Our Mission and History
The Outreach House’s reason for being is simple – to provide compassionate and effective assistance to individuals and families in need with dignity and without judgment.
Following a long and successful community presence addressing urgent needs for food, clothing, infant/toddler essentials and emergency financial assistance, our four programs – First Things First, Food Pantry, Clothes Closet and Walk-in Assistance - merged as one organization under The Outreach House.
Now we have not only merged all of our programs under one Board, but
We are Under One Roof!
The economic impact of the pandemic over the past two years has increased demand for services across all four of our programs – especially for those who are unemployed, underemployed, have a disability or are on fixed incomes. This continuing increase in demand for comprehensive assistance has highlighted the need for more accessible and welcoming working and storage space to enable programs of The Outreach House to provide efficient and dignified service for the ongoing needs of our community.
We have moved to 805 S. Main St, Lombard, into a one-story building, where we now offer all of our programs under one roof: easily accessible with increased storage for food, diapers and clothing.
Evolution of The Outreach House
Our Organization
The Outreach House is managed by a Board of Directors and a part-time Executive Director. Board members are volunteers from the community who bring both their dedication and expertise to assist with the direction of The Outreach House.
Executive Director - Catherine Lynott
(ex-officio member)Chair – Kris DeSmedt
Secretary – Tami Moberg
Treasurer – Carol O’Neill
Dean Albright
Jasmine Bailey
Hester Bury
Ruth Clements-Gottlieb
Eric Deaton
Steve Flint
Evelyn Rodriguez
