FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dear Friends,

Our numbers tell our story. 110 ICP Volunteers provided rides and services (think Petal Pushers, visitation, card ministry) to 333 Care Partners in 2016—wow! 3,124 transportation rides were served. This is collaboration at its finest! Being part of a community and organization like ICP that loves and supports its older adults and individuals with disabilities is beyond anything I ever dreamed I would enjoy!

Thank you all for being a part of Interfaith Community Partners in support of our many Care Partners. Take a look through this newsletter to see what we’ve been up to and what’s coming up. In January, our three new office staff began working with us. In February, ICP participated in La Grange Gives--La Grange restaurants gave 15% of their sales to local non-profit organizations. In March we will gather with our community partners who support us in so many ways to thank them and let them know where their dollars are spent. Then in April we honor our devoted Volunteers with an old-fashioned Ice Cream Social!

2017 will be a year of growth for ICP as we begin our new Cookie Cutters program. Look inside this newsletter for more information. 2017 is also a year of growth for my family as we welcome our second daughter-in-law in July! We are so excited for Scott and Meredith’s wedding in Champaign, Illinois and to gather all of our children, family, and friends for this joyous wedding!

As always, please bring your thoughts, ideas, and comments to my attention. I’d love hear what we do that’s working for you as well as any comments or concerns.

Warmly,

Janet Garreau 

Executive Director

MISSION STATEMENT  

The mission of Interfaith Community Partners is to maximize the independence and well-being of older adults by enabling connections with others in their community.  

Thank You to Community Memorial Foundation  

From grant monies provided by the Community Memorial Foundation for the Stay Mentally and Physically Active project, check out the new calendar with loads of programs for older adults on our website at www.InterfaithCommunityPartners.org, Calendar tab. 

Please notify our office if there is a program you would like to have listed.

Patti Hankins — Office Assistant

We would like to introduce Patti Hankins.  Patti has lived in LaGrange Park for 26 years where she raised her three children. With her youngest childheading off to college, she chose to work for Interfaith Community Partners.  In her spare time she enjoys reading James Patterson books and watching Nashville and Scandal.

“I was thrilled when I learnedthe position at Interfaith Community Partners.have always enjoyed working with older adults and believe that our community should support individuals with special needs.I am extremely happy to be part of the ICP team and look forward to interacting with our Volunteers and Care Partners.“

Peggy Patino — Volunteer Coordinator  
                              Thursday and Friday

Peggy Patino comes to us from the Village of Brookfield, having retired from her position of 21 years in May 2014. Prior to that, Peggy worked for Brookfield Zoo in a number of capacities for 14 years. It was there that she met her husband of 26 years, Frank. They live in Lyons with their beagle/husky mix dog, Crystal. Peggy enjoys history, reading, writing, puzzles of all kinds, and old black and white movies.

“I have become especially close to my dad’s aunt who lives far from family.  She has had to rely on the kindness of a friend or expensive cabs to take her to doctor appointments or on errands.  Being sensitive to her transportation difficulties is what inspired me to accept the position at ICP.  What we do here is so important!  I think of it less like a job and more of a mission.”

Eileen Uzarski — Volunteer Coordinator
                              Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday

I am a happily retired retail advertising account executive who has been blessed with the opportunity to connect with so many engaging and appreciative Care Partners. Even more so, I am amazed by the number of ICP volunteers who generously give of their time and companionship. On a personal note, I have two lovely daughters, four amazing grandchildren and a terrific dog named Zoe. Additionally, I volunteer at Interfaith Career Network and Brookfield Zoo. Things I look forward to are getting to know ICP Care Partners and Volunteers better, having to wear sunglasses again, and the return of Daylight Savings Time! Hope to meet and/or see you soon!

Welcome New Volunteers:

Mary Beth Ford
Bill Garreau
Joe Duffy
Elaine Thompson

Eileen Uzarski
Michael Donaldson
Patti Hankins
Alexandria Meccia

Thank you…..

Kate Marshall and the St. Barbara’s crew for cooking and delivering hot meals to our Care Partners at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Jan Matheny, for your work on the birthday card ministry each month.

Anita Hunt, for your assistance mailing the Thanksgiving cards and your office assistance on special projects on Monday and Friday mornings.

Volunteer Experience

In the ten years that I have been providing transports or visits for Interfaith Community Partners, it has been fun to discover many “connections” with the care partners that I meet.  Some I have seen with such regularity that they have become dear friends.

As we chat during our time together, the care partner and I invariably discover something that we have in common.  It may be that our children or grandchildren knew each other at Lyons Township High School.  Some have lived in neighborhoods where I have lived before.  I have met care partners who know my husband and I have reconnected with others whose children were in third grade classes that I taught many years ago.  When we share our experiences we learn from each other.  Most transports are very enjoyable.

I am told so often how much the assistance of Interfaith Community Partners has meant to them, enabling them to remain in their home or making it easy for them to keep appointments with their doctors.  Their gratitude is so sincere, and after each trip I return home happy to know that the transport made an important difference in their day.

LEGACY GIVING

Significant life events may be celebrated through contributions.  You can make a difference in the lives of others for years to come through legacy giving to Interfaith Community Partners by naming ICP as a beneficiary of one of your investment accounts, such as an IRA, 403B or insurance policy.  

Please consider a memorial or honorary gift to support our mission of keeping older adults independent.  If you have any questions about this or other ways to support the mission of ICP through your financial stewardship, please contact Janet Garreau—708-354-9328.