People’s Resource Center’s (PRC) Director of Operations, Linda Cheatham, is celebrating her 25th anniversary as an employee of the DuPage non-profit. She was the second employee hired onto the PRC staff when she was hired in 1995 as the Associate Director, working with Executive Director Mary Ellen Durbin.
In 25 years, Linda has witnessed tremendous growth and impact of PRC. She recalls, “When I started there were 2 employees, the operating budget was $250,000, cash on hand was $50,000 and there were probably 200 volunteers. We had one location in Wheaton on Roosevelt Road that we shared with the DuPage Community Clinic. We delivered boxes of food via a conveyor belt from the basement and had a clothes closet. “
At that point, PRC’s day to day activities were handled by Mary Ellen, Linda and a few volunteers. Linda took over business functions, such as finance, accounting, human resources, business insurance, risk management, etc., - operations she still manages today.
Former PRC Board President, Henry J. Davis, Jr., described Linda’s leadership ability, “Linda has a can-do spirit no matter what comes her way. Through the years Linda has always brought a great perspective, and focused on teamwork with staff and volunteers to serve the DuPage community.”
Linda is proud of the organization’s reach and impact. “Now PRC has nearly 50 employees, an operating budget of over $4M, nearly $10M in assets and close to 2700 volunteers. We operate out of 3 owned buildings and over 30 partner sites!!”
PRC Executive Director Jeni Fabian congratulates Linda on the milestone. “It’s not often we get to recognize such an amazing milestone! Linda’s leadership has helped us grow and continue to respond to the changing local needs. On behalf of the entire PRC community, congratulations on 25 amazing years!”
Linda and her husband Ken reside in Oak Park along with two of their four sons and their rescue dog, Archie.
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ABOUT PRC: For 45 years, PRC has greeted neighbors from all walks of life with dignity, respect and compassion. With a team of over 2,700 volunteers, PRC responds to basic human needs to create a future of hope and opportunity for DuPage residents. PRC offers basic needs assistance, educational programs and personalized services to meet people where they are, and provide tools needed for success. To learn more about how PRC makes a difference, visit www.peoplesrc.org.