“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 25 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.
My calling to help the homeless began when I was just 14 years old when my family returned home one evening to find that a house fire had completely changed our lives. Over the next years I felt God’s hand in my life as I battled repeated episodes of homelessness. Since then I have had the opportunities to speak for fundraising events for Abigail's women's clinic, as Community Outreach Specialist for Tri-County Opportunities Council, and then as Property Manager for the LaSalle County Housing Authority. In 2022 I am so honored, and excited to be a part of what IVPADS is doing to help alleviate the stress and suffering that clients are experiencing as they navigate the murky uncertainty that life can throw at any of us! To reach Corrie, call (815) 224-3047.
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.
Anna I began working at LP2 (Lily Pads Too) as assistant manager in 2019. Although new to resale, I have over 20 years of retail experience. I was tired of the corporate world and was looking for a change. LP2 has given me a great appreciation of how our non-profit seeks to improve the quality of life in our local community. I am privileged and blessed to now be LP2 Store Manager leading a great team with large hearts with a store full of gratitude from local donors. To reach Anna, call (815) 313-5776.
My calling began with IVPADS in 2018 as the original Store Manager of the new Lily Pads Too Resale
Boutique located in Ottawa. In this role I had the privilege of leading our team in building a strong foundation for our staff, volunteers, donors and valued customers. It is hard to believe that only three years ago we started from scratch with an empty space and how quickly our wonderful community has embraced our vision to help others who are in need.
I truly enjoy engaging with others and sharing the heart of our mission to lift up others by providing shelter, food and services to people in need. My current role as the Outreach & Development Coordinator allows me to engage with others and educate on the importance our mission plays within the community by supporting our homeless clients in LaSalle, Bureau and Putnam counties.
Reach out to Hope to schedule a shelter tour, arrange a speaker for your business, church or civic group or learn how to share your gifts by becoming a volunteer by calling (815) 224-3047 or email ivpads.outreach@gmail.com
