ConnectingwithCristina

09/01/2026

Join us for a Parent Workshop in collaboration with OMNI!

Learn how to recognize the signs of drug and alcohol use in children and teens and how you can support your child.

See the flyer for details!
We hope you can join us!

https://forms.gle/FX5dD1QpJncaMy9Y8

08/25/2026

08/25/2026

We had a wonderful kickoff to the school year with Better Together in Palatine!

This year’s event brought together more than 2,200 attendees, 42 resource agencies, and 187 staff and volunteers all working together to make sure families had a great start to the school year.

A huge thank you to all of the POC staff who helped with pre-registration throughout July and to our incredible Community Connections team for all of the planning, coordination, and behind-the-scenes work that made the event possible.

We are especially grateful to our generous donors, community partners, volunteers, and collaborative agencies who continue to show what it means to be Better Together.

A very special thank you to Essendant for their incredible donation of more than 2,500 backpacks and school supplies, helping ensure that students had the supplies they needed to start the school year ready to learn.

And thank you to:

• Falcon Park
• Palatine Park District
• Palatine Police Department
• Harper College
• District 15
• St. Nectarios
• Good News in the Neighborhood
• Prince of Peace
• PATH

Thank you for helping create a welcoming space where families could connect with resources, receive support, and celebrate the start of a new school year.

This is what community looks like and we truly are Better Together!

08/06/2026

Our teen program went to see the new Spider-Man movie last week! It was a small group but what a great way to end the last few weeks of summer break!

07/21/2026

Our biggest community event of the year is almost here!

Join us for our annual Better Together Back-to-School Event!

Each year, we help hundreds of students start the school year prepared by providing essential school supplies and backpacks, while also connecting families with valuable community resources through our resource fair. It's a fun, family-friendly event that brings our community together to support student success.

Registration is now OPEN! Be sure to check out the attached flyer for eligibility requirements, event details, and registration information.

We can't wait to welcome you and your family to this year's Better Together event!

07/14/2026

Our Summer Teen Program is enjoying a BBQ with our amazing staff!

Aby and Art have been keeping our teens busy with fun activities, exciting trips, and unforgettable experiences over the past few weeks. Thank you both for making this summer so memorable!

Our community connections summer edition newsletter is coming soon- stay tuned!

07/07/2026

Our teen program had it’s first Pasta Cook-off today! This activity focused on time management, communication, teamwork, and creativity!

Guest judges:
Seth Moland-Kovash, Executive Director at POC
Jim Murphy, Accountant at POC

Thank you for Aby and Art for all the preparation to make this possible.