The Care Center expands its services to Willow Crystal Lake

Since its 50th Anniversary Celebration in October of last year, Willow Creek has been praying and dreaming of ways to expand its reach across Chicagoland and meet tangible needs in Chicagoland.

In response to this calling, the Care Center is expanding its services to McHenry County. The first Care Center Hub will be opening this fall at Willow Crystal Lake (100 S. Main St, Crystal Lake, IL 60014). This Hub will feature some services that are already offered in South Barrington, as well as some new ones that best fit the space and needs of the community.

Services Offered

Clothing Store: Guests can shop for new and gently used clothing for all ages, with items available for just $1–$10. Our goal is to make quality clothing accessible while providing guests with the dignity of choosing what best meets their needs.

Care Team: Guests will meet one-on-one with a member of our Care Team to receive personalized support and referrals to trusted external partners and community services. The Care Team will also help guests qualify for specialized Hub services, including the Bicycle Shop and Furniture Showroom.

Bicycle Shop: Our Bicycle Shop is an exciting expansion of our transportation services! Volunteers will restore and repair donated bicycles, giving them a new life and providing reliable transportation for guests who qualify through our Care Team. Together, we’re helping people get where they need to go whether that’s work, school, appointments, or everyday life.

Furniture Showroom: After a guest is qualified by our Care Team, they will have the opportunity to walk through our showroom and choose from a selection of brand-new beds, dining room sets, and living room furniture. Once they’ve made their selection, their new furniture will be shipped directly to their home. This experience gives guests the dignity of choosing items that meet their needs and helps create a comfortable, welcoming place to call home.

Other Services:

• Local agencies on-site offering next steps.
• To-go bags of non-perishable food and resources directing guests to the Crystal Lake Food Pantry, located across the street.
• Monthly hospitality expressions including food samples, art classes, and heritage month celebrations.

The Care Center Hub will officially open on Thursday, October 15, and will be open weekly on Thursdays from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Our staff and volunteers have been working hard to prepare the space for our guests.

Before we open our doors, we invite you to join us for a special Open House on Sunday, October 11, following both the 9 and 11 a.m. services. Come explore the new space, meet the team, and discover the exciting new services available through the Care Center Hub. We can’t wait to celebrate this new chapter with you!

How can you get involved?

• Pray. Pray for our volunteers and staff as they prepare the space and learn new processes. Pray for the guests we will have the opportunity to serve. And pray that the community knows these services are now available.
• Spread the word. Tell your friends, family, and neighbors about the new Care Center Hub opening in Crystal Lake. Help us make sure those who need support know where to find it.
• Donate. One of the ways you can make a difference is by donating items that can help support individuals and families in our community. Questions? Call us at 224-512-2600 or email [email protected]
  • Clothing: Gently used adult and children’s clothing, plus new underwear and socks in all sizes. Drop off at the donation boxes at our Crystal Lake and South Barrington locations.
  • Bicycles: New and gently used bicycles can be dropped off at South Barrington. A designated drop-off area at Crystal Lake is coming soon!
• Volunteer. Do you have experience repairing bikes? Do you love to make people feel welcomed and seen? Browse our serving opportunities here.

We are so excited to be a part of the story God is writing at Willow in this season, and can’t wait to see how he shows up above and beyond what we could expect or imagine.