“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
I have been involved in the mission through PADS for 31 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.
I have been involved with IV PADS for 11 years and the Program Director of the Ottawa PADS for 6 seasons. My role consists of coordinating the involvement of volunteers, supervising the staff who work on the front-line with the clients, and implementing the case management and programs for each individual that we serve. Our clients have a way of walking into our shelter door and straight into my heart. I love having the opportunity to offer a hand up. To reach Marissa, call (815) 433-1292.
Both with retail backgrounds, Jen and Kelly have a combined 19 years working for Lily Pads. We have a passion to interact 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.
I have always had a passion for serving the public and working with people of all walks of life. Early on, I set my heart on expanding my horizons. Pursuing this led me to becoming a Military Medic, Bilingual Teacher's Aide, Volunteer firefighter and a 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 towards 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
