Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

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Who can use Fuel Movement services?

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Our programs are open to all North Lawndale residents and their families. We welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances who live in our community. You don't need to meet special requirements or provide extensive documentation to access most of our services.

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If you live outside North Lawndale but work or go to school in our neighborhood, you may also be eligible for certain programs. Contact us to discuss your specific situation and find out which services might be available to you.

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Do I need to register or sign up in advance?

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Some programs require advance registration, while others welcome walk-ins during specific hours. Our food pantry operates on a first-come, first-served basis during open hours. Educational programs and workshops usually require registration so we can plan appropriate materials and space.

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The best way to get started is to contact us by phone or email, or visit during our open hours. Our staff can help you understand which programs might be helpful and walk you through any registration processes that are needed.

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Is there a cost for your services?

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All of our core services are provided at no cost to participants. This includes our food pantry, health screenings, educational programs, family support services, and most workshops and classes.

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Some specialized programs or events might have small fees to cover materials, but we never want cost to be a barrier. If you're interested in a program but concerned about fees, please talk to our staff about scholarship options or payment plans that might be available.

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What should I bring for my first visit?

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For most services, you just need to bring yourself and any family members who want to participate. If you're accessing our food pantry, bringing your own bags or cart can be helpful but isn't required.

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For certain programs like job training or educational services, you might need to bring identification or other documents. We'll let you know what's needed when you register or call ahead.

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Our Programs and Services

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How does your food pantry work?

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Our food pantry operates on Fridays from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM and Sundays from 9:00 AM to noon. We provide fresh produce, pantry staples, and culturally appropriate foods to North Lawndale residents on a first-come, first-served basis.

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You can visit our food pantry as often as needed during open hours. We ask that you bring identification showing your North Lawndale address, but we understand that documentation can be challenging and will work with you to verify residency in other ways if necessary.

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How can families get support during a crisis?

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Our family support programs include crisis intervention services for families facing eviction, domestic violence, or other emergency situations. We provide immediate assistance and connect families to longer-term resources that can help stabilize their situations.

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We also offer resource navigation that helps families access government benefits, housing assistance, and other community services they may qualify for. Our staff can help you understand your options and complete applications for various programs.

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Hours and Location

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What are your operating hours?

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Our hours vary depending on the day and the services you need:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: By appointment only
• Wednesday (Warm Up Wednesday): 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM for general services and programs
• Friday (Food Pantry): 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM for food distribution
• Saturday: Closed
• Sunday (Food Pantry): 9:00 AM to noon for food distribution

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These hours may change for holidays or special events, so we recommend calling ahead if you're planning a visit.

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Where are you located?

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Fuel Movement Community Center is located at 4244 W Cermak Road, Chicago, IL 60623 in the heart of North Lawndale. We're accessible by public transportation and have limited parking available for visitors.

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If you need help with transportation to reach our center, please let us know. We may be able to connect you with transportation resources or arrange alternative ways to access our services.

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How do I schedule an appointment?

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You can schedule an appointment by calling us at (312) 489-4755 or emailing fuelmovement24@gmail.com. When you contact us, let us know what type of services you're interested in and any scheduling preferences you have.

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We try to accommodate scheduling requests as much as possible, especially for families with young children or people with work schedules that make it hard to visit during regular hours.

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Do you offer services in languages other than English?

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We have staff members and volunteers who speak Spanish and can provide services in both English and Spanish. For other languages, we work with community partners to arrange interpretation services when needed.

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If you need language support, please let us know when you call or visit so we can make sure appropriate interpretation is available for your visit.

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Getting Involved

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How can I volunteer with Fuel Movement?

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We welcome volunteers who want to share their time and talents with our community. Volunteer opportunities include mentoring young people, helping with our food pantry, supporting educational programs, and assisting with special events and community activities.

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Most volunteer positions require a brief application process and may include a background check, especially for roles working directly with children or vulnerable adults. Contact us to learn about current volunteer opportunities and find a role that matches your interests and schedule.

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What volunteer time commitment is expected?

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Volunteer commitments vary depending on the role and your availability. Some volunteers help with specific events or projects that might require just a few hours. Others commit to regular weekly or monthly schedules for ongoing programs.

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We work with each volunteer to find a commitment level that works for their schedule and our program needs. Even a few hours per month can make a meaningful difference in our community.

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How can businesses or organizations partner with you?

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We welcome partnerships with businesses, faith communities, schools, and other organizations that want to support North Lawndale families. Partnership opportunities include financial donations, in-kind donations of goods or services, employee volunteer programs, and collaborative programming.

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Corporate partners can create measurable social impact while strengthening their community engagement and social responsibility efforts. Contact us to discuss partnership opportunities that align with your organization's goals and our community needs.

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What items do you need for donations?

We accept donations of non-perishable food items for our pantry, including canned goods, pasta, rice, and other shelf-stable foods. We especially need culturally appropriate foods that reflect the diversity of our community.

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We also accept donations of gently used clothing, household items, and school supplies at certain times of the year. Please call ahead before bringing donation items to make sure we have space and current need for what you'd like to donate.

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Contact and Support

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How do I get more information about specific programs?

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The best way to get detailed information about our programs is to contact us directly. Our staff can answer questions about eligibility, scheduling, registration requirements, and what to expect from different services.

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You can call us at (312) 489-4755, email fuelmovement24@gmail.com, or visit during our open hours to speak with someone in person about your interests and needs.

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What if I need help outside your operating hours?

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If you're facing a crisis outside our operating hours, please contact emergency services by calling 911 or reach out to other 24-hour crisis support services in Chicago. We can provide referrals to crisis hotlines and emergency services that are available around the clock.

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For non-emergency questions or requests, you can leave a voicemail or send an email and we'll respond during our next business day.

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How do I stay updated on programs and events?

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We share information about upcoming programs, events, and community activities through several channels. You can follow us on social media, sign up for our email newsletter, or check our website regularly for updates.

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We also post information in our center and share updates with participants in our programs. If you're involved in any of our services, our staff will keep you informed about relevant opportunities and changes.

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Who should I contact if I have feedback or concerns?

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We welcome feedback about our programs and services because it helps us improve and better serve our community. You can share feedback directly with any staff member, call our main number, or email us with your comments or concerns.

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If you have a complaint or concern that you'd prefer to discuss with leadership, you can ask to speak with our Executive Director or request that your feedback be shared with our board of directors.