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.
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Helping the Homeless
and Partnering with the Community
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At 43 years old Julie was suddenly homeless and didn't know where to start to get help. Julie searched online for "homeless shelters near me", and Pioneer Center’s McHenry County PADS popped up. Julie explains, “When I first called PADS, I was so nervous, but Coordinated Entry Lead Gina Zinck, put me at ease.” Julie adds, “Her warm nature made it easy to talk about my situation.” Julie was admitted to PADS and both the staff and other shelter guests helped her with the transition.
Julie worked closely with her Case Manager Amanda Sosa, and together they made a plan to get into Home of the Sparrow that offers Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) programs, Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) programs and has a specialized shelter geared towards women and children. “I will never forget the look on Mandi's face when she told me I was accepted into the Home of Sparrow program, I was finally getting my life back on track,” said Julie.
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The Importance of Partnerships
McHenry County PADS is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and offers shelter, meals, case management and transportation. To help our clients further we must partner with other organizations, providers, church groups and volunteers throughout McHenry County.
Carrie Freund, Director of Homeless Services, explains “Collaboration raises the bar, and by tapping into the other community providers, we can best serve people in our care.”
Besides partnering with Home of the Sparrow, McHenry County Housing Authority offers beds for those who are formerly homeless and assists us in connecting our guests to affordable housing opportunities. Thresholds assists many of our clients experiencing mental illness and needing clinical care. Consumer Credit Counseling Service has helped our guests navigate the McHenry County Emergency Utility and Rental Assistance Program (MCEURAP) program to obtain housing and help with credit related issues. Family Health Partnership has supported us through Covid 19 with testing and make regular visits to our shelter to address the health concerns of our clients. The Chapel-McHenry is a constant support in many different and essential ways.
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Donations can also be mailed to Pioneer Center at:
4031 West Dayton St McHenry, IL 60050.
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Organizational Announcement
It is with both sadness and gratitude that we announce that after 9 years of service, Sam Tenuto has resigned from his position as Co-CEO at Pioneer Center for Human Services. All of us at Pioneer Center are incredibly grateful to Sam for his boundless energy, vision and warm heart that he has dedicated to our organization, our clients and their families. Upon Sam’s departure, he stated, “The depth of Pioneer’s impact on our community wellness has been made possible by many strong partnerships throughout our community. I am grateful for the generosity, expertise and enthusiasm shared by all. We wish Sam the absolute best in his future.
As we continue to advance our mission in service to our clients, the Board of Directors have decided to move forward with a single CEO model under the leadership of Frank Samuel, Chief Executive Officer. Frank shared, "It is an exciting time for Pioneer Center as we enter our 65th Anniversary year and future with new initiatives and development efforts across all three of our pillars - Developmental Disabilities, Behavioral Health and Homeless Services.”
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Spotlight on...
Pioneer Center's Athletic Program and Special Olympics
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Over 6 years ago, an employee observed that our clients were participating in Special Olympics, but they also needed more year round physical activity. This observation helped launch Pioneer Center’s athletic department, providing exercise, socialization, and competition.
Pioneer Center started our sports and competition program by offering one basketball team and has since fielded teams in eight different sports. Basketball is the most popular team sport and Bowling is the most popular individualized sport. There has also been an increase in less traditional sports including, flag football and snowshoeing. More than half of the residents in Pioneer Center group homes and one-third of our community participants, who live with their families and attend the day program, have participated in these athletics over the last 6 years.
Most recently, six athletes received a gold medal in their regional Track and Field events and two in Bocce, qualifying them for the state competition at Illinois State University in Bloomington/Normal. The team returned with three Gold medals, one Silver and one Bronze medal. Athletes shared lots of stories about the opening ceremonies, staying in the college dorms with their friends and of course the competitions.
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“We do our best to develop programs based on the needs and requests of the people we serve, our sports and competition programs are just one of the many opportunities we offer to set ourselves apart,” explains DJ Newport, Director of IDD Day and Vocational Services.
Pioneer Center staff have adopted the sports and competition program and are continually looking for ways to enhance the program. More coaches are needed, and the offering of new sports is always entertained.
This program is unique to Pioneer Center because it is not funded, and staff volunteer their time to ensure that everyone we serve has the opportunities they desire to lead a dignified life of well-being. For more information about our day programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, please contact Pioneer Center Admissions at (815) 759-7160 or ddadmissions@pioneercenter.org .
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Donations can also be mailed to Pioneer Center at:
4031 West Dayton St McHenry, IL 60050.
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Help Wanted:
Compassionate Direct Support Professionals
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Pioneer Center currently has openings for both full and part time Direct Support Professionals (DSP). As a DSP, you will assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with dining, mobility and hygiene activities. You may also help with needs during special community occasions and fun activities including restaurants, bowling, movies and other various social events.
Our part-time hours are flexible, for example we have DSP openings on weekdays from 4-8 pm and on weekends from 8 am – noon. Join our compassionate team and apply today! www.pioneercenter.org/careers/
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Help Wanted: Trained Therapists |
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We are currently seeking full-time Therapists who are looking to make a difference in the lives of children, adolescents and adults. Pioneer Center is known in our community for our trauma informed care for people with mental health and behavioral health needs. We have both community and office based positions available. Apply now to join our team and start making a difference in our community! |
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We have a wide variety of job opportunities throughout all our programs and services. Check out our website for detailed job descriptions or contact Human Resources if you have questions.
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You are Cordially Invited |
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Pioneer Center's Empty Bowls event is a silent art auction providing an opportunity for the community to bid on one-of-a-kind artwork from regional artisans. The unique artwork designed for the event displays hope, resiliency, support, strength, help and encouragement in all different art mediums. In person presentations explaining details of their artwork will be made by select artists. The event will also feature live jazz music from the Stan Dard Jazz Project band.
The fundraiser benefits the McHenry County PADS Homeless shelter and service kitchen
for both PADS and our 17 residential group homes. Help us meet the growing needs of our community by supporting services and programs for those experiencing homelessness.
Tickets will be on sale soon on our website. If you have questions about tickets or you are an artist looking to participate, please contact our Event Coordinator Sue George at sgeorge@pioneercenter.org or (815) 759-7130.
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Pioneer Men's Alliance Hosts Successful First Annual Golf Outing |
On June 10th Pioneer Center for Human Services and Pioneer Men’s Alliance hosted a very successful 1st Annual Golf Outing at Redtail Golf Course. Huge THANKS to all the golfers, volunteers and sponsors. Your generous support assists our programs and services throughout the community. Watch highlights from the event!
If you are intereseted in volunteering at an upcoming events or joining Pioneer Women's Network /Pioneer Men's Alliance, please contact our Event & Volunteer Coordinator, Sue George at sgeorge@pioneercenter.org or (815) 759-7130.
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Thanks to all who Attended! |
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Guests Enjoyed Live Music, Dancing and Delicious Food |
Imagine captivating blues music, savory soul food, a cool beverage and a lush green golf course view at sunset. This was our Moonlight and Music concert benefit on Friday, June 17th.
Jimmy Nick and Don’t Tell Mama band were the perfect trifecta of rocking blues, true entertainers and personable concert professionals. An unforgettable moment of the evening was when Pioneer Center resident Mike, accompanied by Jimmy Nick, stole the show singing all four verses of Elvis’s, “Can’t Help Falling in Love”. Another resident, David, showed his dancing moves with Mike and got the crowd up and dancing throughout the night.
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Clients Tammy and Abby were selling Able products, an innovative business that sells artwork designed by our clients, including beautiful canvas paintings and fused glass jewelry.
This memorable fundraising event benefited Pioneer Center’s programs and services in Developmental Disabilities, Homelessness and Behavioral Health.
Thank you goes out to our venue, Bull Valley Golf Club and to all the Pioneer Center staff who assisted at the event. We especially want to thank the dedication of our Moonlight & Music Event Committee and Volunteers: Zach Roberts (Co-chair), Karen McKune (Co-chair), Lily Fettes, Lisa McKune, Pat Pfaller, Joy Little, Denise Regula, Audrey Burgh, Terrie Tichy, Melissa Thorsen and Robin Alvigi.
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Follow, Like and Engage
with Pioneer Center on
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Questions or Concerns about the Pioneer Center Mission Update newsletter can be directed to the editor, Debra Kulinski at dkulinsk@pioneercenter.org.
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