Drendel's Connect

10/29/2026

Community Spotlight: Home of the Sparrow 🏡

Every family deserves a safe place to land.

Here in McHenry County, Home of The Sparrow, Inc. walks alongside women and children facing homelessness, helping them move from crisis to a safe, stable home and a fresh start.

💛 Give
🤝 Volunteer
📦 Donate items they need

Visit their page to see how you can help a local family find their way home.

Connecting People. Building Community.

10/27/2026

🌳 Five Years of Making a Difference! 💐

Congratulations to Vickie on being recognized for five wonderful years of volunteering at Main Stay Therapeutic Farm, Inc.!

What makes this photo even more special is the beautiful tree mural behind her, featuring the poem The Roots of Main Stay. The poem honors founders Sara and Rusty and reminds us how one vision, planted with love and dedication, can grow into something that touches so many lives.

Just like the roots of a tree, volunteers like Vickie help keep that mission growing strong. 💚

Thank you, Vickie, for five years of giving your time, sharing your kindness, and making a difference in the lives of others. What a wonderful milestone to celebrate!

10/26/2026

Congratulations to all the women attending this event and making it so successful!!!

It was never just one night. 🖤

Little Black Dress 2026 raised $125,842 — the most ever raised at Little Black Dress — but the story behind that number is really a story about relationships.

For Jen, five years of conversations, connections, sponsors, volunteers, donors, guests, businesses, and community partners all came together in one incredible room.

And this Event Committee is one beautiful example of that Ripple Effect — women who gave their time, ideas, energy, and heart to help bring Little Black Dress to life.

One relationship leads to another. One person says yes. One connection grows into something bigger. And the impact continues long after the night itself is over.

Read Jen’s reflection here:
https://casamchenrycounty.org/october2026blog/

10/26/2026

Community Spotlight: Independence Health & Therapy 💙

"We don't just care for people, we care about them."

Right here in Woodstock, Independence Health & Therapy cares for the whole person: body, mind, and heart. Their programs support McHenry County neighbors and the families who love them:

🧠 Memory Care Day Program for adults living with dementia and Alzheimer's
💬 Behavioral health and psychiatry for anxiety, depression, grief and trauma
🤝 Support and coaching for family caregivers
🚐 Door-to-door transportation, so getting there is never a barrier

If you're caring for a parent, a spouse, or yourself, you don't have to figure it out alone.

📞 (815) 338-3590

Want to help? They welcome volunteers and donations. Visit their website to learn more.

Connecting People. Building Community.

10/20/2026

Community Spotlight: The Salvation Army of McHenry County 🎄

From its home base in Crystal Lake, The Salvation Army Crystal Lake Church of McHenry County serves neighbors across McHenry County with food assistance, community programs, worship services, and disaster relief.

And with Christmas around the corner, it's Angel Tree season! 👼

Every child deserves to experience the joy of Christmas morning. Angel Tree provides Christmas gifts for children ages 16 and under from eligible low-income families.

🏠 Need a little help with Christmas gifts this year?
• Apply online by November 21: saangeltree.org
• Or register in person on Tuesday, November 4, 8:30 a.m. to noon, at The Salvation Army, 290 W. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake

🎁 Want to help? Adopt an Angel, donate, volunteer, or sign up to ring a bell.

Please share to help local families! Visit The Salvation Army of McHenry County's page for the list of required documents.

Connecting People. Building Community.

10/16/2026

Looking for a way to give back this fall? Here are five easy ways to support the nonprofits that make McHenry County stronger:

1. Follow and share their pages. It costs nothing and helps more people find them.
2. Volunteer a few hours.
3. Donate items from a wish list.
4. Show up at a local event.
5. Give. Every gift, big or small, stays close to home.

Which organization will you support this season? Tell us in the comments!

10/12/2026

🎶 Family fun just hit a high note: SINGO at the Farm is back! 🐴

Join our friends at Main Stay Therapeutic Farm, Inc. for a night of SINGO, a mix of bingo and music that's fun for all ages. You'll also have a chance to win raffle baskets!

📅 Friday, October 23, 6–9 PM
📍 Main Stay Farm, 6919 Keystone Rd., Richmond
🎟️ $25/person or 4 tickets for $85
🍔 Dinner, drinks and treats available for purchase from MJ's Coffee Bar Food Truck

Every ticket supports Main Stay's Rider Assistance Fund, so no rider has to give up adaptive riding because of financial hardship. 💙

Get your tickets: mainstayfarm.org/singo
Local businesses: sponsorship options are on the ticket form!

Connecting People. Building Community

10/06/2026

This fall, Drendel's Connect is shining a light on the nonprofits that make McHenry County stronger.

Over the next two months, we'll introduce you to organizations serving veterans, families, women and children, and neighbors going through hard times, and share ways you can get involved.

Meet the lineup:
• The Salvation Army Crystal Lake Church of McHenry County
• Home of The Sparrow, Inc.
• NAMI of McHenry County
• Independence Health & Therapy
• Main Stay Therapeutic Farm, Inc.
• Huntley American Legion Post 673 - Auxiliary - SAL

Follow along, share with a friend, and find the place where you fit.

Connecting People. Building Community.

10/05/2026

Community Spotlight: NAMI of McHenry County💚

A major milestone for our community: NAMI McHenry County's Living Room is now open 24/7/365, including holidays.

The Living Room is a calm, welcoming space for adults experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis, staffed by trained peers who've been there.

✔️ Walk-in alternative to the ER
✔️ Free and confidential
✔️ Adults 18+
📍 338 Memorial Drive, Crystal Lake

Just show up and ring the doorbell.

This Mental Illness Awareness Week (Oct 4–10), remember: one in five U.S. adults experiences a mental illness each year, and no one should face it alone. Share this post so someone who needs it knows this door is always open.

In crisis? Call or text 988 any time.

09/30/2026

What a beautiful Sunday at the McHenry County Farm Bureau Farm Stroll! 🐎🇺🇸

Jim and Vickie Drendel spent the day with Operation Wild Horse - Veterans R&R, and it was wonderful to see so many families come out. People filled the bleachers, watched the horses work in the arena, visited local vendors, and enjoyed great food under the trees.

This year, Operation Wild Horse celebrates 10 years of serving veterans, and it has been 50 years since the Polanek family built this facility. Vickie (Polanek) Drendel grew up here, and it meant so much to share her family's story with everyone who stopped by.

Thank you to Operation Wild Horse, their volunteers, and everyone who came out to support them. This is what community looks like!