
Community is at the heart of Care for Real.
Care for Real (CfR), a 501©3 nonprofit organization has been serving the far northside of Chicago for more than 50 years.
Since its founding, Care for Real has been about neighbors helping neighbors and continues to evolve to address the community’s changing needs. Care for Real partners with local businesses, faith communities, schools, elected officials, grocery partners, community groups, and neighbors to collect high-need items, volunteer their time, donate their resources, and serve as ambassadors of Care for Real to address the increased need for food assistance, clothing, referrals, and support.

Our Impact
Care for Real welcomes nearly 60,000 food pantry visits each year, hosts about 2,000 clothing closet appointments, distributes more than 2.5 million pounds of food, and helps about 700 pet owners throughout the year. Learn more about our impact by reading our 2021-22 Annual Report and visiting our Impact page.
History
1970

Meet Our Staff
The Care for Real team is a group of hardworking professionals dedicated to addressing food insecurity in our community.

Our Board
Care for Real is led by a group of committed and passionate Board members who reflect the diverse communities we serve.
Board of Directors
The Rev. Jim Nixon, Chair
Jane Clifford, Treasurer
Jennifer Schmidt, Secretary
Don Cortelyou
Blair Harvey
Alton Lynum
William Massey
Kim Mendiola
Julian Morris
Nina Newhouser
Neda Nozari
Claire Rooney