Our Story

As told by the President of Cases for a Cause, Delisa Maney:

The journey to create Cases for a Cause actually started in January 2007.  I was part of the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) Program at Old St. Patrick’s Church in the West Loop of Chicago.  My fellow participants and I were really touched by the RCIA speakers that discussed mission and we were moved to do something more.  One of our tablemates, who happened to be a foster child when she was growing up, had told us she often donated to foster children.  I shared that I had heard that suitcases were a critical need.  But, it was the end of the session and time for us all to go home.

The next morning, I was still thinking about that conversation, so I decided to do a bit of research. I found out that as of January 2007, there were over 16,272 foster children in Illinois alone.  The majority of these children, of course, reside in Chicago.  So, I picked up the phone and called the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).  I was connected to a gentleman on the phone who managed foster children in the South Side of Chicago.  I told him what I was thinking…

I relayed our conversation of the night before and explained that I was a member of the RCIA class at Old St. Patrick’s.  He said, “So, you’re looking for your mission?”  Those were his exact words!  I took that as a sign and told him yes.  He then asked me, “Do you KNOW how big this problem is?”   I said yes, and then I remembered looking around the table the night before when we were discussing this problem.  I told him that I had the feeling that I knew a very special group of people that, if given the right opportunity, would be ready to help.  I knew at that time that it was my job to give them that opportunity.  I then asked him what the greatest need was, and he said, “suitcases.  I HATE seeing them move from place to place with big, black garbage bags.  It’s awful.”  Cases for a Cause Inc. was born.

Since then, we’ve become a registered charity in Illinois and we’re looking for your support!