Lynda Schueler

Lynda Schueler - Executive Director of West Suburban PADS - Oak Parker




The first non-profit I did pro-bono work for after moving to Oak Park was West Suburban PADS, and the first person I connected with there was Lynda. I've been in OP almost 7 years and it remains my favorite local NFP.

Today is unusually warm for January but in a few days we will return to well below freezing temperatures and I will pass local homeless people on the streets, in the library or a coffee shop as I go do my daily chores, and every time I see one of these people I will wonder about their story, how they got to this stage and will the next stage be towards a return to a more 'regular' life, will they find a home where can be comfortable. Then I think of PADS and the work they do to help people get back on their feet. They have the nightly shelter for people to sleep and get a decent meal, but they do so much more. Over the years I've learned about their Employment Readiness and Interim Housing programs, their 34 Transitional Housing units designed for the working homeless and families, their 13 units of permanent Supportive Housing for individuals who were homeless and have a disabling condition, and a Homeless Prevention program that gives assistance for individuals and families who are at imminent risk of losing their housing.

Lynda has worked with PADS for 20 years, with West Suburban PADS for 14 and still loves the job and the challenge of doing more; always working on something that will help people work at providing themselves with a better life.


In Oak Park since about '94 I think she is an Oak Parker. I met with Lynda at her home where she also has the position/job/love of being a mother to two children. I being a mother also to two children I greatly admire other mothers who have full time positions, especially when that job is about bettering the world for all our children.




West Suburban PADS 15th annual Have-a-Heart Gala will take place on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at a brand-new venue, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago Ballroom! The evening begins with cocktails and a lively silent auction at 6:00pm, dinner and program at 7:30pm, wrapping up with live music by the Velvet Jimis and dancing until 10:30pm. Why not get your tickets now or join E M Photography as a sponsor.