Downers Grove Library To Use Grant To Add More Social Services

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — The Downers Grove Public Library will use a recent grant to help expand the breadth and reach of its social services program. The grant from Community Memorial Foundation will support funding for a full-time social worker and and a part-time intern that will help "provide for an additional 600 hours of social work" to patrons, a news release said.

“Our neighbors facing hardship come to the library to access a clean, safe and non-judgmental environment, as well as a place to find community,” Downers Grove Public Library Foundation President Amanda ReCupido said in a statement.

Downers Grove Public Library started its social services initiative just after the start of the coronavirus pandemic. In the past five years, it has grown to include a clinical supervisor and two interns. Personal interactions between the program's social workers and patrons had gone up by more than 540 percent from 2023 to 2024. Nearly a third of the patrons who use the social services are seniors, the news release said.

The social services include mental wellness assistance, support for the library's food pantry, employment assistance, help with transportation and more.

ReCupido added, “The library’s social work program has proven over the past five years, both statistically and anecdotally, that not only does this program work, it’s growing and evolving to continuously meet community needs. The foundation is grateful for Community Memorial Foundation’s support and remains dedicated to championing this vital service.”