Christians Serving Our Neighbors & Friends in Need

In the year 2000, Kendall County was identified as one of the fastest growing counties in the United States. By 2012, Kendall County also ranked among counties with the highest foreclosure rates in Illinois. One in every 13 households is in some state of foreclosure. Residents are making decisions between food, medicine, and gas for their autos.

In April 2009, as the nation's economic conditions worsened, community leaders, including governmental leaders, a number of church pastors, leaders from civic organizations, and a few interested business leaders, first came together at a breakfast meeting. The meeting's objective was to discuss opportunities to more effectively serve those Kendall County residents facing economic hardship. The group formed at these meetings is called Kendall Cares.

Inspired by a shared common faith in Jesus Christ, Kendall Cares is designed to serve people in our community through:

As these needs were identified, small task teams began working together informally, in the spirit of action--Christians working together to serve others, as told in the Bible and by how Jesus lived during His time on Earth.

The goal of Kendall Cares is to provide compassion, home and assistance to our strugging neighbors. Out of the Kendall Cares Community Breakfast gatherings, the Kendall Cares Clinic and PADS have come to fruition.

Kendall Cares Clinics

“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow,’ when you now have it with you.” - Proverbs 3: 27-28

The first Kendall Cares Clinic was held in April, 2010. Local professionals provided medical, dental, chiropractic, and vision screening to guests. Each guest was able to shop in the clothing closet, was served a hot meal, and had the opportunity to have a family photograph taken. Over 400 area volunteers provided services and helped guests through the clinic and becoming their friend for the day.

The next Kendall Cares Clinic will be held Saturday, April 20, 2013 from 9:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Plano High School in Plano. Services will again be offered to guests free of charge. If you would like to be involved in the planning portion of the Clinic or would like to receive further information, please contact Kendall Cares.

PADS in Kendall County

Since October 2010, Kendall County Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS) has been active in Kendall County. PADS is dedicated to providing temporary, safe shelter and nourishing food to the men, women, and children in Kendall County who are homeless or in need.

Kendall County PADS will operate from Sunday, October 14, 2012 through Saturday, April 15, 2013. PADS operates in seven different churches serving as shelter sites, each taking one night per week, through the cold months of the year. The sites are open from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

A total of 600 volunteers are needed for PADS to operate most efficiently. We invite adults, age 18 or older, from community organizations, schools, churches and businesses and interested citizens to serve as volunteers. Visit the PADS page for details and registration forms.

Kendall County PADS is a Not-for-Profit 501c3 program and as such relies fully on donations and volunteers.