SARET CHARITABLE FUND WINTER APPEAL 2023
SARET Charitable Fund is reaching out to the residents of the greater Chicago area, especially those living in Will, Kane, and DuPage counties, in our efforts to aid lower income single parents and families impacted by serious injury and health conditions which have shifted their lives into poverty. We are currently helping over a dozen families cover rent, utility payments, and motels for the homeless.
We are asking you to assist us with any size donation, large or small, that you are able to provide.
Donations can be sent to: Saret Charitable Fund, POB 3440, Glen Ellyn, IL 60138
Or made via our website at: www.saret.org
Or through Zelle at: saret.charitable@gmail.com
Thank you,
Chana Bernstein/President
Letter of Gratitude
A thank you to Saret doesn't seem to be enough for all the help you have given me and my husband with rent assistance.
I am a care giver for my husband who has an acute case of Multiple Sclerosis. He is not able to do anything on his own, I mean absolutely nothing on his own. Leaving him alone during the day or night is not an option. He is a 59 year old man who laughs, thinks, and feels but in a body that won't work at all.
After losing my job, working to take care of my husband, I have absolutely no money coming in but my husband’s SSD check. This check will not pay our rent let alone any utilities and daily living expenses. Even getting him to his doctors’ appointments is difficult with the lack of money and lack of transportation.
Without rent assistance from Saret, I would not have been able to save up over the last few months to purchase specialized shoes which are essential for me to walk and take care of my husband’s needs.
I am not exaggerating by saying Saret has saved us from homelessness. I really can't express how grateful I am for your generous giving. It’s really puts a tear in my eye knowing there are such kind wonderful people who can help and do so.
Yes, we are one of those people who can't utilize many of the government programs. Believe me when I say we have tried.
If we didn't have Saret’s help, I really don't know how we would get through these rough times. My tears now are from gratefulness not from despair. Thank you.
R.
Our organization was started in 1985 in Glen Ellyn, IL in response to witnessing a growing number of single mothers without job training or income, minimal state aid programs, and the influx of refugees from war-torn countries. We serve 400-500 families a year.
SARET Charitable Fund in Glen Ellyn provides emergency housing and emergency financial assistance.
Our Barbara Brent disability fund is growing and needs more financial support for rents and utilities, for clients faced with medical crisis such as cancer and injuries.
If you or someone you know needs our assistance, please click on the link below, download, print, and fill out the SARET Intake Form. Return it either by mail or email to one of the addresses posted at the bottom of this page.
Reach Out
Work with members in your community and make a difference
- Join "Adopt a Family" where your monthly pledge/contribution supports one family in particular, over a designated period required to help a them recuperate from a medical or employment loss crisis.
- Host a gathering at your home with a SARET speaker and a sampling of SARET jewelry made by clients, which will provide them with ongoing income.
- Check our website periodically for events and fundraisers.
- Order the CD, "Songs from the Heart" for a contribution of $10.00.
- Adopt a family each holiday season for either Thanksgiving and/or Christmas and help with food or gifts.
- Donate you old vehicle.
- Don't ever let apathy take over your life. He who saves a life, saves the whole world.
Glen Ellyn nonprofit's earring program aids women in need
Published: Friday, June 19, 2015 11:02 a.m. CST
By MATT LA LUZ - mlaluz@shawmedia.com
GLEN ELLYN – For most women, earrings are simply an accessory. For some area women, however, earrings could improve their life.
That is the mission of SARET Charitable Fund, a Glen Ellyn-based nonprofit, which started the Earrings for Housing – Earrings for Hope initiative. The program seeks to help women who are low-income, have a disability or are homeless make money by creating and selling jewelry.
"Our goal is to get the word out everywhere. We want people to really show their concern for women who are disabled and low-income," President Chana Bernstein said.
The organization launched the initiative last month at a pre-Mother's Day celebration.
Bernstein has had to adjust her methods over the years. She began with her own store, SARET Treasures of Hope, which closed in 2012 after two years of business.
This project is a simplified fundraising program, which will replace the store.
Bernstein has not been deterred by economic downturn, and is hopeful to continue to help those in need through the sale of earrings. She also said the work is empowering for the women creating the pieces.
“Their pride is rebuilt because a lot of my clients are so depressed because they've been in this poverty state for months and years,” Bernstein said.
For each pair of earrings sold, the women profit $2 for small pairs and $4 for large pairs.
Smaller earrings sell for $10 per pair, and larger earrings are $20.
“I would like to at least make $1,000 a month or more,” Bernstein said. “We need to get more people involved to get it going.”
The program also provides 25 to 30 percent of the sales to groups willing to sell jewelry at their events or establishments.
AK Diamond Gallery, 678 Roosevelt Road, has two displays of the earrings available for purchase.
“I want women that have money to help the women that don't," Bernstein said.
Currently, SARET receives $2,000 in guaranteed donations per month from consistent donors.
Bernstein hopes women throughout the community can help the project by hosting jewelry parties, and that churches and other organizations will provide a platform for her mission.
One of the women who has been helped by SARET, Tamara Muhauski, has started making earrings for the program.
Muhauski was left with very little after leaving an abusive relationship and sought out Bernstein to help her get back on her feet.
"Chana has put strength into me where I don't have to go back to being abused," Muhauski said. “She's given me hope that I can move on.”
How to help
To contact SARET about hosting a jewelry party or otherwise contributing to the earring program, call 630-842-8876 or email chanabern@aol.com.