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GREATEST PERSON
OF THE WEEK
HUFFINGTON
07.15.12
until they were safely smuggled
out of the country.
“Without this lady who hid my
mom from the Nazis, I wouldn’t be
here, my kids wouldn’t be here,”
she said. “There was always a belief that you give back. You have a
concern for your neighbor.”
The idea of a mother being unable to provide for her children —
and the lasting gratitude Joseph
feels towards Dusorren — inspired
her to launch Families Helping
Families, a Naperville-based nonprofit that assists single-parent
families in need.
VICKY’S FIRST FAMILY
Seventeen years ago, Joseph had
idea: she would “adopt” a struggling family and help pay their
rent for a year. She contacted
Bridge Communities, and with
the help of neighbors, she raised
about $8,000 — not enough
for a full year of housing, but
enough to start making things
easier for the family.
Donations soon came in from
churches, schools and scouting
organizations.
“The community is so generous,” Joseph said. “If there is a
need, they respond.”
And as donations continued to
There
was always
a belief
that you
give back.”
pour in, Families Helping Families was born.
HOW JOSEPH HELPS FAMILIES
Families Helping Families provides temporary housing, mentoring and supportive services for
families in need. In its first two
years, the organization provided
services for four families and
rented apartments on the open
A group of
children
who receive
assistance
from
Joseph’s
foundation
play outside
in May.