12/10/2025
At our Philoptochos meetings we often ask our members to let us know about organizations in our community that we could work with. Joanne Sutryk did just that and introduced us to Love Your Neighbor.
Love Your Neighbor was created in 2015 by Nancy Shepherd. Nancy was a designer who had a home décor shop in Wheaton. After several years, Nancy felt called to use her talents to serve others and started Love Your Neighbor. It is a non-profit organization that transforms and restores the lives of those transitioning out of hard circumstances. Local non- profits refer individuals and families to the program (such as Bridge Communities, Habitat for Humanity, DuPage Pads, Families helping Families, Hesed House, Naomi’s House and Reclaim 13). Volunteer designers meet with the families to learn about them and what they would like for their future home. This is when it starts to remind one of an HGTV design show.
In October, nine Philoptochos members stepped in and met at the Love Your Neighbor warehouse in Wheaton and helped coordinate furnishings and home décor using locally donated items. We also donated $1500 which helps to purchase new and used items to finish the transformation.
On a Saturday morning in November, volunteers met at the house that was purchased by a mother in the Bridge Community program. Through their guidance and support, she was able to transform her family’s life. She went back to school and studied to become a Registered Nurse. It was through her hard work and strong faith in Jesus that she was able to get to this special day. After we prayed with the family, they left the house, and we went to work. Within four hours, an empty house was filled with furnishings and became a home! It was a blessing to be able to be part of such a special day.
So next time we ask about an organization or someone who may need a hand, please do not hesitate to reach out!
