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.

To learn more about these programs, please call POC at 847-776-9500.

Education

Adults are provided support and assistance with education, citizenship preparation, and employment opportunities.

Adult Literacy 

Adult students  visit the ROLE Learning Lab daily  from all over the world.  The learners represent tens of countries and languages, and range in age from 19 to 87, making for a diverse learning environment.  Over a dozen volunteer tutors support the learners in multiple languages and in many focus areas. These tutors come from various fields including education, healthcare, and business, and all share their knowledge and skills with clients. 

Services includes:

  • Tutoring & Mentoring
  • Lunch & Learn & Cultural Events
  • Employment Preparation & Assistance
  • ESL Conversation Groups

 

Childcare

Early on, POC recognized that lack of childcare could be an insurmountable barrier for low-income families. Free childcare is available in conjunction with adult and family programming allowing parents to focus on self-improvement.

    Workforce

    Employment Assistance Programs

    POC provides tutoring for Harper College classes and paraprofessional certificates, builds life skills through mentoring with professional women, computer and financial literacy, and employment assistance. POC encourages individuals to earn certificates and skills through Harper College courses and programs increasing their chances of becoming employed by local schools, hospitals, local merchants, etc. POC partners with Harper College and the Rotary Club of Schaumburg Hoffman Estates to connect students with scholarships. 

    Services includes:

    • Job Search
    • Application Assistance
    • Interview Preparation
    • Resume Writing

     

    Employment Opportunity: CCSD15 Bilingual Liaisons

    The Bilingual Parent Liaison program is a collaborative effort between POC and CCSD15, representing the frontline of our outreach efforts to our target clientele. The Liaisons increase the involvement of English language learning Hispanic parents and students in District 15 schools through a variety of programming. The program’s goal is to foster effective communication between homes and schools for families of students in grades Pre-school through Eighth grade. The impact of early and consistent intervention for families with communication barriers can be seen in learners’ performance in high school and beyond. Bilingual Parent Liaisons receive leadership training through ROLE.

    The Bilingual Liaisons run programming at all of our locations in some capacity. Services include:

    • Parenting workshops
    • Presentations with social service providers to respond to clients’ needs
    • Computer classes for parents
    • Parent/child book club
    • Childcare

    Leadership Development

    We provide leadership training and volunteer opportunities to empower women, children, and families to give back to their community. By empowering and mentoring, their self-confidence increases and lives are changed.

    Reaching Out Lifting to Excellence (ROLE) 

    Reaching Out Lifting to Excellence (ROLE) empowers women through opportunities that explore a woman’s inner strength, passion, and heart. Under POC’s guidance, ROLE members address a variety of issues including language and educational barriers, economic issues, domestic abuse, behavioral health and wellness, and cultural isolation. Members “pay it forward” by involving themselves in their community through community projects, enrichment opportunities, and volunteerism.

    ROLE members develop themselves and their community in four primary areas:

    Education

    Through the POC Studio, women nourish their mind and soul using interdisciplinary, evidence-based approaches. Programs at the Studio include meditation, craft-therapy, devotional/women’s support groups, journaling, writing and vocational programs. To pay it forward, ROLE volunteers mentor and tutor women in GED, ESL, citizenship, drivers’ education, employment assistance, crafting, and more.

    Health & Wellness

    Through seminars, educational outreach and supports, ROLE women learn about topics that affect their health and their loved ones’ health. Topics range from healthy eating to creating positive mental health.  To pay it forward, ROLE volunteers manage community gardens in the Palatine area from which a substantial donation of fresh produce is made to neighbors in need.

    Civic Involvement

    ROLE members are involved into the community as ambassadors for the POC mission. Fundraising and volunteering efforts benefit both POC Adult, Youth, and Family Wraparound programs and outside organizations.

    Arts & Culture

    ROLE women come from diverse backgrounds. Awareness of cultural traditions is fostered through artistic demonstrations, holiday celebrations, and a bi-annual Artisan’s Market. The Market showcases the talents of women in the program and provides funding for POC programs.

    Our Locations

    Community Resource
    Center

    1585 N. Rand Road
    Palatine, IL

      Edgebrook Community
      Center

      1926 N. Green Lane
      Palatine, IL

        Higgins Education
        Center

        1030 W. Higgins Road
        Hoffman Estates, IL

          Ascension
          Health

          1515 W. Lake Street
          Hanover Park, IL