Our Partners

To introduce underserved families to athletics, arts and academics by breaking down the barriers of access to stimulate interest, provide academic support, and increase opportunities for under-resourced families to participate in organized sports, clubs or community programs.

Since 1992, POC has managed the Community Resource Center (CRC), the building owned and supported by Endeavor Health’s Northwest Community Hospital (NCH), with 15 partnering agencies housed under one roof. POC manages the daily operations, phones, and visitors entering the building and provides outreach and assistance to the agencies. NCH identifies and establishes new collaborative programming while absorbing the financial costs. The CRC sees over 200,000 visitors per year and is within walking distance of approximately 30 low-income apartment complexes. Having multiple partners under one roof improves the continuity of care and allows for immediate wrap-around services for individuals and families in crisis and is vital to this crowded neighborhood to reduce the barriers imposed upon families of poverty, such as transportation.

NCH also supports:

• ICompete Youth afterschool clubs and summer camp.
• Grant acquisition
• Community Health Workers

Last fall, POC partnered with Community Consolidated School District 15 to launch full-service community schools at Lincoln Elementary School and Lake Louise Elementary School. These schools now serve as neighborhood hubs—bringing “one-stop-shop” supports directly to families, including social services, in- and after-school programs, food access, and adult education. By meeting essential needs in one place, schools reduce student stress, increase family engagement, and strengthen pathways to academic success, stability, and long-term opportunity.

POC recruits and trains 6 parents per school to assist teachers two hours per day, four days a week. Parents are assigned to a classroom (not their own child’s) where they work one-on-one or in small groups with children. After finishing a semester with at least 100 volunteer hours, Parent Mentors receive a small stipend. 

Opportunities available:

• Extra training around academic instruction, professional development, community engagement and leadership skills. 
• Participation in weekly Statewide professional development workshops.