‘Ready And Excited’: Tinley Agency Reopens Food Pantry After Fire

2024-07-12
‘Ready And Excited’: Tinley Agency Reopens Food Pantry After Fire

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 [email protected].

Article "tagged" as:

Related Article

6 Sustainable and Healthy Fish to Eat (And 4 Types to Avoid)

6 Sustainable and Healthy Fish to Eat (And 4 Types to Avoid)

Here's the scoop on the best sustainable and healthy fish to eat regularly according to experts and a few fish types they recommend you avoid.
16 Pumpkin Pie Recipes to Make for Thanksgiving

16 Pumpkin Pie Recipes to Make for Thanksgiving

From traditional pumpkin pie recipes to elegant and creative variations (such as pumpkin pie pudding, cheesecake, and cupcakes), these scrumptious pumpkin pies will make your Thanksgiving holiday dessert a smashing success.
14 Easy Slow Cooker Appetizers that Make Entertaining Low Stress

14 Easy Slow Cooker Appetizers that Make Entertaining Low Stress

These holiday slow cooker appetizers will hit the spot for every guest. Our recipes include sliders, dips, fondue, and more!
Godzilla Roll Sushi Bake

Godzilla Roll Sushi Bake

This sushi bake recipe makes your favorite sushi roll a breeze to make. Get the delicious taste with half the work by following our Godzilla Roll Sushi Bake recipe.
Indian Masala Chili

Indian Masala Chili

Indian Masala Chili
How to Make a Smoothie from Your Favorite Fresh Ingredients

How to Make a Smoothie from Your Favorite Fresh Ingredients

Learn how to make a smoothie with your favorite fruits, veggies, and dairy or non-dairy products. Skip the pricey juice bar or bottled options.
Make-Ahead Mini Cheese Balls

Make-Ahead Mini Cheese Balls

Once you learn how to make cheese balls that you can customize—and then freeze for up to three months—you'll never host a party without them! Depending on which cheese ball seasoning you choose, this make-ahead cheese ball recipe can fit any season or color palette.
Eggplant "Meat" Balls with Chimichurri

Eggplant "Meat" Balls with Chimichurri

Enjoy these plant-based meatballs for your next meatless dinner.
Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Grinders

Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Grinders

Make hot Italian sausage subs for a crowd with this easy slow cooker sandwich recipe. This easy Italian sandwich recipe makes enough meat for 12 subs, so it's great for a party or potluck.
Low-Sugar Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins

Low-Sugar Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins

Enjoy these moist healthy muffins for breakfast or with your afternoon tea.
How an Orchestra Orchestrates a Live Journey Through a Video Game

How an Orchestra Orchestrates a Live Journey Through a Video Game

A controller will direct a conductor's baton during Journey's live performances at the Brooklyn Acad
Fashion and Beauty: 3 Hottest summer nail colours

Fashion and Beauty: 3 Hottest summer nail colours

This article discusses the latest nail color trends for the summer season. It highlights three popul
Marni SS25 Collection: A Story of Fashion and Beauty

Marni SS25 Collection: A Story of Fashion and Beauty

The article explores how the "hero's journey" narrative structure is reflected in Marni's SS25 colle
Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2024 Makeup-Free Backstage Beauty With Tyra Banks & More Models

Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2024 Makeup-Free Backstage Beauty With Tyra Banks & More Models

The 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is making a highly anticipated return to New York City, feat
5 Video Games Based On Hit TV Shows

5 Video Games Based On Hit TV Shows

The article discusses the cross-pollination between entertainment mediums, focusing on the trend of
“Classic part of the game”: GTA 6 Fans Worry as They’ve Not Seen 1 Iconic Part of the Grand Theft Auto Franchise Yet, While Others Hope It’s Cut

“Classic part of the game”: GTA 6 Fans Worry as They’ve Not Seen 1 Iconic Part of the Grand Theft Auto Franchise Yet, While Others Hope It’s Cut

The article discusses the hype surrounding the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) and th
Spies, breakups and thick glasses: Philly’s Pig Iron obsesses over Aimee Mann in ‘Poor Judge

Spies, breakups and thick glasses: Philly’s Pig Iron obsesses over Aimee Mann in ‘Poor Judge

The article discusses a new theatrical production called "Poor Judge" by Pig Iron Theatre, which is
Weekend Entertainment Highlights: Lizzo, Diddy & More (November 30, 2024)

Weekend Entertainment Highlights: Lizzo, Diddy & More (November 30, 2024)

This text presents various news. Lizzo is on a weight loss journey and shows off her slimmer figure.
Skyline Chili voted ‘Best Regional Fast Food’ in US, according to new poll

Skyline Chili voted ‘Best Regional Fast Food’ in US, according to new poll

Skyline Chili, a beloved Cincinnati-based fast food chain, has been named the "Best Regional Fast Fo
Governor Gianforte Launches 4th State Agency Food Drive on 5th Day of Giving

Governor Gianforte Launches 4th State Agency Food Drive on 5th Day of Giving

The Governor's Office announced the fourth annual state agency food drive competition on December 6,