Patch Picks: 5 Nonprofits Making a Difference

Patch Picks is a feature that runs each Thursday, highlighting editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off, and more. 

This week's theme is "Nonprofits Making a Difference" and we're highlighting five area groups focused on helping others, which in turn makes our community a better place. Do you know of another? Let us know in the comments.

Pioneer Center for Human Services

Pioneer Center for Human Services is a 501(c)3, non-profit charitable organization that provides direct services to more than 2,500 individuals. The organization also provides education and outreach to schools and community organizations reaching over 10,000 additional individuals. Pioneer Center delivers community-based services in the areas of homeless, youth services, autism, developmental disabilities, mental illness, traumatic brain injury and sexual assault.

Turning Point

Turning Point is a domestic violence agency with a mission to confront violence against women and children in McHenry County, Illinois. Some of the programs offered are: 24-hour crisis intervention and response, emergency shelter, individual and group counseling, trauma-based mental health services, children’s individual and group counseling, partner abuse intervention programs and more.

Crystal Lake Food Pantry

The Crystal Lake Food Pantry offers temporary food assistance to Crystal Lake residents who qualify. Comprised of a group of volunteers from over twenty local churches, the Crystal Lake Food Pantry focuses on meeting the needs of the local hungry.

Hearts of Gold Inc.

Hearts of Gold is a certified 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that offers winter coats and snow pants, school supplies, clothing, toys and food to Algonquin residents in need of assistance. It was founded by previous members of the Make a Child Smile charity.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County

Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission is to help children in need reach their potential through professionally supported mentoring relationships that will improve the lives of these children forever. According to its website, Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County, Inc., served 549 children last year.