As spring unfolds, and we approach the close of another school year, we are reminded that GECRC is a story of community - written by the children who join us each day for academic and enriching social support. It is also written by the families we walk alongside during challenging times, and the generous neighbors who connect together and walk hand-in-hand to help meet existing and future needs. These images are vibrant reminders of our gratitude for the trust placed in our team and for the many hands and hearts that make this work possible. | | | |
Because of you, students across our school sites received consistent academic support, social-emotional learning, nutritious snacks, and the steady presence of volunteers who believe in their potential. In a time when many families continue to face uncertainty, your partnership has been a powerful expression of hope - ensuring that every child we serve is seen, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential. Please celebrate together with us, and take a few minutes to read through
our recent annual report.
| | |
At GECRC, we believe that supporting academic growth begins with caring for the whole child - mind, heart, and spirit. This belief is why we've intentionally deepened our investment in professional development centered on social-emotional learning and youth mental health.
This past month, more than a dozen team members became Youth Mental Health First Aid certified through a training provided by KidsMatter, made possible by generous grant support KidsMatter received from DuPage Foundation, Milton Township, and Endeavor Health. This important certification equips our staff to recognize early signs of mental health challenges, respond with confidence, and connect students and families to appropriate support.
At the same time, GECRC successfully secured official licensing for all program sites—meeting rigorous state standards related to safety, staffing, training, and operational excellence. Achieving full licensure reflects not only compliance, but our deep commitment to quality, accountability, and continuous improvement. We're grateful to our donors and community partners who make it possible for GECRC to invest in excellence. It is because of you that we can ensure that every child is supported by caring, highly trained adults who are prepared to meet both their academic and emotional needs.
| | |
At our GECRC office, we are thrilled to welcome new Administrative Assistant Reagan Irving! (top photo)
Reagan has lived in Glen Ellyn for the past 10 years with her husband Dan, and their three awesome kids. Prior to staying home with her children, Reagan worked in equity sales and private wealth management. In her free time, you’ll find her cheering on the sidelines at her kids’ sporting events, walking her dog Pepper, or planning the next family adventure. She’s grateful to be part of the Glen Ellyn community and support families through GECRC.
Our Communications Coordinator Emily Lobdell (center photo) was recently promoted to the multifaceted position of Communications and Volunteer Coordinator. Emily will be working to recruit, onboard, and support our fabulous volunteer tutors at our five sites, as well as continue to manage GECRC's communications across platforms, sharing compelling stories of our impact in the community. She would like to encourage all of you to follow us on Instagram and Facebook if you don't already!
Finally, on the program side of our organization, we are thrilled to welcome new program aide Aminah Fatima (bottom photo) to our Park View site. Aminah is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in exercise science. She is passionate about working with children and hopes to build a future in pediatrics. "I’m excited about creating a safe, fun, and welcoming environment where kids can truly be themselves," she says. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
| | | | |
Thank You, Kim Laubinger!
After more than 6.5 years on the GECRC Board of Directors, Kim Laubinger is rolling off to pursue other endeavors.
In her own words: "Being the Treasurer of GECRC for the past 6.5 years has been such an amazing experience. The work that has been done during this time, the expansion, working through the pandemic, increasing enrollment…being a part of all of that and so much more has been such a joy. The individuals I have had the pleasure to work with and in turn become friends have been a blessing!"
THANK YOU, Kim, for everything you have given to GECRC these past 6.5+ years!
| | |
| |
Welcome, Lori Gapinski!
Please join GECRC in welcoming Lori Gapinski to its Board of Directors! Lori is a longtime Glen Ellyn resident and proud mother of three sons, all of whom she raised in the community.
Deeply committed to education and community involvement, Lori has been an active parent volunteer throughout her sons’ school years. Lori works part time at The Ark Preschool as the Assistant Director. She is honored to serve on the GECRC Board and looks forward to supporting its mission in the community.
| | | | |
Tickets are on sale now for our annual Literary Event on April 30, 2026 at Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton. We are delighted to welcome Amity Gaige, author of the New York Times' best selling novel ‘Heartwood’ as our guest speaker!
Tickets are $80 and can be purchased online now or in person at The Bookstore of Glen Ellyn at 475 N. Main St. A $95 bundle of a ticket and a discounted paperback copy of 'Heartwood' is available from The Bookstore. Tickets include light bites, two drink tickets, and an abundance of literary-loving friends together for a fun evening out. The annual literary event is held in partnership with The Bookstore of Glen Ellyn with generous support from many local sponsors. All proceeds will benefit GECRC. Don't delay - this popular event is likely to sell out fast!
| | | |
Want a Private Party for your Book Club?
Your Book Club is invited to curate a one-of-a-kind raffle basket that will be featured at the 2026 Literary Event. This is a fun, creative way to showcase your club while supporting GECRC. The raffle basket that collects the most raffle tickets will win a private, after-hours party at The Book Store of Glen Ellyn. The evening will include appetizers, drinks, and a 20% discount on store purchases during the party. All baskets are due by Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Please register by clicking here, and contact us at admin@gecrc.com with any questions you might have and to coordinate the drop off of your basket.
| | | Celebrating Volunteers of the Month | | Thank You, GECRC Community! | | |
This winter has been a powerful reminder of how deeply our community shows up for GECRC. From hands-on service projects to in-kind donations and local partnerships, your generosity continues to fuel joyful experiences for our students and strengthen our programs in meaningful ways.
We are so grateful to the Bookstore of Glen Ellyn for conducting their annual Blind Date with a Book initiative in the month of February to raise money for GECRC. It is a community favorite! Thank you also to West Nation from Glenbard West for the generous donation from their annual Dodgeball Tournament. Tremendous thanks to the Glen Ellyn Downtown Alliance for their donation stemming from their annual Chili Cookoff.
Thank you also to the College of DuPage, Aurora University, Glenbard West High School, Gilda Ross and the Glenbard Parent Series, and Elmhurst University for the wonderful opportunities for our staff to showcase the good works and volunteer opportunities at GECRC.
We are also appreciative for our renewed and deepened partnerships with Glen House Food Pantry and the Kiwanis Club of Glen Ellyn.
Thank you to every donor, volunteer, partner, and neighbor who continues to lift up GECRC. Your in-kind support not only meets essential needs—it brings joy, dignity, and opportunity to the children and families we serve. We are grateful beyond measure. If you have a unique idea for supporting GECRC families, please feel welcome to reach out to us. To share your ideas, email Sarah O'Donnell.
| | |
A huge thank-you to the organizations who recently supported GECRC’s five after-school programs—through grants, financial gifts, and generous in-kind donations. Your partnership advances our mission and makes a real difference for our students!
Grants:
DuPage Foundation
Evans Family Charitable Foundation
In-Kind Donations:
Jessica Buttimer | Chrissy Dougherty | Connie Pecover | Gilda Ross
| |
| |
Want to Give Back?
Our volunteer tutors are so invaluable to the mission of GECRC. Volunteering is a mutually beneficial experience where volunteers engage with students, staff, and their fellow volunteers in meaningful and purpose-driven ways. From high school through retirement years, it's never too early or late to become a GECRC Volunteer! We will also have plenty of volunteer opportunities in our summer program beginning in June.
Click on the Volunteer button to learn more about becoming a GECRC Volunteer. If you've tutored with GECRC in the past, login and update your information.
If you have any questions, please send us an email.
| | | | |
Thank you to all of the community members who have donated new and gently used books to GECRC. We are always eager to accept books for our K-8 students at all five of our sites to read at program and at home.
Please e-mail us at admin@gecrc.com to coordinate a drop-off time.
| | |
|
346 Taft Avenue, Suite 205
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Office: 630 479-9920
| | | | |
