Chicago, IL – June, 2019 – This month, United Way of Metro Chicago and Ashley HomeStores’ Hope to Dream program together distributed 142 beds to children to 79 families across the Chicago region.
With the help of United Way’s community partners, Hope to Dream, the official charity of Ashley HomeStores across North America, provided a bedframe, mattress, sheet set, comforter and pillow to those most in need.
“Over the past 8 years, this program has proudly provided over 80,000 children with the gift of sleep,” says Ruthie Bautista, Hope to Dream Ambassador. “We look forward to continuing to work with communities to reach our common goal, to ensure that every child has a bed to call their own. This will help them to lead a healthier and more productive life.”
United Way of Metro Chicago supports 60 partner communities—19 city and 41 suburban—and is strategically invested in 10 neighborhood coalitions through the Neighborhood Network Initiative to help ensure that all Chicago area residents have access to the elements they need to thrive. By investing in programs and services focused on basic needs support—such as food, housing and safety from abuse—United Way coordinates community action to build stronger neighborhoods.
“At United Way, we recognize that healthy, vibrant families are the building blocks for a vibrant community,” said Kimberlee Guenther, United Way of Metro Chicago Vice President of Community Impact. “A comfortable place to sleep is crucial to a child’s success. That’s why we’re thrilled to partner with Hope to Dream to help ensure that children across our region have access to the support they need to reach their full potential.”
“To us, it may seem simple, but these families are often going through so much on their own, that when they receive something for free, like a bed, it can really help them and bring them joy,” said Nereida Oropeza, a case manager with Brighton Park Neighborhood Council’s (BPNC) Success & Stability Program, one of the agencies that received the beds.
United Way community partners involved in the bed distribution include Brighton Park Neighborhood Council, Metropolitan Family Services’ Bensonville Childcare Center, Auburn Gresham Health and Wellness Center, National Teachers Academy Health and Wellness Center, Dr. Cynthia Boyd/Drake Health and Wellness Center, Davis Health and Wellness Center, Children’s Home and Aid, Heartland Alliance, Illinois Action for Children and Austin Childcare Providers Network.
About United Way of Metro Chicago
United Way of Metro Chicago fights for the health, education, financial stability and safety of every person in every neighborhood across the region. We advance the common good on both a regional and neighborhood level by focusing on the building blocks for thriving people and communities: access to quality health care, a good education, financial stability and ensuring people are safe. United Way’s Neighborhood Network Initiative supports and coordinates investment and programming in 10 city and suburban communities to address community challenges and improve the lives of residents. Join the fight at LIVEUNITEDchicago.org.
Ashley HomeStore Hope to Dream
Ashley HomeStore believes that every child deserves a good night's sleep. Founded in 2010 on that guiding principle, Ashley HomeStore's "Hope to Dream" program provides beds to children in need across the U.S. and Canada. A portion of the proceeds for every mattress purchased at a participating Ashley HomeStore helps pay for a bed for a child in need. Since its inception, more than 80,000 children have received a brand-new bed. Those wishing to nominate a child can visit www.ahopetodream.com or request an electronic application by emailing admin@ahopetodream.com. In-store applications are also available at participating locations.
About United Way of Metro Chicago
United Way of Metro Chicago fights for the health, education, financial stability and safety of every person in every neighborhood across the region. We advance the common good on both a regional and neighborhood level by focusing on the building blocks for thriving people and communities: Access to quality health care, a good education, financial stability and ensuring people are safe. United Way’s Neighborhood Network Initiative supports and coordinates investment and programming in 10 city and suburban communities to address community challenges and improve the lives of residents.
About United Way of Illinois
United Way of Illinois is a statewide association of 50 local United Way organizations focused on long-term community change through resources in education, income, health and basic needs. United Way advocates for sound policies affecting the non-profit sector’s capability to serve vulnerable populations.
Media Contact:
Kiara Goodwin
Senior Manager, Communications
United Way of Metro Chicago
kiara.goodwin@liveunitedchicago.org
312-906-2291