Teen Girl's Retreat

Do you know a young woman who would benefit from a weekend of enrichment and support?  We are currently seeking referrals for our upcoming Nov. 14-16th retreat!

Joanne Spitz, 2014 Barth Award Recipient (left) and her nominators; Mary Kay Dowling & Pat Heun, of TriCity Family Services.

TriCity Family Services presented the 30th annual William D. Barth Award on October 23, 2014 to Joanne Spitz of Batavia.  The award was presented at the agency's  Barth Award Dinner at the Riverside Receptions and Conference Center in Geneva.

Joanne was nominated for this award by TriCity Family Services Secretaries, Mary Kay Dowling and Pat Heun.  TriCity Family Services is honored to present Joanne with the 2014 William D. Barth Award and to induct her into the distinguished ranks of William D. Barth Award winners. 

Joanne has been called a "local treasure" for her generosity and kindness. Her service to the community has improved the lives of countless children, adults, and families. 

Joanne has served as Chair of TriCity Family Services' Adopt-A-Family Program for nine years, and has been instrumental in providing hundreds of families with gifts for the holidays.  Her enthusiasm inspires sponsors to generously shop for families in need, and her dedication results in special and last-minute requests being met.  Since she began coordinating the Adopt-A-Family Program, the number of families served has increased from 40 to over 70.  Ms. Spitz continues her dedication to service at TCFS year-round by sponsoring families at Thanksgiving and Easter, and by soliciting donations for, and helping at, the TCFS Annual Benefit.

After serving as PTO Treasurer and President at Louise White Elementary School, leading the 2000-2001 New School Transition Committee at Hoover-Wood Elementary School, and serving on the Steering Committee for Fundraising and Finance and as PTO President at Hoover-Wood, Ms. Spitz was elected to the Batavia Foundation for Education Excellence in 2007.  As Vice-Chair and Chair of the Foundation, Ms. Spitz was instrumental in bringing 25 fiberglass Bulldogs to Batavia, organizing the sold-out teacher talent show, and bringing new and creative ideas to the Foundation.  Her efforts have brought character to Batavia, increased community spirit, and raised money for future Foundation activities.

When the Batavia Bicycle Commission was established in 2009, Joanne accepted Mayor Schielke's request to become a founding member, and has served as both Commissioner and Secretary.  She was part of the team that pursued the League of American Bicyclists' Bike Friendly America designation for Batavia; worked for over a year to get four large map structures placed along the Batavia Bike Path to guide bikers; secured a grant to add seven pedestrian crossings on Routes 31 and 25 to tie bike trails together; and brought the Light Your Ride program, the Fit for Kids program, and multiple bike rodeos to Batavia.

In October 2013, Joanne was upset and frustrated to learn that there were more than 45 homeless children in the Batavia Public Schools.  Within weeks, she had co-founded a new nonprofit organization called CHIP IN (Community Helpers Impacting People In Need) to support those students by providing them with clothes, food, linens, school supplies, transportation assistance, and other resources.  She has rallied dozens of local organizations and volunteers to provide contributions, and has partnered with the Batavia Public Schools' Homeless Liaison to maintain the recipients' confidentiality and dignity.

Additionally, Joanne received the 2011 Judy Burgess Volunteerism Award.

2014 Barth Award Nominees:

Additionally, TriCity Family Services is proud to honor the following nominees for the 30th Annual William D. Barth Award.  Each nominee has shown dedication to the community through ongoing involvement in activities affecting the quality of life in the Tri-City area, and has made a significant and positive impact on the community.

Patrick and Sharon Brazill

Mr. and Mrs. Brazill have worked tirelessly for many years to ensure that seniors receive meaningful services that support their needs, and they have helped hundreds of people facing the challenges of aging.  Together, the Brazills helped establish the Kane County Triad, a partnership of police, fire, and community representatives.  Mr. Brazill served as Treasurer and Chairman of the Triad, and Mrs. Brazill served on various committees.  Mrs. Brazill took a leadership role in designing the Geneva Senior Center and helped recruit and supervise the Executive Director; Mr. Brazill worked alongside his wife during the design process and has volunteered there since its opening.  Mrs. Brazill has served as Director of Marketing for Arden Courts of Geneva, a Geneva Township Board Member, an ElderDay Center Board Member, and a member of the Kane County Senior Resources Organization.

Janet Craft

Ms. Craft, former Director of the Visiting Nurses Association, led the VNA's growth during a time of massive change in healthcare, and played an important role in ensuring that medical services were available to a medically underserved community.  She served as Past President and Healthcare Issues Specialist for the League of Women Voters Geneva/St. Charles, and founded her church's Healing Practitioner Team.  Ms. Craft has been named Mentor of the Year by the Visiting Nurses Association of America and Woman of Distinction by the YMCA of Aurora.

Keith Gollwitzer and Scott Kurth

Mr. Gollwitzer, a scientist at Fermi Lab, and Mr. Kurth, a Batavia police officer, have spent over ten years as volunteer coaches for the Accelerators Running Club -- a unique club geared toward kids of all ability levels, including kids lacking the financial means to participate in other sports and kids facing challenges such as ADHD or autism.  By sharing their love of running with others, Mr. Gollwitzer and Mr. Kurth encourage mental health, personal achievement, self-esteem development, and physical fitness.  As one child's parent explains, "They are out there rain or shine, year round.  They play kickball with our kids.  They make water balloons in the summer for our kids.  They've been known to give our kids rides to practice.  They've passed on gear they thought we could use.  They love our kids."

Melinda Kintz

Using her incredible expertise and energy, Ms. Kintz has spearheaded countless projects benefiting residents of Kane County.  She has served as Director, Board Member, and public relations volunteer for the Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and as volunteer event planner for the LivingWell Cancer Resource Center.  She co-founded CHIP IN to support over 45 homeless children attending the Batavia Public Schools, and she spearheaded the Dunham Castle Charity Tour to raise money for the American Cancer Society.  As a Wish Granter for Make-A-Wish Illinois, Ms. Kintz has granted 29 wishes and was named Make-A-Wish Granter of the Month in June 2012.

Don Regole

Mr. Regole is a true example of being a "servant leader," channeling his efforts into identifying ways to motivate others to become community servants and make a real, substantive difference.  Mr. Regole, a lifelong resident of Kane County, has served the community as Post Commander of the Maple Park American Legion, President of the Exchange Club of the Tri-Cities, Marmion Building and Grounds Improvement Leader, Delnor Hospital Volunteer Trainer, and President of the St. Charles Jaycees.  Mr. Regole has helped improve numerous community facilities, and has been instrumental in soliciting tens of thousands of dollars in donations that have been distributed back to the community.

Adopt-a-Family for Thanksgiving or Christmas!

Annual Benefit Kick-off Meeting: Wed., Oct. 29th at 1:45pm @ TCFS

Snowflake Shuffle Committee Meeting: Wed., Nov. 12th at 3:30pm @ TCFS

Friends Social Event (K. Hollis Jewelry Party): Tues., Nov. 18th from 6:30-8pm @ K. Hollis Jewelers, Batavia.

General Friends Meeting: Wed., Nov. 19th at 1pm @ TCFS

All are welcome to attend! For more information on the Friends please visit www.tricityfamilyservices.org or email Hallie Hudson, Development Associate at hhudson@tricityfamilyservices.org.

Community Corner

Hallie Hudson, Development Associate and Sacha Urban, Development Manager are pictured with Bob Engel, President of the Exchange Club of the Tri-Cities.

 The Exchange Club of the Tri-Cities Makes Generous Donation to TCFS

The agency is delighted to recognize the following St. Charles companies for their recent Corporate Partner in Caring commitments; AHC Advisors, Inc., Creekwood Associates, and St. Charles Bank & Trust.  Each of the three companies, recently made $2,500 gift to the agency.  This level of financial commitment establishes these companies as Corporate Supporters in Caring.

St. Charles Bank & Trust renewed their partnership, having been a Corporate Supporter in Caring in 2013.  Both AHC Advisors, Inc. and Creekwood Associates are new partners of the program.

As Corporate Supporters in Caring, AHC Advisors, Inc, Creekwood Associates, and St. Charles Bank & Trust will receive year-long philanthropic benefits in celebration of their gifts and they will be recognized as sponsors at the agency's fundraising events such as the Snowflake Shuffle and Annual Benefit & Auction.

TriCity Family Services thanks all three businesses for joining the agency in their commitment to protect and preserve local families by improving the quality of life for those in need of mental health and counseling services.  The agency is grateful for the company's leadership in inspiring others to help TriCity Family Services fulfill their vital mission of services to the community.

If you are interested in learning more about TriCity Family Services' Corporate Partners in Caring Program, please visit www.tricityfamilyservices.org or call Sacha Urban, Development Manager, at 630-232-1070.