The History and Mission of Together We Cope
Together We Cope (TWC) is a private not for profit (501c3) agency working to help neighbors in need. For two decades, Together We Cope has been assisting the working poor, the elderly, the disadvantaged and the needy within a five-township area to prevent homelessness.

We service the area bordered by 87th Street on the North, 183rd Street on the South, Western Avenue on the East and Will-Cook Road on the West. Starting with the desire to supply clothing to the homeless, Together We Cope now adds 500 new families each year to our client list. Clients experiencing an unexpected crisis seek financial assistance, food, and clothing, household goods and referrals to help them manage until the emergency is over.

Limited funds are available to assist with rent/mortgage payments and past due utility bills. Our goal is to treat all persons with dignity and respect, that the basic needs (food, clothing and shelter) are met and enhanced and to offer caring quality services to improve the quality of life for those in need. Together We Cope assists, advocates for, empowers and encourages neighbors in need by providing food, shelter, and clothing and referral information in times of crisis.

Background
Together We Cope was founded in 1982 in response to rapidly growing poverty in the area caused by the closing of the steel industry and a large GM plant. We began as a volunteer organization that solicited, sorted and transported donations of food and clothing for area homeless shelters and food pantries. Together We Cope grew rapidly in the 1980’s with increasing numbers of individuals and families seeking emergency help directly from TWC.

In 1989 we incorporated, received our 501c3 status, opened our agency doors in a small storefront in Oak Forest, and became an approved member of the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

In 1993 with yet another move to a larger storefront, we added part-time professional staff and opened a resale shop. Over the last three years, our agency has doubled not only in size, but also in our capability to reach out and help clients in need. With the expanded knowledge of what can be done to better help each individual, clients are given a wide range of services. With 13 part-time employees and the help of over 200 volunteers, TWC has served over 9000 families. With wise investments through the years, our Board of Directors was in a position to finally purchase our own facility making a permanent home for Together We Cope.

In 2001 we opened the doors to our permanent home and since then many positive changes have taken place. The new facility provides approximately 10,000 square feet of space, which gives Together We Cope the advantage of providing new programs and services to a growing number of clients. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have our own building in which to grow. Over 200 volunteers undertook and successfully completed the interior renovation of the building before it was open for business. The volunteers and employees pulled together and solicited material for the project and within two and a half months we were open for business. The work was managed and performed by skilled volunteers who supervised the work of those unskilled volunteers. The completed work met the requirements of all local building codes. The repair that is required at this time would be completed in a similar manner. However, it should be noted that the work to be performed would require hiring specialized skilled construction professionals. Our volunteers would provide the assistance needed to complete the projects. The purchase of the building not only provides a permanent location for our agency, but also guarantees the continuation of our programs and services to a community where needs are growing. People feel more comfortable seeking assistance at an organization that is stable and well established in the community. Unfortunately, our building is now in need of external repairs such as roof repair, tuck pointing and better ADA access.

Our mission is to stabilize a family in need by providing direct service in food, clothing, emergency financial assistance and by connecting clients to other available resources through referrals. TWC uses a holistic approach to help participants define their needs and set realistic goals toward achieving stability. Unlike the vast majority of agencies that focus on a single problem, such as substance abuse, child abuse, divorce, abandonment, mental health, domestic violence, alcoholism, TWC works with families and individuals facing any number of problems in their lives. No other agency in the southern suburbs of Chicago assists their clients with so broad a spectrum of services. The working poor facing a crisis and women with children after divorce or abandonment constitutes the majority of our clients. Together We Cope uses a wide variety of resources and works to teach clients how to seek the services they need to reach their goals. This approach teaches empowerment to those who need it most and also builds self-esteem as clients achieve their goals.

Together We Cope is not only considered one of the top leaders in the South Suburban Social Services agencies, but also within our local community. Our agency strived to be active and informed on all aspects of homelessness. We are an active member of the South Suburban Council on Homelessness where our Executive Director is past President and a member of the Task Force committee. TWC also works closely with local churches and other area organizations to make the community more aware of the growing need and to develop the best services available to our clients. We help all people who come to us for assistance. No one is turned away because of race or religion.

Our board takes a very active position in becoming involved in all aspects of the agency. It has always been a proactive voice in addressing operating guidelines for the organization, but has also been completely involved with the purchase and renovation of our new building.

Together We Cope serves as a focal point within the South Suburban Council on Homelessness and is a driving force within the Cook County Continuum of Care. Anyone who seeks our assistance will be provided with food and clothing and may qualify for financial assistance.

Purpose and Objectives
The population served at Together We Cope is the working poor. We serve the elderly, single moms, domestic violence victims, and low income families.