CARE FOR REAL

Care for Real's main goal is to ensure that neighbors in need have access to fresh and nutritious food.

Additionally, Care for Real completed strategic planning informed by communities the organization serves in summer 2021. The outcome of community surveys and strategic planning sessions identified priority areas to guide our efforts over the next 2-4 years. These priorities include enhancing infrastructure to support priorities, reimagining the mission for changing communities, and achieving sustainability through financial planning and strategic partnerships.

Care for Real is a source of food for thousands of neighbors each year, distributing groceries to neighbors in need six days a week through locations in Edgewater and Rogers Park. CfR also provides clothing, pet food, personal care items, and referrals for food pantry clients. Distributing 2,046,297 pounds of food in the last fiscal year, CfR is a safety net in the community for neighbors facing food insecurity. Through every stage of the pandemic, CfR launched new programs and expanded operations to meet evolving community needs. The organization is committed to sustaining expanded operations to continue to meet the needs of the community.

Addressing and assessing the physical space needed to serve more neighbors facing hunger is a primary area of focus. With the intention of welcoming clients indoors again in the future, having a suitable space that supports a dignified and safe visit is imperative. CfR will explore new space options in both Edgewater and Rogers Park while addressing other strategic priorities and maintaining existing operations.

CfR will focus on refining its mission statement to more accurately communicate its broad scope of services and better inform the community.

The third strategic priority is to achieve sustainability through financial planning and strategic partnerships. The goal to foster strong partnerships with other service providers, community leaders, businesses, and community groups will help CfR to build a strong referral network to better serve clients. Identifying community and business partners will secure volunteers, in-kind donations, and financial support while also building awareness about the organization. CfR will also embark on developing an informed financial plan to help sustain current operation

In 2021, Care for Real hosted nearly 60,000 pantry visits; a 76% increase compared to 2020 without having to turn any neighbor away. CfR's dedicated staff of 11 and volunteer community of more than 500 individuals ensure that we continue to meet the needs of the community. The organization works hard to establish partnerships with retail partners throughout the city and suburbs to conduct donation pickups seven days a week to keep shelves stocked. Throughout every evolution since its founding more than 50 years ago, Care for Real has remained committed to helping neighbors in need.

Care for Real has modified operations and launched new programs to meet the changing needs of the community throughout the pandemic. The organization began renting additional space in Edgewater to expand our warehouse due to the need for more food. CfR launched a new food pantry in Rogers Park in 2020 and later added a second distribution day with a drive-thru pantry in 2021. In early 2021, CfR started a home delivery program for neighbors who were homebound due to illness. At the start of 2022, CfR moved Monday distribution to evening hours in response to client surveys requesting more accessible hours for those who have daytime commitments.

Task forces and committees have been organized to begin working on strategic priorities. As of March 2022, CfR has created a Development Plan, started a Financial Philosophy and "People" Philosophy, and begun to review mission, vision, and values. Additionally, Care for Real is working with a committee focused on physical space to better utilize current facilities and explore space needs.