Pioneer Center is a private, non-profit 501c(3) charitable organization, providing services for people with Developmental Disabilities, experiencing Homelessness and Behavioral Health needs in the McHenry County community.
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Welcome Letter
From Development Director
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Welcome to Mission Update, our new Pioneer Center for Human Services newsletter. We want to provide vital information to the community and we hope you will find it informative.
For 63 years we have served people throughout McHenry County and we are committed to helping our clients live a dignified life of well-being, independence and inclusion. Pioneer Center's experienced, compassionate and committed staff make that happen.
In this newsletter we will highlight our 3 pillars of services, Intellectual and Development Disabilities, Behavioral Health and Homeless Services. We will also continue to let you know the many ways you can support Pioneer Center. We welcome your questions and any ideas on what you would like included in this newsletter. Please reach out to me directly at any time.
Thanks for supporting Pioneer Center!
Sincerely,
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Randy Leggee
Director of Development
(815) 759-7144
rleggee@pioneercenter.org
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Commitment to Clients and Community
During Pandemic
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The Pioneer Center team displayed resiliency and dedication to safely manage the Covid-19 pandemic. The staff moved quickly and successfully to keep the community and agency safe and healthy while continuing to meet clients’ needs. Each pillar of service, Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities and Homeless Services, is critical to the overall wellness and success of the community.
During the challenges of program size reductions and temporary closures, the team missed having their clients on-site and know it was a difficult adjustment to those served and their families. The team quickly implemented Behavioral Health teletherapy, and online Developmental Disability day programs to help meet the needs of the clients. Group home residents were provided a wide variety of in-home activities, safe community inclusion opportunities and online technological support to stay connected with their friends and families.
Despite the pandemic, Pioneer Center continued to persevere and opened a new community emergency PADS Homeless Shelter in McHenry, IL. As unemployment and homelessness increases, the need for a 70-bed shelter is more essential.
In addition, the team is working hard to assist in the health and wellness of the clients and staff by staying on top of facility cleanings, making sure all the proper PPE needs are met, providing rapid Covid-19 testing and quickly coordinating on-site vaccination clinics. Pioneer Center was one of the first local providers to offer Covid-19 vaccinations to both our clients and staff.
Pioneer Center continues to provide vital programs and services to the community, while providing a safe and healthy enironment.
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Mask Now Illinois Donates Face Masks to PADS Homeless Shelter
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The non-profit organization Masks Now Illinois recently donated handmade masks to all PADS clients and staff. The organization delivered three per client, extras for the staff and they plan to check in monthly to provide ongoing needs for masks.
MasksNowIL is a non-profit organization of volunteers who are making and collecting cloth masks for those in need. Since March 2020, they have distributed over 70,000 cloth masks to 200+ healthcare facilities and social service organizations across Illinois. For more information on how you can help, please visit www.masksnowil.org or email masksnowil@gmail.com.
McHenry County PADS offers emergency shelter needs including, access to showers, laundry facilities, transportation, computers and an address at which to receive mail. In addition, PADS provides support services, to help individuals experiencing homelessness work toward becoming self-sufficient. These support services enable individuals to receive crisis intervention, case management, linkage to community resources and life skills training.
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Spotlight on ...
Developmental Disabilities:
Able Program
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Able by Pioneer Center is an innovative and creative production of homemade gifts that are made by our clients with developmental disabilities. Able provides various work opportunities that range from creation of gift ideas, production, assembly, packaging and working in the community for events and sales. |
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In addition to clients receiving a paycheck above minimum wage for their art work, Able provides a community inclusive endeavor that allows customers to “See the Able not the label”.
Able has sold their goods at local craft fairs, Steffan's Jewelers in McHenry, IL and at corporate holiday parties. Stay tuned for where and when Able will be selling their amazing goods, including glass-fused earrings/pendants, trivets, bath bombs and night lights.
To learn more about Able and other developmental disability programs and services available throughout the community, please visit our website. To donate towards Pioneer Center and help these vital programs flourish visit our donation page or email our Development Team at rleggee@pioneercenter.org. Donations can aslo be mailed to Pioneer Center at 4031 Dayton St in McHenry, IL 60050.
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Learn more about Pioneer Center's many programs and services available throughout the community.
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What is Therapy?
Therapy is talking freely with certified therapists and involves activities which help process thoughts, feelings and experiences. Therapy helps heal pain from the past, build relationship skills, strengthen self-confidence, cope with symptoms and feel stronger in the face of challenges. For more information on our programs and services, contact our Behavioral Health team at (815) 759-7073.
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What is TAMI?
Teenage Mother’s Initiative (TAMI) is dedicated to helping pregnant and parenting teen moms and dads in McHenry County. The TAMI program provides answers, support, friendship and a place where teenagers and their children are welcomed and accepted.
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Bull Valley Golf Club
1311 Club Road
Woodstock, IL
6 p.m.
Outdoor Dining, Raffles and Live Band
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Raue Center For The Arts
26 N Williams Street Crystal Lake, IL
3 p.m.
Art Auction
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D'Andrea Banquets & Conference Center
4419 NW Highway
Crystal Lake, IL
11 a.m.
Speaker, Luncheon, Raffles/Auction
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Celebrate an evening with a Ravinia-style concert at Bull Valley Golf Course. This one of a kind social event features raffles, a delicious variety of food and the high energy sounds of Cap’n Funk and the Groove Train. The band will rock the crowd with a unique blend of music from the
70's and 80's.
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Empty Bowls
Artwork depicting homelessness, including the struggles and overcoming it, will be auctioned off during this afternoon event with light refreshments. Through this event we hope to increase awareness of homeless services and collaborate professionally with the fine arts community throughout McHenry County.
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Holiday Book Review
Dress up in holiday colors and get ready to to try and win amazing baskets of raffle prizes, bid at a silent auction and enjoy a seated luncheon while listening to an inspiring speaker. It’s an opportunity to socialize and network with hundreds of empowering women.
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For more information about our events, please contact our Special Events and Volunteer Coordinator, Lynnette Kaszuba at LKaszuba@pioneercenter.org. |
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Looking for a Job That Will Make a Difference?
Pioneer Center is currently hiring Direct Support Professionals (DSP), Mental Health Technicians, a Registered Nurse and more. Please check out all our job opportunities or email Human Resources Recruiter Regina Thomas at rthomas@pioneercenter.org. Don’t wait, apply today!
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Other Ways to Give & Volunteer:
Did you know there are many small, yet generous ways
to give back to Pioneer Center?
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Do you shop on Amazon?
By shopping with AmazonSmile, whether you're a Prime member or not, you can have a portion of your purchase donated back to Pioneer Center!
Once you choose Pioneer Center through AmazonSmile, 0.5% of your purchases will be donated to us. It is an easy way to give back while you are shopping and you won't have buyers remorse.
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Start a Facebook Fundraiser
To create a Facebook Fundraiser for Pioneer Center, go to this link and follow these simple steps:
1. Select Nonprofit
2. Type Pioneer Center for Human Services
3. Fill in the fundraiser details and choose a cover photo
4. Click Create
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Join Pioneer Women's Network! |
During the pandemic we have conducted our monthly meetings online. If you are interested in finding out more about Pioneer Women's Network, please contact Lynnette Kaszuba at LKaszuba@pioneercenter.org.
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Follow, Like and Engage
with Pioneer Center on
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If you are interested in becoming a board member please contact Mary Smith at (815) 344-1230. |
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Questions about the Pioneer Center Mission Update newsletter can be directed to the editor, Debra Kulinski at dkulinsk@pioneercenter.org.
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