Thankful for Your Support

Letter from our CEO

Dear Friends and Families,

As autumn brings a season of renewal and thankfulness, I am pleased to share our progress across our three service pillars: Developmental Disabilities, Behavioral Health, and Homeless Services/PADS Shelter.

We closed our 2026 fiscal year with strong financial results, thanks to generous support from the state, county, local governments, private grants, and donors. We also completed our 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, leadership coaching initiatives, and successfully achieved Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. READ MORE ...

Beyond Shelter: Providing Meals, Dignity, and Hope

A homeless shelter is often seen simply as a safe place to sleep. But while shelter is essential, stability is also built around the dining table.

Every day, Pioneer Center's commercial kitchen prepares meals for the individuals and families staying in our homeless shelter. Beyond satisfying hunger, these meals offer routine, comfort, and connection during a difficult and uncertain time. READ MORE ...

Investing in the Next Generation of Mental Health Professionals

Our Behavioral Health pillar is committed to nurturing the next generation of social workers and mental health clinicians through our internship program. Currently, the program hosts seven bachelor’s and master’s-level interns pursuing degrees in social work, clinical counseling, and psychology.

Through hands-on learning and professional mentorship, interns gain valuable experience in the mental health field. Opportunities include shadowing client therapy sessions, facilitating groups, completing client intakes, and learning about the assessment and diagnostic process.

By providing practical experience and exposure to a variety of clinical responsibilities, Pioneer Center helps prepare future professionals to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families in the community.

If you would like to learn more about our Behavioral Health services, please contact us at (815) 759-7100.

Pioneer Center Completes Pathway to Greenhouse and Garden Enhancements

We are proud to announce the completion of our new pathway to our greenhouse and garden area, a space designed to nurture growth, connection, and opportunity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. READ MORE ...

Watch Video of New Pathway.

Double your Donation on GivingTuesday:

The Most Generous Day of the Year!

GivingTuesday is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, and Pioneer Center will be raising funds to provide a warm bed, nutritious meals and other essential services at our McHenry County 70-bed emergency and transitional housing PADS Homeless Shelter.

Your donations on GivingTuesday 2026 will be MATCHED up to $20,000 due to the generosity of g2 revolution and an anonymous donor.

Take action and help us support people experiencing homelessness in our community. Stay tuned for more GivingTuesday updates in your email!

GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: A day that encourages people to do good. Over 14 years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires millions of people to donate, volunteer and spread awareness.

OCTOBER is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and this year's theme is "Celebrating Value and Talent" in the workforce, honoring America's 250th Birthday. We are honoring the skills and contributions people with disabilities add to the workplaces, communities and economy.

Many thanks to our Community Employment Services (CES) team and the life changing work they do for individuals with disabilities. Our CES team is dedicated to placing individuals in jobs throughout McHenry and Lake county.

If you have questions or need assistance please email our CES Team, or call (847) 834-5001.

Support programs and services for people with developmental disabilities: www.pioneercenter.org/donate

NOVEMBER is Homelessness

Awareness Month, which includes National Homeless Youth Awareness Month and Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, November 15–21, 2026.

This is an opportunity to elevate the issue of homelessness and applaud the efforts of businesses, organizations and volunteers dedicated to meeting the needs of those experiencing homelessness.

Homeless services are offered at our 24/7 McHenry County PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) shelter located at 1805 S. Route 31, in McHenry, Illinois. The program aids McHenry County individuals and families experiencing homelessness through emergency shelter, transitional housing and support services to empower successful outcomes. Support the McHenry County PADS Homeless Shelter by donating on our website. www.pioneercenter.org/donate

Celebrate 20 years of Inspiration

at our Annual Holiday Luncheon

Buy Early Bird Tickets TODAY!

Our 20th Annual Charity Holiday Inspiration Luncheon will be held on Friday, December 11, 2026 from 11 am - 2 pm at the Holiday Inn located on 800 IL Rt. 31 in Crystal Lake, IL. This year’s luncheon will surround you with inspiration and a theme you won’t want to miss.

Early Bird tickets on sale NOW through November 18th. Grab your tickets before they are gone! Purchase a table of 10 for $750 or an individual ticket is $80.

Experience delicious food, a silent auction, amazing raffle prizes and entertainment from acclaimed magician and autism advocate, Cody Clark. He will inspire and amaze the audience as he combines his art of magic with a message that is dear to his heart. We look forward to seeing you at our Holiday Celebration.

This charity event will help support our programs for people with Developmental Disabilities, Behavioral Health needs and Homeless Services.

Buy Your Tickets!

Call for Volunteers -

Holiday Inspiration Luncheon

Do you love lending a hand and seeing the magic happen behind the scenes? We are looking for volunteers to join our Elf Workshop. We need help creating themed gift baskets and assistance setting up before and during the event. For more information contact Sue George at sgeorge@pioneercenter.org or call (815) 404-0559.