OPEN ARM FOUNDATION INCORPORATED
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Mission Statement
The Open Arm Foundation – Mission Statement At The Open Arm Foundation, our mission is to restore dignity, stability, and hope to individuals and families facing hardship by delivering essential resources and support with compassion and consistency. We are committed to meeting people where they are—physically, emotionally, and economically—by removing the barriers that prevent access to basic needs and opportunities for a better life. Founded on the belief that everyone deserves to live with dignity, our organization works tirelessly to uplift and serve communities throughout Calumet Park and the greater south suburban Chicago region. We provide essential household items, hygiene products, clothing, and baby supplies to families and individuals who are often overlooked or underserved by traditional systems of support. Our mission is grounded in three core principles: access, equity, and empowerment. ACCESS: Meeting Basic Needs Without Barriers We recognize that access to essential goods is a fundamental human right—not a privilege. Unfortunately, thousands of families in our community struggle to afford even the most basic necessities, including soap, diapers, toilet paper, laundry detergent, and weather-appropriate clothing. These items are not covered by programs like SNAP, and for many families, they are often unaffordable. Our Mobile Essential Needs Pantry Project brings critical items directly into neighborhoods that need them most. By creating a non-restrictive, judgment-free model, we ensure that anyone—regardless of income, housing status, or documentation—can receive support with dignity. No paperwork. No red tape. Just compassion in action. Our pantry-on-wheels allows us to reach individuals who lack transportation or live in resource deserts, offering a lifeline to seniors, single parents, veterans, working families, and others struggling to make ends meet. EQUITY: Addressing Systemic Gaps Through Community-Centered Solutions The Open Arm Foundation exists not just to meet temporary needs, but to challenge the systemic inequities that perpetuate poverty, violence, and hardship in historically marginalized communities. We understand that families in under-resourced neighborhoods often face multiple overlapping challenges: food insecurity, housing instability, limited healthcare, and underfunded schools. By focusing on the root causes of poverty, our programs aim to reduce these compounding pressures. We believe that when families are supported, children can thrive in school, communities become safer, and hope is restored. We intentionally operate in areas where other services are lacking or difficult to access. Our commitment is to reach those who are often invisible to mainstream systems—with love, consistency, and practical solutions. EMPOWERMENT: Creating Safer, Stronger, and More Resilient Communities While our work begins with essentials, it doesn’t stop there. Our deeper mission is to empower individuals to reclaim their stability and strength. We understand that when people’s basic needs are met, they are more equipped to focus on education, employment, wellness, and relationships. Through community events, student support initiatives, and neighborhood outreach, we create opportunities for individuals to feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether it’s a child receiving a new coat for school, a grandparent getting cleaning supplies to maintain a safe home, or a young mother accessing diapers for her baby, every act of service we provide is a building block of empowerment. Our work is not charity—it’s partnership. It’s a statement that you matter, and you are not alone. Our Vision for the Future We envision a future where every person in every neighborhood has unrestricted access to the essentials of daily living, where no one is overlooked, and where community resources are abundant, inclusive, and responsive. Through the expansion of our Mobile Pantry program, new partnerships, and community-driven initiatives, The Open Arm Foundation seeks to become a model for grassroots empowerment and equitable service delivery. As we grow, our mission remains clear: to open our arms wider—to serve more people, to uplift more lives, and to be a consistent force for good. In Summary The Open Arm Foundation exists to provide: Essential resources without judgment Human dignity without conditions Community care without limitations We believe that real change happens when people come together with open hearts and shared purpose. That is what we strive for every day. With every item we give, every hand we hold, and every connection we build—we are nurturing not just needs, but humanity.
About This Cause
The Open Arm Foundation – Charity Description Legal Name: The Open Arm Foundation Location: 12649 South Ashland Avenue, Calumet Park, IL 60827 Tax Status: 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization Contact: Dr. Barbara Andrews; Executive Director Phone: (773) 676-2246 Email: contact@theopenarmfoundation.org Website: https://theopenarmfoundation.org/ Overview The Open Arm Foundation is a community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization rooted in compassion, access, and empowerment. Headquartered in Calumet Park, Illinois, the foundation is dedicated to bridging the gap between poverty and possibility for individuals and families across the south suburbs of Chicago. Our work centers on meeting immediate needs while nurturing long-term resilience and community wellness. At its core, The Open Arm Foundation believes in meeting people where they are—whether it be physically through our mobile outreach programs, or emotionally through our trauma-informed, judgment-free approach to service. We exist to restore dignity and uplift human potential, one family, one individual, and one act of kindness at a time. Mission Statement Our mission is to provide essential resources and compassionate support to those in need, especially in under-resourced and underserved communities. By offering household goods, hygiene products, clothing, and baby supplies, we aim to restore dignity, reduce economic pressure, and help create safe, stable environments where individuals and families can thrive. We are committed to non-restrictive, barrier-free service—because we believe that no one should be turned away from receiving help. Why We Exist: Addressing a Critical Need In the neighborhoods we serve, far too many families are trapped in cycles of poverty and instability. For them, simply acquiring necessities such as toilet paper, soap, diapers, or warm clothing can be a monthly struggle. While public assistance programs cover food and housing, they often fail to cover essential hygiene and household products—items that directly impact physical health, mental wellness, and social dignity. Families who are working full-time, seniors living on fixed incomes, and those temporarily displaced due to life circumstances face difficult choices every day. Do they pay the electric bill or buy school supplies? Gas for work or diapers for the baby? These are the decisions no one should have to make—and they are the decisions The Open Arm Foundation helps to ease through direct relief and consistent presence. Key Programs & Initiatives 1. Mobile Essential Needs Pantry Our flagship program, the Mobile Essential Needs Pantry, is a roving distribution effort that brings household goods directly to communities with the greatest need. This includes: Hygiene kits (toothpaste, soap, feminine products, deodorant) Baby essentials (diapers, wipes, formula) Cleaning products (laundry detergent, all-purpose cleaner, paper towels) Seasonal clothing and undergarments Personal protective items when needed (masks, sanitizer) We host regular “Essential Needs Giveaway” events in Calumet Park and other local neighborhoods. Each event serves hundreds of individuals—no ID, registration, or income proof required. This mobile model ensures access for people who lack transportation or face mobility challenges, especially seniors, disabled residents, and parents with young children. 2. Community Sharing & Educational Support We believe in supporting not only immediate needs but also long-term growth. Our education-focused initiatives include: Providing school supplies, backpacks, and clothing for students Supporting parents and caregivers through educational resources and referrals Partnering with schools and local institutions to promote academic success Our team works to build bridges between families and local services that can support their growth, from tutoring to healthcare to housing advocacy. 3. Seasonal Campaigns & Special Events Winter Warmth Drive: Collecting and distributing coats, gloves, boots, and blankets. Holiday Kindness Campaign: Gift-giving for children and families during the holiday season. Back-to-School Boost: Distribution of school essentials in July and August. These campaigns are opportunities to rally the community, encourage corporate partnerships, and spread joy and relief during high-pressure seasons. Our Impact: By the Numbers Thousands of individuals served annually, with outreach growing each year. 500+ families reached per event, with multiple distributions scheduled monthly. Over 50,000 essential items distributed in 2024 alone, including hygiene kits, diapers, socks, and more. Partnerships with local schools, churches, and civic organizations amplify our reach and effectiveness. What sets us apart is our ability to serve without judgment or bureaucracy—creating a safe, affirming space for people to receive the help they need with dignity and respect. Organizational Values Compassion: We lead with empathy in every interaction. Equity: We serve everyone equally, regardless of background or circumstance. Consistency: We show up regularly and reliably, building trust in every neighborhood we visit. Collaboration: We believe in the power of partnerships to expand our reach and deepen our impact. Empowerment: We serve not just to relieve hardship, but to inspire confidence and resilience. Leadership & Volunteerism Our work is made possible by a small team of committed staff and a strong network of volunteers and community partners. Our volunteers are the heartbeat of our mission—packing kits, loading trucks, engaging with families, and showing up with heart and humility. We are actively building strategic partnerships with local businesses, schools, faith-based groups, and philanthropic foundations to enhance our impact and sustainability. Vision for the Future The Open Arm Foundation is working toward a future where: Every individual in our region has consistent access to hygiene and household essentials Families no longer have to choose between necessities and dignity Communities are safer, stronger, and more connected through shared service We become a regional model for mobile, barrier-free relief services that others can replicate To meet growing demand and scale our operations, we are currently pursuing: Corporate sponsorships and grants for operational support and vehicle upgrades Roof replacement and facility improvements at our Calumet Park headquarters Technology enhancements to track inventory and manage community engagement more effectively How You Can Help We welcome support from: Individual donors looking to make a local impact Corporate partners seeking meaningful community engagement opportunities Foundations and grantmakers aligned with our values of justice, access, and empowerment Volunteers and ambassadors who want to give their time, energy, and talents Every dollar, donation, and act of kindness helps us open our arms wider—to serve more people, meet more needs, and build a stronger tomorrow. Closing Statement The Open Arm Foundation exists because the need is real and growing. But so is the hope. With every package we deliver and every family we reach, we’re proving that compassionate action can create real change. We invite you to join us. Together, we can turn essential support into lasting impact and transform communities, one open arm at a time.