FY22 Annual Report

Chairperson’s Letter

As I wrap up my first year as Board Chairperson, I wanted to take an opportunity first to say thank you. It is my privilege to lead a dedicated and insightful Board of Directors, serve alongside a thoughtful Advisory Council, and to work with a talented and effective professional staff. Their support, guidance, and knowledge have been invaluable to me in this new role.

Additionally, the network of funded partners who work tirelessly to provide services throughout Northeastern Illinois are critical to our shared mission to preserve the dignity, independence, and well-being of older adults in our communities. I am grateful for their dedication and partnership.

The agency has had many accomplishments this year, but I’d like to particularly highlight the completion of our AgeGuide 2023-2025 Strategic Plan. This plan is the culmination of considerable time, effort, input, and expertise shared by staff, the Board of Directors, the Advisory Council, and our funded partners.

We developed three strategic pillars that will guide our efforts through the next three years:

Advancing Equity - This pillar will position AgeGuide to build more equitable access to services for everyone over 60.

Data Driven Decision-Making - This pillar will allow us to improve decision-making through data analysis and application.

Building a Stronger Organization - This pillar encompasses new and diversified funding, expanded partnerships, innovative programs, and leadership development.

I am grateful for the thoughtful and innovative ideas everyone brought to the table. I am also excited and motivated by how this strategic plan will bring AgeGuide into its next chapter. I hope that it inspires your support in helping AgeGuide achieve its goals.

I have also been particularly pleased with AgeGuide’s ability to incorporate lessons learned from the pandemic by both harnessing the power of technology to maintain critical connections and offering in-person opportunities. AgeGuide continues to shift its approach not based on “what we have always done” but instead, learning from experiences of the past and finding the best option for the future.

This has been an exciting year at AgeGuide and I am grateful to be part of it. The work we do positively impacts the lives of older adults in our communities every day and it is a pleasure and a privilege to work with each one of you.

Thank you for all you do.

Greg Thompson

Greg Thompson Chairperson of the Board of Directors

Board of Directors

Ralph Feese (2nd Vice Chairperson)

DuPage

Cheryl Ghassan2 (Secretary)

DuPage

Jack Kreger

DuPage

Andrew Love3

DuPage

Melissa Schmitz2

DuPage

Warren Kronberger

Grundy

Gregory Lind

Kane

Kenneth Maurice

Kane

Robert O’Connor †

Kane

1Completed term during FY22

2Resigned during FY22

³Elected during FY22

†Deceased

Daniel Parsons2

Kane

Bruce Conway (Treasurer)

Kankakee

Debra Mayconich Baron3 (Secretary)

Kankakee

Jennifer Brasfield2

Kendall

Gary Ford

Lake

Kathryn Monahan Brooks

Lake

Michael Steiner

Lake

Gregory Thompson (Chairperson)

Lake

Earl Ball3

McHenry

Gregory Barry

McHenry

Paula Yensen (Assistant Treasurer)

McHenry

Amy Georgakopoulos

Will

Monica Guilhot-Chartrand

Will

Lou Ann Johnson (1st Vice Chairperson)

Will

Kristin Murphy

Will

Jean McCollum †

Emertia

Advisory Council

Jennifer Agne

DuPage

Karen Courney1

DuPage

Mary Kay Furiasse

DuPage

Dr. Tania Schwer

Grundy

Patricia Stevens1

Grundy

Lore Baker2

Kane

Lance Clemens (Chairperson)

Kane

1Resigned during FY22

2Appointed during FY22

Myra Valera

Kane

Ireatha Jones (1st Vice Chairperson)

Kankakee

Patty Steffens

Kendall

Bonnie Stinson1

Kendall

RaeAnn VanGundy

Kendall

Christina Kujak

Lake

Stephanie Tinter

Lake

Sharon Coghlan Gerc1

McHenry

Mary McCann2

McHenry

Andrew Stuckey2

McHenry

Beverly Burge

Will

Renee Kroplewski2

McHenry

Sharon McNeil

Will

Who We Are & What We Do

At AgeGuide, we believe all older adults deserve to age well. It is our mission to be a vital resource and advocate for people as we age by providing thoughtful guidance, supportive services, and meaningful connections.

AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois is one of 622 Area Agencies on Aging throughout the United States and one of 13 in Illinois. Created by Congress to implement the Older Americans Act, Area Agencies on Aging coordinate a wide variety of services for people aged 60 and older. In 1974, the Illinois Department on Aging designated AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois as the Area Agency on Aging for DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties. Over 700,000 older adults live in our eight county service area.

AgeGuide is a non-profit organization that works closely with the Administration on Community Living, Illinois Department on Aging, and many other agencies to address both the immediate and long-range needs of older adults. Our roles and responsibilities include advocacy, coordination, planning and program development, and administration.

Advocacy

AgeGuide advocates for older adults, weighing in on policymaking at the local, state, and national levels. We advocate to effect policy change that supports aging at home and in the community with maximum health, independence, and well-being.

Coordination

AgeGuide builds working relationships with other local non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, and aging network partners to develop a comprehensive and integrated service delivery system. Organizations funded by AgeGuide provide guidance on services and the changing needs of their communities.

Planning & Program Development

AgeGuide leverages federal dollars, building on Older Americans Act (OAA) funding, to expand economic support for home-and community-based services. We understand that bringing services to people where they live in their communities helps them save their own resources and government dollars, making this a more sensible approach from both a fiscal and human perspective. AgeGuide conducts a tri-annual community needs assessment that informs our planning and program development processes. We assess the needs of older adults, their caregivers, and families and use this information to create, improve, and expand aging services.

Administration

AgeGuide administers federal and state funding for Older Americans Act services that are available to anyone aged 60 or older, their caregivers, and families. These services are targeted to older adults in greatest social and economic need. AgeGuide awards more than $24 million in federal and state grants to more than 37 community-based service organizations.

We do all of this and more to achieve our vision to enhance the quality of life for people on their aging journey.

Mission Statement

To be a vital resource and advocate for people as we age by providing thoughtful guidance, supportive services, and meaningful connections.

Our Team

Marla Fronczak

Chief Executive Officer

Operations, Finance & Human Resources

Jeri Colucy

Director of Operations, Finance & Human Resources

Megan Lowenstrom

Fiscal & Payroll Specialist

Jen Hill Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator

Vicky Wangler Operations Assistant

Ronnie Brodsky

Receptionist

Judy Kubica Receptionist

Cherise Hogan Executive Assistant

Cristine Ben Executive Assistant

Planning, Grants & Program Development

Leslie Edstrom

Director of Planning, Grants & Program Development

Grants Administration

Brianne Moser

Manager of Grants Administration

Jody Stoops

Grants Specialist

Lourdes Chew

Nutrition Specialist

Kara Corsiglia

Nutrition Innovation Specialist

Desiree Horton

Grants Data Coordinator

Sue Heinkel

Nutrition Services Coordinator

Access Services & Community Programs

Lucinda Hurt

Manager of Access Services & Community Programs

Val Guzman

Benefit Access Specialist

Alaine Kvedaras Health Promotion Specialist

Colette Jordan Caregiver & Dementia Specialist

Glenda Love Aging & Disability Rights Specialist

Megan Wileman Aging & Disability Resource Network Specialist

Planning, Advocacy & Program Development

Gretchen Knowlton

Manager of Planning, Advocacy & Program Development

Melissa Brackmann Communications Specialist

Caitlyn Tolentino Advocacy & Planning Coordinator

Nick Tantillo Advocacy & Outreach Coordinator

Development & Strategic Partnerships

Angela Bentsen

Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships

Kaitie Mayberry Hauser

Manager of Events & Outreach

Joy Sobczak

Veterans Independence Program Options Counselor

Emily Ferenc

Veterans Independence Program Options Counselor

Become a Supporter of AgeGuide

Consider making a donation:

• Visit AgeGuide.org and click “Donate Now.”

• Become a sponsor of an AgeGuide event.

Become an advocate:

• Visit AgeGuide.org/Advocacy to learn more about our initiatives and advocacy work and to contact your Federal or State Representative.

• Subscribe to AgeGuide’s email list to get policy updates and resources.

• Follow AgeGuide on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

• Listen to The Age Guide Podcast on any platform to hear different perspectives on the aging journey.

Become a volunteer:

• AgeGuide and its community partners could not make the impact they do without the volunteers who donate their time to older adults in our communities.

• Join our Board of Directors or Advisory Council.

• Help with Home Delivered Meals, Senior Medicare Patrol, Long-Term Care Ombudsman, or the Senior Health Insurance Program.

• Visit AgeGuide.org/Volunteer for more information.

Funded Partner List

Achieving Independence and Mobility

Center for Independent Living

American Association of Retired Asians

Association for Individual Development

Barrington Area Council on Aging

Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Chicago

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet

Coalition of Limited English-Speaking Elderly

Community Nutrition Network and Senior Services Association

County of Will

DuPage County Department of Community Services

DuPage Senior Citizens Council

Ela Township

ElderCARE of Lake County

Family Counseling Service

Family Service of Lake County

Grundy County Health Department

Harvard Community Senior Center

Independence Health & Therapy

Kane Senior Council

Kendall County Health Department

Legal Aid Chicago

Metropolitan Family Services

Milton Township

Morris Area Public Library

Oswegoland Senior and Community Center

Prairie State Legal Services

Riverwalk Adult Day Services

Senior Services Associates

Senior Services of Will County

SHOW BUS Public Transportation

United Chinese Americans

Village of Glendale Heights

Warren Township Senior Services

Waukegan Township, Patricia A. Jones Center

Wayne Township Senior Center

White Crane Wellness Center

York Township

Innovative Programs Receive Recognition

In 2022, two AgeGuide programs were recognized with awards. Not only did AgeGuide receive the Aging Innovation Award, but the White Crane Wellness Center, AgeGuide’s funded partner, won the 2022 Governor’s Engaging Aging Award.

AgeGuide’s Aging Innovations Award

During the USAging Annual Conference and Tradeshow from July 10-13th, AgeGuide’s Community Connections Collaboratives was among the top aging programs to receive honors. The 2022 USAging Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards recognizes Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) that have developed and implemented innovative approaches that are replicable by others in the Aging Network.

AgeGuide’s Community Connections Collaboratives program offers disease and illness prevention programs that teach fall prevention techniques, how to manage a chronic illness, and offer socialization

opportunities and exercise. Participants are evaluated before and after the program so they can see their physical improvements over time and see the benefits of the program for their overall health. Participants are also connected to other Older Americans Act programs and services that can optimize their health and independence.

White Crane Wellness Center’s 2022 Governor’s Engaging Aging Award

AgeGuide’s funded partner, White Crane Wellness Center, is the recipient of a 2022 Governor’s Engaging Aging Award, presented annually to up to 13 community organizations that have gone above and beyond in making a positive impact in the lives of older adults in the past year.

Founded in 1985, White Crane Wellness Center is an independent, non-profit organization whose mission is to empower older adults to improve and sustain their health, while serving

as a local and national model to achieve healthy aging.

Nominated for the Governor’s Engaging Aging Award by AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois, White Crane Wellness Center brings their services into the community through an everexpanding network of partnerships, serving more than 5,000 older adults throughout AgeGuide’s diverse communities in Lake and DuPage counties. White Crane operates an Adult Day Wellness Program and facilitates a portfolio of nationally recognized evidencebased health programs, health education workshops, screenings, assessments, fitness programming, and support services.

Innovative Programs Continue into 2023

AgeGuide continuously evaluates and reimagines programming to support older adults on their aging journeys. Next year, we will continue to build on the success of these award-winning

programs as we work to create supportive and healthy communities where older adults can thrive.

AgeGuide and its funded partners continually evaluate and innovate programming to connect older adults and enhance their quality of life on their aging journey.

The Case for a Longevity Perspective

By Marla Fronczak

The Stanford Center on Longevity reports that life expectancy in the U.S. has increased more in the 20th century than in all prior millennia combined, with as many as half of today’s 5-year-olds expected to live 100 years. AgeGuide’s goal is to identify ways to enhance the quality of those century-long lives, so that people experience good health for more years, as well as a sense of belonging, purpose, and worth at all ages and stages of life.

To make these longer lives the best they can be demands bold ideas and new ways of thinking about the human lifespan. It is time to rethink aging. What does it mean to age well? How do we want to use these additional years we’ve been given?

Well, older adults are not shy about sharing how they want to use these years. They want to age at home, and in their own communities. Through the pandemic we saw why this is so important to them. Wherever we provide inclusive community-based services to older adults or their caregivers and provide quality care when they need it, their health and longevity improves. As our region’s aging population becomes more racially and ethnically diverse, we urgently need to address the social factors that contribute to health inequities such as where we live, our access to fresh food, safe housing, availability of transportation, income, and education.

In 1965, the Older Americans Act made it the responsibility of the federal and state governments to assist older adults in maximizing their quality of life. The act created the Area Agencies on Aging, like AgeGuide, to deliver comprehensive community services through a coordinated continuum of care designed to prevent abuse, neglect and exploitation, and to support caregivers, older adults, and their families.

This was already a bold vision in 1965, but today we realize that funding and careful service design are only the beginning. Even before the pandemic, and before the renewed national conversation about systemic racism, AgeGuide asked how its Older Americans Act services could better reach a greater diversity of older adults.

AgeGuide’s network of local partners keeps people safe and connected to the resources and supports that make the aging journey rich and fulfilling. But, the aging journey isn’t just rich and fulfilling for older adults. Our extra years bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and economic resources to our communities.

The AARP Longevity Economy Outlook reports that adults 50 and older are a dominant force in the U.S. economy. They own 83% of assets (driven by home ownership), and contribute 56% of consumer spending. They are the

fastest growing segment of the workforce and the most active volunteers. The study projects that economic contributions of the 50-plus age group are on track to triple, from $8.3 trillion in 2018 to $28.2 trillion in 2050. In addition, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls. gov), older adults contribute $8 billion worth of annual volunteer hours, providing an essential boost to the U.S. economy.

AgeGuide’s services capitalize on the economic and personal contributions of older adults by keeping them engaged, socially connected, active, and vitally integrated into their communities. This is where our advocacy work becomes critical. As more people live well into their 70s, 80s, and beyond, traditional views of communities, health systems, and work duration are not feasible.  We must reduce ageism in the workplace and find ways to optimize the age diversity of future workforces.

A longevity perspective is needed for the U.S. economy to flourish.

Life has always been a journey, but suddenly our itinerary has gotten a lot longer. As our life expectancies increase, we need to ensure that the extra years ahead of us are healthy, and include a sense of belonging and purpose.

According to AARP, 90% of Americans want to continue living in their own homes and stay rooted in their communities as they age. Many haven’t considered what needs to be done to achieve aging in place. We need agefriendly communities and health systems that advance health equity for older adults, as well as support for family caregivers.

From the moment we take our first breath to when we breathe our last, caregiving connects us all. If you have experience in a caregiving role, assisting a family member

friend or neighbor, you know this is true. While the experience of giving and receiving care is deeply personal, it is also a key structural challenge for our society. AARP estimates that 1.5 million family caregivers provide $1.4 billion of unpaid care annually in Illinois. Family caregivers often experience tremendous financial, emotional, and physical stress, which can lead to burnout and other seriously negative health effects.

We are living in an unprecedented time when our aging population is expanding, and the need for care has become more visible and challenging. This situation is here to stay as most care work cannot be outsourced or automated. Half of the ten fastest growing occupations are in care fields, and there are more projected job openings for home health aides in the next decade than for any other occupation, putting it on track to be the largest occupation by 2029.

needs depend solely on family and friends for assistance. Another 25% supplement family care with services from paid providers. Only a little more than 5% rely exclusively on paid services.

Despite the increasing demand for care, the current systems and policies to support the older adult care economy and unpaid family caregivers are inadequate. Care workers remain underpaid and undervalued, contributing to high attrition rates and reduced quality of care. As a result, two out of three family caregivers report being stressed while trying to balance work and caregiving.

The longevity perspective requires substantial investment in essential aging services like home delivered meals, social connection programs, affordable housing, transportation, and new and innovative caregiver supports. This assistance will help families keep loved ones at home as long as possible.

Informal caregivers, family members, friends, and loved ones have been the mainstay of the long-term care system in this country. In fact, care provided by unpaid caregivers is the most crucial factor in avoiding or postponing placement in long term care facilities. Twothirds of older adults who live at home and who need assistance with personal care

“Two out of three family caregivers report being stressed while trying to balance work and caregiving.”

It’s time for us to effectively unite around a new longevity agenda where we engage, empower, and advocate together to create communities that are pro-aging because we’re all aging. We support the health, well-being, and economic security of older adults by adopting a forwardlooking longevity perspective of an age-diverse population. One where older adults can contribute in more meaningful, significant, and measurable ways to social good and economic progress. By laying the groundwork for communities that are healthier and more equitable, we can share in the diversity of opportunities presented by healthy longevity.

It’s time for us to effectively unite around a new longevity agenda where we engage, empower, and advocate together to create communities that are proaging because we’re all aging.

Innovative Senior Restaurant Dining –A Recipe for Success

While the older adult population continues to age and grow in numbers, congregate dining services in AgeGuide’s 8-county region have experienced a decline in participation. This change began prior to the COVID pandemic and was further exacerbated when all community dining sites were required to shut down to mitigate COVID exposure for older adult participants.

As the new fiscal year was approaching, it was evident that community dining programs in the region required rejuvenation. Rebuilding Title IIIC-1 Congregate Dining services in the wake of the pandemic was at the top of the list for AgeGuide.

AgeGuide was thrilled when the owner of Lori’s Restaurant agreed to pilot the region’s first Senior Dine restaurant program, which launched in November 2021. Lori’s Restaurant is located in downtown Kankakee and is easily accessible to the older adults in the community. There are several benefits to older

adults participating in this restaurant program including menu choice, time flexibility, and social connection. One restaurant program participant said,

“This is a truly wonderful program that gives me a chance to get out and socialize, which I would not have a chance to do otherwise. The food is so wonderful, and the service is always a delight.”

The restaurant program in Kankakee County has remained open through a variety of circumstances from COVID-19 mitigations and inclement weather, to holidays including Thanksgiving and Christmas, providing a hot meal, good company, and community connections even when traditional community dining sites were closed.

Participants of this program have a variety of meals to choose from which are approved by a Licensed Registered Dietitian to meet onethird of their daily nutrition requirements.

Another restaurant program participant shared, “Lori’s Restaurant is a terrific place to eat. The senior menu selections are ample and varied. The owners and staff make a huge effort to be welcoming. It’s a pleasure to dine here.”

The older adults participating in the restaurant program are allowed to dine at any time during the restaurant’s hours of operations, allowing them to eat when it’s convenient for them.

Since this restaurant pilot in Kankakee is such a success, AgeGuide intends to expand the program to each of its counties, allowing even more communities to benefit. An Innovations in Nutrition Programs grant, funded by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), will support AgeGuide’s expansion of this innovative program across the region. Follow AgeGuide on social media to keep up with new restaurant dining locations as they open.

ori’s estaurant is a terri c place to eat.

The senior menu selections are ample and varied. The owners and staff make a huge effort to be welcoming. It’s a pleasure to dine here.”

-Restaurant Program Participant

2022 I N R E VIEW

ADDRESSED FOOD INSECURITY

1 Million+ meals delivered to older adults in our 8-county region

61% of recipients live at or below the Federal Poverty Guideline ($13,590 annual income for 1 person)

EXPANDED SOCIAL CONNECTIONS

14,000+ Reached growth over the last year in:

friendly phone calls & visits

in-person & online services transportation services

SUPPORTED FAMILY CAREGIVERS

1,500 family caregivers were supported, an increase of 50% over 2021

25% of caregivers served were people of color

Targeted outreach & services to culturally diverse communites

34% limited English-speaking 66% below poverty

10,410 Aging Report readers

900

430

550

likes followers followers

27% growth across social media channels

1,200+ touchpoints with legislators

611 participants at AgeGuide advocacy events

40,000 visitors to the website

490 listens to podcast episodes

18 people interviewed

390 calls to action sent to legislators by 110 advocates

116 face-to-face contacts with legislators

Federal Older Americans Act Title III and VII Services

Fiscal Year 2022

Statement of Financial Position

The financial report represents a final accounting of funds as of September 30, 2022. The journals and ledgers of accounting for FY2022 have been closed and audited.

Contact Us

AgeGuide

1910 S. Highland Ave. Suite 100

Lombard, IL 60148

(630) 293-5990

(800) 528-2000

Stay Connected

www.ageguide.org

AgeGuide

@AgeGuide

AgeGuide

Statement of Non-Discrimination

AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois does not discriminate in admission to programs or in treatment of employment in programs or activities, in compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Act, the U.S. Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Age Discrimination Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions. If you feel you have been discriminated against, you have a right to file a complaint with the Illinois Department on Aging. For information, call the Illinois Department on Aging at (800) 252-8966 (voice and TTY) or contact the AgeGuide

Northeastern Illinois at (800) 528-2000 or visit their website at www.ageguide.org.