M.O.R.E. Home > About Us > Letters from Executive Director
LETTERS FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Much to Be Thankful For
October 2011
Every once in a while we have reason to be happy and thankful. After residing in the M.O.R.E. Center building for four years, we have officially paid off our mortgage of $65,000. What an amazing happening! Keep in mind that we do not receive any government money and that we rely totally on community support. This was made possible through our fundraisers and generous donations. Now, our attention can strictly focus on serving our community. No longer will we worry over the building debt. Thank you to all of you that have made this building a true success.
It is already October and at the M.O.R.E. Center we are preparing for holiday food for Thanksgiving and Christmas. As in the past, we are able to purchase holiday food boxes from the Northern Illinois Food Bank. The boxes contain a 12-14 pound turkey, stuffing mix, instant potatoes, two canned vegetables, canned peaches, gravy mix, dessert mix and coffee. We are able to purchase these boxes for $15. Anyone having purchased food lately will recognize the value in these boxes. We will also supplement the boxes with additional food and dairy. This is an exciting and busy time of year for us. We have already placed our order knowing that the community in past years has made this possible. If you care to donate to holiday food boxes, you may make a check to MORE and mark it “Holiday Boxes”. You may send it to us at the M.O.R.E. address or drop it off in your church. You will help to make someone’s holiday special.
Sincerely,
Bob Botts
Executive Director
A Growing Food Pantry: A Supportive Community
June 2011
The food pantry has had a number of locations throughout its history. In the early nineties, it was located in city hall. The food pantry has also been housed at the water treatment plant and the Covenant Baptist Church garage. The numbers of needy kept growing and space was becoming very tight. It was at this point that the governing Board, the Inter-Church Council, decided that something had to be done to obtain a better location and even to extend services beyond just food. The Inter-Church Council turned over the operations to a new organization called Marengo area OutReach Enterprises, Inc. It was organized in June of 2000 and this Board of community members set about looking for just the right place. They were determined to raise money for whatever the answer would be. While the search was on, the food pantry moved to the old J & L gas station on West Grant Highway which was owned by the city. It was extremely small and food had to be stored off-site. The Board determined that there was no existing property that would be suitable for our purposes, so the land on Greenlee was purchased and the building campaign began. (See History page)
Because of the commitment of this group of people and the generous support of the community, the M.O.R.E. Center opened in August of 2007 and services have expanded to financial assistance, clothing and household items. This property is valued at more than $400,000, but with donated materials, labor and cash, we moved in owing only $65,000 and this has been reduced to $12,000 in less than four years. By the end of this summer, we hope to completely free ourselves of building debt. That’s an amazing accomplishment.
Sincerely,
Bob Botts
Executive Director
2010: A Year of Getting Into a Routine
February 2011
From my point of view, 2010 was a year of getting into a routine. The previous years were heavily invested in capital projects, demanding much time and disruption. We did purchase a laptop for the Emergency Financial Assistance Program.
Looking back, we saw a year where our numbers of clients served each week was similar to the previous year, although the turnover rate was higher. There was an increase in homeless clients and the unemployed.
Our volunteer base remains strong, with good leadership where needed. Our three Program Directors remain remarkable in their dedication of the clients they serve. Our donations are remaining strong, even in this poor economy. Three grants were received. Through careful money management, we ended the year quite positively.
The directors met somewhat regularly to discuss concerns, procedures and other items. Security and safety are topics that are beginning to be addressed and will be taken into the new year.
The M.O.R.E. Center continues to be used by the Marengo Senior Citizens group twice a month and by two card playing groups for a total of at least ten times a month. So far, we have been able to work out schedules together.
The M.O.R.E. Center continues to draw notice from other organizations in the area. Other food pantries showing interest in our facility, website or our food pantry operation include Harvard, Wonder Lake, Algonquin/Lake in the Hills, Crystal Lake, Grafton and Elgin.
Our website continues to be quite an asset. It has been operating for two years and has had over 2,500 hits. The PayPal choice is beginning to catch on with more than $1,500 being donated this year by this method. The site is easy to navigate and whether a person is a possible donor, volunteer or client, information is there to address most questions.
The year 2011 will probably bring another conservative year. We will be looking at building safety and security which may mean some new expenses. We will continue to look at the topic of succession, especially pertaining to our program directors. We will also continue to take a look at our programs and how we may improve them, sometimes even making changes. There is also a possibility that our building debt may be eliminated.
I thank the Board of Directors for their vigilant guidance and their support.
Sincerely,
Bob Botts
Executive Director
Back to School: Helping Kids "Fit In"
August 2010
While you are reading this, Marengo area boys and girls are going back to school with all of the emotions that follow them. Being able to “fit in” is about the most important element of overcoming the jitters of the first few days. At the M.O.R.E. Center, in conjunction with the Salvation Army, back packs and basic school supplies are being given to those children of less fortune. It’s a fulfilling experience to see these children receiving the fresh new back pack and all of the accessories.
I think that all of us can remember those days when the crayons were sharp and smelled so good. Remember the new pencils and notebooks? And the new erasers and ink pens with the cartridges? Well, times have changed a little, but the kids are about the same as when we were young. At the same time back packs are being distributed, M.O.R.E. is providing a $25 voucher for each child to shop at Levin’s for either gym clothes or gym shoes. This program is in its third year and has been quite successful. So, the moms and dads that we help are seeing their children start the school off with some of the same attire that others around them are displaying.
“Fitting in” is so important. Thank you Salvation Army and thank you community for supporting these programs that help so many of our young ones.
Sincerely,
Bob Botts
Executive Director
Our Board: Leading By Example
February 2010
The catalyst for our success is the 15 member Board of Directors. Our directors are drawn into service from our community and they work very hard to build support for our causes and then they get into the trenches and lead by example. This governing Board’s goals are many, including vision and goal setting, promoting, fundraising, staffing, record keeping and evaluating. Although we distribute government commodities, we are a totally private, not-for-profit, enterprise. Therefore, our continued existence is dependent on the leadership of our Board.
Our Board members are: Pat Adams, Chris Angelo, Christine Botts, Bob Botts, Sandy Butenschoen, Tom Dujmovich, Norenne Dunker, Tim Emerson, Mary Ann Kawall, Deb Keane, Janice Perkins, Charlie Petrausksis, Sue Regas, and Tim Stone. Each person comes to the Board to lead with a background and set of skills that represents the community for which they serve. By occupation, we have present and retired teachers, nurses, cost analyst, a firefighter/paramedic, realtor, banker, veterinarian, retired social worker, assistant director of religious education, school and church volunteers, and a corporate executive. Many are members of our churches and civic organizations, and have families in our community. They know you and they know your concerns, values and compassions.
If you were observant, you counted only 14 members. We are searching for a new member that will be able to bring fresh ideas and energy, but also have the ability to embrace the efforts of those past and present. Please contact us to be considered.
Sincerely,
Bob Botts
Executive Director
Back to School Time
August 2009
As I write this, it is almost time for school to begin. This Center has been abuzz with children delighting in receiving backpacks and new gym shoes or gym clothes. Mary Ann Kawall, our Emergency Financial Assistance Director and Salvation Army Extension Service Coordinator, headed up the distribution of the Salvation Army sponsored backpacks and the M.O.R.E. sponsored gym shoes or gym clothes. The backpacks were filled with school supplies and the children were also given tooth brushes and tooth paste. Vouchers for $25 were given to their parents for the gym shoes or gym clothes to be purchased at Levin’s Shoes & Dry Goods in downtown Marengo. Thanks Bob Levin for participating in this program.
When watching this event unfold, we come to realize how little it takes to see eyes sparkle and moms and dads feel relief that their children will be “fitting in” with the other kids on that nervous first day of school. It’s these kinds of experiences that make all the other hum drum days seem distant. For just a few minutes, we see some fruits of our labor before we go back to our more routine tasks of helping with the real necessities of life: food, shelter, and clothing.
It takes many volunteers to keep our programs running. Want to help? See our website. Please keep the M.O.R.E. Center in your thoughts and prayers; not only for those that we seek to help, but also for our volunteers.
Sincerely,
Bob Botts
Executive Director
A Generous Community. . .Thank You!
February 2009
I continue to be amazed at the generosity of the Marengo-Union community. The food and clothing donations continue to pour in from businesses, individuals, churches and organizations, even though the economic situation is tenuous. I guess that I should not be surprised, because this is the community that provided us the M.O.R.E. Center and the continuing support of it. This is the community that enthusiastically supports our fundraising events and food drives and provides our volunteers. It is commendable that we work together so closely and in a caring, personal way. Perhaps that is a perk of being a relatively small community. For whatever the reason, I say, "Thank you and may we continue to strengthen this partnership."
Sincerely,
Bob Botts
Executive Director
Three Programs. . .Three Special People
December 2008
Three very special people make the programs at M.O.R.E. Center run smoothly. They are Jan Perkins, Food Pantry; Mary Ann Kawall, Emergency Financial Assistance and Salvation Army; and, Deb Keane, Little Portion.
Each of these Directors is totally dedicated to improving the lives of our clients. Jan Perkins brings 17 years experience in running the food pantry and coordinating the efforts of the volunteers. She brings a special touch in getting to know the needs of the clients she touches. Jan has had a number of drastic changes in the move the M.O.R.E. Center, as well as dealing with the growing list of clients. Jan also headed the Holiday Clearinghouse program which coordinates the efforts of individuals, organizations, and MORE during the holiday season. This year was, once again, a ground breaking experience with Toys For Tots coming to the M.O.R .E. Center. While there may be room for improvement next year, the programs came together very well. Thanks Jan.
Mary Ann Kawall has been with MORE since 2002 and brings her skills of a former case worker to the M.O.R.E. Center when she takes on financial difficulties of our clients. Her efforts go toward giving assistance to those facing utility shut-offs, evictions, prescription needs, and many other emergency problems that arise. Mary Ann works closely with other agencies including township supervisors, Salvation Army, the Housing Authority, the Department of Human Services, churches, local businesses and other private and public social agencies. She often attempts to bundle a package of assistance from two or more agencies. One agency alone may not be enough, but by working together, a family may be able to stay in their home or a utility gets turned on. Mary Ann often spends hours on just one case and the client list is growing. Thanks Mary Ann.
Deb Keane directs the Little Portion which provides clothing and household items to our clients. She has been with the food pantry and MORE for ten years. When the M.O.R.E. Center opened, this new program became her responsibility. She directs a staff of dedicated individuals who enjoy sorting, organizing and displaying clothing and items. Our clients are well-served with warm coats, boots, gloves, sweatshirts, jeans, shoes and items for their apartments. The task of rotating in and out of items is an ever-present challenge. Deb is also able to “connect” with clients’ needs and informs them of other MORE programs. Deb is an integral part in the make-up of our MORE programs. Thanks Deb.
Sincerely,
Bob Botts
Executive Director
Gearing Up For the Holidays
October 2008
Here at the M.O.R.E. Center, we are gearing up for the holidays. Our Holiday Clearinghouse program, led by Janice Perkins, synchronizes various community efforts to help the needy families of Marengo and Union during the holiday season. This includes Angel Tree, Toys For Tots, holiday food boxes and other programs. M.O.R.E. provides a screening process of recipients and coordinated distribution in order to reach all needy families, to assure equity among those receiving help and to discourage abuse. And, M.O.R.E. steps in to meet special situations.
Angel Tree provides clothing items to less fortunate children. Various businesses about town have Christmas trees with tags of names and needs. Stop in and pick one or two up.
Toys For Tots, sponsored by the Marines, provides new toys to children. Collection bins are provided about town for new, unwrapped toys.
While you go about your daily routine, perhaps concerned about our own future, let's count our blessings and remember that there are those in our community in situations far worse than most of us. M.O.R.E. is here to lend a helping hand to them and also to you, if you find yourself in immediate need of basic life necessities. Just give us a call.
Sincerely,
Bob Botts
Executive Director
A Year in the M.O.R.E. Center: Keeping Our Mission
July 2008
August 8 marks a full year in M.O.R.E. Center. It's amazing how much we have grown in that past year. We went from a handful of volunteers, to more than 80. We have grown in the services we offer and, for the most part, we are very proud of our programs. With this success, however, we have become the "go to" agency, the first responders, in the Marengo-Union area for people in difficult situations.
Over the past few months we have been noticing a large increase in clients needing food and emergency assistance. Not only are our numbers up, but the severity of cases is quite noticeable. The country's economic down turn, the mortgage crisis and the reductions in social services are all contributing to a growing number of individuals and families entering poverty level. The stresses of losing a house or apartment, a job, a car, your health, your spouse or children and countless other issues can create depression and volatility in individuals. We are seeing many first timers and they are embarrassed to enter our doors, they are upset, emotionally drained, and they don't know what to expect. We offer advice, food, clothing and household items, and perhaps financial assistance. Sometimes we just listen and console them, but we do it with respect and dignity.
It is difficult for most of us to recognize that in McHenry County, a rich county in many ways, homeless individuals and families actually exist. But they do, and we see it every week. It is difficult for us to give a mother a bag of food that she and her son will be able to eat in their car. But we do it and wish her luck. It is difficult to watch an individual walk away from our Center with a bag of food and that person's next goal being to find a friend, any friend, with a couch for the night. But, again we do it with hope that we are helping this person make it to the day when a job can be found. That's what we do.
I mention these things to let you know we are trying to help in the best ways we can with what we have. We are all volunteers. No one is paid. We depend on your continued support even if the only way that you can help is to wish us luck and to speak positively to others of our constant needs. We are immensely thankful for all the generous and caring organizations and individuals in our community.
Sincerely,
Bob Botts
Executive Director
Welcome from the Excutive Director
March 2008
Dear visitor:
Welcome to our website! We hope that as you explore the pages, you are beginning to get a feeling of pride and ownership in the M.O.R.E. Center. After all, this has been and still is a community project that seems to have taken on a life of its own.
From our Board of Directors to our Program Directors, we say "Thank you, Marengo". Thank you for your donations of money. Thank you for your volunteering. Thank you for donating food to the numerous drives. Thank you for your good used clothing. And thank you for speaking positively about what we do. It takes numerous volunteers to operate the M.O.R.E. Center. Our Program Directors spend countless hours in meeting the needs of individuals and families in desperate situations and our volunteers carry out the many jobs from week to week. So, be sure to thank these people.
Please check our website from time to time. We will keep you posted about our various needs, news and events. Things seem to be happening here all the time. If you want to volunteer, fill out the application provided here and send it in. If you or someone you know is in need of our services, please come in. You'll be greeted with friendliness, sincerity and discreteness.
Sincerely,
Bob Botts,
Executive Director