Two years ago, pioneers of this young organization in the western suburbs of Chicago organized themselves to respond to one of the most devastating natural calamities back home in the Philippines – the Typhoon Ondoy. 

     Inspired by the Bayanihan spirit, which spells out compassion and generosity among Filipinos, a new organization called Filipino-Americans in West Chicago (FAWC) was born at that time.  As a new organization in the Fil-Am community, the families bonded with one another so quickly by calling each other. With the combined efforts of hardworking members, FAWC has generated a total of nine balikbayan boxes that were sent to the Philippines.   

Filipino Americans in West Chicago during their 2nd annual picnic in Oswego, IL

    The boxes contained individually-packed plastic bags of goods for the indigent families. A video that showed the actual distribution of the donations to the beneficiaries was sent back to FAWC and kept as the living proof of their contribution to the distressed families of Typhoon Ondoy.

    Because of the overwhelming support and the dedication of FAWC pioneers, the group organized its first summer picnic last year to celebrate their first-ever outstanding service to the Filipino people. Many of the families attended and demanded that it should be treated as an annual event.    

The picnic event was augmented by several church-based fellowships that were hosted in the private homes, and were aimed to strengthen the camaraderie and increase the network of Fil-Ams in the Western suburbs of Chicago. 

    Pastor Julius said that the historic success of the picnic and the December party last year has gained them a lot of support from families to continue the events this year. It is the hope of the pioneers in the organization to increase its membership for more fun and more meaningful future gatherings. 

    Just recently, the second annual summer picnic became a hit for the FAWC.  Pastor Julius reported that there were a number of new families who joined in this year, including yours truly. 

    Pastor Julius said that church-based activities are held at the United Methodist Church in Palatine, but this year, he is thinking of bringing it in the Aurora Area, to get closer to the new members of FAWC. 

    The families in the Western Suburbs are mostly Fil-Ams who are in the nursing and other healthcare professions. The FAWC is composed of members residing in the cities of Aurora, Montgomery, Oswego, North Aurora, Palatine, Romeoville, Streamwood, Batavia, St. Charles, Geneva, West Chicago, Bolingbrook, Bartlett, Naperville, and Sugar Grove.

    If you reside in the Western Suburbs of Chicago and are looking for a Fil-Am group, please do not hesitate to contact Pastor Julius at Julius_montero@yahoo.com.