About POC
Partners for Our Communities (POC) empowers underserved people to develop self-sufficiency and become leaders in their communities. We build partnerships with other community organizations, connect families with local resources, and remove barriers to access. POC is proud to provide a skilled, culturally sensitive staff that is bilingual and bicultural.
Because we are all stronger together.
Our Mission & Vision
Partner for Our Communities mission is to empower individuals and families and change lives by:
- Providing survival skills needed to navigate in a changing and complex world
- Removing barriers and linking individuals and families to community resources and services
- Bringing personal awareness of one’s potential while honoring one’s heritage
- Serving as a site for continuing education, life skills training, and vocational advancement
Partners for Our Communities vision is for a community of active citizens, healthy families, and vibrant neighborhoods.
Our History
1992
Vision in Progress Founded
Palatine leaders create the group called Vision in Progress to assess community needs in response to the increase of immigrant and low-income families entering Northeast Palatine.
Vision in Progress Founded
Palatine leaders create the group called Vision in Progress to assess community needs in response to the increase of immigrant and low-income families entering Northeast Palatine.
Edgebrook Community Center Opens
A central location opens to provide access to community resources at the Baldwin Green Apartments at 1926 North Green Lane, Palatine called the Edgebrook Community Center.
1994
Vision in Progress Founded
Palatine leaders create the group called Vision in Progress to assess community needs in response to the increase of immigrant and low-income families entering Northeast Palatine.
Palatine Opportunity Center (POC) Established
Vision in Progress establishes the Palatine Opportunity Center (POC).
1998
Vision in Progress Founded
Palatine leaders create the group called Vision in Progress to assess community needs in response to the increase of immigrant and low-income families entering Northeast Palatine.
Northwest Community Hospital Purchases CRC
Northwest Community Hospital (NCH) with an anonymous donor purchase the building at 1585 N. Rand Road and convert the space into a resource center. POC manages the daily operations.
This building is referred to as the Community Resource Center (CRC).
Health Clinic Opens at CRC
Northwest Community Hospital (NCH) partners with the Cook County Health Department to open a health clinic at the Rand Road site.
2008
Vision in Progress Founded
Palatine leaders create the group called Vision in Progress to assess community needs in response to the increase of immigrant and low-income families entering Northeast Palatine.
Partnership Formed to Start ICompete Youth Program
Palatine Opportunity Center partners with Palatine Park District, Community Consolidated School District 15, and Palatine High School to provide the ICompete youth program.
2014
Vision in Progress Founded
Palatine leaders create the group called Vision in Progress to assess community needs in response to the increase of immigrant and low-income families entering Northeast Palatine.
Palatine Opportunity Center Becomes Partners for Our Communities
The Palatine Opportunity Center changes its name to Partners for Our Communities using the same acronym POC to increase service area and funding opportunities.
2016
Vision in Progress Founded
Palatine leaders create the group called Vision in Progress to assess community needs in response to the increase of immigrant and low-income families entering Northeast Palatine.
Higgins Education Center Advisory Committee Formed
POC partners with High School Township School District 211 to offer services at the Higgins Education Center in Hoffman Estates and establishes the HEC Advisory Committee with 20+ partnering agencies.
2020
Vision in Progress Founded
Palatine leaders create the group called Vision in Progress to assess community needs in response to the increase of immigrant and low-income families entering Northeast Palatine.
POC Expands to Hanover Park & Township
POC expands services to Hanover Park and Hanover Township.
2022
Vision in Progress Founded
Palatine leaders create the group called Vision in Progress to assess community needs in response to the increase of immigrant and low-income families entering Northeast Palatine.
POC Takes Over Clothing Closet
POC takes over the Clothing Closet operations from PATH (Palatine Assisting Through Hope) at the Community Resource Center.
Our Locations
Community Resource Center
1585 N. Rand Road, Palatine, IL
Edgebrook Community Center
1926 N. Green Lane, Palatine, IL
Falcon Park Recreation Center
2195 N. Hicks Road, Palatine, IL
Higgins Education Center
1030 W. Higgins Rd., Hoffman Estates, IL
Ascension
Health
1515 W. Lake Street, Hanover Park, IL