Cherishing Families, Changing Lives:

Cherishing Families, Changing Lives: February Focus

February 2025 Newsletter

With Gratitude: Your Compassion Reached Families in Crisis

Thank you to everyone who generously donated to help the families impacted by the apartment fires. Our case managers continue to assist families in finding housing through our partnering organizations. With your generous donations, we will help families with the first month's rent and/or furniture, diapers, formula, etc.

YOU empower us to create a space where people facing hardships find valuable support and a community that feels like home.

Valuing Every Helping Hand: A Tribute to Our Volunteers

Ray and Chanelle Savich are long-time Palatine residents who are newly retired and volunteer at POC and Faith Feeds Food Pantry. The couple wanted a volunteer opportunity to work together and help improve the lives of people in our community. They answered interview questions highlighting their dedication and involvement with us. To read more, click on the button below.

Ray & Chanelle's Story

Parent Mentor Spotlight: An Inspiring Journey

Ms. Sierra's journey is nothing short of inspiring. As a native Nahuatl (naa-waa-tl) speaker, Delfina learned Spanish to communicate with the students. She embodies the spirit of mentorship by improving herself while teaching and inspiring those around her. We are incredibly proud of Delfina’s efforts and the positive impact she continues to make!

Ms. Sierra is working in the classroom with all of my 10 students. She reviews letter names and sounds, syllables, and words in Spanish using the same curriculum we use in the classroom. I provide the materials, and she takes the initiative and chooses the materials for the day. What I like the most about Ms. Sierra is her willingness to teach and learn new things. I asked her to give me translated words from Spanish to Nahuatl so we could greet her daily and make her feel more involved and appreciated. My students loved it! My class and I are very fortunate to have Ms. Sierra as a Parent Mentor.

Mrs. Cardenas

Lake Louise Elementary School

Change a Families Future:

Support Camps, Adult Education,

and After-School Programs!

Your tickets and sponsorships support under-resourced children who participate in dance, sports, arts, and academics throughout the year and vulnerable teens who meet to build life skills and make friends. You'll support adults in learning about current events, different cultures, and traditions while they practice English.

YOUR purchase provides new experiences and field trips for children and teens unable to visit Chicago landmarks, museums, waterparks, and zoos without your gifts. Please consider donating!

Purchase Whiskey & Roses Tickets Here!

POC Collaborates with Nonprofits Across Illinois

POC's Immigration Services Team works with 52 nonprofits across Illinois to offer immigration assistance through pro bono weekly workshops at the Community Resource Center in Palatine and Ascension in Hanover Park. POC assists 60 clients weekly in the workshops. The State of IL supports this work through grants from The Resurrection Project: Access to Justice and the IL Welcoming Center.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

POC Highlights & Developments

1585 Rand Road

Palatine, Illinois 60074