June 23,2021
Resolution: Care for Real's 50th Anniversary
WHEREAS, The members of the City Council of Chicago wish to recognize the many contributions of Care for Real to the Edgewater and Rogers Park communities on its 50th anniversary; and
WHEREAS, The City Council of Chicago has been notified of this accomplishment by The Honorable Harry Osterman, Alderman of the 48th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Care for Real was established in 1971 by Rev. William Johnson of the Episcopal Church of the Atonement, Rabbi Herman Schaalman of Emanuel Congregation, and other members of the Edgewater Community Religious Association (formally the Edgewater Clerical Rabbinical Association) to provide a short-term solution to neighbors in need due to fires in "Arson Alley"; and
WHEREAS, Realizing the need that still existed for social services in the community, Care for Real has continued to aid neighbors in Edgewater for 50 years; and
WHEREAS, Care for Real provides various social services to the community including providing 1.67 million meals each year, clothing donation services, pet food supplies, personal care products, and a job-readiness program; and
WHEREAS, Care for Real is committed to inclusivity, providing services to underserved communities, including communities of color and the LGBTQ+ community; and
WHEREAS, Care for Real's dedicated Board of Directors, new Executive Director, Rev. Gregory Gross, and numerous volunteers have worked tirelessly to serve our community; and
WHEREAS, Care for Real experienced a 57% increase in services during the first three months of 2021, demonstrating the continued impact the organization has had on local residents, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, Care for Real has increased its capacity to serve neighbors in need by ensuring it can provide more services to more neighbors in less time, leading to the organization expanding to our neighbors to the North in Rogers Park and adding a drive-thru service; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of Chicago, gathered here this day of June 23, 2021, do hereby express our appreciation and congratulations to Care for Real for its 50 years of service; and