Human Concerns Charities

The Human Concerns Committee of Bethel UCC takes our mission statement literally, “to respond to the suffering of the world by acting on behalf of peace and justice”, and “by responding to the needs of those who are deprived and suffering”.

The Human Concerns Committee provides financial support to over 20 charitable organizations including:

• Bensenville and Yorkfield local food pantries as well as Northern IL Food Bank 
• 10 suburban non-profit agencies, including Public Action To Deliver Shelter    (PADS), Elmhurst  Walk-In Ministry, and Elmhurst Shoe Fund
• Chicago inner-city ministries, including Night Ministry and Casa Central
• Our Church’s Wider Mission, which is the umbrella for United Church of Christ    mission outreach. Funds go toward disaster relief, refugee resettlement,    political advocacy for    justice and peace. The UCC is a contributor to Church    World Service, which has a very  effective history of international assistance
• Bread for the World in addressing policies affecting world hunger
• World Relief DuPage to sponsor refugee families

Onward House

Onward Neighborhood House is a community-based organization that works to empower families, children and individuals in need to achieve their full potential through participant-driven educational, recreational and social service programs. Originally founded as a Presbyterian church in 1893, Onward House has served Chicago’s ever-changing West Town community for over 100 years.

For the first time in Onward House’s history, we opened a second facility on May 28, 2008 in the underserved Belmont Cragin neighborhood on Chicago’s northwest side. With your support, Onward House looks forward to another 100 years of service in the settlement house tradition of helping disadvantaged individuals and newly arrived immigrants enhance their quality of life and build stronger communities.

Approximately 950 families and 5,500 individuals participate in Onward House programs each year. Among the services offered are Early Childhood and School Age Programs, Family Support Services (including the Senior Club and Food Pantry) and the Community Computer Resource Center.

For additional information about Onward House,
please visit

www.onwardhouse.org