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Blog Post
Happy New Year 2026
As 2025 comes to a close, we reflect with deep gratitude on a year shaped by generosity, shared purpose, and the power of community.
This past year marked a defining chapter in ROCO Chicago’s journey. With your continued trust and support, ROCO strengthened its organizational foundation as an officially recognized non-profit, secured its first institutional grant as a standalone applicant, and significantly expanded its impact across education, culture, youth leadership, and community engagement.
Highlights from 2025:
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ROCO became the first community center in the US certified as a Romanian language competency testing center, in partnership with ILRLE and Babeș-Bolyai University
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Successfully organizing our first official Romanian language certification session in October
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Celebrating community through signature events, including the 3rd Timeless Vibes Festival, 2nd Women's Health Symposium and Ana Banana 5K, and 4th Math Kangaroo Competition
- Joining the Chicago Cultural Alliance as a Core Member, strengthening our presence in Chicago’s multicultural landscape
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Developing a digital Storytelling curriculum database, now accessible to other Romanian diaspora communities
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Implementing Impact Clubs for teens and pre-teens, fostering leadership, service, and civic engagement
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Launching new initiatives such as Discover Romania workshop series, Learn Romanian language program, and a pilot STEM program
These achievements reflect the collective effort of our volunteers, members, partners, donors, and families. Your involvement continues to shape ROCO into a vibrant, forward-looking community center rooted in service, education, and cultural pride.
As we look ahead to 2026, we do so with clarity and confidence—focused on growing our role as a hub for individual and business connections, deepening cultural and educational pathways, expanding youth leaderships initiatives, and strengthening partnerships that allow ROCO to serve our community in sustainable and meaningful ways.
Thank you for being an essential part of ROCO’s mission and impact! We look forward to an inspirational 2026, filled with purpose, and possibility.
With gratitude,
Oana Dobrean-Urzica
Executive Director, ROCO Chicago
Upcoming events
Discover stories, insights, and community highlights at the heart of ROCO Chicago.
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1/15: O seară de armonii și versuri la ROCO, cu ocazia Zilei Culturii Române
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02/09/26 - "Poeți la taifas"with Cenaclul Retro, RSVP link TBA
Become a Member
Every Contribution Counts
Even if you cannot donate financially, spreading the word about our Center and our events, join our Volunteer Team, or sharing our mission on social media also provides immense support. Every action you take helps us achieve our goals.
Donate Now
Your contributions are tax-deductible under ROCO Chicago's 501(c)(3) status and you will receive a donation receipt via email for your records. Your support is an investment in our common legacy, creating opportunities for our youth, and celebrate our shared culture.
Can we count on your generosity today to keep our momentum thriving?
Support our Mission
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Blog Post
ROCO Giving Tuesday 2025
2025 ROCO Giving Tuesday and Year End Campaign!
Empower and Celebrate Romanian Culture in Chicago
Donate
Why Give?
Support ROCO Chicago in our mission to engage, strengthen, and promote the Romanian community through vibrant, inclusive events and programs. Your individual or corporate contributions impact our ongoing initiatives for cultural preservation, professional growth, and community empowerment through education.
That’s why we started ROCO Chicago - to inspire and nurture our shared identity and potential.
We hope you’ll consider supporting this mission on Giving Tuesday. We need you to chip in and raise $15,000 in support of our work. Can we count you in with a gift today?
Every donation counts—no matter the size. Together, we can shape our legacy as a community, providing resources, opportunities, and a sense of belonging for generations to come.
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$50 covers the cost of materials for one session of "Dimineți cu Povești".
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$350 sponsors an educational health symposium.
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$375 sponsors a child’s tuition for an 8-month Romanian language program.
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$500 helps fund our annual Timeless Vibes event.
- $750 covers the cost of training for one evaluator in ROCO'S Romanian language competency testing center
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$1000+ sponsors NEW initiatives and programs in 2026, supporting the vibrant fabric of our community engagements.
Contribute Today
Every Contribution Counts
Even if you cannot donate financially, spreading the word about our campaign, volunteering at our events, or sharing our mission on social media also provides immense support. Every action you take helps us achieve our goals.
Donate Now
Your contributions are tax-deductible under ROCO Chicago's 501(c)(3) status and you will receive a donation receipt via email for your records. Your support is an investment in our common legacy, creating opportunities for our youth, and celebrate our shared culture.
Can we count on your generosity today to keep our momentum thriving?
Support our Mission
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