Who We Are
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.
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Homelessness in West Suburban Cook County
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.
News & Events
JOBS OPEN AT BEDS.
BEDS currently has three open positions - contact us!
COME TO PROM!
April 24, 2010.
Tickets on sale now!
GIVE THE GIFT OF COOKIES!
Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, or just to show you care!
The Power of One Gift.
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.
About us
BEDS PLUS, Inc.
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.
Our Programs & Services
Service Area
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 recently 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.
Our Clients
Staff & Board of Directors
Executive Director..........Molly Salisbury, salisbury_bedsonline.org
Development Director......Sue Michalowski, michalowski_bedsonline.org
Operations Manager........Cody Umbach, umbach_bedsonline.org
Volunteer Coordinator......Cody Umbach, umbach_bedsonline.org
Program Director.............OPEN
Case Manager................OPEN - Substance Abuse Counselor sought
Nurse Case Manager......OPEN
Mark Irpino, President Thomas J. Furey, MD, VP Debbie Brooks, Sec Catherine Riddick, Treas Jeffry Kraus Victor Agusta Karin Connelly, Esq. Jim Hannigan Norma Karstens Hugh Rhodes Greg Vichick Greg Wolter
Terri Keenan
Shelters
Shelter Schedules & Locations through April 30, 2010
Our shelters open each night at 7pm and close the next morning at 7am.
BEDS PLUS provides:
- A safe place to sleep
- An evening meal (7:30 - 8:30 PM)
- Breakfast for overnight clients (5:30 - 6:30 AM)
- Case management services
- Other care available upon request
Moving Forward Program Wednesdays & Fridays
11am - 3pm
Offering job search and skills building, individual health and wellness support, and lunch.
MONDAY
St. Francis Xavier, 145 N. Waiola Avenue, LaGrange (Joyce Hall)
TUESDAY
Brainard Ave Baptist, 6251 S. Brainard Avenue, Countryside (South Entrance)
WEDNESDAY
Emmanuel Episcopal, 203 S Kensington, LaGrange (Catherine Ave Entrance)
THURSDAY
First United Methodist, 100 W. Cossitt, LaGrange (Rose Garden Entrance)
Parking at First Presbyterian, diagonally across at Ashland & Elm
FRIDAY
First Congregational Church of Brookfield,9146Lincoln Ave, Brookfield
(Maple Ave Entrance)
SATURDAY
First United Methodist Church, 4300 Howard, Western Springs (43rd Street Entrance)
SUNDAY
St. Louise de Marillac, 1112 Raymond, La Grange Park, (Colonnade Room)
Click to see a Google Map of all our Shelter Locations.
Success stories
Family finds support at BEDS.
From Mary, whose brother was living in despair on the streets and was estranged from his family for years, until they found help at BEDS PLUS.
I have a brother who is mentally ill. He had been homeless for many years and our family had lost touch with him. Through the assistance of BEDS, he is no longer living on the streets. When my brother had no place else to go, BEDS provided him with a safe place to sleep and hot meals. They went further as well. With help from the staff and volunteers of BEDS, we were able to get housing for him at the Richport YMCA, where he lived for over a year.
When the YMCA closed, the stress of moving became too much for my brother and again, BEDS came to our assistance. With their help, my brother was hospitalized, not incarcerated. He now lives in a supported environment. It is only through the strength and support of organizations like BEDS PLUS that help reaches those most desperately in need...as well as family members, like me.
Ted Corlett: BEDS Volunteer for 22 years!
I started with BEDS the first year it formed at Hope Lutheran on Joliet road. I was assigned the 3rd shift. It was fun and fulfilling. The next year Lyonsville UCC became the Thursday night site and I was happy to move to first shift, now truly appreciating those who arrive mid-winter at 3am. Even with 6 people on the team we were very busy and admittedly overdone. Thanks to a few zealous supervisors, we set up everything, arranging the pads, putting out the boxes, cooking, serving, clearing, checking in, etc.
The best part of BEDS of course is the people you work with and the clients you meet and hopefully help. Over all these years I've been involved with two very stable teams. It's been great getting to know team members and hear about their families and lives.
I would recommend volunteering to anyone even thinking about it. People make the difference. When I moved to the Methodist Church the program changed markedly from one of primarily providing night shelter to now helping "clients" get back on their feet and find housing, jobs and treatment. It has been a progression I've enjoyed, expanding the meaning and purpose of BEDS. Clients have always expressed appreciation for the program.
Time flies when you're having fun, and helping people.
News
BEDS PLUS is hiring! We have 3 open positions in La Grange:
Please forward your resume and a cover letter,indicating the position you are applying for,
to Cody Umbach: umbach_bedsonline.org. No phone calls please.
Nurse Case Manager (Part-Time, Competitive Salary)
Candidate must be a Registered Nurse.
Duties include:
*Providing medical assessments, medical education, and prescription education.
*Administering intake assessments with new clients.
*Case management of clients providing implementation and follow up.
Substance Abuse Counselor (Full Time, 32-35hrs/wk, Competitive Salary)
Candidates must have a Bachelor's Degree, CADC
*Administering intake assessments with new clients
*Case management of clients providing referrals and follow-up
*Group facilitation
Program Director (Full Time 32-35 hours/week, Competitive Salary)
*Development of client centered programs
*Supervision of Case Management Staff
*Oversight of record keeping and reporting
Coming Events
Wear your best retro Prom attire and dance the night away for BEDS.
April 24, 2010, 8pm.
Buy Cookies as a Gift - Help BEDS Raise Money!
Searching for a delicious, meaningful gift? Search no more: Christie Cookies, maker of fresh, gourmet cookies and brownies, has the perfect gift for your special someone or valued customers. And, when you order from this link, Christie Cookies will give back 20% of your purchase price to BEDS! Click the cookie to learn more or order a fresh tin today:
Volunteer
How You Can Help
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?
Site Volunteers
Support Volunteers
Whatever your time, talent or interest, we have a volunteer role for you!
Site Volunteers give 2-4 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
Volunteer Forms click here.
Volunteer Training Orientations
All prospective and new volunteers must attend an orientation. You'll learn how you can help and meet other amazing people with similar interests.
To reserve a seat, email Cody at umbach_bedsonline.org
or phone (708) 354-0858.
Donate
Your donation is vital to our success.
For over 22 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!
Buy your tickets to the 2010 BEDS PLUS Prom here!
Label:$40
Price:40
A $50 gift can cover the cost of a hot breakfast for 40 people.
Label:$50
Price:50
A $100 gift helps us provide basic monthly supplies to one of our 7 shelters.
Label:$100
Price:100
A $250 gift enables BEDS to purchase new pads, linens and blankets on a regular basis.
Label:$250
Price:250
A $500 gift can provide professional healthcare services for 25 people.
Label:$500
Price:500
A $1,000 gift supports our Moving Forward program that helps our clients find work each year!
Label:$1,000
Price:1000
Slide to view our suggested donations. If you'd like to donation an amount not shown here, please click here to do so now. Thank you!
Check Out
or
Give another amount.
Forms
New Volunteer Application
Forms to print,
complete and submit.
Please complete and return these forms to Cody Umbach, Operations Manager.
e: umbach_bedsonline.org
f: (708) 354-7518
Cook Team Volunteer Hours
Laundry Volunteer Hours
You are invited to the feel-good fundraiser of the year!
Our DJ will spin the greatest dance tunes from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s while you dance the night away dressed in your best retro formal attire. You'll have the time of your life while raising money to support BEDS. Spiked punch, Prom photos, big hair, shoulder pads, peach colored tuxedos, and a crowning ceremony for the king and queen.
Come with a date or with friends -
this will be the Prom of a lifetime!
Event Details
Date: Saturday, April 24, 2010
Time: 8pm - Midnight
Venue: The Village Club of Western
Springs, 4221 Lawn Ave, 60558
Tickets: $40 admission per person,
must be purchased in advance.
Raffle Tickets: $20 each or 6 for $100
The Prom Raffle
Prom Raffle tickets on sale March 1st through Prom night. Grand Prizes include:
Box seats on the 50 yard line,
2 rows behind the ND bench!
ND v. Pitt, 10/09/10. (Priceless)
How to Buy Admission
and Raffle Tickets
To purchase Raffle tickets, email Cody Umbach: umbach_bedsonline.org.
To purchase Admission Tickets,
Click the
Disco Ball:
Need a Dress for Prom?
Come to our Trunk Show.
BEDS will host a free Retro Trunk Show with retro dresses, accessories, wine, desserts and top local hair stylists. Tuesday, April 6, 7-9pm at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Catherine St entrance. Come, enjoy and find the dress of your dreams.
Providing overnight shelter, meals and essential services to the homeless men, women and children of west suburban Cook County since 1988.
You Make the Difference.
Coming April 24, 2010
The Prom
Ever been to a fundraiser
where you had the time
of your life?
Click the disco ball
to read more about
Prom and buy tickets online.
Together We Save Lives.
Click the heart to read about the homeless we serve, our dedicated volunteers and our partners in the community.
See our success stories.
When you buy tickets
to Prom, we'll send
you an exclusive
Prom Coupon Book with great deals from local restaurants, salons, and more!
© 2009-2010 BEDS PLUS, Inc. PO Box 2035, LaGrange, IL 60525 t: (708) 354 0858 e: info_bedsonline.org
