Community Services of Northwest Indiana

Not only am I the Executive Director of Community Services of Northwest Indiana (formerly called Greater Hammond Community Services), many years ago I was a client. This is why I know how vitally important the work is that we do here.

I remember the stress and fear of not having enough money to pay my Nispco bill. I remember calling Nipsco and begging them, "please don't shut my utilities off, I have young kids". I remember making those Nipsco payment agreements that I knew I could not keep. The money was just not there. And then someone told me about Greater Hammond Community Services and their Energy Assistance Program, which helped with Nipsco bills. What a relief! I received this help, for a few years, until I could get on my feet, and have enough money to pay the bill on my own. I now see people, both young and old, in similar, or worse, positions that I was in, come into our organization desperate for help. Some come in crying and so fearful because they have already had their utilities shut off! And we are here for them! We care about them and we can help them!

And yes, I was also a Food Pantry client. My kids may not remember it, or thought it was "fun food", but I remember cutting up potatoes and frying them and that was dinner. Or a can of pork and beans and a package of the cheapest hot dogs I could find were on the dinner table. And the same lovely person who told me about the Energy Assistance Program said to come to the pantry for food. And I did. I received meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, canned goods, and even coffee! I felt we were eating like rich people! I see the Rhonda of 30 years ago in people's faces who come into our pantry. In need. Sometimes a little embarrassed to find themselves in this kind of need. I am so thankful that we are still part of the community and can give them "good food" and make their lives a little better and their dinner tables a little richer. And let them know that things can get better for them, we are on their side!

Right now we need your help to keep doing the work we are doing! We can't do it alone and we can't do it without the support of those in the community who can afford to give! Please help us help those in need!

Why do we NOW NEED more support from our community?

• There have been structured changes at main funding sources, such as United Way, which has caused grant money to be cut significantly, or even taken away.

• Large corporate donors, like local steel mills, were bought out by international companies which caused grant money that was given out locally to be cut completely so that support could be given out on an international level.

• Over the years government funding to nonprofits has been scaled back.

Any donation that you can give will be a blessing and put to good use! We are a 501c3 organization and your gift is tax-deductible.

Please help us help others!