Pioneer Center for Human Services
History, Purpose and Clients Served

Pioneer Center for Human Services addresses the needs of adults and children with mental illnesses, developmental, or other related disabilities such as TBI (Traumatic Brian Injury). From its beginnings in 1958 as a single day school program, Pioneer, whose service area includes all of McHenry County (Illinois) now helps over 1,327 people annually achieve life goals through programs including: Vocational Training, Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling, Early Intervention, Senior Care, Assisted Living and Residential Services.

Pioneer has operated group homes and other supported living arrangements in McHenry County for more than 25 years and now owns 13 group homes throughout the county. In the group homes clients are provided with a wide variety of supportive services including staff support, intensive case management, linkage to outside services, support with navigation and advocacy, skills training and medication supervision. Supported services in the supported living arrangement program are designed to promote independent life skills, enabling a client to live in the residences of their choice.

Pioneer Center for Human Services’ mission statement is “Expanding Opportunities Through Partnerships” and its mission is to work with children and adults to explore opportunities for personal accomplishment through educational, vocational and community participation. Pioneer’s primary goal is to provide the highest possible quality of services, support and community access to help individuals with disabilities. All levels of service aim to link clients with their communities reinforce their support networks and prevent isolation, with the goal of reducing recidivism.

Our Beginnings

1958 -	The first parent group formed.
1959 -	Incorporation
1967 -	Vocational Training Program services 11 adults
1973 -	First community living facility with 20 beds opens
1974 -	Opened the Birth to Three Program servicing five infants
1982 -	Community Case Management for Mental Illness
1988 -	Supported Employment
1992 -	Initiated Traumatic Brain Injury Services
2003 -	More that 1250 individual program enrollments through Pioneer Center
2006 -	Over 1,327 individuals receive services through Pioneer.
2007 -	McHenry County PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) merges operations with Pioneer.

Pioneer Center for Human Services helps people annually to achieve life goals.
Pioneer Center for Human Services provides choices for people with disabilities and their families.
Pioneer’s beginnings and future rests in the community

Click here to view our list of board members
Visit the Pioneer Center Website