Hope’s Front Door is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2025 Stars of Hope Award: Downers Grove Junior Women’s Club and First Congregational Church, Downers Grove. These esteemed organizations will be honored at the Hands of Hope Luncheon on April 29, 2025, from 11:30am to 2:00pm, at Seven Bridges Golf Club in Woodridge, IL, as part of Hope’s Front Door’s 25th Anniversary celebration. This significant event is made possible by the generous sponsorship of GreenState Credit Union and Midwestern University.
For a quarter of a century, both the Downers Grove Junior Women’s Club (DGJWC) and First Congregational Church have been instrumental in supporting Hope’s Front Door’s mission to provide hope and vital resources to individuals and families facing financial and health crises in DuPage County.
DGJWC has demonstrated unwavering dedication through financial contributions and their invaluable facilitation of the Ready. Set. Learn! school supply drive and distribution. Their members’ hands-on involvement as “shoppers” ensures children in need are fully prepared for the school year.
First Congregational Church, a founding member of Hope’s Front Door, has been pivotal in establishing the organization in 2000. They continue to be strong advocates, providing financial support, volunteers, and hands-on assistance for special projects.
“As we celebrate our 25th Anniversary, it is an honor to recognize these two remarkable organizations,” said Janell Robinson, Executive Director of Hope’s Front Door. “Their unwavering commitment to service and community exemplifies what it means to be a Star of Hope. We are truly grateful for their continued support and the lasting impact they have made on the lives of those we serve.”
Adding to the event’s significance, Karen S. Wells will serve as the keynote speaker. Wells brings over 30 years of distinguished career experiences and exceptional leadership, having held key roles in Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and as an entrepreneur. Currently, she serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Make-A-Wish America.
Prior to her current role, Wells served as the CEO of Bridge Communities and held various leadership positions at McDonald’s Corporation. Wells is passionate about philanthropy, inspirational storytelling, and leadership development, which led her to found her consulting boutique, The AIW Group. She holds degrees from Xavier University and Meredith College, and a DEI certification from Cornell University. Wells actively serves on the boards of the Quad County Urban League, Loaves and Fishes Community Services, and is a member of the National Speaker Association and The National Black MBA Association.
The Hands of Hope Luncheon will raise critical funds to support Hope’s Front Door’s anti-poverty programs, which assist over 73,000 DuPage County residents living below the poverty line and countless others at risk.
Event Details:
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Event: Hands of Hope Luncheon
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Date: April 29, 2025
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Time: 11:30am – 2:00pm
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Location: Seven Bridges Golf Club, Woodridge, IL
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Honorees: Downers Grove Junior Women’s Club and First Congregational Church, Downers Grove
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Speaker: Karen S. Wells
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Event Sponsors: GreenState Credit Union and Midwestern University
For more information or to purchase tickets to the Hands of Hope Luncheon visit www.hopesfrontdoor.org.
About Hope’s Front Door:
Since 2000, Hope’s Front Door has been open to all our neighbors in need. It all started with a group of clergy and community leaders who had growing concerns about our residents’ emergency needs. This generous group wanted a central location from which their members could receive care and assistance. Initially, we operated independently under the wing of the nonprofit LOVE Christian Clearinghouse, supplying vouchers for food, transportation, car repair and lodging to clients seeking assistance in DuPage County.
As our community grew, we incorporated as the Walk-In Ministry of Hope in 2003 and registered as a 501(c)(3) in the State of Illinois in 2004. In 2013 we chose a new name, Hope’s Front Door, to demonstrate our dedication to providing a safe haven; a first step towards hope for our neighbors.