Pioneer Center is a private, non-profit 501c(3) organization, providing services for people with developmental disabilities, homelessness and behavioral health needs
in the McHenry County community.

Spring 2024

Thankful for Your Support

-Letter From our CEO-



Dear Families and Friends,

Each year here in the suburbs of Chicago, we wait patiently for warm breezes, greener grass and the scents and sights of spring blooms to arrive. We hope you are enjoying this much anticipated time of year with family and friends. 


Exciting things are happening at Pioneer Center in each of our Pillars – Developmental Disabilities (DD), Behavioral Health (BH) and Homeless Services (HS)/PADS. READ MORE ...

Pioneer Center Featured in National Spot on Public Broadcasting

Please join us in watching Pioneer Center featured on Public Television's VIEWPOINT, the esteemed educational program hosted by actor Dennis Quaid.


Pioneer Center was chosen by Viewpoint producers to be part of this special segment, featuring the Human Services industry and discussing "Serving and improving communities through Commitment, Care, and Dedication."


The filming, featuring Pioneer Center's Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Program and Services, began in the fall of 2023, and brought joy to our clients as they stepped into the limelight. Viewpoint is distributing this segment across 170 stations in the Chicago Metro Region throughout the Spring. View Full Viewpoint Episode



Rebuilding our Greenhouse:

Raise the Roof Challenge


We want to thank all our donors who generously contributed to the Greenhouse Challenge. Your kind gifts helped us surpass our goal and we raised $7,630!


Thank you for answering the challenge and making this greenhouse possible for our clients. Together we are making a difference in the lives of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.


Stay tuned for more pictures once the rebuild is complete.

PADS Community Shelter of Hope

Providing More Than a Place

to Rest Your Head

Blake is a young man who had faced homelessness for most of his adult life. He and his father had been homeless in a neighboring state for many years, sleeping and living where they could, often taking refuge in abandoned buildings. Blake accepted work where he could and helped his father with landscaping jobs in the summer. READ MORE ...


If you are interested in supporting the McHenry County PADS Homeless Shelter, please donate through our website.

Pioneer Center is raising awareness on the important role mental health plays in our lives by encouraging members of the community to take action toward protecting their mental health and overall well-being. The following are three key efforts you can do to help yourself and others:


LEARN how modern life in our changing world effects mental health 

ACT by building a coping toolbox to manage stress, difficult emotions and challenging situations

ADVOCATE to improve mental health for yourself, the ones you love and people in your community

 

Mental Health America has created a toolkit to help you get started on your mental health journey. Check out www.mhanatioanl.org/may to learn more. Remember, working on your mental health takes time. Start by focusing on small changes and then work your way to developing long term strategies to support yourself and others.



If you need support, please reach out to Pioneer Center’s Behavioral Health referral line at 815-759-7073. 

Successful Bourbon Extravaganza Tasting Event

It was an unforgettable night at the Pioneer Men's Alliance Bourbon Extravaganza tasting fundraiser. Sipping bourbon, meeting new friends, and catching up with old ones made for an incredible evening.

A huge thank you to Pioneer Men's Alliance for their vision and coordination of 12 distilleries that shared their experience and tasting insights. In additon, thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, Garfield's Beverage Warehouse, our Event Sponsors, Crystal Lake Lion's Club and Old Towne Hall, and our Entertainment Sponsor, Weyers McKeever Financial Partners.


Upcoming Events
Save the Date!

We look forward to seeing each of you at our upcoming Charity Golf Outing at Redtail Golf Club on Friday, June 21. We are lined up for a fabulous day of golfing, entertainment, food, drink and fun…all while raising funds to support the vital programs at Pioneer Center. This year, we added an additional option for those who may not golf, but want to be part of the celebration, including a delicious dinner, live band and amazing raffle prizes.

 

For more detailed information - Early Bird pricing ends on May 15th!

Sign up TODAY!

If you would like information on golf sponsorships, contact Sue George (815) 404- 0559. 

Shop and Share Spring Fundraiser

Countryside Flower Shop Nursery & Garden Center in Crystal Lake, IL is generously donating 18% of all sales on Saturday, May 18 from 9 am to 6 pm. Print the flyer and present it to the cashier when you pick out your Spring gardening needs on May 18th!

Download Flyer

If you have questions about our events, Pioneer Women's Network or Pioneer Men's Alliance please contact Sue George, Events and Volunteer Coordinator at sgeorge@pioneercenter.org (815) 404- 0559. 

Huge Thank You to Old National Bank for being the Presenting Sponsor for our Holiday Inspiration Luncheon and our upcoming Annual Charity Golf Outing. Old National Bank has been a kind donor for many years and we appreciate your ongoing support.


If you are interested in becoming a corporate partner or have questions about sponsorships, please contact Jody Beckford at (815) 759-7144.

Subscribe to the Chicago Tribune TODAY!


Pioneer Center will receive 100% of the proceeds, for every new $26 subscription of the Chicago Tribune by scanning the QR code in the picture or by using this link to sign up.

Show your Pioneer Center Pride


We are offering apparel and gear to order from our online Pioneer Center Store. You can order quality items such as jackets, polos, mugs, tumblers, and more. Take a look! We’re sure you’ll find something you love.


Please review the ordering and shipping information carefully and make sure you choose the option that works best for you.


Questions? Contact Human Resources.

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Pioneer Center Mission Update Editor - Debra Kulinski