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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Organizational Update:
Co-CEOs
Sam Tenuto
& Frank Samuel
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Pioneer Center continues to make the health and safety of our clients and our staff a top priority during the pandemic. We have successfully prevented any large scale outbreaks across our facilities. We have done so due to the amazing dedication of our staff and strong partnership with those we serve. At the same time, we adjusted our program operations for public health and regulation reasons. We miss seeing all the people we serve and we know that this has been difficult on the families, clients and staff.
We are optimistic as the Covid-19 rates have significantly declined since the height of the pandemic, and hopeful that our programs will resume to a full state of operations as the year proceeds. We will continue to keep you updated as we follow the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and all other regulatory rules and guidance related to our operations. We appreciate the understanding of those we serve as certain restrictions may still stay in place (for example – clients and staff wearing masks) even as programs fully open. The services Pioneer Center provides are critical to the wellness of our community, and we are grateful for your support that has helped us safely navigate through the pandemic.
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Staffing Challenges: Hiring is a Top Priority
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The coronavirus pandemic delivered a shock to the global economy, putting tens of millions of people out of work and displacing many others, the job market may never be the same. Pioneer Center faces staffing challenges for some of our most important job positions.
Direct Support Professionals (DSP), Residential Services Associate’s (RSA), Mental Health Professionals (MHP), Registered Nurse (RN) Manager and a Maintenance Technician continue to be a top priority to fill with new job candidates. For a more detailed list of job openings and job descriptions, please visit our career page at: www.pioneercenter.org/careers/career-opportunities .
As many organizations, Pioneer Center has taken measures to address the current recruitment challenges including sign-on bonuses, employee referral bonus, shift incentives and more.
“Pioneer Center offers a wonderful benefits package and on the job training that will help you succeed both in the workplace and in your personal life,” states Rebecca Franzone, Program Technician for Behavioral Health Residential.
What can you do to help Pioneer Center?
Spread the word to family, friends, neighbors and on social media about Pioneer Center’s amazing job opportunities.
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Are you looking for a job that will make a difference?
Don’t wait, apply today!
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Continuing to Build Our
Community Shelter of Hope
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The new PADS Emergency Homeless Shelter in McHenry, IL, fully opened a year ago expanding from a 34 bed shelter to 70 beds and includes bathrooms, showers, a lounge/dining area, laundry, mailboxes and offices. The next steps in building the shelter includes installing a new commercial kitchen and supply rooms to support food preparation, delivery and storage.
Currently, the framing, walls, painting, electrical and installation of the kitchen hood have been completed and the ceiling and floors are the next steps in the process. Kitchen equipment has been ordered and installation will take place in August.
“Although Covid-19 is impacting material, delivery and costs, we are optimistic that we will navigate through these issues and successfully complete the kitchen by the fall,” explains Co-CEO Frank Samuel.
PADS plans to hire a full-time kitchen Chef/Manager to oversee operations and manage the meals for the shelter clients. “Having meals made on-site is not only easier and more economical, it will also provide a more welcoming, home-made nutritious meal for our clients,” states Carrie Freund, Director of Homeless Services.
The McHenry County PADS Homeless Shelter is grateful and thankful for your continued support. If you are interested in donating to our shelter, please visit our website: www.pioneercenter.org/donate. Donations can aslo be mailed to Pioneer Center at 4031 West Dayton St in McHenry, IL 60050.
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Spotlight on ...
Community
Employment Services
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The Community Employment Services (CES) program matches job descriptions with the strengths and talents of individuals with hearing and visual impairments, intellectual & developmental disabilities, mental illness, traumatic brain injury and physical disabilities.
The CES team supports job seekers through the entire process of employment including, assisting with applying to the business of their choice, interviewing, onboarding and job training during the probationary period (typically 90 days). Community Employment Services has successfully placed individuals in positions including food services, sales, finance, computer science, telecommunications, reception, retail and janitorial.
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Not only can the Community Employment Services program benefit the individuals working, but it can benefit businesses that employ them. The CES team serves as a consultant to the individual as they seek a job, and when appropriate as a middleman between the potential employee and employer.
"Tim is a dedicated and hardworking employee, and we are happy to be working with Pioneer Center on such a worthy employment program," states Sean Wade, Manager of BuddyZ.
The CES team offers training to supervisors/employees working with the client, job coaching and working with the employer to develop a plan to ensure the success of their new employee. Businesses and employers have the opportunity to receive a tax credit for hiring individuals with disabilities and other qualifying target groups.
To learn more about the CES program, please contact Sara Maxwell at (815) 759-7160.
To donate towards Pioneer Center and help these vital programs flourish visit our donation page or email our Development Director at rleggee@pioneercenter.org. Donations can also be mailed to Pioneer Center at 4031 West 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 Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention?
Pioneer Center has partnered with the Child Advocacy Center of McHenry County to bring Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI) to our community. CFTSI, designed for children (ages 7-17) and their families, is geared towards preventing the long-lasting effects of traumatic events and the need for long term mental health care. CFTSI is structured to address trauma symptoms and trauma reminders by raising self-awareness, increasing communication between child and caregiver and providing effective coping strategies.
This therapeutic intervention is provided at our Child and Family Therapy Center by trained clinicians and bilingual (Spanish/English) therapists are available.
“CFTSI provides the client and family the opportunity to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” explains Bilingual Therapist Alex Aguilar.
CFTSI focuses on the family and the strengths as a unit to build coping mechanisms to reduce trauma symptoms and increase functioning.
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For more information on our programs and services, contact our Behavioral Health team at (815) 759-7073.
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An Amazing Night of Moonlight & Music |
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On June 19, 2021 Pioneer Center and Pioneer Women's Network hosted Moonlight & Music, a fundraiser for Developmental Disability programs and services. Guests attending the event enjoyed live music by Cap'n Funk and the Groove Train, delicious food/cocktails and exciting raffle prizes.
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Pioneer Center would like to give special thanks to all the sponsors, attendees, volunteers, staff and donors that made Moonlight & Music a success.
Mark your calendars for next year's Moonlight & Music festivities on Friday, June 17, 2022.
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Raue Center For The Arts
26 N Williams Street Crystal Lake, IL
3-6 p.m.
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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D'Andrea Banquets & Conference Center
4419 NW Highway
Crystal Lake, IL
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
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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Unique Opportunity:
Apply to be a Board Member
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Do you want to expand your professional network, build skills and make a real impact in the community?
Pioneer Center's Board of Directors play an integral role in our mission of helping people live a dignified life of well-being, independence and inclusion. Board members help raise funds to finance Pioneer Center and monitor organizational performance. If you would like more information, please email Board of Directors Chairperson Dan McCaleb at dmccaleb@thecentersquare.com for more information.
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Follow, Like and Engage
with Pioneer Center on
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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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