WINTE R 2026
GIVING back INSIDE
• Features On Amazing Local Non-Profits And Volunteers • Directory Of Organizations Doing Good Work In Our Community
In Partnership with
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I t’s not just talk to us.
We walk the walk...
and will climb a few mountains for you too!
When it comes to giving back to our community, we take community support and hands-on serving very seriously. We appreciate the incredible work that our local charities do! Our team makes every effort to support their endeavors, help those in need, share our gratitude, preserve unity, and promote peace.
For help reaching new heights, contact us today! Investment Management Life Insurance & Long-Term Care Insurance Retirement Plans for Privately Owned Businesses Sharon Piet, Wealth Manager Thomas McCartney, Wealth Manager Michael Holevas, CFA, Wealth Manager
Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. My Advisor and Planner is not a registered/ broker dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.
107 S. 2nd Street, Geneva, IL 60134 | 630.457.4068 | MapYourFuture.net 2 | GIVING BACK | Winter 2025/2026
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The Community Foundation for McHenry County heads into 25th year By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske
W
hen there are difficult days, it is hope and seeing how the impact The Community Foundation for McHenry County makes a difference that inspires Executive Director Amy Hernon. “Are there challenges? Yes, like this year,” Hernon said. “There’s no shortage of need, but I find there is a lot of hope because we are living in a community where we have a strong network of colleagues and service providers that work together to help each other.” The Community Foundation for McHenry County is dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of the county by fostering collaborations among donors, investors, philanthropic initiatives and agencies striving to address community needs. In 2025, The Community Foundation for McHenry County invested approximately $1.5 million through grants to taxexempt organizations serving McHenry County and beyond. On the cusp of turning 25, The Community Foundation of McHenry County has spent almost a quarter of a century partnering with donors and nonprofits to support solutions that address both urgent needs and long-term systemic challenges. From caring
for seniors to providing safe spaces for teens, to keeping food pantry shelves stocked and helping families in need, the Foundation has long worked to strengthen the well-being of the entire community. “The Community Foundation is the thread that weaves the fabric of our community together,” Hernon said. As a community foundation, the organization accepts donations to its endowment and funds other nonprofits and initiatives through grants and scholarships. “What we do has a local impact. A collective local impact,” Hernon said. Hernon is hopeful the new Illinois Gives, a state tax credit program for Illinois Donors, will help bring extra dollars to the community. New to 2025, Illinois Gives Tax Credit Act provides a 25 percent state charitable income tax credit to donors who contribute to a permanent endowed fund at a qualified community foundation in Illinois and The Community Foundation for McHenry County is qualified to accept these monetary gifts. Hernon said the Illinois Gives Tax Credit Act demonstrates the value of community foundations. “With community foundations we can have consistent funding for our community now and in the future,” Hernon said. The solid funding has enabled The Community Foundation
for McHenry County to support nonprofits and extend its outreach in the community. In 2025, it launched Women in Philanthropy, an educational and supportive program to help connect women of all ages and stages in life to nonprofit organizations, supporting them financially or as volunteers.
Contact Information The Community Foundation For Mchenry County 33 E Woodstock St, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 (815) 338-4483 https://thecfmc.org/
“A lot of individuals want to be very generous, but they don’t know where to start, who to trust,” Hernon said. “This provides a safe space to empower women.” Finding a way to connect in the community is rewarding and a great way to meet other individuals who share the same passion and interests. The Community Foundation for McHenry County can help individuals or corporations find volunteer opportunities, whether it’s a single day of giving or ongoing. “It’s important to find your people, whether you’re clearing brush with the land conservancy or cleaning out horse stalls or helping at the food pantry,” Hernon said. The Community Foundation can also help individuals and families create an endowed fund, where families or an individual can direct annual donations, providing support for the community for years to come.
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The Family Health Partnership Clinic Contact Information The Family Health Partnership Clinic Located in: Northwest Professional Center 401 Congress Pkwy, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 (779) 220-9300
Sponsored by: DeFiore Funeral & CREMATION SERVICE
Health Services for those without Insurance F By Melissa
Rubalcaba Riske
or the last 28 years the staff and volunteers with Family Health Partnership Clinic has provided care for McHenry County residents without health insurance. The clinic provides health care for patients ages 18 and older, from well-being checks to seeing patients with medical needs. Seeking medical care without insurance can be a large financial burden, which often leads many without insurance to skip regular health checks, to avoid medical visits even when facing health concerns. While there’s Medicaid for those living below the poverty level and Medicare for adults age 65 and older, there are far too many adults with employment who are unable to access health insurance.
“Close to 90 percent of our patients are employed but can not afford or do not qualify for health insurance,” explained Executive Director Suzanne Hoban, who has been at the helm of the clinic since its inception.
It was Hoban, along with other community members who saw the growing need for health services to assist those in the county without health insurance, Medicaid or Medicare. The initial years were a struggle and there were some failures, but Hoban and her team didn’t give up and through grants they had the financial support to continue to pursue the clinic, which is comprised of paid staff and volunteers. All the physicians, as well as specialists including doctors
of orthopedics, endocrinology, volunteer their time to see patients at the clinic. The office utilizes paid nursing staff, nurse practitioners and a part-time dentist as well.
management to keep patients from severe health needs that can lead to medical debt.
“The support from the community and people have allowed us to continue to serve the community and to meet the community needs,” Hoban said.
The clinic has integrated mental health care services for patients through support from the Mental Health Board of McHenry County.
The Family Health Partnership Clinic is a free and charitable clinic, where patients are asked to pay for services on a sliding scale. Often patients without health insurance choose to forgo healthcare until a medical issue becomes so severe it requires emergency services or hospitalization. The aim of the clinic is to provide ongoing healthcare and health
“Adding the mental health component has allowed us to focus on the needs and serve patients in the community. Mental health is just as important as physical health,” Hoban said. us to focus on the needs and serve patients in the community. Mental health is just as important as physical health,” Hoban said.
“It is more cost efficient to provide primary care,” Hoban said.
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A Caring Part of the Community 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley, Illinois 60142 Phone: 847-515-8772 www.defiorefuneral.com SM-GIVING_BACK
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Contact Information The Salvation Army 290 W. Crystal Lake Ave. | Crystal Lake, IL 60014 Sponsored by: MY ADVISOR AND PLANNER
(815) 455-2769 https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/mchenry/
The Salvation Army By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske
C
aring for individuals and providing spiritual guidance are at the heart of the mission for the Salvation Army Crystal Lake Corps of McHenry County.
The Salvation Army Crystal Lake Church of McHenry County serves as the outpost for McHenry County. It aims to help the most vulnerable in the community, with programs to combat homelessness, hunger and the need to care for children and older adults. The Salvation Army Case Managers work with clients to aid with housing, including help with rent and utility payments, and offers a weekly food pantry. Additionally, the organization manages special events throughout the year, such as providing students with backpacks and school supplies before the start of a new school year. In the summer, the Salvation Army provides a summer camp experience in Salem, Wisconsin, where children and families can spend a few days or a week at camp.
support throughout the year, but especially through the holiday fundraising campaign, which is the largest fundraiser each year. The community can donate at the red kettles located outside of businesses, and there is a virtual red kettle on the organization’s website. Anyone interested in helping as a bell ringer for the kettle collections can volunteer through the organization’s website. The website is a place to go to learn more about volunteer opportunities throughout the year, as well as the annual summer camp programs, which are very popular, Park said. The organization is supported by sales at the Salvation Army Thrift Stores. The Salvation Army provides programming and services helping individuals of all ages. It also provides emergency disaster relief services, whether it’s a fire at a residence or large-scale flooding in a community.
For Thanksgiving, the organization, in cooperation with the local townships, provided an opportunity for a meal and fellowship together as well as providing boxed meals to local families.
The Salvation Army church offers weekly worship services in English and Spanish, as it provides spiritual support and pastoral care. In addition to worship services, there are weekly Bible studies.
Leading the mission are Lieutenants Paul Kim and Gloria Park, who serve as the pastors of the Salvation Army church. The married couple joined the McHenry post in June. “It’s an honor and a privilege to serve in McHenry,” Kim said.
Starting in 2026, Kim and Park plan to bring a new music program to the community with a Brass Band for elementary and middleschool age students. Park said the Salvation Army will provide instruments and instruction. While students attend a music lesson, Park said there will be educational programs for parents.
The Salvation Army programs are possible through financial
“This is a program for the whole community,” Park said.
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Proudly partnering with McHenry County Non-Profits to Make a Difference Assisi Animal Foundation 815-455-9411 Assisi.org
The Assisi Animal Foundation is a 501-C3 Not-ForProfit corporation and is the first No-Kill Animal Shelters in the county. Our mission at the Assisi Animal Foundation (AAF) since our founding in 1983, has been dedicated to providing shelter, care and, where appropriate, re-homing animals to loving, permanent homes. We abide by a no-kill policy, which allows for euthanasia only under professional veterinary assessment; in cases of terminal illness which cause suffering, when injury is too severe to repair, or in instances of severe aggression where the threat to other shelter residents and caregivers is present.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County 815-385-3855
630 N. IL Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60012
bbbsmchenry.org
Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County matches an adult, Big, with a child, Little, in the community for mentoring. It offers different programs including Community Based Mentoring, afterschool programs and even Lunch Time Mentors that meet with their Little one day a week at the child’s elementary school. The Big provides encouragement and mentorship to the Little, helping the child to strive for goals and achieve their full potential. Both the adult and child benefit from the positive connection
The BREAK Crystal Lake Teen Center 779-220-4080
6292 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
clbreak.com
Since its founding, the BREAK has provided a safe space for teens and young adults to gather, to build friendships and explore interests with programs in art, technology and beyond. It has helped young adults build positive connections. Whether it’s a place to drop in and do homework or to attend a program and learn the BREAK continues to serve the young people in the community.
CASA of McHenry County (Court Appointed Special Advocates) 382 W. Virginia St., Crystal Lake, IL 60014
casamchenrycounty.org
When a child enters the court system as a victim of abuse or neglect a Court Appointed Special Advocate, CASA, is a trained volunteer who advocates for the best interest of a child in the courtroom and communicates the child’s needs to the judge. The CASA volunteer often becomes the constant adult in a child’s life during their time in foster care. Studies have shown children connected to a CASA volunteer spend less time in foster care and are less likely to re-enter foster care in the future.
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Northern Illinois 800-815-2227
13707 W. Jackson St., Suite B, Woodstock, IL 60098
illinoiscccs.org
Understanding financial hardship can cause stress and struggles, the Consumer Credit Counseling Service focuses on financial counseling tackling issues such as debt management, housing issues and student loans. The services are confidential and no one is denied services due to an inability to pay.
Crystal Lake Food Pantry 815-455-0961
42 East St., Crystal Lake, IL 60014
clfoodpantry.org
In the spring of 1982 members of eight local churches came together to answer a need in the community and establish a food pantry. Today there are more than 20 sponsoring churches as well as several food partners and community gardens that continue to support the mission. Through local community food drives and the generous support of individuals, business and organizations the Crystal Lake Food Pantry provides an important need for residents.
Crystal Lake Strikers
54 Lou St., Crystal Lake, IL 60014
clstrikers.com
Providing an outlet for drummers beyond their school days while supporting future generations of musicians is at the heart of the mission for the Crystal Lake Strikers. Formed in 2008, the Strikers offers several ensembles for musicians from elementary school and beyond. It was recognized for its development of the Kingpins Drumline, a cooperative effort between the Strikers and the Northern Illinois Recreation Association. Through its history has performed for concerts and parades, even marching in Chicago’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. ‘
Crystal Lake Lions Club crystallakelions.org
Established in 1931, the Crystal Lake Lions Club is a service organization to local and international communities. The Lions Club members host projects and events to benefit the community and members partner with other organizations to volunteer support. The Crystal Lake Lions Club members represent members of the business community as well as residents.
Downtown Crystal Lake/ Main Street 815-479-0835
Raue House, 25 W. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake, IL 60014
downtowncl.org
A leader in the Illinois Main Street Network, the Downtown Crystal Lake/MainStreet was created as a not-for-profit to revitalize and promote a vibrant and inclusive community. The mission is to preserve the charm and character of the historic downtown while promoting economic growth, environmental sustainability and diversity.
Gigi’s Playhouse 815-385-7538
5404 W. Elm St. Suite A, McHenry, IL 60050
gigisplayhouse.org/mchenry
Gigi’s Playhouse provides free educational, therapeutic-based and career programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. There are more than 55 locations throughout the country of this national non-profit, which has provided connections to families wellbeyond their time in the playhouse.
Girls on the Run Northwest Illinois 815-893-0259
111 Erick St., Suite 115, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
gotrnwil.org
Girls on the Run integrates running with a curriculum that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident. It provides interactive lessons designed to enhance its participants’ social, emotional and physical skills to successfully navigate life experiences. As a national program, Girls on the Run has served more than 2 million participants across the country. It’s programs are designed for participants in 3rd through 8th grades and each session concludes with a celebratory 5k event.
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Helping Paws Animal Shelter 815-33-4400
programs including workshops and training as well as advocacy for those with mental illness and their families. It offers these services at no cost.
helpingpaws.net
Rockin the Spectrum
2500 Harding Lane, Woodstock, IL 60098 For more than 50 years the volunteers at Helping Paws Animal Shelters have been helping connect people and pets, creating beautiful connections. The no-kill animal shelter cares for more than 800 animals each year. The small staff and dedicated volunteers at Helping Paws treat each animal that arrives at the shelter with respect, kindness and compassion. The human helpers are focused on second chances, to help each animal find its forever home. Established in 1969, the agency’s legal name is Fox Valley
Helping Paws Animal Welfare Association. Home of the Sparrow
224-538-9736 Rockinthespectrum.com At Rockin’ The Spectrum, our mission is simple: to support the whole family—because special needs don’t end at 18. We champion lifelong inclusion, radical acceptance, and a judgment-free community. Whether you’re a parent, sibling, or individual with special needs, this is a space where you belong, your loved one can thrive, and we can grow together. We proudly serve all ages and abilities, offering connection, resources, recreation, and advocacy for families impacted by Autism, developmental disabilities, and a wide range of special needs. This is more than a program—it’s a movement for belonging. A place to be heard, seen, and celebrated—just as you are.
815-271-5444
1991 Duncan Plance, Woodstock, IL 60098
hosparrow.org
Home of the Sparrow’s mission is assisting women and children facing homelessness. It operates a transitional shelter, affordable housing units throughout Northern Illinois, a few subsidized apartments. It also provides services through programs including the Rapid Re-Housing Programing for those experiencing homelessness as they seek permanent housing and an outreach and prevention program with case managers. In addition to financial support from the community it operates seven Thrift Stores and Donation Centers to provide a source of revenue for programs and services. With support from more than 700n volunteers each year the agency continues its mission that began in 1987.
Lakeside Legacy Foundation 815-455-8000
401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
thedole.org
The Lakeside Legacy Foundation was established to preserve and protect The Dole Mansion, a historic property. The Dole Mansion is a Victorian-Era Romantic Italianate manor built in 1865 for Charles Sidney Dole, an influential grain baron and ice harvester, who also purchased 1,000 acres of land, which was called Lakeland Farms. Today the Dole is a home to community events including local festivals, a music concerts and a summer Farmer’s Market
NAMI McHenry County 815-526-8243
620 Dakota St., Crystal Lake, IL 60012
namimch.org
The National Alliance on Mental Illness McHenry partners with community-based systems of care to provide non-clinical mental health referral and linkage support. It offers support services, educational
Senior Care Volunteer Network 815-455-3120
42 East St., Suite C, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
scvnmchenrycounty.org
Senior residents throughout McHenry County can utilize the Senior Care Volunteer Network’s volunteers to gain access to community resources to maintain their dignity and quality of life. And at no cost. The mission is to help aging adults remain independent and active in their own residences. The Senior Care Volunteer Network services includes lending medical equipment, assistance with transportation, grocery shopping and errands and even minor home repair.
Senior Services Associates 815-344-3555
3519 N. Richmond Road, McHenry, IL 60051
seniorservicesassoc.org
Dedicated in the care and support of the aging population and individuals with disabilities Senior Services Associates can assist whether it’s helping to keep loved ones in their homes as they age to finding services like transportation. It’s staff and network of volunteers provide support, answer questions, provide friendly visits and much more throughout the county.
The Land Conservancy of McHenry County 815-337-9502
4622 Dean St., Woodstock, IL 60098
conservemc.org
The mission of The Land Conservancy of McHenry County is preserving natural, scenic and agricultural land for the benefit of the whole community in partnership with residents. Since 1991 the conservancy has helped protect more than 3,000 acres of prairies, wetlands and woodlands in McHenry County.
Turning Point Domestic Violence Services 815-338-8081
11019 US Route 14, Woodstock, IL 60098
turnpt.org
What began as a small group of women seeking to help a friend in a physically abusive relationship has evolved into an organization that provides a comprehensive array of services for families and individuals facing domestic violence. Turning Point provides individual and group counseling, intervention programs, legal advocacy and services for children. It also maintains a secure, emergency shelter.
United Way of McHenry County 815-363-1377
4508 Prime Parkway, McHenry, IL 60050
UWMcHenry.org
Mobilizes resources across McHenry County, supports help-line 2-1-1 and many partner agencies. United Way connects individuals and families to critical services, including housing assistance, food programs, mental health resources, and financial stability initiatives. Through community partnerships and local giving, it works to improve education, health, and economic opportunities for residents in need.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s McHenry County https://act.alz.org
Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease. Local walks bring together families, caregivers, and advocates to raise awareness and funds for critical programs and groundbreaking research. Every step taken helps advance the mission to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
Youth & Family Center of McHenry County 815-322-2357
1011 N Green Street, McHenry, IL 60050
Yfc-mc.org
The Youth and Family Center of McHenry County exists to ensure empowerment and growth for youth and families by partnering with our community to provide direct services and linkage to individuals in McHenry County. Youth and Family Center of McHenry County envisions a collaborative community that provides equal opportunities, resources, and support to all individuals in McHenry County.
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Contact Information Veterans Path to Hope 805 S. McHenry Ave., Ste. D Crystal Lake, IL 60014 https://veteranspathtohope.org
Sponsored by: MY ADVISOR AND PLANNER
Veterans Path to Hope By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske
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hey’ve served our country. They fought in wars. They slept in foreign lands, military bases and on naval ships. They were the ones to answer the country’s call. But who answers their calls when they need help with housing, healthcare, employment, transportation, food and supporting their families? Veterans Path to Hope is an organization dedicated to veterans and their families, connecting them with resources and peer assistance from fellow veterans. “We really want people to know we’re here,” explained Laura Franz, executive director for Veterans to Hope. The greatest hurdle for Franz and her team based in Crystal Lake is getting the word out veterans so that and their families know there are resources available and people who can help. A large percentage of her team, from her small staff to the volunteers, are veterans themselves. This past year the organization
added a former Marine as a Community Case Manager.
“People can access services that are so important,” Franz said.
“His goal is to help veterans who may be experiencing struggles with housing, removing barriers and providing support,” Franz explained. She added, “He’s been very busy.”
There are special programs throughout the year. During the holidays, volunteers set up and decorate Christmas trees and invite veterans to stop in to select a tree to take home for the holidays.
With rising costs for housing and groceries, there is an increased rise in the number of those the organization is serving from McHenry and Lake counties. Franz said at the Crystal Lake office the on-site food pantry has been serving between five and 10 veteran families daily.
Last October the organization was awarded the Staff Sergeant. Gordon Parker Fox Suicide Prevention Grant, which will further enable the staff and volunteers to reach out to veterans that are experiencing mental health struggles and help connect them to resources. Franz said studies have shown that veteran suicide rate is lower for those who have connected with VA health resources.
“There’s been a big uptick,” she said, adding the organization can use additional community support to help keep food, hygiene products and even pet food on the shelves to help families. The organization extends help to Veterans and their families, such as the free counseling services for veteran families including children of veterans, provided by a naval veteran.
While there are those who advocate for themselves, Franz said her team understands that isn’t true for all. If someone has a relative who is a veteran and experiencing needs, her team can go to them for assistance, whether its housing insecurity or transportation needs.
“We know not all veterans have access to transportation so our staff is out in the community. We can meet people where they’re at,” she said. Throughout the year there are classes and social events for veterans and their families, building camaraderie and connections. Franz said the video gaming has taken off with game nights at least once a month, drawing around 45-55 participants each month. The event draws veterans with their children, grandchildren, partners and friends. With the ability to take the equipment anywhere, events have taken place at VFW Halls, church social halls and the junior colleges in Lake and McHenry counties. Franz said the staff’s wish is for a trailer to create a mobile gaming unit to reach more locations. She said they even set up gaming counsels under the tent at the annual Johnny Appleseed Festival in downtown Crystal Lake.
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Rockin’ The Spectrum offers inclusion, Melissa connections making life better ByRubalcaba Riske Sponsored by: McNally’s Heating & Colling
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ockin’ The Spectrum wants everyone to feel included and find the connections that make life a little better. The organization, located in Crystal Lake, provides services and programs for individuals with autism and their families. Assistant Director Lizzy Lynn helped launch the organization in 2019 as an answer to a need. Her younger sister Barbra has severe autism and is nonverbal. Lynn saw a lack of programming to support her sister. Rockin’ The Spectrum provides day programs for adults with autism, family activities and support programs for parents and siblings. “We take all ages. We have participants who are 3 and those who are 65,” Lynn said. “We don’t turn away because of behavior issues,” Lynn added.
support individuals with autism, thereby supporting families looking for places to shop and dine. Lynn said the initiative can be used to help a restaurant have a sensory-friendly tote on hand for a family in need while they try to eat together or to teach a hair stylist to understand how to serve a non-verbal client with autism.
The day program for adults is an opportunity for individuals to continue their education, whether it’s working on life skills such as cooking or building on math skills. Throughout the year, there are programs and events. Lynn said the organization has connected with families from McHenry, Lake and DuPage counties and beyond.
“Businesses that want to be more inclusive and sensory-friendly, we can teach them,” Lynn said.
“I’d say at most events we have anywhere from 20 families to 200 families,” Lynn said. “You go where you feel safe, and that is hard to find. We want to be the light at the end of the tunnel.” As it looks to the new year, the organization is hoping to build on community partnerships and education. Rockin’ Sensory Friendly is an initiative to help local businesses better understand how to
The young organization works with local villages and school districts, but Lynn sees the opportunity to build more community connections. Starting in 2026 Rockin’ The Spectrum will have a collaboration with the Sage YMCA in Crystal Lake for a learn to swim class to help those with autism learn how to swim to the surface for safety. Lynn said the class is geared to those prone to elopement, an unsafe behavior where individuals with autism may run into a dangerous situation. “Elopers see water and want to go to the water, but they don’t know how to swim or how to swim to safety,” Lynn said. In the coming year, Lynn said the organization would like to offer more to help families and caregivers. She’d love to connect with a health organization to provide health screenings to caregivers, who often neglect their own annual care, or feel they don’t have the respite resources to squeeze in doctor appointments. The organization provides in-person support groups to mothers, and it has an online support group for fathers and siblings, Lynn said. “The more we connect families, the more they can make friends,” Lynn said. “It’s easy to feel isolated, but it’s not good mentally, physically, to feel you are alone.”
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Giving Back to the Communities We Serve: THE GREATEST GIFT At McNally’s Heating & Cooling, we believe that one of the greatest gift f s we can give is to support the communities we ft serve. Our team is dedicated to investing in, volunteering with, and uplift f ing local organizations to help strengthen ft families and neighborhoods we work within. For the fift f h year in a row, McNally’s is proud to be named ft the Best HVA V VAC Company in Kane County. With over 2,000 five-star reviews, our family-owned business continues to earn the trust of our community through dependable service and quality installations. Let McNally’s Heating & Cooling keep your family warm with comfort you can count on and know that when you choose McNally’s, you’re helping us give back to others in need.
A special thank you to Rockin’ The Spectrum for empowering individuals of all ages and abilities, providing resources, recreation, and support so families impacted by special needs can thrive and grow together.
630-363-9067 | WWW.MCNALLY L Winter LY HVA V2025/2026 VA C.COM | GIVING BACK | 11 NWH_Giving Back 122025.indd 11
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Plan your Holiday Party at 31 North or a venue of your choice
We promise to make your event as magical as the season 217 Front St. (Rt. 31) • McHenry, IL
located one mile South of Rt. 120
815-344-0330 www.31NorthBanquets.com
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Contact Information United Way of Greater McHenry County 4508 Prime Parkway McHenry, IL 60050 (815) 363-1377 https://uwmchenry.org/
Sponsored by: MY ADVISOR AND PLANNER
United Way of Greater McHenry County By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske
S
ince 1966 the United Way of Greater McHenry County has brought people and resources together. The organization mobilizes the caring power of the community so that all can thrive. “If you live or work in McHenry County, it is highly likely that you or someone you know has utilized at least one of the services that we provide grants in support of, or that we ourselves bring to the community,” explained Jamie Maravich, President & CEO of United Way of Greater McHenry County. “Everyone benefits from having these resources locally available for when they are needed.” Entirely locally focused, the organization has a broad reach and makes a powerful impact. Most well-known for the substantial grant support it provides to partner nonprofit programs, the organization also serves as a key connector, matching donated products, information, and volunteers to the people and projects that need them the most. The organization provides its own programs to the community, including 2-1-1, a free and confidential resource hotline, as well as Ride United food pantry deliveries. In 2024, the organization took on the responsibility of funding and overseeing Dolly Parton’s
Imagination Library (DPIL) for McHenry County. The program is an opportunity for every child in McHenry County from birth to five years old to receive a free book in the mail every month from the DPIL fulfillment center in Tennessee. United Way of Greater McHenry County pays DPIL for the books and maintains the local database. In only its second year of the program more than 4,000 McHenry County children are enrolled, Maravich said. United Way’s support for its own programs and the grants it provides are made possible by its generous donors. “Our grant allocations are driven by the current needs of the community as assessed by caring individuals who live and work in McHenry County,” Maravich said. United Way of Greater McHenry County can receive donations from a variety of sources, including onetime individual donations, recurring donations, stock donations, required minimum distributions, bequests, corporate donations, corporate sponsorships, grants and most notably, through employee giving campaigns. “We are fortunate to be in a community where many
employers know how important it is to give back and they recognize how important it is to their employees to work for a company that contributes,” Maravich said. The United Way works with businesses to enable employees to contribute directly from their paychecks, lowering their taxable income and providing a comfortable way to give in smaller amounts that add up to larger contributions over time. Often, the companies will offer matching corporate donations in support of their employees’ philanthropic desires. “We’re able to bring in dollars in smaller regular increments that together make a very large impact,” Maravich said. Even smaller businesses and individuals can make contributions with a pledge program, such as a realtor who dedicates a percentage of a commission to the United Way. “Our grants and programs provide a hand-up to neighbors in a wide variety of circumstances. Examples include childcare grants to help parents with low incomes and day programming for seniors to help enhance vitality and provide caregivers with greater peace of mind,” Maravich said.
As an agency that works with so many community resources, the United Way of Greater McHenry County offers 2-1-1, a free and confidential helpline available 24 hours a day, providing a specialist who can connect the caller with the resources they need to navigate a health or human services challenge. The helpline, which one can call or text, is available to everyone, of all demographics and socio-economic tiers. “We are a key connector, a key resource,” Maravich said. Additionally, Maravich said the agency recently updated its 2-1-1 call center provider so that in the event of a large-scale disaster, such as a large fire or flooding, it can serve as a real-time information provider, preventing backlogs and enabling first responders to fully focus on individuals and situations in need of emergency assistance. Earning the Best of the Fox recognition is a moment of gratitude for Maravich and her small staff, who work to meet the needs of the community. “It means so much to us and it is so humbling,” she said. “We are beyond grateful. Thank you, McHenry County.”
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I
Alzheimer’s Association helps spread community awareness, support
By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske Contact Information (800) 272-3900 www.alz.org/illinois
Zei said there’s an increasing effort to reach the “Sandwich generation” of those caring for a parent who may have Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia while also caring for their own children. Caregivers can find themselves feeling overwhelmed, asking questions such as where to find doctors and what kind of care a loved one needs as the disease progresses.
the McHenry community, and in her three years with the association, she has worked to connect with support resources and said the plan is to continue building connections and opportunities to share the work of the Alzheimer’s Association. She works with the McHenry Task Force on Aging and the McHenry TRIAD.
“Alzheimer’s disease needs to be talked about more openly,” Zei said. “We feel that the more we talk about it, the more people will feel they are not alone.” The Alzheimer’s Association website is a great first start, Zei said. Visitors can plug in their zip code and pull up a listing of local resources. “I’ve heard of families getting on a Zoom call together and everybody looks at the website to get the resources,” Zei said. The association also maintains a helpline, where people can call for resource information as well, she added.
T
here’s a moment during the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s in downtown Crystal Lake when Program Manager Aileen Zei from the local Illinois chapter finds herself fighting back tears of happiness as she looks over the crowd of families, friends, and neighbors who have come together. “It’s a very heart-warming event,” Zei said. Research, education, and helping patients and caregivers connect to resources are at the heart of the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that affects an individual’s memory, thinking and behavior. As the disease progresses, the symptoms can grow more severe, interfering with daily tasks. Fundraising, like the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, supports research, but there’s much more to the organization. The Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is tasked with helping people understand the disease and connect to community resources for individuals with the disease, as well as their caregivers.
The website and helpline can also connect caregivers with support groups to connect with other individuals on the same journey, caring for a loved one. Zei said the support groups can provide emotional support, where individuals often share advice and resources. “We’re trying to help take care of the caregivers, too,” Zei said. “The support groups are a great resource to connect.” As a Woodstock resident, Zei is familiar with “As a program manager, one of my roles is being out in the community providing education and outreach to individuals to help spread awareness, like early diagnosis to access treatment,” Zei said. The Alzheimer’s Association utilizes volunteers to help with events, fundraising and education in the community. “We’re always looking for volunteers to work on committees or as community educators or support group facilitators, especially for those who have been on the journey and understand,” Zei said.
14 | GIVING BACK | Winter 2025/2026
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Good for you. Good for McHenry County.
The Community Foundation for McHenry County is proud to be the only qualified organization in McHenry County under the Illinois Gives Tax Credit Act. The IL Gives Charitable Tax Credit offers a 25% Illinois state income tax credit for donors who create or contribute to an endowed fund — an incredible opportunity to amplify your impact and strengthen our community for the long term. Example: a $10,000 gift to an endowed fund may qualify for a $2,500 state tax credit.
Endowments turn individual gifts into tomorrow’s legacy.
If you’d like to explore how the IL Gives Tax Credit can help you build a lasting impact, we’d love to connect.
815.338.4483 | thecfmc.org | connect@thecfmc.org
Each year, CFMC invests $1.5 million into our community. With 89% of assets permanently endowed, these funds ensure lasting, reliable support for the nonprofits that make McHenry County thrive.
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