There are so many wonderful organizations in Lake County. Our Nonprofit Spotlight will highlight one local nonprofit each month! We hope to inspire our community whether it’s through volunteering, donations, or helping to spread the word.
We are excited to feature Keeping Families Covered as our March Nonprofit Spotlight! Let’s learn more about this amazing organization as we chat with their CEO and Founder, Ann Marie Mathis.
Please tell us about Keeping Families Covered.
Keeping Families Covered is a registered 501c3 organization in northern Illinois that provides free diapers, period supplies, and incontinence products to individuals and families through two distribution channels: a network of over 50 community partners that we serve through our 3 facilities (Lake, McHenry and Kane counties) and direct service through our mobile pantries that visit 8 locations each month. Our mission is to eliminate the barriers to accessing the essentials that enable every person to fully participate in daily life.
Our vision is that every family in Illinois will have equitable access to necessities that support their health, and dignity, at every age and stage of life. Founded in 2010, Keeping Families Covered was built with the goal of connecting families to basic human needs.
What inspired the creation of your organization?
As a mother of 7, I understand the challenge of caring for young children and yourself. That challenge is compounded when individuals and families struggle to access, and afford, necessities like diapers, period supplies, and incontinence products. Armed with a M.S. and B.S. in organizational leadership, and over 20 years of corporate experience, I started Keeping Families Covered to provide critical support to people in crisis, ensuring that essentials were available to those who needed them most. We believe that everyone deserves to have what they need to thrive and reach their full potential.
What areas do you serve? Who do you serve in our community?
We serve individuals and families in northern Illinois and surrounding areas. We have facilities in Lake, McHenry, and Kane counties as well as a mobile pantry that visits 8 locations in the community each month. Our program is designed to provide support to low-wage individuals and families who are struggling to afford the hygiene products we offer; however, we will always try to help anyone who comes to us if we can. If we are unable to provide support directly, we can refer people to our community partners.
What programs/services do you offer?
Keeping Families Covered provides baby diapers, training pants/pull-ups, period supplies (pads, liners, tampons), and incontinence products (youth/adult briefs, tabs, bed pads, etc.). We serve our community partners through our 3 facilities, and direct service is offered to individuals/families through our mobile pantry that visits 8 locations each month. For more information about our program, mobile pantry schedule, or to register online, visit https://
How has your organization grown or evolved over the years?
Last year, we celebrated 15 years of serving our community. To date, we have donated over 12 million diapers and 1.8 million period supplies to our neighbors in need. We continue to foster relationships with a vast network of community partners and provide help to thousands of families each month. What began as a collection of items in our founder’s basement has grown into a movement powered by volunteers, community partners, and supporters who believe every family deserves the essentials to thrive. To date, the organization has donated over 13 million hygiene products to the community, impacting over 32,000 families each year.
Can you share a success story that represents your impact?
From one of our mobile pantry families: “We cannot express enough how thankful we are for your volunteers, donations, and convenience! Honestly, before we were getting diapers from Keeping Families Covered, my husband and I were wondering how we could afford to live. We’re in a tight spot right now with everything and we are so thankful to you and the organization for what you do for families. The support means so much. Thank you!”
From one of our mobile pantry families: “I recently had a baby girl, and she is 3 months old now. I also have two other daughters, ages 5 and 9. I raise them on my own now and have recently been diagnosed with a seizure disorder. I can only work part-time with light duty, so things have been extremely hard for the past few months. I really need some help with diapers and period supplies until I can get back on my feet. Keeping Families Covered has been there to provide much needed support for me and my children.”
From one of our community partners: “I want to express how incredibly valuable Keeping Families Covered is to the families in our program and within our community. Each month, as we deliver diapers to the families we serve, it becomes crystal clear just how much they depend on and appreciate the essential products you provide. The impact of your generosity goes beyond just meeting a basic need; it brings peace of mind to parents, knowing they have one less thing to worry about. The gratitude we see from families each month is a testament to how deeply your support is felt. Your contributions play a vital role in helping families thrive, and for that, we are truly thankful. We are honored to partner with an organization that shares such a profound commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Your continued support helps us to uplift those in need and create a stronger, more resilient community. Thank you for being such an essential part of our mission and we hope to be able to continue partnering with you for years to come.”
What is the biggest need you are addressing right now?
The biggest need we are addressing right now is the barriers to accessing hygiene products. Changes in SNAP eligibility/requirements, increased ICE activity in the community, and the rising cost of goods is disproportionately impacting our low-wage neighbors. Some people are being forced to stretch their resources or use substitute products. Others are afraid to leave their homes, go to work, or send their children to school. Keeping Families Covered has had to find new and creative ways to serve our community.
Why hygiene products? Because everyone deserves to have access to the products they need to maintain good health and the opportunity to fully participate in daily life. Diapers are a basic need of all babies, essential to their health and well-being. Sadly, 1 in 2 families with young children experience diaper need. Of those families, 25% reported that they have missed an average of 5 days of work or school in the past month due to not having enough diapers to drop their children off at daycare. Incontinence is the fastest growing absorbent hygiene issue among adults, impacting the lives of over 25 million people. Unfortunately, 9 out of 10 incontinent people feel isolated, depressed, or hopeless. Access to incontinence products should be effortless. Half the population has a period, yet 2 in 5 individuals struggle to afford the products they need to manage their monthly cycle. In fact, 1 in 3 low-income people have reported missing work, school, and other events due to the lack of period supplies. Keeping Families Covered helps to fill the gap for individuals and families by providing free hygiene products for every age and stage of life. We distribute over 2,000,000 diapers and 500,000 period supplies every year to our community. Our program offers a consistent supply of products that reduces financial strain, improves health, supports dignity, enables people to work or attend school, and allows seniors to feel comfortable leaving their homes. Although we give them away, we purchase 60% of the diapers and 75% of the period supplies for our program. We rely on fundraising, monetary gifts, community drives, and product donations to keep our shelves stocked and deliver critical assistance to our neighbors in need.
What is the most rewarding part of this work?
Every day, we help families get what they shouldn’t have to go without. At Keeping Families Covered, we envision an Illinois where every family has what they need to live with health and dignity—no matter their age, income, or circumstances. When we remove barriers to basic hygiene, we create space for stronger families, healthier communities, and brighter futures.
How can individuals/families help?
There are many ways to get involved at Keeping Families Covered! Visit https://keepingfamiliescovered.org/ to learn more about our services, volunteer opportunities (ages 6 and up), or to support our work.
Any upcoming events we should be aware of?
Casino Night (9/18/26 – Wild Onion Brewery in Barrington – 6-10pm); other events being planned throughout the year.