C.A.T.I.F. Supports Palatine Program that Empowers Women

The ROLE (Reaching Out Lifting to Excellence) program through the Palatine Opportunity Center has been named as one of two beneficiaries for an upcoming fundraiser presented by non-profit, C.A.T.I.F. [Celebrating All That Is Feminine]. The 5th annual Family Picnic Rib Cook-Off fundraiser will be held in downtown Palatine on Station Street in front of Lamplighters, on Sunday, September 13 from noon until 5 p.m.

ROLE empowers women through leadership and mentoring to encourage literacy, education, employment and independence - by taking an active role in improving their own lives, while involving themselves in their community.

How ROLE has impacted the life of a Palatine woman and her family, from POC Executive Director, Kathy Millin:

Ana came to us about 10 years ago in need of learning to speak English. Her children went into the childcare program and she quickly advanced her skills. After becoming competent in her language skills, came into my GED class.

I was able to start a community health worker program through a grant, and in collaboration with Northwest Community Hospital, Ana was trained to become a promotoras de salud-Spanish for community health worker. This opportunity gave her responsibility and inspired her to do more for herself to achieve future goals. She has since been hired as a contract community health worker at the hospital.

Ana went through leadership training in our ROLE program. She was matched up with a mentor through ROLE and was able to ultimately pass her GED. Another mentor helped her study to pass her citizenship test and she successfully passed her driver’s license test as well. Through the constant support of the ROLE Program, Ana was able to meet a variety of goals that have not only helped her to become self-sufficient, but also have assisted her to create a better life for herself and her children. As she continues her education with goals of continuing in the healthcare field, Ana leans on her mentors to help in her studies as she gives back countless hours as a volunteer in all of our ROLE programs to help empower others.

Erick is Ana’s eldest son, and is a junior at Palatine High School. He credits his success as an A student to years of observing all of the professionals helping others become strong at POC, where he also witnessed his mother’s work ethic. His goal is to go on to college and someday become a neurosurgeon. Erick has volunteered at the Edgebrook after school program for the last two years, and is a leader amongst his peers. He was recognized in 2014 through POC by Refljos, as an upcoming Latino leader. This year he has been hired him to work at an after school program at the Winston Community School.

So, through the ROLE program, this family has been lifted up and now they are giving back and impacting the community. This is what ROLE does for many families-the funds from our donors such as C.A.T.I.F. allow us to continue offering essential services and programs to employ a quality staff who work side-by side with individuals who will benefit, while connecting skilled volunteers to build leaders.

Join C.A.T.I.F. for the Family Picnic Rib Cook-Off on Sunday, September 13 from noon until 5 p.m. on Station Street in front of Lamplighters in downtown Palatine. Visit www.CatifCharity.com for more information.

About C.A.T.I.F. [Celebrating All That Is Feminine]:

C.A.T.I.F. is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit public charity, and was formed by a group of professional women living and working in the northwest suburbs in 2009. The idea was (and is) for the group to pool their resources, and ‘Pay it Forward’ to individuals facing adversity and/or experiencing crisis-which comes in many forms—domestic violence, homelessness, sexual abuse and other dire circumstances.

The overarching goal is not to provide a hand out, but rather, a hand-up to empower and encourage those who need assistance in reaching their goals, or are living through their darkest hours—to show them that others (even strangers) care about what happens to them. And, that they can change their circumstances if they are willing to believe that they can... Over the last six years, C.A.T.I.F. has raised nearly $130,000 for various charities and organizations across the Chicagoland area—from a purely grass-roots level.

About the charity beneficiaries:
The ROLE program at POC provides services for women who are working toward becoming safe, independent and healthy. POC provides education, employment opportunities and encourages these women to become leaders in their community.
The Well of Mercy provides caring and cooperative home environments to single, pregnant women who have no place else to turn for support. These women and provided with education and support so that they become empowered as future mother and contributors to society.