For many guests who enter the Community Resource Center (CRC) and take advantage of the comprehensive services offered by POC, the journey can be daunting and often unfolds gradually, depending on the specific services required.
This family of four, headed by Oleksandr and Yevheniia and their two children, arrived in July from Ukraine and was fortunate to have housing and other services provided through the Chalice House of Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist and its entire team of resources.
Their eldest daughter enrolled at Palatine High School, while their youngest began attending Lincoln School. Oleksandr and Yevheniia participated in ESL Conversation Classes at POC four times a week and later joined the District 211 ESL Night Classes. They received guidance and mentorship from Chalice House volunteers and ongoing support from POC Learning Lab volunteers to help with their transportation needs. They received bikes, although Yevheniia was initially nervous about riding. Fortunately, we found a three-wheeled bike that allowed her to ride to school with her youngest child and get around the Palatine community.
Fast forward to December 2024, and the family is thriving. Yevheniia and Oleksandr have significantly progressed in their classes and tested into higher levels for the January term. Yevheniia now works at Target and is becoming an integral part of the holiday seasonal team. Oleksandr volunteers at Willow Creek Car Ministry one day a week, where he learned more about automotive service in the U.S. and improved his English. We are proud to share that Pep Boys recently hired him full-time, with benefits starting in the next 30 days. As if that wasn’t enough, the Willow Creek Car Ministry gave him “the best Christmas gift ever”—a car. While it is an older model with many miles, it is in good shape, has new tires, and fits their family beautifully.
This story beautifully illustrates the power of community, collaboration, and the unwavering perseverance and resilience of the entire family. We are so glad they are a part of the POC family.
