.png)
Changing Lives One Family At A Time
Our Founder and CEO, Marvee McLendon, established Chat N Chew in 2017 with a mission rooted in her personal journey of survival and resilience. As a mother of two toddlers in Chicago, Marvee faced the harrowing realities of domestic abuse, homelessness, food insecurity, and poverty. Amidst this turmoil, she attended night school, her silent battles unknown to those around her. Despite the overwhelming odds, she not only earned her Associate's Degree in Nursing but later achieved a Bachelor's of Science degree in Nursing. Marvee's story is a profound testament to the unyielding strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of determination. These experiences inspired her to create Chat N Chew, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to providing the vital support she once needed, ensuring no one else has to face such challenges alone.
Chat N Chew offers hope for unhoused single-parents navigating similar circumstances. Our team and dedicated volunteers provide invaluable support and foster a safe environment for growth. Grounded in faith, we collaborate with external resources to guide our friends towards self-sufficiency with integrity and empathy. We offer comprehensive support services, including financial guidance, housing, access to our Food Pantry, access to clothing through Trendy Treasures, and essential household items. Beyond these basics, we provide life coaching, therapy, and a sense of community to assist them rebuild their lives with confidence and stability. We also partner with Springdale Elementary School to provide weekend goodie bags called Bridges Bags to which provides nutritious meals over the weekend when school resources are not available.
What's With The Name?
Our name "Chat N Chew" came about when our Founder invited a group of women over for brunch at her home. As we enjoyed the delicious food she prepared, we discovered that we shared a passion for helping others and similar life experiences. There was no science or long ponderance over the name—it just fit. At that moment, Marvee had no idea this casual get-together would evolve into something much bigger. But over time, the name "Chat N Chew" stuck as we continued to gather, chat about how we could support our community, and, of course, always chew over good food. The rest, as they say, is history!
Our client choice, point system Food Pantry offers a new way to support those in need by allowing individuals to choose the items they need and prefer. This approach respects their dignity, reduces food waste, and ensures families receive nutritious options tailored to their needs. By offering choice, we foster independence and budgeting skills, promote healthier lifestyles, and build a more compassionate community. Join us in making a difference, especially for those starting over after escaping abusive situations. Your support can change lives—please consider donating today.
If you're interested in getting assistance, please complete the form below or click here.
Trendy Treasures thrift store not only provides affordable clothing and household essentials for those embarking on new beginnings but also operates a voucher program. Through this initiative, we offer single parents, the core focus of our mission, the opportunity to shop here quarterly at no cost, while ensuring essential items are available to those facing crisis situations. Our aim is to alter life trajectories, one family at a time. This endeavor not only aids families in reconstructing their lives but also guarantees that every dollar spent directly supports displaced families.
When you choose to shop with us, you're not merely securing a fantastic deal—you're actively changing the lives of those in need.
Your support profoundly influences these journeys towards stability. As a 100% community-supported endeavor, each purchase made here empowers individuals and families in distress. We invite you to become part of this cycle of generosity, where every donation and purchase signifies progress towards a brighter future. If you're seeking a meaningful way to contribute to our cause, rest assured that every contribution to Trendy Treasures directly impacts a family's path towards stability. We are entirely reliant on community support, ensuring that every transaction made here contributes to empowering individuals and families in need. Join us in this ongoing cycle of generosity, where each action represents a step towards a brighter tomorrow. Your support truly serves as a beacon of hope for those we serve.
The Bridges' Food Bag program is a compassionate effort aimed at meeting the nutritional requirements of elementary school-age children during weekends when resources may be scarce. By providing essential food items, this initiative guarantees that these young learners have consistent access to nutrition even when other avenues may not be accessible. We strive to bridge the gap and promote the well-being of these children.