Marissa Trumper

“We’re safe,” Marissa Trumper passionately states. “I would like the community to know that we’re a safe place because it goes back to stereotypes and the bad reputation of being homeless. When we go into the schools, we speak to some of the classes, and some of those kids sitting in the desks are some of the kids living with us.” Marissa’s unconditional dedication fuels the effectiveness of the organization she serves, Illinois Valley Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS). With 14 years of service under her belt, Marissa has remained a consistent and passionate fixture in PADS’ mission to offer shelter, food, and a pathway to self-sufficiency for those in need.

PADS was formed in 1991 when Sister Margaret Suerth and others identified a pressing need for homeless services in LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam Counties. This discovery led to PADS, a sanctuary for those without a home, offering a new lease on life and a roof over their heads.

Under Marissa’s stewardship, PADS has evolved into a comprehensive support system. The organization offers personal space and amenities, nutritious meals, sanitation and laundry facilities, case management, education and skill building, and transportation. Support groups such as bible study sessions provide for emotional and spiritual needs. Their facilities in Peru and Ottawa arrange separate accommodations for men, women, and families, respecting privacy and dignity.

Integral to the financial sustainability of Illinois Valley Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS) are its unique resale stores: Lily Pads Resale Boutique in Peru and Lily Pads Too in Ottawa. Community members generously donate a broad spectrum of items, from home furnishings and clothing to antiques. These items are then sold at the stores, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the shelters and their operations. Participation in this humanitarian transaction guarantees that locals can find tangible ways to connect with PADS’ mission.

Hailing from Troy Grove, Illinois, Marissa’s early aspirations to work with families led her to a human services course that required hands-on experience. This requirement brought her to PADS, where her initial service hours became a profound commitment to the community: “I contacted Illinois Valley PADS for service hours. I asked where they needed me the most because they told me I could go to Peru, Ottawa, and they said they needed me the most in Ottawa.” She pauses at the memory and then exclaims, “I just fell in love with the people, the community! You can have that small-town feel of 250 people but in a town with 18,000-plus.”

PADS has become a literal lifeline for thousands of our citizens over the years, from infants to older adults. The organization has responded to several unique challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting its services to offer 24-hour care and adjusting its operations to ensure continuous support.

Marissa’s advocacy and diligent work are proved even further through client success stories, testifying to the transformative impact of PADS. One notable example is a former client who, after rebuilding his life with PADS’ help, returned years later to donate to the shelter, demonstrating the cyclical nature of giving and gratitude in this community.

Looking forward, Marissa envisions an expanded facility to accommodate more people in need. She emphasizes the importance of community awareness and involvement, inviting locals to visit, engage with the facilities, and try to break apart dangerous stereotypes associated with unhoused people. Reflecting on time in reverse, Marissa says she’s learned in the past fifteen years that it’s essential to set boundaries, acknowledge one’s limits, and accept the power of saying “no.” These insights are personal lessons and guiding principles for those she works with at PADS.

Beyond physical remodeling, Marissa’s goal is to enhance the number of services PADS offers, focusing on even more personalized support and educational opportunities for clients. As Marissa sees it, this future is not just about providing shelter but about nurturing a community where every individual, regardless of their circumstances, can find hope, support, and a path to a better life. Here’s to a safe year full of Marissa and PADS helping others seek a more comforting aura of safety.