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