A Japanese proverb says, "One kind word can warm three winter months." Thanks to the financial support of North Shore Gas and the United Methodist Foundation of Northern Illinois Conference, BENNU Legal Services will be able to provide legal support, education, and resources to help melt away families' worries through the frosty weeks ahead.
North Shore Gas, known for delivering safe, clean, and reliable natural gas to homes and businesses in the northern suburbs of Chicago, recently awarded $2,000 to fund BENNU's general operations. This grant will enable BENNU to maintain the organizational strength that makes it an invaluable resource and advocate for the underserved throughout the greater Chicagoland community. Among its grant candidates, North Shore Gas considers organizations that provide human services, empower individuals to enter the workforce, and help to build vibrant and sustainable communities. It awards grants to organizational powerhouses based on criteria including community benefits and support, strength of leadership, and financial stability of the organization. "North Shore Gas is proud to power BENNU's work," comments Richard Turner, Manager of Corporate Contributions at North Shore Gas. "We consider this grant an investment in the strength of our community's future."
BENNU has also received donations to help it extend programs tailored to specific communities. On January 18, BENNU was granted $1,500 from the United Methodist Foundation of Northern Illinois Conference to support its "Strangers No More" collaboration with Memorial United Methodist Church in Zion. This collaboration provides education and legal aid to underserved immigrants in the Zion/Waukegan area, through educational seminars and low-cost legal consultations. "During winter months," explains Rev. Kwadwo Ntim, Pastor of Memorial UMC and program collaborator, "it becomes all the more important to welcome newcomers as friends, with warmth and hospitality." Janet L. Boryk, Director of Planned Giving at the United Methodist Foundation of Northern Illinois Conference, explains that the Foundation seeks to support programs with a component of strong, creative ministry. "BENNU's 'Strangers No More' collaboration with Memorial United Methodist Church reflects the Foundation's ideals of neighborly concern and responsible stewardship. The Foundation is pleased to grant this collaboration the resources necessary to reach 240 additional individuals."
With the support of North Shore Gas and the United Methodist Foundation of Northern Illinois Conference, BENNU Legal Services will continue to be a light for families and individuals across the greater Chicago area.
About BENNU Legal Services
BENNU Legal Services NFP is a nonprofit organization that works with suburban-based immigrants, as well as entrepreneurial businesses, to build stronger and healthier communities. BENNU provides legal and business counseling services to families and small-business entrepreneurs on a sliding-fee scale, often on a "low bono" basis. Through its services, BENNU Legal helps families to obtain legal benefits available under US immigration law, as well as to create jobs and assist entrepreneurs in realizing the "American Dream." We are a nonpartisan, nondenominational 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To visit more, please call (847) 478-8200 or visit www.BENNULegal.org. If you have general questions about BENNU's services, you can also email info@bennulegal.org.
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