Congregation Beth Shalom has been a member of DuPage United since 2020. DuPage United is an inclusive, non-profit, fiercely non-partisan organization whose members are civil society institutions, churches, mosques, synagogues, non-profit institutions, non-profit agencies, and associations. This mix of institutions have come together to form public relationships and to act together to improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities. DuPage United engages in democratic action in the public arena. Currently, 28 such organizations are members and we will soon be celebrating it’s 20th year. We are part of a national organization called METRO IAF. In Illinois, DuPage, Kane, Cook and Lake Country are part of Metro IAF.
Our actions come from concerns of the member organizations. Currently, our focus has been:
- Mental Health and Criminal Justice Reform – Our current focus is on establishing Crisis Stabilization Units where police and concerned citizens can take those who are in a mental health crisis to be stabilized and find appropriate treatment. SUCCESS: The DuPage County Board has approved a Crisis Receiving Center that will open in 2025. It meets the criteria of serving both adults and adolescents and those with substance abuse issues and will be staffed 24/7.
- Affordable, accessible, supportive housing – AASH – Our plans are to build six multi-family AASH developments across DuPage County (one in each district) SUCCESSES :
A beautiful and well-integrated AASH development has been built in Elgin. Plans are in the works for Glen Ellyn. In Naperville, 70 units will be built for seniors and those with Intellectual and developmental difficulties.
- Gun Safety – We partner with the Gun Safety Consortium and police departments to encourage the use of safe and easy-to-use gun locks to prevent suicides, accidental deaths and stolen guns to safeguard our community. SUCCESS: Talks are ongoing with local police departments and with members of the DuPage County Board to belong to or promote use of such locks.
Interested in our work? Contact rkramen3@gmail.com for more information.