessica is the store manager at Lily PADS Too Resale Boutique.. You can reach her by calling (815) 313-5776.
Susan
With a lifelong background in Christian ministry and
outreach—including overseas work in Belgium and programs for homeless
women and children in Aurora, Memphis, and then working at Peru PADS—I
bring both heart and experience to my role at PADS. I’ve also served
as a Business Administrator and Financial Secretary for the past 17
years. Now semi-retired, it’s a joy to return and be part of this
mission once again
“Overcoming homelessness sometimes takes years and sometimes just days. I am so grateful to be part of a mission where someone can find practical help and lots of hope to work out the details.”
- Carol Alcorn, Executive Director
Find Shelter
Ottawa Shelter
About
Ottawa PADS is a 55-bed homeless shelter that provides shelter, meals, and other services to those in need.
Peru Shelter
About
Peru PADS is a 74-bed homeless shelter that provides shelter, meals, and other services to those in need.
FAQs
Find answers to your questions about hours, requirements, rules, and volunteering opportunities.
What are your hours of operation?
We are open from August 1st to May 31st, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Who do you serve?
We serve men, women, and children who are homeless. Our service area includes LaSalle, Bureau, Putnam, and surrounding counties.
What are your admittance requirements?
- You cannot be a registered sex offender.
- You cannot be a violent offender against youth.
- You must not have earned your way on to one of our ban lists.
- You need to have photo ID or be identified by the local police department.
- You need to have connections or local ties to our service area.
- You may not be admitted if you are under the influence and disruptive.
What am I allowed to bring with me?
- Two small bags of personal items which will fit into a tote and one locker. You must find other locations for the remainder of your possessions.
- Bedding, hygiene products, laundry supplies, and food are provided.
Can I bring my pet?
No, you may not bring a pet. A registered, licensed, service animal with proper records of vaccinations and proof of spay or neutering may come into the shelter. Companion animals are not allowed.
What are the rules?
- You must be in the shelter by 5:00 pm every evening, unless you are working.
- Attendance is required nightly in order to retain a bed in the program.
- You are allowed free time outside the shelter from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.
- You are allowed to smoke outside for 10 minutes every hour, on the hour, between the hours of 7:00 am and 10:00 pm.
- Breathalyzers and penlight tests will be administered as needed.
- Parents are responsible for supervising their own children at all times.
- Bed time is at 10:30 pm nightly.
How can I volunteer?
- Complete a volunteer application through our website or contact us directly by phone to schedule a volunteer training.
- Attend a scheduled training orientation onsite.
- Sign up with shelter staff to be added to the volunteer calendar.
- If you are providing a meal individually or as part of a group, the day and time of the meal must be coordinated with the shelter staff in advance.
How can I donate?
- Volunteer your time cleaning, organizing, fellowshipping with clients, or providing entertainment.
- Prepare and serve a meal.
- Purchase and donate supplies that are found on our needs list.
- Assist us with leading classes, support groups, or Bible discussions.
- Share your skills. We welcome persons with maintenance skills, money management skills to share with clients, nursing skills to aid clients, and smiling skills to brighten someone’s day.
- Provide financial donations to assist us in paying the bills and building more programs. You can send a check, submit online donations through paypal, or bring cash to any of our locations.
Are my donations tax deductible?
- Yes, we are a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization with a EIN # of 36-3778430. Your financial and in-kind donations are tax deductible. Any of our locations can provide you with a receipt.
Still have questions?
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