BUILDING ON A FOUNDATION OF
30 YEARS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE
– A GATEWAY FOR ALL
to Romanian culture, heritage, history, language and traditions
in the Chicago area
Photos above:
Our first Romanian Library & Romanian Village Exhibit opened to public in fall of 2002, on the Romanian-American Network’s seventh anniversary celebration.
VISION 2020
In July of 2020, in the midst of COVID-19 restrictions and widespread shutdowns, we quietly reached a remarkable milestone—25 years of publishing, outreach, and community building through the Romanian-American Network. While the moment deserved a grand celebration, the reality of lockdowns kept us from gathering with the many friends and supporters who had been part of this journey.
Instead, we chose something more intimate—and, in many ways, more meaningful. We came together with a small circle of trusted supporters, sharing stories, reflecting on the past, and looking ahead to what could come next. In that setting, a new idea began to take shape: the vision for a platform and organization even more closely connected to the community it serves.
Guided by decades of experience and strengthened by the relationships we’ve built along the way, we made a deliberate decision—to turn this vision into action, and to channel everything we’ve learned into a higher purpose and even greater achievements.
Together, with the support of our friends and several business leaders from our community, WE PLEDGE TO MAKE THE ROMANIAN HERITAGE CENTER A TRUSTED NAME, a leading organizer and welcoming host for cultural, educational, religious, and social events in the Romanian community of Chicago area, preserving and promoting the Romanian heritage with its rich culture, history, and traditions.
To accomplish our objectives we have always been and will continue to surround ourselves with the finest, most honorable, and most committed professionals – people whom everyone can regard not only as trusted friends, leaders and educators, but as caring members of our community who share a common vision to make a true difference in the American society.
In summer of 1995 my wife and I have dedicated ourselves to building a publishing, communication, and networking organization in our community, primarily promoting at the time the Norwood Park Christian School of Chicago, a Romanian Christian private school known today as Logos Christian Academy in Niles.
We were there from the very start—deeply involved in the school’s early days and supporting its founders as they brought their vision to life. Simona went on to dedicate 23 years to teaching, while I helped shape the school’s voice through marketing and communication during its first 15 years.
Today, her former students have grown into accomplished young professionals, equipped with the knowledge and skills that make us incredibly proud. What encourages us most is seeing many of them step forward, ready to give back—returning to serve the community and contribute in meaningful ways.
There are also many professionals in our community who wish to make themselves available and help our community grow by sharing their knowledge and experience.
WE INVITE YOU ALL to take a close look at this historical project and CONSIDER JOINING US. WITH YOUR HELP we can make this dream a reality!
We thank you for your attention and we look forward to partnering with you in this amazing and truly unique endeavor. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
Steven & Simona Bonica
Founders of Romanian Heritage Center NFP