How did you find out about PHD?

I became aware about 17 years ago as I was walking into my church which is Holy Family. There was a sign up for PHD and it caught my attention because it emphasized the woman and that PHD was there to help them.  Abortion is such a controversial issue and often times the debate is over the life of the baby.  However, it is not just about the baby but also about the woman faced with the pregnancy. I was frustrated whenever I heard in the media about women being judged so harshly for their decisions. I thought to myself, when I learned about PHD, “finally someone gets it.” This was the first time I had seen an agency approach it in a way that supports women who were struggling with difficult situations.

When my fourth child was four years old, I met Maureen Cochran a board member for PHD at the time.  I was at a place in my life where I could help and I was interested in getting involved. I felt a good connection to PHD’s approach and the mission. Maureen introduced me to Yvonne Gardner and I got the tour. Seeing the building where everything took place made an impact. There are so many things when you’re pregnant that you need help with.

How did you get involved at PHD and what strikes you as important?

I was at a place in my life where I could help; I had enough resources. My thinking was, what about those women who didn’t have that? I connected with Yvonne, watched the video, saw the intake rooms and met various people. I visited the Baby Closet and Resale Boutique and thought it would be a good fit. PHD had an intake coordinator training coming up that summer. In 2006 I started in the Baby Closet then did intake training and moved over to the counseling center.  Just this past winter I went to the case manager training and met fabulous volunteers who work so hard. I loved the idea of giving women a hand up not a hand out.  I also love the parenting classes and resources we offer to help families.

What has affected you the most in working with these clients?

A lot of the women we see have very complex issues. I’m amazed at how much responsibility we (volunteers) are given to listen to each client story and figure out the best way to facilitate their own self-management abilities; the ability to manage and raise their children. We help put them on the right path to resources. It is a powerful responsibility. But I’ve met some of the most fascinating clients – everyone is unique.

What do you enjoy most about PHD?

I love the staff, the counselors, and,  the heart of PHD, which is the volunteers who are the ones that are on the front lines to assist clients. I am also amazed and inspired by the smart group of women in the shifts that I work. I also enjoy being in the moment with a client, helping them where they need an extra boost. I enjoy working with them to help empower them to be the most effective in their own lives with all the challenges they have to face.

Do you think PHD has changed since you began as a volunteer?

Since I began volunteering PHD has moved into the right direction. It started out as pregnancy crisis line and has really blossomed into so much more. PHD is filling a need in the community by offering resources for pregnancy and parenting issues, abstinence issues and educating adolescents about making healthy choices. I appreciate the fact that PHD has expanded beyond just the basics. PHD is growing in the right way and it has come to play such a vital role in the community.

What is your favorite event to attend?

The Fashion Show is a fun event to attend, relax, and have a good time. It’s nice to bring a friend and just get together with my fellow PHD volunteers.  It’s my girl’s night out. The volunteer luncheon is always fun, too.  I enjoy the fun, laughter and conversation.

Catherine Vincus, PHD’s Executive Director, is pleased to announce this year’s event Chairs, “We are thrilled that Ann and Ray Franczak have accepted our invitation to be this year’s Chairs. As Palatine residents they have been extremely involved in both the business and philanthropic arenas. We are extremely grateful for their support of PHD.”

Ann Franczak also sits on the Board of Directors of PHD as its Secretary.

In addition, Maureen Durack, CIO of Vedder Price and past PHD Board President, will be honored with this year’s Spirit of Life Award for her dedication and service to the agency.

“Maureen has been a staunch supporter of PHD’s since she became involved more than eight years ago. I can’t think of anyone more deserving to recieve this award in 2012,” says Vincus.

Our event season kicks off with PHD’s Spirit of Life Gala on April 28, 2012. Held at Stonegate Conference and Banquet Centre this event promises fun and excitement to all who attend.

Learn more about our 2012 events and mark your calendars now!

As her marriage disintegrated, PHD’s professional counseling was integral in Norma’s ability to regain her self-esteem and self-confidence. Through regular sessions with her counselor, Norma began to realize she could be a strong, single parent for her boys, one of who struggled with special needs. Norma participated in PHD’s seven-week, intensive Common Sense Parenting program where she developed effective parenting techniques that continue to provide a healthy balance of nurturing and discipline. Through case management Norma also learned about community resources to help her and her children, including her oldest son who seemed to be struggling most with the divorce. PHD helped connect her son to Bridge Youth and Family Services where he is now awaiting the care he needs to heal.

Over the last year and half Norma has made significant steps in discovering her potential to be a great mom.

The time PHD provides to women (children must be three years and younger) affords them the chance to heal and grow at a pace right for them. Norma’s youngest son will be three next month which means she can no longer participate in PHD’s services. But with the help of her counselor and utilizing her resources, Norma feels empowered to continue her journey. She is working full time, taking classes to obtain her GED and is doing well in her ESL classes.

Norma’s story is just one of hundreds that speak to the needs of women in our community who struggle with the finding a balance of being a good parent to managing a challenging relationship with a husband or significant other. As long as PHD’s doors remain open there will be a safe place for women and families to heal.  With 88 cents of every dollar going to important programs and services, your generosity simply translates into comfort and joy for the clients who walk through our doors each day.

Would you consider making a gift to PHD this holiday season? You can make it an extra special gift by donating in honor of memory of a loved one. Thank you for your kindness and continued support of PHD and the families we serve!

Barbara Baumstark, Co-Manager of the Boutique, says quality donations are key. “PHD relies on the generosity of people in the community to keep our doors open. It is amazing to see the array of merchandise that comes in. Each of these well loved items turns into a fabulous find for someone new and it makes money to support those less fortunate.”

Are you interested in giving to PHD Resale Boutique but aren’t sure where to start? The following guideline will help:

1.PHD is grateful for your generosity and wants to make use of the items you donate. When you donate please make sure items are free from rips, tears and stains.

2.Items should be bagged or boxed so that volunteers can easily maneuver them in the store. Volunteers are a large and instrumental part of the donation process. Your items will be sorted, tagged, priced, and carried to a place on the sales floor.

Popular and appropriate items for a resale donation include:

•House wares
•Clothing that is clean, intact, and in style (Brand names accepted.)
•Antiques and collectibles
•Furniture, Jewelry
•Accessories, purses, shoes, hats, gloves, scarves
•Books (Excludes textbooks and encyclopedias.)
•Framed Art

Tips to Keep in Mind:

The guidelines above are general donation guidelines which differ from consignment shops. All items donated and sold will directly benefit PHD’s Counseling Center and Baby & Maternity Closet.

On occasion a volunteer or staff member may turn away an item because it may not be appropriate due to product recall or other reasons given by PHD. Always check with PHD on donation hours and limitations.

Charitable donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Thank you for your support!

Click here to learn more.

Jennie began by collecting baskets and boxes for the project that her clients could fill with small trinkets; stuffed animals, photo frames, candles, etc. Each client also had the opportunity to write a note of encouragement to women who would receive the boxes. Each of the boxes were done in memory of the children lost by PHD clients. Their names are Jonathan, Jovany, Jose Angel, Daniela, Jaslene, Theresa and Gabriel.

A total of nine boxes and baskets were handed off to Pam Ferguson, NCH’s Renew Through Sharing Coordinator on Friday, August 19th. A note recently arrived from Pam that describes just how special this project was:

Dear Jennie,

I want to send my sincere thanks to you and your clients for the gift baskets you brought today. I was so touched by how beautiful and unique each one is, reflecting the personal touch of each mom who made them. I know that the moms who get these in the future will be touched and will feel a little bit less alone. What a wonderful way to honor the lives of these special babies. Please pass my warmest gratitude on to the clients and staff involved. Our staff really appreciates having these beautiful gifts to give out.

All the best,

Pam Ferguson
Renew Through Sharing Coordinator
Northwest Community Hospital

When did you first find out about PHD?

I was making blankets for PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter). I would crochet blankets and give them to the man who organized PADS at the Kingswood Methodist Church in Buffalo Grove. I think I overwhelmed them because at one point he told me that I should think about finding another place to send my donations. This man contacted Yvonne Gardner, PHD’s Volunteer Coordinator one day while she was up on a ladder working outside the offices that PHD owned in Palatine. It was quite a funny story how it all came about. She was thrilled to take my projects to help the moms at PHD. It really blossomed into a beautiful friendship from there.

How long have you been involved now and how many blankets do you donate?

I have been crocheting the blankets for PHD now for 12 years. I typically make about three blankets per month. My husband passed away in October so I have not been crocheting as much. I have six boxes of yarn that need to be crocheted so I’ll have to start up again soon.

What drew you to PHD?

I really liked that they were helping young mothers. I never had any children and I wanted these blankets to go to women who would appreciate them. In fact, one of my first donations was a stuffed bear collection. I had over 100 stuffed bears and I gave them to the baby closet. It was a wonderful feeling knowing these bears that I loved were going to make someone else happy.

What do you enjoy about volunteering?

I have met so many wonderful women and it has been exciting to see my donation help someone else. In reality though I get back much more than I give. It’s very rewarding. I’ve also made some really good friends. I’m very happy that my church has become involved in helping PHD with a Baby Shower each year. Good Shepherd in Prospect Heights has been doing this for 10 years now. In addition to PHD I volunteer two days a week as a Friendly Visitor through Lutheran Home. I work with three ladies and I visit their homes twice a week.

If you would like to volunteer for PHD please contact Yvonne Gardner, Volunteer Coordinator at 847-359-4967 x17.

Thanks to our entire Board of Directors for being so passionate about PHD!

Leading into dinner we heard heartfelt speeches from our Executive Director, Cathy Vincus, Spirit of Life Award winner Kerry Lavelle and Honorary Chairpersons Bob and Cathy Shanahan. To top off the night everyone was able to see our latest video featuring three PHD clients. What a night it was!

Read the Spirit of Life Gala press release (PDF) now . . .

PHD volunteers are a loyal and compassionate group of people who give their time, talent and treasure to help those who need it most – the women and families of PHD. On April 8, 2011, nearly 110 of the 200+ volunteers at PHD gathered at Meridian Banquets in Rolling Meadows to enjoy a delicious lunch and awards ceremony to celebrate their dedication and achievements to PHD and the clients we serve.

We are pleased to announce the following award winners for 2010:

Check out photos from the Volunteer Luncheon 2010.