A Park Ridge Catholic parish whose members donated over $26,000 to The Center of Concern earlier this year has been named The Center’s 2012 Partner of the Year.  Center Executive Director John McNabola said that parishioners at St. Paul of the Cross demonstrated “overwhelming support” for the Park Ridge not-for-profit by designating it as the beneficiary of its Lenten giving program.  “For over 20 years, The Center has forged an amazing partnership with Adrienne Timm and the parish ministry to provide timely and effective assistance to families in need,” McNabola said.  McNabola presented the award to Associate Pastor Rev. John Chrzan and Adrienne Timm, who directs the parish’s social service ministry, at The Center’s annual holiday party at the South Park Recreation Center in Park Ridge on November 29.  McNabola said that The Center’s work with the elderly and other families in need was highlighted for parishioners at the church every week during Lent.    

       Also at the November 29 event, The Center honored volunteers Nancy Buckely, Len Schneller, and Barb Skadow.  Buckely was honored for her years of service as president of The Center’s auxiliary, which holds several fund-raising events every year to benefit The Center.  Schneller, a Center volunteer since 1994 and past board member, was honored for his work in establishing The Center’s Medicare counseling program (sponsored by the federally funded Senior Health Insurance Program).  He also led The Center’s low-cost income tax preparation program for many years.  Skadow was honored for her over 30 years of service in establishing and troubleshooting The Center’s information technology system.  “There seems to be no task too large for her to conquer,” McNabola said.  

Founded in 1978, The Center of Concern provides housing counseling for seniors and those seeking affordable housing, friendly visitors for the homebound, and counseling on legal, personal, and financial matters.  Homeowners desiring additional income, companionship, or the ability to remain in their homes may wish to consider The Center of Concern’s Shared Housing Program.  Residents are matched with screened applicants who possess a temperament suitable to shared accommodations.  The Center is located at 1580 N. Northwest Highway, Suite 310, Park Ridge.  Its web site is www.centerofconcern.org.