Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
The Italian Catholic Federation’s Our Lady Mother of the Church Branch #439 will host its fifth annual dinner dance on Oct. 30 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. (847-341-1847)
The event will raise funds for the residential treatment program sponsored by Lydia and honor Mel Gonzales, the organization’s program developer and volunteer/mentor coordinator.
LYDIA’s Residential Treatment Program provides a structured, therapeutic environment for children and adolescents with serious behavioral issues, many of whom have been traumatized by abuse or neglect. The program provides healing while teaching its residents practical life skills.
Gonzales has been with the program since 1991, evolving from volunteer, to part-time caseworker, to full-time staff member to supervisor before being promoted to her current position. She is credited with having a hand in the growth and organization of every aspect of the program.
