Local volunteer makes an impact on families

Tuesday, August 2, 2011  //  1 Comment  //  News

Hope and dignity are two words that describe South Barrington resident Jodi Walle; this is why it’s so easy for her to share those two things with others. Over the past 15 months she has been displaying her passion to help those in need through volunteer work with Fellowship Housing.

Jodi brings tangible help through donated household items and serves at-risk single moms by creating a welcoming home environment for them and their families. Now with a network of over 80 individuals, she spreads the word on how others can help, whether it’s by supplying a specific need, or helping to deliver those items.

“Everyone who reads this has something to give” says Jodi. “We all have items around our homes that are in great condition and are not being used. Something that seems like a basic item such as an iron, a blender, or a set of dishes is actually a luxury to some of these families. Barrington is a community of plenty, and we can afford to share with those in need.

After creating a system to fill family needs, Jodi, with the help of friends like Inverness resident Wendy Rosman, have opened up a store house for families to come and “shop” in. Items in the store range from beds and dressers to birthday presents for the children in the Fellowship Housing program. The families being served are being empowered; going from the uncertainty of not having a place to live to having housing and volunteers that provide “normal” household items is quite a change. One mom shared, “Can you imagine what it feels like to go from having no hope that the negative conditions in your life will ever change, to actually seeing the change materialize before your eyes? Fellowship Housing has provided me with hope.”