Our Mission
Glen Ellyn Children's Resource Center (GECRC) offers out-of-school programming that empowers under-resourced K-12 students to meet state and local standards for academic and social-emotional learning; involves students in activities that enrich learning; and connects families to schools and other resources necessary to support student success and well-being. GECRC programs make space where students, their parents, educators, and community members can develop mutually enriching relationships that support and inspire learning and growth.
Our Pillars
Mutually Empowering
To be mutually empowering is to be relational and pursue mutual benefit. We are inherently relational. We acknowledge the beauty of mutually beneficial relationships in which all parties grow and gain power through our interactions with each other.
Resourceful
To be resourceful is to be dynamic and adaptable in our approach to service. We are resourceful. We seek to dynamically adapt to the needs of our students and their families as we support their enrichment and connect them to additional community resources.
Advocates
To be an advocate is to be caring, helpful, supportive and invested. We are advocates. We are deeply invested in those we serve and advocate for students and families out of a holistic care for their wellbeing.
Our History
The Glen Ellyn Community Resource Center opened in April 2002 with the support of the county-run DuPage Prevention Partnership and initially served children residing at Parkside Apartment Complex. In the fall of 2003, we moved to a classroom space offered by Faith Lutheran Church of Glen Ellyn and became a 501c(3) nonprofit corporation in order to better serve the greater Glen Ellyn community.
In 2006, we opened an after school program site at D41 Abraham Lincoln Elementary School as the Glen Ellyn Children’s Resource Center (GECRC). In the 2013-2014 school year, we began serving additional D41 students at Hadley Junior High and expanded again in 2016 to Churchill Elementary. Our first program in CCSD89 Glen Crest Middle School opened in 2020, and our most recent program opened in CCSD89 at Park View Elementary in fall of 2023. We are currently among the area’s most active nonprofits, supporting a growing number of low-income children attain core literacy and social-emotional skills; assist ELL (English Language Learner) students as they integrate into the community; and assist parents/caregivers in providing educational support for their children.
Staff
Leah Harding, LCSW Executive Director
For questions about programming, contact:
lharding@gecrc.com | 630-479-9920
For bio, click here.
Gayle Rueter Administrative Assistant
Lisa Hepner, MSW Director of Program and Volunteers
For bio, click here.
Polly Cooper Volunteer Coordinator and Program Coordinator: Glen Crest Middle School
volunteer@gecrc.com | 630-534-
For bio, click here.
Cho Pyone Burmese Translator
Karla Kampen Program Coordinator: Churchill Elementary
kkampen@gecrc.com | 630-479-9919
For bio, click here.
Gillian Wang Classroom Coordinator: Churchill Elementary
Hamna Khan Classroom Aide: Churchill Elementary
Ayesha Khan Classroom Aide: Churchill Elementary
Lizzy Doty Program Coordinator: Park View Elementary School
edoty@gecrc.com | District 89 email gecrc@ccsd89.org | 630-984-0381
For bio, click here.
Mayra Kulik Classroom Coordinator: Hadley Junior High
Angelli Dorado Classroom Coordinator: Churchill Elementary
John McMahon Classroom Aide: Lincoln Elementary
Daniela Heupel Classroom Coordinator: Churchill Elementary
Stephanie Chávez Classroom Coordinator: Churchill Elementary
Executive Board Members
- Celia Rodee
- Board President
Retired Executive Director JPMorgan Chase - Judy Cheney
- Board Vice President
Retired Professional and Community Member - Cleo Burtis
- Board Secretary
Community Member - Kim Laubinger
- Treasurer
Chief Operating Officer, Laubinger and Associates, LLC. - Rebecca DePorter
- Director of Human Resources, CenterPoint Properties
- Becky Gasaway
- School Psychologist CUSD 200
- Penny Linneweh
- Retired professional, Linneweh Ltd
- Erica Nelson
- Business Leader Faculty Member, Lake Forest Graduate School
- Janis Pfister
- Retired Literacy Coach, Glen Ellyn D41
- Evelyn Rodriguez
- Vice President/Branch Manager of Glen Ellyn Bank & Trust
- Alan Taylor
- Marketing and Communications Manager, Ray Graham Association
- Catherine Voigt
- Grant Writer, Nonprofit Consultant
- Bob Wahlgren*
- Banker, Humanitarian
- Karen Winter
- Administrator, Wheaton Yamaha Music School
*Remembered
Anti-discrimination/DEI Policy
Glen Ellyn Children’s Resource Center (GECRC) does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. GECRC is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take measures to ensure against discrimination. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and termination of staff, selection of volunteers, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, board, students and families, volunteers, and community partners. Reporting discrimination or non-compliance to this policy on any grounds is welcome and encouraged and should be done so to the human resources board representative.
Diversity and Inclusion Practices
We are committed to creating an equitable workplace where diverse life experiences are respected and valued. Glen Ellyn Children’s Resource Center (GECRC) sees diversity and inclusion as paramount to the mission of our organization. GECRC provides compensation and promotion to all employees regardless of nationality, race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, physical ability, or medical history. Employees are guaranteed equal opportunities throughout their tenure with GECRC.
At GECRC, ‘diversity’ refers to the representation of individuals with differing experiences, perspectives, faiths, beliefs, communities, traditions, and customs. What ‘Inclusion’ means to us is investing in nurturing a sense of belonging across the organization and promoting respect, consideration, and appreciation of members of diverse backgrounds. In order for GECRC’s initiatives to promote both diversity and inclusion, and ensure equal opportunities for our stakeholders, GECRC has taken the following measures:
- Respectful communication and cooperation between all employees
- Teamwork and employee participation; representation of employee perspectives
- Practices and policies on recruitment and selection; compensation; professional development and training; promotions; and terminations
- Provide program documents in multiple languages
- Attendance to any holiday event is voluntary
- Annual employee surveys gather consensus on attitudes around diversity/inclusion
- Leadership training to mitigate biases and increase cultural competency
- Informal discussion opportunities to discuss bias and equity issues
- Recruitment outreach initiatives for more diverse talent pools
All employees of GECRC have a responsibility to treat others with dignity and respect; to exhibit conduct that reflects inclusion during work, at work functions and at all other GECRC sponsored and participative events. All employees will be provided opportunities to participate in diversity awareness training to enhance their knowledge to fulfill this responsibility.
Any employee found to have exhibited any inappropriate conduct or behavior against others may be subject to disciplinary action. Employees who believe they have been subjected to any kind of discrimination that conflicts with the organization’s diversity policy and initiatives should seek assistance from a supervisor or the human resources board representative.
View GECRC's most recent Annual Report to learn more about its program impact, financial information, and community partnerships.
View GECRC's most recent 990 for detailed financial and tax return information.