December 20, 2025
Action Ridge General Meeting
DATE: 12/10/2025
SUBJECT: Holiday Social Event and Presentation by Northwest Compass Social Service Agency
LOCATION: Park Ridge Community Church—100 Courtland Ave. Park Ridge
TIME: The meeting was called to order at 7:15.
ATTENDING: 16 people attended. Kate Kerin, Membership Chair, has the names and email addresses for all attendees.
AGENDA ITEMS AND DISCUSSION
1. Nan Parson introduced the speakers, Director Sonia Ivanov and Alison Pittas (Grant Writer) for Northwest Compass and Wayne Lofthouse, a member of the board. We are grateful to Action Ridge member, Pat Lofthouse, for recommending that Northwest Compass join us to share details about their programs.
2. Sonia and Alison used a slide presentation to explain the history of the agency. It has been in the community for over 40years and provides concrete services for those without homes, who are having a housing crisis or another crisis. Their primary goal is to support clients with wraparound services to create a sustainable future.
3. NC receives various State & Federal funds but is not a homeless shelter; so funding sources are limited. They serve a large area--all the Northwest suburbs in Cook County which covers 14 townships.
4. Alison & Sonia explained that services are provided to individuals and families to prevent crisis. They provide a food pantry. The Action Ridge group brought food donations and toys for families with children. Other programs include Helping Hands, HYPE(Helping Youth on a Path to Empowerment) and Street Outreach. The group is also working toward policy change by advocating for affordable housing. There are 20 case workers who focus on helping about 10 clients, each.
5. Volunteers can work at the office, the food pantry and be on the board. Monetary donations are always welcome on an individual basis as well as through partnering with larger organizations, such as civic groups and faith communities.
6. Occasional events are open to the public, such as making Gingerbread Houses this Friday. For more details and to find out about upcoming events, check the website at northwestcompass.org.
7. During the last hour of the meeting, the group socialized and enjoyed sweet treats provided by the guests. Santa made a surprise visit, too.
8. Liz Swanson, Vice-Chair of Action Ridgel, announced that beginning in March, meetings will take place on the third Wednesday of the month, rather than the second Wednesday.
9. The Action Ridge Annual meeting, which will be open to all interested parties, will take place on January 14th at 7:00 pm at The Community Church.
10. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Liz Swanson and Nan Parson