Downers grove Junior Woman’s Club donates $20k to Habitat for Humanity

The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club (DGJWC) announced DuPage Habitat for Humanity as its 2023 Charity Partner, presenting the organization with a $20,000 donation at the Club’s March meeting. The donation will support the charity’s Aging in Place program, which helps older adults stay in their homes and communities.

“We are so thrilled to receive this support,” said Debbie White, Director of Development for DuPage Habitat for Humanity. “Our organization brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. This donation will allow us to help people age in the place they call home.”

Habitat for Humanity helps to provide mortgage support, repairs and neighborhood revitalization towards their vision of “a world where everyone has a de- cent place to live.”

The Aging in Place program has been a special focus for the organization.

“What we often see with this population is that their mortgage is paid off, but their home may need repairs or safety and accessibility modifications that they may not be able to afford,” added Jill Sobie, Senior Family Services Manager for DuPage Habitat for Humanity. The support from Habitat for Humanity allows aging adults to feel part of their community, rather than a burden. “We help give them independence that means the world to this community,” Sobie added.

This donation continues an unprecedented year of giving for DGJWC. Since September, the Club has made $32,000 in donations to 34 charities. The Club also awarded grants totaling

$35,000 to three local charities on Giving Tuesday in November. This $20,000 donation to the Club’s 2023 Charity Partner brings DGJWC’s total charitable giving since September to over $87,000 - a record for the women’s volunteer group.

“We are honored and humbled to have the opportunity to support so many organizations that do incredible work to make our community a better place,” said Lindsay Garrity, President of DGJWC. “This donation comes on the heels of our annual fundraising gala which was incredibly successful - and will allow us to continue to give back to the community. The generosity of our sponsors and members make all of this giving possible. - and for that we are so grateful.”