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Apelacja podatku nieruchomości - darmowe seminarium

Szkoła Letnia - 2023

Happy Pulalski Day 2023

Happy Pulaski Day!

Pączki Day 2022

Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays!

Program Pomocy - EARP2

Please Help Us Feed Our Homeless

Happy Memorial Day

Ocalmy program dla młodzieży

Happy Easter!

Pulaski Day 2021

Pączki Day - Code PAA

Lottery - Apply Today

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DACA To Continue - For Now

Best Wishes To All!

Ważne Daty Spisu Powszechnego 2020

Wersja polskojęzyczna dokumentu poniżej nie jest jeszcze dostępna. W razie pytań prosimy o kontakt: Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript..

new KeyDates

Dlaczego powinniśmy uczestniczyć w Spisie Ludności 2020?

Każdy ma prawo do bycia reprezentowanym sprawiedliwie, niezależnie od statusu imigracyjnego.
Uczestnicząc w spisie powszechnym pomożesz uzyskać fundusze potrzebne Twojej lokalnej społeczności.
Wszystkie informacje są poufne.
Zrzeszenie Amerykańsko-Polskie pomoże przy wypełnianiu kwestionariusza. Spisu Ludności po polsku na internecie lub przez telefon. Prosimy o telefon pod numer 773 427 6300 w celu umówienia się lub o email pod adres Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript. w celu uzyskania informacji.
Prosimy nie zapomnieć o numerze Spisu Ludności (Census ID), które jest w Państwa liście przysłanym przez Biuro Spisu Ludności i o datach urodzenia wszystkich mieszkańców. Jesteśmy ważni! Liczymy się!

Polonia Się Liczy!

Chicago - EU Film Festival

Early Voting and In-Person Registration

evHd1

For Immediate Release

Only available at new Loop Super Site at Clark & Lake – 191 N Clark

Early Voting and In-Person Registration

Wczesne Głosowanie i Osobista Rejestracja (wersja polska poniżej)

Chicago Voters may begin using in-person Early Voting on Wed., Feb. 19 only at the new Loop Super Site for Early Voting & Registration at Clark & Lake – 191 N. Clark St.

The Loop Super Site Every site will be open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On March 2, Early Voting for the March 17 Primary Election will expand to include 50 ward sites throughout the city.

Voters don’t need a reason or excuse to use Early Voting. Chicago voters may use the Loop Super Site, and starting March 2, any other city location, regardless of where they live.

Voters who need to file a name or address change, or who need to register for the first time, will need to present two forms of ID, at least one of which shows the voter’s current address. Voters who register or file a name or address change must be ready to vote during that same visit.

Chicago voters may learn more by visiting chicagoelections.gov or by calling 312-269-7900 (312-269-0027 for the hearing impaired). Sample ballots also are now available at this web site.

Do natychmiastowego rozpowszechnienia

Wczesne głosowanie tylko dostępne w nowej super placówce pod adresem 191 N Clark

Wczesne Głosowanie i Osobista Rejestracja

Wczesne głosowanie osobiście dla wyborców Chicago, rozpoczyna się w środę 19 lutego tylko w nowej super placówce pod adresem 191 N. Clark St.

Super Placówka w centrum miasta będzie otwarta od poniedziałku do soboty, w godzinach od 9:00 do 17:00, w niedzielę od 10:00 do 16:00. Wczesne głosowanie do prawyborów, które odbędą się 17 marca zostanie otwarte w dniu 2 marca w 50 okręgach miejskich.

Wyborcy nie muszą podawać przyczyny, z powodu której głosują wcześniej. Wyborcy Chicago mogą oddać głos w super placówce w centrum miasta, natomiast od 2 marca, dowolnie wybranej placówce, niezależnie od ich miejsca zamieszkania.

Wyborcy, którzy potrzebują zmienić nazwisko, adres zamieszkania lub zarejestrować się do głosowania po raz pierwszy, będą musieli przedstawić dwa dokumenty tożsamości (ID), co najmniej jeden z nich musi posiadać wyborcy aktualny adres zamieszkania. Wyborcy, którzy zarejestrują się do głosowania po raz pierwszy, zmienią nazwisko lub adres muszą być gotowi na oddanie głosu tego
samego dnia.

Po więcej informacji, wyborcy Chicago mogą odwiedzić stronę internetową chicagoelections.gov lub zadzwonić na numer 312.269.7900 (tty 312.269.0027 dla osób niedosłyszących), po polsku 312-269-5702. Przykładowe karty do głosowania są dostępne na stronie internetowej.

Pączki Day 2020

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Pączki Day 2019 - Thank You!

Community Input Survey

Chairman's Brunch

Tax Appeal Workshop

Copa de Polonia - Beach Soccer Tournament

A beer fest benefit in support of the PAA

Spring Social

PAA Quarterly Staff Newsletter - April, 2018

A note from the Executive Director

Thank you for your help and participation in the series of fundraising events we held recently. Kudos to a citizenship teacher who brought her entire class on ice for the Skating Day. Hats off to our South Side staff for making an everlasting impression on our guests during Governor Rauner's visit on Fat Thursday. I am also very appreciative of your generous contributions toward ONA, which helped us to meet the challenge. You have been fantastic!

Time flies and we are starting the last quarter of this fiscal year. This is traditionally a very busy time of the year. The funding requests are being submitted for FY'19. Some programs are getting ready to wrap up their activities by June. The accounting is preparing for a year close out. We are also starting to develop our FY'19 agency budget.
There are three more events planned for the remainder of this fiscal year. We will be marching in the Polish Constitution Day Parade on Saturday, May 5. Please consider joining us and bringing your family and friends.
On May 8, we will hold our third On the table conversation. This year we will be looking for your ideas on how PAA can become better at conveying the passion you have for your programs and clients so others would want to support us.
Last but not least we are planning a family event at the South Side office/parking lot in early June.

We were fortunate that the fire which started in the homeless shelter was contained and nobody got hurt. The damages are still being assessed by the insurance company. Once the claim is finalized and approved for payment, we will immediately start the repairs.
Let the fire serve as a reminder of how important it is that we all follow the safety rules. Remember that smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere on the PAA's premises. The same applies to open flame devices (e.g. candles), which are not allowed for use within PAA. They constitute a hazard to employees due to the possibility of burns by direct exposure to flame, as well as from igniting fires or explosions. If you are ever concerned about the air quality or the temperature in your office, please see Sonji so the necessary accommodations can be made to alleviate the issue without jeopardizing the safety of the staff and clients.

An optimist is the human personification of spring. (Susan J. Bissonette)

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto Lat to all who are having their birthday:

March Birthdays: Mina Gerall, Ewa Hiszczynski, Wojciech Kozlowski, Malgorzata Kurdziel, Agnieszka Meciwoda-Schmidt, Halina Olejnik, Sylwia Pawlina, Halina Z. Plata, Agnieszka Samul Sochacka,
April Birthdays: Iwona Brzezinska, Dorota Felinski, Beata Hryn, Miroslaw Kubas, Magdalena Zakrzewska
May Birthdays: Michal Chybowski, Tomasz Kuznar, Olhard Lewicki, Katarzyna Olender-Misiarz, Katarzyna Rachwal

March Anniversaries: Magdalena Dolas, Larry Goldenberg, Katherine A. Koptilin, Miroslaw Kubas, Tomasz Kuznar, Indravadan Shah, Boguslawa Wazydrag
April Anniversaries: Henryka Blusiewicz, Wladyslawa Mutaffchiev, Dorota Redlich-Lewandowska, Agatha Stochmalski, Ewa Susman
May Anniversaries: Sonji Jones, Ewelina Kaczmarczyk

Program News

The Teen Starting Point Program is inviting youths between 13 to 18 years old for a psychological adventure: The Communication and Conflict Resolution workshop from 04/07/18 to 14/21/18. This highly interactive training is divided into three, ninety minute meetings. Participants will learn the basic elements of successful communication and effective techniques for managing conflicts. The workshop is intended to promote the youth’s self-affectivity in their family life, school interactions, and in the workplace.
A Certificate from this workshop can also be helpful in applications for selective enrolment schools, colleges, jobs and scholarships. To register please contact Malgorzata Olczak at 773 427 6345 or email Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript.

Anyone interested in CNA classes, for more information please contact Barbara Gawronska ext. 403 or Jagoda Branicka ext. 401.

Registration for ESL and ABE classes is ongoing. Please contact Mira Krolikowska ext. 409, Kasia Koptilin ext. 405, Beata Hryn ext. 404 or our Southside location (773) 767-7773 ext. 202 for more information.

The citizenship class registration is also ongoing. For more information or to enroll please contact Janina Malewicz at ext. 400.

Job seekers who are Cook County residents are welcome to visit the employment services at the Polish American Association and enroll in job placement assistance programs. For more information about PAA’s employment services please call Ewelina at ext. 412.
Individuals interested in enrolling in WIOA job placement assistance program should attend the program orientation. Orientations are held every Tuesday: at 11am in Polish and 1pm in English.; and the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 6pm in Polish and 7pm in English. For more information please call Barbara at ext. 413 or Magda at ext. 423.

Resource Room is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9am to 5pm. The Resource Room is open to all interested on a walk-in basis and it is free of charge. For more information please call Barbara at ext. 422.

We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the Polish Yacht Club Chicago for donating the proceeds from the “Rejs Spełnionych Marzeń” to benefit the Polish American Association’s Teen Starting Point program participants.
Thanks to your generous donation, the Teen Starting Point program will have the capacity to provide its participants with much needed opportunities which would not have been previously available without the support from organizations like Polish Yacht Club of Chicago. Our teens will have access to more therapeutic programs, personal and career development programs, and any additional support services that will help the Polish youth of Chicago succeed.
Through participation in “Rejs Spełnionych Marzeń” and picnic, the Teen Starting Point Program staff had a pleasure to meet many of the Club members who shared their passion for sailing. We cannot thank the Polish Yacht Club Chicago enough for this unforgettable event and its wonderful impact on lives of our youths.
We are truly grateful for this gift which will be dedicated to uplifting and fueling the teens of our community. We look forward to many more collaborations that produce such wonderful results in the near future.

Finance Department News

Hide and Seek. Hopefully, we turned a corner and do not have to look for Spring anymore. We need good weather for the upcoming parade.
The FY17 agency audit has been released and now the finance department begins budget season. We will be working with department staff to complete fiscal year end grants and budget for the next fiscal year beginning July 1st. If you have any suggestions for changes in finance department policies and procedures that would benefit your department, please forward your suggestions to the Finance Director, Larry.
Our new staff is now in place. In addition to IC (accounts payable, payroll, cash/check receipts and other general accounting responsibilities), Ada is our new Grants Accountant and will coordinate her work with Nicole who will remain with us during the transition. If you have not already met them, please come to the Finance department and introduce yourself.

Development News

Ice Skating Day

Our 2nd Annual Ice Skating Day, organized with the help of the Polish Teachers in America Association was a friend-raising event. As our traditional, long-term supporters age out, it is critical that we build a new generation of supporters and friends. By that measure, the day was a success. Families with small children that we’d never met before, came and had their pictures taken with Elsa and Olaf, were entertained by figure skaters and hockey players, and had a lot of fun. Many parents asked us what other family activities we were planning in the future. Now that we know there is some demand, we will continue to try to engage more Polish American families. We look to the staff to help spread the word, and join us with your own families as we build a viable organization for the next generation.

Paczki Day

Once again, Governor Rauner paid the PAA a Paczki Day visit. This year we hosted his visit at our South side office. Malgorzata, Iwona, and Malgosia did a magnificent job making the already beautiful space, sparkle and shine. Board members Adam Kamieniak, Gerry Lichterman, Greg Kojak and Stanley Jozefiak and representatives of the Polish American community also attended. The response to our latest effort to make Paczki Day less onerous to staff, was pretty underwhelming. Some awesome classes donated money because they knew it was a fundraiser, but most students chose not to pre-order online to pick up paczki at Oak Mill Bakeries in their neighborhoods. We will try again to come up with a plan that pleases more people. ALL YOUR IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOME!!!!

The Link- Newsletter

We are currently working on the May-July LINK newsletter. Information or story ideas are welcome. We are always pleased to share your stories with our Board, members and friends. Contact Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript. to get your information into the LINK.

International Women’s Day ONA

On Tuesday, March 8, we celebrated International Women’s Day by convening our second ONA conversation with immigrant women from across Chicago. Held once again at the amazing Catalyst Ranch, more than 25 women shared stories about important women in their lives. We were also given a dedicated platform for all women to share stories, concerns, interests and news, called ONA Thumbprints. The online programs was introduced at the event and is now up and running. You and your friends and family members are invited to join this diverse and interesting group of women online at thumbprints.getset.com

The Advancement Team is truly grateful to those staffers who donated to the challenge grant set by Michael Traison. Staff exceeded the challenge, so Michael threw in a bit more! Thank you for your support of immigrants and their first generation daughters. Next year, we hope you will consider joining us!

President of Poland to Visit Chicago

The President of Poland and his wife will arrive in Chicago on May 19. We will post information about his trip and the opportunities to see and hear him, as they become available.

South Side Events

In keeping with this fiscal year’s theme of small scale, friend raising events…
We are planning to have another event at our south side location, this one catering more towards children and families.

Reminders & Other

The LIHEAP program (utility assistance)is still available. If you know anyone in need of assistance please tell them to call our office to set up an appointment. Clients are accepted on Wednesdays by appointment only.

PAA Quarterly Staff Newsletter - August, 2018

A note from the Executive Director

The new fiscal year starts off with the exiting news. We are soon to enjoy the functionality of a modern and sophisticated cloud based phone system. Yes, we are having our phone system replaced over the summer! Even better, we were awarded a grant by the Service Club of Chicago which covers the upfront cost of the new system’s installation and activation.

Recently you may have noticed some construction going on in our buildings (as well as on Cicero Avenue…). They were mostly the repairs related to the fire which occurred in the homeless shelter back in February. We have few more things planned for summer, among those the carpet/tiles replacement in the main office. We will keep on addressing the critical building issues throughout the year budget permitting. The goal is to create the welcoming environment for the staff and the clients we serve.

There is number of events happening over the summer. The Junior Board has his Beach Bash/Soccer Tournament scheduled for July 29. On August 29 we will held our first ever Piwo Fest. Then in September we are invited again to work the Money Wheel at the Taste of Polonia to earn a donation for PAA. We are tentatively scheduled to be there Friday and Saturday and we will be looking for volunteers to help out. And finally this year’s Chairman’s Brunch is planned for October 28. This promises to be a spectacular event. Again, we will be asking for your participation, access to your networks and that you spread the word so we make those events the most successful.

During our On the table conversation with a group of staff a suggestion was made that we increase our visibility in the community by participating in the picnics and fests. We have made few appearances already and may be asking for volunteers to staff the upcoming events in the summer. If you plan on going anyway, we hope you consider being a PAA advocate at the same time. Sometimes the fees are a bit prohibitive, so any influence you can entertain to waive them for PAA would always be welcome!

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. (Maya Angelou)

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto Lat to all who are having their birthday:

June Birthdays: Arletta Gromek, Janina Kapinos, Ona Kastauniene, Kamila Smyk-Jaworski, Magdalena Szusta, Anna Tomaszewski, Janina Ziecina,
July Birthdays: Malgorzata Chandler, Claudia Grybowski, Grazyna Hatala, Pawel M. Kolodziej,Barbara Sobecka, Krystyna Starunczak
August Birthdays: Krystyna Gierczyk, Helena Kurek, Justyna Milan, Maria Piotrowska-Flis, Indravadan Shah, Agatha Stochmaski

June, July, August Anniversaries: Jadwiga Branicka, Barbra Gawronska, Stephanie Gielniewski-Zawadzki, Ewa Hiszczynski, Renata Jasniuk, Janina Kapinos, Malgorzata Kurdziel, Katarzyna Olender-Misiarz, Marta Pereya, Agnieszka Samul Sochacka, Magdalena Walls, Magdalena Zakrzewska

Program News

Anyone interested in CNA classes, for more information please contact Barbara Gawronska ext. 403 or Jagoda Branicka ext. 401.

Registration for ESL and ABE classes is ongoing. Please contact Mira Krolikowska ext. 409, Kasia Koptilin ext. 405, Beata Hryn ext. 404 or our Southside location (773) 767-7773 Malgorzata Bodyziak ext. 202 for more information.

The citizenship class registration starts August 1. For more information or to enroll please contact Janina Malewicz at ext. 400.

Teen Starting Point Program is excited to announce - for the first time at our south side location - a workshop for adolescents between 13 to 18 years of age:
FORWARD/DO PRZODU.
Teens participating in this workshop will be provided with better understanding of anxiety and practical strategies that might help reduce social anxiety and/or test anxiety. Our target point is ……ultimate personal and academic success of every young person! This free of charge event will take place on July 24 ,31 and August 1 2018 from 6 to 7:30pm. Registration is a required since the number of openings is limited to approximately ten participants. To register contact Malgorzata Olczak at 773 427 6345 or Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript. . Please visit our website www.polish.org for detailed description of this empowering event.

Individuals interested in enrolling in WIOA job placement assistance program should attend the program orientation. Orientations are held every Tuesday at 11am in Polish and 1pm in English; and on the second and fourth Monday of the month at 6pm in Polish and 7pm in English. For more information please call Magda at 773 481-5423 or Barbara at 773 481-5413.

Registration for paid computer classes will start in July/August. We will offer the following classes: • Introduction to QuickBooks 8/25/18-10/6/18, Saturday 12-4pm at 3815 N. Cicero Ave • Basic Computer Literacy 9/29/18-12/22/18 Saturday 5pm- 8:15pm at 3815 N. Cicero Ave • Basic Computer Literacy 9/29/18-12/22/18 Saturday 6:15pm- 9:30pm at 6276 W. Archer Ave For more information please call Bianka at 773 481-5418.

In July and August the Resource Room will be open only on Thursdays from 9am to 5pm. The regular schedule (Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 9am-5pm) will resume in September. The Resource Room is open to walk-ins and is free of charge. For more information please call Bianka at 773 481-5418.

Finance Department News

Summer has arrived at last! Hopefully, everyone is enjoying the great weather (despite the occasional hot spell) and numerous outdoor activities. The FY19 budget was passed by the Board of Directors so we will be meeting with each department to discuss their individual budgets for the upcoming fiscal year. We will also take a look back at FY18 department numbers as we close FY18 accounting records and prepare for the fiscal year end audit. We will be introducing some procedural changes in regard to timekeeping and payroll processing to improve accuracy and reduce the administrative burden on hourly employees and finance staff. The details will be released in an upcoming memo. We also welcome your questions and suggestions as they relate to finance. Please contact Larry directly.

Reminders & Other

The winter CEDA(LiHEAP) Program will start in October for Senior Citizens and the disabled, please tell clients to contact reception in the beginning of September for more information!

Social Security Benefits - Seminaria

Terapia dla małżeństw i par

Program terapiii dla małżeństw i par przy Zrzeszeniu Amerukańsko-Polskim oferuje wsparcie dla partnerów doświadczajacych problemów we wzajemnych relacjach. Doswiadczeni terapeuci pomagaja w przeprowadzeniu otwartej komunikacji, rozpoznaniu i rozwiazywanu konfliktów, odbudowie wzajemnych relacji lub podjęciu decyzji o pójściu odrębnymi drogami. Oferowana terapia pomaga skupić sie na następujących problemach:

niewierność małżeńska
problemy w relacjach małżeńskich
problemy porozwodowe
problemy przedmałżeńskie

Oplaty za sesje ustalane san a podstawie wysokości zarobkow(dochodow) i liczby osob na utrzymaniu. Kontakt: (773) 282-8206 ext. 313, ext. 354 or ext. 347.

Citizenship Workshop - March 24, 2018

Interpersonal - Conflict Resolution Workshop

ONA - 2018

Pączki Day - 2018 (3) PL

Monthly Staff Newsletter - December 2017, January and February of 2018

A note from the Executive Director

The end of the year at PAA means campaigning for private donations. As usual, we were asking our past donors, clients and students for end-of-the-year gifts. The response this year took our breath away and we were especially overwhelmed with the generosity of our students who contributed 25% of the total collected. I want to express my gratitude to our amazing teachers who made the case for the PAA. They have proven again to be an integral part of our Advancement efforts!

Now when the Christmas season is over, we are busy planning and executing our upcoming events and we have a lot lined up.

We are starting off with the second Family Skating Party. This year we partnered for this event with the Polish Teachers Association in America, which oversees more than 50 Polish schools with a total enrollment of about 16,000 students and close to 1,000 teachers. Kudos to Basia Gawronska for making the connection for us and helping to shape this event.

In February we will celebrate Paczki Days and again will host Governor Rauner at the PAA. This year he will pay a visit at the South Side office on Fat Thursday (February 8) from 11 am to 12 noon. Needless to say, our South Side office will get busy this year as we are also planning to have a big Rummage Sale/Food Truck/Party fundraiser at their parking lot later in the year.

Our state funding for FY’18 continues into calendar year 2018, and although the City grants renewed, we cannot stop asking for foundation and private support, as it is a necessary match for all our government grants. On average the expectation is that we will supply up to 20% of the funding needed to operate the programs, while they provide 80%. It is a lot of money to raise with more than $3,000,000 in government grants projected in our agency budget.

Please consider yourself to be a part of that effort whenever you can, by collecting and passing on good program data and inspiring clients’ stories, connecting us with your networks and spreading the word about our events. If your program charges fees, please make sure that we do not miss on any opportunity to provide a paid service. I can assure you that the money you collect will come back to your program. It is like good karma.

When you see a good person, think of becoming like her/him. When you see someone not so good, reflect on your weak points. (Confucius)

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto Lat to all who are having their birthday:

December Birthdays: Jonie Desuyo, Stephanie Gielniewski-Zawadzki, Larry Goldenberg, Natalia Niziolek, Julia E. Nowicka, John Nowicki, Paulina Szwarc, Maria J. Zebrowski, Jacek W. Zurowski

January Birthdays: Malgorzata M. Bodyziak, Zofia Chowaniec, Elzbieta Chrzanowska, Andrzej F. Felker, Suzanne Gonzales, Maria S. Jaworska, Ewelina Karczmarczyk, Ewa Niedzwiecki, Teresa A. Palac, Bozena Sajdak, Maria Trzmielewska, Elzbieta Wierzchon,

February Birthdays: Aneta Dabrowski, Sonji Jones, Bianka A. Kaminska, Bozena Kwasna, Jadwiga Tomaszewski, Trybula, Dorota, Malgorzata Walkowska

Decemeber Anniversaries: Beata Hryn, Maja Lamik, Malgorzata Olczak,

January Anniversaries: Elzbieta Chrzanowska, Michal Chybowski, Slawomir Czajkowski, Angelika Danek, Cecylia Dudzinski, Maria S. Jaworska, Pawel M. Kolodziej, Wojciech Kozlowski, Justyna Milan, Natalia Niziolek, Maria Z. Owca, Tomasz F. Pik, Kamila Smyk-Jaworski, Barbara Sobecka, Franciszka Staszewski, Elzbieta Szopinska, Elzbieta Wierzchon

February Anniversaries: Barbara Bargiel, Dorota T.Chmieleski, Aneta Dabrowski, Anita Eilmes, Suzanne Gonzales, Gertruda Labedz-Monaco, Maria Piotrowska-Flis, Katarzyna Rachwal, Rodolfo F. Ranola, Marta M. Stanczyk-Przybylska, Zofia Tartas, Jack W. Zurowski

Program News

The citizenship class registration is also ongoing. For more information or to enroll please contact Janina Malewicz at ext. 400.

Studies show that 3-4 million children are at risk of exposure to domestic violence each year. U.S statistics illustrate that 95% of domestic violence cases involve women victims of male partners. The children of these women often witness the domestic violence at home. Since 2000 the Polish American Association has held a support group for women who have been victims of domestic violence. As of 2018 we are proud to announce that we are also providing a support group for children of the mothers participating in these weekly counseling groups. Every child is welcome, free of charge to this play, social skill building, and support group. For more information please contact Katarzyna Olender, ext. 331 or Dorota Felinski ext. 333.

Job seekers who are Cook County residents are welcome to visit the employment services at the Polish American Association and enroll in job placement assistance programs. For more information about PAA’s employment services please call Ewelina at ext. 412.
Individuals interested in enrolling in WIOA job placement assistance program should attend the program orientation. Orientations are held every Tuesday: 11am – 12noon in Polish and 1pm – 2pm in English. Effective February 2018 orientations will also be held on the second and forth Monday of the month at 6pm in Polish and 7pm in English. For more information please call Barbara at ext. 413 or Magda at ext. 423.

The new cycle of the CDBG employment program for job seekers who are Chicago residents begins on January 1. In order to register a person needs to bring the following documents: proof of a Chicago address, social security card, alien resident card, birth certificate or US passport and a proof of income. Men born after December 31, 1959 need to bring a proof of Selective Service registration. For more information please call: Agata at ext. 419 or Cecylia at ext. 421.

Registration for paid computer classes is open. Basic computer literacy class will be offered on Saturday 5pm-8:15pm from February 17 to May 19, 2018 and Introduction to QuickBooks class on Saturdays 12pm- 4pm from February 10 to March 17, 2018. Class schedule is available at polish.org. For information or to register please call Bianka at ext. 418.

Finance Department News

Now that 2017 is over, we will distribute 2017 Wage and Salary Information (Form W-2) during the week of 1-22-2018. Please review it carefully and contact Larry Goldenberg if you have any questions. Please also contact Larry if you have not received it by 1-29-2018 since you have to receive it by 01-31-2018.

During the upcoming weeks, we will be meeting with department directors to review program expenditures (compared to budget) for the first six months of this fiscal year and discuss projected revenue and expenditures for the remainder of the FY18 fiscal year. Before you know it, the deep freeze will be over and spring, baseball and FY19 budgeting season will be here. If you have any finance related questions, please contact Larry directly. He is supported by Nicole (Grants Accounting) and IC (Accounts Payable and other general accounting responsibilities).

IT Department News

A Word of Caution
There have been reports of new types of attacks, in the family of “social engineering attacks” which relay on convincing you to either provide your password or to open an Office document (such as Word document). If you follow these two rules you should be relatively safe:

Never provide your username and/or password on a website that you open from an e-mail link.
Do not click on “Enable Content” in a document that you received in an e-mail

worden

Development News

The Advancement Team was super busy during the Holiday Season, but it was well worth it. The Annual Appeal was very success. We raised $30,000 (200% over our goal!) and The Student Appeal broke all records!!! Students donated more than $7,000; an agency record! We especially want to thank the teachers who got the message out and stayed on point throughout the Giving Season. Without their leadership, we doubt so many students would have realized how very important each and every gift is to the PAA. Kudos and Gratitude to the students and teachers whose contributions will touch the lives of our community members. We recognize that our teachers are our outreach... they are the face of the PAA to our students, and without their hard work and commitment to our students success, we would not have been able to raise so much money.

In this community, February means Paczki! This year we are trying a new approach to selling Paczki to reduce the amount of staff time spent on this annual fundraiser. We are asking bakeries to partner with us by donating a small percentage of their Paczki Sales to the PAA. We will let you and your students and clients know which bakeries are going to be our fundraising partners. We will provide their names, locations, etc. so everyone can patronize bakeries that care about our community.

The Link- Newsletter

Reminders & Other

This is a reminder that our parking lot is for Employees Only. Clients and students are NOT permitted to park there between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Please do not tell clients that they can park there for a short time; they cannot. Instead, let them know that parking is always available right in front of the office on Cicero and free parking around the corner on Berenice of any of the side streets. Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring that all employees have access to parking spaces in the lot.

Below is a list of days off our office will be observing in 2018:

Pulaski Day - Monday, March 5th
Good Friday - March, 30th
Memorial Day - Monday, May 28th
Independence Day - Wednesday, July 4th
Labor Day - Monday, September 3rd
Thanksgiving - Thursday, November 22nd
Friday after Thanksgiving - November 23rd
Christmas Eve - Monday, December 24th
Christmas - Tuesday, December 25th
New Year’s Day - Tuesday, January 1st 2019

Ice Skating Day - January 21, 2018

January 21, 2018 @ Skokie Park District, 2:30 PM

BUY TICKETS

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PAA Staff Newsletter - September, October, November of 2017

A note from the Executive Director

It has been four months into a new fiscal year and so far we have been counting our blessings.

In July, the PAA received a new Toyota Sienna, which was generously donated by our Board member, Michelle Kurzydlowski and her husband Dr. Henry Kurzydlowski. It replaced the worn out 13 year old utility van. A new van has been on our wish list for a few years, so it felt like a dream come true.

In August we were awarded a grant from Advocate Health Care. The initiative is funded by JPMorgan Chase. This money will help us to enhance our current Office Skills Vocational Training and will give our graduates an opportunity to be placed in a job within the Advocate Health Care system.

In September, the Legion of Young Polish Women made a generous, unsolicited donation to the PAA, and the Copernicus Foundations invited us again to work the Money Wheel during Taste of Polonia. The Junior Board and our staff volunteered for two days and earned a hefty donation for PAA.
In October, the PAA Board approved lifting the furlough, so we all are back to our regular schedule allowing us to serve our clients “full time”.

Now we are getting ready for the 2017 Annual Appeal and we are asking for your assistance in reaching out to all our students and clients. We also need good client stories. Those anecdotes help us to show our donors how much impact PAA has on peoples’ lives.

The additional data we have been asking you all to collect from the clients’ database has the same purpose. In order to be considered for financing we need to demonstrate to our funders how we have been changing people’s lives with what we offer to them. A prime example of that is the recently published novel "Matki" (Mothers) by Ewa Krason. The book describes the heroic efforts undertaken by the immigrant mothers to save the lives of their addicted children. The author of the book is a beneficiary of our program and credits it for saving her son’s life. One cannot think of a better testimonial to what PAA is all about.

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others. (Cicero)

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto Lat to all who are having their birthday:

September Birthdays - Henryka Blusiewicz, Cecylia Dudzinski, Magdalena Krzeminska , Gertruda Labedz-Monaco, Malgorzata Oman, Marta Pereyra, Danuta E. Slodyczka-Florek, Barbara Stadnicki, Boguslawa Wazydrag,

October Birthdays - Jadwiga Branicka, Michelle Czabala, Anita Eilmes, Tadeusz Gaszcz, Daria Gicela, Renata Jasniuk, Miroslawa Krolikowska, Zofia Matachowska, Malgorzata Olczak, Dorota Redlich-Lewandowska, Teresa Smrokowska, Daniela A. Zimnicka,

November Birthdays - Barbara Bargiel, Katarzyna Blando, Magdalena Dolas, Andrzej M Gasienica, Barbara Gawronska, Katherine Koptilin, Janina Malewicz, Anna Mikuszewska,Stanislawa Proksa, Ewa Susman, Grazyna Zajaczkowska

September Anniversaries - Katarzyna Blando, Olga Brytska, Malgorzata Chandler, Andrzej M. Gasienica, Anna Gasienica-Byrcyn, Tadeusz Gaszcz, Mina Gerall, Krystyna Gierczyk, Arletta Gromek, Anna Iwanicka, Maria Kowal, Helena Kurek, Bozena Kwasna, John Nowicki, Halina Olejnik, Halina Z. Plata, Grazyna Zajaczkowska

October Anniversary - Agnieszka Dabrowiecka, Jonie Desuyo, Anna Jastrzebska, Bianka Kaminska, Miroslawa Krolikowska, Blazej Kruppik, Magdalena Krzeminska, Janina Malewicz, Agnieszka Schmidt, Ewa Niedzwiecki, Malgorzata Oman, Jerzy Rewers, Barbara Stadnicki, Bożena Swiatek, Magdalena Szusta, Dorota Trybula, Bozena Uryga, Daniela Zimnicka

November Anniversary - Malgorzata Bodyziak, Iwona Brzezinska, Dorota Felinski, Julia E. Nowicka, Malgorzata Popek, Ewa Sikora-Cholewa, Paulina Szwarc

Program News

Social Services - Teen Starting Point Program along with Malgorzata Olczak would like to thank Kamila Baczek of the PAA’s Junior Board for writing a grant which allowed us to receive ten tickets to Navy Pier’s Ferris Wheel attraction for the 2017/18 year. Our clients of the Teen Starting Point Program thoroughly enjoyed this exciting attraction last year and we are happy to share this with others again this year.
Many in our organization may not know this, but we have two extraordinary Santa Clause helpers in our organization. These two individuals helped us bring Christmas in August to teens in our Teen Starting Point Program who were selected for scholarships from PYCC “Rejs Spelnionych Marzen.” These helpers are Larry Goldenberg and Bob Gols who dedicated their lunch break to help complete the administrative tasks that had to be completed for these scholarships . As a result of the generous contribution from Polish Yacht Club along with Larry and Bob, four teens received vouchers for Sylvan tutoring courses and one DACA graduate was helped with payments for her college expenses.

Teen Starting Point Program is excited to announce a new workshop for adolescents between 13 to 18 years of age called – FORWARD/NAPRZOD. Teens participating in this workshop will be provided with better understanding of anxiety and practical strategies that might help reduce social anxiety and/or test anxiety. Our target point is: ultimate personal and academic success of every young person! This free of charge event will take place on Saturdays: 4,11 and 18 of November from 4 to 5:30pm. Registration is required because the number of openings is limited to approximately ten participants. To register, contact Malgorzata Olczak at 773 427 6345 or Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript.

Finance Department News

Your finance department is breathing a sigh of relief now that Illinois has a state budget and most of our past due payments have been collected. In addition to daily activities of program billings, invoice/expense payments and payroll processing, we are also immersed in our fiscal year-end audit and program budgeting for calendar year 2018. Due to the upcoming holiday season, please remember to send us timesheets by the following dates:
November 10, November 27, December 11 and December 27. Also, travel vouchers are due by the 10th of each month. Finally, reminders will be sent to those of us who have to complete time and activity reports.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Larry Goldenberg (financial reports, budgeting and billing) or Robert Gols (bill payments, expense vouchers, payroll and time/activity reports).

We wish everyone a happy holiday season!

Employment and Education News

Individuals interested in enrolling in WIOA job placement assistance program should attend the program orientation. Orientations are held every Tuesday: 11am – 12pm in Polish and 1pm – 2pm in English. For more information please call Magda at ext. 423 or Barbara at ext. 413.

Resource Room is now open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9am to 5pm. The Resource Room is open to all interested on a walk-in basis and it is free of charge. For more information please call Barbara at ext. 422.

Development News

The PAA was awarded a grant from Advocate Healthcare to incorporate industry-relevant skills into our office skills training program. The Advocate Healthcare Workforce Initiative creates a partnership between the healthcare giant and the PAA to prepare our clients for jobs at their hospitals. IL Masonic in particular, serves a large Polish-speaking population and they are looking for candidates who are bilingual in Polish to better communicate with those clients. Healthcare is the fastest growing employment section with excellent job security and many opportunities for career advancement at every level. This new opportunity presents an outstanding opportunity to train for jobs that are awaiting bilingual candidates. Please let everyone you know, recently graduated from school and not ready for college, college graduate wanting a new direction, or older clients ready to get back to work via a program that guarantees first interviews and priority ranking for job placement within the enormous Advocate Healthcare system.

The Advancement Department is gearing up for its annual Holiday Appeal. Donors respond more generously when they can identify with a client or their situation. We are asking every program in every department to please contact Mina at Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript. to share the stories of your clients whose circumstances will touch the hearts of potential donors.
We continue asking for stories of struggle and success from the departments. We are trying to create a library of client stories so that they are available when we need them for a funding or donor requests. Please keep this request in mind throughout the year because the need is constant.

The 2nd Annual Skate Party will take place in January this year. We hope that staff will bring their families to this event. We will partner with the Polish Teachers Association in America to create a family-friendly winter party for all. It’s a great opportunity to bring us all together, and staff can really make a difference by using your social media platforms to spread the word to family and friends.
In general by linking and connecting to the PAA pages, by “liking, commenting, and Sharing PAA posts” (FB, LinkedIn) more attention is drawn to our organization, especially for your programs and classes, as well as spreading the word among your family and friends. Networking is a great way to build a community for the PAA and encourage your participation in a truly family-fun event.

Reminders & Other

Please mark your calendars for the upcoming staff events:

Friday, November 10, noon to 3 pm-a staff meeting in the Community Room (lunch will be provided)
Friday, December 8, noon to 3 pm-Christmas Luncheon/Party-the location is yet to be determined

More details will follow!

Citizenship Workshop - November 11, 2017

Forward! - Workshop for Teens

Basic Computer Literacy Class - start September 23

PAA Monthly Newsletter - June, July, August of 2017

A note from the Executive Director

July 1 marked the first year anniversary of my position as the Executive Director of PAA. As I reflect on it today, I want to say “what a journey it was!” One could not get bored with the leadership transition, state budget stalemate, unpredictable cash flow and state contract obliging us to do work for which were not sure to get paid.

But most importantly, we continued with PAA’s mission for another year, and were able to preserve all the programs in which we served close to approximately 8,000 clients. I am sure we changed their lives for better and that is all that counts in the end.

I want to take time to thank you, the irreplaceable PAA staff, for doing your job and for being persistent in providing the best service to our clients. I admire you for not allowing the furloughed schedule, the state politics and all the commotion beyond our control to discourage you. Your attitude has been exemplary!

The beginning of the new fiscal year has finally brought us some good news. The state budget has been approved after a two year stalemate. It means for us that we will get paid for all the work we did in FY’17 and that the long overdue payments should reach us by the end of September. Furthermore we got a confirmation of FY’18 funding for all our state grants. But we cannot take any of that for granted but have to work even harder on securing alternative funding sources this year to position the agency better for the future. The recent Board approved agency budget for FY’18 asks for an increase in both private funding and program fees. Those are the untapped areas which we need to continue exploring to compliment and diversify our funding portfolio. Furthermore, our Board has formed a Strategic Committee which is charged with development of a strategic plan for PAA to guide us in achieving a long term fiscal health and sustainability. Once that work starts, we will all be involved in shaping our future.

Enjoy the summer.

I don’t look to jump over seven-foot bars; I look around for one-foot bars I can step over. (W. Buffet)

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto Lat to all who are having their birthday:

June Anniversaries: Zofia Chowaniec, Ewa Hiszczynski, Janina Kurzawa, Bozena Sajdak, Teresa Smrokowska, Magdalena Zakrzewska, Maria J. Zebrowski

July Anniversaries: Halina Chmielowic, Renata Jasniuk, Adam Kusz, Katarzyna A. Lebiedz, Anna Mikuszewska, Katarzyna Olender-Misiarz, Danuta E. Slodyczka-Florek, Maria Trzmielewska

August Anniversaries: Miroslawa Behounek, Ewa M. Bogacz, Jadwiga Branicka, Andrzej F.Felker, Boguslawa Gadula, Barbara Gawronska, Robert D. Gols, Dana Grymova, Janina Kapinos, Malgorzata Kurdziel, Zofia Matachowska, Teresa A. Palac, Marta Pereyra

June Birthdays: Gwendolyn Gipson, Arletta Gromek, Anna Jastrzebska, Janina Kapinos, Ona Kastauniene, Maria Palusinska, Kamila Smyk-Jaworski, Magdalena Szusta, Janina Ziecina

July Birthdays: Miroslawa Behounek, Ewa M. Bogacz, Malgorzata Chandler, Boguslawa Gadula, Grazyna Hatala, Pawel M. Kolodziej, Rodolfo F. Ranola, Barbara Sobecka

August Birthdays: Krystyna Gierczyk, Helena Kurek, Janina Kurzawa, Justyna Milan, Maria Piotrowska-Flis, Agata Stochmalski

Program News

Education and Employment News

Effective July 1 until further notice the Resource Room will only be open on Thursdays from 9am to 5pm, it will be closed on Fridays. The Resource Room is open to all interested on a walk-in basis and it is free of charge.

Registration for a paid Intermediate QuickBooks class is open. The class will start 8/26/17 and will meet on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm for 6 weeks. Registration for paid Basic Computer Literacy classes will start on 8/1/17 and classes will be offered in September at Cicero and Archer locations. Class schedule will be available on polish.org.

Lastly, Registration for ESL and ABE classes will be starting in August. Please contact Mira Krolikowska ext. 409, Kasia Koptilin ext. 405, or our Southside location (773),767-7773 for more information.
Registration for citizenship classes will also start in August. For more information or to enroll please contact Janina at ext. 400.

Social Services

The Polish Yacht Club Chicago and Teen Starting Point Program are excited to invite all Chicagoans to a beautiful seaside day along the Chicago Lakefront. This event will take place on Saturday August 26, 2017 at Montrose Harbor. This day will have unique opportunities to experience a seaside adventure with true to the heart sailors with their yachts and sailboats. This one of a kind event is called “Rejs Spelnionych Marzen”. For two years in a row, a portion of the proceeds of Rejs Spelnionych Marzen” was graciously donated to PAA’s Teen Starting Point Program. Thanks to these donations, two teens from the Teen Starting Point program were able to visit Poland and participate in a leadership conference in Poland. Last year’s donation will help sponsor and cover a DACA student from the Teen Starting Point Program for her college expenses. This same donation will also sponsor mindfulness and yoga classes for another teen who is in the process of recovering from a serious mental condition and for whom these classes will be a vital part of her treatment. The Polish Yacht Club Chicago was a large supporter of PAA’s Teen Starting Point program for these past two years. Our presence at this event would show our support to this great fundraising event while simultaneously granting us a fun and exciting day filled with sailing, delicious barbecue, and singing sea shanties along the Chicago lakefront. You can reserve your tickets and find more information by calling Jadzia 773 983 6747, Aga 773 727 2436 or by visiting www.pycchicago.org

Development News

The Gala has come and gone….all the months of preparation and hard work paid off when our supporters had a fabulous time, as did the staff members who chose to attend. It was a beautiful event, made more special by remarks from one-time client, now volunteer Mirek Kubas who spoke to the gathering about his journey from addiction and homelessness to sobriety and working toward his accreditation as a substance abuse counselor. But the best news came after a week after we closed the books on fiscal year 2017; the legislature overturned the Governor’s veto of the proposed budget and the stalemate was finally over after more than 2 years of uncertainty and diminished programs. It is unlikely that departments will regain the levels of funding they enjoyed even 3 years ago, but at least we know that we will be to continue serving the community.

Another great piece of news is that Dr. Henry Kurzydlowski and his wife, Board member Michelle, have donated a brand new Toyota van to replace our worn out model. I’m sure having air conditioning, GPS, operable windows and new brakes will make Jack’s very happy!!!

We begin the new fiscal year with a new attitude and a plan devised to help us accomplish our goals. It may require a few years to take root, but never again will we allow our future to be dictated by the whims of governments and their ever-changing priorities.

Magda, the Board, and I will be looking to you for information and data, stories and individual knowledge, creative thinking and personal and professional contacts to ensure that we are able to bring those with compassion and commitment to our cause to sustain the mission of the PAA.

IT Department News

Just a couple of updates and FAQ answers:

You can check your e-mail from any Internet enabled device by going to office.com and clicking sign-in in the upper right corner of the page. As a user name you must enter your Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript. and use the same password as when you log in to your computer.

All files that you keep on your desktop are stored locally on the computer you are logged on to. This means that these files are NOT BACKED-UP, and if anything was to happen to your computer, you may lose them.

You are not allowed to store your personal photos, or other personal files, at any location on the server, that includes your “Documents” folder. You may store these files on your Desktop.

Due to security concerns, all computer accounts not used for period longer than 31 days will be removed unless management made prior arrangements. This includes e-mail addresses and messages for the account.

Pursuant to third-party security assessment, we will be phasing in 90 day password expiration limit. As a reminder, the new password must be at least 10 characters long with at least one small letter, one capital letter and one digit. It may not contain your name or username.

Reminders & Other

All on site credit cards will now be processed on a tablet located at the reception, if you need to process a Credit Card please come to the reception and ask Michelle for the tablet. If you have any questions while charging a card please ask Michal or Michelle for help. We have also terminated our contract with Paytrace for processing credit cards through our website. I have updated all the places on our website, that I knew about, to process the payments through PayPal. If your program accepts credit cards on our website please check if all payment buttons look like this one:

Flyers:

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{pdf}https://www.polish.org/images/newsLetter/Polish-flyer-2018-Roof-and-Porch-Repair-Program.pdf|width:100%|height:550{/pdf}.

{pdf}https://www.polish.org/images/newsLetter/MMC-Flyer--PAA_2017.pdf|width:100%|height:550{/pdf}.

{pdf}https://www.polish.org/images/newsLetter/MMC-Flyer--PAA_1---POLISH.pdf|width:100%|height:550{/pdf}.

Free Citizenship Seminar - June 17, 2017

PAA Monthly Newsletter - April/May 2017

A note from the Executive Director

Since the beginning of 2017 the new and restored funding allowed for bringing on more staff. With IFRP and New American Initiative grants back we welcomed Justyna and Tomek. Wojtek became the substance abuse counselor and Paulina joined him. Michelle replaced her at the reception. Finally, Mirek started working part time at the homeless shelter and Larry became our new Finance Director. Warm welcome to all!

We have a lot of activities planned for spring including the Polish Constitution Day Parade on May 6, On the table discussion on the immigrant women issues on May 16 and the Spring Social hosted by the Junior Board on June 15. We are also getting ready for Gala, our major event of the year, which will be held on Saturday June 24 at the JW Marriot downtown. Our honoree this year is the Northeastern Illinois University.

The Learning Center is just about to kick off a web development program for youth. We are still recruiting, so please help us spread the word. And the supportive services are preparing to launch a new senior program offering. Starting in July PAA will provide Congregate Dining Program in the Polish community for adults 60 years of age and over.

As we are approaching the end of the fiscal year, FY’18 budget season is upon us. With no news about the state budget we will continue actively pursuing alternative funding sources. We may not have control over the state government but we can surely grow our fee for service offering, boost our fundraising and enhance our membership program!

Be yourself, everyone else is already taken. (O. Wilde)

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto Lat to all who are having their birthday:

Michal Chybowski,Angelika Danek,Dorota Felinska ,Mina Gerall,Robert Gols,Ewa Hiszczynski, Wojciech Kozlowski, Malgorzata Kurdziel,Tomasz Kuznar,Katarzyna Olender,Halina Olejnik,Agnieszka Schmidt, Magdalena Zakrzewska

Program News

The Career Center of the Polish American Association will be hosting a free Information session on how to start a business. The session will take place on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 6 PM at the Copernicus Center. For more information please call Kasia Rachwal.

The Career Center offers Job Readiness Workshops every Tuesday at 12.00 PM in Polish and at 2.00 PM in English.

Registration for ESL and ABE classes is ongoing. Please contact Mira Krolikowska ext. 409, Kasia Koptilin ext. 405, or our Southside location (773)767-7773 for more information.

The citizenship classes have started, however, registration is ongoing. For more information or to enroll please contact Janina at ext. 400.

Registration for CNA courses is ongoing. Please contact Basia Gawronska ext. 403, or Jadwiga Branicka ext. 401 for more information.

LIHEAP: The Energy Assistance Program started September 1st and will be ongoing until May 2017, or until funds are exhausted. To schedule an appointment please contact Paulina at ext. 300, Halina at ext. 314, or Malgosia in the Southside office (773) 767-7773.

Individuals interested in enrolling in WIOA job placement assistance program should attend the program orientation. Orientations are held every Tuesday: 11am – 12noon in Polish and 1pm – 2pm in English. For more information please call Magda at ext. 423 or Barbara at ext. 413.

The Resource Room hours of operations are Thursdays and Fridays from 9am to 5pm. The Resource Room is open to all interested on a walk-in basis and it is free of charge.

The position of an Intake in the employment department is still open. This is an entry level position responsible for intake, gathering documentations and verifying for accuracy, compiling client files, providing information and performing general office duties. Interested candidates should email resumes to Bianka at Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript..

Introduction to Web Development for Youth 14-16 years old. Two free courses on Saturday 05/06/2017 at 12:00Pm to 2:30PM and 2:30 to 5:00Pm. Give your kids a chance to develop their skills under the direction of an experienced MArketing/ IT/ Web Development professional and sign them up for this course. Call: 773-427-6307 or 773-481-5407.

Development News

As we enter the 23rd month of the Illinois budget crisis, private sector funding for social service agencies has become more and more competitive. While we do have several grant applications in the pipeline, we are working to identify other ways to generate income for our programs. You may remember that last year we launched a “Membership” program. This year we are refocusing on that initiative and have asked you for your input. As the year proceeds, please continue to send us the names of friends, family members, staff, and vendors, who we can approach. Thank you Ela and Bianka for getting us some good leads.

Paczki Days brought has some new revenue, new paczki fiends and a visit from the Governor. It also gave us an opportunity to try to do things a bit differently in response to your concerns. Please let us know if the changes we tested this year helped make this fundraiser more or less difficult and/or effective from your perspective. Feel free to drop an anonymous note in my mailbox if you choose. We will continue to look for ways to increase revenues and decrease disruptions and complications for staff!

Planning for the June 24th Gala is underway. The Board Advancement Committee has taken the lead to insure the most spectacular Gala ever. Please let us know if you would like some Save the Date cards to send out, or let us know if there is someone special we should add to the invitation list.

Another major event under way is ONA. We are again participating in the Chicago Community Trust event On the Table, a forum for bringing people together to discuss, learn and devise solutions to any and every problem and concern in our communities. This year we are working with Catholic Charities’ Refugee Resettlement Program to bring immigrant and refugee women together to share experiences and work together for more inclusivity in the future.

Thanks to everyone who submitted the beautiful client stories for our 2016 Annual Gratitude Report. It is currently in its final stages of completion by agency leadership, and then it’s off to the presses.

We recently completed the newly restructured Combined Federal Campaign application. It was a challenging process, but we completed it and are now able to receive funds from donors across the nation. For those of us who have friends and relatives working for the Federal government, anywhere in the world, in any department, they can electronically donate to the PAA at work. Let them know we’re looking for their support.

The Polish American Association's (PAA) ONA talk, May 16th, will be a part of The Chicago Community Trust’s annual On the Table conversation forum on , designed to elevate civic conversation, foster new relationships and inspire collaborative action across the region. These conversations can inspire new ways we can work together to make our communities stronger, safer and more dynamic.

As a human service agency, with a focus on immigrants, the PAA values the diversity and unique sense of community that immigrant women show. However, these communities tend to be insular. Our vision is to connect women of diverse perspectives and backgrounds to learn from and with each other, to understand how different, and yet, similar, we are to each other.

Last month, Arletta Gromek, our Events and Membership Manager, and our Loyola Intern, Marzena Mistarz traveled to Springfield to network and lobby for the PAA. Representative Rob Martwick and his staff hosted them and introduced them around the Capitol. It was an incredible opportunity for building new alliances, contacts and friendships, and we were well represented by this very bright and energetic duo.

Reminders & Other

Travel vouchers are due Wednesday, May 10th
Timesheets are due Tuesday, May 9; Wednesday, May 24
Larry will be processing payroll for May 31, 2017 contact him with any inquiries.

PAA Monthly Newsletter - January, 2017

A note from the Executive Director

I hope your holidays were festive and that you enjoyed some time away from work.

The New Year has not brought us a state budget. The stalemate continues and it is hard to predict how and when it ends.

Despite the never ending budget crisis, PAA is in a much better situation today than in July of 2016. In the last six month we have successfully collected all our overdue FY'16 state payments. To date most of our FY'17 payments have been reaching us timely.Our cash situation has stabilized and we have managed to be debt free. In recognition of the overall improvement the Board allowed for a partial furlough lift effective in January. There is a lot to be happy about.

Let's continue on this successful path in the remaining six months of this fiscal year by focusing on what we can control: strive to be an excellent service provider to our clients; maximize every dollar awarded to us and make our story compelling to old and new supporters and funders.

As we are still receiving donations in response to our Annual Appeal, we are getting ready for another annual fundraiser, Paczki Days. We ask for your help with spreading the word around and helping us in getting as many paczki orders as possible.

Our database is fully set up to collect the additional information on our clients' achievements. Please make sure you take time to complete all the new fields retroactively to July 2016 so our FY'17 report is accurate. We need all that information to make our story resonate with the funders.

We have started the new year with some good news from ICIRR regarding the temporary restoration of two state programs which were suspended in spring of 2014, IFRP and the New American Initiative. Starting in January we will be again offering both programs to our clients.

Things that matter most, must never be at the mercy of things that matter least. (J.Goethe)

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday:

Malgorzata E. Batog, Malgorzata M. Bodyziak, Zofia Chowaniec, Elzbieta Chrzanowska, Andrzej F. Felker, Suzanne Gonzales, Maria Jaworska, Blazej Kruppik, Ewa Lisiewicz, Elzbieta Makowiecka, Ewa Niedzwiecki, Teresa A. Palac, Teresa Poznanski, Bozena Sajdak, Maria Trzmielewska, and Elzbieta Wierzchon

Program News

Registration for ESL and ABE classes is ongoing. Please contact Mira Krolikowska ext. 409, Kasia Koptilin ext. 405, or our Southside location (773)767-7773 for more information.

The citizenship classes have started, however, registration is ongoing. For more information or to enroll please contact Janina at ext. 400.

Registration for CNA courses is ongoing. Please contact Basia Gawronska ext. 403, or Jadwiga Branicka ext. 401 for more information.

The new cycle of the City funded employment program for Chicago residents begins on January 1. In order to register a person needs to bring the following documents: proof of a Chicago address, social security card, alien resident card, birth certificate or US passport and a proof of income. Men born after December 31, 1959 need to bring a proof of Selective Service registration. For more information please call: Agata at ext. 419 or Cecylia at ext. 421

Registration for a paid Intermediate QuickBooks class is open. The class will meet on Saturdays 10am-2pm from 1/14/17-2/25/17. Basic computer literacy, Intermediate MSWord and Basic Excel, Intro to QuickBooks classes will be offered in Spring 2017. For more information call Bianka at ext. 418

Resource Room hours of operation have changed. Effective January 5, 2017 the resource room will be open on Thursdays and Fridays from 9am to 5pm.

We are now collecting data for a new client report that captures program performance numbers and clients’ achievements in programs. All staff is requested to complete the new fields in the database retroactively to July 1, 2016. Please enter all data by January 31, 2017. Your cooperation is appreciated as we need a complete set of data to run the reports for the current fiscal year.

The Career Center of the Polish American Association will be hosting a free Information session on Completing a college degree. The session will take place on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at 6 PM at the Copernicus Center. For more information please call Kasia Rachwal.

The Career Center offers Job Readiness Workshops every Tuesday at 12.00 PM in Polish and at 2.00 PM in English.

Development News

The news from Springfield continues to be discouraging so it will be up to all of us to do what we can to help keep the PAA viable. That help can come in many forms. The next opportunity to help is Paczki Day on February 28. Please encourage your students, friends, relatives and neighbors to join you in buying a dozen or more paczki. It’s the most delicious way to contribute to ensuring sustained operations!

We are pleased to announce that Holiday Giving from students and clients was up this year over last
year. Client giving is a reflection of their satisfaction with our programs and services. Congratulations staff and let’s try to increase the numbers again in 2017!

In January we begin preparing our annual report. It is the premiere means of showcasing our supporters and funders influence on what we do and what impacts we make on the lives of our clients. Over the next 2 weeks, you have an opportunity to share not only your client stories, but your own stories as PAA staff. Our funders want to hear about the talented and committed members of our staff who are responsible for changing client’ lives. Please send me an email at Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript. , or call me at ext. 308, to share your or your client story. You should also share examples of the people and projects that touched you; if you were moved, so too will our supporters be moved. We want them to feel what you feel when you help turn a life around.

Reminders & Other

Timesheets are due Wednesday January 25, 2017.

PAA Monthly Newsletter - December 2016

A note from the Executive Director

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

November brought us some more private funding for the programs. Ecolab renewed our grant to expand the coding classes offering. This time it will be done under the umbrella of the Learning Center. Bank of America will again fund our Benefits Access program so we can continue assisting the clients who are in the greatest financial need. We have been busy with preparing our Annual Appeal ask. Every year, during the holiday season the letters go out to our past donors asking them for a year end gift to PAA. Additionally, this year we are reaching out to our adult education students in hopes they can contribute, too. December, as hectic as it can be, forces us to reflect on what is truly important in life. The upcoming holiday season allows for some extra time to spend with our families and friends. This is the great opportunity to recharge and find a motivation to keep up with the burdens of everyday life. I wish you and your loved ones the greatest time as you celebrate Christmas and then the beginning of the new year. I hope 2017 brings us prosperity and joy. And even if we are faced with a challenge here and there, which is almost inevitable, I hope we will have strength and perseverance to overcome it.

HR Update

Just another friendly reminder regarding holidays:
This year, given that Fridays are Furlough Days, we will observe the upcoming holidays as follows:
During the week of Christmas, we will be off Thursday, December 22, and Monday, December 26.
We will also be off Monday January 2, 2017

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday:

Agnieszka Dabrowiecka, Jonie Desuyo, Adam Kusz, Olena Malanii, Natalia Niziolek, Julia E. Nowicka, Paulina Szwarc, Maria J. Zebrowski, and Jack W. Zurowski

Program News

Registration for ESL and ABE classes is ongoing. Please contact Mira Krolikowska ext. 409, Kasia Koptilin ext. 405, or our Southside location (773)767-7773 for more information.

The citizenship classes have started, however, registration is ongoing. For more information or to enroll please contact Janina at ext. 400.

Registration for CNA courses is ongoing. Please contact Basia Gawronska ext. 403, or Jadwiga Branicka ext. 401 for more information.

LIHEAP: The Energy Assistance Program started September 1st and will be ongoing until May 2017, or until funds are exhausted. October is a priority month for seniors over 60, individuals on disability, and families with children under the age of 5. To schedule an appointment please contact Paulina at ext. 300, or Malgosia in the Southside office (773) 767-7773.

Job seekers who are Cook County residents are welcome to visit the employment services at the Polish American Association and enroll in job placement assistance programs. For more information about PAA’s employment services please call Mirella at ext. 412.
Individuals interested in enrolling in WIOA job placement assistance program should attend the program orientation. Orientations are held every Tuesday: 11am – 12noon in Polish and 1pm – 2pm in English. For more information please call Magda at ext. 423.

The computer lab is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 9am to 5pm.

Registration for a paid Intermediate QuickBooks has started. The class will meet on Saturdays 10am-2pm from 1/14/17-2/25/17. Basic computer literacy, Intermediate MSWord and Basic Excel, Intro to QuickBooks classes will be offered in Spring 2017. For more information call Bianka at ext. 418

We are looking for a part-time (16 hours per week) lab tutor to assist clients in the Resource Room. The lab tutor will provide support with computer software available in the lab and assist with online job searches. Qualifications: skilled with MSOffice and Internet searches; positive, friendly and professional attitude, bilingual English/Polish preferred. Hours: Friday and Saturday 9am-5pm or TBD. For more information call Bianka at ext. 418

A new client report to capture program performance numbers and clients’ achievements in programs has been developed and we are now ready to start collecting data. All staff is requested to complete the new fields in the database retroactively to July 1, 2016. Please enter all data by January 31, 2017. Your cooperation is appreciated as we need a complete set of data to run the reports for the current fiscal year.

Development News

As we begin this season of celebration, we must not forget the community members we serve year-round. Most of these families lack the resources, financial or emotional, to fully participate in the festivities. The staff who serve them and endeavor to improve the quality of their lives, knows firsthand how important are acts of generosity, large and small, to a struggling family.

And while it was a difficult year for every member of the PAA family because of the furlough, each of us can try to give something of ourselves.

“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” - John Holmes

In November we were awarded a grant for a high school coding course from Ecolab with the help of Barbara Gawronska. Thank you Barbara! We also received another year of funding from the Bank of America to underwrite our Accessing Benefits program in the Supportive Services Department. Thanks and appreciation to the generous folks at Bank of America!

During December we will be asking friends and patrons to support our programs as we edge closer to the State’s budget process. No one knows if State funds will be authorized or held hostage. We are trying to be prepared for every contingency; which is why we need everyone’s help in raising funds. If you know of someone who supports our mission, send us their name and contact information and we will ask them for a gift.

Happy Holidays everyone!
Looking forward to 2017!

Reminders & Other

Timesheets are due on Thursday, December 8, 2016
Timesheets are also due on Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Travel vouchers are due on December 12, 2016

PAA Monthly Newsletter - November 2016

A note from the Executive Director

The recent state budget stalemate made funding asks more challenging for all not for profits. The private foundations want to see that their support is used by the agencies to run sustainable programs, which in return produce meaningful outcomes. Last fiscal year we worked to develop a new client report which will capture our clients achievements in each program. We plan for that report to ultimately replace the old one which lists simply the number of clients served. Some changes are currently being done to our clients’ database so we can collect the additional information. We will be asking you to complete the new fields retroactively to July 1, so we have a full set of data to run FY’17 report.

PAA has been really fortunate this year to have many friends helping us to fundraise. The Copernicus Foundation shared the profits from the Casino at the Taste of Polonia where our staff and Junior Board volunteered. Two weeks ago PAA, along with some other local not profits, was recommended by the Mayor’s Office to receive a donation from a private donor. Finally, the Legion of Young Polish Women invited us to join them for their Fall Fashion Show on November 6. Again, our Junior Board will volunteer at the event and the proceeds will benefit PAA.

We are currently working on a new PAA event, Ice Skating Day at Maggie Daley Park. It will take place on Sunday, December 4 and promises to be a fun filled event for the whole family. Please consider joining us! In the meantime, we will be reaching out to you for help with spreading the word. Please help us if you can.

Finally, as a token of appreciation, our Board will sponsor a holiday luncheon for all staff in recognition of your great service to the clients. It is tentatively planned for early December. I am sure we all will enjoy having a cheerful get-together and sharing a meal with one another.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

HR Update

Just another friendly reminder regarding holidays - this year, given that Fridays are Furlough Days, we will observe the upcoming holidays as follows:

The week of Thanksgiving, we will be off on Wednesday, November 23, Thursday November 24, and Friday November 25.
During the week of Christmas, we will be off Thursday, December 22, and Monday, December 26.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday:

Barbara Bagiel, Magdalena Dolas, Andrzej Gasienica, Barbara Gawronska, Katarzyna Koptilin, Marta Kromka-Brigagliano, Sylwia Lisiewicz, Janina Malewicz, Anna Mikuszewska, Ewa Susman, and Grazyna Zajaczkowska

CONGRATULATIONS to the PAA employees who are celebrating their anniversaries:

Mirella Wolak - 10 years of service

We thank you for your ongoing commitment to the PAA mission and compassion toward our clients! Happy Anniversary!

Program News

Registration for ESL and ABE classes is ongoing. Please contact Mira Krolikowska ext. 409, Kasia Koptilin ext. 405, or our Southside location (773),767-7773 for more information.

The citizenship classes have started, however, registration is ongoing. For more information or to enroll please contact Janina at ext. 400.

Registration for CNA courses is ongoing. Please contact Basia Gawronska ext. 403, or Jadwiga Branicka ext. 401 for more information.

The Career Center of the Polish American Association will be hosting a free Information session on Career Opportunities in Manufacturing. The session will take place on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at 6 PM at the Copernicus Center. For more information please call Kasia Rachwal.

The Career Center offers Job Readiness Workshops every Tuesday at 12.00 PM in Polish and at 2.00 PM in English.

The hours of operation for the computer lab have changed. Effective Oct. 21, 2016 until further notice the computer lab will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from 9am to 5pm.

Development News

November is the beginning of the season when all non-profit organizations reach out to their friends and supporters. This year it will be particularly difficult for the PAA to raise year-end money without your help. Because of the budget crisis, many of our regular patrons have been helping dozens of organizations survive this difficult year.

However, we are optimistic because we know from past experience that when staff wages a campaign asking those who received our help during the past year, our clients empathize with those who follow them. If asked, they understand and will act with generosity. We will be preparing materials for your use with clients asking them to pay it forward. Everyone at the PAA plays an important role in keeping our doors open, despite the discouraging prognosis that this year will bring another budget impasse. But the Board, Advancement Department, staff and clients can make the difference. It’s up to each of us to be a part of the solution, and we can do it!

Reminders & Other

Please submit your timesheets by Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at 1:00pm.

For the end of November, timesheets will be due Monday November 21st at 1:00pm.

If you are planning on not being here during the Week of Thanksgiving, please submit your timesheets prior to your vacation.

November Travel vouchers will be due on December 7, 2016.

PAA Monthly Newsletter - October 2016

A note from the Executive Director

PAA has experienced many changes and transitions over the last fifteen months and they all resulted from the State budget stalemate. Ironically, throughout all that time, the lack of the budget has remained the only constant.
We all fear change, yet it is inevitable. The only way to deal with it is to embrace it and look for the new opportunities it brings. And there are many good things happening at the PAA.

First of all, last fiscal year we were able to help over 9,000 people. We stayed true to our mission despite the funding cuts, terrible cash flow and furlough. Secondly, we started this fiscal year far better equipped than we were a year ago. The last year's restructuring and downsizing of programs and staff, painful and heartbreaking, is paying off now as we have our expenses under control and can afford to wait for the State payments. The stopgap funding, passed on June 30, brought PAA some relief as we are finally receiving long overdue FY'16 payments.

The proposals submitted last year requesting funding from new sources are being granted. For the first time PAA has been awarded a federal grant by the USCIS to provide citizenship education and application processing to the eligible clients. We competed with about 160 agencies nation wide and won. It attests to the excellent quality of our programming and our superior grant writing abilities.
The Chairman's Brunch which was held in September turned out to be an extraordinary event leaving a lasting impression on our guests and supporters. It exemplified how much good can come from the great partnership between the Board and the staff when all are driven by the same desire to do the best to benefit PAA.

Finally, the sacrifice you all have made by working shorter weeks for a year was not in vain. It kept us all afloat. Our Board realizes how difficult it has been for each one of you and your families and truly hopes that we are getting closer to lessening this burden. And then we all will celebrate!

HR Update

Staff Changes

We are happy to welcome Magdalena Zakrzewska, Case Manager Turning Point/Counselor, on her return to Supportive Services, and Malgorzata Bodyziak, Student Coordinator in the Education Department.

On September 30, Agnieszka Samul will be leaving the PAA to pursue another career opportunity. We wish her the best of luck and we will miss her.

The New Federal Overtime Rules

The Federal government has mandated new employee overtime regulations. Effective December 1, 2016, all employers must be in compliance with these new regulations. Management is currently taking the steps necessary to ensure that the PAA is compliant. We will keep you informed as the new rules are instituted.

Benefits

During October and November we will be reviewing our benefit programs in preparation for the 2017 Open Enrollment.

401K Eligibility

For those eligible, the next enrollment period for the 401K begins on October 1, 2016. We will contact everyone who is eligible to participate in the 401K plan.

Holidays

This year, given that Fridays are Furlough Days, we will observe the upcoming holidays as follows:
• During the week of Thanksgiving, we will be off on Wednesday, November 23, and Thursday November 24.
• During the week of Christmas, we will be off Thursday, December 22, and Monday, December 26.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday:

Jadwiga Branicka, Anita Eilmes, Tadeusz Gaszcz, Daria Gicela, Eva Grzybowski, Renata Jasniuk, Miroslawa Krolikowska, Zofia Matachowska, Jolanta Nicieja-Janczarek, Malgorzata Olczak, Dorota Lewandowska, Teresa Smrokowska, and Daniela Zimnicka

CONGRATULATIONS to the PAA employees who are celebrating their anniversaries:

Agnieszka Dabrowiecka - 10 years of service
Bianka Kaminska - 15 years of service
Janina Malewicz - 15 years of service
Barbara Standnicki - 15 years of service
Dorota Trybula - 15 years of service

We thank you for your ongoing commitment to the PAA mission and compassion toward our clients! Happy Anniversary!

Program News

Registration for ESL and ABE classes is ongoing. Please contact Mira Krolikowska ext. 409, Kasia Koptilin ext. 405, or our Southside location (773),767-7773 for more information.

The citizenship classes are scheduled to start in the fall and the registration is ongoing. For more information or to enroll please contact Janina at ext. 400.

Job seekers who are Cook County residents are welcome to visit the employment services department at the Polish American Association and enroll in job placement assistance programs. For more information about PAA’s employment services please call Mirella at ext. 412.

Individuals interested in enrolling in the WIOA job placement assistance program should attend the program's orientation session. Orientations are held every Tuesday: 11 am – 12 noon in Polish, and 1 pm – 2 pm in English. For more information please call Magda at ext. 423.

Registration for CNA courses is ongoing. Please contact Basia Gawronska ext. 403, or Jadwiga Branicka ext. 401 for more information.

The free FAFSA Completion Session will take place on Tuesday, October, 18, 2016, from 5.00 PM to 9.00 PM in the Computer Resource Room of the Polish American Association at 3815 N. Cicero. Representatives of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) will provide assistance with filing FAFSA online. For more information about this event please call Kasia Rachwal at ext. 414.

The Career Center offers Job Readiness Workshops every Tuesday at 12:00 PM in Polish, and at 2:00 PM in English.

The Teen Program at the Polish American Association is offering an Interpersonal/Conflict Resolution Workshop. It will be held Saturdays from 4pm - 5 pm at our Northside office location. The workshop will start November 5th and go until December 10th. Please contact Malgorzata Olczak, ext.345 or via email at Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript. for more information or to register.

The Department of Homeland Security - United States Citizenship Immigration Services awarded Polish American Association The Citizenship and Integration Direct Services Grant Program. Beginning October 1st 2016, for the next two years the program will provide the eligible Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) holders with free citizenship education and application services.

To help make homeownership possible for more working families, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago City Council established the Home Buyer Assistance Program to offer grants that support down payments and closing costs. The Home Buyer Assistance Program is open to families and individuals who are buying a home or refinancing an existing mortgage. The program can be used for the purchase of single-family homes, town homes, condominiums and owner occupied properties containing up to four units. First time home buyers must complete a home buyer education course when participating in the program. The program will be administered by the Chicago Infrastructure Trust, which will work in conjunction with authorized lending institutions responsible for accepting and processing applications, accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For individuals seeking housing: Sheridan Gunnison apartments located at 4827 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, Illinois will open its federally subsidized section 8 waiting list for individuals in need of studio, 1, 2, or 3 bedroom apartments. All interested parties must be at least 18 years of age and must bring a valid state picture id. applications will be taken at the clarendon park community center located at 4s01 North Clarendon avenue, Chicago Illinois 60640 on October 14, 2016; 09:30 am and 10:30 am. applications will continue to be issued and processed out of the Sheridan Gunnison apartments management office on Thursdays only 1- 4 pm, beginning on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016.

Development News

August and September brought the PAA good news! The State started reimbursing the agency for services rendered, and although they are warning of another year like this past year, it was good to be able to pay some bills!
In addition, we were the recipient of 100 tickets for the Navy Pier’s new Ferris Wheel, a major Chicago attraction for residents and tourists alike. The tickets will be distributed to youth in our all our counseling programs.
We were also awarded a major two-year grant by the USCIS to provide citizenship education and naturalization services to 200 immigrants. This is one of the largest grants received by the agency and it will enable staff to meet the needs of those working towards attaining citizenship.
In September, The Lloyd A. Fry Foundation awarded the PAA a two-year grant to cover the cost of a Career Navigator for clients in our vocational training programs.
September was also important because we held the 2016 Annual Chairman’s Brunch fundraiser. PNC Bank was our lead sponsor. This year we were blessed to have the world renowned Polish American architect and Master Planner of the World Trade Center Ground Zero reconstruction, Daniel Libeskind as our honored guest. He is a true genius and artist and a spell-binding presenter.
Next on our agenda is a golf outing, also sponsored by PNC Bank, to be held on October 7. The outing is a fundraiser, but more importantly, it’s a “friend raiser.” Given the economic realities of our changing political environment, we are always looking to attract new patrons to help support our mission.
If you have ideas about how to attract new patrons, create new collaborations, or want to help us host events for our clients and members, please let us know. There’s always a place for those with ideas and energy!

Reminders & Other

Timesheets are due Monday October 10, 2016 and on Tuesday, October 25, 2016.
Travel vouchers are due on Thursday, October 6, 2016.

PAA Monthly Newsletter - July/August 2016

Dear PAA Staff,

This is my farewell and good wishes letter to all of you. This last year has been an important one for us. Yes, it was painful - with cuts and furloughs, delays and still a rather tentative State budget, we did what was necessary to keep the agency viable to see another era of service to the community. It was the responsible and necessary thing to do.

A few months ago during budget prep, it was finally time to do the last of the major changes and among those I included to the board was a major change in the ED position and salary, the last of the savings needed to see this transition through. It is bittersweet to make choices that not only affect all of you, but separate me from the work and people I have come to enjoy and with whom I work side by side.

The State has forced so many atypical changes across the social service agency landscape and we stand proudly among those that did the difficult work to see a light at the end of the tunnel.

I continue to be a supporter and volunteer for the work of social services in this State. I know the talent you have will use this opportunity to better PAA. That is always the objective.

Thank you to everyone who has joined this effort with me during a tumultuous year. I write you as a private donor now, and invite you all to stay in touch.

Withappreciation,
Eva
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HR Update

The deadline for completion of performance reviews this year is August 31.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday:

Miroslawa Behounek, Ewa Bogacz, Malgorzata Chandler, Boguslawa Gadula, Grazyna Hatala, Pawel Kolodziej, Rodolfo Ranola and Barbara Sobecka

Program News

Paid basic computer literacy classes and Intro to QuickBooks class are scheduled to open in September, registration will start in August. Class schedule will be posted to polish.org in July.

For more information please call Bianka at ext. 418.

The citizenship classes are scheduled to start in the fall and the registration is ongoing. For more information or to enroll please contact Janina at x. 400.

The resource room will be closed in July and August.

Job seekers who are Cook County residents are welcome to visit the employment services and enroll in job placement assistance programs. For more information call Mirella at ext. 412.

Individuals interested in enrolling in WIOA job placement assistance program should attend the program orientation. Orientations are held every Tuesday from 11am to 12 noon in Polish and 1 to 2 pm in English. For more information please call Magda at ext. 423.

Development News

This summer we have begun developing a community Newsletter. It will give our members, our clients, and anyone associated with the PAA, an insight on the different programs, events, and resources we have here. Throughout the next month, each department will be asked to provide any updates in programs, resources, or events/seminars, or even share a few stories. This newsletter will also be an outlet for announcements within each department, to give to our public sphere. The newsletter will be quarterly. We are currently working on the Fall issue (September, October, and November). Our goal is to create an open outlet where people can access relevant information about the PAA, and see exactly how much work we put in, and how we continue to help our community.

Foundations have advised us that July and August will be quiet months. Decisions on most of the PAA’s outstanding proposals will not be made until fall. We will use the next two months to prepare new LOI’s and applications. If departments are interested in applying for funding from sources you may have heard about, or if there are programs for which you need additional funding, please let us know and we will follow up.

Reminders & Other

Days off: July 4, Independence Day

May travel vouchers must be turned to Bob by July 6.

Timesheets are due on July 11 and July 25 at 12.30 pm.

Be Inspired

Happiness is not by chance but a choice.

PAA Monthly Newsletter - June 2016

A note from the Executive Director

Dear Staff,

I realize everyone has been watching and wondering where this State Budget situation is headed and PAA with it. You are not alone. Having spent a large amount of time with our various coalitions, agency heads, legislators, colleague agencies, and also hosting our own meetings to try and determine the path through this situation – I recognize we can think of little else.

As you may know, several funding sources for us are tied to this frozen situation and required us to continue to downsize and now right size our organization as best we can. Among those, we have had to reach deep into Homemakers and ICCB programming, both of which are suffering the most. Everyday more news helps us to drill with a finer point so we can identify the most stressed areas. Suffice it to say, with May 31st passing and no budget approved, we will continue to act where and how necessary to weather the storm.

On a related note, you may have read about the lawsuit in which several agencies have polled their interests to sue the state for past due invoices. We have made a decision to join that suit. I do not know whether that will result in a win for us, but we continue to explore every possible option.

I continue to express my thanks to you as well as on behalf of the board. When colleagues are losing work, and other agencies are closing down, we realize you watch and wait with every new headline.

With appreciation,
Eva

HR Update

Managers, please remember to send Sonji an email for any staff required to work on a furlough day. Specify the day/hours worked on the furlough day only, so she can make sure appropriate adjustments are made in their paycheck.

We would like to congratulate our Social Services intern from Northeastern University, Stephanie Gielniewski, on successfully passing LPC licensing exam.

A GoFundMe account for Basia Lukaszek has been set up by her friends to help her husband, Jozef and the children, Zosia and Jan during this heartbreaking time. All of the funds raised will be given directly to Basia’s family. Please follow the link at https://www.gofundme.com/barbaraslaby if you wish to learn more and/or participate.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday:

Barbara Bagdzius, Renata Baginska, Halina Bozek, Arletta Gromek, Anna Jastrzebska, Kamila Smyk-Jaworski, Janina Kapinos, Ona Kastauniene, Barbara Kasza, Maria Palusinska, Ryszarda Pluzyczka, Magdalena Szusta and Janina Ziecina

Program News

The Career Center of the Polish American Association invites you to attend a FREE informational session on Labor, Employment and Consumer Rights. Our guest will be Polish speaking representative from the Office of Illinois Attorney General. The session will take place on Tuesday, June 14 at 6 pm at the Copernicus Center. For more information please call Kasia Rachwal at ext. 414.

The Career Center offers Job Readiness Workshops every Tuesday at 12 pm in Polish and at 2 pm in English. | [Draft]

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Action Items

The resource room will be open in June on Wednesday and Thursday from 12 to 4 pm. It will be closed in July and August.

Job seekers who are Cook County residents are welcome to visit the employment services and enroll in job placement assistance programs. For more information call Mirella at ext. 412.

Development News

McCormick Foundation awarded PAA a two year grant to support our vocational training for Certified Nursing Assistant and employment services.

The Development Team worked on several year-end reports and new proposals into the very last days of May. Several more proposals will go out in June, but our major focus will be on membership and membership events. We are looking to the Polish American community to support our work – which has helped many of them either start their journey in Chicago or who are now established because of the services they received in the past. We are even looking beyond Poles with a relationship to the PAA. Membership is for everyone who has experienced immigration, supports social services for those at-risk, or shares our cultural heritage.

Reminders & Other

May travel vouchers must be turned to Bob by June 6.

Timesheets are due on June 9 and June 27 at 12.30 pm.

Be Inspired

Happiness is not by chance but a choice.

PAA Monthly Newsletter 2016 - May 2016

A note from the Executive Director

May brings little news of relief in the budget impasse for Illinois social service agencies. By way of example, last week an emergency bill was passed and signed by the Governor for higher education. This was to offer partial short term funding to colleges and universities. Sadly, the bill was unable to include any social service agencies that provide adult education, so no relief for us and the many sister agencies we know doing this important work. Another bill is poised to be considered this coming week, but although it includes some social service funding, it is greatly reduced and only for a short term again. It appears that now, there is talk of a fiscal year 2017 budget being passed together with the 2016 budget. That is a very complicated effort given that there is still much conflict between the legislative and Gubernatorial branches. Their wish aside, the timing of that is tenuous at best.

Of course, I know this troubles you as it does our clients, our board, and frankly, every single person who has any relationship with social services in our entire State. I wish there was something that we could do. Sadly, we are a small cog in the wheels of the State situation. The best PAA can do is continue to act, in order to see the other side of this tiresome storm. I know we have lost many colleagues during these last several months, and each of us knows the reality that a major decision puts our employees and clients in jeopardy of losing more.

I can only end this note to thank you for continuing to serve clients in programs we still have, and for understanding that our agency has a future. We simply do not know what we will look like in the way of size and programs after this era is over. We will need to rebuild for sure, but we are certainly not alone. The clients will come back and the community will still have needs.

Thank you for all you do, especially since I appreciate this impacts you and your families as well.
Your strength is appreciated.

HR Update

If you have not had a chance to do so already, this is a reminder to review your paychecks under our new vendor, Paycor, to make sure that your payroll deductions and personal information is correct. If you find errors, please contact me or Bob as soon as possible.

We are still in need of volunteer/s to assist clients in the computer lab on Wednesday and Thursday from 12 to 4 pm. Qualifications: skilled with MS Office and internet searches; positive, patient, friendly and professional attitude; bilingual English/Polish preferred. If you know of a good candidate, please contact Bianka.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday:

Maria Bis, Michal Chybowski, Teresa Glen, Barbara Haniaczyk, Zofia Koscielniak, Teresa Kozlowska, Maria Kruczek, Maria Leja, Iwona Lippert, Barbara Lukaszek, Jadwiga Morzy, Katarzyna Olender-Misiarz, Tomasz Pik, Katarzyna Rachwal, Agata Radek, Zofia Tartas, Francisco Torres, Krystyna Wiszowata and Bozena Zdrzalka

Program News

The Career Center of the Polish American Association invites you to attend a FREE informational session on Student Visas. The session will take place on Tuesday, May 17 at 6 pm at the Copernicus Center. For more information please call Kasia Rachwal at ext. 414.

The Career Center offers Job Readiness Workshops every Tuesday at 12 pm in Polish and at 2 pm in English.

We are currently recruiting participants for the coding course for youth and adults. The class will meet for an hour one evening a week in our North Side and/or South Side computer lab. For more information please contact Grazyna at ext. 342.

The resource room continues to be open only on Wednesday and Thursday from 12 to 4 pm.

Job seekers who are Cook County residents are welcome to visit the employment services and enroll in job placement assistance programs. For more information call Mirella at ext. 412.

Development News

On May 7, everyone is invited to join the Polish Day Parade. We will be marching and handing out information about PAA. If you and your family want to be a part of this great tradition, please let Basia Sobecka know, so you can join us and help get the word out.

On May 10, we are will be one of hundreds of non-profits across Chicagoland participating in the Chicago Community Trust, “On the Table” event. The purpose of the day is to engage members of the community in conversations about improving the quality of life for clients, members and friends. For the first time, the PAA will be hosting a conversation with new friends. Our goal is to not only come up with some creative ideas about dealing with the budget crisis, which has reached catastrophic proportions for so many social service agencies, but to develop new partnerships that may help us through these difficult days.

Our Chairman’s Brunch guest, the internationally renowned architect and master planner of the World Trade Center redevelopment, Daniel Libeskind has generously agreed to postpone the event until early fall to accommodate the demand for more seats.

Reminders & Other

Days off: May 30 (Memorial Day)

April travel vouchers must be turned to Bob by Wednesday, May 9.

Timesheets are due on Monday, May 9 and Tuesday, May 24 at 12.30 pm.

Be Inspired

Tough times never last but tough people do. (Robert Schuller)

Pomoc psychologiczna - porady indywidualne i rodzinne

Doświadczamy w życiu kryzysy, z którymi czasami trudno się uporać samemu. Możemy doświadczać poczucia braku kontroli w zżyciu, lub zmagać się z przeszłością lub podjęciem ważnych decyzji.
Pomoc psychologiczna oferowana w Zrzeszeniu Amerykańsko- Polskim przez doświadczonych polskojęzycznych terapeutów wspiera w rozwiązaniu indywidalnych dylematów ii rodzinnych konfliktów.
Poradnictwo dotyczy następujących spraw:

Stany lękowe, nerwice
Depresja
Problemy z komunikacją
Konflikty rodzinne i małżeńskie
Utrata osoby bliskiej – żałoba
Samotność
Psychologiczne następstwa emigracji
Radzenie sobie ze stresem
Trauma

Opłaty za sesje ustalane są na podstawie dochodów i ilości osób na utrzymaniu klienta. W celu umówienia się lub po więcej informacji proszę dzwonić pod numer: (773) 282-8206 ext. 313, ext. 354 lub ext. 347.

Polish Constitution Day Parade

Introduction to Web Development for Youth Ages 14-16

PAA Annual Gala 2017

Photos from PAA Annual Gala 2017

Photos from PAA Anuual Gala 2017

PAA Monthly Newsletter 2016 - April 2016

A note from the Executive Director

As you probably are aware from your own close following of the headlines, nothing on the State budget has budged. Every week, many of us attend meetings, connect with legislators, work with our various coalition colleagues - but we continue to hear more of the same.

We just had our first State of the community and it was very well received. We move forward inviting new partners and individuals of interest to get to know the quality of what we do. In the coming weeks we will be hosting a Community Trust event and planning for the parade. We will be passing out important information to the parade watchers, so please reach out and help us get the word out.

On May 1, our Chairman's Brunch will be hosted at the Art Institute of Chicago with honoree Daniel Libeskind. Mr. Libeskind is the Chief Architect of the new World Trade Center site in New York and is a world renowned designer and planner. Check out the information on the website. Speaking of which, the new website is well underway. The next draft is being presented to the committee and then to the board. After that, we will begin the process of migrating our content to the new format, which will focus heavily on supporting PAA in addition to the traditional program offerings.

I hope you all had a peaceful Easter and hope your April is filled with a brighter spring atmosphere.

HR Update

We currently have an open position for a Job Developer in the Learning Center. If you are interested in applying, please contact Ela Chrzanowska.

Take a moment to review your paychecks to make sure that the correct and applicable deductions have been made. If there are mistakes, please contact Sonji so that we can correct any errors as soon as possible.

Managers, please remember to send Sonji an email for any staff required to work on a furlough day. Specify the day/hours worked on the furlough day only, so she can make sure appropriate adjustments are made in their paycheck.

We are still in need of volunteer/s to assist clients in the computer lab on Wednesday and Thursday from 12 to 4 pm. Qualifications: skilled with MS Office and internet searches; positive, patient, friendly and professional attitude; bilingual English/Polish preferred. If you know of a good candidate, please contact Bianka.

There is an ongoing part time opportunity within our Immigrant Services department. We need staff willing to attend the events in the Polish community (e.g. Polish Saturday schools, fairs, community gatherings, club meetings, picnics, workshops, etc.) to display the information about the Illinois Cook County Health Program. The compensation is $100 per event. Weekend and evening events are encouraged. Call Grazyna if you are interested.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday:

Iwona Brzezinska, Anna Gasienica-Byrcyn, Dorota Chmieleski, Ewa Sikora-Cholewa, Angelika Danek, Wioletta Drag, Dorota Felinski, Danuta Franczyk, Robert Gols, Anna Iwanicka, Piotr Kochanowicz, Zofia Kojtek, Katarzyna Lebiedz, Christiane London, Irena Marasz, Leokadia Mosio, Zofia Piekarczyk, Zbigniew Pienkowski, Malgorzata Popek, Marta Przybylska-Stanczyk, Bozena Swiatek, Elzbieta Szopinska, Anna Szumal, Mirella Wolak, Krystyna Znorko

Program News

Basic computer literacy class is scheduled to open in April and will meet on Saturdays from 5 to 8.15 pm. We still have few openings. For more information and to register call Bianka at ext. 418.

We have started recruiting for another round of tuition citizenship classes. The classes will meet for total of 60 hours (6 hours per week) and will be held at both North and South side locations in the evening and on weekends. The cost is $200. Please direct clients to Janina at x. 400 for more information and/or to register.

The hours of operations of our Resource Room continue to be limited to Wednesday and Thursday from 12 to 4 pm.

The Career Center of the Polish American Association invites you to attend a FREE informational session on Student Loans. The session will take place on Tuesday, April 19 at 6 pm at the Copernicus Center. For more information please call Kasia Rachwal at ext. 414.

The Career Center offers Job Readiness Workshops every Tuesday at 12 pm in Polish and at 2 pm in English.

We are currently recruiting participants for the coding course for youth and adults. The class will meet for an hour one evening a week in our North Side and/or South Side computer lab. The class is tentatively scheduled to open in April. For more information please contact Grazyna at ext. 342.

All teenagers who want to improve their communication skills and learn effective methods of negotiation are invited to attend the Interpersonal/Conflict Resolution Workshop. The meetings will be held at PAA on all Saturdays in April from 4 to 5 pm. For more information or to register please contact Malgosia Olczak at x.345.

Job seekers who are Cook County residents are welcome to visit the employment services and enroll in job placement assistance programs. For more information call Mirella at ext. 412.
Individuals interested in enrolling in WIOA job placement assistance program should attend the program orientation. Orientations are held every Tuesday from 11am to 12 noon in Polish and 1 to 2 pm in English. For more information please call Magda at ext. 423.

Development News

Development activities have been primarily focused on creating the infrastructure for new revenue streams to compensate for at least some of the losses due to the State budget crisis. Soliciting memberships and spreading the word about new programming that will benefit members has been a top priority. The State of the Community, on March 30, was our introduction to new professional and academic audiences. It is our expectation that over time, membership will become a significant revenue source.

We have also started planning for this year’s Chairman’s Brunch. Daniel Libeskind, the internationally renowned, Polish born architect, will be our guest speaker at the annual Chairman’s Brunch Fundraiser on Sunday, May 1.

Reminders & Other

March travel vouchers must be turned to Bob by Wednesday, April 6.

Timesheets are due on Monday, April 11 and Monday, April 25 at 12.30 pm.

Be Inspired

Spring is the time of the year, when it is summer in the sun and winter in the shade. (Charles Dickens)

Chairman's Brunch 2016

Computer Classes - April, 2016

Intermediate MS Word and Basic Excel

PAA Monthly Newsletter - March, 2016

A note from the Executive Director

It seems the pendulum of the state budget is still swinging and we have no additional news to report, other than things remain as tied up as before. Given we have no control of those efforts, let me share some details about upcoming events relating to membership and fundraising, which we continue to press. As a leader, PAA is beginning to do something not before attempted. We are using our membership to offer community events to build relationships and awareness at every level, showcasing our knowledge on trending issues, and offering social opportunities for families, young adults, and kids. In no particular order:

March 30: State of the Community. A business/corporate member event highlighting 2 business topics with expert panelists and facilitators. Held in the Loop and hosted by a corporate member. There will be 2 each year. This one is Business & Technology, and Education & Employment. The fall event panels are Green Manufacturing and the Environment, and Health & Wellness. You can see details about this event at polish.org/soc2016, streamed also to Poland.
Legislative Mixer: A business and social event for PAA community members to meet and mingle with elected office holders at every level. There will be one per year.
May 1: Chairman’s Brunch. Guest, Daniel Libeskind, Chief Architect of the Word Trade Center Project and international designer. An annual fundraiser which will also have newly added a members' only reception for an additional donation.
PAA Benefit Concert: A few of our legislators (they play in a band!) and other local musicians will come together in the Avondale neighborhood to have a great time and raise money for the PAA.
August at Montrose Beach: Junior Board Beach volleyball. This is the second one and is sizing up to be another great event.
Lecture Series: this is the 200th anniversary of the University of Warsaw, and PAA will offer members a lecture series by local Professors on new and interesting topics. So far we have the role of the University of Poznan in the Enigma during WW2, and the History of Poland and its internet evolution. More to come.
We also have a golf outing for our business members in the works, a family movies in the park planned both on the North and South side, and also for families, St Nicholas Ice Skating Day on Dec 4 at the Maggie Daley Ribbon.
In the coming weeks we will roll out through the program staff, any clients who qualify for free assistance will be offered a free membership while they are qualified in our programs. In November, we hope to host a social hour with every member, client, or not, to say thank you for supporting and being part of the PAA. We are calling this the “Thanks-to-you-giving” Social, in honor of Thanksgiving holiday.

There is much more detail on so many of these and I will roll out to all staff via email as the events firm up.

Lastly, a shout out to a cross-functional team of staff (Magda, Sonji, Adam, Natalia, Michal), Junior Board (Kamil and Karolina), Board (Bill, Dan), and volunteers (Dave and Arjun), who came together a couple of weeks ago to work on the new website.

I realize it is difficult to work in a tenuous environment where the State insists upon forcing their untenable agenda. Thank you for understanding that our austerity measures are ones we cannot avoid, and the events and fundraising must continue pressing forward to make sure more and more people know how critical the PAA is to the entire community.

HR Update

Please note that during the week of Easter the furlough day will be observed on Thursday, March 24.

Managers please remember to send Sonji an email for any staff required to work on a furlough day. Please specify the day/hours worked on the furlough day only, so she can make sure appropriate adjustments are made in their paycheck.

We are happy to announce that Paulina Szwarc will replace Basia Pietrowski as the receptionist for the North Side. We would like to congratulate Paulina and wish her well in her new role at PAA!

We need volunteer/s to assist clients in the computer lab on Wednesday and Thursday from 12 to 4 pm. Qualifications: skilled with MS Office and internet searches; positive, patient, friendly and professional attitude; bilingual English/Polish preferred. If you know of a good candidate, please contact Bianka.

There is a part time opportunity within our Immigrant Services department. We are looking for staff willing to attend the events in the Polish community (e.g. Polish Saturday schools, fairs, community gatherings, club meetings, picnics, workshops, etc.) to display the information about the Illinois Cook County Health Program. The compensation is $100 per event. Weekend and evening events are encouraged. Call Grazyna if you are interested.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday:

Halina Chmielowiec, Mina Gerall, Dana Grymova, Ewa Hiszczynski, Maria Kowal, Malgorzata Kurdziel, Agnieszka Meciwoda-Schmidt, Halina Olejnik, Maria Owca, Lidia Paliwoda, Halina Plata, Agnieszka Sochacka-Samul, Franciszka Staszewski, Jozefa Swiatek, Bozena Uryga and Dorota Zaghloul

Program News

Registration for a paid Intermediate MS Word and Basic Excel class continues. The class will meet on Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm from April 3 to June 5. Registration for a paid Intermediate QuickBooks class is open. The class will meet on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm from April 2 to May 7. For information or to register please call Bianka.

The Career Center invites you to attend TWO events in March. The first seminar on Social Security benefits will take place on Tuesday, March 8 at 6 pm at the Copernicus Center. The session will be conducted by a Polish speaking representative of a local Social Security office. The second seminar will take place on Tuesday, March 15 at 6 pm also at the Copernicus Center. The seminar will be conducted by a Polish speaking attorney and it will focus on the Social Security Agreement between the USA and Poland. Call Kasia Rachwal for more information.

We are still enrolling students for FREE and tuition CNA classes which are scheduled to start in March. If you know anyone interested, please let them call Basia at ext. 403 or Jagoda at ext. 401.

We are currently recruiting participants for the second coding course for youth. The class will meet for an hour one evening a week in our North Side and/or South Side computer lab. For more information please contact Grazyna at ext. 342.

Stan Nowak continues volunteering weekly at the North Side as a senior case manager. To make an appointment with Stan please call the main reception.

We still have two openings in the NEG program designed to serve unemployed Cook County residents. This program offers an opportunity to start training and/or to obtain more advanced certificates in the Information Technology (IT) field. In addition, clients enrolled in the program will be able to obtain professional work experience through paid Internship opportunities. For program requirements and for more information please call Bianka.

Job seekers who are Cook County residents are welcome to visit the employment services and enroll in job placement assistance programs. For more information call Mirella at ext. 412. Individuals interested in enrolling in WIOA job placement assistance program should attend the program orientation. Orientations are held every Tuesday from 11am to 12 noon in Polish and 1 to 2 pm in English. For more information please call Magda at ext. 423.

The registration for our ESL classes is ongoing. The classes are held on the Northwest and Southwest side of Chicago. For registration and information please call Kasia Koptilin, Mira Krolikowska or Maria Flis (Northside) and Malgosia Bodyziak (South side).

Development News

Thank you to everyone who participated in any and every way for helping make Paczki Days a success. Once again State Representative Bob Martwick bought more paczki for distribution at the Capitol than any other buyer. He and Representative Guzzardi also stopped by to share what they knew about the budget impasse and we talked about how we could make our voices heard.

Thank you to Basia Gawronska for telling us about the opportunity to apply for a grant with Ecolab, awesome “green” energy and water company, and her advocacy on behalf of the PAA. We were awarded a grant for youth programming.

The Advancement and Membership team has been hard at work creating a Membership Program that will provide funds for the agency and benefits to the larger community. You already have an entire membership enrollment page on our website and we encourage you to send people to visit the site. We are also working on different strategies for helping departments generate memberships. We have already, and will continue to meet with everyone to talk about “sales –person-ship”.

Our kickoff Membership event is called The State of the Community, which will be held on March 30. Several of our new business members will help cohost a half-day event at Mesirow Financial’s Auditorium. The program includes a live-streamed welcome from Senator Durbin and two panels of experts discussing Education and Employment and Innovative Business and Technology. We are also working on having the entire event live-streamed to Poland technology businesses.

The Board recently approved the creation of an Endowment Fund intended to secure future PAA’s operations. Henry Smogolski, our ex-Board member sent us a check in February to seed our new Endowment Fund. Henry is an incredibly generous friend of the Polish American community and the PAA in particular.

Reminders & Other

Days off:

March 7 (Pulaski Day)
March 25 (Good Friday)

The February travel vouchers must be turned to Bob by March 14. Timesheets are due on March 9 and March 28.

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Sonji NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Happy Easter and Happy Spring!

Be Inspired

Never, ever underestimate the importance of having fun. (Randy Pausch)

PAA Monthly Newsletter (February 2016)

A note from the Executive Director

This month we continue to follow the troubling soap opera in Springfield. The situation is at a firm stalemate and we continue, along with other agencies, to watch what happens with no idea of its outcome. It will get more difficult before we see relief; of that much we were assured.

With that in mind, you may have noticed our official launch of membership on the website. As I meet with various managers in the organization, everyone will be part of enrolling community members in this critical support program for our organization. It's a very large undertaking, but unlike the state budget, we can actually help ourselves by embracing an action which we can control.

Lastly, we have swapped out an old platform for a new one to track members and donors. Every department will have access to input their memberships which will make it easier for all of us to get involved. There will be training on the platform in February.

Thanks for the hard work everyone.

HR Update

Since this is the beginning of a new year, with the continuation of furlough hours and changes in our benefit plan and employee premium amounts, please take a moment to review your paychecks to make sure that the correct and applicable deductions have been made. If there are mistakes, please contact me so that we can correct any errors as soon as possible.

We are currently looking for volunteers to assist clients in the computer lab on Wednesday and Thursday from 12 to 4 pm. Qualifications: skilled with MSOffice and internet searches; positive, patient, friendly and professional attitude, bilingual English/Polish preferred. If you know of a good candidate, please contact Bianka at ext.418.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday:

Aneta Dabrowski, Sonji Jones, Bianka Kaminska, Barbara Kotarska, Bozena Kwasna, Andrew Lenart, Stanislawa Les, Ludmila Pietraszek, Gaja Swierzowski, Jadwiga Tomaszewski, Dorota Trybula and Malgorzata Walkowska

CONGRATULATIONS to the PAA employees who are celebrating their anniversaries:

Aneta Dabrowski - 10 years of service

Zbigniew Pienkowski - 10 years of service

We thank you for your ongoing commitment to the PAA mission and compassion toward our clients! Happy Anniversary!

Program News

Registration for a paid Intermediate MSWord and Basic Excel class is open. The class will meet on Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm from February 21 to April 24. For information or to register please call Bianka at ext. 418.

The Resource Room continues to be open on Wednesday and Thursday from 12-4 pm.

We are enrolling students for FREE and tuition CNA classes which are scheduled to start in February and March. If you know anyone interested, please let them call Basia at ext. 403 or Jagoda at ext. 401.

The Career Center of the Polish American Association invites you to attend a free workshop on Career opportunities in Information Technology. The session will take place on Tuesday, February 16 at 6 pm at the Copernicus Center. For more information please call Kasia Rachwal.

We are actively recruiting for the coding course for youth. The class meets for an hour one evening a week in our North Side computer lab. For more information please contact Grazyna at ext. 342.

Stan Nowak continues volunteering weekly as a senior case manager. To make an appointment with Stan please call the main reception.

Job seekers who are Cook County residents are welcome to visit the employment services and enroll in job placement assistance programs. For more information call Mirella at ext. 412. Individuals interested in enrolling in WIOA job placement assistance program should attend the program orientation. Orientations are held every Tuesday from 11am to 12 noon in Polish and 1 to 2 pm in English. For more information please call Magda at ext. 423.

The registration for our ESL classes is ongoing. The classes are held on the Northwest and Southwest side of Chicago. For registration and information please call Kasia Koptilin, Mira Krolikowska or Maria Flis (Northside) and Malgosia Bodyziak (South side).

Development News

We received a year-end gift from KUN Foundation. James Krysiak, the Foundation’s Trustee, and native Chicagoan, knows about our state budget crisis and wanted to give us another generous show of the Foundation’s support for Teen Turning Point.

A new funder in early 2015, Magnus Charitable Trust, also made a second donation at year’s end.

Other long term friends and funders continue to grace us with their generosity. One of our oldest supporters who requests anonymity, provided another year-end donation. They have supported the PAA for more than 20 years.

Looking forward, we are applying to participate in the 2016 Chicago Charity Challenge and are currently working on identifying the perfect corporate partner for this endeavor.

Reminders & Other

The January travel vouchers must be turned to Bob by February 10.

Timesheets are due on February 9 and February 23.

Be Inspired

Believe you can and you're halfway there. (Theodore Roosevelt)

PAA Monthly Newsletter (January 2016)

A note from the Executive Director

Happy New Year to everyone and I hope you enjoyed time with family and friends over the holidays.

In this new year, we still face the budget crisis with little information on when it will be addressed and how agencies will be impacted. As we have discussed in the past, this situation leaves us with little control and we need to move forward with actions that put us more in the driver’s seat. I shared with you the decision to become a membership association, and with 2016 now here, you will see action steps happen, and the movement begins.

Membership will be divided in 4 categories, allowing for individual, family, business, and corporate level support. At each level, various activities, discounts, events, will be available. We’re starting with a small list for this coming calendar year, because we are ensuring that every level of membership has something of value to them and which offers our appreciation. These are the relationships we need to build. It is time for us to foster a PAA community where members understand our mission, and throughout the year, we have their ear. Over the coming days and weeks, membership information will be distributed to the entire organization and to all of our stakeholders. We will have some teaching sessions about how to discuss membership and acquire new members. We’ll be adding this mission driven membership message to materials, the web, social media, among many other paths. There’s too much to review in this brief note, but as various meetings and opportunities are scheduled, you’ll be asked to learn your role in this new and exciting way to enhance our community presence, our funding, and our mission. Thanks for reading.

HR Update

During our 2016 Open Enrollment, we offered four new benefit options: Low Option Dental Plan, EyeMed Vision Coverage (both effective 1/1/16), Voluntary Additional Life Insurance and Voluntary Short Term Disability Insurance offered by Unum. The life insurance and disability insurance will not be effective until February 1, 2016. For those of you who are interested or have questions about the life insurance and/or short term disability, we will schedule a meeting within the next week to explain these benefits in more detail. I will let you know as soon as the date is finalized.

If you made changes in your benefits selections, please be sure to review your January 15th paycheck to make sure that the correct and applicable deductions are made. If there are errors in your deductions, please contact me immediately.

We are still looking for a volunteer to assist clients in the Resource Room. The volunteer will provide support with computer software available in the lab and assist with online job searches. Qualifications: skilled with MSOffice and Internet searches; positive, friendly and professional attitude, bilingual English/Polish preferred. If you know of a good candidate, please contact Bianka at ext.418.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday:

Malgorzata Batog, Wieslawa Bieniewska, Malgorzata Bodyziak, Alfreda Buczak, Zofia Chowaniec, Elzbieta Chrzanowska, Marianna Dzis, Andrzej Felker, Maria Jaworska, Ewa Koziol, Blazej Kruppik, Ewa Lisiewicz, Elzbieta Makowiecka, Maria Marusarz, Ewa Niedzwiecki, Renata Olejnik, Teresa Palac, Teresa Poznanski, Bozena Sajdak, Bozena Sus, Katarzyna Swigon, Maria Trzmielewska, Elzbieta Wierzchon

CONGRATULATIONS to the PAA employees who are celebrating their anniversaries:

Maryla Jaworska - 10 years of service

Kamila Smyk-Jaworski - 10 years of service

We thank you for your ongoing commitment to the PAA mission and compassion toward our clients! Happy Anniversary!

Program News

This is the last call for the FREE Office Skills vocational training program which is starting in January. Please contact Jagoda at ext. 401 for more information.

The Resource Room will reopen on Wednesday, January 13 at 12 noon and will be open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12 to 4 pm. For more information please call ext. 412.

The registration for paid computer classes is now open. We will offer Basic Computer Literacy class on Sundays from 1.15 to 4.30 pm (January 31 to April 24); Introduction to QuickBooks class on Saturdays from 10 am- 2 pm (February 6 to March 12) and Intermediate Word and Basic Excel class on Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm (February 21 to April 24). Class schedule is available on our website. For information or to register please call Bianka at ext. 418.

We are enrolling students for FREE and tuition CNA classes which are scheduled to start in January and February. If you know anyone interested, please let them call Basia at ext. 403 or Jagoda at ext. 401.

The free FAFSA Completion Session will take place on January 25 from 5 to 9 pm at PAA Computer Resource Room at 3815 N Cicero. Representatives of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) will provide assistance with filing FAFSA online. For more information about this event please call Kasia Rachwal at ext.414.

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) is conducting another Point-In-Time Homeless Count on January 26 to provide a “snapshot” of Chicago’s homeless population. PAA will be again a Lead Agency for Northwest-Chicago. Please talk to Dorota Lewandowska if you can volunteer.

We are actively recruiting for the coding courses for young students ages 10-13. Students will meet weekly in our lab and will also work on their projects through a virtual web portal. The customized curriculum has been developed by UIC and Northwestern adjunct professors who will also be instructors for the classes. The promotional cost of the class is $399 (normally $899). The first class is starting on January 12 at our North Side computer lab. For more information please contact Grazyna at ext. 342.

SNAP program is back at PAA. Henryka sees clients on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at our Northside office and Iwona sees clients on Monday and Saturday at our Southside office.

Stan Nowak continues volunteering as a senior case manager. To make an appointment with Stan please call the main reception.

Development News

Good news arrived in the form of a grant award in December. Steve Adamczyk of Bank of America presented a check in the amount of $25,000 to the Supportive Services team in December. That allowed us to bring Henryka and Iwona back to work to help people file for benefits.

Several new proposals were submitted in December and we expect to hear from at least 2 funders in January. Unfortunately, since the State continues to withhold State and Federal funds, the pressure on private funders is intense and they are taking longer to make decisions because they have so many additional requests.

Reminders & Other

10 paid holidays in 2016:

January 1, New Year
March 7, Pulaski Day
March 25, Good Friday
May 30, Memorial Day
July 4, Independence Day
September 5, Labor Day
November 24 and 25, Thanksgiving and Day after Thanksgiving
December 23, in observance of Christmas Eve
December 26, in observance of Christmas

All December travel vouchers must be accompanied by a copy of valid Driver’s License and unexpired Insurance Card and submitted to Bob by January 6.

Timesheets are due on January 11 and January 25.

Be Inspired

If you want to stand out, don’t be different; be outstanding.

Computer Classes in January 2016

PAA offers the following computer classes in January and February of 2016 - classes will be conducted in Polish.

Basic Computer Literacy

introduction to basic computer knowledge
basic features of MS Word
Internet, e-mail

The tuition is $200 (check or money order). Classes will be conducted in Polish and will be offered at: 3815 N. Cicero Ave on Sundays 9am- 12:15pm from January 31 to April 24, 2016

Introduction to QuickBooks

bookkeeping fundamentals
setting up a company
working with lists
setting up inventory
invoicing for services
processing payments
working with bank accounts
entering and paying bills
interpreting financial reports

The tuition is $250. The class will be conducted in Polish and will meet on Saturdays 10am- 2pm from February 6 to March 12, 2016 at 3815 N. Cicero Ave.

Intermediate MS Word and Basic Excel

The curriculum includes:

text formatting
applying borders and shading
using tabs and styles
using, modifying and inserting pictures and symbols
creating tables and graphics, labels and envelopes
mail merge
keyboard navigation in MS Excel
data types
inserting data, functions and formulas

The tuition is $200. The classes will meet on Sundays from 9am to 1pm from February 21 to April 24, 2016 at 3815 N. Cicero Ave.

REGISTRATION IN PERSON FROM MONDAY TO THURSDAY AT 3819 N. CICERO AVE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 773 282 1122 EXT. 418

Podstawy obsługi komputera

Zapoznanie z budową i obsługą komputera
Podstawowe funkcje programu MS Word
Wprowadzenie do Internetu, poczty elektroniczna, email

Cena wynosi $200 w formie czeku lub money order. W koszt wliczone są materiały i USB flash drive.

Kursy będą odbywać się przy: 3815 N. Cicero Ave w niedziele od 9 do 12:15 od 31 stycznia do 24 kwietnia 2016

Wprowadzenie do QuickBooks

Podstawowe terminy z księgowości
Ustawienie własnej firmy, praca z listami, kontami bankowymi oraz pozostałymi kontami
Wprowadzanie informacji o sprzedażach, przyjmowanie zapłat i robienie depozytów
Wprowadzanie i płacenie rachunków, analiza informacji finansowych
Przeprowadzanie inwentaryzacji
Płacenie podatków za sprzedaż, sporządzanie listy płac, faktury

Cena wynosi $250 w formie czeku lub money order. W koszt wliczone są materiały. Wymagana jest podstawowa znajomość obsługi komputera. Kurs odbywać się będzie w soboty od 10:00 do 14:00 przy 3815 N. Cicero Ave od 6 lutego do 12 marca 2016.

Microsoft Word na poziomie średnio zaawansowanym i wprowadzenie do Excel

Program kursu obejmuje:
Zaawansowane formatowanie tekstu, wstawianie kolumn, ramek i symboli
Grafika, wstawianie zdjęć, pól z tekstem, operacje na obiektach graficznych programu Word
Adresowanie i drukowanie kopert, tworzenie i drukowanie etykiet
Tworzenie i edytowanie tabel
Mail merge (korespondencja seryjna - jednoczesne wysyłanie tego samego listu do wielu osób)
Menu programu Excel, wprowadzanie danych, formatowanie komórek, nagłówki i opisy tabel, operacje na wierszach i kolumnach
Podstawowe działania matematyczne
Sporządzenie domowego budżetu

Cena wynosi $200 w formie czeku lub money order. W koszt wliczone są materiały i USB flash drive.
Kurs będzie odbywać się przy 3815 N. Cicero Ave w niedziele od 9:00 do 13:00 od 21 lutego do 24 kwietnia 2016.

ABY ZAPISAĆ SIĘ NA KURS NALEŻY ZGŁASZAĆ SIĘ OSOBIŚCIE OD PONIEDZIAŁKU DO CZWARTKU POD ADRESEM 3819 N. CICERO AVE. PO WIĘCEJ INFORMACJI MOŻNA DZWONIĆ (773) 282-1122 WEW. 418

PAA Monthly Newsletter (December 2015)

A note from the Executive Director

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday and is planning to spend time with family and friends as we head into the New Year. One of the major initiatives you will see in the coming weeks and months is membership. We've talked about it briefly but we're getting ready to launch it formally now. Being able to say "yes," to those wanting to become a part of our PAA family is going to be a key long term initiative. Membership can become a major driver of revenue, community, and overall support for our programs and our mission. Look for more information and materials for you to share with all our PAA contacts coming in the coming days. Until then, enjoy your holiday planning!

HR Update

We have been on furlough for two months now and, unfortunately, with no progress on the Budget Impasse in sight, it appears that we will be working a four day (or 32 hour) workweek during the upcoming holidays in December. In that eventually, during the weeks in which a holiday falls on a Friday, our designated day off, the following furlough schedule will apply:

Week of Christmas: furlough day will be observed on Wednesday, December 23
Week of New Year’s Eve: furlough day will be observed on Thursday, December 31

*Please note that during the furlough, you will still be paid for the holiday.

I would also like to remind Managers to send me an email for any staff required to work more than 32 hours a week. Please specify the day/hours and I will complete a Payroll Status Change Form for Payroll, so that the appropriate adjustments can be made in their paycheck.

We will be providing information regarding the 2016 benefit enrollment within the next week.

Due to the Budget Impasse we will be celebrating the holidays by having a “Pot Luck Party” in the community room during the month of December! Staff will be asked to bring in a dish to share. The tentative date will be Thursday, December 17. More information will follow soon.

The year’s Outstanding PAA Employee Award will be deferred to until spring.

We are looking for a volunteer to assist clients in the Resource Room. The volunteer will provide support with computer software available in the lab, assist with online job searches. Qualifications: skilled with MS Office and Internet searches; positive, friendly and professional attitude, bilingual English/Polish preferred. If you know of a good candidate, please contact Bianka at ext. 418.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday:

Agnieszka Dabrowiecka, Wanda Klimecka, Adam Kusz, Olena Malanii, Maria Marusarz, Ewa Mikolajewska, Natalia Niziolek, Urszula Piekarska, Barbara Pietrowski, Astryda Reiter, Paulina Szwarc, Maria Zebrowski, Jack Zurowski

Program News

We are bringing SNAP program back to PAA. Henryka Blusiewicz will see clients on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at our Northside office. She can be reached at ext.305 or Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript.. Iwona Brzezinska will see clients on Monday and Saturday at our Southside office. Iwona can be reached at ext.203 or Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript..

We are recruiting students for the free Office Skills vocational training program which will start in January. Please contact Jagoda at ext. 401 for more information.

Stan Nowak continues volunteering once a week as a senior case manager. To make an appointment with Stan please call the main reception.

In January and February of 2016 we will be offering the following paid computer classes: Basic Computer Literacy, Basic Excel, Intermediate Word and Introduction to QuickBooks. Class registration starts in December, the schedule will be posted at polish.org. For more information call Bianka at ext. 418.

Please be advised that the hours of operation for the Resource Room have changed. As of October 21 the computer lab is open ONLY on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12 to 4 pm.

We are actively recruiting for the coding courses for young students ages 10-13. Students will meet weekly in our lab and will also work on their projects through a virtual web portal. The customized curriculum has been developed by UIC and Northwestern adjunct professors who will also be instructors for the classes. The promotional cost of the class is $399 (normally $899). The first class is scheduled to start in January. For more information please contact Grazyna at ext. 342.

We are recruiting students for tuition CNA classes which will start in December. If you know anyone interested, please let them call Basia at ext. 403 or Jagoda at ext. 401.

Reminders & Other

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to All!

Whatever else be lost among the years,
Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing;
Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears,
Let us hold close one day, remembering
Its poignant meaning for the hearts of men.
Let us get back our childlike faith again.

(Grace Noll Crowell)

Christmas 2015

Days off:

December 24 and 25 (Christmas)
January 1 (New Year)

Travel vouchers are due on Tuesday, December 8.
Timesheets are due Tuesday, December 8 and Monday, December 28.
Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Sonji NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be Inspired

The main thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing. (Stephen Covey)

It was a Great Event - PAA Annual Gala Fundraiser 2015

Thank you to all of the wonderful supporters who made the PAA Annual fundraiser happen. Special thanks to:

Ken Berezewski, Board Chair,
Adam Kamieniak and his AND Agency for chairing the Advancement Committee and for their beautiful videos
Eva Kamieniak of Floral Wonders for beautiful centerpiece arrangements
Viktor Studios for photography
Oak Mill Bakery for the Sweet Table
Polish Radio 1030AM and Polvision

OUR SPONSORS

PICTURE GALLERY

We are using Handbid.com - Gala 2015 Online Auction!

www.handbid.com

handbidGala15

PAA Monthly Newsletter (November 2015)

HR Update

We have been on furlough for a month and, unfortunately, with no progress on the Budget Impasse in sight, it appears that we may be working a four day (or 32 hour) workweek during the upcoming holidays in November and December. In that eventually, during the weeks in which a holiday falls on a Friday, our designated day off, the following furlough schedule will apply:

Week of Thanksgiving: furlough day will be observed on Wednesday, November 25
Week of Christmas: furlough day will be observed on Wednesday, December 23

*Please note that during the furlough, you will still be paid for the holiday.

This is a difficult time for all of us and your cooperation and dedication to the mission of serving our clients has never been more appreciated. Let’s hope we hear some favorable news from Springfield soon.

Congratulations to Marta Kromka-Brigagliano on obtaining a professional license as an Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

We are looking for a volunteer to assist clients in the Resource Room. The volunteer will provide support with computer software available in the lab, assist with online job searches. Qualifications: skilled with MSOffice and Internet searches; positive, friendly and professional attitude, bilingual English/Polish preferred. If you know of a good candidate, please contact Bianka at ext.418.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday:

Barbara Bargiel, Marta Kromka-Brigagliano, Elzbieta Czerwonka, Magdalena Dolas, Andrzej Gasienica, Barbara Gawronska, Elzbieta Goc, Krystyna Gurka, Bozena Kisielewska, Katherine Koptilin, Sylwia Lisiewicz, Janina Malewicz, Anna Mikuszewska, Eva Prokop, Katarzyna Przychodzen, Ewa Susman and Grazyna Zajaczkowska

Program News

We will be bringing back senior case management services (for clients 65 years old or better ) to our North Side office. Stan Nowak will volunteer twice a week starting the first week of November. To make an appointment or for more information please call the main reception.

Please be advised that the hours of operation for the Resource Room have changed. As of October 21 the computer lab is open ONLY on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12 to 4 pm.

We are actively recruiting for the coding courses for young students ages 10-13. Students will meet weekly in our lab and will also work on their projects through a virtual web portal. The customized curriculum has been developed by UIC and Northwestern adjunct professors who will also be instructors for the classes. The promotional cost of the class is $399 (normally $899). For more information please contact Grazyna at ext. 342.

We are recruiting students for tuition and free of charge CNA classes which will start in December. If you know anyone interested, please let them call Basia at ext. 403 or Jagoda at ext. 401.

The Career Center of the Polish American Association invites you to attend informational seminar on Educational credentials evaluation process. The seminar will take place on November 17 at 6 pm at the Copernicus Center. For more information call Kasia Rachwal.

Job seekers who are Cook County residents are welcome to visit the employment services and enroll in job placement assistance programs. For more information about PAA’s employment services please call Mirella at ext. 412. Individuals interested in enrolling in WIOA job placement assistance program should attend the program orientation. Orientations are held every Tuesday from 11 am to 12 noon in Polish and 1 to 2 pm in English. For more information please call Magda at ext. 423.

Development News

Barbara and Arletta have created a whirlwind of excitement with their Gala planning and it’s shaping up to be a truly spectacular event. The Gala team is working hard to sell tickets and sponsorships and we will be asking the larger community for unrestricted donations to help fill the gaps left by the State’s budget standoff.

In October we submitted one new Foundation grant application, which means we now have four in the private sector pipeline. Unfortunately, due to the State budget crisis, private foundations are being inundated with funding requests. As a consequence, the competition is stiffer, submission periods are being cut off due to the high volume, and the turn-around time much longer than usual. We have not yet heard about proposals submitted in the summer. We will be submitting one, and possibly two more applications in November and we hope to hear about at least one of our submissions during this month.

Reminders & Other

Days off: November 26 and 27 (Thanksgiving)

Saturday, November 14, PAA’s Gala

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Sonji NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be Inspired

I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual. (Henry David Thoreau)

Paid computer class: Intermediate QuickBooks

Resource Room: 3815 N. Cicero, Chicago, IL

The curriculum includes:

working with multiple users
customizing Forms and working with Layout Designer
customizing reports - advanced techniques
Online Payments and Intuit Payment Network
working with Time; working with Leads and potential customers
setting up budgets
calendars

The classes will meet on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm from October 31 to December 12, 2015. The tuition is $250 (check or money order). Basic computer literacy is required. The class will be conducted in Polish.

Registration in person at 3819 N. Cicero from Monday to Thursday. For more information regarding this class please call 773 282-1122 ext. 418

Płatny kurs komputerowy: Program QuickBooks na poziomie średniozaawansowanym

Pracownia komputerowa: 3815 N. Cicero, Chicago, IL

pracę z wieloma użytkownikami
pracę z narzędziami Forms i Layout Designer
tworzenie raportów
płatności przez Internet i w sieci Intuit
pracę z narzędziami Time, Leads i potencjalnymi klientami
tworzenie budżetów
pracę z kalendarzem

Zajęcia odbywać się będą w soboty od 10:00 do 14:00 od 31 października do 12 grudnia 2015. Cena wynosi $250 w formie czeku lub money order. Wymagana jest podstawowa znajomość obsługi komputera. W celu zapisania się na kurs należy zgłaszać się osobiście od poniedziałku do czwartku pod adres 3819 N. Cicero Ave.

Po więcej informacji na temat kursu można dzwonić pod numer telefonu 773 282-1122 wew. 418

Kursy programowania dla młodzieży od 10 do 14 lat

Zrzeszenie Amerykańsko-Polskie ogłasza KURSY NAUKI PROGRAMOWANIA KOMPUTEROWEGO dla młodzieży od 10 do 14 lat. Program tych kursów przygotowali i wykładają profesorowie Uniwersytetów Northwestern i UIC

Biura ZAP nieczynne w piatki

Od października biura ZAP beda nieczynne w piatki az do odwołania. Serdecznie przepraszamy.

First Ever PAA Beach Volleyball Bash!

Check out the Beach Volleyball Tournament our fantastic Jr. Board organized!

Many people came to play, cheer on their friends and stayed to enjoy live music and cold drinks at The Dock at Montrose Beach Kudos to DJ ErikK, Kamil Bartoszcze, KBE Entertainment, Starvin Cat, and the PROFUSION
rock band for providing excellent entertainment. Also, the free yoga class, bags tournament and children's face painting were a hit!

Check out some of the pictures from the event below!

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.polish.org/pl/component/content/archive?id=archive#sigProId4a93e3a83f

2015 Annual Gala and Benefit Auction

Come help us raise funds for our “Resources for Changing Lives” at this year’s Gala and Benefit Auction!

This year we will have a number of auction packages, including fabulous getaway trips, relaxing spa day experiences, stunning art to display in your home, and much, much more.

Take a look at our Gala page for more details.

PAA Monthly Newsletter (October 2015)

A note from the Executive Director

Dear PAA Family,
It goes without say that my announcement last Friday is one I know hits you and your families personally. It is not the first time the PAA has had to take aggressive action, but I know it makes the announcement no less difficult to hear. With the State situation at a standstill, and now even the Federal government toying with a shutdown possibility, one wonders how we and other organizations will weather this storm? The best way we can, that’s how.

I see no point in sharing any other major initiatives or updates for this edition. It would be unimportant in comparison. All I can offer for this month is my deep regret that the public funding situation is one I cannot fix. We are all going to be affected. We tried to ride out the state impasse, but at 3 months in, it seems they have outlasted our commitment to maintain the status quo.

Not to lessen the news for you, but knowing how many agencies are planning to or have already shut down because they do not have the ability to make severe adjustments, it is stifling. It also means that when we emerge, we will have – more than ever before – a community looking for help. The need will go up, not down. Our goal is to be here and to get our organization back to its fully functioning level as soon as we can. From there we can build a different kind of future.

HR Update

We are happy to welcome back Iwona Brzezinska who will be working as an LIHEAP intake on our South Side office starting in October. Iwona can be reached at Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript. or ext. 203.

Stephanie Gielniewski started her internship with the Social Services in September. Stephanie is pursuing her Master degree in Community Counseling at the Northeastern University.

Arletta Gromek has joined the staff to support the Gala as well as pursue our new membership initiative, encouraging community members and companies to join us and provide PAA much needed financial support throughout the year.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday:

Jadwiga Branicka, Tadeusz Gaszcz, Daria Gicela, Eva Grzybowski, Jolanta Nicieja-Janczarek, Urszula Jaronczyk, Renata Jasniuk, Maria Klim, Miroslawa Krolikowska, Zofia Matachowska, Malgorzata Olczak, Jadwiga Panfil, Alicja Posniak, Dorota Redlich-Lewandowska, Teresa Smrokowska, Bronislawa Stopka, Irena Wojtkowski, Daniela Zimnicka.

CONGRATULATIONS to the PAA employees who are celebrating their anniversaries:

Joanna Ceremon - 20 years of service

Maria Leja - 10 years of service
Agnieszka Meciwoda-Schmidt - 10 years of service
Daniela Zimnicka - 10 years of service

We thank you for your ongoing commitment to the PAA mission and compassion toward our clients! Happy Anniversary!

Program News

The LIHEAP program is starting on October 1. We will be seeing clients in both offices. To make an appointment please call Basia at the main reception or Malgosia at the South Side office.

We are launching new tuition based coding courses for young students ages 10-13. Students will meet for an hour per week in our lab and will have online access to work on their projects through a virtual web portal. The customized curriculum has been developed by UIC and Northwestern adjunct professors who will also be instructors for the classes. The promotional cost of the class is $399 (normally $899). For more information please contact Grazyna at ext. 342.

We are recruiting students for tuition and free of charge CNA classes which will start in October and November. If you know anyone interested, please let them call Basia at ext. 403 or Jagoda at ext. 401.

The registration for the ESL classes is ongoing. The classes are being held on the Northwest and Southwest side of Chicago. To register, please call ext. 405 (Kasia), ext.404 (Maryla), ext. 409 (Mira), ext. 408 (Agnieszka) or ext. 202 at the South Side office (Malgosia).

The Career Center of the Polish American Association invites you to attend informational seminar on “Ready for College”. The seminar will take place on Tuesday, October 20 at 6 pm at the Copernicus Center. For more information call Kasia Rachwal.

Registration for paid basic computer literacy classes continues. Classes will be offered on Sundays from 9 am to 12.15 pm (October 11 to December 27) at 3815 N. Cicero Ave and on Saturdays from 6.15 to 9.30 pm (October 3 to December 19) at 6276 W. Archer Ave. The tuition is $200. For more information please call Bianka at ext. 418 or visit www.polish.org.

We will be offering job placement assistance services at our South Side location on Thursday, October 15 from 10 am to 2 pm. To reach the employment program staff please call 773 767-7773 ext. 209.

Development News

October is all about the Annual Gala; contacting potential sponsors, selling tickets, developing program content, marketing and PR materials.

It’s also a month during which we will be submitting several grant applications and may ask you for your input. Increasing communications with our funders and supporters is now a priority for the Development Office. Throughout the fall we are meeting with funders, old and new, to talk with them about their visions and plans for future support.

Reminders & Other

Timesheets are due on Monday, October, 12 and on Tuesday, October 27.

September travel vouchers are due on Wednesday, October 7.

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Sonji NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be Inspired

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. (Winston Churchill)

PAA Participates in the Taste of Polonia Festival - September 4 thru 7, 2015

This year PAA have reinvented our role to partner more and acquire more as well for our clients, people who needs your support. See You at the Copernicus Center this Labor Weekend!

More info about the Taste of Polonia Festival you can find here.

PAA Monthly Newsletter (September 2015)

A note from the Executive Director

It’s a difficult time in our state with the budget freeze. We are certainly not alone as agencies across Illinois are changing direction in order to survive this situation. Some agencies will, others may not. In our own house, we’re changing approaches to several programs in order to prepare ourselves to meet the challenges. I realize it can seem difficult to move and change when we want to simply hold on to what we have, but given the policies that seem to be evolving in our State, we will be forced to make these long overdue changes regardless. I know we have a Board and Staff here that can overcome anything, and with this confidence, we can move ahead and be better as these changes take root.

One major initiative which has been organized, and which you will hear more about in the coming weeks, is the Homemakers program. We have real opportunity to acquire new clients and clients who have interest in paying for our offerings. I realize this has been considered in the past, but I don’t believe it has been given the support and investment required to help the Homemakers team really pursue the effort. Will this be easy? No. Nothing of value is ever easy. But having already met and structured several of the foundational requirements, I’m seeing a wonderful team of leaders on our staff and a terrific group of front end service providers. In time, we will move ourselves to more self-sufficiency and away from fear of losing such a large and critical part of our programs.

More to come and thanks to everyone for all your ideas and excitement as we move ourselves through a difficult year.

HR Update

Mina Gerall has accepted the position as the Director of Development at PAA. Mina can be reached at Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript. or ext.308. Welcome and congratulations, Mina!

Piotr Kochanowicz is becoming a full time Counselor/Case Manager in the Substance Abuse program as of September. His contact information remains the same.

Please welcome two new interns who joined us in August. Karolina Wiacek is helping in the Immigrants Services and Peter Lyon will assist in the Administration Department.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday:

Wiktoria Budz, Joanna Ceremon, Cecylia Dudzinski, Danuta Slodyczka-Florek, Jolanta Jablonski, Halina Klarich, Magdalena Krzeminska, Gertruda Labedz-Monaco, Marta Pereyra, Barbara Stadnicki, Ewa Susik, Boguslawa Wazydrag.

CONGRATULATIONS to the PAA employees who are celebrating their anniversaries:

Krystyna Gierczyk - 10 years of service

We thank you for your ongoing commitment to the PAA mission and compassion toward our clients! Happy Anniversary!

Program News

PAA has served 10,392 clients (unduplicated count by program) in FY’15. The detailed report is available on the shared drive under Office Documents/Client Report.

The Career Center invites you to attend a free FAFSA Info Session on Tuesday, September 22, at 6 pm at the Copernicus Center located at 5216 W. Lawrence Avenue. The presentation will be conducted by a representative of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). For more information contact Kasia Rachwal at. 414.

We are registering for PAID computer classes. The Introduction to QuickBooks class will be offered on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm (September 12 to October 17) at the North Side lab.
The tuition is $250. Basic Computer Literacy classes will be held on Sundays from 9 am to 12:15 pm (October 11 to December 27) at the North Side lab and on Saturdays from 6:15 pm to 9:30 pm (October 3 to December 19) at the South Side lab. The tuition is $200. One can register in person Monday to Friday at both South and North Side locations. For more information please call Bianka at ext. 418 or visit www.polish.org.

Our Healthcare Navigator program will no longer be in operation at PAA as of September 1.

We are organizing a job fair with Mariano’s on Monday, September 14 from 2 pm to 5pm. Full time and part time positions are available. This event will be held at 3819 N. Cicero Ave. For more information please contact Barbara Dudzinski at ext. 421.

On September 26 PAA’s Starting Point program staff will participate in the annual Walk for Recovery organized by the Chicago Department of Public Health. This is a city-wide event for Substance Abuse Recovery Month.

Job seekers who are Cook County residents are welcome to visit the employment services and enroll in job placement assistance programs. For more information about PAA’s employment services please call Mirella at ext. 412. Individuals interested in enrolling in WIOA job placement assistance program should attend the program orientation. Orientations are held every Tuesday from 11 am to 12 noon in Polish and 1pm to 2pm in English. For more information please call Magda at ext. 423.

We will be offering job placement assistance services at our South Side location on Thursday, September 17 from 10 am to 2 pm. To reach the employment program staff please call 773 767-7773 ext. 209.

IT Update

We are in the process of migrating of all PAA mailboxes from on-premises server (Hermes) to the cloud (Microsoft Exchange 365). As of now we are running hybrid configuration allowing us to utilize both servers. If you experience any difficulties with accessing your e-mail via MS Outlook please contact IT department for support.

Accessing your mailbox via web browser is now slightly different. You can still go to hermes.polish.org but when you log in the new link to the web access will be displayed. The new link is: mail.office365.com

Development News

PAA was awarded a grant of $30,000 from the Fry Foundation. The grant will support our adult education and vocational training programs in FY’16.

The Development Office has developed a master e-file for all grants, government and private, which includes the name of the funder, the purpose/program for which we are applying, the amount requested, the amount received, the timeline for the grant, and if we know why the request was denied, the reason.

In addition, all Program Departments are contributing to the creation of a comprehensive database to enhance the quality of our proposals. Everyone is working on developing and implementing both quantitative and qualitative metrics.

Reminders & Other

Days off: Monday, Labor Day, September 7 (Monday)

Please mark your calendars for the following staff events:

September 11, Friday-annual staff meeting-more details to follow soon.
December 11, Friday-Christmas Party
June travel vouchers are due on September 9.
Timesheets for payroll are due on September 10 and 25.

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Sonji NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be Inspired

The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

Kursy komputerowe oferowane przez PAA we wrześniu 2015

PAA oferuje następujące kursy komputerowe we wrześniu 2015 r. - kursy prowadzone będą w języku polskim.

Basic Computer Literacy

introduction to basic computer knowledge
basic features of MS Word
Internet, e-mail

The tuition is $200 (check or money order). Classes will be conducted in Polish and will be offered at:
• 3815 N. Cicero Ave on Sundays 9am- 12:15pm from October 11 to December 27, 2015
• 6276 W. Archer Ave on Saturdays 6:15pm-9:30pm from October 3 to December 19, 2015

Introduction to QuickBooks

bookkeeping fundamentals
setting up a company
working with lists
setting up inventory
invoicing for services
processing payments
working with bank accounts
entering and paying bills
interpreting financial reports

The tuition is $250. The class will be conducted in Polish and will meet on Saturdays 10am- 2pm from September 12 to October 17, 2015 at 3815 N. Cicero Ave.

REGISTRATION IN PERSON FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY AT 3819 N. CICERO AVE OR 6276 W. ARCHER AVE. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 773 282 1122 EXT. 418

Podstawy obsługi komputera

Zapoznanie z budową i obsługą komputera
Podstawowe funkcje programu MS Word
Wprowadzenie do Internetu, poczty elektroniczna, email

Cena wynosi $200 w formie czeku lub money order. W koszt wliczone są materiały i USB flash drive.

Kursy będą odbywać się przy:

3815 N. Cicero Ave w niedziele od 9 do 12:15 od 11 października do 27 grudnia 2015
6276 W. Archer Ave w soboty od 18:15 do 21:30 od 3 października do 19 grudnia 2015

Wprowadzenie do QuickBooks

Podstawowe terminy z księgowości
Ustawienie własnej firmy, praca z listami, kontami bankowymi oraz pozostałymi kontami
Wprowadzanie informacji o sprzedażach, przyjmowanie zapłat i robienie depozytów
Wprowadzanie i płacenie rachunków, analiza informacji finansowych
Przeprowadzanie inwentaryzacji
Płacenie podatków za sprzedaż, sporządzanie listy płac, faktury

ABY ZAPISAĆ SIĘ NA KURS NALEŻY ZGŁASZAĆ SIĘ OSOBIŚCIE OD PONIEDZIAŁKU DO PIĄTKU POD ADRESEM 3819 N. CICERO AVE LUB 6276 W. ARCHER AVE. PO WIĘCEJ INFORMACJI MOŻNA DZWONIĆ (773) 282-1122 WEW. 418

Tax Appeal Property Assesment Workshop (8-8-2015)

On Saturday, August 8, 2015 Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Michael M. Cabonargi, his office staff and Polish American Association organized a workshop with a presentation on How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment. The event was attended by over 300 Polish speaking property owners. The honorable guests and co-sponsors of the workshop Alderman Ariel Reboyras, Senator Iris Y. Martinez, Representative Jaime M. Andrade, Jr., Representative Will Guzzardi attended the event. Attendees learned how to file an appeal and how an appeal is granted. PAA Director of Immigrant Services-Grazyna Zajaczkowska i Housing Specialist Natalia Niziolek were helping clients with applications. Those who could not attend the workshop can submit the application on line at www.CookCountyBoardofReview.org

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.polish.org/pl/component/content/archive?id=archive#sigProId81a4304409

Spełnione Marzenia

Młodzieżowy Punkt Wyjścia działający przy Zrzeszeniu Amerykańsko Polskim składa serdeczne podziękowania Chicagowskiemu Klubowi Żeglarskiemu- Polish Yacht Club Chicago- za przekazanie donacji z corocznego charytatywnego "Rejsu Spełnionych Marzen".
Jesteśmy wdzięczni za pomoc w spełnieniu marzeń dwójki wyjątkowych nastolatków. Dzięki Waszej donacji będą oni mieli możliwość uczestniczenia w Konferencji Liderów Polonijnych w Polsce.

Exploring Poland, Heritage Study Tour - Summer 2015

Please see information below regarding an upcoming trip to Poland for undergraduate and graduate students. Additional information is available at 21stcenturypolonia.pl.

PAA Monthly Newsletter (July & August 2015)

Programs/Staff News

Effective July 1, Agnieszka Samul will become the new Counselor/Case Manager for the Turning Point program. Agnieszka brings a wealth of counseling experience into her new role and we wish her well in this new capacity. Congratulations, Agnieszka!

After 13 years of service to the PAA, Christopher Szykula has tendered his letter of resignation. Christopher has decided to retire and his last day of work will be July 15. We extend our best and wish him much enjoyment in his well-deserved retirement.

Congratulations to Bozena Swiatek who will be assuming a role of part time coordinator in our Homemakers program. Bozena has been working as a homemaker for the last year and a half. She will be joining Ela Czerwonka at our South Side office on July 1. Bozena can be reached at Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript. or 773-767-7773 ext. 207

Frankie Torres has accepted the position as the Finance Director at PAA. Frankie can be reached at Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript. or ext.310. Welcome and congratulations, Frankie!

We have an opening in the Supportive Services Department for a part-time Homeless Outreach Worker. Inquiries may be forwarded to Dorota Lewandowska.

Job seekers who are Cook County residents are welcome to visit the employment services and enroll in job placement assistance programs. For more information please call Mirella at ext. 412.
Individuals interested in enrolling in WIA job placement assistance program should attend the program orientation. Orientations are held every Tuesday: 11am – 12 noon in Polish and 1– 2 pm in English. For more information please call Magda at ext. 423.

We are still enrolling clients for the NEW program designed to serve unemployed Cook county residents. This program offers an opportunity to start training and/or to obtain more advanced certificates in the Information Technology field. In addition, clients enrolled in the program will be able to obtain professional work experience through either On the Job Training or Paid Internship opportunities. For program requirements and for more information please call Basia at ext.421

We will be offering job placement assistance services at our South Side location on Thursdays, July 16 and August 20. The staff person will be present in the office from 10 am to 2 pm to provide program information and to register clients. For more information please call Bianka. To reach the employment program staff at the south side office please call 773 767-7773 ext. 209.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Teresa Bobrowski, Ewa Bogacz, Malgorzata Chandler, Barbara Chodorowska, Maria Piotrowska-Flis, Boguslawa Gadula, Krystyna Gierczyk, Grazyna Hatala, Pawel Kolodziej, Helena Kurek, Janina Kurzawa, Eula Lewis, Renata Waliszewska-Pakula, Mariola Pik, Rodolfo Ranola, Krystyna Sip, Halina Smolenski, Barbara Sobecka, Agatha Stochmalski, Ludwina Waksmundzka, Urszula Waksmundzki, Stanislawa Wojton, Maria Wyszynska

CONGRATULATIONS to the PAA employees who are celebrating their anniversaries:

Barbara Bagdzius-10 years of service

We thank you for your ongoing commitment to the PAA mission and compassion toward our clients! Happy Anniversary!

A note from the Executive Director

Since our staff meeting, there are few more major plans brewing with regards to buildings and new programs for 2016. Of note around the corner are a series of fundraisers you may hear about: beach volleyball, lobbyist day with our board, and gala planning, among many others; and while state funding is under pressure, it is a time to reflect on whether programs can be more self-funded and supported through non-governmental means. This isn't a new idea, but this year's budget cuts require us to act on any ideas we have. I have gotten a number of wonderful ones from several individuals and have given a green light to try these fresh approaches. Thanks to all who are participating in these positive and proactive conversations. It's a long way to go, but it starts with a few first steps.

On another note - let's put work aside while everyone has an enjoyable holiday with family and friends. It's important to recharge and relax. Happy Fourth!

HR Update

The revised and updated Performance Review form will be available on the share drive this week. Please note the following changes to the form and Performance Review Process: first of all page 3 of the form includes expanded room for employees to provide specific comments about issues relevant to their job and /or ability to pertain their job; this can be opportunity for dialogue between supervisors and staff. Secondly, the last page is to be used for setting Goals for the upcoming evaluation period. The goal setting is intended to be a more collaborative process between supervisors and staff. Manager will develop a goal(s) for staff and staff will be asked to also think of a goal he or she would like to work towards which will be discussed during the performance review.

Development News

Our Annual Gala 2015, the biggest fundraising event will be on Saturday, November 14 at the JW Marriott Hotel Downtown Chicago. This year Gala Honorees are: Chicago Society and Star-Tech Glass, Inc.
We ask all PAA’s employees to engage in the preparation for this event by finding items for the Silent Auction, securing ads for the Gala Program Book and selling tickets at $250 each.
There is a great opportunity for the Staff to help PAA to raise money and attend our Gala for free! Organize a table of nine guests of your community partners or friends and obtain the tenth ticket for free. Good luck! For more information please visit our website: http://www.polish.org/en/paa-annual-gala-2015 or call Basia.

Reminders & Other

Days off: July 3 (Friday)

Please mark your calendars for the following staff events:

September 11, Friday-annual staff meeting
December 11, Friday-Christmas Party

June travel vouchers are due on Wednesday, July 8.

Timesheets for payroll are due on Friday, July 10.

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Sonji NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be Inspired

A life without love is like a year without summer. (Swedish Proverb)

PAA Monthly Newsletter (June 2015)

Programs/Staff News

As of May we are no longer asking program staff to provide reception relief on regular basis. However, we do expect EVERYONE to be available to substitute for the receptionist if a need arises. Thank you for your cooperation.

Agnieszka Moskal’s role has been expanded and she will be providing assistance and clerical support to the Administration Department. Agnieszka will be assisting in special project, maintaining the attendance, ordering supplies, and reception relief. She can be reached at ext. 311 or Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript.. Agnieszka is a wonderful addition to our team!

The Career Center of the Polish American Association invites you to attend informational seminar presenting Coalition of limited English Speaking Elderly (CLESE). The seminar will take place on Tuesday, June 16 at 6 pm at the Copernicus Center. For more information call Kasia Rachwal.

We will be offering job placement assistance services at our South Side location on Thursday, June18. The staff person will be present in the office from 10 am to 2 pm to provide program information and to register clients. For more information please call Bianka. To reach the employment program staff at the south side office please call 773 767-7773 ext. 209.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday:

Barbara Bagdzius, Renata Baginska, Halina Bozek, Anna Jastrzebska, Kamila Smyk-Jaworski, Janina Kapinos, Ona Kastauniene, Barbara Kasza, Krzysztof Koscielniak, Magdalena Makarewicz, Agnieszka Moskal, Maria Palusinska, Ryszarda Pluzyczka, Barbara Rusin, Kamila Smyk-Jaworski, Janina Ziecina

CONGRATULATIONS to the PAA employees who are celebrating their anniversaries:

Teresa Glen - 10 years of service

We thank you for your ongoing commitment to the PAA mission and compassion toward our clients! Happy Anniversary!

A note from the Executive Director

Well another month under my belt and everyone continues to share great news about the work happening in programs and departments throughout the organization. We’re in the midst of budgets and this exercise is always one that is part frustration, part relief. It’s frustrating to nail down, but it’s a relief to see shape to a plan for changes and growth in the upcoming year.

We have a powerful organization, terrific services delivered, a passionate community that needs us, and all the right things to make for a great charitable story. But in reviewing many years of very hard work - very little has grown. That’s a shame because the hard work each of us puts in every day isn’t being leveraged. It’s time to put a lot more sunshine on what we do, start communicating aggressively and getting back in front of those folks who can help us raise awareness and funding. When I speak with staff, there is no shortage of ideas – but we have a shortage of resources. That can be fixed over time if we share our mission and success stories. Where do we start? We’ll be resurrecting the idea of the old newsletters. Yes, it won’t be exactly the same… perhaps a little sleeker, perhaps even more focused on the stories we have – and definitely more digitally available and distributed. That’s just one example of how we plan to let people know the work here is critical and the support is needed. Stay tuned in the next budget year for this and other similar efforts in communications.

See you all June 11th for the quarterly staff meeting. That meeting will be more about all of you sharing with the room what’s going on – and it will be good to see you all again. Until then - Eva

HR Update

This year and going forward we would like for our performance review process to include a goal setting component. Next week I will be providing information and direction to managers and staff on how to develop SMART goals. The deadline for completion of performance reviews will be extended to the end of July.

Reminders & Other

Please mark your calendars for the following staff events:

June 11, Thursday - quarterly staff meeting at 12 noon (lunch will be served)
September 11, Friday-annual staff meeting
December 11, Friday-Christmas Party

Travel vouchers are due on Tuesday, June 9.

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Sonji NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be Inspired

Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. (Dalai Lama)

PAA Annual Gala and Benefit Auction 2015

PAA Annual Gala and Benefit Auction

CELEBRATING OUR HISTORY, BUILDING OUR FUTURE

Join the PAA Board and this years Presidential Award recipients for a night of elegant dining and dancing at the JW Marriott in downtown Chicago, with music by the Larry Eckering Orchestra. We’re proud to host you as our guests in the Grand Ballroom and have you enjoy an evening of great atmosphere, and music as we raise funds for the Polish American Communities we serve.

Be part of an organization and event that will touch thousands of lives in the next year. It’s a great way to give back and enjoy yourself in the process.

To become a sponsor, reserve VIP tickets or table reservations, please email Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript.. Space is limited. Requests are taken on a first come first served basis.

2015 Gala Honorees

PNA Chicago Society

STAR-TECH Glass, Inc.

CHECKOUT OUR AUCTION PIECES

DONATE AN ITEM TO AUCTION

TO BECOME A SPONSOR/ DONATE

BUY AN AD

BUY YOUR TICKETS

For any questions please email: Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript.

Thank you!

JW Marriott Chicago and Momentum Band

JW Marriott
151 West Adams Street, Chicago

The Momentum Band
(formerly Larry Eckerling & His Orchestra)

Location Map

Governor Bruce Rauner - Pączki Day 2015

Major Rahm Emanuel - Pączki Day 2015

Major Rahm Emanuel about the Polish Constitution Day

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel joins us for the 2015 Parade, honors the PAA by recognizing Polish Constitution Day.

PAA Monthly Newsletter (April - May 2015)

Programs/Staff News

Please join PAA for the Polish Constitution Day Parade. This year Chicago celebration of the Polish Constitution of 1791 will be held on Saturday, May 2nd at 11.30 am, on a new route, along Dearborn Street, from Lake Street to Van Buren Street. PAA will be marching as the 35th organization. For the march order and a map go to may3parade.orgWe look forward to having you with us!

Please note the changes in our accounting team. Francisco Torres joined Bob and assumed the role of the interim Finance Director. He is overseeing all the functions of the finance department so please contact him with any questions. Frankie can be reached at Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript. or 773-427-6310.

Barbara Dudzinski has assumed duties of a part time NEG Project Coordinator to assist long term unemployed Cook county residents interested in careers in the IT field. She will be responsible for referring clients into training programs, developing of On-the-Job Training and Internship opportunities, and placing clients in jobs. Barbara will be performing the Project Coordinator duties in addition to her current role of a job developer. She can still be reached at ext. 421 or Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript..

Due to state budget cuts our basic computer literacy program has been suspended and we will not offer free of charge classes. Instead we are registering for paid basic computer classes at both North and South side locations. For more information call Bianka.

We are still enrolling clients for the program designed to serve unemployed Cook county residents. This program offers an opportunity to start training and/or to obtain more advanced certificates in the Information Technology field. In addition, clients enrolled in the program will be able to obtain professional work experience through either On the Job Training or Paid Internship opportunities. For program requirements and for more information please call Basia Dudzinski.

The Career Center of the Polish American Association invites you to attend two informational seminars about Workers’ Rights and Social Security benefits. The first seminar will take place on Tuesday, May 12 at 6 pm and the second seminar is on May 19 at 6 pm. Both seminars will take place at the Copernicus Center. For more information call Kasia Rachwal.

We will be offering job placement assistance services at our South Side location on Thursday, May 21. The staff person will be present in the office from 10 am to 2 pm to provide program information and to register clients. For more information please call Bianka. To reach the employment program staff at the south side office please call 773 767-7773 ext. 209.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to:

Maria Bis, Ewa Sikora-Cholewa, Michal Chybowski, Slawomir Czajkowski, Angelika Danek, Wioletta Drag, Dorota Felinski, Danuta Franczyk, Teresa Glen, Robert Gols, Barbara Haniaczyk, Anna Iwanicka, Piotr Kochanowicz, Zofia Kojtek, Zofia Koscielniak, Teresa Kozlowska, Maria Kruczek, Katarzyna Lebiedz, Maria Leja, Iwona Lippert, Christiane London, Barbara Lukaszek, Genowefa Magiera, Irena Marasz, Jadwiga Morzy, Leokadia Mosio, Katarzyna Olender-Misiarz, Zofia Piekarczyk, Zbigniew Pienkowski, Tomasz Pik, Malgorzata Popek, Marta Stanczyk-Przybylska, Katarzyna Rachwal, Agata Radek, Bozena Swiatek, Elzbieta Szopinska, Alicja Szremska, Marzenna Szwarc, Krystyna Wiszowata, Edyta Wojno, Mirella Wolak, Walentyna Wolska, Magdalena Zakrzewska, Bozena Zdrzalka, Krystyna Znorko

CONGRATULATIONS to the PAA employees who are celebrating their anniversaries:

Barbara Kotarska - 10 years of service

We thank you for your ongoing commitment to the PAA mission and compassion toward our clients! Happy Anniversary!

A note from the Executive Director

Well it’s been a few weeks since I started and it has been a whirlwind. First, let me say how impressed I am with our programs, our planning, and you. Such critical work has been done here and it is because of that quality and reputation, we can look at the future of PAA confidently.
A number of things have been changing. Some things you may see, some you may not. I’ve been reaching out to specific departments where and when they can be involved and over time, you’ll start to sense some relief in your daily routines. Why? We’ll be moving to a more paperless environment over the next few months. What we program may require audit trails, but they do not require killing every tree in the city to print and store records. I’ve engaged a top notch technologist to work with Sonji, Michal, and Adam on some basic projects first, and once we get a feel for what we can do, we’ll tackle larger ones as we find them.
We need to get you guys out of the weeds and doing the work that matters. That means examining processes and procedures that make us digital and faster by their very nature. Keep your eyes open and drop me a note anytime you see a process that is paper heavy. I’ve already got PTO requests and tracking, payroll submissions and approvals, and the budgeting process on my short list. That will keep us busy for a bit, but your ideas and information will generate a very real sense for me of where we can help give back time to your day so more clients can be serviced.
Next, I’ll be launching a weekly digest of quick pieces of information everyone should know. More to come on that next week and thanks to the Southside office for helping me shape that idea during my visit last Friday.
Finally, we’ll be starting quarterly staff meetings. We have June 11, Sept 11, and Dec 11 set aside. More info to come on those in the event a date doesn’t work, but for now, please plan on a get together so we can all have a greater sense of community and sharing across the board.

HR Update

This is a reminder that we will be beginning the 2015 Performance Review Process within the next two weeks. I am excited to announce that his year we will be providing more guidance and direction to managers and staff, the purpose of which is, to establish an ongoing dialogue for more effective assessment of staff performance and the development of goals objectives that are realistic and attainable. Stay tuned for more information.

Reminders & Other

Days off: May 25 (Memorial Day)

Please mark your calendars for the following staff events:

June 11, Thursday - quarterly staff meeting
September 11, Friday-annual staff meeting
December 11, Friday-Christmas Party

April travel vouchers are due on Friday May 8.

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Sonji NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be inspired

Paris is always a good idea. (Audrey Hepburn)

Chairman’s Brunch Successful Fundraising for PAA

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.polish.org/pl/component/content/archive?id=archive#sigProId0efdcb4371

On Sunday, April 26th, we held our Annual Brunch to raise awareness about PAA programs and services offered to our community. Governor Bruce Rauner was our guest speaker and took time to acknowledge the need to improve the support of non-profit work such as PAA, in his remarks. PAA raised more than $32,000.

Since 1922, the PAA has sought to develop and enhance the lives of our community. Although founded for the purpose of supporting Poles recently immigrated to the area, the organization has evolved to offer its programs to any individuals who come to our doors in need of these social services. We strive to expand our impact through outreach and advocacy on those issues we see need attention.

U.S. – Poland Social Security Agreement - Free Seminar on 21st of April

The Career Center of the Polish American Association invites you to attend an informational session on the U.S. – Poland Social Security agreement. Click here to get more details.

Interpersonal/Conflict Resolution Workshop

The Teen Program at the Polish American Association invites you to participate in Interpersonal/Conflict Resolution Workshop that will take place on Saturdays 04/11/2015 to 05/16/2015 from 4 to 5pm. READ MORE...

PAA Monthly Newsletter - March, 2015

March 2015

Programs/Staff News

As of March, Robert Gols, our Bookkeeper is assuming the role of the payroll administrator. For the last year and a half Bob has consistently demonstrated his commitment and dedication to the PAA and as such he has eagerly accepted this new responsibility. We ask that everyone continues to support Bob in his new role (timely submission of timesheets!) and wish him well deserved success. Congratulations!

Job Opening:
There is an immediate opening for a NEG Project Coordinator in our Education & Employment Services Department. This is a part time position. For more details please contact Bianka.

Our Healthcare Navigator program is fully operational. Barbara Rusin sees clients at the main office at 3834 N. Cicero and Anna Jastrzebska helps clients at the south side office at 6276 W. Archer. For appointments at the main office please call the reception at 773 282-8206. For appointments at the south side please call 773-767-7773 ext. 201.

The WIA program is still recruiting clients for the new program (NEG) designed to serve unemployed Cook county residents. This program offers an opportunity to start training and/or to obtain more advanced certificates in the Information Technology field. In addition, clients enrolled in the program will be able to obtain professional work experience through either On the Job Training or Paid Internship opportunities. For program requirements and for more information please call Bianka at ext. 418.

The Career Center of the Polish American Association invites you to attend a free informational session about Careers in the medical field. The session will take place on Tuesday, March 24 at 6 pm at the Copernicus Center. For more information call Kasia Rachwal.

The registration for our ESL classes is ongoing. The classes are held on the Northwest and Southwest side of Chicago. For registration and information please call Kasia Koptilin, Mira Krolikowska or Agnieszka Sobczyk (Northside) and Malgosia Bodyziak (South side).

Job seekers who are Cook County residents are welcome to visit the employment services and enroll in job placement assistance programs. For more information about PAA’s employment services please call Mirella at ext. 412. Individuals interested in enrolling in WIA program should attend the program orientation. The orientations are held every Tuesday: 11 am – 12 noon in Polish and 1– 2pm in English.

Registration for spring FREE basic computer classes continues. Classes will take place at our North and South side locations and will meet in the mornings, evenings and on weekends. For information or to register please call Bianka at ext. 418.

We are still recruiting students for the free and tuition CNA classes which start in March. If you are interested, please contact Basia Gawronska or Jagoda.

New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a free CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP on Saturday, March 21. It will take place at the Chicago Math and Science Academy (CMSA) located at 7212 N. Clark Street in Chicago. Registration will be held as usual from 9-10.30 am. For complete information please go to our website or call Grazyna or Natalia.

The clients who need to prepare/update their resumes and learn/refresh their interviewing skills are encouraged to attend our job readiness workshops. The workshops are held every Tuesday at 12 noon- 1 pm in Polish and 2-3 pm in English. For more information please call Kasia Rachwal at ext. 414.

We will be offering job placement assistance services at our South Side location on Thursday, March 19. The staff person will be present in the office from 10 am to 2 pm to provide program information and to register clients. For more information please call Bianka at ext. 418. To reach the employment program staff at the south side office please call 773 767-7773 ext. 209.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in March:

Halina Chmielowiec, Teresa Cieciura, Dana Grymova, Ewa Hiszczynski, Maria Kowal, Malgorzata Kurdziel, Agnieszka Meciwoda-Schmidt, Halina Olejnik, Lidia Paliwoda, Sylwia Pawlina, Halina Plata, Agnieszka Samul, Franciszka Staszewski, Jozefa Swiatek, Bozena Uryga, Dorota Zaghloul

CONGRATULATIONS to the PAA employees who are celebrating their anniversaries in March:

Boguslawa Wazydrag - 20 years of service

Halina Smolenski -10 years of service

We thank you for your ongoing commitment to the PAA mission and compassion toward our clients! Happy Anniversary!

Development News

We would like to send out a resounding thank you to all of you who took part in our successful ANNUAL PĄCZKI DAYS FUNDRAISER. We sold more than 5,000 pączki and raised over $17,000! This year for the first time we were selling pączki in our ESL, Citizenship, CNA and Computer classes. The classes collected almost $6,000 in pączki sales! A sincere thank you goes to the coordinators and teachers of these programs for their hard work on it. Thank you to everybody who showed up at the Polish Radio WNVR1030 AM and talked about PAA and our fundraising and to those of you who delivered pączki. And most of all thank you to all who were selling pączki. We could not do it without your help! Please click the links below to see the pictures and videos:

Pączki Days 2015
(Online Picture Album)

Pączki Day 2015
(YouTube video)

Reminders & Other

Days off: March 2 (Pulaski Day)

Please note that the WIA program is no longer open on Saturdays. Regular program hours are: Mon- Thurs 9 am-5 pm and Fri 9 am-3 pm.

February travel vouchers are due on Monday March 9.

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Sonji NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be inspired

There are two kinds of people, those who do the work and those who take the credit. Try to be in the first group; there is less competition there. (Indira Gandhi)

Pączki Days 2015 - Thank You!

Many thanks to Everyone who contributed to making our annual Pączki Days fundraiser on Fat Thursday February 12 and fat Tuesday February 17, 2015 a remarkable success!

{gallery}paczkiD15{/gallery}

We are very appreciative of Governor Bruce Rauner for visiting the PAA and celebrating Fat Thursday on February 12thand Mayor Rahm Emanuel for visiting the PAA and celebrating Fat Tuesday on February 17. Both were able to meet with the PAA’s Board, Staff and clients. We sold more than 5,000 pączki and raised over $17,000.

Our deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to Bogna Solak, our board member, who annually donates pączki and lets us sell them at the seven locations of her business, Oak Mill Bakery.

And special thanks to: Adam’s Jewelry for donating the silver jewelry to be randomly placed inside the pastry as a sweet surprise for some lucky winners and Polish Radio WNVR1030 AM and Polvision for offering us free air time to promote PAA’s programs and Paczki Days fundraiser. Please click the buttons below to see the pictures and videos:

PHOTOS

VIDEO I

VIDEO II

Thank you All very much for participating in the Pączki Days charity event!

Major Rahm Emmanuel at the PAA

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Major Rahm Emmanuel supporting our annual fundraiser - Pączki Day (February 17, 2015)

Governor Bruce Rauner Visits PAA

Governor Bruce Rauner helps the PAA Board and Staff celabrate Pączki Day. The Governor adressed the group about his initiatives and also meet clients of the PAA. (February 12, 2015)

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.polish.org/pl/component/content/archive?id=archive#sigProId5c5a7fb400

TODAY IS FAT THURSDAY!!!!

BUY DELICIOUS PĄCZKI FROM US - SUPPORT OUR MISSION!

PAA Office Closed - February 2, 2015

Due to the the inclement weather conditions, difficulty finding parking spaces, and accessing our offices, the PAA will be closed today, on February 2, 2015. We apologize for any inconveniences.

PAA Monthly Newsletter - February, 2015

February 2015

Programs/Staff News

PAA WIA program staff was recognized for offering On the Job Training (OJT) opportunities to our clients. OJT provides employers with a way to have new employees gain specific skills and employment competencies. This is accomplished through exposure in an actual work setting, to the processes, work tasks, tools and methods of a specific job or group of jobs. Qualified applicants are matched with approved job openings; a training plan is designed to meet employer’s specific needs. After the completion of the training, the employer gets reimbursed up to 90 percent of the wage rate for the cost of the training. Our program was cited as one of the Top OJT Producers in FY’15 out of about 30 agencies who run WIA Adult program in the Cook County. Our staff placed 7 clients in the OJT training during the last 12 months. Congratulations!

Beginning in February PAA will start helping to navigate the health insurance programs available in the state of Illinois. Two certified counselors called navigators will assist PAA clients who would like to enroll into programs through MarketPlace or who would need help with Medicaid. Barbara Rusin will see clients at the main office at 3834 N. Cicero and Anna Jastrzebska will help clients at the south side office at 6276 W. Archer. For appointments at the main office please call the reception at 773 282-8206. For appointments at the south side please call 773-767-7773 ext. 201.

The WIA program is recruiting clients for the new program (NEG) designed to serve unemployed Cook county residents. This program offers an opportunity to start training and/or to obtain more advanced certificates in the Information Technology field. In addition, clients enrolled in the program will be able to obtain professional work experience through either On the Job Training or Paid Internship opportunities. For program requirements and for more information please call Bianka at ext. 418.

For the past several months PAA’s Social Services Department has been offering Parenting Classes. This new service aims to help families develop the skills they need to create a nurturing home. Parenting classes encourage mutual respect between a parent and a child, increase cooperation, improve communication, and promote a more responsible and self-reliant attitude among children. The classes consist of instructional sessions providing information regarding the developmental needs of children and encourage parents to adopt safe and nurturing daily parenting practices. At this time services are only provided at PAA’s north side office. We offer convenient service hours, including evening and weekend. For more information or to schedule a session, please contact Marta Kromka-Brigagliano at ext. 343 or direct at 773-427-6343.

The Career Center invites you to attend a free information session on how to Unleash your full potential and shape your future. The session will take place on Tuesday, February 24 at 6 pm at the Copernicus Center. For more information call Kasia Rachwal.

The new citizenship classes will be starting in February. To register or for more information please call Janina.

We are still recruiting students for the free of charge and tuition CNA classes which will start in February. If you are interested, please contact Basia Gawronska or Jagoda.

Registration for spring FREE basic computer literacy classes is open. The classes will meet at our North and South side locations in the mornings, evenings and on the weekends. For information or to register please call Bianka at ext. 418.

New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a free CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP on Saturday, February 21. It will take place at the Wright College located at 4300 N. Narragansett in Chicago. Registration will be held as usual from 9-10.30 am. For complete information please go to our website or call Grazyna, Teresa or Natalia.

We will be offering job placement assistance services at our South Side location on Thursday, February 19. The staff person will be present in the office from 10 am to 2 pm to provide program information and to register clients. For more information please call Bianka at ext. 418. To reach the employment program staff please call 773 767-7773 ext. 209.

We have currently serving FIVE clients in our private pay program but we are ALWAYS looking for new clients. We are asking for your help with spreading the word and we will reward you for referring a client to PAA. The reward schedule is set up as follows: if the referred client stays with us for a month the reward is $25, it doubles to $50 if the client is being served for 3 months and finally it becomes $100 after 6 months of service provided. If you know of anybody in need of home care service, please ask them to call Bogusia.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in February:

Aneta Dabrowski, Sonji Jones, Bianka Kaminska, Barbara Kotarska, Bozena Kwasna, Stanislawa Les, Ludmila Pietraszek, Agnieszka Sobczyk, Gaja Swierzowski, Jadwiga Tomaszewski, Dorota Trybula, Malgorzata Walkowska

Development News

Our annual fundraiser, Paczki Days (Fat Thursday, February 12 and Fat Tuesday, February 17) is just around the corner. And while the orders are coming in, this is a reminder that it is the last chance to party before Lent begins. This year, as always, we are ask for your help with spreading the word about our event. Thank you for asking our clients and students to participate. Your efforts are much appreciated! Please remember that the order forms need to be in by February 5.

paczkiDaySL2

PAA was awarded a grant of $10,000 from the Magnus Charitable Fund to support our homeless shelter and $6,000 from the McMaster CARR Supply Co. for the general operations. Both grants will be used in FY’15.

Reminders & Other

Please note that eeffective February 17 computer lab hours of operations will be as follows:
Tuesday - Friday 9 am - 4:45 pm
Saturday 9am - 2:45 pm.
Lunch break every day between 12:30pm - 1:30pm.
Computer lab is closed on Sundays and Mondays. For more information please call Edyta at ext. 422.

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Sonji NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be inspired

The ultimate inspiration is the deadline. (Nolan Bushnell)

OBAMACARE - spotkania w sprawie ubezpieczenia zdrowotnego

obamacare spotkaniaSM

Piotr Kochanowicz named The Man of the Year

Congratulations to Piotr Kochanowicz, our substance abuse counselor, who has been named The Man of the Year (Czlowiek Roku) by the Polish Daily News!
One cannot think of anyone deserving this honor more than Piotr. We are very happy for Piotr and proud to have him on our clinical team. You can check out the Polish Daily News article for more details HERE. Piotr, thank you for all you do for others!

PAA Monthly Newsletter - December, 2014/January 2015

PAA MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

December 2014/January 2015

Programs/Staff News

Henryka Blusiewicz and Jack Zurowski have been named the Outstanding Employees of 2014. Henryka was awarded for “Enormous Compassion, Commitment and Exceptional Support extended to Clients and Co-workers”.

Jack was awarded for “ Exemplary Loyalty and Commitment to PAA and his wonderful creativity in Beautifying our Workplace”.

Congratulations to Henia and Jacek on this great and well deserved honor!

See below for Henia and Jacek’s comments upon receiving the award.

I would like to extend my gratitude to all my wonderful coworkers for choosing me for the Outstanding Employee Award. Working at the PAA is for me a great privilege and honor. I learn from my coworkers every day how to be kinder and more understanding for the people who need my help. (Henryka Blusiewicz)

To my friends and co-workers,

I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the wonderful award you gave to me at our Christmas party. I was very honored that you had given me such an award and I was touched by your expressions of kindness and affection. It means a lot to me as many years ago I came to the PAA as a client and through your programs and with your help I was able to build a new life. Since then, the PAA has been my home and you my co-workers have been a family. Knowing the good that you do, it is an honor for me to be able to help your work in many way I can. Thank you. (Jacek Zurowski)

The free FAFSA Completion Session will take place on Tuesday, January 27 from 5 to 9 pm in the Computer Resource Room of the Polish American Association at 3815 N Cicero. Representatives of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) will provide assistance with filing FAFSA online. For more information about this event please call Kasia Rachwal.

The new citizenship classes will be starting in January and February. To register or for more information please call Janina.

We are recruiting students for the free of charge and tuition CNA classes which will start in February. If you are interested, please contact Basia Gawronska or Jagoda.

Registration for paid Intermediate MS Word and Basic Excel class continues. This class is scheduled to open on Sunday, January 18 and will meet on Sundays from 10 am to 1 pm. For information or to register please call Bianka at ext. 418.

Registration for winter FREE basic computer literacy classes is now open. The classes will meet at our North and South side locations in the mornings, evenings and on the weekends. For information or to register please call Bianka at ext. 418.

The CDBG employment program for job seekers who are Chicago residents begins on January 1. In order to register a person needs to bring the following documents: proof of a Chicago address, social security card, alien resident card, birth certificate or US passport and a proof of income. Men born after December 31, 1959 need to bring a proof of Selective Service registration. For more information please call: Barbara at ext. 421, Marzena at ext. 420 or Agata at ext. 419.

Cook County residents receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits are now eligible to enroll in WIA program to take advantage of our job placement assistance or to apply for funding for vocational training programs. Individuals interested in enrolling in WIA program should attend the program orientation. The orientations are held every Tuesday from 11am to 12 noon in Polish and from 1 to 2 pm in English. For more information please call Mirella at ext. 412.

New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a free CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP on Saturday, January 24. It will take place at the Oakton Community Center located at 4701 Oakton Street in Skokie. Registration will be held as usual from 9-10.30 am. For complete information please go to our website or call Grazyna, Teresa or Basia.

The clients who need to prepare/update their resumes and learn/refresh their interviewing skills are encouraged to attend our job readiness workshops. The workshops are held every Tuesday at 12 - 1 pm in Polish and 2-3 pm in English. For more information please call Kasia Rachwal at ext. 414.

We will be offering job placement assistance services at our South Side location on Thursday, January 15. The staff person will be present in the office from 10 am to 2 pm to provide program information and to register clients. For more information please call Bianka at ext. 418. To reach the employment program staff please call 773 767-7773 ext. 209.

We have currently serving FOUR clients in our private pay program but we are ALWAYS looking for new clients. We are asking for your help with spreading the word and we will reward you for referring a client to PAA. The reward schedule is set up as follows: if the referred client stays with us for a month the reward is $25, it doubles to $50 if the client is being served for 3 months and finally it becomes $100 after 6 months of service provided. If you know of anybody in need of home care service, please ask them to call Bogusia.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in December and January:

Alexandra Antonik, Malgorzata Batog, Wieslawa Bieniewska, Malgorzata Bodyziak, Zofia Chowaniec, Elzbieta Chrzanowska, Agnieszka Dabrowiecka, Marianna Dzis, Andrzej Felker, Mary Gembicki, Maria Jaworska, Ewa Klepaczko, Wanda Klimecka, Ewa Koziol, Adam Kusz, Ewa Lisiewicz, Elzbieta Makowiecka, Olena Malanii, Maria Marusarz, Ewa Mikolajewska, Teresa Palac, Barbara Pietrowski, Urszula Piekarska, Teresa Poznanski, Astryda Reiter, Bozena Sajdak, Katarzyna Swigon, Paulina Szwarc, Renata Teper, Maria Trzmielewska, Elzbieta Wierzchon, Maria Zebrowski, Jack Zurowski

CONGRATULATIONS to the PAA employees who are celebrating their anniversaries in January:

Elzbieta Chrzanowska - 20 years of service

We thank you for your ongoing commitment to the PAA mission and compassion toward our clients! Happy Anniversary!

Development News

PAA was awarded a grant of $25,000 from the Bank of America Foundation for supportive services and $1,000 from the Knights of Malta for the purchase of shoes for our homeless clients . Both grants will be used in FY’15.
PAA received a grant of $2,000 from the Kochton Foundation to support the general operations of the agency in FY’15.

Reminders & Other

The earth has grown old with its burden of care
But at Christmas it always is young,
The heart of the jewel burns lustrous and fair
And its soul full of music breaks the air,
When the song of angels is sung.

O Little Town of Bethlehem, Phillips Brooks

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

Days off:

December 24 and 25 (Christmas)
January 1 (New Year)

10 paid holidays in 2015:

January 1, New Year
March 2, Pulaski Day
April 3, Good Friday
May 25, Memorial Day
July 3, in observance of Independence Day
September 7, Labor Day
November 26 and 27, Thanksgiving and Day after Thanksgiving
December 24, Christmas Eve
December 25, Christmas

All December travel vouchers must be accompanied by a copy of valid Driver’s License and unexpired Insurance Card and submitted to Bob by January 10.

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Sonji NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be inspired

At Christmas, all roads lead home. (Marjorie Holmes)

Christmas Tree at PAA South-Side Location

Students of Adam Mickiewicz Polish Saturday School from Burbank decoratded Christmas tree at PAA South-Side location. Thank you all (including School Principal Mrs. Anna Palasz, Teacher and PAA employee Urszula Jaronczyk) for this beautiful Holiday gift!

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.polish.org/pl/component/content/archive?id=archive#sigProIdb5586731de

Holiday Shopping Season - Buy on Amazon Smile and Suport PAA Mission!

Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com.

Polish American Association is registered with Amazon Smile as a charitable organization.

The brief instruction below explains how to register for Amazon Smile:

Sign in to Amazon Sile with you regular amazon login (e-mail address) and password.
https://smile.amazon.com, and go through registration wizard

NDECC Update! We're thankful for the work you do....

"Since President Obama announced his Executive Order on immigration last week, our NDECC members have been working to help promote this important initiative and to illustrate that this is not only a Latino issue, but one that impacts all ethnic communities across the country."

Read the full article here.

PAA’s Grazyna Zajaczkowska meets with President Obama and other Civic Leaders on Immigration Issues

During President Obama’s trip to Chicago on Tuesday, the PAA’s Grazyna Zajaczkowska met with the President for a round table discussion on issues of concern to the Chicago Civic Ethnic Leadership. This meeting preceded the President’s speech at the Copernicus Center where he presented the broad outline of his immigration policy as well as a request that all parties work together for the passage of a comprehensive immigration reform act. The President reminded the audience that the United States is a nation of immigrants, woven into one fabric.

presObamaZaj 1

PAA 2014 Annual Gala Was A Big Success!

THANK YOU ALL WHO HELPED TO MAKE OUR

ANNUAL GALA 2014

on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at the Loews O’Hare Hotel

A SUCCESFUL EVENT!

We raised almost $107,000

FIRST WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR GALA HONOREES:


PRESENCE RESURRECTION MEDICAL CENTER	POLISH RADIO WNVR 1030AM & TV POLVISION

PAA’s Board of Directors with Ken Berezewski, Chairman

Junior Board

Adam Kamieniak, Gala Committee Chairman

And Gala Committee Co-Chairs:

Michelle Kurzydlowski, Geraldine Gedroic Lichterman, Bogna Iwanowska-Solak, Michael Traison and Bozena Zweig

Peggy Kusinski from the NBC Universal, WMAQ, who was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

Our Gala’s guests enjoyed the performances of:

POLONIA, the ensemble of PRCUA founded by Cecylia Roznowska and Anna Krysinski 27 years ago, who presented wonderful dances: Mazur and a lively Rock & Roll.

A Polish-American music school: Likos String Academy, who combined a passion for music and Slavic temperament in their performance
Daniel Noce and Ramona Nita, who are renowned dancers and instructors, who presented a wonderful performance of the Argentine Tango.
Aleksandra Kurzydlowski who sang the Polish and American National Anthems

MARSZALEK BAND who provided the Gala’s dance music.

The Ballroom at the Lowes was filled with many distinguished guests, among them:

Consul Konrad Zielinski, Walter KotabaPresident ofPolnet Communications,Honoree Ariel Reboyras, Pawel Wawrzeckiactor, and leaders of many organizations.
All attendees enjoyed the evening, dancing until the early hours.

WE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HELPED TO MAKE THIS EVENT A SUCCESS!
OUR 20 GALA SPONSORS

thank-youSPsufBr

RECEPTION SPONSOR - $15,000

GOLD SPONSORS - $5,000
	Leo P. Niemiec

Sigmund Rolat	Izabela T. Roman, M.D.

SILVER SPONSORS - $2,500
Camille Kopielski	Dr. & Mrs. Henry Kurzydlowski

Geraldine Gedroic Lichterman	Caroline Lyczko

	Arie and Bozena Zweig

SUPPORTERS - $1,000


	Fran and Mitch Wiet

OUR MEDIA SPONSORS:

and

AND Agency LLC - Adam Kamieniak

For creative design and printing the invitations

FloralWonders LLC - Ewa Kamieniak

For beautiful table centerpieces

Dr Izabela Roman and Michael Traison

sponsors of the Marszalek Band

Those who purchased tickets and ad space in our PAA’s Gala Commemorative Program Book
(to see click HERE).

The people and organizations who donated items for our Gala Raffle Prize or Silent Auction,

especially, POLAMER for the airline ticket to Poland

To see the 2014 PAA Gala photo album –pictures by Victor Studio- click HERE

To see the video recorded during this magnificent event, Courtesy of the Polvision-click HERE

And also the video recorded by Adam Kusz of the PAA- click HERE

A Big Thank You to Everyone for Making our Annual Gala a Success!

For more details please contact Barbara Sobecka at (773)427-6307

Grant from Bank of America

Bank of America gives grant to the PAA November 6, 1214. The PAA gratefully acknowledges a generous grant of $25,000 from the Bank of America. This grant will be used in support of our programs on homelessness, hunger, and community outreach. Recently Dorota Lewandowska, Director of Supportive Services, and Henryka Blusiewicz, outreach and case manager, participated in the Bank of America event bringing attention to the issue of hunger in America. We are delighted that the Bank of America continues to be a valued community partner in helping us provide the resources for changing lives. Thank you Bank of America!

boa_grant14

Tristan Slemmons and the Bank of America Chicago Community Team presenting a check to the PAA

MS Word and Excel Classes at PAA

Paid computer class: Paid computer class: IntermediateMS Word and Basic Excel (class will be conducted in Polish) Resource Room: 3815 N. Cicero, Chicago, IL
The curriculum includes:

text formatting
applying borders and shading
using tabs and styles
using, modifying and inserting pictures and symbols
creating tables and graphics, labels and envelopes
mail merge
keyboard navigation in MS Excel
data types
inserting data, functions and formulas

The classes will meet on Sundays from 10am to 1pm from January 18 to April 12, 2015. The tuition is $200 (check or money order).Registration in person at 3819 N. Cicero from Monday to Friday. For more information regarding this class please call 773 282-1122 ext. 418

Płatny kurs komputerowy: Microsoft Word na poziomie średnio zaawansowanym i wprowadzenie do MS Excel - Pracownia komputerowa: 3815 N. Cicero, Chicago, IL
Program kursu obejmuje:

Zaawansowane formatowanie tekstu, wstawianie kolumn, ramek i symboli
Grafika, wstawianie zdjęć, pól z tekstem, operacje na obiektach graficznych programu Word
Adresowanie i drukowanie kopert, tworzenie i drukowanie etykiet
Tworzenie i edytowanie tabel
Mail merge (korespondencja seryjna - jednoczesne wysyłanie tego samego listu do wielu osób)
Menu programu Excel, wprowadzanie danych, formatowanie komórek, nagłówki i opisy tabel, operacje na wierszach i kolumnach
Podstawowe działania matematyczne
Sporządzenie domowego budżetu

Zajęcia odbywać się będą w niedziele rano od 10:00 do 13:00 od 18 stycznia do 12 kwietnia 2015 (12 spotkań). Cena wynosi $200 w formie czeku lub money order.
W celu zapisania się na kurs należy zgłaszać się osobiście od poniedziałku do piątku pod adres 3819 N. Cicero Ave. Po więcej informacji na temat kursu można dzwonić pod numer telefonu 773 282-1122 wew. 418

PAA Monthly Newsletter - November 2014

PAA MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

November 2014

Programs/Staff News

We will soon start the nomination process for the 2014 Outstanding PAA Employee award(s). The award(s) will be presented during our Christmas Party on December 12. More information will follow soon.

Magdalena Krzeminska, the Student Coordinator for the ESL program, accepted a position of a Case Manager/Training Specialist for our WIA program as of November 1. Magda can be reached at Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript. or at ext. 423.

The Career Center invites you to attend a free information session on Educational Opportunities for children in the Chicago Public Schools. The guest speaker will be a Polish speaking member of the Chicago Public School administration. The session will take place on Tuesday, November 18 at 6 pm at the Copernicus Center. For more information call Kasia Rachwal.

We have currently serving FOUR clients in our private pay program but we are ALWAYS looking for new clients. We are asking for your help with spreading the word and we will reward you for referring a client to PAA. The reward schedule is set up as follows: if the referred client stays with us for a month the reward is $25, it doubles to $50 if the client is being served for 3 months and finally it becomes $100 after 6 months of service provided. If you know of anybody in need of home care service, please ask them to call Bogusia.

The registration for our ESL classes is ongoing. The classes are held on the Northwest and Southwest side of Chicago. For registration and information please call Kasia Koptilin, Mira Krolikowska or Agnieszka Sobczyk (Northside) and Malgosia Bodyziak (South side).

We are still recruiting students for the free of charge and tuition CNA classes which will start in November. If you are interested, please contact Basia Gawronska or Jagoda.

Registration for paid Intermediate MSWord and Basic Excel class starts on Monday, Nov. 3. This class is scheduled to open on Sunday, January 18 and will meet on Sundays from 10 am to 1 pm. For information or to register please call Bianka at ext. 418.

Registration for winter FREE basic computer literacy is now open. The classes will start in January 2015 at our North and South side locations and will meet in the mornings, evenings and on the weekends. For information or to register please call Bianka at ext. 418.

We will continue a partnership with the PrimeCare Community Health Clinic to enroll County Care and Medicaid eligible clients into the quality health care under the Affordable Care Act. Each Tuesday and Thursday in November and December the clinic staff will work from our main office from 9 am-5 pm. The interested clients should call the main reception to make an appointment.

New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a free CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP on Saturday, November 15. It will take place at the Fellowship Connection in Humboldt Park located at 2435 W. Division Street in Chicago. Registration will be held as usual from 9-10.30 am. For complete information please go to polish.org or call Grazyna, Teresa or Basia.

Job seekers who are Cook County residents are welcome to visit the employment services at the Polish American Association and enroll in job placement assistance programs. Effective November 1, Cook County residents receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits will be eligible to enroll in WIA program to take advantage of our job placement assistance or to apply for funding for vocational training programs.Individuals interested in enrolling in WIA program should attend the program orientation. Orientations are held every Tuesday from 11am to 12 noon in Polish and from 1 to 2 pm in English. For more information about PAA’s employment services please call Mirella at ext. 412.

We will be offering job placement assistance services at our South Side location on Thursday, November 20. The staff person will be present in the office from 10 am to 2 pm to provide program information and to register clients. For more information please call Bianka. To reach the employment program staff please call 773 767-7773 ext. 209.

Reminder: PAA Immigration Services Department no longer provides FREE in person immigration information services. Instead we are providing FEE BASED immigration consultations and processes by appointment ONLY. The department continues to organize monthly FREE of charge Citizenship N-400 workshops provided by New American Initiative Program. For more information please contact Grazyna.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in November:

Barbara Bargiel, Katarzyna Blando, Marta Kromka-Brigagliano, Elzbieta Czerwonka, Magdalena Dolas, Andrzej Gasienica, Barbara Gawronska, Elzbieta Goc, Krystyna Gurka, Bozena Kisielewska, Katherine Koptilin, Sylwia Lisiewicz, Janina Malewicz, Katarzyna Przychodzien, Ewa Susman, Grazyna Zajaczkowska, Barbara Zych

Development News

The Annual Gala, the annual biggest fundraising event on Saturday, November 15 at the Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel is around the corner. We ask all PAA’s employees to please engage in the preparation for this spectacular event by:

finding sponsors
securing ads for the Gala Program Book
obtaining items for the Silent Auction
selling tickets

There is a great opportunity for the Staff to help PAA to raise money and attend our Gala for free!
Organize a table of nine guests of your community partners or friends and obtain the tenth ticket for free for you. Good luck!
For more information please visit our website: www.polish.org/gala2014. With any question about you can support our Gala please call Basia Sobecka at 773-427-6307.

Reminders & Other

Days off: November 27 and 28 (Thanksgiving)

thanksgiving-picture-Nov-2014sm

Please mark your calendars for Christmas Party on December 12 (Friday).

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Sonji NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be inspired

Let us raise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful. (Buddha)

Supervised Visitation Open House

The Polish American Association hosted an open house and reception for its Supervised Visitation program on Wednesday, October 29, 2014, at 3834 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago. Judge Grace Dickler, Presiding Judge of the Cook County Circuit Court Domestic Relations Division, was honored guest with Judge Aurelia Pucinski of the Illinois First District Appellate Court. PAA Clinical Services Director, Angelika Danek, conducted a tour of the facilities following a brief program.

supervVisitation

From left: Magdalena Dolas, PAA Director of Operations; Kenneth Berezewski, Chairman of the Board; Marta Kromka Brigagliano, Supervised Visitations Coordinator; Judge Grace G. Dickler, Presiding Judge of the Cook County Circuit Court Domestic Relations Division; Judge Aurelia Pucinski, Illinois First District Appellate Court; Angelika Danek, Director of Clinical Services; Lauren Platt, State of Illinois Comptroller Public Affairs Manager

The Supervised Visitation program is part of the PAA services to help victims of domestic violence. Supervised Visitation is a monitored visit between a non-custodial parent/relative and a child. Supervised visits are designed to assure that a child can have safe contact with a visiting parent without having to be put in the middle of the parents’ conflicts or other problems. Supervised Visitation is yet another program of the PAA to offer linguistic and culturally sensitive services to the immigrant and underserved communities. Through these services, the PAA enables victims of domestic violence to overcome cultural isolation and to provide them with the assistance they need.

Judge Dickler has almost two decades of experience as a judge in the Domestic Relations Division. She first served in the Richard J. Daley Center and later in the suburban Second Municipal Distruct in Skokie.

For more information on the program and on assistance to victims of domestic violence contact Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript. or 773-427-6316

The ceremonies opening the Museum of Jewish History in Poland

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.polish.org/pl/component/content/archive?id=archive#sigProId530984a257

The sight of the President of the State of Israel, Reuven Rivlin standing on a stage bedecked with the Flag of the State of Israel beside the flames which burn from the two menorah's adorning the Monument dedicated on this spot to mark the 5th anniversary of the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising is stirring and a powerful wordless testimony to what we lost and what we created. (October 28, 2014)

Legion of Young Polish Women is Seeking Outstanding Young Ladies to be Presented at Our 76th White & Red Ball

The Legion of Young Polish Women is seeking outstanding young ladies to be presented at our 76th White & Red Ball. This year, in honor of celebrating the 70th Presentation of the Debutantes, we will be giving scholarships to an accredited school for the Queen ($1,000), 1st Place ($500) and 2nd Place ($250) winners.

Our Debutantes learn ballroom dancing, social decorum, fundraising techniques, charity, grace, poise and are able to interact with all kinds of people in many situations. They develop characteristics young women need to be successful in their future careers and life, as well as achieve an awareness of giving back to the community with the opportunity to receive up to 40 hours of community service. Our Debutantes do all of this while making lifelong friendships and treasured memories!

Please consider becoming a Debutante and being presented, in our beautiful, elegant and historic 70th Anniversary Presentation White & Red Ball to be held at the Conrad Hilton Hotel in Chicago on March 7, 2015.

We welcome all interested Debutantes to our next Debutante Tea on October 26th, 2014 at the Dar Serca Foundation, at noon, 3860 N. 25th Avenue, Schiller Park, IL 60176

Supervised Visitation Open House - October 29, 2014

In commemoration of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Polish American Association (PAA) will be hosting an open house and reception for its Supervised Visitation Program on Wednesday, October 29, 2014, from 4:30 – 6:30pm, at 3834 N. Cicero Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60641. Judge Grace G. Dickler, Presiding Judge of the Cook County Circuit Court Domestic Relations Division, will be the honored guest with Judge Aurelia Pucinski of the Illinois First District Appellate Court. PAA Clinical Services Director, Angelika Danek, will conduct a tour of the new facilities following a brief program.

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PAA Monthly Newsletter - October 2014

PAA MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

October 2014

Programs/Staff News

We welcomed two new employees to PAA last month. Sylwia Pawlina is the new Domestic Violence Counselor / Court Advocate at our Southside office. Sylwia can be reached at Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript. or 773-767-7773 ext. 210. Halina Plata is the new CEDA intake worker at our Northside office. Halina can be reached at Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript. or 773-427-6314.

The Career Center invites you to attend a FREE seminar on: Health and well – being in your private and professional life. The session will take place on Tuesday, October 21 at 6 pm at the Copernicus Center. For more information call Kasia Rachwal.

We have currently THREE clients in our private pay program but we are ALWAYS looking for new clients. We are asking for your help with spreading the word and we will reward you for referring a client to PAA. The reward schedule is set up as follows: if the referred client stays with us for a month the reward is $25, it doubles to $50 if the client is being served for 3 months and finally it becomes $100 after 6 months of service provided. If you know of anybody in need of home care service, please ask them to call Bogusia.

The registration for our ESL classes is ongoing. The classes will be held on the Northwest and Southwest side of Chicago. For registration and information please call Kasia Koptilin, Mira Krolikowska, Magda Krzeminska or Agnieszka Sobczyk (Northside) and Malgosia Bodyziak
(South side).

We are recruiting students for the free of charge and tuition CNA classes which will start in November. If you are interested, please contact Basia Gawronska or Jagoda.

We still have space available in a paid QuickBooks class. This class is scheduled to open on Saturday, October 11 and will meet on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm. For information or to register please call Bianka at ext. 418.

Currently we are registering for one basic computer literacy class that will start in October and will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:30 pm-9:30 pm at 3815 N. Cicero. The next cycle of free basic computer literacy classes is scheduled for January 2015. Classes will take place at our North and South side locations and will meet in the mornings, evenings and on weekends. Registration for these classes is now open. For information or to sign up please call Bianka.

New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a free CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP on Saturday, October 18. It will take place at the Wright College located at 4300 N. Narragansett Avenue in Chicago. Registration will be held as usual from 9-10.30 am. For complete information please go to polish.org or call Grazyna, Teresa or Basia.

We will be offering job placement assistance services at our South Side location on Thursday, October 16. The staff person will be present in the office from 10 am to 2 pm to provide program information and to register clients. For more information please call Bianka. To reach the employment program staff please call 773 767-7773 ext. 209.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in October:

Jolanta Baginska, Jadwiga Branicka, Kathy Drabczak, Anita Eilmes, Tadeusz Gaszcz, Daria Gicela, Eva Grzybowski, Urszula Jaronczyk, Jolanta Nicieja-Janczarek, Renata Jasniuk, Malgorzata Jedeluk, Maria Klim, Miroslawa Krolikowska, Dorota Lewandowska, Zofia Matachowska, Malgorzata Olczak, Jadwiga Panfil, Alicja Posniak, Teresa Smrokowska, Bronislawa Stopka, Irena Wojtkowski, Christopher Szykula, Daniela Zimnicka

PAA Retirement Corner by Pat

Currently we have 74 PAA employees (including 12 former employees) participating in the 401(k) plan with the average amount saved $8,578 and the PAA match of $3,455. If you consider joining, please see Sonji or Patrick.

Development News

The Annual Gala, the annual biggest fundraising event on Saturday, November 15 at the Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel is around the corner. We ask all PAA’s employees to please engage in the preparation for this spectacular event by:

finding sponsors
securing ads for the Gala Program Book
obtaining items for the Silent Auction
selling tickets

There is a great opportunity for the Staff to help PAA to raise money and attend our Gala for free! Organize a table of nine guests of your community partners or friends and obtain the tenth ticket for free for you. Good luck! For more information please visit our website: www.polish.org/gala2014. With any question about you can support our Gala please call Basia Sobecka at 773-427-6307.

We are working on the FY’14 annual report and looking for a good title. If you have any ideas, please let Mary know.

Reminders & Other

Please mark your calendars for Christmas Party on December 12 (Friday).

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Sonji NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be inspired

Big jobs go to those who prove their ability to outgrow small ones. (Theodore Roosevelt)

PAA at 2014 Taste of Polonia

Thank you for joining us at Taste of Polonia! Our presence at the annual celebration of Polish food, music, and culture demonstrates the significance of our programs and outreach in the community. Thank you for taking the time to answer the questions about our services and resources. We couldn’t have done it without you.

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.polish.org/pl/component/content/archive?id=archive#sigProId257a13fef7

PAA Monthly Newsletter - September, 2014

PAA MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

September 2014

Programs/Staff News

The Board has already started the search for a new Executive Director. You can check the posting on our website HERE.

The registration for our ESL classes and Citizenship classes is going on. The classes will run from September to June on the Northwest and Southwest side of Chicago. For registration and information about the Citizenship program please call Janina. For registration and information on the ESL program please call Kasia Koptilin, Mira Krolikowska, Magda Krzemiska or Agnieszka Sobczyk (Northwest side) and Malgosia Bodyziak (Southwest side).

We are recruiting students for the free of charge and tuition CNA classes which are starting in September. If you are interested, please contact Basia Gawronska or Jagoda.

We will continue a partnership with the PrimeCare Community Health Clinic to enroll County Care and Medicaid eligible clients into the quality health care under the Affordable Care Act. Each Tuesday and Thursday in September the clinic staff will work from our main office from 9 am-5 pm. The interested clients should call the main reception to make an appointment.

New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a free CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP on Saturday, September 27. It will take place at St. Charles Borromeo Church located at 1637 N. 37th Avenue in Melrose Park. Registration will be held as usual from 9-10.30 am. For complete information please check our website or call Grazyna, Teresa or Basia.

Job seekers who are Cook County residents are welcome to visit the employment services at the Polish American Association and enroll in job placement assistance programs. For more information about PAA’s employment services please call Mirella at ext. 412.
Individuals interested in enrolling in WIA job placement assistance program should attend the program orientation. Please note that WIA program orientation day and time changed. Effective September 1, the orientations will be held on Tuesday at 11am-12 noon in Polish and at 1-2 pm in English.

We will be offering job placement assistance services at our South Side location on Thursday September 18. The staff person will be present in the office from 10 am to 2 pm to provide program information and to register clients. For more information please call Bianka at ext. 418. To reach the employment program staff please call 773 767-7773 ext. 209.

Job seekers who need to prepare/update their resumes and learn/refresh their interviewing skills are encouraged to attend our job readiness workshops. The workshops are held every Tuesday at 12 noon- 1 pm in Polish and 2-3 pm in English. For more information please call Kasia Rachwal at ext. 414.

The registration for free basic computer literacy classes (at both North and Southside locations) and paid Intro to QuickBooks classes continues. For information or to register please call Bianka.

The Career Center of the Polish American Association invites you to attend a free FAFSA Info Session on Tuesday, September 30 at 6 pm at the Copernicus Center located at 5216 W. Lawrence Avenue. The presentation will be conducted by a Polish speaking representative of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). For more information about this session please call Kasia Rachwal.

Our private pay home care program is ALWAYS looking for new clients. We are asking for your help with spreading the word and we will reward you for referring a client to PAA. The reward schedule is set up as follows: if the referred client stays with us for a month the reward is $25, it doubles to $50 if the client is being served for 3 months and finally it becomes $100 after 6 months of service provided. If you know of anybody in need of home care service, please ask them to call Bogusia.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in September:

Henryka Blusiewicz, Joanna Ceremon, Cecylia Dudzinski, Danuta Slodyczka-Florek, Jolanta Jablonski, Halina Klarich, Magdalena Krzemiska, Radoslaw Misiarz, Gertruda Labedz-Monaco, Marta Pereyra, Teresa Rusin, Barbara Stadnicki, Ewa Susik, Boguslawa Wazydrag, Elzbieta Zaworski

CONGRATULATIONS to the PAA employees who are celebrating their anniversaries in September:

Halina Olejnik- 30 years of service

Katarzyna Blando- 10 years of service

We thank you for your ongoing commitment to the PAA mission and compassion toward our clients! Happy Anniversary!

Development News

The Annual Gala, the annual biggest fundraising event on Saturday, November 15 at the Intercontinental Chicago O’Hare Hotel is approaching very fast. We ask all PAA’s employees to please engage in the preparation for this spectacular event by:

finding sponsors
securing ads for the Gala Program Book
obtaining items for the Silent Auction
selling tickets

There is a great opportunity for the Staff to help PAA to raise money and attend our Gala for free! Organize a table of nine guests of your community partners or friends and obtain the tenth ticket for free for you. Good luck!
For more information please visit our website: polish.org/gala2014. With any question about how you can support our Gala please call Basia Sobecka at 773-427-6307.

PAA was awarded a grant of $30,000 from the Fry Foundation. The grant will support our adult education and vocational training programs in FY’15.

Reminders & Other

Days off: Friday, September 1 (Labor Day)

Please mark your calendars for two annual staff events:

Staff Meeting/Picnic on September 12 (Friday)-more details to follow soon
Christmas Party on December 12 (Friday)

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Sonji NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be inspired

I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious. (Albert Einstein)

Join Us at Taste of Polonia!

Once again, the Polish American Association will be part of Taste of Polonia on Labor Day weekend. Join us for the annual festival of Polish food and music at the Copernicus Foundation! On Saturday, August 30th, and Sunday, August 31st, 2014, from noon to 5:00 PM, our volunteers will be disseminating information about our programs and services. We need more volunteers! For further information call 773-427-6311. For schedule of events at the Taste, click here:

Free ESL Classes at PAA

The Polish American Association offers FREE English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at different levels, at convenient hours and locations, taught by a highly professional bilingual (Polish/English) staff. For more information and registration, please call (773) 282-1122 x. 404 or 405 (Northside) and (773) 767-7773 x. 202 (Southside).

Polish American Association organizuje bezpłatne kursy języka angielskiego: profesjonalni nauczyciele, komputerowe programy do nauki języka angielskiego, bezpłatny komplet podręczników, dogodne godziny. Lokalizacja klas na północnej i południowej stronie Chicago. Informacje pod numerami telefonów: (773) 282-1122 wew.404,405 (North), (773)767-7773 wew.202 (South).

The Polish American Association (www.polish.org) is not accredited with a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting body. The school is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education (www.ibhe.org). The Program is partially funded by Federal Funds; the exact percentage will vary annually depending on Grant allocations. In FY 2014 - 34 % of the Program was funded by Federal Funds. The Polish American Association is an Equal Opportunity educator and employer. To request disability accommodations call (773) 282-1122 x. 409.

Treasure Swap Clothing Party

For the third time, the Polish American Association has been designated as a benefactor of the Treasure Swap Clothing Party for Charity, hosted by the Council 27 of the Polish Women’s Alliance of America on August 3rd. On behalf of the victims of the PAA’s Domestic Violence Program, who will benefit from over 150 pieces of donated clothing, we thank you for your generosity.

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.polish.org/pl/component/content/archive?id=archive#sigProId9b342d33bb

Paid Computer Class - Introduction to QuickBooks

Intuit-Quickbooks

PAA invites you to register for a new paid computer class: Introduction to QuickBooks

Location: Resource Room: 3815 N. Cicero, Chicago, IL

The curriculum includes:

Setting up a company
Setting up inventory
Working with lists
Invoicing for services and processing payments
Working with bank accounts

The classes will meet on Mondays from 5:30pm to 8:30pm from September 15 to November 10, 2014 or on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm from September 20 to November 1, 2014. The tuition is $250 (check or money order). Basic computer literacy is required. The classes will be conducted in Polish. Registration in person at 3819 N. Cicero from Monday to Friday.

For more information regarding this class please call 773 282-1122 ext. 418

Płatny kurs komputerowy: Podstawy obsługi programu QuickBooks

Pracownia komputerowa: 3815 N. Cicero, Chicago, IL

Program kursu obejmuje:

Podstawowe terminy z księgowości
Ustawienie własnej firmy, praca z listami, kontami bankowymi oraz pozostałymi kontami
Wprowadzanie informacji o sprzedażach, przyjmowanie zapłat i robienie depozytów
Wprowadzanie i płacenie rachunków, analiza informacji finansowych
Przeprowadzanie inwentaryzacji.
Płacenie podatków za sprzedaż, sporządzanie listy płac, faktury

Zajęcia odbywać się będą w poniedziałki od 17:30 do 20:30 od 15 września do 10 listopada 2014 lub w soboty od 10:00 do 14:00 od 20 września do 1 listopada 2014. Cena wynosi $250 w formie czeku lub money order. Wymagana jest podstawowa znajomość obsługi komputera. W celu zapisania się na kurs należy zgłaszać się osobiście od poniedziałku do piątku
pod adres 3819 N. Cicero Ave.

Po więcej informacji na temat kursu można dzwonić pod numer telefonu 773 282-1122 wew. 418

The school is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education. The Polish American Association is not accredited with a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting body.

Polish American Journal - PAA Chairman's Brunch 2014

CHICAGO-The Polish American Association (PAA) hosted its annual Chairman’s Brunch on April 27 at Chicago’s prestigious Standard Club. Chairman of the Board, Kenneth Berezewski, presented the PAA’s Solidarity Award to Arie and Bozenna Zweig for their lifetime of giving. This year’s speaker was James (“Jim”) A. Pawelczyk, Ph.D., who shared the inspirational story on the distinguished career as an astronaut and academician, citing also his Polish pride and identity. As an American researcher of physiology and kinesiology who flew aboard the NASA STS-90 Neurolab Space Shuttle mission as a Payload Specialist, Pawelczyk was the first astronaut of full-blooded Polish descent to go into space. He recalled how he brought a Polish Flag, sent to him by Aleksander Kwaśniewski, President of Poland, via the Polish Embassy, on the mission. On May 3, 1999, he presented that same flag to Kwaśniewski in a ceremony in Warsaw. He also told of the crew’s one-week insolation from everyone, including his family. Then he related to the audience his experience prior to the launching of the shuttle. Though insolated on Easter Sunday, the crew and NASA “brass” had planned a wonderful Easter dinner, baked ham, pineapple, and all. Pawelczyk commented that he requested kielbasa. Much to his wonderment, the chefs at NASA had heard of kielbasa, and would try to locate some. Jim said that he would order the best kielbasa from Redlinski’s Meats in Buffalo, New York, his hometown. Once it arrived, he had to show the chefs how to prepare it. He was pleased that the Easter Sunday dinner with the NASA staff and crew had a touch of Polish and introduced the crew to Polish cuisine.
Dr. Pawelczyk is currently Associate Professor of Physiology, Kinesiology, and Medicine at Pennsylvania State University.
Reprinted, by permission from Polish American Journal, June 2014
Copyright 2014 © Geraldine Balut Coleman

Photographer: Andrzej Baraniak.

PAA Monthly Newsletter - July-August, 2014

PAA MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

June 2014

Programs/Staff News

By now you should have received your computer trainings certificates. Everyone who attended the trainings received either a certificate of completion or a certificate of participation, depending on attendance and post-assessment score.

The Summer Cooling program starts on July 7. The interested clients should call the main reception to make an appointment.

The registration for our ESL classes and Citizenship classes will start on August 1. The classes will run from September to June on the Northwest and Southwest side of Chicago. For registration and information about the Citizenship program please call Janina. For registration and information on the ESL program please call Kasia Koptilin, Mira Krolikowska, Magda Krzeminska or Agnieszka Sobczyk (Northwest side) and Malgosia Bodyziak (Southwest side).

New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a free CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP on Saturday, July 26. It will take place at the St. Ferdinand’s Church located at 5900 W. Barry Avenue in Chicago. Registration will be held as usual from 9-10.30 am. For complete information please go to www.polish.org or call Grazyna, Teresa or Basia.

We will be offering job placement assistance services at our South Side location on Thursday July 17 and Thursday August 21. The staff person will be present in the office from 10 am to 2 pm to provide program information and to register clients. For more information please call Bianka at ext. 418. To reach the employment program staff please call 773 767-7773 ext. 209.

In July and August WIA program will be closed on Saturdays. Individuals interested in registering for the WIA program should visit our office at 3819 N. Cicero, Monday – Thursday 9 am-5 pm and Friday 9 am-3 pm. Program orientations are held on Mondays 10 am-11am in Polish, 11am-12 noon in English.

In FY’15 we will offer again FREE basic computer literacy classes. The registration will start on Monday, August 4. Classes will start in September and will be held at our North and South side locations. Class schedule will be available soon at www.polish.org. Registration for paid Intermediate MS Word & Basic Excel and Intro to QuickBooks classes will also start in August.
For information about computer classes please call Bianka at ext. 418.

Our private pay home care program is ALWAYS looking for new clients. We are asking for your help with spreading the word and we will reward you for referring a client to PAA. The reward schedule is set up as follows: if the referred client stays with us for a month the reward is $25, it doubles to $50 if the client is being served for 3 months and finally it becomes $100 after 6 months of service provided. If you know of anybody in need of home care service, please ask them to call Bogusia.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in July and August:

Teresa Bobrowski, Ewa Bogacz, Malgorzata Chandler, Boguslawa Gadula, Krystyna Gierczyk, Grazyna Hatala, Gary Kenzer, Pawel Kolodziej, Helena Kurek, Eula Lewis, Renata Waliszewska-Pakula, Mariola Pik, Rodolfo Ranola, Krystyna Sip, Halina Smolenski, Barbara Sobecka, Agatha Stochmalski, Ludwina Waksmundzka, Urszula Waksmundzki, Stanislawa Wojton

CONGRATULATIONSto the PAA employees who are celebrating their anniversaries in June, July and August:

Barbara Lukaszek-20 years of service

Teresa Bobrowski-10 years of service

Halina Chmielowiec-10 years of service

Stanislawa Les-10 years of service

Jadwiga Panfil-10 years of service

Teresa Smrokowska-10 years of service

We thank you for your ongoing commitment to the PAA mission and compassion toward our clients! Happy Anniversary!

PAA Retirement Corner by Pat Madigan

The Beneficiary Designation of Plan Participant formneeds to be completed once a year by all employees in the 401(k) plan. The reason is that life makes changes every year, and you might want to keep up to date who is the beneficiary of your 401(k) plan should something happen to you. When you complete this form, please return it to Patrick.

From Gary’s Desk

Wow hard to imagine just a few months ago we were so cold and polar vortex crazy and now the heat is on. I assume we all vote for this heat and not the polar vortex.
During this summer, many of the things we have worked on will continue. Such as the 2 G show where Grazyna and I are a part of. You can always watch the shows by finding the link on our home page that looks like:

Four shows are posted on our web site and two more have been filmed and will be posted soon with more to be produced this summer. Stay tuned.
Of course now that the spring legislative season has been completed, you can catch up on the impact on our human services communities by visiting the Illinois Partners for Human Services web site at: http://www.illinoispartners.org/

Have an amazing summer and be well.

HR update

PROMOTING WELLNESS AND BETTER HEALTH AT PAA

PAA is very interested in the health of its employees and their family members. In the next few months, I will take steps to develop a Wellness Program at our workplace. My hope is to engage everyone’s support and desire to improve their health, both at home and work. But, before we begin any new initiatives towards better health and well-being, I would like to remind everyone about some of the wonderful Wellness Programs and opportunities offered to you through our health insurance, BlueCross/BlueShield (BCBS):
Well onTarget^sm, a Fitness Program for members of BCBS offers the following:

Flexible membership for a one-time fee of $25.00 & $25.00 per member per month. Affords you access to nationwide network of more than 8,000 participating fitness centers.
Life Points Program motivates you to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You earn points by taking part in wellness activities. Points can be redeemed for popular health & wellness merchandise and services.
Wellness Coaching from a certified health coach (via telephone).
Smoking Cessation Programs.
Weight Management Programs.
Health Assessment (HA) asks adaptable questions about your health history, risks and habits. After answering the questions, you get a confidential personal wellness report—a great tool for developing an individual fitness program to help you reach your health goals.

You can sign up for the Fitness Program by calling 888-762-BLUE (2538) or learn more about it on-line at bbcbsil.com. There will be more information forthcoming about our Wellness Program, but for now let’s all resolve to make at a least ONE change towards healthier living: walking more; eating more fruits and veggies; or avoiding that piece of chocolate. You choose!

Reminders & Other

Days off: Friday, July 4 (Independence Day)

Congratulations to Patrick and Keenan Madigan (sons of Patrick Madigan) on their recent graduations. Patrick graduated from University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign with a double major in Psychology and Integrative Biology and Keenan graduated from Aptakisic Jr. High School.

Keenan Madigan

Patrick Madigan

Please mark your calendars for two annual staff events:

Staff Meeting/Picnic onSeptember 12 (Friday)

Christmas Party on December 12 (Friday)

Please make sure all your clients’ information for FY’14 is in our database by July 15 as we want our data to be accurate for the full fiscal year report which will be run in early August.

Your June travel vouchers need to be returned to Bob no later than July 10. Please remember to attach a copy of your driver’s license and a current auto insurance card to your request.

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be inspired

Wake up every morning with the thought that something wonderful is about to happen.

Thank You For Supporting Our 2014 Family Dinner

With joyful heart, we would like to thank you for supporting our Family Dinner on Sunday, June 1, 2014
at the White Eagle

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.polish.org/pl/component/content/archive?id=archive#sigProId0bb8c39a5f

Our Board Directors, Sponsors, Clients, Staff, Supporters, Entertainers, Attendees and Volunteers came together to make our Sunday Family Dinner a successful event. Thanks to them, with 130 guests attendees, we raised almost $6,500which is dedicated to the needs of families within our programs especially one: Teen Starting Point Program. Our attendees had a fun time. They admired the fashion show prepared by Worth New York. Passion Dance Ensemble a student led contemporary ballet group from Northside College Prep High School in Chicago presented a wonderful modern ballet. Live Music by Band BAT encouraged everybody to dance.

PAA Monthly Newslatter - June, 2014

PAA MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

June 2014

Programs/Staff News

Our computer trainings are coming to an end in June. Everyone who attends training will receive either a certificate of completion or a certificate of participation, depending on attendance and post-assessment score. I was told by our training provider that the certificates usually take a couple months to get out as they send them once they close out the course file and course report so please be patient.

interns

(Sabina Gancarczyk and Kasia Loniewska)

Congratulations to our two interns Sabina Gancarczyk and Katarzyna Loniewska who have spent the last 10 months at PAA as they graduated from UIC Jane Addams College of Social Work. Sabina interned in the Administration Department and Kasia in Clinical Department. PAA wishes you our heartiest congratulations and best to you both. We will miss you.

We will continue a partnership with the PrimeCare Community Health Clinic to enroll County Care and Medicaid eligible clients into the quality health care under the Affordable Care Act. Each Tuesday and Thursday in June the clinic staff will work from our main office from 9 am-5 pm. The interested clients should call Basia Pietrowski at the main reception to make an appointment.

New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a free CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP on Saturday, June 21. It will take place at the Wright College located at 4300 N. Narragansett Avenue in Chicago. Registration will be held as usual from
9-10.30 am. For complete information please go to our website or call Grazyna, Teresa or Basia.

The Career Center invites you to attend a free information session on Educational Opportunities for Undocumented Students. The session will take place on Tuesday, June 24 at 6.00 pm at the Copernicus Foundation. For more information call Kasia Rachwal.

We are offering job placement assistance services at our South Side location. Our employment staff will be present in the office on June 19 from 10 am to 2 pm to provide program information and to register clients. For more information please call Bianka at ext. 418. To reach the employment program staff at the South Side office please call 773 767-7773 ext. 209.

Our private pay home care program is ALWAYS looking for new clients. We are asking for your help with spreading the word and we will reward you for referring a client to PAA. The reward schedule is set up as follows: if the referred client stays with us for a month the reward is $25, it doubles to $50 if the client is being served for 3 months and finally it becomes $100 after 6 months of service provided. If you know of anybody in need of home care service, please ask them to call Bogusia.

PAA Immigration Services Department no longer provides in person free immigration information services. Instead we are providing fee based immigration consultations and processes by appointment ONLY. The department continues to organize monthly FREE of charge Citizenship N-400 workshops provided by New American Initiative Program. For more information please check our website (front page) or contact Grazyna.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in June:

Barbara Bagdzius, Renata Baginska, Halina Bozek, Anna Jastrzebska, Kamila Smyk-Jaworski, Janina Kapinos, Ona Kastauniene, Barbara Kasza, Krzysztof Koscielniak, Barbara Marchinska, Krystyna Mass, Maria Palusinska, Ryszarda Pluzyczka, Barbara Rusin

PAA Retirement Corner by Pat Madigan

A few staff have been asking if putting money into the 401(k) plan is really worth it. Well, first I can tell you that PAA is giving you up to 1.5% of free money. Second is that since June 30, 2013 (11 months ago) the 2040 fund that most of the staff are in has appreciated in value by 13.94%! If you are putting any money into a savings account at your bank, the bank is paying you 1/10 of 1 percent interest. Some say but I don’t have any money to invest. To those I might ask what cable TV or satellite package they have. If you have AT&T and subscribe to the 300 level, you might consider cutting it back to the 200 level and put the $35 dollars plus the company match into your 401(k) plan. Doesn’t be a slave to TV, save for old age and retirement. If you have young children you could use these funds to help pay for college for them, as opposed to taking out student loans with them. David from Chicago Oak Brook Financial Group will be at the North side office at 11:00 amon Thursday, June 19 , so stop by and find out how you can start saving.

From Gary’s Desk

If you have not viewed the 2 G Show yet, we now have two shows on our web site with another two taped and will be shown in early June. See our home page and the shows logo which will bring you right to the library of shows. The logo is:

This month PAA staff will be visiting several legislators to discuss our ongoing funding needs. If you would like to be a part of any of these meetings, let me know at extension 317.
The Junior Board of PAA continues to be a very active group. Stay in touch and follow their activities on our web site at:
http://polish.org/press-room/junior-board.They have already had one event in early April which was quite successful.

Have a great month.

Development News

Please share the photos of PAA FY’14 events with Mary. These will be used for the next annual report and we want to have plenty to choose from. Please note that the FY’13 annual report has been already posted on our website. Contact Mary if you need a print copy.

Reminders & Other

Congratulations to Jeanette Stadnicki (daughter of Basia Stadnicki) who just graduated from University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign with a major in Food Science and Human Nutrition.

J.-Stadnicki-gradS

(in the picture: Janusz Stadnicki,Barbara Stadnicki, JeanetteStadnicki and DamianStadnicki)

Please mark your calendars for two annual staff events:

Staff Meeting/Picnic on September 12 (Friday)
Christmas Party on December 12 (Friday)

The annual performance evaluations need to be completed by Monday, June 16.

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Basia NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be inspired

A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves. (Lao Tzu)

PAA Graduate Students At Their Commencement Ceremony

interns
Two UIC Jane Addams College of Social Work MSW students who have spent the last 10 months at PAA are seen here at their graduation ceremony on Friday May 9th. Pictured : Sabina Gancarczyk and Kasha Lonewska. Sabina interned in the Administration Department and Kasia and in Clinical Department.

PAA wishes you our heartiest congratulations and best to you both. We will miss you.

PAA Receives Grant From Northern Trust

The PAA is pleased to announce that it has received a contribution of $10,000 for Operating Support from the Northern Trust Charitable Trust. On behalf of the board, staff, and clients of the PAA, we thank Northern Trust for its support. Their partnership has enabled us to provide resources for changing lives. We look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.

Friend of Poland and Polonia

Congratulations to PAA Secretary of the Board Michael Traison on receiving the Friend of Poland and Polonia Award in the 2014 Outstanding Polish American Award at the recent Celebration of the May 3rd Polish Constitution Day reception at the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland.


Michael Traison		Click the image above to see the letter.

Thank you for your tireless efforts for the Polish American Association and other fine organizations in the USA.

PAA Monthly Newsletter - May, 2014

PAA MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

May 2014

Programs/Staff News

PAA Immigration Services Department will no longer provide in person free immigration information services. Instead we will provide fee based immigration consultations and processes by appointment ONLY. The department will continue to organize monthly FREE of charge Citizenship N-400 workshops provided by New American Initiative Program. For more information please check our website HERE or contact Grazyna.

PAA continues a partnership with the PrimeCare Community Health Clinic to enroll County Care and Medicaid eligible clients into the quality health care under the Affordable Care Act. Each Tuesday and Thursday in May the clinic staff will work from our main office from 9 am-5 pm. The interested clients should call Basia Pietrowski at the main reception to make an appointment.

It is the last chance to enroll in our CNA program this fiscal year! The last paid class will be starting in May. For more information or to register please call Basia Gawronska or Jagoda.

New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a free CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP on Saturday, May 31. It will take place at St. Hyacinth’s Basilica located at 3636 W. Wolfram Street in Chicago. Registration will be held as usual from 9-10.30 am. For complete information please go to our website or call Grazyna, Teresa or Basia.

The Career Center invites you to attend a free information session on How to Achieve Financial Wellness. The session will take place on Tuesday, May 20 at 6.00 pm at the Copernicus Foundation. For more information call Kasia Rachwal.

We will continue offering job placement assistance services at our South Side location. Our employment staff will be present in the office on May 15 from 10 am to 2 pm to provide program information and to register clients. For more information please call Bianka at ext. 418. To reach the employment program staff at the South Side office please call 773 767-7773 ext. 209.

Our private pay home care program is ALWAYS looking for new clients. We are asking for your help with spreading the word and we will reward you for referring a client to PAA. The reward schedule is set up as follows: if the referred client stays with us for a month the reward is $25, it doubles to $50 if the client is being served for 3 months and finally it becomes $100 after 6 months of service provided. If you know of anybody in need of home care service, please ask them to call Bogusia.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in May:

Maria Bis, Michal Chybowski, Slawomir Czajkowski, Teresa Glen, Barbara Haniaczyk, Daniel Jarosz, Zofia Koscielniak, Teresa Kozlowska, Maria Kruczek, Maria Leja, Iwona Lippert, Barbara Lukaszek, Jadwiga Morzy, Katarzyna Olender-Misiarz, Tomasz Pik, Katarzyna Rachwal, Agata Radek, Jadwiga Rozanska, Alicja Szremska, Marzenna Szwarc, Krystyna Wiszowata, Walentyna Wolska, Bozena Zdrzalka

PAA Retirement Corner by Pat Madigan

For those of you who already get too much mail, you can now receive your John Hancock quarterly statements via e-mail. If you are interested you may do the following:

First you log-in to https://www.jhancockpensions.com
Next Choose “Modify your personal information.”
Click: "Statement delivery preference".
Review the Terms & Conditions.
Select eDelivery and provide a current e-mail address.

It’s quick, it’s secure, and it’s convenient.

From Gary’s Desk

As many of you know, the PAA Board of Directors approved the hiring of a Human Resources Manager. An extensive search was conducted with many of our community partners across the metropolitan area for an experienced professional in the field of HR. Our search has now been concluded and I am happy to announce that on Thursday May 1 Sonji Jones will begin her work here at PAA.
I know you will all welcome her to the PAA family.

I am pleased to announce that the 2 G Show has premiered on Polvision TV. This will be a regular ½ talk show with co-hosts of Grazyna and I. Interviews will be of topics of interest not necessarily covered by regular shows but of note. We will post the links of this weekly show on our web site as it becomes available. For now, follow the link to the Polvision You Tube Channel where the first show is HERE.

Have a great month everyone!

Development News

Please join us for the Polish Constitution Day Parade on May 3rd. PAA will be marching as the 85th organization. All Polish American Association participants will be meeting at 10:30 am on Balboa, just west of Lake Shore Drive (Balboa Dr. is 700 South) and the parade starts at 11:15 am. For the march order and a map click HERE. Please confirm your participation with Gary at Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript. or 773-427-6317. We look forward to having you with us!

2014 CHAIRMAN'S BRUNCH was held on Sunday, April 27, 2014 at the Standard Club Chicago. We raised over $21,375 (net). Special thanks for being a part of making it all happen to Arie & Bozena Zweig, Solidarity Award for Lifetime Giving recipients and Honored Guest Speaker, Jim Pawelczyk, Astronaut who shared his inspirational story on his distinguished career as an astronaut and academician, and his pride in his Polish identity.

brunch14 3

We want to thank each of you who attended or supported this event by a donation. Special thanks to Patrick Madigan and Robert Gols who used the special promotion and attended our Brunch. Your attendance at the event is much appreciated.

HERE you will find pictures from 2014 Chairman's Brunch
HERE you will find the YouTube video from 2014 Chairman's Brunch

Last month PAA received $10,000 from the Northern Trust and $5,000 from the Chicago Society. Both grants are intended for the general operating support.

Please start sharing the photos of PAA FY’14 events with Mary. These will be used for the next annual report and we want to have plenty to choose from.

SUNDAY FAMILY DINNER: You are cordially invited to join us for celebrating the International Children’s Day at the Sunday Family Dinner on June 1 at the White Eagle Restaurant. Reception 3:00pm Dinner 4:00pm Tickets: $50 adults, $25 children (ages 2-12) FASHION SHOW, provided by Worth New York, the Passion Dance Ensemble - contemporary ballet group and more attractions are planned for the event. For reservation please call Basia at 773-427-6307.

Reminders & Other

Days off:

Memorial Day - May 26

Please mark your calendars for two annual staff events:

Staff Meeting/Picnic on September 12 (Friday)
Christmas Party on December 12 (Friday)

The annual performance evaluations need to be completed by Monday, June 16.

We are starting a construction project at the main PAA building the week of May 5. We will be replacing the windows’ beams and making repairs to the damaged bricks on the south/east corner of our main building (second floor at the Starting Point Clinic). All that will be done from the outside. The City requires the use of the scaffolding so you will see it around our building for a couple of days. The work should be completed within a week.

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Basia NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be Inspired

Our attitude toward life determines life’s attitude towards us.

Grant from Robert R. McCormick Foundation

The PAA is pleased to announce that we have received a grant of $80,000 from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. The grant is for two years and will be used in support of our C.N.A. training and workforce development programs. The grant is particularly gratifying as it also represents the continuation of our long-standing partnership with the McCormick Foundation, a partnership that has significantly enabled us to provide the resources for changing lives to those in need. On behalf of our Board, staff, and clients, we thank David Hiller, President of the Foundation, and the Foundation for this grant.

mccor-4-28-14

Dan Pikarski, Michael Traison, Gary Kenzer, David Hiller, John Pikarski, Ken Berezewski at the McCormick Foundation

PAA 2014 ANNUAL CHAIRMAN'S BRUNCH

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR 2014 ANNUAL CHAIRMAN'S BRUNCH

On Sunday, April 27, 2014 at the Standard Club Chicago we raised $21,375. Very Special Thank You for making it all happen goes to:

brunch14 1

Arie & Bozena Zweig
Solidarity Award for Lifetime Giving recipients

and

brunch14 2

Honored Guest Speaker, Jim Pawelczyk, Astronaut& Professorwho shared his inspirational story on his distinguished career as an astronaut and academician, and his pride in his Polish identity.

brunch14 3

Thank you very much for choosing to support our Chairman's Brunch. We want to thank each of
you who attended or supported this event by a donation. It meant a lot for us to know that we can
rely on dear friends like you. Your support and attendance at the event is much appreciated

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO:

Andrzej Baraniak - for photography services
Bogna Solak - owner of the Oak Mill Bakery for the centerpieces.
Joanna Turska - for playing the flute
POLVISION (Polish TV) – for recording our event
The Standard Club – for the great hospitality

HERE you will find pictures from 2014 Chairman's Brunch including ones where you were in.

HERE you will find the YouTube video from 2014 Chairman's Brunch

The mission of the Polish American Association, a human service agency, is to serve the diverse needs of the Polish community in the Chicago metro area by providing resources for changing lives, with emphasis on assisting immigrants.

Since 1922, the Polish American Association (PAA) has been committed to serving the diverse needs of Chicagoland's Polish community and others in need. PAA is the city's only human services organization providing a comprehensive range of bilingual and bicultural programs to Polish Americans in the areas of social services, education, employment, immigrant services, outreach and advocacy.

Contributing to the vitality of Chicago's communities, PAA is a place of help, hope and empowerment for families and individuals adjusting to a new life in the U.S.

Thank you for your continued generous support and for your ongoing commitment to PAA's mission and work. Dziękujemy bardzo!

Spring Film Festival - Polish Heritage Series

Polish Constitution Day Parade and PAA - May 3rd, 2014

paradeM3 Please join us for the Polish Constitution Day Parade on:

Saturday, May 3rd, 2014

Polish American Association will be marching as the 85th organization unit at this year’s Parade. All Polish American Association participants will be meeting at:

10:30 A.M.

on Balboa, just west of Lake Shore Drive

(Balboa Dr. is 700 South). This year’s parade starts at 11:15 a.m.

It is the largest Polish parade outside of Poland, and celebrates the anniversary of the ratification of the Polish Constitution of May 3rd, 1791, the first democratic constitution in Europe and second in the world only to the United States Constitution. Please show your support for this traditional Chicago salute to pride and tradition. This year’s Parade theme is “Saint John Paul II, the son of Polish land for the world”. We invite your family, friends and colleagues to join us.

Please confirm your participation by email: Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript. or call 773-427-6317. For details and directions go to: may3parade.org.We look forward to having you with us!

Chicago Society Foundation Gives $5,000 Grant to the PAA

pnacheckAs

Mark Orwat, Charles A. Komosa, and Romuald Matuszczak of the Chicago Society Foundation present a check to Gary Kenzer for a $5,000 grant to the PAA. The Chicago Society Foundation has been a long-time and valued supporter of the PAA. We thank President Komosa, Vice-President Frank Gondela, Treasurer Stanley Sawa, Secretary Orwat and the Foundation’s Directors Richard Ciesla, Romuald Matuszczak, T. Ron Jasinski-Herbert, Donald Gutowski, Frank Czaja, and Walter Pieciewicz for this generous donation and for their commitment to the community.

“Zumbox” rocked Hyper Fight & Fitness!!!

Junior Board of the Polish American Association held its first fundraiser on April 7, 2014. The fundraiser was a huge success and generated over $1000 in donations. Andrzej Fonfara and Magdalena Huk “Dzika” from Dzika Fitness brought the community together to fight domestic violence. Over 60 people appeared at Hyper Fight & Fitness and participated by dancing Zumba and doing Dzika Xtreme Fitness. It was intense but so worth the cause! For about two hours, everybody was pushed to their limits to help children raised in the domestic violence households. At the end, Andzej Fonfara auctioned his gloves, and the lucky auctioneer paid $200 for them. All the proceeds from the tickets sale and the auction were donated to fund domestic violence therapy program offered at the Polish American Association. The event was a lot of fun, and the Junior Board is excited to make this an annual tradition!

HOW TO START A BUSINESS?

The Career Center of the Polish American Association invites you to attend a free information session:

HOW TO START A BUSINESS?

The presentation will cover the following topics:

Which entity is best for your business?
What is needed to form your business?
Do you need a business license?
How to finance your new business?

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SESSION WILL BE CONDUCTED IN POLISH

The session will take place on Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at 6.00 p.m. at the Copernicus Foundation Center located at 5216 W. Lawrence.

For more information about this event please call 773 282-1122 ext. 414

PAA Monthly Newsletter - April, 2014

PAA MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

April 2014

Programs/Staff News

PAA will continue a partnership with the PrimeCare Community Health Clinic to enroll County Care and Medicaid eligible clients into the quality health care under the Affordable Care Act. Each Tuesday and Thursday in April the clinic staff will work from our main office from 9 am-5 pm. The interested clients should call Basia Pietrowski at the main reception to make an appointment.

There is still time to enroll in our CNA program this fiscal year. Two paid classes will be starting in April. For more information or to register please call Basia Gawronska or Jagoda.

New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a free CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP on Saturday, April 26. It will take place at Wilbur Wright College located at 4300 N. Narragansett Avenue in Chicago. Registration will be held as usual from 9-10.30 am. For complete information please go to our website or call Grazyna, Teresa or Basia.

The Career Center of the Polish American Association invites you to attend a free informational session on How to start a business. The presentation will cover the following topics:

Which entity is best for your business?
What is needed to form your business?
Do you need a business license?
How to finance your new business?

The session will take place on Tuesday, April 29 at 6 PM at the Copernicus Foundation. For more information please call Kasia Rachwal.

We will continue offering job placement assistance services at our South Side location. Our employment staff will be present in the office on April 17 from 10 am to 2 pm to provide program information and to register clients. For more information please call Bianka at ext. 418. To reach the employment program staff at the South Side office please call 773 767-7773 ext. 209.

Our private pay home care program is ALWAYS looking for new clients. We are asking for your help with spreading the word and we will reward you for referring a client to PAA. The reward schedule is set up as follows: if the referred client stays with us for a month the reward is $25, it doubles to $50 if the client is being served for 3 months and finally it becomes $100 after 6 months of service provided. If you know of anybody in need of home care service, please ask them to call Bogusia.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in April:

Iwona Brzezinska, Ewa Sikora-Cholewa, Angelika Danek, Wioletta Drag, Dorota Felinski, Danuta Franczyk, Robert Gols, Anna Iwanicka, Piotr Kochanowicz, Zofia Kojtek, Christiane London, Genowefa Magiera, Irena Marasz, Leokadia Mosio, Zofia Piekarczyk, Zbigniew Pienkowski, Malgorzata Popek, Marta Stanczyk-Przybylska, Bozena Swiatek, Elzbieta Szopinska, Edyta Wojno, Mirella Wolak, Magdalena Zakrzewska, Krystyna Znorko

CONGRATULATIONS to the PAA employees who are celebrating their anniversaries in April:

Iwona Lippert - 20 years of service

Danuta Kosinska - 10 years of service

We thank you for your ongoing commitment to the PAA mission and compassion toward our clients! Happy Anniversary!

From Gary’s Desk

Well, it appears we made it through another winter so it is all good here I believe. April will be busy for PAA and I am pleased to share some of the wonderful items.
Managers will meet with Sheriff Tom Dart in the early part of the month to continue our ongoing discussions how we can partner with the Sheriff’s office.
Our Junior Board holds their first fundraising event on Sunday April 6th in the afternoon and the details on this event and how to register to help support their efforts can be accessed on our web site HERE.
Plans will be implemented for our position as usual at the May 3rd Constitution Day Parade. Save the date and AM time slot.
You have been seeing a call out to help us reach new clients in our private pay in home care program. Any additional non-governmental dollars of course is good as it allows us to fund programs and services not covered by the government or lessens our dependence on them. I would be happy to discuss this with you and why we need your help in this matter.
And of course, planning for the new budget of the agency will be getting into high gear as well.
By the way, it is not too early to think about which department or service wishes to lead in this fall’s radiothon. All funds raised there will go to support the department that provides the leadership in it. It will be a bit different but far more focused.

Have a wonderful month.

Development News

PAA’s Chairman’s Brunch will be held on Sunday, April 27 at the Standard Club. Professor James A. Pawelczyk, an astronaut, whose great career is an inspiration to others will be our Speaker at this year’s Brunch. The Solidarity Award for lifetime giving will be presented to Arie & Bozena Zweig. We have a special promotion for our staff and you can get the tickets for only $125. Call Basia at 773-427-6307 for more details.

We have received a two year grant of $80,000 from the McCormick Foundation. It will be applied toward our workforce development and vocational training programs.

You are cordially invited to join us for celebrating the International Children’s Day at the Sunday Family Dinner on June 1 at the White Eagle Restaurant.
Reception 3:00pm Dinner 4:00pm Tickets: $50 adults, $25 children (ages 2-12)
FASHION SHOW, provided by Worth New York, the Passion Dance Ensemble - contemporary ballet group and more attraction for the event. For reservation please call Basia at 773-427-6307.

Reminders & Other

Days off:

Good Friday - April 18

Happy Easter and Happy Spring!

East14

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Basia NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be inspired

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. (Proverb)

ZUMBOX Charytatywny - Dzika i Fonfara w walce z przemocą domową

W programie licytacja rękawic bokserskich Andrzeja Fonfary oraz pokaz Dzika Extreme Training!

Kiedy: 6 kwietnia, 2014, 4 PM

Gdzie:Hyper Fights&Fitness, 3919 Wesley Terrace, Schiller Park, IL 60176

Bilety: $15 Online, $20 przy drzwiach

Kompletny dochód ze sprzedaży biletów, licytacji i donacji zostanie przekazany na wsparcie programu pomocy dzieciom dotkniętym przemocą domową w rodzinie.

zumboxENsm

DZIĘKUJEMY ZA KAŻDĄ DODATKOWĄ DONACJĘ - kliknij TUTAJ.

Charity ZUMBOX - Dzika & Fonfara Fight Domestic Violence

CHARITY ZUMBOX - FIGHT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Includes an auction of Fanfara's boxing gloves & Dzika training demo.

When: April 6, 2014, 4 PM

Where:Hyper Fights&Fitness, 3919 Wesley Terrace, Schiller Park, IL 60176

Tickets: $15 Online, $20 at the door

All tickets sales/donations/auctions proceeds will be donated
to fund counseling services for children facing domestic violence.

zumboxENsm

ANY ADDITIONAL DONATION HELPS FIGHT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE - just click HERE.

PAA Monthly Newsletter - March, 2014

PAA MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

March 2014

Programs/Staff News

The accounting department welcomed Robert Gols as our new Bookkeeper. As you recall Bob has been working for us in the fall of 2013 when Kasia Drabczak was on maternity leave. In his new role, Bob’s main areas of responsibility include payables, cash receipts and purchasing. Bob can be reached at Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript. or at ext.315.

Katarzyna McDowell has completed all required training and started her work as a Domestic Violence Counselor/Court Advocate in our South Side office. Please call her at ext. 210 or email her at Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript. to refer clients.

PAA will continue a partnership with the PrimeCare Community Health Clinic to provide help with enrolling our clients into the quality health care under the Affordable Care Act. Each Tuesday and Thursday in March the clinic staff will work from our main office from 9 am - 5 pm. The interested clients should call Basia Pietrowski at the main reception to make an appointment.

New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a free CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP on Saturday, March 22. It will take place at Northeastern Illinois University-El Centro located at 3119 N. Pulaski in Chicago. Registration will be held as usual from 9 - 10:30 am. For complete information please go to our website or call Grazyna, Teresa or Basia.

The Career Center invites you to attend a free information session on the U.S. – Poland Social Security agreement. It will take place on Tuesday, March 18 at 6 pm at the Copernicus Foundation. Seminar will be conducted by a Polish speaking attorney. For more information call Kasia Rachwal.

We are still registering for tuition CNA classes which are starting in March. If you are interested, please contact Basia Gawronska or Jagoda.

We will be opening one more citizenship class in early April. The class if filling up quickly but there are still some openings. For information and to register please call Janina at ext. 400.

It is the last call this school year to enroll into English as a Second Languageand Adult Basic Education classes. Our offer includes all levels from beginner to advanced. Classes are held on the Northwest and Southwest sides of Chicago, during convenient morning, evening and weekend hours. For more information please call Kasia Koptilin, Mira Krolikowska, Magda Krzeminska, Agnieszka Sobczyk (the North Side classes) and Malgosia Bodyziak (the South Side classes).

We are registering for a paid Intermediate MSWord and Basic Excel class which is scheduled to open in March. The class will meet on Sundays from 10 am to 1 pm at 3815 N. Cicero. For more information please call Bianka at ext. 418, and to register please visit our office at 3819 N. Cicero.

Job seekers who are Cook County residents are welcome to visit the employment services at the Polish American Association and enroll in job placement assistance programs. For more information about PAA’s employment services please call Mirella at ext. 412.
Individuals interested in enrolling in WIA job placement assistance program should attend the program orientation. The orientations are held on Mondays 10-11am in Polish and 11am -12 noon in English.

NEW OFFERING! The employment department offers job placement assistance services at our South Side location on the third Thursday of every month from 10 am to 2 pm. The staff person will be present in the office on March 20th to provide program information and to register clients. For more information please call Bianka at ext. 418. To reach the employment program staff at the South Side office please call 773 767-7773 ext. 209.

Our private pay home care program is ALWAYS looking for new clients. We are asking for your help with spreading the word and we will reward you for referring a client to PAA. The reward schedule is set up as follows: if the referred client stays with us for a month the reward is $25, it doubles to $50 if the client is being served for 3 months and finally it becomes $100 after 6 months of service provided. If you know of anybody in need of home care service, please ask them to call Bogusia.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in March:

Halina Chmielowiec, Dana Grymova, Ewa Hiszczynski, Maria Kowal, Malgorzata Kurdziel, Halina Olejnik, Lidia Paliwoda, Agnieszka Meciwoda-Schmidt, Franciszka Staszewski, Jozefa Swiatek, Alexandra Tomala, Bozena Uryga, Dorota Zaghloul

PAA Retirement Corner by Pat Madigan

Today’s Topic: Why to diversify?

I am sure that over the past 5 years people have seen the value of their 401(k) plan drop in value as the stock market dropped, and by now it should be back to where they started out at. Many have asked if putting their money in a Guaranteed Interest Account is a good idea. Sorry to say that unless you are already retired, probably not. The rate paid out is less than the rate of inflation, so the funds that most people are in have a year indicating when they might want to retire. These funds start out aggressively when you are younger, and become very conservative when you get close to retirement. These funds also do an excellent job of being diversified. What being diversified means is that not all of your eggs are in one basket and the attached chart from John Hancock shows why. If you take the time period of 2002 to 2011, you would see what fund had the best return each year. You will notice that no fund finished either Best or Worst for more than two years in a row.
For some, you open the envelope to see how much you have gone up or down, others will open the envelope and decide to act right then and there. By using the diversified funds, it takes both the home run and the ending in last place away.

DIVERSIFY YOUR PORTFOLIO

From Gary’s Desk

Two events of interest that we will be a part of what occurs early in the month:
As you know while PAA will be closed on Monday March 3rd, there is an important event at the Polish Museum of America on Pulaski Day. The public is invited to celebrate Pulaski Day on Monday, March 3 at 10 am in the Sabina P. Logisz Great Hall of The Polish Museum of America at 984 N. Milwaukee Avenue. The presence of distinguished leaders of national, state, county, and city government is anticipated, as well as leaders of Polonia. A short program of speakers will take place, concluding with an official wreath laying ceremony at the painting, Pulaski at Savannah, by Stefan Batowski. Admission is free. Let me know if you would like us to save some seats so we may sit together.
The second is of course the second Polish American Small Business Fair held on Saturday March 8th at 10 am at the Copernicus Annex. PAA will have an exhibit at this event. For more details on this event, see our web site calendar posting at: http://www.polish.org/events/eventdetail/333/-/small-business-expo-2014
Spring is just around the corner for sure. We change our clocks and get more daylight the second weekend of March.

Have a great month.

Development News

PAA’s Chairman’s Brunch will be held on Sunday, April 27 at the Standard Club. Professor James A. Pawelczyk, an astronaut, whose great career is an inspiration to others will be our Speaker at this year’s Brunch. The Solidarity Award for lifetime giving will be presented to Arie & Bozena Zweig. Call Basia at 773-427-6307 for more details.

Reminders & Other

Days off:
Pulaski Day-March 3, Monday

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be inspired

I don’t know the key to success but the key to failure is trying to please everybody. (Bill Cosby)

Pączki Day - 2014 - Thank You All for Supporting Our Mission!

It may have been cold outside, but it was heartwarming to see our community coming together for the 2014 Pączki Day fundraiser on Fat Thursday, February 27th. By joining us on the traditional Polish feast, you helped us raise over $7,000. All proceeds from the event went to assist over 10,000 individuals and families through our 28 programs.

In partnership with the Oak Mill Bakery, Polish Radio 1030AM, Polvision, and Taxes – the Financial Services Corp., we sold over 2,385 pączki. We are very grateful for your generous contributions, tireless volunteering, and uplifting advocating on behalf of the most vulnerable in our community.

We hope you enjoyed these traditional Polish treats. Special congratulations to those who found beautiful jewelry! We appreciate the trust you place in PAA to care for the helpless in our community. Thank you for your support! See you in 2015!

Thank You all for supporting our annual fundraiser - Pączki Day and making 2014 sales so succesful.
See You in 2015!

Pączki Day 2014 at the Illinois House of Representatives

Rep. Rob Martwick from 19th Representative District and Rep. Maria A. "Toni" Berrios from 39th Representative District speak about Pączki Day and Polish tradition.

Thank You for supporting our mission!

Termin rejestracji do głosowania upływa we wtorek 18 lutego

votereg1

We wtorek (18 lutego) upływa termin rejestracji do głosowania w Prawyborach w stanie Illinois, które odbędą się 18 marca br. W tym dniu do północy, urząd Komisji Wyborczej miasta Chiacago (Chicago Election Board) pod adresem 69 W. Washington St., będzie akceptował rejestracje od nowych wyborców oraz wyborców którzy zmienili adres zamieszkania.

Interpersonal Skills/Conflict Resolution Workshops for Youth

INFORMACJA PO POLSKU - KLIKNIJ TUTAJ

Attention teens 13 to 18 years of age !!!

The Teen Program at the Polish American Association invites you to participate:

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS / CONFLICT RESOLUTION WORKSHOP

If you would like to improve your communication skills and not get into pointless arguments with your parents, siblings, friends, teachers, etc.
If you would like to learn effective methods of negotiation.
If you are thinking about a profession/job that requires extensive interactions with other people (for example, camp instructor, customer service, etc.)

This workshop, filled with fun and interactive psychological games, is exactly for you !!!

WHEN: Saturdays 03/01/2014 to 04/05/2014 – from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
WHERE: POLISH AMERICAN ASSOCIATION, 3834 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago, IL 60641
COST: free
REGISTRATION: Margaret Olczak at (773) 282-8206 ext. 345 or email at Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript.

Upon completion of the workshop series each participant will receive a Certificate. This may be helpful in applications for selective enrolment schools, colleges, jobs, and scholarships.

Oferta dla młodzieży (13 do 18 lat)

Program Młodzieżowy Zrzeszenia Amerykańsko Polskiego organizuje

WARSZTATY UMIEJĘTNOŚCI INTERPERSONALNYCH

Jeżeli chciałbyś, aby twoje rozmowy z rodzicami, rodzeństwem, kolegami czy nauczycielami nie kończy się kłótnią
Jeżeli chciałbyś nauczyć się efektywnych sposobów negocjowania (również z mamą)
Jeżeli w najbliższym czasie planujesz podjąć pracę (zwłaszcza pierwszą) wymagającą kontaktów z ludźmi (instruktor na obozie, obsługa klienta, sklep itp.

Ten 6-cio godzinny warsztat zabaw i ćwiczeń terapeutycznych jest dla ciebie niezbędny !!!

KIEDY: soboty od 03/01/14 do 04/05/2014 - od 4:00 do 5:00 pm.

GDZIE: ZRZESZENIE AMERYKAŃSKO POLSKIE, 3834 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago, IL 60641

KOSZT: bezpłatne

ZAPISY: Malgorzata Olczak (773) 282-8206 wew. 345, Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript.

Certyfikat ukończenia kursu jest pomocny przy aplikowaniu na wyższe uczelnie, wybranych liceów (tzw. selective enrolment hs) oraz dodatkowych stypendiach jak również w aplikowaniu o prace.

Warsztaty umiejętności interpersonalnych dla młodzieży

Oferta dla młodzieży (13 do 18 lat)

Program Młodzieżowy Zrzeszenia Amerykańsko Polskiego organizuje

WARSZTATY UMIEJĘTNOŚCI INTERPERSONALNYCH

Jeżeli chciałbyś, aby twoje rozmowy z rodzicami, rodzeństwem, kolegami czy nauczycielami nie kończy się kłótnią
Jeżeli chciałbyś nauczyć się efektywnych sposobów negocjowania (również z mamą)
Jeżeli w najbliższym czasie planujesz podjąć pracę (zwłaszcza pierwszą) wymagającą kontaktów z ludźmi (instruktor na obozie, obsługa klienta, sklep itp.

Ten 6-cio godzinny warsztat zabaw i ćwiczeń terapeutycznych jest dla ciebie niezbędny !!!

KIEDY: soboty od 03/01/14 do 04/05/2014 - od 4:00 do 5:00 pm.

GDZIE: ZRZESZENIE AMERYKAŃSKO POLSKIE, 3834 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago, IL 60641

KOSZT: bezpłatne

ZAPISY: Malgorzata Olczak (773) 282-8206 wew. 345, Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript.

Certyfikat ukończenia kursu jest pomocny przy aplikowaniu na wyższe uczelnie, wybranych liceów (tzw. selective enrolment hs) oraz dodatkowych stypendiach jak również w aplikowaniu o prace.

Chairman Brunch 2014

Jim Pawelczyk, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Physiology, Kinesiology and Medicine
Pennsylvania State University

James A. (Jim) Pawelczyk received Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Biology and Psychology from the University of Rochester in 1982, a Masters of Science in Physiology from Penn State University in 1985, and a Ph.D. in Biology (Physiology) from the University of North Texas in 1989. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas in 1992, then joined the faculty as an Assistant Professor of Cardiology and Bioengineering. In that capacity he served as the Director of the Autonomic and Exercise Physiology Laboratories and a founding member of the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, a clinical research collaboration between UT Southwestern and Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas. In 1995 he joined the faculty of the Pennsylvania State University where he is now an Associate Professor of Physiology, Kinesiology and Medicine.

Dr. Pawelczyk’s research focuses on the dynamic regulation of blood pressure, and how disuse atrophy affects blood pressure regulation. Problems with moment-to-moment regulation of blood pressure lead to orthostatic intolerance, an inability to maintain adequate blood flow to the brain that affects as many as 500,000 Americans. The condition is routinely observed following spaceflight, which Dr. Pawelczyk has studied as a NASA funded investigator for the past six years. In 1995 he was selected as a Payload Specialist for the Neurolab space shuttle mission, and flew aboard STS-90 on the space shuttle Columbia in April and May of 1998. He logged 16 days and 6.4 million miles in space, circling the earth 256 times and conducting neuroscience experiments that addressed changes in the development of the nervous system, balance, blood pressure regulation, sleep, and control movement during spaceflight.

Dr. Pawelczyk assists the formation of U.S. space life sciences strategy. He has testified before the United States Senate Subcommittee on Science and Space, and is an active member of the National Research Council’s Space Studies Board and the Institute of Medicine’s Committee on Aerospace Medicine and Extreme Environments. Both are part of the National Academies, chartered by Congress to address critical national issues and give advice to the federal government and the public.

Mission accomplished

Down to Earth

pawelczykSP1

On the 13th day of his 17-day mission aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, James A. Pawelczyk,assistant professor of kinesiology and physiology, was all smiles as he prepared to measure nerve signals of a crew mate. Pawelczyk, a payload specialist on the flight and the first Penn State faculty member in space, returned safely to his home planet on May 3 after completing 256 orbits of the Earth.
(photo: Courtesy of NASA)

Pączki Sale - Volunteers Needed!

Pączki Sale, our annual fundraiser, is fast approaching. Traditionally celebrated during the last week of carnival before Lent, Fat Thursday, tłusty czwartek, falls on February 27th, 2014. This year, again, we ask for your help in staffing selling booths, distributing orders, as well as promoting our fundraiser on the radio!

This annual fundraiser benefits over 10,000 individuals and families we assist. For selling locations and to download an order form click at HERE, or call Elzbieta Zaworski at (773)427-6311.

Donation from Lowell International Foods

Polish American Association has recently received 6 pallets of food items, worth of nearly $10,000, from Lowell International Foods. We are very grateful for this generous gift, which will be of immediate benefit to our clients of support services. We deeply appreciate Lowell’s commitment to helping those less fortunate who are struggling to make a better life for themselves and their families.

PAA Monthly Newsletter - February, 2014

PAA Monthly Newsletter

February, 2014

Programs/Staff News

We are still accepting applications for an open position of a BOOKKEEPER. Please see the job description HERE. If you are interested, please email your resume and a cover letter to Patrick.

PAA will continue a partnership with the PrimeCare Community Health Clinic to provide help with enrolling our clients into the quality health care under the Affordable Care Act. Each Tuesday and Thursday in February clinic staff will work from our main office from 9 am-5 pm. The interested clients should call Basia Pietrowski at the main reception to make an appointment.

New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a free CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP on Saturday, February 15. It will take place at the Wright College located at 4300 Narragansett Avenue in Chicago. Registration will be held as usual from 9-10.30 am. For complete information please go to our website or call Grazyna, Teresa or Basia.

The Career Center invites you to attend a free information session on How to obtain the nursing license in Illinois. It will take place on Tuesday, February 18 at 6 pm at the Copernicus Foundation. For more information please call Kasia Rachwal.

We are registering for free of charge and tuition CNA classes which are starting in February and March. If you are interested, please contact Basia Gawronska or Jagoda.

There are still openings in the English as a Second Language and Adult Basic Education classes. Our offer includes all levels from beginner to advanced. Classes are held on the Northwest and Southwest sides of Chicago, during convenient morning, evening and weekend hours. For more information please call:

North Side classes-Kasia Koptilin, Mira Krolikowska, Magda Krzeminska, Agnieszka Sobczyk
South Side classes-Malgosia Bodyziak.

We are still registering for the paid computer classes which will start in February 2014. Our offer includes Basic Computer Literacy and Intermediate MSWord and Basic Excel classes. The classes will be held at our North and South Side locations. For class schedule visit www.polish.org or call Bianka.

Job seekers who are Cook County residents are welcome to visit the employment services at the Polish American Association and enroll in job placement assistance programs. In addition to obtaining assistance in finding jobs, individuals interested in pursuing new careers may be eligible to apply for funding for vocational trainings. In order to register a person needs to bring the following documents: proof of a Chicago/Cook County address, social security card, alien resident card, birth certificate or US passport and proof of income. Men born after December 31, 1959 need to bring proof of Selective Service registration. For more information about PAA’s employment services please call Mirella at ext. 412.

Individuals interested in enrolling into WIA job placement assistance program should attend the program orientation. The orientations are held on Mondays from 10-11am in Polish and from 11am -12 pm in English.

The employment department offers job placement assistance services at our South Side location on the third Thursday of every month from 10 am to 2 pm. The staff person will be present in the office on February 20 to provide program information and to register clients. For more information please call Bianka. To reach the employment program staff at the South Side office please call 773 767-7773 ext. 209.

Our private pay home care program is ALWAYS looking for new clients. We are asking for your help with spreading the word and we will reward you for referring a client to PAA. The reward schedule is set up as follows: if the referred client stays with us for a month the reward is $25, it doubles to $50 if the client is being served for 3 months and finally it becomes $100 after 6 months of service provided. If you know of anybody in need of home care service, please ask them to call Bogusia.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in February:

Aneta Dabrowski, Bianka Kaminska, Barbara Kotarska, Bozena Kwasna, Stanislawa Les, Patrick Madigan, Ludmila Pietraszek, Agnieszka Sobczyk, Gaja Swierzowski, Jadwiga Tomaszewski, Dorota Trybula, Malgorzata Walkowska

CONGRATULATIONS to the PAA employees who are celebrating their anniversaries in February:

Jacek Zurowski-10 years of service

We thank you for your ongoing commitment to the PAA mission and compassion toward our clients! Happy Anniversary!

PAA Retirement Corner by Pat Madigan

I am attaching a chart that shows 2 people investing $100 per month for every 12 months in their 401(k) plan.

Person A (Barb) picked a fund that started at $5. A share goes up to $7.14 in March, drops back to $5.00 in April, and then steadily goes up to end the year at $10.
Person B (Kasia) also picks a fund that starts at $5. But Kasia’s shares instead of going up, sinks like a rock, it goes up some, drops back down some all year long and finally in December, makes it back to $5 a share.

Now Kasia thinks that this investing is terrible that her funds have not even gotten higher than the beginning of the year. Now Barb and Kasia have lunch in January and Kasia is thinking of dropping out of the 401(k) plan because the share price is so low. Barb just happens to have her December statement and shows it to Kasia showing that it cost her $1,200 and the shares she bought all year are 174 shares, which is valued at $1,740. This is a nice return for her. Kasia also has her statement and it shows that she also invested $1,200 and she purchased 410 shares which is valued at $2,050, meaning she made more money than Barb. Kasia at first cannot believe her eyes, but then she remembers that Krys told her to keep investing especially when the market is down. By investing the same amount every month, there were months that Kasia bought more shares than Barb because the price was lower. So the moral of the story is to keep your 401(k) plan deductions in place when the market is going down because the shares are almost on sale, and when the market recovers, you will have more money to retire on.

betterInv

From Gary’s Desk

Starting soon I will begin my attendance at our ESL program classes on a random basis. We have many wonderful teachers and I am beginning this project to witness these classes and see first-hand.

In February, an important event occurs in our state that we should all be aware of. Our Governor will make his budget address to the state on Wednesday February 19 at 12 noon. The address is available live on the internet and is accessible from our desk top computers. If you are interested in watching this together, let me know and we can arrange for this in our conference room.

Our Facebook presence continues to grow rapidly. We are fast approaching 1900 connections! Help us to grow our presence by telling your friends and colleagues to connect with us. If you have a story you wish to start a conversation on, let Adam Kusz know.

And finally, in October, our Board of Directors was offered a unique challenge by an anonymous donor to raise $20,000 and have each board member make or get a gift. In return, the anonymous donor matched these new gifts with $20,000. I am happy to report that by the end of December, our Board was 100% in compliance with the donors’ wishes and in total raised $40,000. Congratulations to our leadership for meeting this challenge ad raising new dollars for PAA.

Have a great month and stay warm.

Development News

Our Annual Chairman’s Brunch will be held on Sunday, April 27. Professor James A. Pawelczyk, an astronaut, whose great career is an inspiration to others will be our Speaker at this year’s Brunch. More details will follow soon.

Our annual fundraiser, Pączki Sale is coming. Fat Thursday, Tłusty Czwartek, traditionally celebrated during the last week of carnival before Lent, falls on February 27. This year, again, we ask for your help! Please join us in selling pączki from the Oak Mill Bakery at four locations throughout the city and suburbs, as well as at the PAA north and south side offices. The schedule will be sent out shortly. In the meantime, please contact me if you would like to reserve a particular time or location. Help us to spread the word about this volunteer opportunity!

Reminders & Other

For the first time, the USPS has given a discount to postage meter mail. The January 26, 2014 postal rates specified that 1-ounce first-class letters with meter-applied postage would be only 48 cents, compared to the standard stamp price of 49 cents. While this may not seem like much, it can add up to substantial cost savings over time. This is a great benefit for using a postage meter.
Bear in mind that this discount applies only to mail that qualifies as a first-class letter. First-class flats and parcels do not qualify. To be clear, here’s the definition of a first-class letter (from the USPS January 2014 Notice 123 document):

usLetter

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Basia NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be inspired

Every day is special because every day is a day you will never have again.

EMPLOYMENT SERVICE at PAA

EMPLOYMENT SERVICE

We invite people to enroll in our Job Search Assistance Programs:

Job search assistance for Chicago residents.
Job search assistance and funding for vocational training for Cook County residents.

We offer assistance to people with low income* and to public assistance recipients. Registration: at the South Side office: 6276 W. Archer Ave on every third Thursday of the month from 10am to 2pm or at the North Side office: 3819 N. Cicero Ave Monday through Thursday from 9am to 5pm and on Friday from 9am to 3pm.

For more information, please call (773) 282-1122 ext.412 or (773) 767-7773 ext. 209 (every third Thursday of the month)

ELIGIBILITY FOR SERVICES

A participant must bring a proof of:

US citizenship or legal alien status, birth certificate, voter's registration, US passport, Alien Registration Card (I-551) or I-94 or other original immigration document authorizing employment as well as an original Social Security card.
Age, must be at least 18 years old.
Address (must be a Chicago or Cook County resident) - Driver's License, State ID, current gas, electrical, telephone bill.
Income for the last 6 months: most recent pay stubs, unemployment claimant letter and most recent unemployment pay stubs, medical card from Public Aid, Income tax, or other documents stating income.
Selective Service System registration for men born after December 31, 1959.

*Please call PAA for the current income eligibility figures.

New Computer Classes in February 2014

The new cycle of classes will start in February 2014. We will be offering basic computer literacy and intermediate MSWord and basic Excel classes at our North and South Side locations. Click HERE for more information and class schedule. Please note that all classes will be conducted in Polish.

Two Informational Seminars about Social Security benefits and FAFSA Completion Workshop

The Career Center of the Polish American Association invites you to attend two informational seminars about Social Security benefits and FAFSA Completion Workshop. The first seminar will take place on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at 6 PM. Seminar will be conducted by a Polish speaking representatives of a local Social Security office and it will cover:

Review of the Social Security programs
Benefit application process
How to use the available interpretation services

Seminar will take place at the Copernicus Foundation Center located at 5216 W. Lawrence.

The free FAFSA Completion Session will take place on Monday, January 27, 2014 from 5:00pm to 9pm in the Computer Resource Room of the Polish American Association at 3815 N. Cicero
Representatives of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) will provide assistance with filing FAFSA online
In order to fill out a FAFSA application the following information will be needed:

Student and Parent 2013 income tax forms and W-2 forms
Student and Parent Social Security Numbers
Student Alien Registration Number for students who are not U.S. citizens but are legal U.S. residents
Student and Parent Bank Account statements

PLEASE NOTE THAT BOTH SESSIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED IN POLISH
For more information regarding the workshop please call 773 282-1122 ext. 414

Poradnia Zawodowa Zrzeszenia Amerykańsko Polskiego pragnie zaprosić wszystkich zainteresowanych na dwa bezpłatne spotkania informacyjne na temat świadczeń Social Security oraz wypełniania aplikacji FAFSA (dofinansowanie federalne na studia)
Pierwsze spotkanie odbędzie się we wtorek, 14 stycznia, 2014 o godz. 18.00
Na spotkaniu polskojęzyczni przedstawiciele biura Social Security zaprezentują między innymi następujące zagadnienia:

Przegląd programów Social Security
Zasady ubiegania się o świadczenia
Zasady korzystania z usług tłumacza

Spotkanie odbędzie się w Centrum Fundacji Kopernikowskiej przy 5216 W. Lawrence.

Aplikacje FAFSA będzie można składać w poniedziałek, 27 stycznia 2014 od 17:00 do 21:00 w pracowni komputerowej Zrzeszenia Amerykańsko Polskiego przy 3815 N. Cicero.
Pomocy w wypełnianiu aplikacji udzielą przedstawiciele Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
Aby wypełnić formularz FAFSA potrzebne będą:

Rozliczenie podatkowe za rok 2013 i formularz W-2 (rodziców i studenta)
Numer Social Security (rodziców/studenta)
Dla stałych rezydentów numer zielonej karty
Wysokość posiadanych oszczędności

Po więcej informacji na temat spotkań można dzwonić pod numer telefonu 773 282 1122 wew. 414

Volunteers Needed for the Homeless Count

Volunteers Needed!!! Volunteers needed to participate in 2014 count/survey of unsheltered homeless in public spaces at Northwest Side of Chicago.

When: January 22, 2014 From 9pm-2am
Where: City of Chicago, Northwest Area
Why: Results from count/survey will be used for:

Service planning
Demonstrating the need for resources
Raising public awareness about homelessness
Identifying and measuring the needs of the homeless population in Chicago

Volunteers are expected to attend the training prior to the count (at Polish American Association , 3834 N. Cicero Ave, 7:00pm); during the count, they will canvass a designated area of the city in teams and count/survey unsheltered homeless people in the public space. Teams will consist of three or more people, at least one of whom will be an experienced outreach worker or consumer.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE COUNT, PLEASE CONTACT Dorota Lewandowska at (773)427-6326 or Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript.

PAA Monthly Newsletter - January, 2014

PAA MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

January 2014

Programs/Staff News

Basia Pietrowski has been named the Outstanding Employee of 2013 for “Exemplary Compassion toward our Clients and an Exceptional Spirit of Cooperation to Co-Workers” . Congratulations to Basia on this great and well deserved honor!

See below for Basia’s comments upon receiving the award:

I would like to thank you all for choosing me as an ”Outstanding Employee Award ” recipient. I am really happy to be able to work for the organization which helps people in need. Thank you all my friends and colleagues for all the support I am receiving. Without you I wouldn’t be in the place I am now. I would also like to thank my parents, Zinaida & Wlodzimierz Mielniczuk, who showed me how important it is to help others by their example.Let me share a little about myself. I have been happily married to my husband Jerzy Pietrowski (Civil Engineer) for over 23 years. I am also a mom of three wonderful children: Joanna (22), a student of the Oakton College, Julia (19) a student of Loyola University and Jacob (14) a student of Academic Center at Taft HS.I was born in a little, beautiful town Siemiatycze in Poland. The area around Siemiatycze is very picturesque and it is the perfect place for a rest, so I go there from time to time for vacation. My hobby is to read and to take motorcycle trips with my husband. I often cook, but I usually cook the desired dishes of my family. I love nature, sightseeing and listening to the stories of people who found their place on earth.I think that one the most important things in life is to be needed. Polish American Association helps me to feel that way.

We are very proud of our ESL program (funded through Illinois Community College Board) which has been ranked #2 in the state of Illinois. There are as many as 97 providers of such services in our state and this number includes the colleges. Congratulations to all ESL program administrative staff and teachers on this great achievement!

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) is conducting another Point-In-Time Homeless Count on January 22 to provide a “snapshot” of Chicago’s homeless population. Please consider volunteering again and passing on the message! For more information click HERE or contact Dorota Lewandowska.

The Social Service Department is extending the Domestic Violence services to our south side office thanks to an additional grant of $45,000 from the City of Chicago. Katarzyna McDowell, who has been our case manager for IFRP and SNAP for over a year, accepted a full-time position of Domestic Violence Counselor/Court Advocate and will provide services for domestic violence victims and their family members on the south side starting in January. During her first month in the new position she will be completing an extensive training, so temporarily please continue making referrals to our present Domestic Violence program team members Katarzyna Olender-Misiarz and Dorota Felinska. Katarzyna McDowell can be reached at ext. 210 or Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript.

Iwona Brzezinska, who has been an intake worker for our LIHEAP program for four years, will be taking over a part time position of a case manager for IFRP and SNAP as of January. Iwona will work out of our South Side office on Monday, Friday and Saturday from 9 am-5 pm. Iwona can be reached at ext.203 or Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript.

PAA continues a successful partnership with the local community clinic (PrimeCare Community Health) to be able to provide help with enrolling our clients into the quality health care under the Affordable Care Act. Each Tuesday and Thursday in January a bilingual staff from the clinic will work from our main office from 9 am-5 pm. The interested clients should call Basia Pietrowski at the main reception to make an appointment.

New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a free CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP on Saturday, January 18. It will take place at the Oakton Community Center located at 4701 Oakton Street in Skokie. Registration will be held as usual from 9-10.30 am. For complete information please go to our website or call Grazyna, Teresa or Basia.

The Career Center of the Polish American Association invites you to attend two informational seminars in January 2014.
The first seminar on Social Security benefits will take place on Tuesday, January 14 at 6 pm at the Copernicus Center. The seminar will be conducted by a Polish speaking representatives of Social Security office.
The free FAFSA Completion Session will take place on Monday, January 27 from 5 to 9 pm in the Computer Resource Room of the Polish American Association at 3815 N Cicero. Representatives of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) will provide assistance with filing FAFSA online.

We are registering for free of charge and tuition CNA classes which will start in February and March. If you are interested please contact Basia Gawronska or Jagoda.

North Side classes - Kasia Koptilin, Mira Krolikowska, Magda Krzeminska, Agnieszka Sobczyk
South Side classes - Malgosia Bodyziak.

We are registering for the paid computer classes which will start in February 2014. Our offer includes Basic Computer Literacy and Intermediate MSWord and Basic Excel classes. The classes will be held at our North and South Side locations. For class schedule visit our website or call Bianka.

The new fiscal year of the CDBG employment program for job seekers who are Chicago residents begins on January 1. In order to register a person needs to bring the following documents: proof of a Chicago address, social security card, alien resident card, birth certificate or US passport and a proof of income. Men born after December 31, 1959 need to bring a proof of Selective Service registration. For more information please call: Barbara at ext. 421, Marzenna at ext. 420 or Agata at ext. 419. For general information about PAA’s employment services please call Mirella at ext. 412.

The employment department will be offering job placement assistance services at our South Side location starting in January 2014. The staff person will be present in the office on the third Thursday of every month from 10 am to 2 pm to provide program information and to register clients; and can be reached at ext. 209. For more information please call Bianka.

Our private pay home care program is ALWAYS looking for new clients. We are asking for your help with spreading the word and we will reward you for referring a client to PAA. The reward schedule is set up as follows: if the referred client stays with us for a month the reward is $25, it doubles to $50 if the client is being served for 3 months and finally it becomes $100 after 6 months of service provided. If you know of anybody in need of home care service, please ask them to call Bogusia.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in January:

Jolanta Anacka, Malgorzata Batog, Wieslawa Bieniecka, Malgorzata Bodyziak, Zofia Chowaniec, Elzbieta Chrzanowska, Marianna Dzis, Maria Jaworska, Ewa Koziol, Elzbieta Makowiecka, Janina Molek, Teresa Palac, Teresa Poznanski, Bozena Sajdak, Katarzyna Swigon, Maria Trzmielewska, Elzbieta Wierzchon

PAA Retirement Corner by Pat Madigan

By now most of you have received your PIN in the mail, and our contract number again is 110990. With this you can go online and see how your retirement plan is doing. You can do this 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Of course you need a computer to do all this. HEREis the procedure on how to do it. I have also attached Kris’s (our Financial Advisor) phone number in case you have a question, and couldn’t find it. It is (630) 230-1358.

http://www.jhrps.com/jhdemos/part_demov1/controller.html

From Gary’s Desk

Happy New year to the PAA family. I hope everyone had a good holiday season and welcome back.
One major event coming up this month worthy of note: on Thursday January 16th, I will be participating in an update from the Mayor’s Office of New American’s on the plan to make Chicago the most immigrant friendly city in the world. You may remember I was on the steering committee two summers ago for the research and writing of this plan. I will keep you posted on the updates after the meeting. To refresh your memory, this plan is on our PAA web site at: http://www.polish.org/upload_files/NewAmericanBookletfullplan.pdf
New strategic partnerships are in motion with a few community based organizations and companies. You will be hearing from us as the month progresses. If you have any ideas of new strategic partnerships PAA should enter in and are not a part of the current list (which can be accessed by our web site at http://polish.org/home/community-partners) please let me know.

Have a great month.

Development News

PAA received $2,000 from the Kochton Foundation for general operating support this fiscal year.

Reminders & Other

10 paid holidays in 2014:

January 1, New Year
March 3, Pulaski Day
April 18, Good Friday
May 26, Memorial Day
July 4, Independence Day
September 1, Labor Day
November 27 and 28, Thanksgiving and Day after Thanksgiving
December 24, Christmas Eve
December 25, Christmas

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Basia NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

All December travel vouchers must be accompanied by a copy of valid Driver’s License and unexpired Insurance Card and submitted to Esper by January 10.

Be inspired

Today is day one.

Children from St. Cholewinski Saturday Polish School Decorating PAA the Christmas Tree

December 9 2013 students and teachers at St. Cholewinski Saturday Polish School decorated the christmas tree at our south side office (6276 W. Archer Ave, Chicago, IL). Teachers participating in this event: Urszula Jaronczyk, Bozena Swiatek, Sylwia Matyjas. Please come and see how beautiful our Christmas tree is. Thank You all!

Donation from Saint Constance Church

Polish American Association would like to express our appreciation to the Saint Constance Church for the generous donations of toys, games, and kid’s clothing. The donation will be used in support of our domestic violence program providing assistance to Chicago’s abused women. We thank the Saint Constance families on their behalf.

Open House at PAA South Side Location

On December 9th, we held an open house at our South Side location (6276 W. Archer Ave., Chicago, Illinois) to celebrate the expansion and improvement of our services and we would like to thank all of our supporters that attended. The highlight of the event was the recently created computer lab where we bought 18 computers and new Interactive Whiteboards for our ESL classrooms. These Interactive Whiteboards have become a valuable tool for our staff and ESL students where teaching and learning English became more effective. Other programs that we offer at our Southside location are: citizenship classes, homemaker services, public aid benefits, and teen counseling. We also took this opportunity to introduce our newest program offered at our north side location called Supervised Visitations & Safe Exchange where safe, neutral, and friendly surroundings are provided to encourage healthy interaction between the supervised parent/relative and a child.

If you do not have access to a computer or internet at home, we would like to invite you to either one of our facilities and take advantage of this wonderful resource. Our helpful staff is always available to answer any questions you might have.

Click HEREto see the picture album
from this event

Food Donation from an Anonymous Donor

donatPC 2 The Polish American Association has received a generous donation of food from an Anonymous Donor to support our Food Pantry. On behalf of the people lined up at our doors on Wednesdays, patiently waiting their turn to be handed food, we thank you for your generosity. Your contributions allow us to help to sustain the Food Pantry Program at the time of drastic government funding reductions, providing the additional resources for over 150 individuals and families weekly. We thank you for providing them hope.

Personal Care Items Donated by Legion of Young Polish Women to PAA Donestic Violence Program

donatPC 1 Polish American Association wishes to extend our sincerest appreciation to the Legion Of Young Polish Women for their donation of items for our Domestic Violence programs.

If you would like to make a similar donation please call the PAA at 773 427 6317.

PŁATNE kursy komputerowe

Zrzeszenie Amerykańsko Polskie

ogłasza zapisy na płatnekursy komputerowe.

Oferowane klasy to:

Podstawy Obsługi Komputera.

Główne zagadnienia kursu to:

Zapoznanie z budową i obsługą komputera,
Podstawowe funkcje programu MS Word,
Wprowadzenie do Internetu,
Zakładanie i obsługa poczty elektronicznej.

Cena wynosi $200 w formie czeku lub money order. W koszt wliczone są materiały i USB flash drive.

Microsoft Word na Poziomie średnio Zaawansowanym i Wprowadzenie do Excel.

Program kursu obejmuje:

Przypomnienie podstaw pracy w programie MS Word.
Zaawansowane formatowanie tekstu, wstawianie kolumn, ramek, symboli; automatyczne dzielenie wyrazów, wyszukiwanie i zamiana tekstu, adresowanie i drukowanie kopert, tworzenie i drukowanie etykiet.
Grafika, wstawianie zdjęć, pól z tekstem, operacje na obiektach graficznych programu Word.
Tworzenie i edytowanie tabel.
Mail merge (korespondencja seryjna - jednoczesne wysyłanie tego samego listu do wielu osób).
Menu programu Excel, wprowadzanie danych, formatowanie arkuszy kalkulacyjnych, nagłówki i opisy tabel, operacje na wierszach i kolumnach, wykresy.
Podstawowe działania matematyczne.
Sporządzenie domowego budżetu.

Cena wynosi $200 w formie czeku lub money order. W koszt wliczone są materiały i USB flash drive. Wymagana jest podstawowa znajomość obsługi programu MSWord.

W celu zapisania się na kurs należy zgłaszać się osobiście

od poniedziałku do piątku

pod adresem 3819 N. Cicero Ave lub 6276 W. Archer Ave.

Po więcej informacji można dzwonić pod numer telefonu

773 282 1122 wew. 418

The school is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

The Polish American Association is not accredited with a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting body.

Zajęcia odbywać się będą w następujących dniach i godzinach:

Pracownia Komputerowa przy 3815 N. Cicero Ave.

kurs podstawowy

luty – maj 2014

Piątek 18:30 – 21:30 od 7 lutego do 16 maja

Sobota 17:00 – 20:00 od 8 lutego do 17 maja

Niedziela 13:30 – 16:30 od 9 lutego do 18 maja

Microsoft Word na poziomie średnio zaawansowanymi wprowadzenie do Excel

luty – maj 2014

Niedziela 10:00 – 13:00 od 9 lutego do 11 maja

Pracownia Komputerowa przy 6276 W. Archer Ave.

kurs podstawowy

luty – maj 2014

Piątek 18:00 – 21:00 od 7 lutego do 16 maja

Sobota 18:00 – 21:00 od 8 lutego do 17 maja

Microsoft Word na poziomie średnio zaawansowanym i wprowadzenie do Excel

luty – maj 2014

Niedziela 18:00 – 21:00 od 9 lutego do 11 maja

Give the Gift of Hope

At this season of giving and preparation for Christmas the Polish American Association would like to share with each and everyone a message of hope : May peace, happiness and goodwill be with you and your family not only on Christmas, but throughout the year and beyond. In gratitude for your generosity

Wishing You a Merry Christmas!

The Board and Staff of the Polish American Association

Please click on the video below for our inspirational story of hope and gratitude.

To see the areas in which the PAA provides hope for those in need please read our most recent Annual Report. Click HERE.

Thank You!

Happy Thanksgiving!

In this season of giving thanks, the PAA would like to express its thanks to all those whose support has made our work possible.

PAA Monthly Newsletter - December, 2013

PAA MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

December 2013

Programs/Staff News

The Open House at the South Side office is scheduled for December 9 at 11.30 am. The event is intended to promote our newly upgraded computer lab and the remodeled ESL classrooms equipped with the Active Boards. At the same time we will also officially introduce the Supervised Visitations program to the community. Finally all the programs offered at the South Side office will be highlighted during the tour of the South Side office. For more information please contact Malgosia Kurdziel at 773-767-7773.

PAA will continue a partnership with the local community clinic (PrimeCare Community Health) to be able to provide help with enrolling our clients into the quality health care under the Affordable Care Act. Each Tuesday and Thursday in December a bilingual staff from the clinic will work from our main office from 9 am-5 pm. The interested clients should call Basia Pietrowski at the main reception to make an appointment.

New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a free CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP on Saturday, December 7. It will take place at the Wright College located at 4300 N. Narragansett Avenue in Chicago. Registration will be held as usual from 9-10.30 am. For complete information please go to our website or call Grazyna, Teresa or Basia.

We are already registering for free of charge and tuition CNA classes which will start in January. If you are interested please contact Basia Gawronska or Jagoda.

There are still openings in the English as a Second Language and Adult Basic Education classes. Our offer includes all levels from beginner to advanced. Classes are held on the Northwest and Southwest sides of Chicago, during convenient morning, evening and weekend hours. For more information please call:

North Side classes-Kasia Koptilin, Mira Krolikowska, Magda Krzeminska, Agnieszka Sobczyk

South Side classes-Malgosia Bodyziak.

We are already registering for the paid computer classes which will start in January 2014. Our offer includes Basic Computer Literacy, Intermediate MSWord and Basic Excel, and Intro to QuickBooks classes. The classes will be held at our North and South Side locations. For class schedule visit www.polish.org or call Bianka at ext. 418.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in December:

Alexandra Antonik, Agnieszka Dabrowiecka, Mary Gembicki, Ewa Klepaczko, Wanda Klimecka, Adam Kusz, Olena Malanii, Maria Marusarz, Ewa Mikolajewska, Urszula Piekarska, Barbara Pietrowski, Astryda Reiter, Renata Teper, Maria Zebrowski, Jacek Zurowski

PAA Retirement Corner by Pat Madigan

Kris Garlewicz from Chicago Oakbrook Financial Group will be at PAA on Wednesday, December 11 at 10 am for the next educational series, and if you want to enroll in the 401(k) plan, he can do so after the meeting. The meeting typically last 30 minutes and all are welcome to attend.
We currently have 62 staff in the plan as well as 11 former staff who have decided to leave their money with Kris. For some of the younger staff if you save the minimum of $20 per paycheck and never changed it up or down, and the rate of return is at 8%, after 20 years, your account would be almost $24,000. The cost of 2 or 3 cups of coffee per week going into your retirement plan instead could help pay bills when you retire.

From Gary’s Desk

retrBanner

The past month has been quite busy in all departments which is really exciting. I am happy to share some highlights.

First we had a very successful Gala at the Hotel Intercontinental by O’Hare. Congratulations Development Team for this event and especially to Barbara Sobecka.

Our Young Leadership Group is in motion now. In fact, the Executive Committee of this group has been elected. We really look forward to great things to come. I would be happy to share or answer any questions you may have on this group. Just call.

A new partnership linkage agreement was signed and delivered. This is with World and Chicago ORT.

In November, we purchased a retractable PAA banner. This 8 foot banner is available for all departments to use in any of you meetings or educational events where you are. A picture of the banner follows. If you would like to learn how to use it and sign it out, just call or email me.

And finally, as we prepare for our Monday December 9th South Side Open House, I will be on Polvision a week earlier to let our community know more. This open house will give the community a chance to learn more about the new interactive computer center as well as other new services in the PAA family. Call me for details on the event.

Happy Holidays to everyone.

Development News

gala13NewslThanks

PAA received $25,000 from the Bank of America Foundation for supportive services and $1,000 from the Knights of Malta for 20 pairs of shoes for the men in the homeless shelter. Both grants will be used this fiscal year.

Reminders & Other

Days off: December 24 and December 25 (Christmas); January 1 (New Year)

The open enrollment meeting for both medical and dental insurance for 2014 is scheduled for Thursday, December 5 at 12.30 pm. It will take place in the Community Room.

PAA Christmas Party is scheduled for Friday, December 13. It will be held at Old Warsaw Buffet (http://old-warsaw-buffet.com) located at 4750 N. Harlem Avenue in Hardwood Heights. The PAA office will close at 12 noon and the party will start at 12.30 pm.

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Basia NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

christmas13

Be inspired

A mind is like a parachute. It doesn't work if it is not open. (Frank Zappa)

Bank of America Awards the PAA

The PAA is pleased to announce that we have received a $25,000 grant award from the Bank of America Foundation. The grant will be used in support of our programs for the homeless, our food pantry, and providing benefits outreach. We would like to thank the Bank of America for its partnering with us to help those less fortunate in our community.

Clothes Drive for PAA at the Chopin Polish School

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.polish.org/pl/component/content/archive?id=archive#sigProIde561c70046

The clothes drive for PAA on November 9th at the Chopin Polish School in both Palatine and Buffalo Grove’s locations was very successful. We brought a full van of donated goods to PAA. Thank you to all who made it possible.

PAA Monthly Newsletter - November, 2013

PAA Monthly Newsletter

November, 2013

Program/Staff News

We are ready to launch the Staff Recognition Program which was drafted by a group of 11 staff members last year. As the program was finally approved we would like to present the very first awards to the PAA Outstanding Employees in December. Please see the rules of the nomination process and the nomination form. The timeline for the nominations will be announced soon.
Thank you to all members of the Staff Recognition Program Working Group (Jola Baginska, Jagoda Branicka, Kasia Drabczak, Ewa Hiszczynski, Janina Malewicz, Malgosia Olczak, Kasia Rachwal, Basia Rusin, Basia Sobecka, Edyta Wojno and Magda Zakrzewska) for putting a lot of effort and enthusiasm into this project in order to make sure it is a meaningful and well thought out program.

Teen Starting Point will be offering The Communication and Conflict Resolution workshop on six consecutive Saturdays starting on 11/02/13. An hour long weekly sessions are focused on helping participants to develop interpersonal/social skills and address issues related to conflict resolution, violence prevention, negative peer pressure, alcohol and drug abuse, and bullying. Teens are encouraged to apply their knowledge and acquired skills into their everyday life. A certificate from this workshop can also be helpful in applications for selective enrollment high schools, colleges and for jobs and scholarships. Please contact Malgosia Olczak for more information.

Kudos to Kasia Olender for coordinating the clothes drive for PAA on November 9th at the Chopin Polish School in Palatine at 1111 N. Rohlwing Road. For more information please check https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/375395485926218/ or contact Kasia.

Please note that because of fall-winter season and the increasing demand for clothes, clients who visit our Clothing Closet may choose ONLY two shopping bags of clothes.

PAA has entered into a partnership with the local community clinic (PrimeCare Community Health) to be able to provide help with enrolling our clients into the quality health care under the Affordable Care Act. Each Tuesday (starting November 5) a bilingual staff from the clinic will work from our main office from 9 am-5 pm. The interested clients should call Basia Pietrowski at the main reception to make an appointment.

New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a free CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP on Saturday, November 16. It will take place at the Holy Trinity High School located at 1443 W. Division Street in Chicago. Registration will be held as usual from 9-10.30 am. For complete information please go to our website or call Grazyna, Teresa or Basia.

The Career Center of the Polish American Association invites you to attend a free information session on Affordable Care Act – “ObamaCare”. It will take place on Tuesday, November 19 at 6 pm at the Copernicus Foundation located at 5216 W. Lawrence Avenue. For more information please call Kasia Rachwal.

We are starting the registration for winter CNA classes (both free of charge and tuition). If you are interested please contact Basia Gawronska or Jagoda.

North Side classes-Kasia Koptilin, Mira Krolikowska, Magda Krzeminska, Agnieszka Sobczyk

South Side classes-Malgosia Bodyziak.

Job seekers who are Cook County residents are welcome to visit the employment services at the PAA and enroll in job placement assistance programs. In addition to obtaining assistance in finding jobs, individuals interested in pursuing new careers may be eligible to apply for funding for vocational trainings. For more information about the employment services and to learn about the program requirements please call Mirella at ext. 412. Individuals interested in enrolling in WIA job placement assistance program should attend the program orientation. The orientations are held on Mondays 10-11am in Polish and 11am-12 pm in English.The WIA program is now open on the first Saturday of every month 9am-3pm (lunch break 12-1)

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in November:

Barbara Bargiel, Katarzyna Blando, Marta Kromka-Brigagliano, Elzbieta Czerwonka, Magdalena Dolas, Barbara Gawronska, Andrzej Gasienica, Elzbieta Goc, Krystyna Gurka, Katherine Koptilin, Danuta Kosinska, Janina Malewicz, Katarzyna McDowell, Katarzyna Przychodzen, Ewa Susman, Grazyna Zajaczkowska, Barbara Zych

CONGRATULATIONS to the PAA employees who are celebrating their anniversaries in November:

Dorota Felinska - 20 years of service

We thank you for your ongoing commitment to the PAA mission and compassion toward our clients! Happy Anniversary!

From Gary’s Desk

As we enter the month where all the year ending holidays begin, I wanted you to be aware of the constant need to replenish our Clothing Closet needs for donations. While we have seen a nice increase in these donations, people tend to think of this at this time of year. The truth is that needs never takes a holiday and is a 12 month of the year need. We thank all the new organizations, companies and non-profits that have run drives for us.

Governor Quinn, Mayor Rahm Emanuel joined National Day of Action for Immigration Reform Caravan to Republican Leader Peter Roskam’s district to door-knock with the message: “Real Leaders Lead, not Hide! Lead on Immigration Reform!” Read this full press release from our partner and funder ICIRR at: http://icirr.org/content/governor-quinn-mayor-rahm-emanuel-joined-national-day-action-immigration-reform

And finally, please don’t forget that in December the deadline for the Lyczko Scholarship Fund will be at hand. Click the following link to be brought to our web site for details and the necessary application form: http://www.polish.org/LyczkoScholarship

Have a great month and a good holiday season to you and yours.

Development News

There is only TWO weeks left until our Annual Gala on November 16.

If you bring a guest for a full price ($195) you can attend our Gala for FREE!

Hurry up as this offer expires on November 8!

We still continue asking all PAA’s employees to please assist us by:

finding sponsors
securing ads for the Gala Program Book
obtaining items for the Silent Auction
selling tickets

For more info please visit our website: www.polish.org/gala2013. With any question about supporting our Gala please call Barbara Sobecka at 773-427-6307.

Over 100 students, business partners, and community organizations gathered on Thursday, October 17th, at the White Eagle Banquet Hall for the PAA Health Fair & Recognition Dinner. This event marked 21 years of the Polish American Association’s Certified Nursing Assistant program. The founder of our CNA training, Sister Rosalita, was honored on her 93rd birthday for her pioneering work in creating this program, as well as her many contributions to the Polish and other underserved communities. Proceeds from the event support a scholarship established in the name of Sister Rosalita Witrod, Felician. While the event is past, you can contribute to the scholarship fund - click HERE (up to date we have collected over $5,000!).

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.polish.org/pl/component/content/archive?id=archive#sigProId1ad9374f11

Reminders & Other

Days off: November 28 and November 29 (Thanksgiving Day)

thanksgiving-picture-2013sm

Saturday, November 16- PAA’s Gala

Please mark your calendars for PAA Christmas Party on Friday, December 13. More details will follow soon.

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Basia NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be inspired

It is not happy people who are thankful. It is thankful people who are happy.

Sister Rosalita Scholarship Fund

You can contribute to the Sister Rosalita Scholarship Fund by clicking the button below:

Donate by credit card
(U.S. residents only):

Please put a note in the Reference/Invoce box on the payment page,
right under the Amount box:CNA Scholarship Fund.

Thank You!

Over 100 students, business partners, and community organizations gathered on Thursday, October 17th, at the White Eagle Banquet Hall for the Polish American Association Health Fair & Recognition Dinner. This event marked 21 years of the Polish American Association’s Certified Nursing Assistant program. The founder of our CNA training, Sister Rosalita, was honored on her 93rd birthday for her pioneering work in creating this program, as well as her many contributions to the Polish and other underserved communities. Proceeds from the event support a scholarship established in the name of Sister Rosalita Witrod, Felician.

Click HERE to view the picturealbum from this event.

The video recorded during this event is available below or on PAA YouTube channel.

Honoring Sister Rosalita Witrod

PAA Health Fair 2013 - Thank You All! Sister Rosalita Scholarship Fund

The video recorded during this event is available below or on PAA YouTube channel.

		Click HERE to view the picturealbum from this event.
Honoring Sister Rosalita Witrod

While the event is past, you can contribute to the Sister Rosalita Scholarship Fund by clicking the button below:

Donate by credit card
(U.S. residents only):

Please put a note in the Reference/Invoce box on the payment page,
right under the Amount box:CNA Scholarship Fund.

Thank You!

PAA 2013 Annual Gala - It Was a Great Event!

THANK YOU ALL FOR THE SUCCESFUL EVENT!

Click the image below for more info:

Thank You Radiothon 2013 Listeners!

Dear Volunteers and Friends of Polish American Association,

radioth2013 Thank you so much for taking the time to join us at WNVR 1030 AM for our October 5th Radiothon! Thanks to you, our audience had an opportunity to listen to the people we help, talk to our counselors, and learn more about our services. The uplifting stories were inspirational and served as a great testimony of our programs, outreach and effect.

While the Polish American Association’s 2013 Radiothon has concluded, our community needs continue. There are many ways you can help – please visit our Donation Page here and learn about how you can help create the resources for changing the lives of the over 10,500 of our neediest individuals and families. We appreciate your support!

Join Our Radiothon Fundraiser!

Join Our Radiothon Fundraiser on Saturday, October 5thfrom 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Please join the Polish American Association’s annual fundraiser, Radiothon 2013, on Saturday, October 5th, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on the Polish Radio 1030 AM WNVR!

We invite you to participate in five hours of our radio programming by clicking on the following LINK (accessible worldwide). Listen to our staff and clients stories, share your experiences, and see how profound our impact is on the lives of the hundreds of people.

We ask you, our clients, donors, and friends, for financial support. As always, you can call from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, during the regular WNVR program and make your donation by phone at 773-588-8881. Visa and Master Card are accepted.

You can always make a pledge online by using our online donation form at:

polish.org/donate

We are delighted to announce that we have received our first major corporate contribution from Nongshim America, Inc.

We look forward to seeing your company name and logo on our benefactor list soon.

We appreciate your support! Call in 773-588-8881 on October 5th and help us to meet the needs of those less fortunate.
Please join us on Saturday for an experience that you will find rewarding in many ways.

PAA Monthly Newsletter - October, 2013

PAA MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

October, 2013

Programs/Staff News

There is a job opening at the Learning Center for an instructor to teach our vocational Office Skills Course (GOISA) in 2014. Potential candidates (minimum of Bachelor’s required) should be fluent in English, possess extensive knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook), QuickBooks and computer typing and demonstrate strong training delivery skills in all of them. The four months training starts in January 2014 and will be held in the evenings and on Saturdays at 3815 N. Cicero. For more information, please contact Jagoda Branicka at ext. 401. EOE.

New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a free CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP on Saturday, October 26. Registration will be held as usual from 9 - 10.30 am. For complete information please go to our website or call Grazyna, Teresa or Basia.

The Career Center of the Polish American Association invites you to attend a free information session with a Polish speaking reading tutor on Teaching reading to children and adults with dyslexia on Tuesday, October 15 at 6 pm at the Copernicus Foundation Center located at 5216 W. Lawrence Avenue. For more information please call Kasia Rachwal.

We are currently registering for the fall tuition CNA classes. If you are interested please contact Basia Gawronska or Jagoda.

North Side classes-Kasia Koptilin, Mira Krolikowska, Magda Krzeminska, Agnieszka Sobczyk. South Side classes-Malgosia Bodyziak.

We are still registering for the paid computer classes starting in October. The Basic Computer Literacy Class will start on 10/6 and will meet on Sundays from 1.30 -4.30 pm and Intro to QuickBooks Class will start on 10/7 and will meet on Mondays from 5-9 pm. To register please visit our office at 3819 N. Cicero Ave or call Bianka at ext. 418.

Our private pay home care program is looking for new clients. We are asking for your help with spreading the word and we will reward you for referring a client to PAA. The reward schedule is set up as follows: if the referred client stays with us for a month the reward is $25, it doubles to $50 if the client is being served for 3 months and finally it becomes $100 after 6 months of service provided. If you know of anybody in need of home care service, please ask them to call Bogusia at ext.330.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in October:

Jolanta Baginska, Jadwiga Branicka, Kathy Drabczak, Anita Eilmes, Tadeusz Gaszcz, Daria Gicela, Eva Grzybowski, Jolanta Nicieja-Janczarek, Urszula Jaronczyk, Renata Jasniuk, Malgorzata Jedeluk, Maria Klim, Miroslawa Krolikowska, Dorota Lewandowska, Zofia Matachowska, Malgorzata Olczak, Jadwiga Panfil, Alicja Posniak, Teresa Smrokowska, Bronislawa Stopka, Christopher Szykula, Irena Wojtkowski, Daniela Zimnicka.

From Gary’s Desk

The Annual Reports for 2012 are now in. They are beautiful and if you wish to receive a printed copy, please email me. Do you need extras for organizations and companies you have a partnership with or are trying to develop one with? I would be happy to get extras to you if they are useful. In the meantime, they are available on our web site with or without video at: http://www.polish.org/press-room/annual-reports

We welcome Sabina Gancarczyk to the Administration Team as our Intern from the Jane Addams College of Social Work Graduate School. She will be visiting each department and observing activities. Also, she will assist us in our population study using the new American Community Survey data and converting this to use in advocating our needs to the wards, representative and senate districts of the area. Please join with me in welcoming Sabina to the PAA family as she will be with us until next spring.

PAA Retirement Corner by Pat Madigan

The 401(k)plan had a meeting on September 18, and some of those in attendance asked if it could include a “Socially Responsible” fund to invest into. Kris and his staff looked over the options of who was well run, and offered a positive rate of return, and is large enough to make a difference. The fund that they selected is “Domini Social Equity Fund”. The fund is managed by Domini Social Investments LLC, and this firm manages some $1.15 billion as of March 31, 2013. They have been in business since 1991 (22 years). Please click HERE for more information.

Development News

Please join us for the Health Fair & Recognition Dinner on October 17 at the White Eagle Banquet Hall in Niles, from 6.30 to 9.30 pm. Following the Fair there will be a dinner reception honoring Sister Rosalita Witrod on her 93rd birthday, for her dedicated service to the mission of the Polish American Association for the last 21 years. By participating at the PAA’s Health Fair you will be supporting our CNA scholarship fund, which enables PAA to provide financial assistance to the committed and skilled students. Our scholarship allows them to participate in the PAA’s well-regarded program, and to fulfill their potential regardless of their financial means. To buy a ticket, please call me with your credit card information or return a check payable to the Polish American Association by October 3rd. No ticket purchase will be available at the door. In appreciation of your dedication, the discounted tickets are available for the PAA staff for $25. Of that $20.25 covers the cost of the meal and the remaining $4.75 would be your contribution towards the Sister Rosalita fund. Please join our fundraiser by making a gift to the PAA’s scholarship fund.
For specific questions, please contact Elzbieta Zaworski at 773-427-6311 or Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript..

Annual Gala, the annually biggest fundraising event on November 16 at the Intercontinental Chicago O’Hare Hotel is approaching very fast. We continue asking all PAA’s employees to please engage in the preparation for this spectacular event by:

finding sponsors
securing ads for the Gala Program Book
obtaining items for the Silent Auction
selling tickets

There is a great opportunity for Staff to help PAA to raise money and attend our Gala for FREE!
Organize a Table of nine guests of your community partners or friends and obtain the tenth ticket for free. Good luck!
For more info please visit our website: www.polish.org/gala2013. With any question about supporting our Gala please call Barbara Sobecka.

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.polish.org/pl/component/content/archive?id=archive#sigProId5b2fc49693

“Thank you” to PAA Board members and staff for volunteering at this year’s Taste of Polonia.

Reminders & Other

Our annual staff meeting/luncheon is rescheduled for Friday, October 11 from 11.30 am-2 pm. It will take place at Las Tablas located at 4920 W. Irving Park Road. More details will follow.

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Basia NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be Inspired

It doesn’t take a lot of strength to hang on. It takes a lot of strength to let go. (J.C.Watts)

Potencjalne miejsca pracy w stanowych biurach Departamentu Usług Socjalnych (IDHS)

SSCT-flyer-DHS-4188Polish

Potential Openings at Various Statewide IDHS Offices

SSCT-flyer-DHS-4188PEN

Lyczko Scholarship - Help us Promote this Scholarship Opportunity

Please share this information with your family and friends.

All funds from Lyczko Scholarship has been distributed to students. Lyczko Scholarship is no longer available. Thank you!

Polish American Association is proud to be offering a scholarship opportunity for qualified, bright and financially challenged college students of Polish descent. PAA is able to offer these funds from the generous bequest provided by Felix J. Lyczko.

Felix Lyczko, passionate about the joys and advantages of a college education was determined to make a difference in the lives of young Poles who, for lack of finances are unable to attend college. His brother Charles died while an Air Force pilot in WWII and his son Gene in an auto accident and were unable to attend college. Deeply saddened by the untimely early deaths of both his brother and son, Felix established the Lyczko Scholarship Fund.

In honor of his parents who both immigrated from Poland in the early 1900's, his wish is that the fund will provide an opportunity for committed young women and men of Polish heritage. It was his hope that his contribution would inspire others to contribute to the endeavor. The fund will be administered by a committee comprised of several board members of the Polish American Association, including Ms. Cait Lyczko, Mr. Lyczko's daughter.

The POLISH AMERICAN ASSOCIATION offers financial assistance to college students of Polish descent. Scholarships are awarded annually. The scholarships can be used at any accredited college or university.

How are students selected?

Students are selected on the following basis:

Scholastic Aptitude and Performance (ACT score and grades)
Financial Need
Career Aspirations
Extra-Curricular Activities
Participation in Polish Community Activities

Click HERE to download the application.

PAA Monthly Newsletter - September 2013

PAA MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

September 2013

Programs/Staff News

In August the substance abuse treatment program recruited a new volunteer Medical Director, Arkadiusz Grochowski, who provides required medical services on a consulting basis. Dr. Grochowski currently manages his own private medical practice in Schaumburg and Elmhurst specializing in pain management. He diagnoses and safely treats a wide variety of acute and chronic pain conditions. With his diverse training and his extensive knowledge of psychoactive substances, Dr. Grochowski makes a great addition to our dedicated professional team at Starting Point.

In August PAA had a table at the 45th Ward held Back-to-School Health and Safety Fair which took place at Jefferson Park Field House in Chicago. Kasia McDowell represented PAA and distributed materials about our programs and services. neswlSept13 The organizers were delighted to see PAA as a part of the event.

New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a free CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP on Saturday, September 28. It will take place at Northeastern Illinois University - El Centro at 3119 N. Pulaski in Chicago. Registration will be held as usual from 9-10.30 am. For complete information please go to our website or call Grazyna, Teresa or Basia.

Magdalena Dolas has been asked to join the CLESE Board to represent our agency. CLESE (Coalition for Limited Speaking Elderly) is committed to a vision of equal access to services for all elderly, regardless of ethnicity or language. As a coalition, CLESE works to increase awareness of the needs, rights, and unique contributions of limited-English-speaking elderly and the community-based organizations that serve them. Magda will be replacing Bogusia Wazydrag who decided to step down in June. Bogusia has served as a CLESE Board member for the last 5 years and was the Board Secretary from 2009 to 2011. Thank you Bogusia for your contribution!

The Career Center of the Polish American Association invites you to attend a free FAFSA Info Session on Tuesday, September 10 at 6 pm at the Copernicus Foundation Center located at 5216 W. Lawrence Avenue. The presentation will be conducted by a representative of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC).

There are still few openings in the fall/winter Citizenship classes. They are starting in September and will continue until January 2013. For registration and information please call Janina.

We are currently registering for the fall CNA classes (both free and tuition). If you are interested please contact Basia Gawronska or Jagoda.

There are still openings in the English as a Second Language and Adult Basic Education classes. They are starting in September and will continue until June 2014. Our offer includes all levels from beginner to advanced. Classes are held on the Northwest and Southwest sides of Chicago, during convenient morning, evening and weekend hours. For more information please call:

North Side classes-Kasia Koptilin, Mira Krolikowska, Magda Krzeminska, Agnieszka Sobczyk
South Side classes-Malgosia Bodyziak.

We are still recruiting students for paid Computer classes at our North and South Side locations. For more information and for a class schedule please call Bianka or visit www.polish.org. To register please visit our offices at 3819 N. Cicero or 6276 W. Archer.

Our private pay home care program is looking for new clients. We are asking for your help with spreading the word and we will reward you for referring a client to PAA. The reward schedule is set up as follows: if the referred client stays with us for a month the reward is $25, it doubles to $50 if the client is being served for 3 months and finally it becomes $100 after 6 months of service provided. If you know of anybody in need of a home care service, please ask them to call Bogusia at ext. 330.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in September:

Henryka Blusiewicz, Joanna Ceremon, Cecylia Dudzinski, Stanislawa Falewicz, Danuta Slodyczka-Florek, Jolanta Jablonski, Maria Jandura, Halina Klarich, Magdalena Krzeminska, Radoslaw Misiarz, Gertruda Labedz-Monaco, Marta Pereyra, Teresa Rusin, Barbara Stadnicki, Ewa Susik, Boguslawa Wazydrag, Elzbieta Zaworski

From Gary’s Desk

In case you missed it, PAA was very fortunate to host a bi partisan Press Conference regarding support of Comprehensive Immigration Reform and the Visa Waiver Program for Poland. A full version of this conference is available on our YouTube channel at: http://youtu.be/sPf8HzWZUxk

In late August, PAA senior management staff and board members met with an initial group of young leaders who will be the next generation of leadership in our organization. What an exciting group! The next meeting will be at the PAA offices later in September with a full tour of our offices and a chance to meet with staff and learn first-hand what wonderful things we do. Stay tuned for more details.

Coming up in the next few weeks:

the ribbon cutting Open House for our Supervised Visitation Center-yet to be scheduled
our annual Radio Thon scheduled for Saturday October 5th
a dinner to honor Sister Rosalita, our founder of the C N A program and raise funds for the Sister Rosalita Scholarship Fund on October 17 (more on this event can be accessed on our web site at http://polish.org/paa-2013-health-fair)
and finally, a grand opening and Open House at our South Side Office and High Tech Lab-yet to be scheduled.

Have a Wonderful September.

Development News

Annual Gala, the annually biggest fundraising event on November 16 at the Intercontinental Chicago O’Hare Hotel is approaching very fast. We ask all PAA’s employees to please engage in the preparation for this spectacular event by:

finding sponsors
securing ads for the Gala Program Book
obtaining items for the Silent Auction
selling tickets

There is a great opportunity for Staff to help PAA to raise money and attend our Gala for free! Organize a Table of nine guests of your community partners or friends and obtain the tenth ticket for free. Good luck!
For more info please visit our website: www.polish.org/gala2013. With any question about supporting our Gala please call Barbara Sobecka.

You are cordially invited to participate at our Health Fair to be held in conjunction with our Recognition Dinner on Thursday, October 17th. It will take place at the White Eagle Banquet Hall in Niles, from 6.30 to 9.30 pm. This event brings together a diverse group of our students, business partners, prospective employers and community organizations. Following the Fair there will be a dinner reception honoring Sister Rosalita Witrod on her 93rd birthday, for her dedicated service to the mission of the Polish American Association for the last 21 years. By participating at the PAA’s Health Fair you will be supporting our CNA scholarship fund, which enables the Polish American Association to provide financial assistance to the committed and skilled students. Our scholarship allows our students to participate in the PAA’s well-regarded program, and to fulfill their potential regardless of their financial means. Please support these students by making a gift to the PAA’s CNA scholarship fund. To purchase a ticket, please complete and return the RSVP form as soon as possible. You may also visit our website ( www.polish.org/healthfair ) to obtain an on-line RSVP form. For specific questions, please contact Elzbieta Zaworski at 773-427-6311. You can also visit our website at www.polish.org/healthfair for updates as the date draws near.

Reminders & Other

Our annual staff meeting/picnic is scheduled for Friday, September 13 from 10 am-2 pm. It will be held again at The Dock at Montrose Beach located at 200 W. Montrose Harbor Drive. More details to follow.

The total of 10,492 clients was helped through PAA programs in FY'13. The detailed report is posted on the shared drive under Programs.

The replacement of the floor in the Community Room is scheduled to be completed by September 9. It is being planned accordingly so the Food Pantry distribution is not disrupted.

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Basia NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be inspired

Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt. (Abraham Lincoln)

Inauguration of new program Supervised Parenting at the Polish American Association

At the forefront of a new service inauguration at the Polish American Association that will serve the Polish community and others in need was a meeting with the Circuit Court of Cook County Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans, who strongly supports the new initiative.

Forpocztą nowej usługi Zrzeszenia Amerykańsko Polskiego skierowanej nie tylko do polonijnej społeczności było spotkanie z szefem sądu okręgowego powiatu Cook Timothy C. Evansem, patronującym nowej inicjatywie.

Spotkanie w Daley Center. Od lewej: terapeutka PAA Marta Kromka-Brigagliano, sędzia Aurelia Pucinski, dyrektor wykonawczy PAA Gary Kenzer, sędzia Timothy C. Evans, dyrektor ds. programów klinicznych PAA Angelika Danek, sędzia Grace Dickler

Od lewej: sędzia Aurelia Pucinski, dyrektor wykonawczy PAA Gary Kenzer sędzia Timothy C. Evans, sędzia Grace Dickler, terapeutka PAA Marta Kromka-Brigagliano, dyrektor ds. programów klinicznych PAA Angelika Danek

First Meeting of the New PAA Young Leadership Board

Below are the pictures from last night’s (August 26, 2013) first meeting of the new PAA Young Leadership Board. The meeting was hosted by Michael Traison at the law offices of Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone P.L.C.

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.polish.org/pl/component/content/archive?id=archive#sigProId36f40c139f

To learn more about joining this group feel free to call or email the PAA Executive Director Gary Kenzer at Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript. or 773 427 6317.

U.S. Senator Mark Kirk & Congressman Mike Quigley Visit PAA and Speak out in Support of Visa-free Travel for Poles

Call on Congress to grant Poland the same privileges as 30 of its European Neighbors

Click HERE (click the link) for more pictures from this event.

kirkQuigley1 CHICAGO - U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (D-Ill.-5) and U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) today called for the passage of legislation that would allow Polish citizens unrestricted travel to the United States for up to 90 days without requiring a visa.

As part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), 37 countries, including 30 European countries, are currently eligible for visa-free travel to the United States; but outdated requirements leave Poland as one of the few European nations still excluded from VWP. The Polish government repealed its visa requirement for U.S. citizens traveling to Poland in 1991.

“It’s time to update America’s visa travel protocol to increase opportunities for international tourists, create jobs, and drive valuable tourism dollars to cities across the country, including Chicago," said Representative Quigley. "Modernizing the Visa Waiver Program will strengthen our national security and enhance relationships with important allies like Poland, who have been frozen out of the VWP due to its outdated structure.”

“Chicago is home to one of the largest, most vibrant Polish communities in the world,” said Senator Kirk. “Allowing Polish citizens visa-free travel will not only provide valuable tourism revenue as they come to visit friends and family in Illinois, but it will also serve to further strengthen our critical and longstanding diplomatic relationship with Poland.”

PAA 2013 Annual Gala Tickets

Register for PAA 2013 Annual Gala
and purchase your tickets, ads, or donate securely onlineusing your credit card (industry standard128-bit encryption).

Single tickets: $195

Table of 10: $1950
Purchase ads or donate Please put a note in the Reference/Invoce box on the payment page under the Amount box: "Donation" or "Ad Purchase"	Donate by credit card (U.S. residents only):

Free FAFSA Information Session - September 9, 2013

The Career Center of the Polish American Association invites you to attend a free FAFSA Information Session.
The presentation will be conducted by a representative of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC).
It will cover the following topics:

What is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?
What records are needed to complete FAFSA?
What are the deadlines for applying?
How to check the status of an application?
Other forms of financial aid (loans, Federal Work-Study program, scholarships)

The session will take place on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at 6:00 pm at the Copernicus Foundation Center located at 5216 W. Lawrence.
For more information regarding the session please call 773 282 1122 ext. 414

Poradnia Zawodowa Zrzeszenia Amerykańsko Polskiego pragnie zaprosić wszystkich zainteresowanych na bezpłatne spotkanie informacyjne dotyczące procesu ubiegania się o pomoc finansową na studia. Prezentacji dokona przedstawiciel Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). Podczas spotkania omawiane będą między innymi następujące zagadnienia:

Co to jest Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?
Jakie dokumenty są potrzebne, aby wypełnić aplikację?
Jakie są terminy składania aplikacji?
Jak dowiedzieć się czy pomoc finansowa została przyznana?
Inne formy pomocy finansowej (pożyczki, program Federal Work-Study, stypendia)

Spotkanie odbędzie się we wtorek, 10 września 2013 o godzinie 18:00 w Centrum Fundacji Kopernikowskiej przy 5216 W. Lawrence.
Po więcej informacji można dzwonić pod numer telefonu 773 282 1122 wew. 414

Computer Classes at PAA

Polish American Association will offer the following paid computer classes:

Basic Computer Literacy
Intermediate MS Word and Basic Excel

All classes will be conducted in Polish. For more information please call 773 282-1122 ext. 418.

The school is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education (www.ibhe.org).

The Polish American Association is not accredited with a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting body.

Complaints, which cannot be resolved by direct negotiation with the School in accordance to our written grievance policy, may be filed with the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), 431 E. Adams St., 2nd Floor, Springfield, IL 62701 or at www.ibhe.org.

Zrzeszenie Amerykańsko Polskie prowadzi ZAPISY NA PŁATNE KURS KOMPUTEROWE. Oferowane klasy to:

podstawy obsługi komputera
Microsoft Word na poziomie średnio zaawansowanym i wprowadzenie do Excel

Klasy będą odbywać na północnej i południowej stronie miasta Chicago. Po więcej informacji można dzwonić pod numer telefonu: 773 282-1122 wew. 418.

Szkoła ZAP jestzatwierdzonaprzezDivision of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education (www.ibhe.org).

Zrzeszenie Amerykańsko Polskie nie jest akredytowane przez uznany organ U.S. Department of Education.

Zażalenia, których nie udało się rozwiązać polubownie, zgodnie z regulaminem ZAP, można złożyć do Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), 431 E. Adams St., 2nd Floor, Springfield, IL 62701 lub www.ibhe.org.

How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment

Komisarz Michael M. Cabonargi Cook County Board of Review
i Zrzeszenie Amerykańsko-Polskie

Zapraszają na spotkanie na którym właściciele domów i nieruchomości w powiecie Cook będą mogli złożyć wniosek o oszacowanie i zmniejszenie podatków za nieruchomość.

“How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment

Uczestnicy będą mogli zadawać pytania, nauczyć się jak składać taką apelację i jak jest zatwierdzana.

Sobota, 31 sierpnia, 2013, od 12:00 P.M. do 2 P.M

Bazylika Sw. Jacka - Resurrection Hall, 2nd piętro 3636 W. Wolfram St., Chicago, IL 60618

Należy przynieść rachunek za podatki i upewnic się, że macie Państwo numer podatkowy nieruchomości PIN # (Property Index Number)

Po więcej informacji prosimy dzwonić:

Polish American Association - Grazyna Zajaczkowska: (773) 427-6342 / Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript.
Commissioner Cabonargi’s Office: (312) 603-5560

Commissioner Michael M. Cabonargi

Cook County Board of Review

Presents a workshop on

How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment

Co-sponsored by Polish American Association

Attendees will learn how to file an appeal, how an appeal is granted, and staff will be on hand to answer any questions

Date: Saturday, August 31, 2013
Time: 12:00 P.M. – 02:00 P.M.
Location: St. Hyacinth Basilica- Resurrection Hall, 2nd Floor
3636 W. Wolfram St, Chicago, IL 60618

Please bring a copy of your 2nd installment property tax bill or make sure to have your property index number (PIN) available!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Commissioner Michael Cabonargi - 312.603.5560

Polish American Association- Grazyna Zajaczkowska- 773.427.6342 / Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript.

PAA Monthly Newsletter - July/August 2013

PAA MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

July/August 2013

Programs/Staff News

New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a free CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP on Saturday, August 31. The workshop will take place at the Wright College located at 4300 N. Narragansett in Chicago. Registration will be held from 9-10.30 am. For complete information please go to our website or call Grazyna, Teresa or Basia.

We are proud to announce that the Supervised Visitation and Safe Exchange program at the Polish American Association is fully developed and ready to provide services to all interested parties including parents/caretakers (guardians/custodial/non-custodial) with the main emphasis on the Polish speakers. Supervised visitation is a contact between a non-custodial parent and his or her child in the presence of a third party who observes the visit and ensures the child’s safety. Safe exchange is supervision or monitoring of the transfer of the child from one parent to another with the remainder of the visit unsupervised. Our role is to ensure that the individuals exchanging the child do not come into contact with one another. Supervised visitations and safe exchange can be ordered by court or interested parties to help families as they go through difficult times such as divorce, separation or/and domestic violence. We are dedicated to providing a safe neutral environment where parents and children can spend quality time together. The ultimate goal of the program is to empower parents to work through their issues so they are able to interact with their child in an unsupervised setting. The program utilizes space in the PAA’s office, located at 4808 West Bernice Avenue (2nd Floor). There are child-friendly rooms equipped with age appropriate toys and games that allow for quality parent/child interaction. For more information or to schedule an intake appointment, please call the Supervised Visitation program coordinator Marta Kromka-Brigagliano at (773) 427-6343.

18 computers, 3 interactive boards and 4 tablets have been bought with the funding from ICCB for our ESL program. They will be used to make classroom instruction more interesting and engaging and students’ testing simpler as well as more efficient. One board has already been installed at the Learning Center computer lab. The computers and remaining 2 boards are scheduled to be installed at the Southside classrooms in August.

The registration for our Citizenship courses begins on August 1. The classes will start in September on the North and South side of Chicago and will be held on weekends and during the week. For information and registration please call Janina at ext. 400.

The next cycle of paid computer classes will start in September. We will offer the following classes in a computer lab at 3815 N. Cicero: Basic Computer Literacy (tuition is $200), Intermediate MS Word and Basic Excel (tuition is $200). The Introduction to QuickBooks class will be offered in October (tuition $250). This year the paid Basic Computer Literacy classes will also be held in a computer lab at 6276 W. Archer. For more information and for the class schedule please call Bianka at ext. 418 or visit our website at polish.org. To register in person please come to our offices at 3819 N. Cicero or 6276 W. Archer.

Job seekers who are Cook County residents are welcome to visit the employment services at the Polish American Association and enroll in job placement assistance programs. In addition to obtaining assistance in finding jobs, individuals interested in pursuing new careers may be eligible to apply for funding for vocational trainings. For more information about the employment services and to learn about the program requirements please call Mirella at ext. 412.

Our private pay home care program is looking for new clients. We are asking for your help with spreading the word and we will reward you for referring a client to PAA. The reward schedule is set up as follows: if the referred client stays with us for a month the reward is $25, it doubles to $50 if the client is being served for 3 months and finally it becomes $100 after 6 months of service provided. If you know of anybody in need of a home care service, please ask them to call Bogusia at ext.330.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in July and August:

Teresa Bobrowski, Malgorzata Chandler, Boguslawa Gadula, Krystyna Gierczyk, Grazyna Hatala, Elzbieta Kolosa, Elzbieta Kot, Helena Kurek, Gary Kenzer, Eula Lewis, Renata Waliszewska-Pakula, Mariola Pik, Rodolfo Ranola, Krystyna Sip, Halina Smolenski, Barbara Sobecka, Agatha Stochmalski, Ludwina Waksmundzka, Urszula Waksmundzki, Stanislawa Wojton, Teresa Zygula

CONGRATULATIONS to the PAA employees who are celebrating their anniversaries in August:

Teresa Kaminska - 10 years of service

We thank you for your ongoing commitment to the PAA mission and compassion toward our clients! Happy Anniversary!

From Gary’s Desk

July was a big month for PAA with new partnerships. We are negotiating an agreement to extend our educational programs at the Westwood College O’Hare Chicago Campus. With a close walk to the school from the Blue Line stop at Cumberland, this makes an ideal location for us. More on this soon.
We have signed an agreement to partner with the University of Phoenix to offer our agency as an accredited site for student interns from several locations and departments. Polvision did a nice job covering that signing and this can be seen on our YouTube Channel at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xio40hwcG0M
Thank you to the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation for letting us be a part of the Battle of the Bands Concert on July 18th at the Hard Rock Café. Pictures from this event are on our web site at: polish.org
And finally, please let those interested in the Lyczko Scholarship Fund know that we will be posting the new application packet shortly. We will send out a Facebook and Email List email announcing all the necessary links and forms through these avenues.

Have a great August.

PAA Retirement Corner by Pat Madigan

For those of you who are in the 401(k) plan already and wanted to see online how you are doing, make fund transfers, and review your investment instructions, you can go to the internet and key in www.jhpensions.com.The first question they will ask is what your contract number is, and for all PAA employees it is 110990.The website will then ask you to create a username and password, then a secret question. Then the website will ask for your pin, this was mailed out to your home address about 6 weeks ago. Now you have online access to do your retirement planning. But you don’t have to do it alone, as Kris Garlewicz from Chicago Oakbrook Financial Group will be coming out on Wednesday August 7 and will be helping you with your investment decisions. He will be here from 11am to 1pm for some one on one meetings. Then at 1pm Kris will host a group meeting that all are invited to, followed by more one on one meetings until 4 pm, or until all have been seen.
The PAA will be starting the match with your paycheck of August 30, retroactive to July 1 and will be calculating the match on your percentage, up to a maximum of 1.5%. So if you have 3% (or more) of your pay withheld, the PAA will put into your account 1.5%, if your budget is tighter and you are only able to have 2% of your pay withheld, the PAA will put into your account 1%. Here is an example of how this works. Let’s say you earn $900 gross per paycheck, and you save in your 401(k) plan 3% or $27.00, and the organization will put in an additional $13.50 as the match. So at the end of one year, your account will have $972 if your account didn’t increase in value. This $972 is more than one paycheck, and after two years, you will have saved, one month’s worth of pay. Below are two links; the top link is for those already in the plan to state who they want their beneficiary to be. The second link is to be used for those who have the wrong Social Security Number associated with your account, or if you change your name. You can also use the opt out form if you do not wish to participate in the 401(k) plan.

Bene Designation Form

Opt Out Form

Development News

Annual Gala, the annually biggest fundraising event on November 16 at the Intercontinental Hotel is approaching very fast. We ask all PAA employees to please engage in the preparation for this spectacular event by: finding sponsors, securing ads for the Program Book, obtaining items for the Silent Auction or selling tickets. With any question about supporting our Gala please call Barbara Sobecka at 773-427-6707.

jewelr1

A big "Thank You" to Barbara Kasza, our Southside homemaker
for donating a beautiful jewelry piece to our Silent Auction.

You are cordially invited to participate at our Health Fair to be held in conjunction with our Recognition Dinner on Thursday, October 17th. It will take place at the White Eagle Banquet Hall in Niles, from 6.30 to 9.30 pm. This event brings together a diverse group of our students, business partners, prospective employers and community organizations. Following the Fair there will be a dinner reception honoring Sister Rosalita Witrod on her 93rd birthday, for her dedicated service to the mission of the Polish American Association for the last 21 years. By participating at the PAA’s Health Fair you will be supporting our CNA scholarship fund, which enables the Polish American Association to provide financial assistance to the committed and skilled students. Our scholarship allows our students to participate in the PAA’s well-regarded program, and to fulfill their potential regardless of their financial means. Please support these students by making a gift to the PAA’s CNA scholarship fund. To purchase a ticket, please complete and return the RSVP form as soon as possible. You may also visit our website (www.polish.org/healthfair) to obtain an on-line RSVP form. For specific questions, please contact Elzbieta Zaworski at 773-427-6311. You can also visit our website at www.polish.org/healthfair for updates as the date draws near.

Reminders & Other

Both the notary stamp list and the alarm access staff names list were updated for FY’14 and posted on the shared drive under Resources so they are easily accessible.

The South Side office has been secured with the burglar alarm. Please contact Malgosia Kurdziel if you need to access this location outside the regular office hours so you can be assigned the passcode.

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Basia NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be Inspired

Whatever you are, be a good one. (Abraham Lincoln)

PAA Partnership with University of Phoenix

We have signed an agreement to partner with University of Phoenix to offer our agency as an accredited site for student interns from several locations and departments. Polvision did a nice job covering that signing and this can be seen on our YouTube Channel.

Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation at the Hard Rock Café

Thank you to the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation for a wonderful event at the Hard Rock Café, which raised $3,500 for the Polish American Association. Over $15,000 was raised for local charities, including the PAA. Hundreds of people there had a fun time and helped to raise needed funds for worthy charitable causes.

gk 3

Thank you!!!

Treasure Swap Clothing Party for Charity

Polish American Association would like to express our appreciation to the Council 27 of the Polish Women’s Alliance of America for their generous donations of clothing from the Treasure Swap Clothing Party for Charity, hosted on Saturday, July 13, at Bo Padowski’s Enchanted Garden. The donation will be used in support of our domestic violence program providing assistance to Chicago’s abused women. We thank the Polish Women’s Alliance on their behalf.

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.polish.org/pl/component/content/archive?id=archive#sigProIda6c993efc5

Ubezpieczenie medyczne dla Ciebie

PLinsurance

Insurance Just For You

ENinsurance

PAA 2013 Health Fair

Dear Prospective Health Fair Participant,

The Polish American Association invites you to participate at the Health Fair to be held in conjunction with our Recognition Dinner on October 17, 2013. It will take place at the White Eagle Banquet Hall in Niles, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

This event brings together a diverse group of our students, business partners, and prospective employers. Following the Fair there will be a dinner reception honoring Sister Rosalita Witrod on her 93rd birthday, for her dedicated service to the mission of the Polish American Association for the last 21 years.

Since 1992, the Polish American Association has been training Certified Nursing Assistants (C.N.A) and Physical Rehabilitation Aides (P.R.A.) for a rewarding career in the fast-paced field of medicine. During 21 years of the program, there have been major shifts in the economy and education, but what has remained constant is the satisfaction of our business partners. We have trained over 2,000 students and successfully placed over 90% of our graduates in full-time jobs. We have provided those individuals with knowledge in the basic principles and procedures of patient care, as well as clinical experience obtained in a long term care setting. The program is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Training and Technical Direction Unit for Long Term Care Field Operations. We are certified by the Illinois Board of Education as a Private Business and Vocational School. Over 95% of our graduates successfully pass the Competency Exam for Illinois Nurse Assistant.

By participating at the PAA’s Health Fair you will be supporting our CNA scholarship fund, which enables the Polish American Association to provide financial assistance to the committed and skilled students. Our scholarship allows them to participate in the PAA’s well-regarded program, and to fulfill their potential regardless of their financial means. Please support these students by making a gift to the PAA’s CNA scholarship fund.

To reserve a table at the Fair please complete and return the enclosed Participation Agreement form as soon as possible. You may also visit our website (www.polish.org/healthfair) to obtain an on-line registration form. Assignments are made in order of receipt of the Participation Agreement. A prompt response will ensure you a table at our Fair.

You will receive an email confirmation by September 17th, 2013, which will include display information and your table assignment. For specific questions, please contact Elzbieta Zaworski at 773-427-6311. You can also visit our website at www.polish.org for updates as the date draws near.

We look forward to working with you!

Sincerely,

Gary Kenzer
Executive Director

PAA 2013 Health Fair (2)

July, 2013

Dear Prospective Health Fair Participant,

We look forward to working with you!

Sincerely,

Gary Kenzer
Executive Director

PAA 2013 Health Fair RSVP Form

PAA 2013 Health Fair Sponsorship Levels

PAA 2013 Health Fair Participation Agreement

Process your sponsorship payment online using credit card
Tickets - RSVP
SPONSOR
EXHIBITOR
RECRUITER
SUPPORTER

The Polish American Association is gratified by the community and individual support for our upcoming Health Fair & Recognition Dinner on October 17th, to be held at the White Eagle Banquet Hall in Niles, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
At this time we would like to express thanks to the following sponsors:

Sponsors:

Felician Franciscan Sisters
Resurrection Health Care and Our Lady of the Resurrection Medical Center
Tukiendorf Training Institute

Exhibitors:

Hanna B. Konarzewska, M.D.

Recruiters:

St. Joseph Village of Chicago
Regency Rehabilitation Center
Frances and Mitchell Wiet

Supporters:

Zarem/ Golde ORT Technical Institute

Patrons:

Presence Life Connections
Illinois Heart Rescue Project

Some tickets and limited exhibition space is still available. Please contact us at 773-427-6311 for details. We look forward to seeing you on this special evening.

Partnership Agreement Between PAA and District of Dabrowa Tarnowska (Poland)

Gary Kenzer, Executive Director of the Polish American Association and the Governor of Dabrowa Tarnowska District (Poland), Tadeusz Kwiatkowski, signed the partnership agreement on Thursday, June 13. The areas of collaboration include the exchange of the promotional and business opportunities, as well as organizational expertise in providing of social services.

Tadeusz Kwiatkowski, Governor of Dabrowa Tarnowska District, Poland(right) and Gary Kenzer, PAA Executive Director (left)More pictures from this event and previous meeting with Mr. Kwiatkowski are available HERE.

Clothing Donation for PAA from Advocates Society

Recently the Advocates Society held a Gently Used Clothing Drive for the PAA Clothing Closet. Over 80 bags of donations were collected. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Advocates for their commitment to PAA and our clients.

If you would like to organize a drive in your place of business, feel free to call our Executive Director (773) 427-6317.

clothingDon

PAA Attends Reception Unveiling New Polish Language Brochures and Web Information

PAA Executive Director Gary Kenzer attended a reception on June 10, 2013, launching the new Polish language brochures now being issued by the office of Maria Pappas, Cook County Treasurer. In attendance was also Paulina Kapuscinski, the Consul General of Poland in Chicago. The brochures provide vital state information to the Polish community.

Brochures are available online HERE.

RecPolBroch1

More pictures from this event are available here.

PAA Monthly Newsletter - June, 2013

PAA Monthly Newsletter

June, 2013

Programs/Staff News

The Career Center will be hosting TWO events in June. The first seminar on student and temporary worker visas will take place on Tuesday June 11 at 6 pm at the Copernicus Foundation. The session will be conducted by a Polish speaking lawyer.
The second session will take place on Tuesday June 25 at 6 pm also at the Copernicus Foundation. This seminar will be conducted by a Polish speaking academic advisor and will cover the following topics: the American system of higher education, evaluation of diplomas from the country of origin, credit hours and transfers and forms of financial aid (scholarships, grants, and loans). Please call Kasia Rachwal for more information.

We are still recruiting students for three additional basic computer literacy classes which will open in June. The classes will be held at the North Side computer lab and their schedule is as follows:
Monday 5– 9 pm (6/3-7/29/13)
Tuesday and Thursday 6 –9 pm (6/4-7/18/13)
Wednesday and Friday 6 – 9pm (6/5-7/31/13)
For more information and to register please call Bianka.

In May the Social Services welcomed Izabella Bultrowicz who joined PAA staff as a part time Marketing Manager for our Private Pay Home Care Program. She is responsible for the overall program promotion which includes providing information about the program to individuals and groups in the community as well as designing the promotional materials. Izabella can be reached at Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript. or at ext. 315.

New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a free CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP on Saturday, June 22. The workshop will take place at the Northeastern Illinois University-El Centro located at 3119 N. Pulaski Avenue in Chicago. Registration will be held from 9-10.30 am. For complete information please go to our website or call Grazyna, Teresa or Basia.

Job Opening

The Learning Center continues searching for instructors to teach in our CNA Program next fiscal year. The candidate must be the Illinois licensed R.N. and meet the requirements of the Department of Public Health. This is a part time position. EOE. For more information contact Basia Gawronska.

Our private pay home care program is accepting its first clients. We are asking for your help with spreading the word and we will reward you if you refer a client to PAA. The reward schedule is set up as follows: if the referred client stays with us for a month the reward is $25, it doubles to $50 if the client is being served for 3 months and finally it becomes $100 after 6 months of service provided. If you know of anybody in need of a home care service, please ask them to call Bogusia.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in June:

Barbara Bagdzius, Halina Bozek, Maria Ganczar, Anna Jastrzebska, Kamila Smyk-Jaworski, Janina Kapinos, Ona Kastauniene, Barbara Kasza, Krzysztof Koscielniak, Barbara Marchinska, Krystyna Mass, Maria Palusinska, Ryszarda Pluzyczka, Barbara Rusin

From Gary’s Desk

On June 11th, PAA will host an important visitor from the US Holocaust Museum in Washington DC. (http://www.ushmm.org) The International Outreach Officer will be at PAA to discuss partnership opportunities. If you would like to attend this meeting, let me know and I will send you an invitation.

Soon we will be releasing the Lyczko Scholarship application and instructions for the year ahead. If you know any one deserving this opportunity, please make sure they sign up on our e-list and Facebook as this is how it will be announced. We want to keep this fair and open to the public and they are all encouraged to be a part of our social media avenues for communication. Of course all applications when received by me should be sealed. They will be delivered to the board liaison for processing and selection. If you have any questions, please let me know.

As this is the last month of the fiscal year, please note that all audits or monitorings must have my presence, at least at the beginning. Please check with my schedule in Outlook and plan accordingly.

And finally, stay tuned for details on a multi-agency fundraiser which PAA will participate in this coming July 18th at the Hard Rock Café. It will be a Battle of the Bands with several bands including our own Board Chairman Conrad Nowak and his band Nuisance. There are a total of five nonprofits who will receive the proceeds for the evening.

Have a great month.

PAA Retirement Corner by Pat Madigan

For those of you who feel that Social Security is your retirement provider, you don’t have to read any further. For those of you, who are worried as to how you are going to afford to retire, please continue reading.
As part of the responsibility of the finance committee that Gary and I sit on, we raised the issue about having the Association match the employees’ contribution which will be going into their retirement plan. The Board of Directors agreed to cover all the administrative costs the employees were currently paying, and provide a match much like a bank paying interest on savings.
I know that the first question you will have is how much is the agency match? To that, I can only say I don’t know at this time. We have a “pot” of money that will be spread out over all the employees who decide to save for retirement.
Why did we change to John Hancock? There were two reasons for the switch: the fees everyone was paying were just too high, and secondly AXA just didn’t understand the non-profit area of business that we operate in.
I know that some of you are asking how is my pay affected by enrolling in the 401(k) plan? This type of plan is actually endorsed by the government and so they give you a break on the taxes you pay, and the amount you have to declare on your tax return.
I am sure that you next question is how do I qualify for this plan? The answer is that during the last calendar year (2012) you had to have worked 1,000 hours or more. This means that more employees are now eligible to join.
If you are already in the 401(k) plan there is a black out period, from June 5 until June 28, where you won’t have access to any of your AXA funds.
We will be having enrollment (one on one) meetings in summer, and so look to the future issues of the staff newsletter. Meantime, if you have any questions, contact Pat.

Reminders & Other

Days off: Thursday, July 4 (Independence Day)

The summer issue (July/August) of our staff newsletter will be emailed on August 1.

Please make sure all your clients’ data for the FY’13 is in our database by July 15 as we want our data to be the most accurate for the full fiscal year report which I plan to run by mid-August.

Please consider donating to our Clothing Closet as it still is in a GREAT NEED of gently used clothes (for adults and kids), small household items and toys. Thank you!

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Basia NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

The June travel vouchers need to be submitted to Esper NO LATER than July 10. Please remember to attach a copy of your driver’s license and a current auto insurance card to your June travel voucher.

Be inspired

Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them. (Lemony Snicket)

PAA Annual Gala 2013

THANK YOU ALL FOR THE SUCCESFUL EVENT!
MAGNIFICENT PAA’S ANNUAL GALA 2013 On Saturday, November 16, 2013 at the InterContinental O’Hare Hotel
We raised $117,885

Charles Wojciechowski of NBC 5's was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Guests admired Windy City Wedding Dance and Tommye Giocchino. POLONIA performed the wonderful dances. Enzo Incandela presented a vocal performance. The DORI KOZ BAND provided the Gala’s entertainment. The Avedon Ballroom at the InterContinental was filled with many distinguished guests.
Fun for 330 event’s Attendees

WE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HELPED TO MAKE THIS EVENT A SUCCESS!
FIRST WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE HONOREES: TED & BARBARA MARTIN

Ted & Barbara Martin - Gala Honorees and Ken Berezewski - Chairman of the PAA’s Board

WE THANK OUR 22 GALA SPONSORS – (please see their logos below)
GOLD SPONSORS

Ted & Barbara Martin	Leo P. Niemiec

Dr. Izabela Roman	Fran and Mitch Wiet
Arie & Bozena Zweig

SILVER SPONSORS

Camille Kopielski

	BRICKYARD




SUPPORTERS



We would like to thank those of you who sponsored a table as well as everyone who purchased tickets. Thanks for your ad space in our PAA’s Gala Commemorative Program Book (to see click HERE). We would additionally like to thank the people and organizations that donated items for our Gala Raffle Prize and Silent Auction.


AMTA Vice-President Andrew Wegiel* handing the raffle price of the airline ticket to Poland to the lucky Winner.*	The Happy Winner of the fabulous Diamond and Amethyst 14 KT White Gold Necklace donated by Archer Gold Jewelry.


To see the 2013 PAA Gala photo album - click HERE.

Video recorded during this magnificent event.


A Big Thank You to Everyone for Making our Annual Gala a Success!

TED & BARBARA MARTIN

Ted Martin a World War II veteran and a POW, was a soldier in the Home Army (AK) and actively participated in the Polish Underground and the Warsaw Uprising. He is a survivor of Aleja Szucha, Pawiak and Warsaw Concentration Camp – Gesiowka.

After WWII, Mr. Martin found his way to the U.S. and proved that work, dedication and the occasional stroke of genius can get you the American Dream. Mr. Martin is the President of Parkway Metal Products, Inc. He is a philanthropist, respected entrepreneur and a life member of the Society of American Inventors.

Mr. Martin was awarded the Krzyz Kawalerski Orderu Zaslugi Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej by President Lech Kaczynski. He is also the recipient of the Gold Honor Badge of the Home Army Foundation for his support of handicapped and ill soldiers, and assistance in spreading the history of the Polish Underground and the Home Army. Mr. Martin believes one’s life achievements are measured by the extent of enriching the lives of others.

Barbara Swionder-Martin is a former teacher from Poland and a dedicated sponsor of Polish culture in Chicago. In 1998 she founded FAME ART – a company endorsing Polish art painters in the United States. She is a co-founder of the Polish American Leadership-Political Action Committee. Barbara is a very proud grandmother of Ignacja and Teodor.

Ted & Barbara Martin are active members of the Polish American community, supporting the arts, culture and tradition by sponsoring the Paderewski Symphony Orchestra and the Northwest Center of Traditional Polish Dancing - promoting Polish classical music and dancing in the United States.

They have been recognized by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Wing of Memory Society and received the Gold Honor Badge of the Home Army Foundation.

PAA Annual Gala 2013 (2) Original

91st Annual Gala	Event Details
Celebrate our Gala with the Honorees – Ted & Barbara Martin, connect with new contacts and catch up with old friends at this annual gala. Funds raised at this event provide support for PAA’s 28 programs.	Where: Intercontinental Chicago O’Hare 5300 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018 When: Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 6:30pm Ticket Cost: $195 (Table of 10: $1,950)
THANK YOU ALL FOR THE SUCCESFUL EVENT!
PAA Annual Gala 2013 Program Book (pdf file, Adobe Acrobat required)
Click the image below to download Gala Invitation	R.S.V.P. Form
Program Book Advertisement	Raffle Ticket

For more information please call Barbara Sobecka: (773) 427-6307

Thank You to the Sponsors of the 91st Annual Gala

GOLD SPONSORS

Ted & Barbara Martin	Leo P. Niemiec

Dr. Izabela Roman	Fran and Mitch Wiet
Arie & Bozena Zweig

SILVER SPONSORS

Camille Kopielski

	BRICKYARD




SUPPORTERS

GALA SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY

TED & BARBARA MARTIN

They have been recognized by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Wing of Memory Society and received the Gold Honor Badge of the Home Army Foundation.

gala2013F1a

gala2013F1b

Free seminars organized by Career Center of the PAA

The Career Center of the Polish American Association invites you to attend two free informational seminars.

The first seminar will take place on Tuesday June 11, 2013 at 6 PM. It will be conducted by a Polish speaking lawyer and will cover:

Requirements for F-1 and J-1 visas
Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Change of status from a student visa to a temporary worker visa

The second seminar will take place on Tuesday June 25, 2013 at 6 PM. It will be conducted by a Polish speaking academic advisor and will focus on:

American system of higher education
Evaluation of diplomas from the country of origin
Credit hours and transfers
Forms of financial aid (scholarships, grants, loans)

Both seminars will take place at the Copernicus Foundation Center located at 5216 W. Lawrence. For more information about this event please call 773 282-1122 ext. 414

Poradnia Zawodowa Zrzeszenia Amerykańsko Polskiego pragnie zaprosić wszystkich zainteresowanych na dwa bezpłatne spotkania informacyjne na temat amerykańskiego systemu szkolnictwa wyższego oraz wiz studenckich i pracowniczych. Pierwsze spotkanie odbędzie się we wtorek, 11 czerwca 2013 o godz. 18.00
Na spotkaniu polskojęzyczny prawnik zaprezentuje między innymi następujące zagadnienia:

Zasady przyznawania statusu F-1 i J-1
Staż zawodowy (Optional Practical Training) oraz pozwolenie na pracę (Employment Authorization Document)
Zmiana statusu z wizy studenckiej na pracownicza (H1-B)

Spotkanie drugie odbędzie się we wtorek, 25 czerwca 2013 o godz. 18.00 Na spotkaniu polskojęzyczny doradca akademicki omówi:

System edukacyjny w USA
Ewaluację dyplomów z kraju pochodzenia
Godziny kredytowe i transfery
Formy pomocy finansowej (stypendia, pożyczki, dotacje)

Obydwa spotkania odbędą się w Centrum Fundacji Kopernikowskiej przy 5216 W. Lawrence. Po więcej informacji można dzwonić pod numer telefonu 773 282 1122 wew. 414

Targi zasobów mieszkaniowych

Wygraj $700 na remont domu!

HResFair PL

FREE BASIC COMPUTER LITERACY CLASSES IN POLISH

smalLabPAA

FREE BASIC COMPUTER LITERACY CLASSES IN POLISH
The curriculum includes:

Basic computer knowledge
Introduction to Microsoft Office Word
Internet search
E-mail

Classes will meet on:

Monday 5:00pm – 9:00pm June 3 through July 29
Tuesday and Thursday 6pm – 9pm June 4 July 18
Wednesday and Friday 6pm – 9pm June 5 July 31

To register call 773 282-1122 ext. 418.

Zrzeszenie Amerykańsko Polskie prowadzi zapisy na BEZPŁATNE kursy komputerowe dla początkujących, które rozpoczną się w czerwcu 2013.

Główne zagadnienia kursu to:

Zapoznanie z budową i obsługą komputera,
Podstawowe funkcje programu MS Word,
Wprowadzenie do Internetu,
Zakładanie i obsługa poczty elektronicznej.

Zajęcia odbywać się będą w wieczorami w następujace dni:

Poniedziałek 17:00 – 21:00 od 3 czerwca do 29 lipca
Wtorek i czwartek 18:00 – 21:00 od 4 czerwca do 18 lipca
Środa i piątek 18:00 – 21:00 od 5 czerwca do 31 lipca

Zajęcia prowadzone będą w języku polskim. Ilość miejsc w klasach jest ograniczona.

Rejestracja pod numerem telefonu: (773) 282-1122 wew. 418

PAA Involvement in the Local Community


Gary Kenzer and Andrew Przybylo as the Village of Niles Mayor on Tuesday May 14^th. Andrew has been active at the PAA for many years and is a Honorary Member of the PAA Board	Gary Kenzer and Aurelia Pucinski, Justice of the Appellate Court, at a swearing in ceremony of the new Village of Niles Mayor

Gary Kenzer and State Representative Deborah Mell of House District 40 at a recent Meet & Greet at the District Office

Congratulations for PAA Honorary Board Member - Andrew Przybylo

aPrzybylo Polish American Association (PAA) sends hearty congratulations to Honorary Board member, Andrew Przybylo, on his recent election as Mayor of Niles. Warmest congratulations also on his receiving the Cavalier’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland. As beneficiaries of Andrew’s dedication and service to those less fortunate, we thank him for all he has done and wish him well in his new office as mayor. Andrew will be installed as Mayor this week on Tuesday May 14th at 7 PM at Niles Village Hall.

2013 Polish Constitution Day Parade with PAA

A big thank you everyone who participated at the Polish Constitution Day Parade.

photoSM

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.polish.org/pl/component/content/archive?id=archive#sigProId34398bd94e

More pictures from the Parade are HERE.

PAA Meets Congressman Foster

In the PAA’s continuing mission to speak with all of Illinois Elected Officials, Patrick Madigan; Director of Finance is pictured on April 29, 2013 talking with 11th District Congressman Bill Foster about expanding services to over 104,000 Poles that live in his district. Congressman Foster’s District includes but not limited to Joliet, Naperville, Aurora, Bolingbrook, and Burr Ridge. The PAA will be working with his office over the next several months to reach out to these Poles and help them with those services they have the most need of. Congressman Foster also pledged his support in adding Poland to the VISA Waiver Listing to make travel between our countries seamless.

BFCong1

Join PAA at the Polish Constitution Day Parade!

131sm Please join us at the Polish Constitution Day Parade on Saturday, May 4th, 2013.

Polish American Association will be marching as the 65th organization at this year’s Parade. All PAA participants will meet at 11:30 am on Balbo Dr., just west of Lake Shore Drive (Balbo Dr. is 700 South). If you have reached Columbus Dr., you have gone too far. We invite all of our friends, staff and supporters to celebrate this traditional Chicago salute to pride and tradition. Please show your support for the Polish American Association by bringing your family and colleagues!

Confirm today that you will be marching with us (...).

For details on the parade, go to http://www.may3parade.org/en/invitation.html.

If you are lost at the parade, call Gary Kenzer at 773-427-6317.

We look forward to seeing you at the Parade! We will be posting pictures from the Parade on our Facebook page - stay tuned!

Order a Commemorative Certificate from PAA and change lives!

There is a lot to celebrate in between May Day and Memorial Day: Mother’s Day, First Communions and graduations. Making a donation in the name of your gift recipient is a good way to make them feel special and help others less fortunate.

Remember your Family or Friends by selecting Polish American Association Certificates as a tasteful and meaningful gift of heart. We will personalize the certificate and send it to your special person, who will realize that they have been able to help someone else in the process.

With your gift, Polish American Association will continue to be a serving community providing human assistance through 28 programs to over 11,000 clients each year.

Click the link that follows to start your order and support the PAA:

polish.org/donate

PAA Monthly Newsletter - May, 2013

PAA MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

May 2013

Programs/Staff News

In April the Social Services welcomed Daniel Jarosz as a Homeless Outreach Worker. This part time position has been funded through an additional grant from DFSS. Daniel is responsible for identifying sites used by homeless, establishing initial contacts, and providing referrals to appropriate facilities and community services. He will also help the non-English or limited English individuals to follow through on referrals to the social service agencies to assist with healthcare, housing, disability applications, substance abuse, mental health care, and other services that may be needed for living. Daniel has been volunteering in our Substance Abuse program since September of last year. Daniel’s contact information will be posted soon.

The Career Center will be hosting a free information session on laws enforced by U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The session will take place on Tuesday, May 14 from 6 to 8.30 pm at the Copernicus Center located at 5216 W. Lawrence and it will be conducted by Polish speaking representatives from DOL. For more information please call Kasia Rachwal.

New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a free CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP on Saturday, May 18. The workshop will take place at the Wright College located at 4300 N. Narragansett in Chicago. Registration will be held from 9-10.30 am. For complete information please go to our website or call Grazyna, Teresa or Basia.

We still have some openings in our spring tuition CNA classes. If you are interested, please contact Basia Gawronska or Jagoda.

Please consider donating to our Clothing Closet as it is in a GREAT NEED of gently used clothes (for adults and kids), small household items and toys. Thank you!

Our private pay home care program is accepting its first clients. We are asking for your help with spreading the word and we will reward you if you refer a client to PAA. The reward schedule is set up as follows: if the referred client stays with us for a month the reward is $25, it doubles to $50 if the client is being served for 3 months and finally it becomes $100 after 6 months of service provided. If you know of anybody in need of a home care service, please ask them to call Bogusia.

Job Openings

The Learning Center is looking for instructors to teach in our CNA Program next year. The candidate must be the Illinois licensed R.N. and meet the requirements of the Department of Public Health. This is a part time position. EOE. For more information contact Basia Gawronska.

The Social Service Department has an immediate opening for a part-time (10 hrs. a week) Marketing Manager position to promote services offered by the Private Pay Home Care Program. The candidates must be bilingual (Polish/English). This position will be responsible for the overall marketing of PAA’s Private Pay Home Care Services as well as providing education and information to individuals and groups in the community. Please check PAA’s website for the full job description. EOE. The resumes need to be emailed to Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript..

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in May:

Michal Chybowski, Slawomir Czajkowski, Barbara Haniaczyk, Teresa Glen, Zofia Koscielniak, Teresa Kozlowska, Maria Leja, Iwona Lippert, Barbara Lukaszek, Katarzyna Olender-Misiarz, Jadwiga Morzy, Tomasz Pik, Katarzyna Rachwal, Jadwiga Rozanska, Alicja Szremska, Marzenna Szwarc, Krystyna Wiszowata, Bozena Zdrzalka

Best Birthday Wishes to you!

From Gary’s Desk

May of course starts off with our Constitution Day Parade which PAA will be fully engaged in. If you cannot make it, please connect with us on Facebook as I will send pictures and reactions live from the parade.

We are always looking to initiate new partnerships with organizations and other service providers. Early this month, we will meet with the Director of the Polish Studies Program at UIC to explore how we can partner. A special meeting has been set up. We will keep everyone in the loop as plans develop.

We are also moving forward on the transition to the new 401(k) provider. More details will be coming out shortly on this new benefit.

In closing, April for sure was a very busy month for PAA and our Development Team. We have posted the moving talk given by Sigmund Rolat at the Chairman’s Brunch and it can be viewed on our YouTube Channel at: http://youtu.be/eN4xdyZzNc4

Have a great month.

Development News

Please join us at the Polish Constitution Day Parade on May 4th. Polish American Association will be marching as the 65th organization at this year’s Parade. All PAA participants will meet at 11:30 pm on Balbo Dr., just west of Lake Shore Drive (Balbo Dr. is 700 South). For details on the parade, go to http://www.may3parade.org/en/invitation.html. Confirm today that you will be marching with us by email to: Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript. or call 773-427-6311.
Please show your support for the Polish American Association by bringing your family and colleagues! We look forward to seeing you at the Parade!

gala2013F1a

We received a grant of $10,000 from the Northern Trust Company. The grant will be used to support the program activities in the area of Domestic Violence (80%) and Employment (15%) as well as the general operations of the agency (5%) in FY’14.

Reminders & Other

Days off: Monday, May 27 (Memorial Day)

Who is your retirement money with? Is it with the Federal Government? Is it in your bank, in a shoe box, or could it be that you haven’t started to save for retirement yet? As you may have known the PAA has a 401(k) plan that is with AXA, the problem with the plan was that it was limited to only full time employees. Now the PAA will be rolling out a new and improved 401(k) plan with Chicago-Oak Brook Financial as our advisor and John Hancock as the investment vehicle. The plan is going to be expanded to anyone who works 1,000 hours or more per year. The PAA in fiscal year 2013-2014 will be providing a match; more details will be coming out about that in June. The investment choices have grown as well as the performance of the investments. You will be able to save more because the Polish American Association is going to be paying the fees involved with this account. The fees include the annual or semi-annual fees on your investment account, the cost of transferring all the assets from AXA to John Hancock, as well as the fees by the Financial Advisor. Next month if you have a deduction for the 401(k), it will not be taken out, it will be frozen per the terms of the agreement for the month of May and the first paycheck in June. The only fees you will be covering are those if you take out a loan. Be sure to watch the newsletter for future updates. If you have any questions, call Pat Madigan at 773-427-6310.

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Basia NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be inspired

You know, if you just set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything, wouldn’t you, at any time? And you would achieve nothing!
(Margaret Thatcher)

Spotkanie z pracownikami Department of Labor

Poradnia Zawodowa Zrzeszenia Amerykańsko Polskiego zaprasza wszystkich zainteresowanych na bezpłatne spotkanie z polskojęzycznymi przedstawicielami U.S. Department of Labor-DOL (Federalne Ministerstwo Pracy)
Podczas spotkania omawiane będą między innymi następujące zagadnienia:

Jakimi sprawami zajmuje się DOL
Jakie prawa są egzekwowane przez DOL
W jaki sposób składać skargi i wypełniać wnioski

Spotkanie odbędzie się we wtorek, 14 maja 2013 o godzinie 18:00 w Centrum Fundacji Kopernikowskiej przy 5216 W. Lawrence.
Po więcej informacji na temat spotkania można dzwonić pod numer telefonu
773 282-1122 wew. 414

Immigration Reform Bi-Partisan Press Cconference with Congressman Luis Gutierrez and Congressman Paul Ryan

Monday, April 23, 2013 more than 200 people from Illinois’ Latino faith, civic, business, and community organizations thanked Congressmen Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) and Paul Ryan (R-WI) for their bipartisan leadership to build common sense solutions to our broken immigration system. The Congressmen were joined by Aldermen Proco Joe Moreno and Daniel Solis, Cook County Commissioners Jesus “Chuy” Garcia and Edwin Reyes, and State Representatives Cynthia Soto and Luis Arroyo. PAA also participated in the conference. See the gallery below.

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.polish.org/pl/component/content/archive?id=archive#sigProId49111ff759

Grant from the Northern Trust Charitable Trust

granTApril13 The PAA is proud to announce that it has just received a $10,000 grant from the Northern Trust Charitable Trust. The grant will be used for program support. The award letter expressed the Bank’s support for the PAA and its activities and that it was happy to counted among our funding sources.

Thank You!

Thank You For Supporting 2013 Annual Chairman's Brunch

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING

2013 ANNUAL CHAIRMAN'S BRUNCH

On Sunday, April 7, 2013 at the Metropolitan Club Chicago

We raised more than $22,000

Special thanks for being a part of making it all happen to:

Chairman of the PAA's Board, Conrad Nowak, Attorney at Law at Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

and the Event Co-Chairs:

Michael H. Traison, Principal at Miller Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C.

Bozena Nowicka McLees, Polish Studies, Loyola University Chicago

Michelle Smolinski Covington

On Sunday, April 7, 2013, the Polish American Association held its 2013 Chairman's Brunch at the Metropolitan Club, Willis Tower, Chicago. Honored guest speaker was Sigmund Rolat, a businessman and philanthropist, who has contributed to numerous Polish causes; he is the inspiration and driving force behind the creation of the Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw.

brunch13a

Sigmund Rolat, Honored Guest, Conrad Nowak, Chairman of the PAA Board, Michael Traison, PAA Board Member and Gary Kenzer, Executive Director of the PAA

New Americans Phase Three Report Released

On Tuesday, April 2, 2013 staff from the Polish-American Association attended the New Americans phase three report released from the governor's office. This press conference was held at the Illinois Welcoming Center in Melrose Park.

For more information on this Governor's office of New Americans and their phase 3 report feel free to call or write any of the PAA staff.

PAA Monthly Newsletter - April, 2013

PAA MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

April 2013

Programs/Staff News

The Career Center is organizing TWO events in April. The first seminar on Social Security benefits will take place on Tuesday April 9 at 4 pm at the Copernicus Foundation. The session will be conducted by a Polish speaking representative of the local Social Security office. The second session will take place on Tuesday, April 16 at 6 pm also at the Copernicus Foundation. The seminar will be conducted by a Polish speaking attorney and it will focus on the Social Security Agreement between the U.S. and Poland, and how to apply for U.S. or foreign benefits under this agreement. For more information call Kasia Rachwal.

New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a free CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP on Saturday, April 20. The workshop will take place at the Oakton Community Center located at 4701 Oakton Street in Skokie. Registration will be held from
9 -10.30 am. For complete information please go to our website or call Grazyna, Teresa or Basia.

We are currently registering for the spring tuition CNA classes. If you are interested, please contact Basia Gawronska or Jagoda.

Job Opening

The Learning Center continues searching for instructors to teach in our CNA Program. The candidate must be the Illinois licensed R.N. and meet the requirements of the Department of Public Health. This is a part time position. EOE. For more information contact Basia Gawronska.

Our private pay home care program is accepting its first clients. We are asking for your help with spreading the word and we will reward you if you refer a client to PAA. The reward schedule is set up as follows: if the referred client stays with us for a month the reward is $25, it doubles to $50 if the client is being served for 3 months and finally it becomes $100 after 6 months of service provided. If you know of anybody in need of a home care service, please ask them to call Bogusia.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in April:

Iwona Brzezinska, Angelika Danek, Wioletta Drag, Dorota Felinska, Danuta Franczyk, Anna Iwanicka, Piotr Kochanowicz, Zofia Kojtek, Christiane London, Genowefa Magiera, Irena Marasz, Grazyna Olender, Zofia Piekarczyk, Zbigniew Pienkowski, Malgorzata Popek, Mirella Wolak, Edyta Wojno, Magdalena Zakrzewska, Krystyna Znorko

Best Birthday Wishes to you!

From Gary’s Desk

Did you know that over 40% of the PAA staff resides outside of Chicago? For those of us that live in the suburbs, did you know that there is an election on April 9th? (The second Tuesday of the month) Yes, the election is for the local officials that govern our villages, townships and their school boards, park districts, etc. Now you may think that these offices are of less importance than those we have voted in the recent year. Well, this could not be farther from the truth. These local political offices have a significant impact on our lives on a much closer basis. If you are not sure if your town has an election and who you are voting for, see the Cook County Clerk David Orr’s web site for more details:

http://www.cookcountyclerk.com/elections/2013elections/Pages/officesforelection.aspx

If you don’t live in Cook County, you can view the election details at your local County Clerk’s office.

http://www.dupageco.org/countyclerk/ (DuPage County Clerk)
http://countyclerk.lakecountyil.gov/Pages/Default.aspx (Lake County)

Don’t forget, the election process is a very important part of being a US citizen and we should fully participate. Call your local city department to see where your polling place will be and don’t forget to VOTE.

Development News

The CHAIRMAN’S BRUNCH will be held on Sunday, April 7 at the Metropolitan Club in Chicago. Our Honored Guest Speaker is Sigmund Rolat. A businessman and philanthropist, Mr. Rolat has contributed to numerous Polish causes and is the inspiration and driving force behind the creation of the new museum on Jewish life in Warsaw, Poland. For more information call Basia Sobecka.

Reminders & Other

Please consider donating to our Clothing Closet as it is in a GREAT NEED of gently used clothes (for adults and kids), small household items and toys. Thank you!

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Basia NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be inspired

April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.
(William Shakespeare)

Quigley Introduces Bipartisan Tourism Initiative to Expand Visa Waiver Program, Create Jobs

WASHINGTON – March 21, 2013 [Today], U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL), along with Rep. Joe Heck (R-NV), introduced the Jobs Originating through Launching Travel (JOLT) Act, a bipartisan initiative designed to create jobs, reform outdated visa laws, and increase national security.

“Updating America’s visa travel protocol will increase opportunities for international tourists, create jobs and drive valuable tourism dollars to cities across the country, including Chicago,” said Rep. Quigley. “Modernizing the Visa Waiver Program specifically will strengthen our national security and enhance relationships with important allies like Poland, who have been denied visa-free travel because of outdated policies.”

A key provision of the JOLT Act is identical to Rep. Quigley’s recently introduced Visa Waiver Program Enhanced Security and Reform Act, which would allow for expansion of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The VWP allows citizens of selected countries to travel to the U.S. for 90 days without a U.S. visa. The JOLT Act would update eligibility criteria for applicant countries, requiring a low overstay rate, set at less than three percent of foreign nationals who remain in the United States after their visa expires. President Obama has formally endorsed expanding the VWP and included comparable language in his comprehensive immigration reform proposal this year.

Targi pracy - 6 kwietnia, 2013

City of Chicago Polish Small Business Expo 2013

On Saturday March 9th, PAA participated in the first ever City of Chicago Polish Small Business Expo held at the Copernicus Foundation Annex. Several hundred entrepreneurs attended and visited the many exhibits there. PAA’s Employment Division staffed the exhibit for PAA. Speakers for the kick off for the event included Grazyna Zajaczkowska of PAA, and Adolfo Hernandez the Director of the Mayor’s Office of New Americans and the First Deputy of the Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.

From left: Jeffrey Lewelling the First Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, Adolfo Hernandez Director, Office of New Americans Office of the Mayor, City of Chicago, Gary Kenzer Polish American Association Executive Director, Grazyna Zajaczkowska Director of Immigrant Services, David Staudacher Information Coordinator City of Chicago Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP)

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.polish.org/pl/component/content/archive?id=archive#sigProIdff3312163a

Congressman Bill Foster visited the Polish-American Association

On Friday, March 8, 2013 Congressman Bill Foster 11th Congressional District visited the Polish-American Association. He met with all the program directors and was briefed about all the services that PAA offers to the Polish community. What is unique about Congressman Foster's Congressional District is that there are well over 100,000 Polish people in the legislative district.

BFoster1

PAA and Other Polonia Leadership Meet with Senator Durbin

On Saturday March 2 Gary Kenzer, Executive Director and Grazyna Zajaczkowska Director of Immigration Department were part of a small briefing by Senator Durbin on the planning for Immigration reform on the Federsl side.

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.polish.org/pl/component/content/archive?id=archive#sigProIdc7a9bea871

Senator Hears Feedback on Bipartisan Framework for Comprehensive Reform in Preparation for Judiciary Committee Debate

[CHICAGO] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) met today (03.02.2013) with leaders from Chicago’s Polish and Ukrainian communities to discuss his ongoing efforts to craft a comprehensive immigration reform bill. A member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the author of the DREAM Act, Durbin listened to feedback from the community leaders and answered questions on the bipartisan statement of principles he developed over the course of several months with Senators from both parties.

PAA Monthly Newsletter - March 2013

March, 2013

Program/Staff News

Katarzyna Rachwal has taken on additional responsibility and is now the Case Manager and Career Development Specialist. In addition to providing job placement assistance to job seekers in our WIA program, she will also be responsible for providing information about education and employment opportunities to all clients as well as organizing monthly informational workshops on related topics. She can still be reached at ext. 414 or at Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript..

The Mayor's Office of New Americans and BACP invite small business owners and entrepreneurs to our Small Business Expos as a part of the New American Small Business Series. These expos, sponsored by Western Union, are free and open to the public. The first expo for 2013 is the Polish Small Business Expo, which is slated for March 9 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Copernicus Center Annex located at 5214 W. Lawrence Avenue in Chicago.
The event will feature dozens of exhibitors to help entrepreneurs launch their businesses and offer resources on: how to finance a small business; how to start the licensing process; how to understand and comply with tax laws and other legal requirements; where to connect with chambers of commerce and other community resources; and much, much more! Call Grazyna for more information.

The Career Center will be hosting a free informational seminar on careers in the fields of business, healthcare and computer technology. The session will take place on Tuesday, March 19 at 6 pm at the Copernicus Foundation. For more information please call Kasia Rachwal.

New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a free CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP on Saturday, March 23rd. The workshop will take place at the Wright College located at 4300 N. Narragansett, Chicago. Registration will be held from 9-10.30 am. For complete information please go to our website or call Grazyna, Teresa or Basia.

The registration for the CNA classes (both free and tuition) is ongoing. If you are interested, please contact Basie Gawronska or Jagoda.

Job Opening

The Learning Center continues searching for instructors to teach in our CNA Program. The candidates must be the Illinois licensed R.N. and meet the requirements of the Department of Public Health. This is a part time position. For more information contact Basia Gawronska.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in March:

Esperanza Antazo, Halina Chmielowiec, Dana Grymova, Ewa Hiszczynski, Maria Koscielniak, Maria Kowal, Malgorzata Kurdziel, Halina Olejnik, Lidia Paliwoda, Alicja Piwnicka, Agnieszka Meciwoda-Schmidt, Jozefa Swiatek, Aleksandra Tomala, Bozena Uryga, Dorota Zaghloul

Best Birthday Wishes to you!

From Gary's Desk

March will be a very busy month for PAA and I am happy to share the news.

First as you all know Monday March 4th, is Pulaski Day and our offices will be closed. The public is invited to celebrate Pulaski Day at 10 am at The Polish Museum of America located at 984 N. Milwaukee Avenue. The presence of distinguished leaders of national, state, county and city government is anticipated, as well as other leaders of Polonia. A short program of speakers will take place. A number of staff are already planning to attend. Let us know if you are thinking of it so we may sit together. Admission and parking are free.

That following Saturday, March 9th is the first ever Polish Small Business Expo at Copernicus Center Annex from 10 am to 2 pm. PAA and our Employment Department will be one of many exhibitors at the event. PAA has played a significant role in the planning of this event with the City of Chicago. Please consider attending and saying hello.

We will continue to list special events in our community on our web site. Check back frequently at: polish.org/events

And finally believe it or not, Soring will be here soon enough as we change the clocks and daylight Saving Time starts on Sunday, March 10th !

Have a great month everyone.

Development News

We received a grant of $6,000 from the Chicago Society Foundation. It came as “a tribute to The Polish American Association for its exemplary work over the last 91 years”. The grant will be used to support the general operations of the agency.

On Sunday, February 10, the second PAA’s Family Dinner was held at the White Eagle. The honoree of the event was Robert Paszczak, our previous Board Chairman and Treasurer. Our honoree, many of the Board directors, sponsors, staff, students, entertainers and volunteers came together to celebrate families. With 200 guests attending, we raised almost $12,000, which will be dedicated to the needs of families within all our programs. Our attendees, especially children had a fun time.

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.polish.org/pl/component/content/archive?id=archive#sigProId15fc86ce86

See more pictures here and watch the movie here.

We would like to thank all those of you who have contributed to the success of this event:

Malgorzata Olczak and her kids for the art exhibition and children entertainment
Patrick Madigan and his kids for the video game on the Xbox Kinect
Bogusia Wazydrag and her kids for selling raffle tickets
Adam Kusz for making the movie
Mira Krolikowska and our teachers Anita Eilmes and Bozena Kwasna for organizing a table of the ESL students
All Attendees

Thank you all who were a part of our Paczki Day fundraiser! Your great help in promoting our fundraiser, long hours of paczki sale, and marketing our services at either the Polish Radio WNVR 1030 am or Polvision made all the difference. Thanks to all of you who participated in our annual Fat Thursday campaign, Polish American Association received over $14,000 in contributions. Special thanks to Home Care Aid workers at our paczki sale: Barbara Kasza, Halina Smolenska, Stanislawa Falewicz, Dorota Zaghloul, Ewa Mikolajewska, Ewa Klepaczko and Renata Waliszewska-Pakula!

Please save the date for the CHAIRMAN’S BRUNCH on Sunday, April 7 at the Metropolitan Club in Chicago. Our Honored Guest Speaker is Sigmund Rolat. A businessman and philanthropist, Mr. Rolat has contributed to numerous Polish causes and is the inspiration and driving force behind the creation of the new museum on Jewish life in Warsaw, Poland. For more information call Basia Sobecka.

Reminders & Other

Thursday, March 7- Staff Luncheon at 1 pm in the Community Room

Days Off:

March 4-Pulaski Day
March 29-Good Friday

Happy Easter and Happy Spring!

pisanki-2013b

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Basia NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be Inspired

Life is like riding a bicycle - in order to keep your balance you must keep moving.

2013 Chairman's Brunch

(click the picture below to see the formal invitation
- Adobe Acrobat required)

Reception 11:30 a.m. Brunch 12:30 p.m.

Please respond before March 25, 2013
(click HERE to download the response form)
Call (773)427-6307 if you need more information

The Metropolitan Club

Willis Tower
233 S. Wacker Drive, Floor 67th, Chicago, Illinois

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Conrad C. Nowak, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLPand

EVENT CO-CHAIRS

Michael Traison, Miller Canfield, Paddock and Stone PLC
Bozena Nowicka McLees, Polish Studies, Loyola University Chicago
Michelle Smolinski Covington
and the Polish American Association cordially invite you to meet our Honored Guest Speaker

SIGMUND ROLAT

A businessman and philanthropist, who has contributed to numerous Polish causes; he is the inspiration and driving force behind the creation of the Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw.

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.polish.org/pl/component/content/archive?id=archive#sigProId2fc4c513c3

Sigmund Rolat was born in Czestochowa, Poland in 1930. Though losing his parents and older brother Jerzyk, he survived the Holocaust in hiding and in the forced labor camp Hasag Pelcery. Sigmund Rolat came to the United States in 1948. He earned his B.A. from the University of Cincinnati and an M.A. in International Relations from New York University. In 1959, he established an international freight forwarding business, Skyline Shipping Corporation. In 1962, his business activities broadened into the field of finance when Oxford International Corporation was formed with Rolat as the President and sole shareholder. Oxford financed exports from the United States to Europe, the Middle East, Australia, the Far East and the entire African continent. His additional business interests include proprietary involvement in several companies, real estate holdings and investments in Poland, where he served as President of Oxford Polska.

Sigmund Rolat’s chief philanthropic endeavor is the Museum of the History of Polish Jews, currently under construction in Warsaw. He serves as Chairman of the Museum’s North American Council. He has been a member of the Executive Committee and the Board of Governors of the Ben Gurion University of the Negev and a member of the Board of the David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies. Rolat serves on numerous advisory boards which include the Kosciuszko Foundation, Taube Foundation for Jewish Life and Culture, American Society for Jewish Heritage in Poland, and the President’s Council of the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, CA. He is the Chairman of the Krakow Jewish Culture Festival, the Isaac Bashevis Singer Festival in Warsaw and the Shalom Foundation. He is involved in the Jan Karski Educational Initiative both in the U.S.A. and in Poland. Additionally, he is President of the World Society of Czestochowa Jews and Their Descendants.

On April 15, 2008, Sigmund Rolat was awarded by President Lech Kaczynski the Commander Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland. On October 3, 2012, Sigmund Rolat became Honorary Citizen of his native Czestochowa. He also serves as the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Gambia in New York City.

Sigmund Rolat currently resides in Manhattan and Bal Harbour, Florida. He has three children and is a proud grandfather of four.

In Memoriam Justice Mary Ann Grohwin McMorrow

Justice Mary Ann Grohwin McMorrow
1928-2013

McMorrow sm On Saturday, February 23, 2013, we lost one of the most outstanding civil servants from our great state of Illinois. The daughter of Pole Roman Grohwin and his wife Emily, McMorrow was raised on the northwest side of Chicago in the predominantly Polish parish of St. Stanislaus Kostka. She was a great friend to the Polish community and never forgot her roots.

A graduate of Rosary College, she then obtained her law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 1953 as the only woman in the graduating class. After serving the citizens of Cook County with distinction as an assistant states attorney, McMorrow was elected to the Circuit Court of Cook County in 1976 and then, a decade later, to the Illinois Appellate Court.

In 1992, she was elected as the first female Associate Justice to the Illinois Supreme Court in its 173 year history. In 2002, she became the Court's Chief Justice. Retiring from the bench on July 5, 2006, she aptly quoted Abraham Lincoln: "Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith let us to the end there to do our duty as we understand it." Justice McMorrow served as a role model and mentor to many in her many years of distinguished service. The Polish American Association remembers her for her many contributions and extends its prayers and thoughts to her family and loved ones.

Conrad C. Nowak
Chairman of the Board

City of Chicago Restaurant Start-Up Guide

City of Chicago Restaurant Start-up Program

City of Chicago recently published Restaurant Start-Up Guide - it is an excellent resource for people willing to run this type of business in Chicago area. The document is available in PDF format (Adobe Acrobat Reader is required) and can be downloaded from:

(link removed, Webmaster)

or from our website:

Restaurant Start-Up Guide (English version)

Krótki przewodnik dla osób chcących otworzyć restaurację (Polish version)

Polish Victims of Nazi Persecution

Polish-Victims-Flyer1

Paczki Day at the Illinois House of the Representatives at Springfield

Robert Martwick, State Representative from the 19^th District, celebrated Pączki Day on Fat Thursday at the Illinois House of the Representatives at Springfield. Over 240 pączki were delivered to the legislators attending a session on February 7^th. Thank you Rep. Martwick for contributing to our annual fundraiser and establishing a new Polish tradition at the state legislature.

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.polish.org/pl/component/content/archive?id=archive#sigProId482d7513f7

Bumek, makes homeless feel at home at Polish American Association

" For 19 years, Bumek the cat has helped people with addictions recover at the Polish American Association. Mostly Polish immigrants who are recovering from addictions or are homeless come to the shelter on North Cicero for help with English and finding jobs. They find food, counseling, and Bumek, a therapy cat."

Click HERE to read the whole story about our cat Bumek on ABC 7 News website.

Pączki Day 2013

Chase away the winter blues and gobble up!

Do you celebrate “Fat Thursday”, a traditional Polish feast marking the end of the carnival? Chase away the winter blahs and come join the Polish American Association in our Pączki Day Fundraiser on Fat Thursday, February 7th, 2013.

On Fat Thursday, February 7th, 2013, the PAA staff will sell pączki from Oak Mill Bakery in eight locations throughout the city and suburbs for $3 each.

To download a flyer with the list of all selling locations and list of our Sponsors - click HERE.

paczkiD13

Robert Paszczak Bio

Robert Paszczak has been a long-standing and dedicated advocate for the Polish American community addressing its basic needs, voiced and un-voiced. As the Chairman of the PAA Board of Directors, Mr. Paszczak led our human service organization through the most challenging period of a downturn of our economy, rising unemployment, and the decrease of funding, so disproportional to the nonprofit sector. During this critical period, Mr. Paszczak strengthened the fiscal infrastructure. Under his leadership, the Polish American Association solidified its fiscal partnerships with the banking institutions, in order to continue to provide human assistance through 28 programs to over 11,000 individual clients each year. His fiscal expertise and passionate concern benefited the underserved and the elderly from the entire Polish community.

His inspired leadership motivated community building efforts and helped to develop the resources, so critical to survival in a time of declining government support. Through the process of programmatic and budgetary reorganization, undertaken at the time of Mr. Paszczak’s term, the Polish American Association was able to help many of our client families not only to meet essential daily needs, but to work toward improving their future with programs in immigration assistance, education, vocational training, temporary housing and food pantry, crisis intervention, and elderly assistance. This was accomplished at the time when many human service agencies failed.

Rober Paszczak, a forty year career banker, currently Vice-Chairman of Wintrust’s Wheaton Bank and Trust, never forgot his Polish and Chicago roots. Born and raised on Chicago’s southside, Bob graduated from St. Rita High School and NIU with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance. Bob’s banking career began with Gary-Wheaton Bank through five mergers to JP Morgan, from which he ultimately retired. Served on numerous boards, most notably the Polish American Association for fifteen years, including Treasurer and Chairman, the Joliet Diocese Catholic Charities, people’s Resource Center, BP Ryall YMCA,Hospice of DuPage. He also serves on the Board’s of Wheaton Bank and Trust, Euclid Beverage and Teleperformance. Married to Sandra Miller, the father of Kristin and Michael, he currently resides in Wheaton. His interests include golf, travel, and fitness.

In view of Mr. Paszczak’s dedication to developing the most critical resources of philanthropic support changing the lives of thousands of Polish immigrants and their families, we feel that Mr. Paszczak exemplifies the commitment and compassion of the Polish community.

Quigley, Kirk and Schock Move to Reform Visa Waiver Program

February 4, 2013

CONTACT
Laura Sisemore (202) 225-4061

Quigley, Kirk and Schock Move to Reform Visa Waiver Program
Bill reiterates support for Poland, has economic and national security benefits

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (D-IL), Aaron Schock (R-IL) and Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) reintroduced the Visa Waiver Program Enhanced Security and Reform Act. The bill would enhance the national security benefits of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and boost the economy, while expanding the framework to welcome new countries like Poland into the program.

“Modernizing the Visa Waiver Program will strengthen our national security, provide valuable tourism revenue, and enhance relationships with important allies like Poland, who have been frozen out of the VWP due to its outdated structure,” said Rep. Quigley. “I hope this bill will move quickly through Congress and to the President’s desk, opening the doors for Poland once and for all.”

"I am pleased to join in this bicameral and bipartisan effort to bring Poland into the Visa Waiver Program," said Sen. Kirk. "Poland is a strong ally of the United States and plays a critical role in NATO military operations in Europe and the Middle East, including on the battlefield in Afghanistan. Now is the time to stand behind our Polish allies and allow their citizens visa-free travel to the US, a privilege that nearly all of our other close democratic allies have enjoyed for years."

“I visited Krakow, Poland for the first time in 2011. While there I met with Polish President Bronisław Komorowski, which reinforced my belief that expanding the Visa Waiver Program would strengthen our partnership as allies and benefit the U.S. economy,” said Rep. Schock. “In Illinois, our state has greatly benefited from the contributions of the local Polish community. The Polish community has achieved high levels of home ownership, education and income, all characteristics we should continue to embrace and build upon by including Poland as part of the Visa Waiver Program.”

The VWP affords foreign nationals of participating countries up to 90 days of visa-free travel to the United States. Thirty-seven countries are currently eligible for visa-free travel as designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the State Department. Current law uses the visa refusal rate as one of the enumerators for designation in the program, and that number has held Poland outside of designation.

The bill would update eligibility criteria for applicant countries, requiring a low overstay rate, set at less than three percent of foreign nationals who remain in the United States after their visa expires. Should a country meet the criteria, the Secretary of DHS may then waive the refusal rate criteria, or applicants denied travel at U.S. consular offices abroad, from three to ten percent on a country-by-country basis, which opens the door for Poland’s inclusion. The bill makes several other modifications to enhance national security and make efficiencies to calculations required for entry to the program.

Similar legislation was previously introduced in both the 111th and 112th Congresses and formally endorsed by President Obama, who spoke in favor of VWP expansion last year. The legislation also has the support of the U.S. Travel Association (USTA), U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Hotel and Lodging Association, and National Retail Federation.

Expansion of the VWP would bring increased revenue to the travel industry at a time when America’s economy needs it most. According to USTA, in 2010, more than 17 million visitors to the US were from VWP countries, comprising 65 percent of all visitors. While visiting, they spent nearly $61 billion, supporting 433,000 American jobs and generating $9 billion in tax revenues.

In addition to Quigley and Schock, the House bill is supported by Illinois Reps. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Dan Lipinski (D-IL), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Brad Schneider (D-IL), and John Shimkus (R-IL).

Rep. Quigley has long advocated for expanding VWP and testified before Congress on the benefits of including Poland and other diplomatic partners. Last year, Rep. Quigley traveled to Poland with Senator Kirk to speak with President Bronisław Komorowski on the issue and met again when President Komorowski visited Chicago. Chicago is home to nearly one million citizens of Polish ancestry, the highest concentration of any city outside of Warsaw.

A New State Tradition - Pączki!

On Tuesday morning, February 5, Illinois State Representative Robert Martwick is creating a new state tradition when he will deliver 240 paczki to the Illinois House of Representatives for its opening session. Rep. Martwick’s gift of the Polish Fat Thursday treat to the House members will also benefit the Polish American Association. On this Thursday, February 7th, the PAA will hold its annual Paczki Day Sale. To support the PAA and its 28 program while enjoying a tasty pastry, please check polish.org for places and times where you can celebrate this Polish tradition while helping those in need.

PAA Monthly Newsletter - February, 2013

PAA MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

February 2013

Programs/Staff News

In January Marta Kromka-Brigagliano joined our professional team at the Social Service Department. Marta has been completing her clinical internship in marriage and couples counseling at PAA since August 2012. She possesses master’s degree in psychology and has an extensive experience in providing therapy for diverse population of clients including adults, children and families. At PAA, Marta will be helping to develop supervised visitation program and will provide therapeutic services to parents and their children being ordered into supervised visitation. Please give a warm welcome to Marta. She can be reached at extension 343 or Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript..

PAA is currently working on establishing supervised visitation and exchange program for Polish speaking community members. It has been made possible by an additional grant funding from Illinois Department of Human Services Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Unit. Supervised visitation is often mandated by court system or child protective services such as DCFS to keep children away from potentially dangerous situations while allowing parental access and providing support for the parent child relationship. According to the feedback from civil and criminal justice systems in the metropolitan Chicago area, there is a rapidly emerging need for culturally and linguistically diverse supervised visitation programs. PAA’s visitation center will be part of our larger response to enhance the safety of children and adult victims, while bridging the gap for much needed resources in the community.

The Career Center will be hosting a free information session on laws enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor. This session will be conducted by Polish speaking representatives from DOL. The workshop will take place on Tuesday, February 26 from 6-8.30 pm at the Copernicus Foundation. For more information please call Bianka.

We are still recruiting students for our winter/spring citizenship classes at both our locations. For the class schedule or to register please call Janina.

New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a free CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP on Saturday, February 9. The workshop will take place at Malcolm X College located at 1900 W. Jackson in Chicago. Registration will be held from 9-10.30 am. For complete information please go to our website or call Grazyna, Teresa or Basia.

We are still recruiting students for a paid Intermediate MS Word and Basic Excel class which is scheduled to start on February 3. For information or to register please call Bianka.

There are still few openings in the ESL and ABE classes. For more information please call: Kasia Koptilin, Mira Krolikowska, Magda Krzeminska, Agnieszka Sobczyk (North Side classes) AND Malgosia Bodyziak (South Side classes).

The registration for the CNA classes (both free and tuition) is ongoing. If you are interested, please contact Basia Gawronska or Jagoda.

The Learning Center continues searching for instructors to teach in our CNA Program. The candidates must be the Illinois licensed R.N. and meet the requirements of the Department of Public Health. This is a part time position. For more information contact Basia Gawronska.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in February:

Aneta Dabrowski, Bianka Kaminska, Barbara Kotarska, Bozena Kwasna, Stanislawa Les, Patrick Madigan, Ludmila Pietraszek, Agnieszka Sobczyk, Jozefa Szewczyk, Jadwiga Tomaszewski, Malgorzata Walkowska, Anna Witowska, Dorota Trybula, Krystyna Wojtas-Zak

Best Birthday Wishes to you!

From Gary’s Desk

Our sincerest appreciation goes to our wonderful IT staff for leading us in agency wide computer training. Making better use of our Outlook for example will allow us to better communicate amongst ourselves and be more efficient. I am glad to see that everyone will be using the online calendar and contact database. Once you use it you will wonder how you ever got along without it. If you have any questions, after the training, just ask.

On February 5th, there will be a webinar at 11am on introducing the general public to the Mayor’s Office of New Americans titled Chicago’s New Americans Plan: Building a Thriving and Welcoming City. If you would like to be a part of this 40 minute webinar plus receive a downloadable book called Practice to Policy with Immigrants, let me know via email. I will then send you a link to this event.

SAVE THE DATES for the upcoming events: Immigrant Special events sponsored by Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR)- www.ICIRR.org/Symposium2013, Paczki Day - Thursday February 7th, Family Dinner- Sunday, February 10th, Pulaski Day event at Polish Museum of America-Monday, March 4th, Polish Community Business Fair- Saturday, March 9th at Copernicus Annex.

Have a great February!

Development News

We received a grant of $2,500 from the Chicago Community Trust/Woods Fund for the DACA Relief Initiative. The grant will be used in support of our Immigration program for community outreach.

paczki1

Our annual Pączki Day sale is just around the corner. And while the orders are coming in, this is a reminder that it is the last chance to party, before Lent begins. If you want to order pączki, please let Elzbieta know by Friday, February 1st. The order form is available at http://www.polish.org/paczki-day-2013. For those of you, who have not signed up for helping to sell the pączki, please let Ela know. It is a lot of fun!

famDinSM The Polish American Association is pleased to announce its Sunday Family Dinner on Sunday, February 10 at the White Eagle Restaurant (6839 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Niles) honoring PAA’s Former Board Chairman Robert J. Paszczak.
“Strong family bonds build trust and respect, allowing families to appreciate one another and nurturing their relationships. Family bond are a link to our past and a guide to our future. Happy families have strong family bonds”.
Art & sport activities, amazing shows for children of all ages. Reception at 3:00pm, Dinner 4:00pm. $50 per adult ticket, $25 per children (ages 2-12).

We have a special promotion for the PAA’s staff: PAA staff pays only $30 per ticket and the kids under 12 come free!

For more information, or to purchase tickets, please call Basia Sobecka or visit: www.polish.org/familydinner

Click HERE to see the pictures from previous Family Dinner - 2011

Reminders & Other

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Basia NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be inspired

Bloom where you are planted. (Saint Francis de Sales)

Mortgage Relief Project

mRelA1

Thank You Letter from Cook County Board of Review

Recently PAA co-sponsored a How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment Seminar at St. Hyacinth Basilica in cooperation with Commissioner Michael M. Cabonargi’s office of the Cook County Board of Review and Edwin Reyes, Cook County Commissioner 8th District. Over 200 property owners were helped. PAA is glad to provide this community service.

Family Dinner - February 10, 2013

With joyful heart, we would like to thank you for supporting our Family Dinner on Sunday, February 10, 2013 at the White Eagle

Thank you Robert J. Paszczak - the Honoree of the event

Robert Paszczak Bio

Chairman of the PAA's Board, Conrad Nowak honoring Robert Paszczak

THANK YOU OUR SPONSORS!

Please accept our heartfelt gratitude for being part of our fundraiser to benefit the
Polish American Association.

Our Honoree, Board Directors, Sponsors, Staff, Supporters, Entertainers and Volunteers came together to make our Sunday Family Dinner a successful event. Thanks to them, our fundraiser had a great turnout. With 200 guests attending, we raised almost $12,000 which is dedicated to the needs of families within our programs. Our attendees, especially the children had a fun time. Live Music by Marcus Band - www.marcusband.info

To see the pictures from Family Dinner 2013 - click HERE.
(pictures by Agnieszka Pachacz)

Below is the video recorded during our event:

Thank you for your support!

FamDin2013Last

FAFSA Completion Session (1.28.2013)

fafsaSm

The Career Center of the Polish American Association invites you to attend a free FAFSA Completion Session.
Representatives of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) will provide assistance with filing FAFSA online.

The workshop will take place on Monday, January 28, 2013 from 5:00pm to 9pm in the Computer Resource Room of the Polish American Association at 3815 N. Cicero

In order to fill out a FAFSA application the following information will be needed:

Student and Parent 2012 income tax forms and W-2 forms
Student and Parent Social Security Numbers
Student Alien Registration Number for students who are not U.S. citizens but are legal U.S. residents
Student and Parent Bank Account statements

For more information regarding the workshop please call 773 282-1122 ext. 418

Poradnia Zawodowa Zrzeszenia Amerykańsko Polskiego zaprasza wszystkich zainteresowanych na bezpłatną sesje, na której będą wypełniane i składane przez Internet aplikacje FAFSA (dofinansowanie federalne na studia). Pomocy w wypełnianiu aplikacji udzielą przedstawiciele Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). Aplikacje FAFSA będzie można składać w poniedziałek 28 stycznia 2013 od 17:00 do 21:00 w pracowni komputerowej Zrzeszenia Amerykańsko Polskiego przy 3815 N. Cicero

Aby wypełnić formularz FAFSA potrzebne będą:

Rozliczenie podatkowe za rok 2012 i forma W-2 (studenta i rodziców)
Numer Social Security (studenta i rodziców)
Dla stałych rezydentów numer zielonej karty
Wysokość posiadanych oszczędności (wyciąg z konta bankowego)

Po więcej informacji na temat spotkania można dzwonić pod numer telefonu 773 282-1122 wew. 418

Seminarium - Jak aplikować o zmniejszenie podatków od nieruchomości

Michael M. Cabonargi

Cook County Board of Review Commissioner

Edwin Reyes

Cook County Commissioner - 8th District

Zrzeszenie Amerykańsko-Polskie

Zapraszają na spotkanie na którym właściciele nieruchomości
w powiecie Cook będą mogli złożyć:

Apelację o oszacowanie i zmniejszenie podatków za nieruchomość -“How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment”

Uczestnicy będą mogli zadawać pytania, nauczyć się jak składać taką apelację i jak jest zatwierdzana.

Sobota, 12 stycznia o godzinie 12:00 P.M.
Bazylika Sw. Jacka - Resurrection Hall, 2nd piętro
3636 W. Wolfram St., Chicago, IL 60618

Należy przynieść rachunek za podatki i upewnic się, że macie Państwo numer podatkowy nieruchomości PIN # (property index number)

Po więcej informacji proszę dzwonić:
Polish American Association - Grazyna Zajaczkowska: (773) 427-6342
Commissioner Edwin Reyes’ Office – Magdalena Fudalewicz: (773) 588-1129
Commissioner Cabonargi’s Office: (312) 603-5560

Bezpłatna pomoc przy wypełnianiu aplikacji na obywatelstwo USA - 19 stycznia 2013

Bezplatna pomoc przy wypelnianiu aplikacji na obywatelstwo U.S.A.

Erie Neighborhood House, Albany Park Neighborhood Council Logan Square Neighborhood Association, National Immigrant Justice Center, Polish American Association, World Relief-Chicago and Northwest Neighborhood Federation present:

Sobota, 19 stycznia 2012 r.

9:00am – 10:30 am

St. Hyacinths Basilica
Resurrection Hall 2nd floor, 3636 W. Wolfram Street, Chicago, IL 60618

Informacje i rejestracja Zrzeszenie Am-Pol. 773-282-8206
wewn. 340, 342, 353 i na www.polish.org

Abys mial wszelkie prawa, zostan obywatelem U.S.A

Bedziesz mógl przebywac poza granicami U.S.A. przez dlugi okres czasu
Skladac petycje o stay pobyt w U.S.A. dla czlonków najblizszej rodziny
Bedziesz mógl sie ubiegac o wszystkie prace nawet federalne
Bedziesz miec prowo do Glosowania

Aby móc wypelnic konieczna aplikacje, prosze miec nastepujace informacje i dokumenty:

Karte Stalego Pobytu (Zielona Karta) przez przynajmniej 5 lat
Karte Stalego Pobytu (Zielona Karta) przez przynajmniej 3 latjesli jestes w zwiazku malzenskim z obywatelem U.S.A.) przynieś kopię jego certyfikatu obyw. albo akt urodzenia
Nalezy przyniesc Karte Stalego Pobytu, Karte Social Security, Drivers License albo ID
Liste podrózy poza granice U.S.A. od otrzymania Zielonej Karty, dokladnymi datami wyjazdów i powrotów
Liste miejc zamieszkania i zatrudnienia w ostatnich 5 latach
Informacje o wspólmalzonkach: imie I nazwisko, data urodzenia, # Social Sec. numer Zielonej Karty albo date i miejce przyjecia obywatelstwa
Informacje o wszystkich dzieciach: ich imiona, nazwiska, miejsca zamieszkania, daty urodzenia, numery Zielonych Kart jesli maja
Jezeli jestes w zwiazku malzenskim, date slubu
Jesli byles w zwiazkach malzenskich, daty twoich i wspólmalzonka slubów i rozwodów i powód rozstania sie np. rozwód lub zgon.
Jesli dotyczy, informacje o aresztowaniach: powód, daty, miejsce i rozporzadzenie sadowe
Mezczyzni którzy wkjechali do U.S.A pomiedzy ich 18-26 rokiem zycia: numer i date rejestracji do wojska Selective Service, (847) 688-6888 zadzwon jesli nie masz
Money order na sume $680.00 wypisana na U.S.C.I.S.
$10 - donacja za usługę i wysyłkę
2 zdjecia paszportowe lub $10, - za zrobienie zdjęć

Możesz kwalifikować się na złożenie aplikacji na obywatelstwo za darmo!
W celu sprawdzenia czy się kwalifikujesz potrzebujemy: ostatnie rozliczenie podatkowe, odcinki czekowe z ostatnich 30 dni, odcinek z zasiłku dla bezrobotnych lub list (jeżeli taki jest), LINK, karta zdrowotna lub TANF karta z listem od agencji mówiącym ze pan/pani otrzymuje świadczenia i kiedy pan/pani zaczął/zaczęła otrzymywać te świadczenia.

PAA Monthly Newsletter - January 2013

PAA MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

January 2013

Programs/Staff News

In December the Supportive Services Department welcomed Katarzyna McDowell as a case manager for IFRP and SNAP. Katarzyna holds Master Degree in Rehabilitation Pedagogy and Associate Degree in Social Work. She works out of our South Side office Monday through Wednesday from 9 am – 5 pm and on Thursday from 9 am – 2 pm. Katarzyna can be reached at ext. 203 or Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript. .

The Career Center is organizing a free FAFSA session on Monday, January 28 from 5 to 9 pm. The workshop will take place in the PAA computer lab located at 3815 N. Cicero. A representative from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) will provide assistance with filing applications online. For more information please call Bianka.

We are still recruiting students for our winter/spring citizenship classes at both our locations. For the class schedule or to register please call Janina.

New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a free CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP on Saturday, January 19. The workshop will take place at St. Hyacinth Basilica located at 3636 W. Wolfram Street in Chicago. Registration will be held from 9-10.30 am. For complete information please go to our website or call Grazyna, Teresa or Basia.

Our next cycle of the computer classes is starting now. We are still recruiting students for a paid Intermediate MS Word and Basic Excel class. For the class schedule or to register please call Bianka.

The registration for the CNA classes (both free and tuition) is ongoing. If you are interested, please contact Basia Gawronska or Jagoda.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in January:

Jolanta Anacka, Jan Arendarski, Malgorzata Batog, Wieslawa Bieniewska, Malgorzata Bodyziak, Elzbieta Chrzanowska, Marianna Dzis, Maryla Jaworska, Ewa Koziol, Elzbieta Makowiecka, Teresa Palac, Teresa Poznanski, Bozena Sajdak, Katarzyna Swigon, Maria Trzmielewska, Elzbieta Wierzchon

Best Birthday Wishes to you!

From Gary’s Desk

Welcome to the New Year. I hope everyone had meaningful and safe holidays.

In December, the report of the City of Chicago and the New Americans Plan was finally released. As you remember this was a project I worked on over the summer from the Office of New Americans of the Mayor’s Office. The lengthy report can be accessed HERE

Thank you to those staff that helped in the Unity Food Program held at St. Ferdinand’s Church before the holiday.

jewelDec12

A few things we are co-sponsoring of interest to our clients:

On Saturday January 12th together with The Cook County Board of Review we will present a seminar on How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment at St. Hyacinth Basilica-Resurrection Hall at 3636 W. Wolfram St. in Chicago. A flyer will be posted shortly.

Of course there will be a Citizenship Workshop on Saturday, January 19 from 9-10.30 am at St. Hyacinth Basilica-Resurrection Hall at 3636 W. Wolfram Street, Chicago. See the link HERE.
On Sunday February 10th, we will be holding our Sunday Family Dinner at the White Eagle at 3 pm. More details to follow.

On Saturday March 9th along with the City of Chicago Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Department we will be co-sponsoring a Polish American Small Business Fair at the Copernicus Foundation as well. More details on that to follow soon.

Stay warm and of course have a wonderful safe and joyous New Year.

Development News

In December, we received the following grants: $35,000 from the Bank of America Foundation for the homeless shelter, food pantry, and benefits outreach; $5,000 from “Anonymous”, and $2,000 from the Emil J. & Marie D. Kochton Foundation for general operating support.

The year- end appeal generated $3,480 to date. We are still accepting and processing gifts, as they arrive in our every day mail. In addition, our students/clients year-end giving totaled so far over $3,820. Thank you all who made this possible.

Reminders & Other

The dates for the 10 paid holidays in 2013 are:

January 1, Tuesday           New Year
March 4, Monday           Pulaski Day
March 29, Friday           Good Friday
May 27, Monday           Memorial Day
July 4, Thursday           Independence Day
September 2, Monday       Labor Day
November 28, Thursday       Thanksgiving
November 29, Friday           Day after Thanksgiving
December 24, Tuesday       Christmas Eve
December 25, Wednesday       Christmas Day

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Basia NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

All December Travel Vouchers must be accompanied by a copy of valid Drivers License and unexpired Insurance Card and submitted to Esper by January 10.

Be inspired

Write it in your heart that every day is the best day in the year.

Intermediate MS Word and Basic Excel - Computer Class

smalLabPAA

Paid computer class: Intermediate MS Word and Basic Excel
Resource Room: 3815 N. Cicero, Chicago, IL
The curriculum includes:

text formatting
applying borders and shading
using tabs and styles
using, modifying and inserting pictures and symbols
creating tables and graphics, labels and envelopes
mail merge
keyboard navigation in MS Excel
data types
inserting data, functions and formulas

The class will meet on Sundays from 9am to 12noon from January 6 to March 24, 2013. The tuition is $200 (check or money order).
The class will be conducted in Polish.
Registration in person at 3819 N. Cicero from Monday to Friday.
For more information regarding this class please call 773 282-1122 ext. 418

Płatny kurs komputerowy: Microsoft Word na poziomie średnio zaawansowanym i wprowadzenie do MS Excel
Pracownia komputerowa: 3815 N. Cicero, Chicago, IL
Program kursu obejmuje:

Zaawansowane formatowanie tekstu, wstawianie kolumn, ramek i symboli
Grafika, wstawianie zdjęć, pól z tekstem, operacje na obiektach graficznych programu Word
Adresowanie i drukowanie kopert, tworzenie i drukowanie etykiet
Tworzenie i edytowanie tabel
Mail merge (korespondencja seryjna - jednoczesne wysyłanie tego samego listu do wielu osób)
Menu programu Excel, wprowadzanie danych, formatowanie komórek, nagłówki i opisy tabel, operacje na wierszach i kolumnach
Podstawowe działania matematyczne
Sporządzenie domowego budżetu

Zajęcia odbywać się będą w niedziele rano od 9:00 do 12:00 od 6 stycznia do 24 marca 2013. Cena wynosi $200 w formie czeku lub money order.
W celu zapisania się na kurs należy zgłaszać się osobiście od poniedziałku do piątku pod adres 3819 N. Cicero Ave.
Po więcej informacji na temat kursu można dzwonić pod numer telefonu 773 282-1122 wew. 418

Intermediate MS Word and Basic Excel - Computer Class

smalLabPAA

Paid computer class: Intermediate MS Word and Basic Excel
Resource Room: 3815 N. Cicero, Chicago, IL
The curriculum includes:

text formatting
applying borders and shading
using tabs and styles
using, modifying and inserting pictures and symbols
creating tables and graphics, labels and envelopes
mail merge
keyboard navigation in MS Excel
data types
inserting data, functions and formulas

The class will meet on Sundays from 9am to 12noon from February 3 to April 28, 2013. The tuition is $200 (check or money order).
The class will be conducted in Polish.
Registration in person at 3819 N. Cicero from Monday to Friday.
For more information regarding this class please call 773 282-1122 ext. 418

Płatny kurs komputerowy: Microsoft Word na poziomie średnio zaawansowanym i wprowadzenie do MS Excel
Pracownia komputerowa: 3815 N. Cicero, Chicago, IL
Program kursu obejmuje:

Zaawansowane formatowanie tekstu, wstawianie kolumn, ramek i symboli
Grafika, wstawianie zdjęć, pól z tekstem, operacje na obiektach graficznych programu Word
Adresowanie i drukowanie kopert, tworzenie i drukowanie etykiet
Tworzenie i edytowanie tabel
Mail merge (korespondencja seryjna - jednoczesne wysyłanie tego samego listu do wielu osób)
Menu programu Excel, wprowadzanie danych, formatowanie komórek, nagłówki i opisy tabel, operacje na wierszach i kolumnach
Podstawowe działania matematyczne
Sporządzenie domowego budżetu

Zajęcia odbywać się będą w niedziele rano od 9:00 do 12:00 od 3 lutego do 28 kwietnia 2013. Cena wynosi $200 w formie czeku lub money order.
W celu zapisania się na kurs należy zgłaszać się osobiście od poniedziałku do piątku pod adres 3819 N. Cicero Ave.
Po więcej informacji na temat kursu można dzwonić pod numer telefonu 773 282-1122 wew. 418

PAA Monthly Newsletter - December, 2012

PAA MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

December 2012

Programs/Staff News

PAA has been licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health to operate the private pay home care services. We were commended on the fact that it has taken us only six months to complete the licensure process whereas it can take up to a year or longer. THANK YOU to Angelika, Bogusia, Dorota L., Ela Cz., Gary, Mary, Patrick and Renata J. who contributed their time, ideas and enthusiasm to this process. In December we will be developing the plan for the program implementation. More information will follow soon.

In December we will be recruiting students for our winter/spring citizenship classes. The classes are starting in January at both our locations. For the class schedule or to register please call Janina.

New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a FREE CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP on Saturday, December 8. The workshop will take place at the Wilbur Wright College located at 4300 N. Narragansett in Chicago. Registration will be held from 9-10.30 am. For complete information please go to www.polish.org or call Grazyna, Teresa or Basia.

Our next cycle of the computer classes starts in January 2013. We will be offering the free of charge basic computer literacy classes and a paid Intermediate MS Word and Basic Excel class. For the class schedule or to register please call Bianka.

There are still few openings in the ESL and ABE classes. Our offer includes all levels from beginner to advanced. Classes are held on the Northwest and Southwest sides of Chicago, during convenient morning, evening and weekend hours. For more information please call: Kasia Koptilin, Mira Krolikowska, Magda Krzeminska, Agnieszka Sobczyk (North Side classes) AND Malgosia Bodyziak (South Side classes).

The registration for the CNA classes (both free and tuition) is ongoing. If you are interested, please contact Basia Gawronska or Jagoda.

The Learning Center continues to look for instructors to teach in our CNA Program. The candidates must be the Illinois licensed R.N. and meet the requirements of the Department of Public Health. This is a part time position. For more information contact Basia Gawronska.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in December:

Alexandra Antonik, Agnieszka Dabrowiecka, Mary Gembicki, Ewa Klepaczko, Wanda Klimecka, Adam Kusz, Ewa Mikolajewska, Urszula Piekarska, Barbara Pietrowski, Astryda Reiter, Renata Teper, Maria Zebrowski, Jacek Zurowski

Best Birthday Wishes to you!

From Gary’s Desk

As we wrap up our 90th Anniversary celebrations, we have met so many people who have been great sharing their stores of PAA. We have had many photographs and memorabilia shared with us as well. At our recent Gala 2012, we had premiered our 90th Anniversary PAA Family Photo Album DVD with well over 3000 pictures from different events dating back to the early 30’s and one of our Gala events. We will be distributing these to staff soon.
And speaking of Gala, if you have not had a chance to view the proceeding of this event, you may do so at any time by viewing our PAA YouTube Channel accessible from our home page or at http://www.youtube.com/paachicago.
Last month, one of our corporate partners held their gently used clothing drive to benefit our agency. A write up on this event is on our web site. We encourage other partners to follow. Let us know if there are others that wish to have one of these drives at their place of business.

From my family to yours, may this coming holiday season be a time of renewal and time with your family and friends with lots of health in the New Year ahead.

Development News

The PAA’s Gala & Benefit Auction was splendid in this anniversary year! We raised more than $200,000, secured 35 Gala Sponsors, put many ads in the Gala Program Book and obtained many valuable silent auction items. Most importantly we made it a fun evening for 454 event’s attendees who filled the Gold Cost Ballroom at the Drake Hotel!

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.polish.org/pl/component/content/archive?id=archive#sigProId9dc7f14685

A Big Thank You to Everyone for making our 90th Anniversary Gala a huge Success!
Special thanks go to the PAA’s staff and volunteers: Magdalena & Kuba Dolas, Barbara & Patrick Gawronski, Barbara & Adam Dudzinski, Elzbieta Chrzanowska, Patrick Madigan, Kasia Drabczak, Mary Gembicki, Ricky Navarro,intern Karolina, Adam Kusz, Michal Chybowski, Grazyna Zajaczkowska, Elzbieta Zaworski, intern Michael Lechowicz and everyone else involved for their contribution and support in preparation for this event. Please check our website to see pictures, links and videos about Gala.

As part of our 90th anniversary celebration, we have asked the Consulate to partner in the organizing and hosting of a reception in honor of the PAA. This gathering is scheduled for December 5th at 6.00 pm. The PAA Board, past PAA leaders, major donors, and community organizations were all invited to this event. We envision it to be not only a commemoration of our past, but also a celebration of Polish culture and community.
As we celebrate our 90th year as an organization, we are even more aware of how much our work and outreach depend upon support from the community. As tokens of our gratitude for their assistance in helping us to provide resources for changing lives, the participating organizations will receive special certificates of appreciation. Among others we will honor the Chicago Society, the Copernicus Foundation, the Polish Women’s Alliance, the Legion of the Young Polish Women, the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America and the Polish Museum of America.

Reminders & Other

Days off: December: 24 (Christmas Eve), December 25 (Christmas) and January 1 (New Year)

Be prompt in signing your December timesheets! They need to be turned in to Basia NO LATER than by the 5th of January.

May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace,

The gladness of Christmas give you hope,

The warmth of Christmas grant you love.

Have a JOYful, PEACEful, and WONDERful Holidays and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Be inspired

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
(Mahatma Gandhi)

Bezpłatna pomoc przy wypełnianiu aplikacji na obywatelstwo USA - 8 grudnia 2012

Bezplatna pomoc przy wypelnianiu aplikacji na obywatelstwo U.S.A.

Erie Neighborhood House, Albany Park Neighborhood Council Logan Square Neighborhood Association, National Immigrant Justice Center, Polish American Association, World Relief-Chicago and Northwest Neighborhood Federation present:

Sobota, 8 grudnia 2012 r.

9:00am – 10:30 am

Wilbur Wright College
4300 N. Narragansett, Chicago, IL 60634
Informacje i rejestracja Zrzeszenie Am-Pol. 773-282-8206
wewn. 340, 342, 353 i na www.polish.org

Abys mial wszelkie prawa, zostan obywatelem U.S.A

Bedziesz mógl przebywac poza granicami U.S.A. przez dlugi okres czasu
Skladac petycje o stay pobyt w U.S.A. dla czlonków najblizszej rodziny
Bedziesz mógl sie ubiegac o wszystkie prace nawet federalne
Bedziesz miec prowo do Glosowania

Aby móc wypelnic konieczna aplikacje, prosze miec nastepujace informacje i dokumenty:

Karte Stalego Pobytu (Zielona Karta) przez przynajmniej 5 lat
Karte Stalego Pobytu (Zielona Karta) przez przynajmniej 3 latjesli jestes w zwiazku malzenskim z obywatelem U.S.A.) przynieś kopię jego certyfikatu obyw. albo akt urodzenia
Nalezy przyniesc Karte Stalego Pobytu, Karte Social Security, Drivers License albo ID
Liste podrózy poza granice U.S.A. od otrzymania Zielonej Karty, dokladnymi datami wyjazdów i powrotów
Liste miejc zamieszkania i zatrudnienia w ostatnich 5 latach
Informacje o wspólmalzonkach: imie I nazwisko, data urodzenia, # Social Sec. numer Zielonej Karty albo date i miejce przyjecia obywatelstwa
Informacje o wszystkich dzieciach: ich imiona, nazwiska, miejsca zamieszkania, daty urodzenia, numery Zielonych Kart jesli maja
Jezeli jestes w zwiazku malzenskim, date slubu
Jesli byles w zwiazkach malzenskich, daty twoich i wspólmalzonka slubów i rozwodów i powód rozstania sie np. rozwód lub zgon.
Jesli dotyczy, informacje o aresztowaniach: powód, daty, miejsce i rozporzadzenie sadowe
Mezczyzni którzy wkjechali do U.S.A pomiedzy ich 18-26 rokiem zycia: numer i date rejestracji do wojska Selective Service, (847) 688-6888 zadzwon jesli nie masz
Money order na sume $680.00 wypisana na U.S.C.I.S.
$10 - donacja za usługę i wysyłkę
2 zdjecia paszportowe lub $10, - za zrobienie zdjęć

MAGNIFICENT 90TH ANNIVERSARY GALA HONORS BOZENA & ARIE ZWEIG

MAGNIFICENT 90TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

HONORS BOZENA & ARIE ZWEIG

The Polish American Association is celebrating its 90th Anniversary of providing services to the great Chicago community. In this anniversary year PAA’s Gala & Benefit Auction on Saturday, November 10, 2012 at the Drake Hotel in Chicago was really splendid. The event included special recognition to Arie & Bozena Zweig for their generous philanthropic work. They are major supporters of charitable and cultural organizations within the Polish and Jewish communities.

We raised more than $200,000

The 2012 Presidential Award was presented to Arie & Bozena Zweig.

gala12

Bozena and Arie Zweig - Gala Honorees,
Conrad Nowak - Chairman of the PAA’s Board, Alan Krashesky of ABC 7's - Master of Ceremonies
and Gary Kenzer – PAA’s Executive Director

The Gold Cost Ballroom at the Drake was filled with many notable and distinguished guests: Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Justice of the Appellate Court Aurelia Pucinski, Illinois State Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka, Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutheford, Congressman Robert Dold, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago Paulina Kapuscinska and Auxilliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Chicago Andrzej Wypych, among other high-profile individuals.

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Mayor Rahm Emanuel with Arie Zweig and General Consul Paulina Kapuscinska

Gala’s guests enjoyed the Anthony Kawalkowski Orchestra entertainment and performances promoting Polish culture.

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The wonderful dances performed by WICI, a performance troupe that promotes Polish culture through song, dance, and music with authentic costumes. Magdalena Solarz is the Artistic Director and Choreographer.

As we celebrated the occasion the Academy of Music, a school under the patronage of the Paderewski Symphony Orchestra has presented a beautiful musical performance. Music Director is Wojciech Niewrzol and Barbara Bilszta is their General Director.

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Daniel Szefer, a talented young musical prodigy.

To see the 2012 PAA Gala photo album - click HERE.

PAA’s 90th Anniversary Gala at The Drake Hotel by Le Prestige du Monde: click HERE

Click here to read an article about PAA 2012 Annual Gala on ABC News website.

Click here(article removed from DZ website, webmaster) to read an article about PAA 2012 Annual gala on Dziennik Zwiazkowy website.

Below are the videos recorded during this magnificent event.

WE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HELPED TO MAKE THIS EVENT A HUGE SUCCESS!

FIRST WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE HONOREES:

ARIE & BOZENA ZWEIG

And those, who supported us through the sponsorships. We are grateful for your generosity and thoughtfulness.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

♦ Arie and Bozena Zweig

GOLD SPONSORS

♦ AND Agency - Adam Kamieniak ♦Charter One RBS Citizens♦ ♦ Gregg Builders - Albert Frank ♦ JPMorgan Chase ♦Larisa & David Kronfeld ♦ Dr. Izabela Roman ♦ Morris Silverman & Lori Komisar

SILVER SPONSORS

♦ Associated Agencies, Inc. ♦ Drs. Nader and Mandan Bozorgi ♦ Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP ♦ Inland Bank ♦ Jewel-Osco ♦ David Jonas ♦ Camille A. Kopielski ♦ Sandy & Jacob Kiferbaum ♦ Geraldine Gedroic Lichterman ♦ Mazak Corporation ♦ North Shore Community Bank ♦ Leo P. Niemiec ♦ Oak-Mill Bakery - Bogna & Walter Solak ♦ Polish American Chamber of Commerce ♦ Progressive Truck Driving School - Grazyna Buda ♦ Quantum Foods - Edward & Jane Bleka ♦ Terlato Wines International ♦Tukiendorf Training Institute♦ United Equity Mortgage Corp. - Maria Chlanda-Kozioł

SUPPORTERS

♦ Associated Bank ♦ Alison & Marvin Brustin ♦ Cukierski & Kowal, L.L.C. ♦ L. Jessica Jagielnik ♦ Kasia's Deli ♦ Legion of Young Polish Women ♦ Machinery Systems Inc. ♦ Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone, PLC

The PAA is also grateful for the generosity of:

Bozena & Arie Zweig for donating Hors d’oeuvres

gala18

Bogna & Walter Solak – of the Oak Mill Bakery for providing a stunning anniversary cake and delicious sweet pastries

gala20

Floral Wonders LLC - Eva Kamieniak for providing donation of the beautiful floral centerpieces
AND agency LLC - Adam Kamieniak for designing and printing the Gala invitations

The Creative Impact Groupfor donating the Tadeusz Kosciuszko’s Statue
Andrzej Baraniak - photographer from Dziennik Zwiazkowy - for photography services www.newsrp.smugmug.com

gala21

We would like to thank those of you who sponsored the event as well as everyone who purchased tickets. We would like to thank those of you who contributed by attending, and everyone who purchased ad space in ourPAA’s 90th Anniversary Gala Commemorative Program Book.

We would additionally like to thank the people and organizations that very generously donated wonderful items for our Gala Silent Auction, Raffle Prizes and the wine for the Wine Pull.

Below Grazyna Maneykowski from the Archer Gold Jewelry, sponsor of the main raffle prize, the Black Tahitian Pearl with Diamond Necklace set in 14K White Gold and Jan Krynski, the winner.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone else involved for their contribution and support in preparation for this event.

THANK YOU GALA COMMITTEE DINNER CO-CHAIRS:

♦ Iwona Bochenska & Jacek Chodzen ♦ Magda & Dr. Marek Gawrysz ♦ Natasha & Michael Isaacs ♦ Eva & Cezary Jakubowski ♦ Eva & Adam Kamieniak ♦ Geraldine Gedroic Lichterman ♦ Barbara & Ted Martin ♦ Conrad Nowak ♦ Michelle Smolinski Covington ♦ Bogna & Walter Solak ♦ Ewa & Dr. Grzegorz Turowski ♦ Ludwika Warnik

Arie Zweigsaid: “The Torah, the five books of Moses upon which Judaism is based, teaches us that 10% of our income should be donated to charity. And when you are generous and open your hand to share, God will have a place to give you many times more in return.”

Bozena Zweigsaid: "Congratulations, PAA. Please join Arie and me in a toast to the next 100 years of helping the needy and working for a better tomorrow."

Chairman of the PAA's Board, Conrad Nowak said:
"I am very pleased that so many of our community's business, political, and professional leaders came together to show their support for our organization. It is a testimonial to the PAA's unbridled mission of helping those in need for 90 years - a truly significant accomplishment by any standards. We have every intention to grow strong and keep making a positive impact in our community for at least 90 more, and beyond."

Your help is greatly appreciated and will allow us to continue providing assistance for those in need in the Polish community. The programs you have helped us support include: feeding the hungry that visit our food pantry, counseling the abused, offering job training and placement, educational opportunities, providing alcohol counseling, and offering immigration and language classes to those in need within the Polish community.

The Annual Gala is PAA's largest fundraising event of the year. All proceeds benefit the organization's 28 programs and the more than 3,000 clients who seek our help each month. Because of your generosity we can continue our mission to provide Resources for Changing Lives. There is much more to accomplish for those we serve and we simply cannot do it without you.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED GENEROUS SUPPORT

Dziękujemy bardzo! We hope to see you next year at our Gala.

Bezpłatne spotkanie informacyjne na temat spraw związanych z zatrudnieniem

Poradnia Zawodowa Zrzeszenia Amerykańsko Polskiego pragnie zaprosić wszystkich zainteresowanych na bezpłatne spotkanie informacyjne na temat Spraw Związanych z Zatrudnieniem. Gościem spotkania będzie prawnik specjalizujący się w prawie pracy. Podczas spotkania omawiane będą między innymi następujące zagadnienia:

Zatrudnianie i ocena kwalifikacji pracowników (podanie o pracę, rozmowa kwalifikacyjna, background check/referencje, ocena pracownicza, pracownik czy niezależny wykonawca)
Rozwiązanie umowy o pracę (utrata pracy i ubezpieczenia; dostępne świadczenia dla bezrobotnych, wypłacanie odprawy, akta pracownika)
Problemy w pracy (postępowanie dyscyplinarne, prywatność pracownika, używanie Internetu w pracy, monitorowanie pracowników, przeszukiwanie stanowisk pracy)

Spotkanie odbędzie się we wtorek 13 listopada 2012 godzinie 18:00 w Centrum Fundacji Kopernikowskiej przy 5216 W. Lawrence. Po więcej informacji można dzwonić pod numer telefonu 773 282 1122 wew. 418

PAA Monthly Newsletter - November, 2012

PAA MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

November 2012

Programs/Staff News

The Starting Point substance abuse program staff in collaboration with Haymarket Center is organizing an outreach event called “To Help Addicted!”. It will focus on providing information about addictions and available treatment as well as family support networks. Attendees will have the opportunity to talk to the experts in the field of substance abuse and receive short consultations. After the formal part, there will be a guitar jam session with an honorable guest Ryszard Styla, Polish jazz musician. The event is free and open to the public. It will be held at the Jesuit Millennium Center on November 11 and will start at 4 pm. For more information please call Kasia Blando or Magda Zakrzewska.

New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a FREE CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP on Saturday, November 17. The workshop will take place at the Oakton Community College located at 4701 Oakton Street in Skokie. Registration will be held from 9-10:30 am. For complete information please go to www.polish.org or call Grazyna, Teresa or Basia.

The Career Center of the Polish American Association invites you to attend a free seminar on Employment Issues. The presentation will cover the following topics: hiring and evaluating employees, termination of employment, and workplace issues. It will take place on Tuesday, November 13 at 6 pm at the Copernicus Center located at 5216 W. Lawrence Avenue in Chicago. For more information please call Bianka.

The registration for the CNA classes (both free and tuition) is ongoing. If you are interested, please contact Basia Gawronska or Jagoda.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in November:

Barbara Bargiel, Katarzyna Blando, Lilla Czajczyk, Elzbieta Czerwonka, Magdalena Dolas, Andrzej Gasienica, Barbara Gawronska, Elzbieta Goc, Krystyna Gurka, Katarzyna Koptilin, Danuta Kosinska, Janina Malewicz, Katarzyna Przychodzen, Ewa Susman, Elzbieta Szczerba, Grazyna Zajaczkowska, Barbara Zych

Best Birthday Wishes to you!

CONGRATULATIONS to the PAA employees who are celebrating their anniversaries in November:

Lidia Paliwoda -10 years of service

We thank you for your ongoing commitment to the PAA mission and compassion toward our clients! Happy Anniversary!

From Gary’s Desk

I am happy to report we are yet one step closer to releasing the Office of New American’s (ONA) report to the Mayor on making Chicago the most friendly Immigrant city in the world. As you remember, many of you were extremely helpful to me this past summer as I chaired two of the eight task forces. We have had a review of the findings to date and it will be completed and sent to the Mayor shortly. Once that happens, the embargo will be lifted and I will be allowed to share with the PAA family. Stay tuned.

Now we have been asked to be a part of the Our Lady of Resurrection Hospital Community Health Needs Assessment Task Force. This group is made up of core leaders within the Northwest Side of Chicago. PAA completed more than half of the needs assessments surveys for the entire area. What an accomplishment and for those involved in this process, thank you for making this happen. More details on this as it completes the task force activities will be shared. We want to do everything we can to keep this institution strong in our neighborhood.

Coming November 10th will be the largest Gala event. And we really sold out the event in record time without an invitation sent. Congratulations Barbara Sobecka and your committee. More donations for the silent auction and wine pull are still needed. Call Barbara if you can help. And we will also premier our commemorative 90th anniversary photo album. Well over 7000 photos of memories in PAA’s history all in one DVD. Want a copy of this DVD? Call me after Gala.

Have a great month everyone.

Development News

Over 130 donors responded to our Radiothon appeal, which took place on October 13th at the Polish Radio Station 1030 am WNVR. During six hour programming over 35 volunteers presented our services, shared their experiences, answered phones, and received donations. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we raised so far over $5,500 in checks, cash, and credit donations. We are still processing the incoming pledges and declarations. Thank you to ALL who took time to join us at this annual fundraiser to help spread the word about our programs and services.

Reminders & Other

Days off: November 22 and November 23 (Thanksgiving)

ThanksgNewsl

Saturday, November 10 - PAA’s Gala

The new hours of operations for the Immigration Department are as follows:
Monday to Thursday: 9am - 5pm
Friday: 9am – 3pm
Saturday: by appointment only.
Please inform the clients accordingly.

Continue to be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Basia NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

PAA employees can enjoy 3-4% discount on the international airfare tickets if the make a purchase at American Travel Abroad travel bureau (www.amta.com). All you have to do is simply mention that you work at PAA next time you are making a reservation. The discount applies to the base ticket price and there may be some limitations. Apparently we have had this agreement with AMTA for a long time but not all of PAA employees know that.

Be inspired

Who does not thank for little will not thank for much. (Estonian Proverb)

Bezpłatna pomoc przy wypełnianiu aplikacji na obywatelstwo USA - 17 listopada 2012

Bezplatna pomoc przy wypelnianiu aplikacji na obywatelstwo U.S.A.

Erie Neighborhood House, Albany Park Neighborhood Council Logan Square Neighborhood Association, National Immigrant Justice Center, Polish American Association, World Relief-Chicago and Northwest Neighborhood Federation present:

Sobota, 17 listopada 2012 r.

9:00am – 10:30 am

Oakton Community Center
4701 Oakton St., Skokie, IL 60076
Informacje i rejestracja Zrzeszenie Am-Pol. 773-282-8206
wewn. 340, 342, 353 i na www.polish.org

Abys mial wszelkie prawa, zostan obywatelem U.S.A

Bedziesz mógl przebywac poza granicami U.S.A. przez dlugi okres czasu
Skladac petycje o stay pobyt w U.S.A. dla czlonków najblizszej rodziny
Bedziesz mógl sie ubiegac o wszystkie prace nawet federalne
Bedziesz miec prowo do Glosowania

Aby móc wypelnic konieczna aplikacje, prosze miec nastepujace informacje i dokumenty:

Karte Stalego Pobytu (Zielona Karta) przez przynajmniej 5 lat
Karte Stalego Pobytu (Zielona Karta) przez przynajmniej 3 latjesli jestes w zwiazku malzenskim z obywatelem U.S.A.) przynieś kopię jego certyfikatu obyw. albo akt urodzenia
Nalezy przyniesc Karte Stalego Pobytu, Karte Social Security, Drivers License albo ID
Liste podrózy poza granice U.S.A. od otrzymania Zielonej Karty, dokladnymi datami wyjazdów i powrotów
Liste miejc zamieszkania i zatrudnienia w ostatnich 5 latach
Informacje o wspólmalzonkach: imie I nazwisko, data urodzenia, # Social Sec. numer Zielonej Karty albo date i miejce przyjecia obywatelstwa
Informacje o wszystkich dzieciach: ich imiona, nazwiska, miejsca zamieszkania, daty urodzenia, numery Zielonych Kart jesli maja
Jezeli jestes w zwiazku malzenskim, date slubu
Jesli byles w zwiazkach malzenskich, daty twoich i wspólmalzonka slubów i rozwodów i powód rozstania sie np. rozwód lub zgon.
Jesli dotyczy, informacje o aresztowaniach: powód, daty, miejsce i rozporzadzenie sadowe
Mezczyzni którzy wkjechali do U.S.A pomiedzy ich 18-26 rokiem zycia: numer i date rejestracji do wojska Selective Service, (847) 688-6888 zadzwon jesli nie masz
Money order na sume $680.00 wypisana na U.S.C.I.S.
$10, - donacja za usługę i wysyłkę
2 zdjecia paszportowe lub $10, - za zrobienie zdjęć

Chicago rozpoczeło wczesne głosowanie w wyborach powszechnych 2012 r.

W poniedziałek (22 października) w pierwszym dniu Wczesnego Głosowania, Przewodniczący Komisji Wyborczej miasta Chicago (Chicago Election Board), Langdon D. Neal oświadczył, iż wszystko wskazuje na wysoką frekwencję Wczesnego Głosowania. W 13 dniowym okresie Wczesnego Głosowania (Early Voting) wyborcy mogą oddać głos w dowolnie wybranej placówce i uniknąć ryzyka związanego z problemami, które mogą zaistnieć w Dniu Wyborów.

Wyborcy nie mają obowiązku podawać przyczyny, z powodu której Głosują Wcześniej lecz wymagane jest od wyborców przedstawienie dokumentu tożsamości wydanego przez instytucję rządową. W okresie Wczesnego Głosowania wyborcy miasta Chicago mogą oddać głos w jednej z 50 placówek na terenie miasta oraz w siedzibie Komisji Wyborczej pod adresem 69 W. Washington St. (...)

kliknij TUTAJ aby przeczytać pełny tekst obwieszczenia prasowego zawierającego listę lokali wyborczych oraz godzin głosowania

PAA Monthly Newsletter - October, 2012

PAA MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

October 2012

Programs/Staff News

Social services department brings a new offering for our clients. Our former coworker and devoted enthusiast Kristina Lukawska MA, LCPC, psychotherapist and parenting coach, will facilitate monthly support groups for parents every second Wednesday of the month from 7 pm to 9 pm. This group is focused on informative and supportive discussions of issues and topics of concern. The group will meet at the PAA’s community room (basement) at 4808 West Bernice Avenue. The group is free and open to all parents. Please inform your clients and encourage them to attend.

Registration for the free Basic Computer Literacy classes continues. Currently, we are registering for November classes which will be meeting twice a week over a six weeks period during evening hours. For information or to register please call Bianka.

The Career Center of the Polish American Association invites you to attend a free information seminar on How to use your foreign degree in the US. This session will take place on Tuesday, October 23 at 6 pmat the Copernicus Center located at 5216 W. Lawrence. For more information please call Bianka.

We are still registering for the fall CNA classes (both free and tuition). If you are interested please contact Basia Gawronska or Jagoda.

Anna Iwanicka, our ESL instructor, will take on a temporary position of the South Side receptionist when Malgosia Kurdziel starts her maternity leave. Anna has been teaching at the South Side location for over 4 years.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in October:

Jolanta Baginska, Jadwiga Branicka, Kathy Drabczak, Anita Eilmes, Tadeusz Gaszcz, Eva Grzybowski, Jolanta Nicieja-Janczarek, Urszula Jaronczyk, Renata Jasniuk, Malgorzata Jedeluk, Miroslawa Krolikowska, Dorota Lewandowska, Zofia Matachowska, Malgorzata Olczak, Jadwiga Panfil, Alicja Posniak, Teresa Smrokowska, Bronislawa Stopka, Christopher Szykula, Irena Wojtkowski, Daniela Zimnicka

Best Birthday Wishes to you!

Congratulations to the PAA employees who are celebrating their anniversaries in October:

Christopher Szykula - 10 years of service

We thank you for your ongoing commitment to the PAA mission and compassion toward our clients! Happy Anniversary!

From Gary’s Desk

Did you know we have been seeking volunteers in almost all of our departments for more than a year? These volunteers compliment and assist us in the work we do. Did you know that since we added this call for volunteers we have been able to recruit many in the last year? Volunteers help us in various ways. Currently we have volunteers assisting us in Development, researching Polish Studies programs in the USA for our web portal, and helping us in Immigration services. If you have never seen the part of our web site and the form to complete and email, please check out:

http://www.polish.org/donate/volunteers

and the online form is at:

http://polish.org/images/stories/volnt/PAAvolunteer_profile.pdf

And we are recruiting new volunteers all the time. Don’t see your area mentioned where you can use volunteers? Let me know and we will add your service area, too.

Volunteers have been mainly from the Universities this past year such as Loyola, Northeastern and UIC. So, let us continue to welcome volunteers to our family.

We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future. ~Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Development News

We still need YOUR help with getting the items for this year Gala silent auction. You can donate or ask your friends and businesses you use for: sports items including tickets, memorabilia, equipment; gift certificates to stores, spas and salons, restaurants; tickets to events, jewelry and other fashion items such as scarves, purses; items for entertaining: small appliances, glassware; items for decorating: candles, table linens, decorative pillows; vacation. If you need the solicit letter and an agreement form please contact Basia Sobecka.

The PAA Open House held on September 24 was a huge success with approximately 70 people in attendance. Among the guests we received were Senator Durbin, Paulina Kapuscinska-the new Polish Consul General, Justice Aurelia Pucinski, Congressman Dold as well as representatives from Quigley’s, Arena’s, and Schakowsky’s offices. Also all of the Polish organizations were present. Please follow the link http://www.youtube.com/paachicago to see the video on our youtube channel.

Kudos to Mary for coming up with this excellent idea and organizing such a remarkable event. Thanks to all staff members for their help with the Open House. You were the greatest hosts!

More pictures available on our website - just click here.

The PAA’s annual fundraiser, Radiothon 2012, will be held on Saturday, October 13th from 8 am-3 pm on the Polish Radio 1030 AM WNVR. Please help us to make it a successful fundraiser by inviting your clients to tell their stories and coming yourself to assist them. We are also still looking for more volunteers to answer phones. Please talk to Ela Zaworski if you can lend a hand.

The KUN Foundation granted PAA the sum of $12,500 to be used toward the Youth Substance Abuse program. The funding is intended for this fiscal year.

Reminders & Other

Continue to be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Basia NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be inspired

A man paints with his brains, not with his hands. (Michelangelo)

PAA Monthly Newsletter - September, 2012

PAA MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

September 2012

Programs/Staff News

The New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a free Citizenship Workshop on Saturday, September 22. It will take place at the Wilbur Wright College at 4300 N. Narragansett Avenue. Registration will be held from 9-10.30 am. For an updated information go to www.polish.org or call Grazyna or Teresa.

We are still recruiting students for Intermediate MS Word and Basic Excel class ($200 tuition) and the FREE Basic Computer Literacy classes. For more information or to register call Bianka. Please note that all classes will be conducted in Polish.

The Career Center of the Polish American Association invites you to attend a free FAFSA Info Session on Tuesday, September 25 at 6 pm at the Copernicus Foundation Center located at 5216 W. Lawrence Avenue. The presentation will be conducted by a Polish speaking representative of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). Check PAA website for details.

There are still few openings in the fall/winter Citizenship classes. They are starting in September and will continue until January 2013. For registration and information please call Janina.

There are still openings in the English as a Second Language and Adult Basic Education classes. They are starting in September and will continue until June 2013. Our offer includes all levels from beginner to advanced. Classes are held on the Northwest and Southwest sides of Chicago, during convenient morning, evening and weekend hours. For more information please call:

North Side classes-Kasia Koptilin, Mira Krolikowska, Magda Krzeminska, Agnieszka Sobczyk

South Side classes-Malgosia Bodyziak.

We are currently registering for the fall CNA classes (both free and tuition). If you are interested please contact Basia Gawronska or Jagoda.

Iwona Krasnowska-Guzek, a counselor from Starting Point Substance Abuse program resigned from her job at PAA back in July. This position was offered to our long term volunteer Sister Aleksandra Antonik from Missionary Christ the King Congregation for Polonia, who has provided her professional services to PAA clients since April 2011. As our employee Sister Ola continues providing case management and substance abuse treatment at Starting Point clinic. Sister Ola can be reached at extension 346 or at Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript..

Please give a warm welcome to two new clinical students completing their internship at PAA this fiscal year.
Marta Kromka-Brigagliano, a postgraduate student at Adler School of Professional Psychology will offer her services as a marriage and couples' therapist twice a week. As a master level clinician, Marta has an extensive background in providing counseling for diverse clients’ population. Marta’s schedule and detailed contact information will be provided at a later date and included in our staff directory.
Daniel Jarosz, a former client of PAA who successfully completed substance abuse treatment, volunteered for our Starting Point program. He is currently enrolled in Addiction Counselor study at McDermott Learning Center leading to a professional certificate. Daniel will assist Malgorzata Olczak and Katarzyna Blando with their family support groups on Mondays and Fridays and will continue to provide Introduction to AA groups for Starting Point clients completing intensive outpatient therapy.

We are looking for a temporary help at the South Side office reception for 12 weeks starting in early November as Malgosia Kurdziel will be on maternity leave. The hours are Monday-Thursday from 9 am-5 pm. Excellent customer service skills and administrative competence are a must. If you know anybody interested, please have them contact Helena.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in September:

Henryka Blusiewicz, Joanna Ceremon, Urszula Dabros, Cecylia Dudzinski, Stanislawa Falewicz, Danuta Slodyczka-Florek, Jolanta Jablonski, Maria Jandura, Halina Klarich, Magdalena Krzeminska, Andrzej Krzykala, Radoslaw Misiarz, Gertruda Labedz-Monaco, Anna Pater, Marta Pereyra, Teresa Rusin, Barbara Stadnicki, Boguslawa Wazydrag, Elzbieta Zaworski

Best Birthday Wishes to you!

From Gary’s Desk

Thank you to all staff who helped me in the research as part of my work in Mayor Rham Emanuel’s Office of New American’s project this summer. My work was exciting to partner with so many of you as my committee dealt with issues of Citizen Engagement and Welcoming Diversity. Our part of the Mayor’s plan is now complete and will be released late September. I will share the entire plan with staff once it is released. But thanks to those who helped the committee and me. We share in the Mayor’s vision to make Chicago the most friendly Immigrant city in the world.

I am most pleased to announce that in August, the Chicago Commission on Human Relations has awarded upon my recommendation the award For Outstanding Vision, Dedication & Commitment to Excellence to Grazyna Zajaczkowska for her work in the Immigrant Community. This award will be presented to her at the Annual Unity Dinner the North Side Task Force will have in September. We will carry the award presentation and her acceptance speech on our YouTube Channel. Congratulations Grazyna.
And finally, if you are a subscriber to our PAA Facebook page, you have noticed how nicely it grows. It is nearing 1100 fans so don’t be left out of the conversation. Join today.

Development News

PAA is again a part of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). It is a program that allows selected charitable organizations to solicit contributions from employees of the United States federal government. The annual charity drive runs from September 1 through December 15 of each year. Pledges are made by federal civilian, postal, and military donors. If you know of anyone who works for a federal agency, we hope that you can ask them to make a donation to PAA. Our campaign number is 10050. Information on the campaign and directions on how to participate are available on the CFC website, www.opm.gov/cfc.

We still need your help with getting the items for this year Gala silent auction. You can donate or ask your friends and businesses you use for: sports items including tickets, memorabilia, equipment; gift certificates to stores, spas and salons, restaurants; tickets to events, jewelry and other fashion items such as scarves, purses; items for entertaining: small appliances, glassware; items for decorating: candles, table linens, decorative pillows; vacation. If you need the solicit letter and an agreement form please contact Basia Sobecka.

The Chicago Society Foundation granted the sum of $5,000 to the Polish American Association to be used toward the Turning Point program. The funding is intended for FY'13.

The PAA Open House will be held on September 24 from 8-10 am and/or 3-5 pm. It will be a part of our 90th Anniversary celebration and we are inviting PAA friends and supporters for a tour of our offices and meetings with our staff. Please call Mary if you need more information or have any questions.

Reminders & Other

Day off: September 3-Labor Day

Our annual staff meeting/picnic is scheduled for Friday, September 14 from 10 am-2 pm. This year it will take place at The Dock at Montrose Beach located at 200 W. Montrose Harbor Drive. More details will follow soon.

Michal is still scanning photos, so if anybody wants to share PAA related photos he is still accepting them, however please put them in an envelope with your name on it so that he knows to whom they should come back.

The total of 10,377 clients was helped through PAA programs in FY'12. The detailed report is posted on the shared drive under Programs.

Both the notary stamp list and the alarm access staff names list were updated for FY'13 and posted on the shared drive under Resources so they are easily accessible by all.

Continue to be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Basia NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

Be inspired

You don’t have to apologize for being happy. (Alan Cohen)

happineSS

Daniel Szefer a talented young musical prodigy

Daniel Szefer is 13 years old and has played piano since he was seven years old. He is a student of Pawel Checinski and Ralph Neiweem. In January 2010, at the age of 10, Daniel played his first public piano recital in Miami, Florida. His performance was organized by the Chopin Foundation of the United States and was exclusively dedicated to the music of Frederic Chopin. In August 2010, Daniel played three one hour piano concerts in Millennium Park in Downtown Chicago. On September 25th 2010 he was a guest performer in the “Farewell to Summer with Chopin”, organized by Polish National Alliance to celebrate the 200 anniversary of the composer’s birth. In March 2011, Polish television POLSAT made a short movie about Daniel and his passion for classical music. This special edition of “Faces of America” was watched by 40 million satellite television viewers on Easter Day. Daniel is a winner of many piano competitions. In March 2012 he was the youngest finalist of one of the most challenging youth piano competitions in the United States - Chicago Symphony Orchestra Youth Auditions. He played 1st movement of Beethoven’s Concerto Nr. 5 and placed second (1st Alternate). In May 2012 Daniel was invited to study in the prestigious Cleveland Institute of Music with one of the most sought after piano teachers in the world - Maestro Sergei Babayan. Daniel is a student of Washburne Middle School in Winnetka, Illinois. His favorite subjects in school are math and science. He plays piano in the award winning Washburne Middle School Jazz Band. He loves to read, play chamber music, and take long nature walks with his dog named Liszt.

Bezpłatna pomoc przy wypełnianiu aplikacji na obywatelstwo USA - 8.18.2012

Bezplatna pomoc przy wypelnianiu aplikacji na obywatelstwo U.S.A.

Erie Neighborhood House, Albany Park Neighborhood Council Logan Square Neighborhood Association, National Immigrant Justice Center, Polish American Association, World Relief-Chicago and Northwest Neighborhood Federation present:

Sobota, 18 sierpnia 2012 r.

9:00am – 10:30 am

St. Jerome Parish (Social Hall)
1709 W. Lunt Ave, Chicago, IL 60626
Informacje i rejestracja Zrzeszenie Am-Pol. 773-282-8206
wewn. 341, 342, 353 i na www.polish.org

Abys mial wszelkie prawa, zostan obywatelem U.S.A

Bedziesz mógl przebywac poza granicami U.S.A. przez dlugi okres czasu
Skladac petycje o stay pobyt w U.S.A. dla czlonków najblizszej rodziny
Bedziesz mógl sie ubiegac o wszystkie prace nawet federalne
Bedziesz miec prowo do Glosowania

Aby móc wypelnic konieczna aplikacje, prosze miec nastepujace informacje i dokumenty:

Karte Stalego Pobytu (Zielona Karta) przez przynajmniej 5 lat
Karte Stalego Pobytu (Zielona Karta) przez przynajmniej 3 latjesli jestes w zwiazku malzenskim z obywatelem U.S.A.) przynieś kopię jego certyfikatu obyw. albo akt urodzenia
Nalezy przyniesc Karte Stalego Pobytu, Karte Social Security, Drivers License albo ID
Liste podrózy poza granice U.S.A. od otrzymania Zielonej Karty, dokladnymi datami wyjazdów i powrotów
Liste miejc zamieszkania i zatrudnienia w ostatnich 5 latach
Informacje o wspólmalzonkach: imie I nazwisko, data urodzenia, # Social Sec. numer Zielonej Karty albo date i miejce przyjecia obywatelstwa
Informacje o wszystkich dzieciach: ich imiona, nazwiska, miejsca zamieszkania, daty urodzenia, numery Zielonych Kart jesli maja
Jezeli jestes w zwiazku malzenskim, date slubu
Jesli byles w zwiazkach malzenskich, daty twoich i wspólmalzonka slubów i rozwodów i powód rozstania sie np. rozwód lub zgon.
Jesli dotyczy, informacje o aresztowaniach: powód, daty, miejsce i rozporzadzenie sadowe
Mezczyzni którzy wkjechali do U.S.A pomiedzy ich 18-26 rokiem zycia: numer i date rejestracji do wojska Selective Service, (847) 688-6888 zadzwon jesli nie masz
Money order na sume $680.00 wypisana na U.S.C.I.S.
$10, - donacja za usługę i wysyłkę
2 zdjecia paszportowe lub $10, - za zrobienie zdjęć

Płatne Kursy Komputerowe

Płatny kurs komputerowy: Microsoft Word na poziomie średnio zaawansowanym i wprowadzenie do Excel
Pracownia komputerowa: 3815 N. Cicero, Chicago, IL
Program kursu obejmuje:
• Zaawansowane formatowanie tekstu, wstawianie kolumn, ramek i symboli
• Grafika, wstawianie zdjęć, pól z tekstem, operacje na obiektach graficznych programu Word
• Adresowanie i drukowanie kopert, tworzenie i drukowanie etykiet
• Tworzenie i edytowanie tabel
• Mail merge (korespondencja seryjna - jednoczesne wysyłanie tego samego listu do wielu osób)
• Menu programu Excel, wprowadzanie danych, formatowanie komórek, nagłówki i opisy tabel, operacje na wierszach i kolumnach
• Podstawowe działania matematyczne
• Sporządzenie domowego budżetu
Zajęcia odbywać się będą w niedziele rano od 9:00 do 12:00 od 16 września do 16 grudnia 2012. Cena wynosi $200 w formie czeku lub money order.
W celu zapisania się na kurs należy zgłaszać się osobiście od poniedziałku do piątku
pod adres 3819 N. Cicero Ave.
Po więcej informacji na temat kursu można dzwonić pod numer telefonu 773 282-1122 wew. 418

Płatny kurs komputerowy: Podstawy obsługi programu QuickBooks
Pracownia komputerowa: 3815 N. Cicero, Chicago, IL
Program kursu obejmuje:
• Podstawowe terminy z księgowości
• Ustawienie własnej firmy, praca z listami, kontami bankowymi oraz pozostałymi kontami
• Wprowadzanie informacji o sprzedażach, przyjmowanie zapłat i robienie depozytów
• Wprowadzanie i płacenie rachunków, analiza informacji finansowych
• Przeprowadzanie inwentaryzacji.
• Płacenie podatków za sprzedaż, sporządzanie listy płac, faktury
Zajęcia odbywać się będą w soboty rano od 9:00 do 15:00 od 8 września do 29 września 2012. Cena wynosi $250 w formie czeku lub money order.
Wymagana jest podstawowa znajomość obsługi komputera.
W celu zapisania się na kurs należy zgłaszać się osobiście od poniedziałku do piątku
pod adres 3819 N. Cicero Ave.
Po więcej informacji na temat kursu można dzwonić pod numer telefonu 773 282-1122 wew. 418

Szkoła ZAP jest zatwierdzona przez Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education (www.ibhe.org).

Zrzeszenie Amerykańsko Polskie nie jest akredytowane przez uznany organ U.S. Department of Education.

PAA Monthly Newsletter - July/August 2012

PAA MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

July/August 2012

Programs/Staff News

The New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a free Citizenship Workshop on Saturday, July 28.
The location of the workshop has not been yet determined. Registration will be held from 9-10.30 am. For an updated information go to www.polish.org or call Grazyna, Basia or Teresa.

The registration for the Introduction to QuickBooksclass ($250 tuition) and Intermediate MSWord and Basic Excel ($200 tuition) is starting in July. The registration for the fall Basic Computer Literacy classes will start on August 1. For more information or to register call Bianka. Please note that all classes will be conducted in Polish.

The registration for the fall CNA classes (both free and tuition) will start in August. For more information or to register please contact Basia Gawronska or Jagoda.

The Learning Center is still looking for instructors to teach in our CNA Program in the fall of 2012. The candidates must be the Illinois licensed R.N. and meet the requirements of the Department of Public Health. This is a part time position. For more information contact Basia Gawronska.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in July and August:

Lidia Beer, Teresa Bobrowski, Boguslawa Gadula, Krystyna Gierczyk, Grazyna Hatala, Gary Kenzer, Elzbieta Kolosa, Elzbieta Kot,Helena Kurek, Eula Lewis, Krystyna Sip, Halina Smolenski, Barbara Sobecka, Agatha Stochmalski, Ludwina Waksmundzka,Urszula Waksmundzki,Stanislawa Wojton, Teresa Zygula

Best Birthday Wishes to you!

From Gary’s Desk

I am happy to update you on several areas we are working on. First is the Census and American Community Survey data update on our community (it is posted on the shared drive at O:\Resources\2010 Census). Have you read the information yet? Is it too much to distill and make usable? First I wish to thank Elizabeth Zaworski and her work with our contacts at the US Census Regional Offices. We fully plan to make all these documents a part of our planning process going forward. These documents tell us a great deal and we must learn and make use of the content. If you have any questions and need a bit of help to understand the information please call Elizabeth for help. We continue to work with the Mayors New American’s Committee on Immigrants in two areas: Civic Engagement and Celebrating Diversity. If you would like to learn more about the work of this task force and in particular my two committees call me. A full report will be presented to the Mayor in late August when this group’s work will be completed. Illinois Partners for Human Service is a state-wide organization of over 700 members who are located in every legislative district in Illinois. They organize the human service sector and influence public policy in order to win sustainable outcomes to ensure quality services, adequate funding, and measurable results. Polish American Association has played a major role in this organization educating our legislators on our needs. Please view their web site and learn more how you can help them help us. Their web site is located at: http://www.illinoispartners.org/

Have a good summer and stay in touch.

Development News

This year the Polish American Association is celebrating its 90th Anniversary of service. Our Annual Gala & Benefit Auction on Saturday, November 10 at the Drake Hotel promises to be splendid in this anniversary year. As usual, we are asking you to join our efforts to raise funds for the PAA’s Annual Gala as it is our primary fundraiser. We need your help with getting the items for the silent auction. You can donate or ask your friends and businesses you use for: sports items including tickets, memorabilia, equipment; gift certificates to stores, spas and salons, restaurants; tickets to events, jewelry and other fashion items such as scarves, purses; items for entertaining: small appliances, glassware; items for decorating: candles, table linens, decorative pillows; vacation. If you need the solicit letter and an agreement form please contact Basia Sobecka.

Reminders & Other

Day off: July 4-Labor Day

Please make sure all your clients’ data for the FY’12 is in our database by July 15 as we want our data to be the most accurate for the full fiscal year report. I plan to have the final report available by mid-August.

Be prompt in signing your timesheets! They need to be turned in to Basia NO LATER than by the 5th of the following month.

The June travel vouchers need to be submitted to Esper NO LATER than July 10. Please remember to attach a copy of your driver's license and a current auto insurance card to your June travel voucher.

Be inspired

JulyAugust newsletter

We must never stop dreaming. Dreams provide nourishment for the soul, just as a meal does for the body. (Paulo Coelho)

Bezpłatna pomoc przy wypełnianiu aplikacji na obywatelstwo USA - 6.16.2012

Bezplatna pomoc przy wypelnianiu aplikacji na obywatelstwo U.S.A.

Erie Neighborhood House, Albany Park Neighborhood Council Logan Square Neighborhood Association, National Immigrant Justice Center, Polish American Association, World Relief-Chicago and Northwest Neighborhood Federation present:

Sobota, 6 czerwca 2012 r.

9:00am – 10:30 am

Nicholas Senn High School
5900 N. Glenwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60660

Abys mial wszelkie prawa, zostan obywatelem U.S.A

Bedziesz mógl przebywac poza granicami U.S.A. przez dlugi okres czasu
Skladac petycje o stay pobyt w U.S.A. dla czlonków najblizszej rodziny
Bedziesz mógl sie ubiegac o wszystkie prace nawet federalne
Bedziesz miec prowo do Glosowania

Aby móc wypelnic konieczna aplikacje, prosze miec nastepujace informacje i dokumenty:

Karte Stalego Pobytu (Zielona Karta) przez przynajmniej 5 lat
Karte Stalego Pobytu (Zielona Karta) przez przynajmniej 3 latjesli jestes w zwiazku malzenskim z obywatelem U.S.A.)
Nalezy przyniesc Karte Stalego Pobytu, Karte Social Security, Drivers License albo ID
Liste podrózy poza granice U.S.A. od otrzymania Zielonej Karty, dokladnymi datami wyjazdów i powrotów
Liste miejc zamieszkania i zatrudnienia w ostatnich 5 latach
Informacje o wspólmalzonkach: imie I nazwisko, data urodzenia, # Social Sec. numer Zielonej Karty albo date i miejce przyjecia obywatelstwa
Informacje o wszystkich dzieciach: ich imiona, nazwiska, miejsca zamieszkania, daty urodzenia, numery Zielonych Kart jesli maja
Jezeli jestes w zwiazku malzenskim, date slubu
Jesli byles w zwiazkach malzenskich, daty twoich i wspólmalzonka slubów i rozwodów i powód rozstania sie np. rozwód lub zgon.
Jesli dotyczy, informacje o aresztowaniach: powód, daty, miejsce i rozporzadzenie sadowe
Mezczyzni którzy wkjechali do U.S.A pomiedzy ich 18-26 rokiem zycia: numer i date rejestracji do wojska Selective Service, (847) 688-6888 zadzwon jesli nie masz
Money order na sume $680.00 wypisana na U.S.C.I.S.

Bezpłatna pomoc przy wypełnianiu aplikacji na obywatelstwo USA - 7.28.2012

Bezplatna pomoc przy wypelnianiu aplikacji na obywatelstwo U.S.A.

Erie Neighborhood House, Albany Park Neighborhood Council Logan Square Neighborhood Association, National Immigrant Justice Center, Polish American Association, World Relief-Chicago and Northwest Neighborhood Federation present:

Sobota, 28 lipca 2012 r.

9:00am – 10:30 am

Casa Central
1343 N. California, Chicago, IL 60622
Informacje i rejestracja Zrzeszenie Am-Pol. 773-282-8206
wewn. 341, 342, 353

Abys mial wszelkie prawa, zostan obywatelem U.S.A

Bedziesz mógl przebywac poza granicami U.S.A. przez dlugi okres czasu
Skladac petycje o stay pobyt w U.S.A. dla czlonków najblizszej rodziny
Bedziesz mógl sie ubiegac o wszystkie prace nawet federalne
Bedziesz miec prowo do Glosowania

Aby móc wypelnic konieczna aplikacje, prosze miec nastepujace informacje i dokumenty:

Karte Stalego Pobytu (Zielona Karta) przez przynajmniej 5 lat
Karte Stalego Pobytu (Zielona Karta) przez przynajmniej 3 latjesli jestes w zwiazku malzenskim z obywatelem U.S.A.) przynieś kopię jego certyfikatu obyw. albo akt urodzenia
Nalezy przyniesc Karte Stalego Pobytu, Karte Social Security, Drivers License albo ID
Liste podrózy poza granice U.S.A. od otrzymania Zielonej Karty, dokladnymi datami wyjazdów i powrotów
Liste miejc zamieszkania i zatrudnienia w ostatnich 5 latach
Informacje o wspólmalzonkach: imie I nazwisko, data urodzenia, # Social Sec. numer Zielonej Karty albo date i miejce przyjecia obywatelstwa
Informacje o wszystkich dzieciach: ich imiona, nazwiska, miejsca zamieszkania, daty urodzenia, numery Zielonych Kart jesli maja
Jezeli jestes w zwiazku malzenskim, date slubu
Jesli byles w zwiazkach malzenskich, daty twoich i wspólmalzonka slubów i rozwodów i powód rozstania sie np. rozwód lub zgon.
Jesli dotyczy, informacje o aresztowaniach: powód, daty, miejsce i rozporzadzenie sadowe
Mezczyzni którzy wkjechali do U.S.A pomiedzy ich 18-26 rokiem zycia: numer i date rejestracji do wojska Selective Service, (847) 688-6888 zadzwon jesli nie masz
Money order na sume $680.00 wypisana na U.S.C.I.S.
$10, - donacja za usługę i wysyłkę
2 zdjecia paszportowe lub $10, - za zrobienie zdjęć

Możliwości edukacyjne dla studentów bez legalnego pobytu

Poradnia Zawodowa Zrzeszenia Amerykańsko Polskiego pragnie zaprosić wszystkich zainteresowanych na bezpłatne spotkanie informacyjne zatytułowane:
Możliwości Edukacyjne dla Studentów bez Legalnego Pobytu (Undocumented Students)
Gościem spotkania będzie polskojęzyczny doradca akademicki. Podczas spotkania będzie można uzyskać między innymi następujące informacje:

Illinois DREAM Act
Zasady przyjęć na uczelnie dla studentów bez legalnego statusu
Zasady opłat za szkołę
Pomoc finansowa i stypendia

Spotkanie odbędzie się we wtorek 5 czerwca 2012 godzinie 18:00 w Centrum Fundacji Kopernikowskiej przy 5216 W. Lawrence.
Po więcej informacji na temat spotkania można dzwonić pod numer telefonu:
773 282-1122 wew. 418.

Census Bureau to Host News Conference on 2010 Census Coverage Measurement Results

What:

Whe U.S. Census Bureau will brief the media on the release of the 2010 Census Coverage Measurement results. The results will provide estimates of coverage of the census for the nation, major demographic groups, by key census operations and for states, large counties and places. In addition to estimates of net coverage, the Census Bureau will also release estimates of the components of census coverage, including erroneous enumerations and omissions. The coverage measurement results provide one way of analyzing the quality of the 2010 Census counts. The briefing will include a media question-and-answer session.

Following the news conference, there will be a technical briefing about coverage measurement, which will include Census Bureau staff and other experts in the field. Members of the media are invited to attend.

When:

Tuesday, May 22
10 to 11 a.m. (EDT) – News Conference
1 to 4:30 p.m. (EDT) – Technical Briefing

Who:

Robert Groves, director, U.S. Census Bureau
Pat Cantwell, assistant division chief, Sampling and Estimation Decennial Statistical Studies Division, U.S. Census Bureau

Where:

George Washington University, City View Room
Elliott School of International Affairs, 7th Floor
1957 E St. NW
Washington, DC 20052

Members of the media viewing the news conference online may ask questions by dialing in. (Please dial-in early to allow time for the operator to place you in the call.)
                        Dial-in number: 888-989-4394
                        Participant passcode: CCM
                        Note: Stay on the line until operator asks for the passcode. Do not key in passcode.

Bezpłatna pomoc przy wypełnianiu aplikacji na obywatelstwo USA - 5.19.2012

Bezplatna pomoc przy wypelnianiu aplikacji na obywatelstwo U.S.A.

Erie Neighborhood House, Albany Park Neighborhood Council Logan Square Neighborhood Association, National Immigrant Justice Center, Polish American Association, World Relief-Chicago and Northwest Neighborhood Federation present:

Sobota, 19 maja 2012 r.

9:00am – 10:30 am

Wilbur Wright College
4300 N. Narragansett Ave Chicago , IL 60634

Abys mial wszelkie prawa, zostan obywatelem U.S.A

Bedziesz mógl przebywac poza granicami U.S.A. przez dlugi okres czasu
Skladac petycje o stay pobyt w U.S.A. dla czlonków najblizszej rodziny
Bedziesz mógl sie ubiegac o wszystkie prace nawet federalne
Bedziesz miec prowo do Glosowania

Aby móc wypelnic konieczna aplikacje, prosze miec nastepujace informacje i dokumenty:

Karte Stalego Pobytu (Zielona Karta) przez przynajmniej 5 lat
Karte Stalego Pobytu (Zielona Karta) przez przynajmniej 3 latjesli jestes w zwiazku malzenskim z obywatelem U.S.A.)
Nalezy przyniesc Karte Stalego Pobytu, Karte Social Security, Drivers License albo ID
Liste podrózy poza granice U.S.A. od otrzymania Zielonej Karty, dokladnymi datami wyjazdów i powrotów
Liste miejc zamieszkania i zatrudnienia w ostatnich 5 latach
Informacje o wspólmalzonkach: imie I nazwisko, data urodzenia, # Social Sec. numer Zielonej Karty albo date i miejce przyjecia obywatelstwa
Informacje o wszystkich dzieciach: ich imiona, nazwiska, miejsca zamieszkania, daty urodzenia, numery Zielonych Kart jesli maja
Jezeli jestes w zwiazku malzenskim, date slubu
Jesli byles w zwiazkach malzenskich, daty twoich i wspólmalzonka slubów i rozwodów i powód rozstania sie np. rozwód lub zgon.
Jesli dotyczy, informacje o aresztowaniach: powód, daty, miejsce i rozporzadzenie sadowe
Mezczyzni którzy wkjechali do U.S.A pomiedzy ich 18-26 rokiem zycia: numer i date rejestracji do wojska Selective Service, (847) 688-6888 zadzwon jesli nie masz
Money order na sume $680.00 wypisana na U.S.C.I.S.

Census Bureau to Host Embargo-Period Webinar to Highlight First Race, Hispanic Origin, Age and Sex Estimates Since 2010 Census

What: The U.S. Census Bureau will hold a webinar news conference to highlight key findings from its first set of population estimates by race, Hispanic origin, age and sex since the 2010 Census. These estimates will examine population change for these groups nationally, as well as within all states and counties, between April 1, 2010, and July 1, 2011. Also released will be population estimates for Puerto Rico and its municipios by age and sex. Media with embargo access will be able to view the estimates beginning several hours prior to the webinar. The estimates will be released May 17 at 12:01 a.m. EDT.
The news conference will consist of a simultaneous audio conference and online presentation. Reporters will be able to ask questions once the presentation is complete. We suggest reporters log in and call in early.

When: Tuesday, May 15, 2012; 1 p.m. (EDT)

Who: This webinar is open to those with approved embargo-access only. It will include a discussion of the estimates that will be released to the public May 17 at 12:01 a.m. EDT. See the Census Bureau’s embargoed releases page for more information.

Ben Bolender, statistician/demographer, Population Estimates Branch, Population Division, U.S. Census Bureau

Access is restricted to current embargo account holders only. Log in information will be posted in the media embargo area of the Census Bureau website approximately one hour before the webinar start time.

Bezpłatne seminarium informacyjne - W jaki sposób zapobiegać foreclosure?

Poradnia Zawodowa i Dział Porad Mieszkaniowych - Housing Resource Center Zrzeszenia Amerykańsko Polskiego pragnie zaprosić wszystkich zainteresowanych na bezpłatne spotkanie informacyjne zatytułowane: W jaki sposób zapobiegać foreclosure.
Gośćmi spotkania będą: polskojęzyczny przedstawiciel Interfaith Housing Center oraz prawnik z Chicago Volunteer Legal Services.
Podczas spotkania będzie można uzyskać między innymi następujące informacje:

Co to jest foreclosure
Co powoduje, że bank rozpoczyna proces foreclosure
W jaki sposób zapobiegać foreclosure
W jaki sposób zatrzymać foreclosure
Jak przeprowadzić modyfikacje pożyczki

Spotkanie odbędzie się we wtorek 15 maja 2012 godzinie 18:00 w Centrum Fundacji Kopernikowskiej przy 5216 W. Lawrence.
Po więcej informacji na temat spotkania można dzwonić pod numer telefonu
773 282-1122 wew. 418 lub 773 282-8206 wew. 353

Nowe grupy wsparcia w Zrzeszeniu Amerykańsko-Polskim

Od maja bieżącego roku, Zrzeszenie Amerykańsko-Polskie przy współpracy z Gilda Klub Chicago będzie prowadzić grupy wsparcia dla osób dotkniętych chorobą nowotworową oraz dla ich rodzin i przyjaciół. Grupy są bezpłatne, otwarte dla wszystkich zainteresowanych. Spotkania będą odbywać się w dwóch lokalizacjach Zrzeszenia Amerykańsko-Polskiego na północy i południu Chicago. Szczegółowe informacje na temat grup w języku polskim w załączonej ulotce.

Zapraszamy!

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Konkurs koszyczków wielkanocnych w Domu Podhalan

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.polish.org/pl/component/content/archive?id=archive#sigProIdf3a0b90e41

W Domu Podhalan rokrocznie odbywa sie poswiecenie koszykow wielkanocnych, nastepnie wybierany jest najladniejszy koszyczek. W tym roku pierwsze miejsce zajela nasza pracownica z programu Homemakers pani Genowefa Magiera (na zdjęciach w żółtej bluzce). W jej koszyczku był żywy królik. Serdeczne gratulacje dla Zwycieżczyni!!!

Triton College - College Visit Day

Poradnia Zawodowa Zrzeszenia Amerykańsko Polskiego oraz Triton College pragną zaprosić wszystkich zainteresowanych do udziału w College Visit Day.
Podczas spotkania będzie można uzyskać informacje na temat:

Amerykańskiego systemu szkolnictwa wyższego
Możliwości edukacyjnych na uczelniach dwuletnich i czteroletnich
Ubiegania się o pomoc finansową na studia

Uczestnicy spotkania będę również mieli możliwość porozmawiać z reprezentantami uczelni 2 i 4 letnich oraz zwiedzić Triton College.
Spotkanie odbędzie się we wtorek 24 kwietnia 2012 od 18: 30 do 20:00 w Triton College
przy 2000 Fifth Ave, River Grove, IL, Student Center, Budynek B.

Wymagana jest rejestracja.

Po więcej informacji i aby się zarejestrować można dzwonić pod numer telefonu:
773 282-1122 wew. 418 lub 708 456-0300 wew. 3130

PAA Annual Gala 2012 archive

HONORING ARIE AND BOZENA ZWEIG

Bozena and Arie Zweig’s philanthropic activities are well known. They are prominent contributors to both Polish and Jewish communities. Bozena Zweig has been on the PAA Board of Directors since 2002. Arie Zweig is a Principal of the R.A. Zweig, Inc, in Glenview, Illinois. R. A. Zweig, Inc. is a world-class manufacturer of complex and ultra-high-precision, custom machined components for today’s most advanced industries.

Arie was born in Poland and grew up in Israel where he spent his development years, received degree in marine engineering from Mevuot Yam, started his first manufacturing business before immigrating to the United States in 1977. In 1979 he opened R.A.Zweig Inc., a machining facility specializing in complex parts for aerospace, defense, automotive, medical, and power-generation industries.

Bozena has MBA from Warsaw Chopin Academy of Music specializing in percussion instruments. Before immigrating in 1977, she was recording artist, jazz musician, and songwriter. Among different accomplishments, Bozena was a member of the Polish Radio Orchestra, the Youth Persecution Assemble in Bayreuth and took part in the Festival of Contemporary Music Warsaw Autumn. She also performed with Grazyna Lobaszewska and Stan Borys.

Arie and Bozena are involved in real-estate developments in both United States and Europe. Their philanthropic activities are well established and they are prominent contributors to both Polish and Jewish communities. Their home is open to charitable organizations, politicians, artists, for whom they organize countless fundraisers. They promote Polish culture and actively promoting Polish causes on political arena. They are recipients of numerous awards from the Polish Government and State of Illinois for Outstanding Public Service and dedication and commitment to the Polish American community.

Arie was awarded Senatorial Medal of Freedom, Yoni Netanyahu Award, Honored by Friends of IDF and received Millennium Business Award for promoting Polish/Illinois business. Arie is a founder and President of the Paderewski Symphony Orchestra, where he and Bozena are both actively involved. Bozena is serving on the PAA Board of Directors for last 10 years. They currently live in Winnetka. They have four daughters and eleven grandchildren.

GALA COMMITTEE DINNER CO-CHAIRS:

DONATE TO THE SILENT AUCTION

Through the proceeds received from your generous donation, you will enjoy the privilege of marketing your business to the more than 400 community, business and social leaders in attendance.

You can donate:

sports items including tickets, memorabilia, equipment
gift certificates to stores, spas and salons, restaurants
tickets to events
jewelry and other fashion items such as scarves, purses
items for entertaining: small appliances, glassware
items for decorating: candles, table linens, decorative pillows

To thank you for your support, your donation will be publicly recognized in the following ways:

Gala program book
Gala publicity and signage
PAA’s annual report
PAA’s Facebook page and electronic newsletter that is seen by over 10,000 viewers
Donated items with a retail value of $100 or more will be previewed before the gala on the PAA website, www.polish.org/silentauction. The sooner we receive your donated item, the sooner we will be able to promote your contribution!

To donate an item or service, please click HERE to download a form, complete it and mail the form to the address provided or email Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript.

On behalf of the 11,000 clients served by the Polish American Association, thank you for your consideration of our request. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

If you have any questions, please contact Barbara Sobecka, Special Events Associate Director at 773-427-6307 or via e-mail at Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript..


Allan Krashesky of ABC 7's - Master of Ceremonies	Piano performance by Daniel Szefer, a talented young musical prodigy

Entertainment by student from Academy of Music of PaSO "Music of Polish Kings"	Sweet table and anniversary cake from Oak Mill Bakery - Bogna Solak

PAA Annual Gala 2012

HONORING ARIE AND BOZENA ZWEIG

GALA COMMITTEE DINNER CO-CHAIRS:


Allan Krashesky of ABC 7's - Master of Ceremonies	Piano performance by Daniel Szefer, a talented young musical prodigy

Entertainment by student from Academy of Music of PaSO "Music of Polish Kings"	Sweet table and anniversary cake from Oak Mill Bakery - Bogna Solak

Jak założyć własny biznes? - seminarium informacyjne

Poradnia Zawodowa Zrzeszenia Amerykańsko Polskiego pragnie zaprosić wszystkich zainteresowanych na bezpłatne spotkanie informacyjne zatytułowane: Jak założyć własny biznes?
Podczas spotkania omawiane będą między innymi następujące zagadnienia:

Jak wybrać kierunek działalności gospodarczej
Jak napisać biznes plan
W jaki sposób ubiegać się o licencję na działalność gospodarczą
Możliwości finansowania biznesu

Spotkanie odbędzie się we wtorek 17 kwietnia 2012 o godzinie 18:00 w Centrum Fundacji Kopernikowskiej przy 5216 W. Lawrence.
Po więcej informacji można dzwonić pod numer telefonu 773 282-122 wew. 418

Bezpłatna pomoc przy wypełnianiu aplikacji na obywatelstwo USA - 4.21.2012

Bezplatna pomoc przy wypelnianiu aplikacji na obywatelstwo U.S.A.

Erie Neighborhood House, Albany Park Neighborhood Council Logan Square Neighborhood Association, National Immigrant Justice Center, Polish American Association, World Relief-Chicago and Northwest Neighborhood Federation present:

Sobota, 21 kwietnia 2012 r.

9:00am – 10:30 am

Centrum Kopernikowskie

copCentl

5216 W Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL

Abys mial wszelkie prawa, zostan obywatelem U.S.A

Bedziesz mógl przebywac poza granicami U.S.A. przez dlugi okres czasu
Skladac petycje o stay pobyt w U.S.A. dla czlonków najblizszej rodziny
Bedziesz mógl sie ubiegac o wszystkie prace nawet federalne
Bedziesz miec prowo do Glosowania

Aby móc wypelnic konieczna aplikacje, prosze miec nastepujace informacje i dokumenty:

Karte Stalego Pobytu (Zielona Karta) przez przynajmniej 5 lat
Karte Stalego Pobytu (Zielona Karta) przez przynajmniej 3 latjesli jestes w zwiazku malzenskim z obywatelem U.S.A.)
Nalezy przyniesc Karte Stalego Pobytu, Karte Social Security, Drivers License albo ID
Liste podrózy poza granice U.S.A. od otrzymania Zielonej Karty, dokladnymi datami wyjazdów i powrotów
Liste miejc zamieszkania i zatrudnienia w ostatnich 5 latach
Informacje o wspólmalzonkach: imie I nazwisko, data urodzenia, # Social Sec. numer Zielonej Karty albo date i miejce przyjecia obywatelstwa
Informacje o wszystkich dzieciach: ich imiona, nazwiska, miejsca zamieszkania, daty urodzenia, numery Zielonych Kart jesli maja
Jezeli jestes w zwiazku malzenskim, date slubu
Jesli byles w zwiazkach malzenskich, daty twoich i wspólmalzonka slubów i rozwodów i powód rozstania sie np. rozwód lub zgon.
Jesli dotyczy, informacje o aresztowaniach: powód, daty, miejsce i rozporzadzenie sadowe
Mezczyzni którzy wkjechali do U.S.A pomiedzy ich 18-26 rokiem zycia: numer i date rejestracji do wojska Selective Service, (847) 688-6888 zadzwon jesli nie masz
Money order na sume $680.00 wypisana na U.S.C.I.S.

PAA Monthly Newsletter - April 2012

PAA MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

April 2012

Programs/Staff News

New American Initiative Program invites all eligible Permanent Residents to a FREE CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP on Saturday, April 21. The workshop will take place at the Copernius Foundation. Registration will be held from 9-10:30 am. For an updated information go to www.polish.org or call Grazyna, Basia Lacz or Teresa.

The Career Center is organizing TWO events in April . First seminar on How to Start a Business will take place on Tuesday April 17 at 6 pm at the Copernicus Foundation Center. The presentation will cover the following topics: choosing the best business, writing a business plan, applying for a business license and financing options. The second session is organized together with Triton College and it will take place on Tuesday, April 24 from 6:30 to 8 pm at Triton College in River Grove. Event attendees will be able to learn about the American education system, meet representatives from two-year and four- year colleges and tour Triton College. Registration is required. Please call Bianka for more information.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday and Sto lat to all who are having their birthday in the month of April:

Angelika Danek, Dorota Felinska, Barbara Lacz, Zbigniew Pienkowski, Malgorzata Popek, Helena Torres, Edyta Wojno, Mirella Wolak, Magdalena Zakrzewska, Krystyna Znorko -Best Birthday Wishes to you!

From Gary’s Desk

Wow, what an end to the so called winter we had! In all my life here in Chicago, I cannot ever remember a winter ending with temperatures so warm. We continue watching the state budgeting season very carefully as the legislature is now facing a deadline with budget issues as well. To stay informed on how the state budget is developing (which more then likely will have an impact on us) you can visit:
http://www.illinoispartners.org/sites/default/files/The_FY13_Budget_Must_Protect_Illinois_People_and_Economy_FINAL.pdf

The next report is rather lengthy but can be viewed online and is accessible by the following link:
http://www.illinoispartners.org/sites/default/files/IPHS_Private_Impact_Public_Cuts_Full_FINAL.pdf

From time to time there are conference calls available for you to participate in to be more knowledgeable on the issues that impact PAA and those we serve. Just let me know if you are interested in learning more on these calls and we will notify you when they are scheduled by the Illinois Partners for Human Services. Stay informed. And have a healthy and productive month.

Development News

This year’s Chairman’s Brunch is fast approaching. It will be held on April 22 at the Elysian Hotel and our honored guest speaker is Victor Ashe, a former USA Ambassador in Poland. The Legion of Young Polish Women will be presented with the Solidarity Award for Lifetime Giving. Please help us sell out this event! The tickets are $500 per person and the invitations are available. Please see Basia Sobecka if you need one.

In celebration of our 90th year as a human service agency we turned to our friends and supporters for their inspiration and help. We have asked Polish professionals and entrepreneurs, as well as community organizations to contribute $90 in lieu of our 90th anniversary and share their stories with us. The campaign relates to the time of the organization’s inception in 1922, when Polish businessman and community leaders came together for the resolution of emerging problems and support of common good. Reaching out to the addressees of our campaign has been very rewarding. So far we have received over $2,000 in donations and several more are forthcoming. In addition, the campaign reassures us of the longstanding commitment of the community. Please see Ela Zaworska for more information on this effort.

Reminders & Other

Please note the the most current copy of PAA letterhead can be found on the shared drive in the Development Team folder. Please check it out.

Day off: April 6–Good Friday

Happy Easter and Happy Spring!

Be inspired
Every spring is the only spring - a perpetual astonishment. (Ellis Peters)

Chairman's Brunch 2012 Tickets

You can buy tickets for the Polish American Association Chairman's Brunch over the Internet using your credit card.

Price for a single ticket is $500

A Big Thank You to Everyone for Making our Gala 2011 a Success!

As you know this past Saturday, November 12, 2011 the Polish American Association held its Annual Gala at The CAFÉ LA CAVE.in Des Plaines. It was the beginning of the PAA’s 90th anniversary celebration and also a chance for us to honor John J. Pikarski, Jr. with the Presidential Award. The principal of the land use and real estate tax law firm of Gordon and Pikarski, Mr. Pikarski was recognized for his long standing commitment and generous contributions to PAA, in addition to the many other charitable causes that he and his family support in Chicago and the Polish American community. All the tickets for our 2011 Annual Gala honoring John J. Pikarski Jr. were sold. Master of Ceremonies was Charlie Wojciechowski from NBC5 and the Marc Anthony Orchestra provided our entertainment as we celebrated the occasion.

The Banquet Hall was filled with many distinguished guests: Judges Diann Marsalek, Frank Gembala, Bettina Gembala, Appellate Court Justice AureliaPucinski, DuPage County Board Member Don Puchalski, Deputy Consul General Rusiecki, Illinois State Bar Association Board of Governors Member Jessica O'Brien, Incoming Advocate's Society President Regina Rathnau, Alderman John Arena, State Representative Toni Berrios, Cook County Assessor and Auxilliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Chicago Andrzej Wypych.

Chairman of the PAA’s Board, Conrad Nowak said: "I am very pleased that so many of our community's business, political, and professional leaders came together to show their support for our organization. It is a testimonial to the PAA's unbridled mission of helping those in need for nearly 90 years - a truly significant accomplishment by any standards. We have every intention to grow strong and keep making a positive impact in the community for at least 90 more, and beyond."

Join the link to the Gala pictures - click HERE.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped to make this event a fantastic success. First we would like to thank our Sponsors:

Quantum Foods
Archdiocese of Chicago
Hinshaw & Culbertson, LLP
Jewel-Osco
Legion of Young Polish Women
Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union
PNC Bank
BIR Training Center
Cukierski & Kowal, L.L.C.
FRAGOMEN
Fred Leya, M. D.
MBB Enterprises of Chicago, INC.
Leo Niemiec
Dr. Mark Sobor - SOMA Medical Clinic

The PAA is also grateful for the generosity of the OAK MILL BAKERY for donating trays of delicious sweets, JEWEL – OSCO for the beautiful center pieces and PNC Bank for the Belgium chocolate party favors.We would like to thank those of you who sponsored tables as well as everyone who purchased tickets. We would like to thank those of you who contributed by attending, and everyone who purchased ad space in our Gala Program Book. We would additionally like to thank the people and organizations that very generously donated items for our Silent Auction and the wine for the Wine Pull. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone else involved for their contribution and support in preparation for this event.

The Annual Gala is PAA’s largest fundraising event of the year. All proceeds benefit the organization’s 28 programs and the more than 3,000 clients who seek our help each month. Because of your generosity we can continue our mission to provide Resources for Changing Lives. There is much more to accomplish for those we serve and we simply cannot do it without you.

We hope to see you next year.

PAA 2011 Annual Gala Sponsors

Thank you for sponsoring our 2011 Gala -- the Polish American Association's premier fundraising event. Together we will ensure that the hopes and dreams of PAA clients are fulfilled. There is much more to accomplish for those we serve and we simply cannot do it without you!

Platinum Sponsor
Quantum Foods

Gold Sponsors
Archdiocese of Chicago
Hinshaw&Culbertson LLP
Jewel-Osco
Legion of Young Polish Women
PNC Bank
Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union
Silver Sponsors
BIR Training Center
Cukierski&Kowal, LLC.
Fragomen
MBB Enterprises of Chicago, INC.
Fred Leya, M.D.
Leo Niemiec
Dr. Mark Sobor

SPECIAL THANKS

The Polish American Association is grateful for the generosity of the following businesses.

INTEGRA COMMUNICATIONS For the design of our invitations
JEWEL – OSCO For our table centerpieces
OAK MILL BAKERY For our sweet table
PNC For our chocolate party favors

2011 Annual Gala Honoree

HONORING JOHN J. PIKARSKI, JR.

Mr. Pikarski is being recognized for his long standing commitment and generous contributions to the Polish American Association, in addition to the many other charitable causes that he and his family support in Chicago and the Polish American community.

John J. Pikarski, Jr. is the principal and was the founding co-partner of the law firm of Gordon & Pikarski which limits its practice to zoning, real estate taxation, condemnation and related real estate matters. He has made thousands of appearances before local governmental bodies across Illinois and his council has earned billions of dollars in real estate development throughout the state.

Mr. Pikarski has served as Board Chairman of the Polish Welfare Association (now Polish American Association), Secretary Treasurer of the National Advocates Society, (the National Association of Attorneys of Polish Heritage) and Co-Chair of the National Polish American/Jewish American Council. He received the Cavaliers Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland. President Clinton appointed him to the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and the United States Commission on the Preservation of America’s Heritage Aboard. John Pikarski has been a member of several Presidential & Vice Presidential delegations. He is a consultant to the Democratic National Committee and has been active in many presidential and local political campaigns. Mr. Pikarski was appointed to the Chicago Plan Commission and is the former Chairman of the Cook County Board of Ethics.

John J. Pikarski, Jr. is a life long resident of the City of Chicago. He received his Doctorate in Law from Illinois Institute of Technology-Chicago Kent College of Law in 1969. He is married to Sandra Sliwinski and they have 4 children and 9 grandchildren. He is joined in his law practice by a daughter, two sons and a son-in-law.

Tickets for 2011 Annual Gala

Buy tickets for PAA Annual Gala online - using credit card or Pay Pal.

Important!

During the purchase please let us know what is your preferred entrée:

Filet Mignon
Salmon
Vegetarian

Write a little note during the second step of transaction on PayPal interface.
You can click hereto see the brief instruction.

Single ticket: $165

Table of 10: $1500

Lyczko Scholarship

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Felix Lyczko, passionate about the joys and advantages of a college education was determined to make a difference in the lives of young Poles who, for lack of finances are unable to attend college. His brother Charles died while an Air Force pilot in WWII and his son Gene in an auto accident and were unable to attend college. Deeply saddened by the untimely early deaths of both his brother and son, Felix established the Lyczko Scholarship Fund.

Felix Lyczko and his son Gene

Mr. Felix Lyczko (left) with his son Gene - (1984)

The POLISH AMERICAN ASSOCIATION offers financial assistance to college students of Polish descent. Scholarships are awarded annually. The scholarships can be used at any accredited college or university.

How are students selected?

Students are selected on the following basis:

Scholastic Aptitude and Performance (ACT score and grades)
Financial Need
Career Aspirations
Extra Curricular Activities
Participation in Polish Community Activities

Please note: Applications are now being accepted for 2013/2014 academic year.

DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION HERE (Adobe Acrobat is required)

Only one scholarship will be awarded per family.

All information provided will be held strictly confidential.

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED BY DECEMBER 15, 2013 and include a current FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Completed Application should be sent to:

POLISH AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
Attn: LYCZKO SCHOLARSHIP
3834 N. Cicero Ave.
Chicago, IL 60641

PAA Annual Gala 2011

The Polish American Association will be hosting its
Annual Gala
on November 12, 2011
at Café La Cave in Des Plaines.
The 2011 Presidential Award will be presented to
John J. Pikarski, Jr.
Past President and Honorary Director of the PAA Board.
MC: Charlie Wojciechowski, NBC5

R.S.V.P.

JOIN US AS A SPONSOR

The Annual Gala is supported by over 300 political and corporate leaders and individuals who believe in our mission of service to the Polish community. This year state funding has been substantially reduced, which makes your support even more critical this year.

Please read (click HERE - Adobe Acrobat required) the enclosed sponsorship information. Your sponsorship will allow us to continue to feed the hungry that come to our food pantry, counsel the abused, and offer job training and placement, educational opportunities, alcohol counseling and immigration and language classes to those in need in the Polish community.

There are various levels of sponsorship which we hope you will consider. You will be acknowledged in our Program Book which is seen by over 500 people. Please complete and return the form (click HERE to download the form - Adobe Acrobat required) by September 30, 2011, or contact us at 773-427-6307 or via email at Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript. if you have any questions. Since 1922 Polish American Association continues to be the only social service agency that has specifically served the Polish community, the second largest ethnic group in Chicagoland. More than 13,000 clients a year are helped through our 28 programs in the areas of education, employment, immigration and social services.

On behalf of the 13,000 clients served by Polish American Association, thank you for your time and consideration. YOUR SUPPORT IS CRUCIAL TO THEM!

HONORING JOHN J. PIKARSKI, JR.

Mr. Pikarski is being recognized for his long standing commitment and generous contributions to the PAA, in addition to the many other charitable causes that he and his family support in Chicago and the Polish American community.

John J. Pikarski, Jr. is the principal and was the founding co-partner of the law firm of Gordon & Pikarski which limits its practice to zoning, real estate taxation, condemnation and related real estate matters. He has made thousands of appearances before local governmental bodies across Illinois and his council has earned billions of dollars in real estate development throughout the state.

Thank you very much for your donation of items for the Gala Silent Auction & Grand Raffle.

Your support is much appreciated. We know that we can rely on dear friends like you.

Items	Donors
Sport
Baseball autographed by former Cubs player Ron Santo	Chicago Cubs chicago.cubs.mlb.com
Four box seats to Cubs game April or May 2012
Baseball autographed by Cubs manager Mike Quade
Baseball autographed by former Cubs Player and Hall of Famer, Ryne Sandberg
For Kids
Xbox Kinect	Cyntia Piech
Cultural & Art
Two tickets for the concert by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra	Mr. & Mrs. Arie Zweig
One Night accommodations in an Executive Suite & Breakfast for two	Elysian Hotels www.elysianhotels.com
Complimentary Two Night Stay in a Deluxe Suite	The Seneca Hotel & Suites www.senecahotel.com
Renaissance Blackstone HotelComplimentary two night stay in a deluxe suite and dinner for two at Mercat!	Marriott www.blackstonerenaissance.com
Two tickets to a performance of the production in Northlight Theatre’s 2011-2012 season	Northlight Theatre northlight.org
Preview nigth tickets at the Goodman Theatre	Goodman Theatre goodmantheatre.org
Complimentary 2 tickets at the Royal George Theatre for Late Night Catechism	Nuns for Fun Entertainment www.nuns4fun.com
One year membership Plus level to the Art Institute of Chicago	Art Institute of Chicago www.artic.edu/aic
General Admission tickets to the Shedd Aquarium	Shedd Aquarium www.sheddaquarium.org
Family or Baby Session, Family or Baby Session with 16x20 Gallery Canvas, The Baby Plan	Roger Beck Portraits www.rogerbeckportraits.com
Family or Baby Session
The Baby Plan
Dinner for 2 at Carmines	Carmines www.carminesnyc.com
Food & Beverage
French Pastry School demonstration experience for four people along with	French Pastry School www.frenchpastryschool.com
Pastry/baking items	William Sonoma
Two certificates to an 8 bottle wine tasting for up to 15 people with private wine consultant for 2 hours	PRP Wine International, Inc. prpwine.com
Wine tastings for you and 9 friends at four locations in the western suburbs: Lynfred Winery-Roselle, Lynfred Winery-Wheeling, Tasting deVine-Wheaton, Tasting deVine-Naperville	Lynfred Winery www.lynfredwinery.com
5 course tasting menu for 4 with wine pairings athe the Northshore's best fine dining seafood restaurant	Oceanique www.oceanique.com
Gift certificates and 12 steak knives 3 Great Steaks Gift Cards and 3 sets of 4 steak knives	Great Steaks/Edward Bleka www.greatsteaks.com
Jewerly
Jewelry: ID bracelet 10K gold crucifix	Elaine Beatovic
Telcom
Collection of the latest cellular phones, headsets or other "telecom" items from AT&T	Adam Kamieniak
Spa, Health & Wellness
3 month membership and $50 gift certificate to Maxwells	East Bank Club eastbankclub.com
Vitalized Peel, Acne Laser Treatment, and Photofacial	Dr. & Mrs. Gregory Turowski drturowski.com
Photofacial	Dr. & Mrs. Gregory Turowski drturowski.com
Consultation with Teddie cut & color with Zack choice of facial or massage	Teddie Kossof
50 minute massage, 50 minute facial, and Visa skin analysis	Essence Med Spa essencechicago.com
Collection of eco- friendly "green" bags, purses, carry-alls	Kerri Diblik Kerri My Bags facebook.com/kerrimybags
Experiences
Sailing trip aboard a 46 foot yacht	Romuald Poplawski Private Yacht Trip
Private Chef's dinner at your home for four people with Chef Thomas Rybinski	Thomas Rybinski Private Chef's Dinner
Private Cooking Classs for 6 with Chef Michael Niksic (a.k.a. The Food Mercenary)	Michael Niksic The Food Mercenary thefoodmercenary.com

Add your company or product to this list - call Barb at 773-427-6307 today!

Grand Kickoff Gala 2011

Pictures from the event

“If there ever is a time when we reach out to help the people, now it is the time to do it”, stated Congressman Mike Quigley from the 5th Congressional District of Illinois, at the July 10 fundraiser of the Polish American Association. “Now, more than ever throughout the years, the need to help out the people is the greatest”, he urged the friends and supporters of the Polish American Association gathered at the fundraiser. This informal meeting at the residence of the PAA board member, Michael Traison, was not only a kickoff of our preparations for the largest fundraiser of the year, November 12 Gala, but a launch of an important public awareness campaign. Gary Kenzer, Executive Director of the PAA, noted “We cannot continue to push off supporting organizations like Polish American Association”. With decreased federal and state funding, our agency ability to raise funds is essential now more then ever.

“We have had enough disproportional cuts to human services”, acknowledged Suzanne Franklin, Director of Community Programs, Planning and Development from the Jewish Child & Family Services of Chicago. She encouraged Polonia to charity giving and creating endowment funds, which in a time of crisis would secure the provision of the PAA programs and services.

“We need the community support. It does not just happen; It takes people”, observed Michael Traison, the generous host of the meeting and long-term supporter of the organization.

The Polish American Association thanks all the friends and supporters participating in this fundraiser. We look forward to seeing you at the Gala on November 12, 2011 at Café la Cave in Des Plaines.

P o l i s h A m e r i c a n A s s o c i a t i o n

Resources for Changing Lives

Ostrzeżenie

Uwaga

Early Voting and In-Person Registration

Wczesne Głosowanie i Osobista Rejestracja (wersja polska poniżej)

Wczesne Głosowanie i Osobista Rejestracja

A note from the Executive Director

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Program News

Finance Department News

Development News

Ice Skating Day

Paczki Day

The Link- Newsletter

International Women’s Day ONA

President of Poland to Visit Chicago

South Side Events

Reminders & Other

A note from the Executive Director

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Program News

Finance Department News

Reminders & Other

A note from the Executive Director

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Program News

Finance Department News

IT Department News

Development News

Reminders & Other

A note from the Executive Director

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Program News

Finance Department News

Employment and Education News

Development News

Reminders & Other

A note from the Executive Director

Enjoy the summer.

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Program News

Education and Employment News

Social Services

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Reminders & Other

Flyers:

A note from the Executive Director

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

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Development News

Reminders & Other

A note from the Executive Director

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Program News

Development News

Reminders & Other

A note from the Executive Director

HR Update

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Program News

Development News

Reminders & Other

A note from the Executive Director

HR Update

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Program News

Development News

Reminders & Other

A note from the Executive Director

HR Update

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Program News

Development News

Reminders & Other

HR Update

Staff Birthdates and Anniversaries

Program News

Development News