CitySquare Paris is determined to help every neighbor in the area; knowing that times can get tough every now and then.
“We have neighbors, who become our friends, so we don’t use the term ‘client’ we simply call everyone we help our neighbor,” said Laura Woodroof from City Square.
The local organization has been working hard since they opened their doors and have recently unveiled four new showers that will be available to the community at no charge.
“Through our neighbor’s support center, we became aware of the need for free showers here in the community,” said Woodroof.
She explained that there was one person who happened to be on tough times and was driving to a local gas station that had showers to use. Unfortunately for that person, they were struggling to find the money to pay, and having just secured a job they needed a good shower.
This spurred the City Square to look into what they can do to help their neighbor.
“People can call and make an appointment or see us during our staffed hours,” said Woodroof, “having this service available for people can help them boost their self-esteem, feel fresh and ready to tackle the day and really just feel prepared for what’s next.”
CitySquare Paris is all about service, advocacy, and friendship. Their consistent contributions to the community are driven by the desire to ensure every neighbor has the best chance to make the most out of each day.
Alongside the new free showers they are offering, City Square is also preparing for a ‘Poverty Simulation Lunch’ to be held on Sept. 17, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The event is designed to create a conversation to help everyone attending gain a better understanding of how poverty can affect everyone in the community.
If anyone is interested in attending the lunch, you can send your RSVP to lwoodroof@citysquare.org.
“We will talk about real-life examples at this event so people can better understand how they can help their neighbor and what services are available for those that need a little extra help,” said Woodroof.
Finally, CitySquare Paris has partnered up with The City of Paris for a ‘Walk and Talk’ event to take place at Oak Park every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30-9:30 a.m.
“This is a great event to take part in,” said Woodroof, “we will talk about healthy habits, make new friends.”
CitySquare paris is excited to have partnered with the City of Paris and says that they hope to inspire locals by encouraging positive connections that can help everyone in the community no matter the background you may have.
Woodroof said that the success they have seen for helping their neighbors had come mostly from the support of the community and business who have donated goods and time to assisting them to help others.
“We couldn’t do this all by ourselves, from local churches to the PRMC Auxiliary and wish lists filled by many have been the key to City Square being able to offer so many needed services,” she said.
