For over 20 years BEDS PLUS has provided vital services to thousands of homeless individuals and families in our community. In addition to safe, warm overnight shelter and hot, healthy meals, we offer professional assistance with medical care, mental health, sobriety, employment and housing. Our staff includes case managers, a registered nurse, addiction counselors and employment specialists. Learn more about us and how you can take part in our mission.
The homeless people in our villages and townships come from diverse backgrounds and complex situations. Many have recently fallen on hard times due to job loss or cutbacks in public resources. Others struggle with mental illness or addiction. They are our veterans, relatives and neighbors. Read their stories here.
Congratulations to BEDS Plus and to Molly Salisbury, BEDS' Executive Director, for winning two awards in April, the NAACP Humanitarian Award and the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce Positive Impact Award .
One person, one hour, one gift can make an exponential difference in the lives of many. Our volunteers, staff and donors prove this from dusk til dawn, as we meet the needs of the homeless night after night, year after year. We could not do it without financial support from individual donors in our community. From $10 to $1000, we make sure every dollar you give has an exponential impact.
Since 1988, BEDS PLUS has given the homeless a safe place to sleep, hot homemade meals, professional counseling, and the job services they need to become self-sufficient.
With our large corps of volunteers, our dedicated staff and the long term support of local faith-based communities, we have helped thousands of homeless individuals and families come in from the cold and get back on their feet. Our local hospitals, schools, police and fire departments, churches, social service agencies and families consider BEDS their “go to” resource for those among us in desperate straits. See us in action here.
BEDS PLUS provides
We also offer a daytime job training program to help clients find and obtain work. Clients must register with BEDS for this program.
We operate shelters and programs in west suburban Cook County, and service the homeless in LaGrange, LaGrange Park, Brookfield, Riverside, Countryside, Western Springs, Hinsdale and Lyons.
The homeless in our communities come from diverse backgrounds and situations. Many have fallen on hard times due to job loss or cutbacks in public services. Others struggle with mental illness or addiction. They are our veterans, family and neighbors.
Executive Director................Molly Salisbury, salisbury_bedsonline.org
Office Manager.....................Lisa Sheehan, sheehan_bedsonline.org
Program Director..................Pat Ciszewski, ciszewski_bedsonline.org
Volunteer Coordinator...........708-354-0858 Ext. 2 volunteer_bedsplus.org
Support Center Supervisor.....Bruce Malak, malak_bedsonline.org
Case Manager......................
Nurse Case Manager............
Substance Abuse Case Manager.........
Mark Irpino, President Thomas J. Furey, MD, VP Debbie Brooks, Sec
Dawn McMillin, Treasurer Jim Hannigan Rev. Terri Brice Greg Wolter Larry Pusateri Greg Vichick Rich Hillsman
BEDS extends a very special Thanks to
DeSitter Flooring for donating carpet and
installation for the new BEDS Daytime
Support Center.
Please check out DeSitter and support
this generous local business!
And the winner is....BEDS Plus!
Thank you to the NAACP and the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce for honoring the BEDS Plus staff, Executive Director Molly Salisbury, the faith communities and the many volunteers who take part in our mission year after year!
BEDS Accepting Applications for New Volunteers!
The 2011-2012 Shelter Season is approaching fast! BEDS Plus needs new volunteers to take the place of those who've retired from service or moved. If you have thought about volunteering or are looking for a great way to get involved, help others and meet wonderful people, call BEDS!
All new volunteers must attend one 2-hour Volunteer Orientation Seminar in August or September. Click here to see the dates, times and venue information.
BEDS Development Director Marcy Jensen,
Red Mango owner Trish Fendt and BEDS
Board Member Rich Hillsman recruit volunteers at
Red Mango's grand opening in La Grange.
Click here to join our Cause on Facebook!
Volunteers are vital to the success of BEDS mission. Working in teams, Site Volunteers staff our shelters throughout the night and serve meals at dinner and breakfast. During the week, volunteer Cook Teams prepare and deliver delicious meals together. Working from home, Laundry Volunteers help by washing sheets and blankets at home. We also have administrative and fundraising roles to fill.
Our volunteers find deep personal fulfillment through service to the homeless. They form strong bonds as they cook together or watch over the sleeping during the quiet nighttime hours. Can you give a few hours a month to help someone in crisis?
Whatever your time, talent or interest, we have a volunteer role for you!
Site Volunteers give 4 hours per month of their time to staff our shelters during one of four shifts. Without these volunteers, we could not provide shelter!
Shift 1 - 6.30-11pm: Set up, check-in, dinner
Shift 2 - 11pm-3am: Oversight during sleep
Shift 3 - 3am-7am: Wake up, breakfast
Shift 4 - 5.30-7am: Breakfast, clean up
Click Here for Student Projects and Monthly Volunteer Opportunities!
All prospective and new volunteers must attend one 2-hour orientation. You'll learn how you can help and you'll meet great people with similar interests!
Please contact Volunteer Coordinator at info_bedsonline.org
to arrange for your Volunteer Training.
Join Our Cause on Facebook and spread the word about BEDS!
For 23 years, BEDS PLUS has fulfilled its mission thanks to the financial gifts of people like you. In these tough times, every dollar makes a big difference. Choose an amount below or write in your own. Your online payment is secure and, as always, tax deductible!
$25 Donation
A $25 gift can help BEDS provide basic hygiene and personal care products to homeless clients.
$25
$50 Donation
A $50 Gift can help BEDS maintain the computers and printers in our Daytime Support Center.
$50
$100 Donation
A $100 gift helps us provide basic monthly supplies to one of our 7 shelters.
$100
$250 Donation
A $250 gift enables BEDS to purchase new pads, linens and blankets on a regular basis.
$250
$500 Donation
A $500 gift can provide professional healthcare services for 25 people.
$500
$1,000 Donation
A $1,000 gift supports our year-round Case Management program, helping clients get the healthcare, job and housing services they need.
$1000
Slide to view suggested donations.
Check Out
or
Give another amount.
Please complete and return the appropriate form to Lisa Sheehan , Operations Director.
If you are a new volunteer, you only need the New Volunteer Application form. Once you submit, we will contact you to tell you when the next Volunteer Training session takes place.
All volunteers must attend a training session. All site volunteers must be at least 21 years old.
e: sheehan_bedsonline.org
fax: (708) 354-7518
New Volunteer Application.doc
Cook Volunteer Hours.doc
Laundry Volunteer Hours.doc
Grow your hair, gather pledges and donations, and compete for great prizes at the 2010 Buzz for BEDS!
How to Register
You can register as an individual and as a team. Simply click on the forms below, then complete and fax or email back your registration form along with the $20 registration fee to BEDS. You can also pay your registration fee online (see below).
Fax: (708) 354-7518
Email: umbach_bedsonline.org
Registration form 2010.pdf
Registration form 2010.doc
Pledge form 2010.pdf
shaveeletter for donations 2010 - 1.pdf
Date: Saturday, June 12, 2010
Time: 11am - 3pm
Venue: Kiwanis Park
Corner of Elm and La Grange
Roads in La Grange
Registration Fee: $20 per individual
Volunteer Stamp Drive Project Description.doc
You need service hours and we need you! Although students can't work in our shelter sites, they do help BEDS with important projects each month.
From donation drives to office work to fundraising, kids and families have empowered BEDS to help the homeless for over 20 years.
Check back monthly for new volunteer opportunities and ideas!
Stamp Drive Letter Template.pdf
Sample Thank You Note text.doc
These generous, local businesses give financial support to BEDS' mission. Now, they are offering BEDS' supporters exclusive coupons and offers.
Just Click, Print and Redeem!
Urban Sole Coupon.pdf
stems and twigs coupon.pdf
Fodeo Coupon.pdf
Providing overnight shelter, meals and essential services to the homeless men, women and children of west suburban Cook County since 1988.
BEDS spends $0.87 cents of every dollar you donate on the direct delivery of its mission to the homeless people
in our communities.
The Better Business Bureau Standard for Non Profit Accountability recommends that $0.65 of every dollar raised be used for funding priorities.
© 2010-2011 BEDS PLUS, Inc. PO Box 2035, LaGrange, IL 60525 t: (708) 354 0858 e: info_bedsonline.org
