ANNUAL REPORT 2024
PEOPLE’S RESOURCE CENTER: Our Mission
The People’s Resource Center community exists to respond to basic human needs, promote dignity and justice, and create a future of hope and opportunity for the residents of DuPage County, Illinois.
FROM OUR CEO
2024 has been an amazing year of milestones, growth, and impact for People’s Resource Center. With the opening of our expanded Wheaton Campus, and a major food pantry renovation in Westmont, PRC’s buildings reflect the welcome and dignity all of our neighbors deserve. We are thrilled to welcome the community into our improved facilities!
For nearly 50 years, PRC has listened and adapted to meet local needs, together. We are thankful for the wisdom of the neighbors we serve, as we listen with care. We are deeply grateful for the creative and dedicated volunteers and partners all throughout DuPage County, encouraging and supporting PRC’s mission of neighbor-to-neighbor service.
Along with PRC’s full-service buildings, we meet neighbors at over 30 local organizations to bring services to all corners of DuPage County. From community centers to houses of worship, libraries and schools, these collaborations include jobs workshops, literacy seminars, art classes, and computer training for thousands of neighbors.
This past year, we have once again seen surges in visits for grocery assistance as well as requests for social services. PRC’s volunteer and staff teams have adapted in real-time to meet emerging needs - even in the process of facility moves. We have heard from many neighbors dealing with profound and complex challenges. PRC remains committed to being here for the community, just as our founders were back in 1975.
With the support of the entire community, PRC is looking ahead to the next milestone – our 50th year in 2025! We are eager to celebrate with all of you as we continue to strengthen PRC’s impact for all neighbors across DuPage County.
In gratitude and service,
Jeni Fabian
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: Building Hope in our Community
Last year, PRC’s food pantries added shopping appointments in addition to drop-in market hours and home delivery. We also launched an online ordering market to add choices for neighbors with future expanded appointments.
We are committed to offering healthy food choices. PRC distributed over 1 million pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables last year. Nutrition classes, healthy recipes and videos, and our newly launched SWAP (Supporting Wellness at Pantries*) program all promote healthy choices and nutrition options for shoppers.
Food supplier partnerships have helped PRC respond to increased requests and higher food costs.
One example is Hatch for Hunger, which helps farmers source eggs for hunger relief organizations at a reduced price.
Calls to PRC’s Social Services team increased 14% in the last year. The top needs were rent assistance, homelessness prevention, and help with transportation and utility costs.
Director of Social Services, Tonya Latson, shared “The volume has continued to rise with no real dips. That trend is consistent with other partner agencies that provide emergency financial assistance across DuPage County.”
PRC offers two kinds of transportation assistance: gas cards and limited car repair assistance. One service, our Care for Cars program, focuses on those seeking employment. Last year, Care for Cars marked its’ 500th car repair.
*SWAP, a tool created by Connecticut Foodshare based on the HER Guidelines for the Charitable Food System.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: Building Hope in our Community
Intake:
Every food pantry visit begins with a conversation with an intake volunteer. Intake volunteers ascertain any changes in the household, such as the number of family members. In addition, our neighbors can access PRC programs like financial assistance, food, community services, clothes closet, or how to apply for assistance like SNAP benefits.
Computer Training:
PRC offered new workshops for AI and ChatGPT. Mobile classrooms took programs “on the road” to partner sites. Last year, 70% of students who took computer classes did so to build skills for finding a job, and 100% of these students felt that the classes helped them work toward employment goals. Additionally, 28% of students who took computer classes used our Computer Access and Refurbishing services.
Art:
Art programs are offered at our Wheaton and Westmont art studios and at local senior centers, housing communities, and after school programs. In addition to classes, art offerings include regular art exhibitions in the community. Many art students experience art programs as a safe space to create, explore, and focus on their well-being.
1,095
Students received new backpacks with supplies at our Back to School event
1,823
Children enjoyed gifts through Share the Spirit
PEOPLE’S RESOURCE CENTER: Impact Report
Over 25,000 neighbors connected with PRC for services
Literacy and learning
62,831
Grocery carts of food were shared with neighbors
40,000
students participated in 4,747 hours of instruction pieces of high-quality clothing items were selected by clients while visiting PRC Over PRC Clients participated in
1,145 job search consultations and workshops
PEOPLE’S RESOURCE CENTER: Impact Report
3.7 million
Over pounds of groceries shared with neighbors including over 2 million pounds of food rescued from local stores
312 Food rescue pick-ups each month by PRC team members from local grocery stores
381 Computer Training registrations built students’ digital literacy skills
645
Community Art students creatively engaged in almost 4,500 hours of classes
646
Families connected to the digital world with Chromebooks and refurbished desktops and laptops from PRC
NEIGHBORS’ VOICES
“I’m a widow and having three kids to support alone has been tough. This helps me handle other bills while I figure out our ‘normal’.“
A neighbor who took the ChatGpt workshop said she took the workshop for health reasons and to get ideas on how to help her bedridden husband. She is also taking the Microsoft Excel classes to help her get more organized with their finances.
“PRC is amazing, thank you for all your help!!!”
A neighbor attended a job orientation stressed and overwhelmed. She’d worked for the same company for 20+ years and was unfamiliar with the modern job search. Within 6 weeks of orientation, she had a full-time job working as an office administrator. “I was so overwhelmed looking for a job, but my coach was so patient and encouraging. The Jobs Program gave me so much hope. I tell everyone about it.”
“The art classes have been very therapeutic for me. I have always had a problem feeling comfortable in a classroom. The art classes at People’s Resource Center have been a tremendous help to me. For the first time, I am learning to just enjoy doing art for art’s sake.”
A client who recently visited our food pantry left a kind note for PRC. She said, “Last week, we visited and received a prepackaged assortment of food and household items. As we left, a volunteer handed me a bouquet of fresh flowers. This simple “non-essential” reduced me to tears. It has been three years since I have been able to afford flowers. This simple act of kindness and humanity was priceless. Thank you for making my day.”
“Me ha permifido dar a mi familia una vivienda digna al poder ahorrar lo de la comida y como madre soltera poder educar a mis hijos” (It has allowed me to give my family a decent home by being able to save money on food, and as a single mother, being able to educate my children.)
NEIGHBOR FEEDBACK
CLIENT SATISFACTION SURVEY 2024
WOULD RECOMMEND PRC TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY
77% feel they have access to healthy food at PRC
83% say visiting the food pantry helps improve overall health
91% feel like they matter when receiving services at PRC
94% feel welcomed at PRC
“PRC has helped my family get through hard times. I’ve used the pantry when I needed to, and other members of my family used services to get a job, learn to use computers, etc.”
89% feel more hopeful after visiting PRC
“Thank you for the love with which you do your work... thank you for supporting us and providing a better opportunity for my family”
“gracias por el amor con que realizan su labor... gracias por apoyornos y brindar uno mejor oportunidad a mi familia”
SPOTLIGHT: Building Hope With Neighbors In a Job Search
PRC Job Assistance begins with a comprehensive orientation that includes: Working with a Job Coach, Working on your Resume, Building your Professional Skills, and utilizing PRC’s workshops, Job Board, and networking resources. Job seekers are ages 21 to 86, and many learn about PRC through workshops or partner organizations.
PRC’s program also offers tools to address the stress, isolation, and anxiety that can occur around a job search. Workshops include Career Comeback, Money and the Job Search, and Self-Care During the Job Search. Over 30 trained PRC volunteers serve as job coaches and workshop instructors.
Wheaton Library hosts many Job Assistance Programs including our Career Fair
“I love working with clients in a class setting after years of doing oneto-one coaching. I feel I can reach more people in classes and share skill sets for resume building or interviewing based on my experiences as a manager. PRC’s Job Program is committed to assisting clients with finding their individual career path. I am honored to be part of it.”
- Jan Bartel, Job Assistance Volunteer.
CAREER AND TECH FAIRS: 480 Neighbors Reached
Our 9th annual Career Fair in March shattered prior years’ numbers with 377 attendees and 25 employers. The PRC Career Fair was the 2nd largest day of foot traffic our partner, Wheaton Public Library, had ever tracked.
In addition, this year showcased PRC’s Inaugural Career and Tech Expo which was held at the Westmont Public Library and focused on technology resources for job seekers. The first-ever event welcomed 105 attendees. Activities included ChatGPT job search, resume review and interview prep, and LinkedIn headshot photo opportunities.
“This program gave me hope just knowing there were people like you here to help. It educated me on how the workforce has changed. Offering people a job coach and help with writing your resume was the icing on the cake. It’s such a great program that I’ve already told so many people about it.”
- PRC Job Assistance Client
CELEBRATING COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS: Highlights
Westmont Knights of Columbus
Wheaton Police Department Stuff the Squad
Nicor Gas: Coat Donation
Cleaning Authority: Food Drive
Wheaton Municipal Band/ Wheaton Lions: Food Drive
St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wheaton Crop Walk
CELEBRATING COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS: Highlights
West Chicago Library hosted PRC Artwork
Pictured: Lesley Gena, PRC’s Art Director
Wheaton Lions: Food Drive collects over 15,000 pounds of food
Celebrating local hunger relief with Dan Gibbons’ Turkey Trot
Pop-Up Clothes Closets held at Hope Presbyterian Church (pictured) and Bensenville School District 2
The PRC Jr. Board at Westmont H.S. held their first multi-school Stuff-a-Truck food drive
Mariano’s Westmont: Food Rescue Partner
PRC PARTNER SITES: Amplifying our Reach throughout DuPage County
39 PRC programs offered at 32 partner sites continue to grow as we creatively meet emerging needs.
Job Assistance Coaching and Workshops
Art Programs for Adults and Families
Computer Training Classes
Adult Learning and Literacy Tutoring
Partner Locations Sites include:
- Libraries
- Faith Communities
- Schools and Community Centers
DuPage County Map
- Senior Living Centers
VOLUNTEERS: Caring Neighbors Propel PRC
Our volunteers gave over 70,000 hours of their time and talent
PRC is thankful for over 2,300 active volunteers helping our neighbors
WORKFORCE
VOLUNTEERS: Keeping the Community Resilient
Chicago White Sox: Volunteer Corps
Northwestern Medicine
Ace Hardware: The Helpful Place (Ace Cares 100th Anniversary)
Old National Bank: Banking with Heart
Keller Williams Realty: Annual RED Day (Renew, Energize, Donate)
Duly Health & Care: #DulyGooder(s)
A VOLUNTEER’S STORY WITH LAURA KOENIG
Laura has always wanted to give back to her community, and when she retired from teaching, she knew tutoring at PRC was her next step. Laura is an advocate for literacy, and through PRC’s Adult Learning and Literacy program, she empowers DuPage County neighbors. She says, “I love people and literacy – I cannot imagine anything better than being a literacy tutor.”
In 2019, Laura learned about PRC’s variety of programs and was drawn to the neighbor-to-neighbor mission. “I wanted to be somewhere that could offer help to meet client’s needs. PRC’s value of providing dignity and respect to all neighbors really resonated with me.”
Laura tutors groups and individuals at PRC in Wheaton and partner sites in Lombard and Villa Park. She is trained in GED certification, US citizenship preparation, and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes.
Anum, Manager of Adult Learning and Literacy says, “PRC is so lucky to have someone who cares so deeply for our clients and other volunteers. She is such a committed and dependable volunteer.”
Her volunteering does not end with the Literacy Program. Laura is also on the Intake Team at PRC’s food pantries. “Laura is one of the most happy and upbeat people I know,” says Zayda, Intake Coordinator. “Our clients love seeing her, and she always has a smile that brightens their days.”
Laura recognizes the importance of PRC’s wide range of services for our neighbors. She says, “I love watching the empowerment that literacy provides for clients, and the basic needs that food pantry services meet. I cannot stress how much I believe PRC does to improve lives and the community. PRC truly meets every neighbors’ needs.”
FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT:
July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024
Donation Sources
PRC has earned the highest possible 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for 16 consecutive years. Less than 1% of charities rated have received this distinction, differentiating PRC from its peers, exemplifying PRC’s efficiency and stewardship.
SUPPORT TO KEEP THE SHELVES FULL
Most PRC neighbors first seek out grocery assistance. Donations of food are essential to keeping shelves full and offering dignified choices to our neighbors.
Most Needed Food Items
Canned Tuna
Canned Chicken
Chicken Noodle Soup (low sodium)
Vegetable Soup (low sodium)
Mixed Fruit (packed in fruit juice)
Brown Rice
Whole Wheat Pasta
Canned Corn (low sodium)
Black Beans (low sodium)
Pasta Sauce
PRC holds staff retreats to share plans, build teamwork, generate ideas, and celebrate PRC’s mission and impact!
OUR TWO FULL-SERVICE LOCATIONS
PRC’s Wheaton Campus now features a larger spacious food pantry with a loading dock, walk-in freezer and cooler, and increased parking. For the first time ever, PRC has dedicated one-on-one meeting spaces for adult literacy and job coaching, as well as larger intake spaces to offer a dignified welcome for all of our neighbors!
PRC now has space for our full range of programs in both Westmont and Wheaton! We are delighted to welcome our neighbors to both full-service locations.
Westmont facility
Wheaton Campus
PREPARING TO CELEBRATE 50TH YEAR IN 2025
In 2025, PRC will celebrate our 50th anniversary of neighbor-to-neighbor impact.
Since 1975, People’s Resource Center has grown, bringing neighbors together to meet immediate needs and strengthen futures across DuPage County. Our first year, PRC served 125 families, and in 2024 we have reached more than 25,000 neighbors! We continue to look to the future, enhancing programs to respond to community needs. As we reach this exciting milestone, we look forward to sharing celebrations throughout the year. Stay tuned for more to come in 2025!
Dorothy McIntyre, PRC Founder
PRC: Honoring the Environment
People’s Resource Center Earns Earth Flags
PRC’s eco-friendly practices earned the Earth Flag certification by SCARCE and DuPage County this year! We are committed to caring for our environment and being energy-friendly. After undergoing a Green Audit, PRC implemented and expanded initiatives such as composting, green cleaning methods, recycling, and waste disposal. We’re so proud to be caring for the planet and our neighbors in DuPage County.
Westmont Leaders and PRC Staff
Wheaton Leaders, DuPage County Representatives, SCARCE, PRC Board Members and Staff.
PEOPLE’S RESOURCE CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jack Baldermann
Ophelia Barsketis
Ingrid Becton, Vice President
Cheryl Blum
Consuelo Cabral
John Dalby Jr.
Bill Delbridge, Treasurer
Laura Desmarais
Brent Loebig
Marsha McDermott
Shayne Purdue
Erin Norton, President
Leanne Sardiga
Lina Valdez
Kunal Vora
John Wallerius
Dr. Leatha Ware
Sue Winkler, Secretary
Jeff Zidell
Jenifer Fabian, CEO
Board Members and Staff
Board Members and Staff
