about us
Our Promise
Our mission: to be an all-encompassing, independent resource for new arrivals and those in need. We are committed to expanding access to essential services, enabling individuals to navigate their new lives with dignity, stability, and a sense of self-sufficiency. Our journey is one of continuous development, always seeking to meet the evolving needs of our community with compassion and understanding.
Since our reorganization in 2019, we have added new services such as ESL classes, assistance in comprehension of and filling out documents, facilitation in expert legal advice on immigration-related documents, US citizenship preparation classes, assistance in job placement, and more. Our association continues to operate as a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization and a proud sponsor association of Selfreliance Federal Credit Union. With the expansion to six locations throughout Chicago, and the neighboring suburbs in Palatine, Wheeling, Palos Park, and Bloomingdale, Selfreliance Association has broadened its reach, ensuring more comprehensive and accessible services. Our dedicated team consists of skilled employees and passionate volunteers, that work to uphold our promise of aiding Ukrainians in need. Our daily work reflects our commitment to being a prominent and reliable resource in the community, for the community. We continue to enhance our ability to provide personalized support and make stronger connections with those we serve.
Voices of the Community
Selfreliance Association was honored at the annual Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights celebration. This prestigious event, dedicated to organizations working with immigrants and refugees in Illinois, recognized our impactful efforts. In a remarkable achievement, our organization was awarded the Unsung Heroes award. This accolade celebrates our unwavering commitment and successful endeavors in assisting Ukrainian arrivals during the ongoing conflict. This recognition is a testament to our dedication and effectiveness in making a real difference in the lives of those we serve.
Our Leadership
John Oharenko
President
Walter Tun
CEO
Roman Yatskovskyy
Vice President Community Outreach
Peter Ilnyckyj
Treasurer
Six locations throughout chicagoland
Selfreliance Association Office
Location Hours:
Monday - Friday | 10AM - 4PM
Saturday | 10AM - 2PM
Location Address:
2456 W. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Selfreliance Federal Credit Union
Location Hours:
Monday - Thursday | 10AM - 4PM
Location Address:
50 W. Dundee Rd, Wheeling, IL 60090
St. Joseph Ukrainian Catholic Church
Location Hours:
Monday - Friday | 10AM - 4PM
Location Address:
5000 N. Cumberland Ave, Chicago, IL 60656
St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral
Location Hours:
Tuesday - Thursday | 10AM - 4PM
Location Address:
300 E. Army Trail Road, Bloomingdale, IL 60108
Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Byzantine Catholic Church
Location Hours:
Monday & Thursday | 10AM - 4PM
Location Address:
116 E. Illinois Ave, Palatine, IL 60067
Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church
Location Hours:
Monday & Wednesday | 10AM - 4PM
Location Address:
8410 W. 131st Street, Palos Park, IL 60464