“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.
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.
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
