Palatine PR Firm Shows Support for JOURNEYS | The Road Home

Palatine, Illinois - Palatine-based St Steven Public Relations was proud to present a check on September 15, 2026, to JOURNEYS | The Road Home (JOURNEYS) - an
organization that works to end homelessness and stabilize those at risk of becoming homeless.

The $1,500 ‘big check’ resulted from a pledged 20% of sales from “Thoughts Become Things: Six Pillars To Guide You Through Life,” a book authored by the company Founder and President, Melanie Santostefano. In it, Santostefano shares the personal pillars she lives by; Honor, Humility, Gratitude, Grit, Faith and Forgiveness – along with short stories about eight people who deeply impacted her life and personify her pillars.

The check was presented to JOURNEYS Chief Financial Officer Suzanne Ploger, by St. Steven Public Relations team members, including Operations Manager Jamie Barr, and Communications Associate Olivia Martin, along with Santostefano.

“Housing insecurity is a cause that is near to my heart. Being homeless, or facing this daunting possibility strips away stability, security, and a sense of belonging so many of
us take for granted,” Santostefano said. “This support for JOURNEYS will help their mission to build or rebuild lives and restore hope. I encourage everyone to consider giving back to help address critical needs in their own communities, whenever possible.”

The statistics on housing insecurity – which applies to the homeless as well as those in jeopardy of become homeless, is staggering. In addition to roughly 1,000 adults served by JOURNEYS over the last year, nearly 2,500 students in north Cook County school districts have also experienced housing insecurity, as reported by the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, Department of Planning and Development.

Over the past year, JOURNEYS staff and volunteers provided 40,949 nights of shelter, served 89,782 meals, delivered 25,483 supportive services, and helped 146 people move into permanent housing.

“We are all strong only for a while, and I am hopeful that individuals and small businesses like mine – will consider those less fortunate and get involved with charitable organizations through donations or volunteering their time to help,” Santostefano said.

About St. Steven Public Relations

St Steven Public Relations is based in Palatine with offices in Schaumburg and Springfield (by appointment) and was founded in 2022. The firm specializes in public relations campaigns, public information projects, and crisis communications consulting and training. St. Steven Public Relations engages only with vetted clients whose goals align with its mission to enlighten, educate, motivate and inspire the individuals and groups they seek to reach – for the greater good. St. Steven Public Relations is a sister company to Vicarious Multimedia, founded in 2004 by President Melanie Santostefano.

About JOURNEYS | The Road Home

JOURNEYS is a non-profit based in Palatine that provides urgent shelter, social services, counseling, and housing assistance to individuals and families across north/northwest Cook County and southern Lake County. Through shelter initiatives, supportive services, and housing readiness programs, JOURNEYS helps people attain stable housing and long-term self-sufficiency. JOURNEYS accepts donations and
volunteers. Visit their website to learn more about their mission at journeystheroadhome.org.