WIM Servicces-Founded in 2005, the Oak Park / River Forest Area Walk-In Ministry (WIM) is a community-supported volunteer-driven organization that works with clients who have immediate needs, with the ultimate goal of helping them reach self-sufficiency. WIM’s primary role as a referral agency has a long-term impact on the clients it serves by linking them with appropriate services and providing ongoing support, so that they may improve their situation and ultimately become self-sufficient.The WIM program succeeds because clients are accountable and actively involved in this process.

Oak Park•River Forest Area Walk-In Ministry

Offering Help and Restoring Hope
in Times of Unexpected Hardship

The Oak Park/River Forest Area Walk-In Ministry (WIM) was founded in November 2005 by local faith communities who wanted to provide assistance to the many people who sought emergency aid, but did not have the expertise or resources to do so. By pooling their resources, the faith communities and individual donors were able to create a centralized agency to assist those who are faced with unexpected challenges or are living on the margins.

First United Church of Oak Park-
lower level parking lot entrance
848 Lake Street Oak Park, IL 60301
Phone 708•386•1946
info@walk-in-ministryoprf.org
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 11:00AM

Walk In Ministry Services

Referrals
As a referral agency, WIM makes connections with other service agencies that are better suited to address a client’s needs.
Typical referred services include:
· Dental and Optical services
· Medical and Prescription services
· Employment Counseling
· Meal programs & Food Pantries
· Rental Assistance (if needed beyond our contribution)
· Overnight Shelter/Permanent Housing
· Utility Assistance
Direct Services
WIM also provides a number of services directly to our clients, including:
* Assistance obtaining or replacing identification and birth certificates
* Public Transportation for essential appointments
* Limited basic necessity clothing (adult sizes only)
* Rental Assistance
* Processing LINK card applications
* Emergency sack lunches

Client Expectations

Clients will be required to show identification and proof of their need. Confidential files are maintained on each client documenting the services provided at each visit.

Clients are requested to verify that they used monetary assistance for its intended purpose and failure to provide proof could result in denial of future services.

Additionally, larger monetary outlays are structured as loans (long term, very small monthly payments.) These accountability measures actively involve clients in getting their needs met.

Contact WIM