Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club Funds New Lighthouse Van

Empowering individuals with disabilities and Veterans to lead independent and fulfilling lives is central to the work we do at The Chicago Lighthouse.  To support this mission, the Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club (HJWC) recently awarded us a grant to purchase an accessible, multi-purpose van which will allow our clients to further enjoy Chicago’s numerous cultural and recreational attractions. Founded in 1949, HJWC provides volunteer and philanthropic service to organizations that serve women and children. In 2018, they shifted from their longtime model of supporting one charitable cause for a two year period, and moved to a grant funding model in order to help even more organizations in need. After attending our FLAIR fashion show fundraiser last year and learning of the impact Lighthouse programs have on the lives of countless women and children, HJWC member Tina Weller reached out to us with this opportunity.

The awarded funds will enable us to purchase a multi-seat van with two wheelchair lifts. The van will be used to transport our children and adult clients participating in a number of different programs. Students enrolled in our Preschool and Children’s Development Center will benefit by being able to take more field trips to museums and other attractions that enhance their education. Participants of our Seniors Program will also be able to enjoy excursions that will increase their socialization and exposure to all Chicago has to offer. VisionQuest, our in-house band of musicians who are blind and some who have developmental disabilities, will use the van to travel to their performances throughout the city. We are extremely grateful to the Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club for making these invaluable experiences possible for our clients and we look forward to a continued partnership.