December 2024 Newsletter

Warm Hearts, Big Impact

POC Welcomes Seth Moland-Kovash as Our New Executive Director

Partners for Our Communities is proud to welcome to our new Executive Director, Seth Moland-Kovash. Seth came on board to lead POC after the retirement of our former Executive Director, Kathy Millin, in November. Seth knows POC well, having been around in various ways for almost 20 years. He has been a Learning Lab and Community School volunteer, a board member and board chair, a collaborative partner (through Faith Feeds Food Pantry leadership), and a contract lobbyist for the organization. Seth is excited to continue the good work that POC has done for many years to strengthen all the communities in which we live and work.

Holiday Cheer and Community Connections:

Turkey Giveaway and Teen Adventures

In November, POC partnered with Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton’s Office to provide 200 turkeys and sides to families in our community, ensuring they had the resources to celebrate the upcoming holiday.

POC’s Teen Outreach Program took an exciting field trip to Chicago in December. Teens traveled on the Metra train, explored the Christkindlmarket, and visited Millennium Park to see The Bean and the beautiful Christmas tree. It was a day full of culture, fun, and festive cheer!

ICompete Winter Wonderland Brings Joy to 520 Attendees

Each year, the ICompete Winter Wonderland held on December 6th became a moment of hope and joy for those who attended. Approximately 102 families registered for our Free Photos with Santa event, filling up in just hours.

Each family's excitement, smiles, and gratitude directly resulted from your commitment to making the holidays special for those who need it most. ICompete remains grateful for our event sponsors who helped ensure that children who may not otherwise experience such a magical moment could meet Santa and receive gifts to brighten their holiday season. 

In addition to all ICompete collaborative partners, we'd like to thank the following event sponsors: 

• Palatine Police and Fire Benevolent Association
• PPFBA
• American Legion
• Flanigan Family
• St. Thomas of Villanova 
• Palatine Assisting Through Hope (PATH)
• Palatine Public Library

Empowering Adults Through Learning:

Bridging Education and Employment Opportunities

Thank you to our clients and volunteers actively participating in the Learning Lab. Participation has increased in the English as a Second Language (ESL) conversation classes and in Harper College and District 211 ESL registration. This past month, we celebrated each other's successes of landing a job, obtaining a driver's license, achieving a new level in class, celebrating the birth of a new baby, attaining U.S. Citizenship, and purchasing a car to enhance future job opportunities and mobility. We shared helpful information to ensure families can access many community resources. This is done every day in POC’s Learning Lab. 

POC volunteer, Morgan assisting Angela who is a Harper student.

Two guests sharing information using the Duolingo app.

Maria buying a new car that will give her and her family independence.

Community Becomes Family:

Celebrating Generosity & Connection in Our Annual Appeal

Thank you for your generosity thus far! We are halfway to our goal. POC’s theme for our Annual Appeal Campaign is Community Becomes Family. During this season of giving, families shared their appreciation for all you do for our community. Groups and individuals donated gifts and wrapping paper and helped distribute gifts to children, teens, and families this month.

Every year, as we reflect on the support of friends like you, we’re reminded of the strength and warmth that make our community feel like family. At Partners for Our Communities (POC), your generosity has allowed us to do more than provide essential services – it has empowered us to create a space where people facing hardships find a true support network, a community that feels like home.

UPCOMING EVENT

Whiskey & Roses: A Kentucky Derby Experience



Party with a purpose on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates. This fundraiser is our Spring Event, which will benefit POC’s programs and operations.

Entertainment is by Tres Moustache, and whiskey tasting is by Whiskey & Barrel Nite. Sponsorships are available now, and tickets will be available soon.

Contact Lisa Hanson-Braun at LisaHB@partnersforourcommunities.org for more information.

1585 Rand Road

Palatine, Illinois 60074