This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

deicke home

I was made aware that the Deicke Home in Lombard is in need of some serious help from the community otherwise they will close the doors. I was extremely heartbroken when I heard the news. Is there anything you can do to help get the word out? 

The Edwin F. Deicke Home is a not for profit residential home for adults with developmental disabilities in Lombard IL. The home was built in 1983 because a group of families yearned for an independent and dignified life for their adult children with disabilities. The home currently houses 16 individuals from the ages of 25-66. 

For over 30 years, the home has run mostly off of fundraising and the donations from kind and giving people. 

Thanks to these donors, the home has been able to provide a clean, safe and stimulating environment for it’s wonderful residents. The residents enjoy an independent lifestyle with the help of a small caring staff. Those with the ability have the opportunity to work small jobs and some volunteer their time helping others at schools or local establishments. Their daily schedules are filled with activities led by staff and local volunteers. 

Over the past few years, the poor economy has drastically reduced our private donations and we were left with no choice but to draw on the reserves for each month. Despite our many efforts to increase revenue we just couldn’t get ahead. Our reserves have been depleted and will be forced to close the Deicke Home on March 31st 2014 unless we find more donations. 

This is a cry for help. We are desperate. If we don’t get help soon, 16 adults with disabilities will be forced to leave their home, friends, support system and independence. Two of the residents have been living in the home for half of their life! It’s heartbreaking to think that some of the residents may ultimately revert to a life of isolation and lethargy.

It takes $20,000 to break even each month to cover 24 hour care and services.  Your donations today will help keep the doors open one more month while we seek a long term solution.  

Please help us to save the future of these 16 individuals and ensure that the future population of adults with developmental disabilities has the opportunity to live and thrive in this wonderful home

http://www.gofundme.com/savedeickehome

Anything you can do to spread the word would be appreciated!

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?