Fiscal Year 2026 Highlights Program Impact & Community Services
POC serves as the lead partner with District 15 for the Full-Service Community Schools Initiative.
Through this partnership, POC placed two full-time staff members at Lake Louise and Lincoln Elementary Schools to bridge gaps among families, schools, and community resources.
Both provide direct access to POC and Community Resource Center services — offering an additional layer of support.
Case Managers provided nearly 2,000 assistance sessions to support individuals and families in need.
The Illinois Welcoming Center Hanover Park moved to a larger space, providing increased privacy and client services.
The legal team opened the area's first nonprofit legal clinic, expanding access to critical legal services. POC also achieved recognition as a Department of Justice Accredited Agency.
A POC-wide holiday distribution initiative launched to support families throughout the community.
Young Professionals Board gave out seven scholarships again for a total of $7,000.
Childcare provided by POC made 752 client interactions possible.
POC supported Faith Feeds Food Pantry with 60,071 client interactions and mobile-unit outreach at five area apartment complexes.
Assistance was provided 11,734 times to 6,102 clients by POC staff.
The Community Connections team had more than 19,000 interactions with families, students, community members, and agency partners.
Through these interactions, POC connected clients to essential resources, POC programs and basic needs, while also strengthening POC’s community relationships.
Awareness
A comprehensive POC.news/program-calendar now appears online, improving community access to programs and allowing real time updates.
In 2026, POC increased its social media footprint by 55% through consistently posting a variety of content formats on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.
Resources & Updates
- Added an additional seasonal Clothing Closet employee to meet increased community demand.
- Launched the POC Amazon Wish List, making it easier for community members to support the agency's most-needed items.
- Continued to thrive through monthly "POC Sews on Saturday" sessions, averaging more than 10 participants per workshop through the Sewing Studio.
- Distributed five donated sewing machines to women seeking tools for self-sufficiency and economic empowerment.
- Served 13,983 individuals through the Clothing Closet.
Organizational Growth & Financial Strength
- Exceeded the annual fundraising goal by $100,000.
- Added an Assistant Director of Operations position in Hanover Park to support continued organizational growth.
- Implemented Board modifications that created a Partner Board in Palatine and shortly in Hanover Park.
- Developed leadership succession plans to ensure long-term organizational sustainability.
Workforce Development & Education
- Enrolled Parent Mentors in their first English language course that each Parent Mentor also completed.
- Established a WorkKeys study group to help paraprofessionals maintain employment and advance their careers.
- Cross-trained employees between the Palatine and Hanover Park locations, increasing organizational flexibility and service.
Safety, Facilities & Technology Improvements
- Enhanced facility safety by installing additional security cameras, a front desk camera monitor, and a front desk panic button.
- Offered CPR/AED certification training opportunities for staff.
- Remodeled the Learning Lab to improve clients’ experience.
- Implemented a new Charity Tracker scan-in card system to improve efficiency and data accuracy in the Learning Lab.
