Winter Edition

2025

Wishing You A Happy 2025

Letter From our CEO

Dear Friends and Families,

Thank you for your generous support. Your commitment to Pioneer Center and our 3 Pillars of Services – Intellectual & Development Disabilities (IDD), Behavioral Health (BH) and Homeless Services (HS)/PADS, amazes me. We continue to grow, expand and serve more people who need vital services in the community. This past year we have shown significant achievements and a strong commitment to integrate the 3 Pillars and leverage each other’s expertise to collectively serve our clients and the community. Our drive to serve comes from every single employee who is committed to our Mission to help people live a life of well-being, independence and inclusion. Pioneer Center’s passion to serve and commitment to care is seen each day in the faces of our clients in our Group Homes, Community Day Centers, Therapy Center and Homeless Shelter. READ MORE ...

Providing Homeless Services

During Community Resource Days

Every Friday* from 10 am - 2 pm, at Willow Creek Church in Crystal Lake, IL, a variety of community organizations including Pioneer Center, provide our community with access to a variety of support services during Community Resource Days (CRD). Assistance may be as simple as washing clothes, eating lunch, getting a haircut or taking a shower. The needs can also be more involved, including assistance for substance abuse or finding employment. READ MORE ...

Thanks for Your Donations!

During Giving Tuesday we raised $46,695 for McHenry County PADS Homeless Shelter.

The funds will be used to provide a warm bed, nutritious meals and other essential services at our McHenry County PADS Homeless Shelter. Special thanks to our matching donors from g2 revolution, MSU Federal Credit Union and an anonymous donor.

The clients and staff at our PADS Homeless Shelter thank you all!

Moves to Algonquin, IL

The Bright Program, a community day service program serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, recently moved to to 110 N. Main Street in Algonquin, IL. The program focuses on community integration through daily trips into the community. This new facility allows easier access to a wide variety of activities in the community. READ MORE ...

Requiring Trauma Informed Care Training

to All Staff

Trauma-Informed Care, widely considered best practice in healthcare, social services, and other human service settings, recognizes the prevalence and impact of trauma and aims to create safe and supportive environments for healing. READ MORE ...

Celebrating Black History Month

Clients and staff in our Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Program created door artwork to celebrate Black History Month.

February is Black History Month and there are numerous ways to participate in and commemorate Black History Month. Here are some ideas for how individuals and communities can get involved:

Educational Programs: Attend or organize educational programs, lectures, and workshops that explore the history and achievements of African Americans.
Art and Culture: Explore African American art, literature, music, and cinema through exhibitions, performances, and readings.
Community Events: Participate in or host community events such as parades, cultural festivals, and heritage celebrations.
Support Black-Owned Businesses: Show support for Black entrepreneurs and businesses by shopping locally and promoting Black-owned enterprises.

A Lasting Legacy for Future Clients

We all plan for the future and hope to someday leave a lasting legacy for our loved ones. At Pioneer Center for Human Services, we hope to leave a legacy by creating a world where each person is valued and given equal opportunity. READ MORE ...

For more information on donating, please contact CEO Frank Samuel at 815.759.7135 or your financial advisor.

Upcoming Events

You are invited!

Buy Your Tickets to The BOURBON EXTRAVAGANZA

On February 22, 2025 the McHenry County Men's Alliance is hosting a bourbon tasting from 6:30–9 PM at the RedTail Golf Club in Lakewood, IL.

Experience premium tastings featuring 12+ Distilleries, gourmet appetizers and a live auction. Proceeds will benefit Pioneer Center, Crystal Lake Food Pantry and Herzog’s Heroes, Inc.

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Join the Pioneer Center Team

We are Hiring!

Why not change your career to a job that makes a difference in your community?

We currently have openings for Direct Support Professionals, Therapists and more. We offer both full and part-time opportunities, great full-time benefits, paid training, various locations across McHenry County and more!

If you are interested in joining our compassionate and caring team, please view our career opportunities and apply today.

Please contact Human Resources if you have any questions about Pioneer Center job opportunities.