I began volunteering with Care for Real in January 2021, after having retired in November of 2020. I had made a variety of donations to the organization in the previous few years, having learned about Care for Real from a neighbor.I began by packing food in the back, and then progressed to becoming a shopper, where I began to interact directly with our clients. Today I work in registration, which I really enjoy. It's an honor to hear the different stories from the many people coming to the pantry, and to help new clients to feel welcome and cared for.Having worked for many other organizations, what stands out to me about Care for Real is the feeling of family that has developed among the volunteers and staff. Additionally, as hard as all of the staff work, they constantly take the time to thank the volunteers for what they do, which makes us feel valued and connected. I can only hope that all of the staff members know just how much we treasure the partnership, which in the end, is what makes the work so meaningful.
The staff and volunteers at Care for Real are deeply dedicated to serving their clients and ensuring that everyone who comes in seeking support leaves happy and with the best help that the team can provide.
I have been a client for a while now. I worked as an advocate for and educator of children for many years. When I became ill, I lost my job and my pension. My social security wasn't enough to make ends meet. Care for Real has improved my quality of life. I prefer to eat whole foods and having fresh produce is a game changer for me. I am disabled and their volunteers and staff are always cheerful, helpful and bring a smile to what otherwise could be a dismal day
Care for Real has been providing food to the Rogers Park Edgewater communities of Chicago for over 50 years. While the pandemic hit the country hard and kept many in, the need for food only increased and Care for Real's number of clients served has only risen. With the new influx of Venezuelan immigrants staying at a nearby shelter, Care for Real volunteers and workers saw the need for food rise immensely in a very short time period. Challenged initially by the language barrier, we called on our Spanish speaking volunteers for help. Through ongoing conversations with the new immigrants we quickly learned that their food needs differed from our prior clients. We now try to pre-make special bags for our new neighbors being sure to include their favorite food, fruit. The volunteers and workers at Care for Real are special. They are able to quickly adapt to new situations, they work seven days a week to make there is enough food of high quality, and they have built a sense of togetherness that is rooted in mutual dignity and respect.
I started volunteering with Care for Real in December of 2020 when I became abruptly unemployed. The staff and volunteers were immediately so welcoming. 3 years later and through many evolutions of the Rogers Park location, I am still there every week. The staff and volunteers are continuously striving to deliver a smoother and smoother experience for growing client list. I really enjoy what i do there and the people I do it with.
I love Care for Real because they care about people, period. So many places expect some sort of reciprocity in order to meet a need but Care for Real just cares, as cliché as that sounds.
I love the staff and the volunteers. It’s truly a joy to be in this community.
Love this Care for Real! They do amazing work for the edgewater neighborhood and have the most personable and helpful staff who are there to answer any questions!
Care for Real really is all about neighbors helping neighbors. I am grateful and proud to be part of the work Care for Real does to help the community I live in get food and support.
Care for Real is the heart of Edgewater. The organization has strong volunteers, a talented and caring staff, and a very compassionate and efficient approach to serving the increasing number of neighbors facing food insecurity.
Care for Real is a small org that serves so many neighbors with care and compassion. The staff and leadership team are fantastic, and CfR's volunteers are extremely dedicated. Care for Real prioritizes client choice and sets an amazing example for how to properly care for our community!
I started volunteering at Care for Real just a couple of months ago, after I learned about it from a Board member and another friend who was working there part time. It isn't my neighborhood so I hadn't been aware of this fabulous organization before. I knew little about the intense (and increasing due to the pandemic) food insecurity in this part of Chicago. Care for Real does a wonderful job serving their community with dedication and respect. They had to "pivot" their processes due to COVID19 and they seem to be doing a great job. They even started a second "pop up" location due to need. They also have a Clothes Closet and a Pet Pantry to offer their clients. I love volunteering here - the staff and other volunteers are very professional and very friendly as well. And I feel they appreciate my help too!
An wonderful, inspiring organization. I love volunteering here and love to be part of the family. What a terrific group.
Review from Guidestar
Care for Real is an amazing agency providing free programs and services to Chicagoans in need including food distribution five times a week, deliveries to the homebound, a clothing shop, a pet pantry, case management referrals a job program. Every day the make a difference in our community. Dollars donated will go far in helping them keep up with the record numbers of folks turning to them for assistance during these tough economic times.
Review from JustGive