Restoring Hope: Together We Cope Reopens Food Pantry, Empowering Suburban Families

In a heartwarming turn of events, the non-profit organization Together We Cope has announced the long-awaited reopening of its vital food pantry in Tinley Park, Illinois. This development marks a significant milestone in the organization's efforts to support families in crisis across the south suburban region, providing a crucial lifeline during these challenging times.

Empowering Families, Restoring Dignity

Overcoming Adversity: The Pantry's Resilient Comeback

The reopening of the Together We Cope (TWC) food pantry at 17010 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park is a testament to the organization's unwavering commitment to serving the community. After a devastating fire more than 18 months ago forced the closure of the pantry, TWC's staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to rebuild and restore this essential service.The road to recovery has not been an easy one, but with the generous support of the Greater Chicago Food Depository and other funding sources, TWC is now poised to resume its mission of providing groceries to families in need. "The Food Depository has been extremely generous in supporting our reopening efforts," said Kathryn Straniero, the executive director of TWC. "Without them, we'd be struggling to get back in business."

Empowering Families, Restoring Dignity

The TWC food pantry plays a vital role in the lives of thousands of area residents, offering a lifeline to those facing financial hardship. Clients can receive a week's worth of groceries free of charge once a month, helping to supplement their food budgets and alleviate the burden of food insecurity."Typically, we serve 5,000 individuals a month in our pantry," Straniero revealed. "We pride ourselves on providing the highest quality of food to our clients and treating them as we want to be treated. No one is turned away. We are ready and excited to bring clients back. Our volunteers and staff have missed them more than they've missed us."The reopening of the pantry is a significant milestone, not only for TWC but for the entire community. During the 18-month closure, the organization worked tirelessly to ensure that its clients continued to receive assistance, collaborating with other food pantries in the region to ensure that families in need were not left behind.

Rebuilding Lives, Restoring Hope

The impact of the fire and the subsequent closure of the TWC pantry was deeply felt by the community. "Being unable to serve our clients for more than 18 months has been the most painful part of this for me," said Tony Roman, the food pantry manager. "The great news is they never stopped receiving assistance."Roman explained that TWC's staff and volunteers worked diligently to connect families with alternative resources, ensuring that they continued to receive the support they needed during this challenging time. However, the reopening of the pantry marks a significant milestone in the organization's efforts to fully restore its services and provide a comprehensive range of assistance to those in need.

A Community-Driven Effort

The successful reopening of the TWC food pantry is a testament to the power of community support and collaboration. In addition to the generous assistance from the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the pantry's revival has been made possible through funding from private foundations, businesses, and individuals."Other funding from private foundations, businesses, and individuals was instrumental in getting the pantry up and running, officials said. Additionally, funding from a state grant is forthcoming after State Sen. Mike Hastings (D-19th) recommended TWC for financial assistance."This outpouring of support underscores the importance of the TWC food pantry and the vital role it plays in the lives of families across the south suburban region. As the pantry reopens its doors, the community can take pride in the collective effort that has made this moment possible, and look forward to the continued impact of this essential service.

Expanding Reach, Empowering Communities

The TWC food pantry's reach extends far beyond the borders of Tinley Park, serving 27 communities across the south suburban region. This includes Alsip, Blue Island, Bridgeview, Chicago Ridge, Country Club Hills, Crestwood, Evergreen Park, Garden Homes, Harvey, Hazel Crest, Hickory Hills, Hometown, Homewood, Markham, Merrionette Park, Midlothian, Oak Forest, Oak Lawn, Orland Hills, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Palos Park, Posen, Robbins, Tinley Park, and Worth.By providing a reliable source of food assistance to families in crisis, the TWC food pantry plays a vital role in supporting the overall well-being and resilience of these communities. As the pantry reopens, it will once again become a beacon of hope, empowering individuals and families to overcome the challenges they face and build a brighter future.TWC gratefully accepts volunteers and donations at the food pantry. For more information, interested individuals can contact Tony Roman at 708-633-5040 or troman@togetherwecope.org.