2/9/22
Today, our guest speaker was Dina Hilliard, Executive Director of the Outreach Community Center in Carol Stream.
While part of the Outreach Community Ministries, the presentation focused on the programs and services of the Outreach Community Center (OCC). The OCC is a multi-purpose, neighborhood resource center serving residents in southeast Carol Stream since 1986.
Youth Development:
- Jubilee Neighborhood School: is an educational program that partners with parents and schools to support academic achievement of 1st-5th grade students.
- Big Buddy Monitoring Program: Big Buddy is OCC’s mentoring program, in which a caring adult volunteer is matched with a student, age 7-14.
- Superb Student Program: Superb Student Program (SSP) is designed for 6th through 8th grade students and meets after school. SSP combines homework completion, recreation and life skills activities designed to strengthen academic performance, self-esteem and character.
- College Opportunity Program: The College Opportunity Program (COP) removes the barriers that prevent promising young students who come from struggling family or financial circumstances from seeking higher education. COP is a holistic college assistance program, consisting of two components: college preparation for high school students and college scholarships and support.
Family Stabilization Services: Professionally trained therapists annually provide individual, couples and family counseling for more than 1,000 people in the community.
Case Management Services: are offered at OCC to assist people in a wide variety of concerns including: financial issues, housing needs, legal matters, child care needs, emergency food, navigating government services such as public aid and social security, classes in English as a second language, referrals for community services, and employment and job training needs.
Older Adult Program: OCC supports older adults in maintaining their independence and positive well-being through practical assistance, transportation, budgeting and regular social activities, including bi-monthly Lunch and Learns, weekly art classes, holiday celebrations and more. The Friendly Visitor program matches older adults with volunteers who frequently visit participants at home.
Additional information: https://www.outreachcommunityministries.org/about/