Vital Tinley Social Service Agency Eyes Late-Sept Reopening After Fire

TINLEY PARK, IL — The reopening of a beloved and essential Tinley Park social services agency won't happen just yet, but soon, staff says.

Together We Cope's main building at 17010 S. Oak Park Avenue in Tinley Park remains closed while repairs continue after a November 2022 fire shut down its client services office, food pantry and Nu2u resale shop. Delays have pushed the reopening several times, but officials now say they're confident they will reopen by the end of September, though a specific date is not yet set.

"This week the work crew closed up our original entrance that faced 170th Street and converted it to a window, so the next step is to create a new entrance on Oak Park Avenue," said Marge Seltzner, director of communications for the agency.

Work has been completed on new dressing rooms in the resale shop, and some improved efficiencies in the food pantry, Seltzner added.

Delays in the reopening have been caused by a series of construction setbacks, including a change of contractors midway through the process. In January, the agency had been eyeing an April opening. Seltzner said in May the nonprofit had been dealt $100,000 in losses not covered by insurance.

The nonprofit is working from its administration building temporarily, to meet the needs of clients beyond food and clothing issues. With over 200 volunteers, community donations of food, clothing and household goods, and groceries purchased from the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the agency typically serves more than 1,500 families each month. Their services reach 27 communities, including Alsip, Blue Island, Bridgeview, Chicago Ridge, Country Club Hills, Crestwood, Evergreen Park, Garden Homes, Harvey, Hazel Crest, Hickory Hills, Hometown, Homewood, Markham, Merrionette Park, Midlothian, Oak Forest, Oak Lawn, Orland Hills, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Palos Park, Posen, Robbins, Tinley Park and Worth.

The agency recently kicked off its annual Back to School campaign, serving hundreds of area youngsters in need with a new backpack filled with essential school supplies. A donation of $50 will sponsor one child in this program, while $100 benefits two children. Donations can be made with a credit card on the agency's website. Checks can also be mailed to Together We Cope at 17010 S. Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park, IL 60477. Further information is with Trina Arvetis at 708-633-5040.

Staff is also in the process of recreating many records lost in the fire. One of our most valued pieces of information is the organization's donor list for various programs/activities such as golf outings, dinner dance, back to school and Santa's Workshop. Anyone who was previously a donor can call Dianne McMaster, office manager, at 708-633-5040 or email her at dmcmaster@togetherwecope.org and include your name, address, phone and email address. You may also designate the programs/activities you would prefer to take part in.

Without their main space, the agency is unable to accept most of its usual items: no food, clothing, or furniture donations can be accepted at the main building while repairs are being made. The agency can accept personal care items for families in need, and smaller donations of food. Donations of diapers and baby food, specifically, are welcome. Donors can call 708-633-5040 to arrange for delivery of such items to their administration building.

"Many supporters have brought diapers, wipes, baby food and formula so we can take care of our littlest clients," Seltzner said.

Anyone needing food assistance while Together We Cope's food pantry is unavailable can go to the Greater Chicago Food Depository website, www.chicagosfoodbank.org, and click on the “Find Food” button to find a food pantry near them. The agency has also set up a makeshift food pantry at its administrative offices, for emergency cases.

Donors are encouraged to keep their like-new or gently-used clothing and housewares for an eventual resale shop opening. Together We Cope is also still accepting monetary donations via its website.