Executive Leadership

Meet Our Executive Director, Matt Kostecki

Matt joins the agency from The UMMA Center (Urban Muslim Minority Alliance) in Waukegan, where he has served as the Executive Director for the past five years. Prior to that, he spent 13 years at Pioneer PADS working his way up to the Executive Director position where he served for over 4 years. Matt has maintained strong connections with many service providers to the local homeless population. He holds a Master of Social Work degree from George Williams College of Aurora University, and is currently studying toward a PhD in Leadership Management from Capella University.

A McHenry County native and resident, Matt’s existing network of local professional contacts will allow him to hit the ground running in his new role as the public face of HOS. Board President, Joel Zarnstorff stated, “Matt is excited for the opportunity to bring the experience and talents that he’s developed throughout his career “back home” to serve at-risk populations in our community”. Matt stated, “ I am happy to be back in the Community and to serve those in need.” I look forward to meeting members from the community, volunteers, clients and constituents, my door is open”. Home of the Sparrow is a non-profit that provides Transitional Shelter, housing and case management to homeless women and children. The organization also operates six Sparrow’s Nest Thrift Stores and Donation Centers and operates Community Threads Thrift Store located in Arlington Heights.

Home of the Sparrow Executive Director<br />
Matt Kostecki standing in front of wall painted with the organization's Mission Statement.

Home of the Sparrow Board of Directors Fiscal Year 2025

A Letter From Our Board President

“I am excited to be the President of the Board of Directors for Home of the Sparrow. I pledge to utilize the experience, expertise and passion of our Board Members to serve and support our clients and the staff of Home of the Sparrow. Our diverse Board of Directors wants to serve and contribute to improving the “journey from homelessness to self-sufficiency” of our clients. I have served Home of the Sparrow as both a volunteer and a board member. In my year on the board, I have come to know even more about our dedicated people that run the programs, do the fund raising, maintain our shelter and facilities, run the Sparrow’s Nest stores, and much more. It takes many very talented people to serve over 350 individuals a year in shelters and affordable housing units and run the programs. Our board will be there to support them as they complete their work towards self-sufficiency. I have volunteered and served in many non-profits including the United Way, American Red Cross, Wilderness Volunteers, and the Boy Scouts of America. I feel that service to your own community is important. I have always looked for ways to help organizations in the various communities my family has lived. I feel lucky to have found Home of the Sparrow!”

Bill Koenig

Bill Koenig: President (2nd term 2024-2027)

Chris Christensen: Secretary (2nd term 2024-2027)

Dean Karamagianis: Treasurer (2nd term 2024-2027)

Barbara Webb (2nd term 2024-2027)

Peggy DeVorse (2nd term 2022-2025)

John Eiermann (2nd term 2023-2026)

Sarah Crittenden (1st term 2023-2026)

Jonathan Fox (1st term 2022-2025)

Jim Thorpe (1st term 2022-2025)

Kelli Wegener: County Board Member (1st term 2022-2025)

Ann P. Rosenbaum (1st term 2023-2026)