Spring 2026 Newsletter

2026 Spring Edition

People’s Resource Center Meeting Our Community’s Needs - Neighbor to Neighbor

Celebrating 50 Years of PRC Page 3

Westmont 10th Anniversary Page 2

Daniel’s Story: Finding Confidence and Purpose Through PRC Page 6

50 Years of Impact

People’s Resource Center Board and Staff President Ingrid Becton

Dear Neighbor, As PRC’s 50th Anniversary year comes to a close, we reflect on a year of history, connection and gratitude. The community’s encouragement across the decades is the reason People’s Resource Center continues to serve our neighbors with joy.

Since 1975, PRC has rolled out one million grocery carts of healthy food. Our dedicated volunteer teams have given over two million hours of service to welcome and serve our neighbors from across DuPage County.

This past year, our Social Services team responded to nearly 5,500 requests—a record number—from families seeking help for urgent needs like car repairs, and rent and utility assistance. At the same time, our food markets shared more than 53,000 grocery carts with nutritious groceries. PRC programs offered food, skill-building resources, encouragement, and a caring welcome to 7,000 local families.

Looking ahead to the future, PRC is once again asking, “What does it mean to be caring neighbors, now?” With the recent milestones of our Wheaton Campus expansion, we are setting bold new goals to use the improved spaces to serve neighbors even better, across our wide range of immediate and empowerment programs. We will deepen our work with dozens of program partner sites across the County to grow the impact of offsite services, with PRC’s full-service locations serving as hubs. And we will listen in new ways to customers, partners and volunteers, to continuously learn ways to improve.

We hope you will consider getting involved with PRC’s mission! Whether volunteering in the food pantry, computer classes, social services or creative art workshops, or by donating funds or goods to fill our shelves, your support means the world for the thousands of families who turn to PRC. PRC remains committed, and more resilient than ever, to being the compassionate, welcoming and supportive resource all our neighbors deserve.

Vice President Shayne Purdue Treasurer Leanne Sardiga Secretary Mike Rothkopf Board Members Cheryl Blum Consuelo Cabral Kim Coyne John Dalby, Jr. Bill Delbridge Laura Desmarais John Harrold Mike Hawley Brent Loebig Erin Keyser Norton Chuck Shanabruch Kunal Vora Dr. Leatha Ware Sue Winkler Chief Executive Officer Jenifer Fabian Vice President of Advancement Allison Rickard

With deep gratitude,

Vice President of Programs Christina LePage Jeni Fabian Chief Executive Officer

Vice President of Finance Linda Cheatham

Understanding PRC’s Food Sourcing

Vice President of Human Resources and Operations Sue Bultman

With continued economic strain and rising cost of groceries, PRC is committed to offering consistent, healthy food to more than 25,000 neighbors each year. The increased cost of purchased food is expected to exceed 57% this year. In 2026, necessary items such as eggs, milk, and fresh produce are harder to obtain and more expensive to purchase.

We are seeing increased need for services, particularly among families with school-age children, and seniors. Our neighbors are anxious about disruptions to public benefits.

Federal cuts have increased the strain on local communities, as well as the safety net system of food banks and food pantries.

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PRC has been hard at work to meet this challenge head-on. Our team is expanding relationships with local farms and producers, diversifying our efforts with wholesalers, establishing joint purchasing with other pantries, and improving outreach to communities to reduce barriers to access. Our goal is to create reliable access to nutritious groceries with resilience that can weather times of high demand and unexpected supply changes.

We are dedicated to being here for our neighbors whether times are challenging or calm. Together, the PRC community can sustain and strengthen our community today and into the future.

Founder Dorothy McIntyre

10 Years on Chestnut

Westmont Career Fair Success The Fall Career and Resource Fair drew over 80 attendees for a vibrant day of career support and community connection. Guests were warmly welcomed by our volunteers and staff, met with hiring PRC Volunteer Hank Anzelone and CEO Jeni Fabian hosted a 10th employers and local partners, and connected with PRC’s wide Anniversary celebration at our Westmont location on August 19th. range of holistic services—including Art, Adult Literacy, Food, Attendees reflected on PRC’s growth and legacy in the Westmont Social Services, and Computer Training. Twenty-four attendees community, with Hank sharing memories from the early days and received resume reviews and interview prep from our dedicated the expansion to the Chestnut building. The team at PRC extends job coach volunteers, nearly 100 professional clothing items were heartfelt gratitude to all our community partners who helped selected from the Clothes Closet, and more than 30 digital skill Chestnut establish PRC in Westmont. We look forward to many assessments were completed with our computer training team.

We were especially grateful to welcome new neighbors from the more years of neighbors helping neighbors. community and support their next steps forward.

Partnership is Making an Impact – The Conservation Foundation From late June through November, TCF/GEH provided PRC with regular deliveries of fresh vegetables and herbs—20 weeks of colorful, high-quality, seasonal produce grown with care and tailored to the preferences of PRC families. This initiative ensures that neighbors experiencing food insecurity have access not just to food, but to the kind of nutritious, organic ingredients that support long-term health and dignity.

“Consistent access to produce can be life-changing for families,” shared Christina LePage, VP of Programs. “This partnership opens the door to healthier meals, new cooking possibilities, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing fresh food is available week after week.”

TCF/GEH manages all planning, growing, harvesting, and delivery coordination, keeping PRC updated throughout the season to ensure a smooth and reliable supply of produce—despite the occasional challenge of Midwest weather.

In June, PRC launched an exciting new partnership with The Conservation Foundation’s Green Earth Harvest (TCF/GEH) through the 2025 Farm to Pantry Initiative, funded by the DuPage County Board. Together, we’re strengthening the bridge between local farms and local families by bringing certified organic, sustainably grown produce directly to PRC’s Westmont Food Pantry and our WeGo Community Market in West Chicago.

This collaboration reflects a shared vision: a healthier, more sustainable DuPage County where local harvests help local families thrive. Together, we’re proving that when organizations care for the land and the community hand-in-hand, everyone benefits.

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Honoring 50 Years in Wheaton

On November 3rd, 2025, Mayor Suess and the Wheaton City Council recognized PRC’s 50th Anniversary with a formal proclamation from the City. CEO Jeni Fabian accepted the proclamation alongside PRC Board Volunteers and Staff.

PRC Welcomes Community

We were thrilled to welcome volunteers and partners to PRC’s 50th Anniversary Open Houses in Wheaton and Westmont! Those in attendance toured our spaces and explored PRC’s 50 years of impact in the community.

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Celebrating PRC’s 50th Anniversary

On Saturday, October 4th, PRC celebrated its 50th anniversary with an unforgettable evening that will surely be included in the next PRC history book. The theme, Love Will Keep Us Together, invited guests to party like it’s 1975. We were honored to bring together so many PRC champions from the past, present, and future under one roof. Here’s to another 50 transformative years!

Thank you to our 50th Anniversary Sponsors whose support helps acknowledge and continue PRC’s efforts in serving basic needs and providing empowerment services to 25,000 neighbors in DuPage County.

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Welcome New PRC Staff and Interns

Lauren Schmidt

Art Manager

Megan Ernsteen

Wheaton Food Pantry Supervisor

Hannah Weseman

Front Desk Associate

Sam Poglitsch

Wheaton Food Pantry Assistant

Kadie Schultz

Volunteer Department Coordinator

Kimberly Molina

Front Desk Associate

Emma Southard

MSW Intern

Introducing New PRC Board Members

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Kim Coyne, Senior Vice President and CRA Officer at Wheaton Bank & Trust, brings extensive experience in banking, finance, and nonprofit leadership. Since first engaging with PRC through the Financial Literacy Task Force in 2019, Kim has volunteered alongside her colleagues and contributed to PRC’s Finance Committee. She is eager to help guide PRC’s continued growth.

Mike Hawley, a longtime supporter of PRC, brings a strong background in engineering, business development, and community leadership.

His volunteer service spans parish ministries, transitional housing, and local nonprofit boards. Mike is excited to contribute to the grassroots spirit and dedication that define PRC.

John Harrold joins the Board after thirteen years as a dedicated PRC volunteer. A retired educator, writer, and editor, John has tutored ESL, GED, TOEFL, and citizenship students, supported language assessment, and served as a PRC Ambassador.

He looks forward to advancing PRC’s mission with the same passion he brings to literacy and community engagement.

Chuck Shanabruch, a retired

dean and associate professor from Saint Xavier University, brings decades of experience in strategic management, governance, and community organizing. A PRC volunteer for more than five years, including weekly Westmont pantry food rescue routes, Chuck is inspired by the kindness and commitment of PRC staff and volunteers.

Daniel’s Story: Finding Confidence and

Purpose Through PRC

When Daniel graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in History and Education, he wasn’t sure what came next. After years of studying and working to pay for school—including long hours at McDonald’s and later at Amazon—he decided to take a break. “It was really stressful,” he said. “I just needed a gap year to breathe and figure out what I wanted.”

But time passed quickly, and by 2025, Daniel found himself worrying about the future. “I didn’t want to be one of those people who get a degree and never use it,” he said. “I wanted to grow as an educator, but I wasn’t sure how to start.”

He began applying for substitute teaching and teacher assistant positions, but the process felt overwhelming. “I was nervous about interviews—especially the video ones,” he admitted. That’s when his mother encouraged him to reach out to PRC. “I told myself, I have nothing to lose,” Daniel said. “That’s how I met Mr. Hold.”

Over the months, their meetings became a steady rhythm. Daniel prepared for interviews, practiced special education questions, and talked through his goals. “Mr. Hold helped me create interview questions that were specific to teacher assistant roles,” Daniel said. “It really built my confidence.”

All that preparation paid off. Daniel now works as a teacher assistant—a role that connects deeply to his personal story. “I am personally familiar with the special education system,” he shared. “I know how unfair it can feel when people underestimate you. That’s why I want to be there for students—to help them feel wanted and supported.”

For Daniel, PRC didn’t just help him find a job—it helped him find his voice. “PRC helped me break away from my fear,” he said. “They helped me prepare, and that practice made all the difference. I talk to more teachers now, more students. I’m more confident in who I am.”

In April 2025, Daniel started meeting weekly with Charles Hold, a PRC job coach. “Mr. Hold is kind, patient, and well-mannered,” When asked what advice he’d give to others starting at PRC, Daniel Daniel said. “Even when I was running late, he never gave up smiled. “Take this opportunity to learn and improve yourself,” he on me.” said. “You might think you already know what to do, but PRC will push you to be better. They’ll help you prepare—not just for Together, they started with the basics—improving Daniel’s resume, a job, but for your future.” practicing interview questions, and building confidence. “At first,

I followed the school format for a resume, but Mr. Hold helped As Daniel continues to gain classroom experience and prepares me really improve it,” he said. “He asked questions that made for his professional teaching license, he’s already thinking ahead. me think about my experience differently—not just listing jobs “In a few years, I consider getting my master’s degree,” he said. but showing who I am as a teacher.”

“And I want to thank Mr. Hold for helping me believe I could do it.”

Welcome WWSHS – PRC Junior Board Chapter

Recent Supporters

Thank you to the following organizations for helping PRC achieve our mission.

A. Montgomery Ward Foundation Congregation of St. Joseph Costco Charitable Contributions DGTT Foundation FDC Foundation FT Cares Foundation George Eisenberg Foundation for Charities

Please welcome Wheaton Warrenville South High School, to the PRC Junior Board. We’re excited to have your energy, leadership, and creativity join our growing community. Together, we’ll work to support meaningful initiatives and make a positive impact both within the student body and the community. We can’t wait to see everything this chapter accomplishes!

Naperville Jaycees

Northwestern Medicine, Central DuPage Hospital Medical Staff Oberweiler Foundation Russell & Josephine Kott Memorial Charitable Trust Sisters Corporation The Alfred Bersted Foundation The Judy Family Foundation

Nicor Gas

United Way of Metropolitan Chicago

Nordson Corporation Foundation

Wesley Luehring Foundation

Northwestern Medicine

Wheaton Franciscans

REPORTING A CORRECTION People’s Resource Center welcomes comments and suggestions, or concerns about errors that warrant correction.

Messages regarding a correction can be emailed to prc1@peoplesrc.org or you can call our Marketing Department at 630-682-5402.

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People’s Resource Center 201 S. Naperville Road Wheaton, IL 60187 630-682-5402 peoplesrc.org

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PRC Community Events Calendar PRC Career Fair March 12th

Wheaton Public Library

CROP Walk

May 3

Glen Ellyn/Wheaton

Race to the Flag May 24 Westmont Park District

Cream of Wheaton June 4th – 7th Memorial Park