Letter from the Director...
EXCITING NEWS!
During the summer of 2023, the Community Center began renovating the classrooms and common areas located on the first floor of the building. Although the planning phase for these renovations began over 6 years ago, a variety of circumstances, including the COVID-19 pandemic, forced the Community Center to put the building renovations on hold until this past summer. On a positive note, the Center has been able to remain open throughout the renovation work, although the project is taking much longer than originally anticipated. Barring any unexpected circumstances, the Community Center expects the renovations to be completed during the spring of 2024 and plans to host an open house at a future date.
One of the most significant and noteworthy facts about the building renovations is they are being completed without using tax dollars!! The River Forest Community Center is a self-supporting organization that derives its operating budget from program user fees.
Historically, in 1975, the Community Center was incorporated as an Illinois not-for-profit organization with a mission of providing recreational, social, and educational programs for residents of River Forest and surrounding communities. The Community Center CANNOT and DOES NOT tax River Forest residents.
The Community Center continues to experience a variety of post-pandemic-related challenges in its efforts to provide quality programs for participants. As always, the Community Center sincerely appreciates our participants who have remained committed to and shown confidence in our ability to provide quality programs.
Going forward, the Community Center will continue to adapt to circumstances as they are presented and, most importantly, continue to provide quality programs at a reasonable cost.
Additionally, throughout its history, the Community Center has developed a number of partnerships with other community organizations and agencies that benefit residents and program participants and contribute significantly to the overall success of the Community Center, including:
- River Forest School District 90 - shared resources, facilities, and services for residents plus the Blended Preschool program which is available to Village residents as part of the Illinois state-mandated Pre-Kindergarten program.Â
- River Forest Township - shared resources, facilities, and services for the benefit of residents plus joint sponsorship of numerous programs for youth and senior citizens.
- Oak Park/River Forest High School District 200 – shared resources plus hosting the Community Integrated Transition Education (CITE) program for OPRFHS students.
- Opportunity Knocks (OK) – expanded programs at the Community Center
Participants and visitors are encouraged to check out the Center’s website at www.rfcc.info to view our online program brochure and available programs. As always, the Community Center prides itself on offering quality programs at a reasonable cost and sincerely thanks our participants for their continued support. We look forward to seeing you in one of our future programs!
-Dick Chappell, CPRP
Executive Director, RFCC
Our Team
Executive Director
Dick Chappell
Early Childhood Directors
Lia Madonia-Garcia
Sandy Pina (Infant & Toddler)
Karen Byczek-Osuch
Assistant Director
Office Staff
Annette Kessel
Financial Manager
Eva Kessel
Business Office & Administrative Manager
Melva Perez
Administrative Assistant
Early Childhood Staff
Brenda Botello
Katie Brown
Gloria DiNuzzo
Kaitlin Kent
Angela Kremidas
Katie Larson
Leticia Lira (Kruzin Krew)
Yara Luna
Lisa Maloney
Su Perera
Ian Reilly
Liz Sarti
Jean Stumbris
Chris Uchison
Tina Utas
Erica Von Ebers
Building Supervisors
Jose Ochoa
(Rental Coordinator)