Higher Up Ministries

“All expenses incurred were direct gifts of purchased donated items (e.g. merchant gift cards, gently used household items) and/or payment assistance (e.g. utilities) to indigent families, individuals, and support groups in Boxwood Neighborhood.”

“Primarily includes direct program expenses, but also includes administrative expenses such as insurance, office supplies, bank & payment system fees, memorial & volunteer gifts, and depreciation.”

“Includes office supplies an inventory of gift-in-kind donations not yet sold via our annual fundraising event or otherwise utilized in conjunction with our various Programs.”

“Includes payables and accrued expenses related to payroll & benefits, including payroll tax liabilities, as all of our other expenses were being paid as incurred.”

“Part III, Line 28-Spiritual Programs - Help Participants learn Christian values and apply them to their everyday lives. Presented the Gospel to 872 different people during 2024 with 10 that we are aware of making a decision to follow Christ. Programs included: 1) Mentoring sessions (group & individual) in-person 352 served 2) Studies: Teens & Adults (weekly & monthly) in person 648 served, online daily bible: 4827 served 3) Ladies "You're Special to Him" Pamper Days: 27 served, Ladies Tea(s): 16 served, Ladies Christmas Party: 14 served, Ladies Retreat(s): 17 served, Ladies Monthly Gathering: 37 served, Family BBQ: 10 4)Family History with Jan (Your Story, Jan's Story, His Story): 29 served 5) Fall Gathering and Fundraiser: 80 Guests, 28 Volunteers Part III, Line 29 - Educational Programs - designed to teach specific characteristics and skills that equip Participants to be responsible and successful contributor's in their own social circles & in the workplace 1) Leadership Training & Character Building (Boys): 4 served 2) Community Service training: 12 served 3) Community Meeting with Mt. Prospect Police: 165 served 4) Family History Workshop: 44 served 5) Finance Mentoring "Hand Up": 12 served Part III, Line 30 - Social & Community Outreach events - Creates opportunities and/or peer-to-peer interactions in safe environments: Events included: 1) Boxwood Bash Community Festival, an annual event: 374 attending (registered), 20 agencies/churches participated, 18 Volunteers 2) Food Pantry (food distribution to families in need, held weekly at 2 alternative locations with 9 stores providing food items & Higher Up providing countless volunteers to handle the organization & distribution: 5123 families served & 7 local pantries assisted each week. 3) Boys Christmas Party: 7 served, Boys Club Kick-off: 12 served, 4 volunteers, 2 parents 4) Thanksgiving Dinner: 81 attended, Holiday Meals: Thanksgiving (Turkey & 4 sides), Christmas (Ham & 4 sides) meals provided by Jewel Osco Mt. Prospect - 313 meals Families at our pantry 4 local pantries we assist. 5) Christmas Community Party: 70 attended, 14 volunteers 6) Holiday Smile Maker Packs: 51 served7) Pop-Up Food Pantry: 57 guests, 11 volunteers 8) Veterans Project: 407 served, 7 other VA/Agencies serving countless Vets received collected supplies needed, 18 volunteers packed & helped at pick-up 9) School Supplies Project (2 events): 400 packs & large quantity of additional supplies given to 3 school districts for kids in need. 21 volunteers sorted & packed 10) Ladies Purse Project: 40 Ladies served, 5 volunteers packed 11) Spring Community Party: 47 served, 22 volunteers & 15 bikes (new & restored) given to kids 12) Board/Volunteer Christmas Parties (2 events): 28 attended. Part III, Line 31 - Physical Programs - Helps Participants to be challenged physically & develop teamwork skills. Activities included: Weekly athletic activity including open gym nights: 249 served, Boys Club outings - 15 served, 3 volunteers”