Pat Ulincy

The benefits derived from volunteering are countless, and one of those benefits is the sense of personal accomplishment that comes from knowing that you have helped someone in need. Pat Ulincy enjoyed the years she spent pursuing her career as an administrative assistant, but since she retired she has discovered a different type of personal satisfaction while dedicating her time to her volunteer work at Catholic Charities. “There is more of a caring atmosphere in the volunteer area,” Ulincy said. “In the corporate world, the direction of energy is focused on acquisition, whereas in volunteer circles, the emphasis is more on people. I am a “people” person, and someone who needs to stay active and involved. I am willing to do anything I can do to help, and feel needed at Catholic Charities. Also, the staff is very considerate. They welcome the volunteers, and really appreciate their dedication and the many of hours of service they give each month.” Ulincy highly recommends Catholic Charities as a place to consider for anyone who is thinking about doing volunteer work.

For more than three years, Ulincy has been devoting at least 20 hours a week to her volunteer work. She is extremely flexible, and her duties include acting as a receptionist, filing, answering phones, helping with research projects, giving out directions and information to visitors, and pitching in wherever an extra pair of hands is needed.

“Pat is amazing,” said Cynthia Gunderson, Department Director. “We don't know what we would do without her.”

Ulincy resides in Rolling Meadows, and enjoys walking and relaxing with a good book. Her husband, Stephen, is deceased, but she enjoys spending time with her family which includes her son, Joe; two daughters, Stephany and Kathleen; and her granddaughter Laila.

Catholic Charities was founded in 1917, and is an organization that is open to people of all denominations. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago provides a full range of services to people in Cook and Lake Counties. In 1992, Northwest Senior Services, located in Arlington Heights, joined Catholic Charities to provide services for older adults in Barrington, Hanover, Palatine and Wheeling townships. The mission of the senior division is based on the foundation of individual worth and dignity, quality of life, self-determination, and personal choice. Among the many benefits available, seniors may receive information and assistance, as well as the services of a professional case manager who will visit their home to assess their physical, emotional, and financial needs, and to develop a plan of care. Assistance with light housekeeping services can also be provided. The Community Care Program serves clients who are more frail and provides services that includes homemaker, adult day care, emergency home response, and money management that enables them to remain at home as long as safely possible. Additional programs also include Red Tape Cutter/Advocate Services, which provides a computer review of benefits which a senior may be eligible for, and assistance with statewide pharmaceutical and Medicare Part D programs.

For information on how you can become involved in volunteering, contact The Volunteer Center of Northwest Suburban Chicago, 847-228-1320, (all ages); the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, 847-228-1006, (adults 55 years of age or better); or check their website www.volunteerinfo.com. A wide variety of volunteer opportunities are available locally for people of all ages, and training is provided.

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