Little Village nonprofit helping victims of domestic violence, violent crimes

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — On a hot and sunny Saturday morning in Little Village, dozens of people are lined up outside of the Helen and Joe Community Foundation's small office space on Kedzie.

Inside, Juanita Ariola is unpacking boxes of diapers, wipes, and baby clothes for a monthly diaper and despensa, or pantry distribution.

"We always have something for someone here when they walk in, in need. We have soap, body soap, toothpaste – you name it, we have it," Ariola said.

Ariola is the Director of Community Engagement at the Foundation, which was founded in 2019. The nonprofit serves survivors of domestic violence and victims of violent crimes in Little Village.

"We offer emergency orders of protection, off-site safe housing. We work very closely with the Chicago Police Department and Bureau of Detectives,” Ariola said.

“We see there is a great need for resources… definitely our Latino community is in great need of all types of resources."

Little Village resident Patricia Gomez is picking up diapers and wipes for her two young kids.

She said resources are expensive, and since she doesn't have a job it's been hard to afford basic necessities for her kids. The free items allow her to afford other things like food.

For another resident, also named Patricia, the Foundation has provided hope.

"It's given us positivity that there's people still out there that care about their community and are willing to give."

And for Ariola, the mission is only growing.

"We hope to accomplish here at the organization a greater outreach on a city-wide platform. We hope to continue to grow and move our way up north to wherever there is a need," Ariola said.

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