FY23 Annual Report

Annual Report FY 2023

CHAIRPERSON’S LETTER As my time as Board Chair comes to an end, I want to express my gratitude for the dedication and wisdom of our Board and Advisory Council as we pursued exciting new goals for the region. Serving alongside our skilled and mission-driven staff during my tenure has been a privilege.

My gratitude also extends to the network of funded partners whose invaluable contributions are critical to our shared mission of preserving the dignity and well-being of older adults in our community.

As we pause to reflect on our achievements this past year, I’d like to highlight our commitment to Advancing Equity, a strategic pillar outlined in AgeGuide’s 2023-2025 Strategic Plan. This focus area aims to ensure equitable access to services for people over 60 from marginalized groups, older adults with incomes below the poverty level, and those living alone.

Our strategy revolves around creating awareness and equitable access to Older Americans Act (OAA) services for these target populations. Though this is an ongoing effort, I’m pleased to share some key accomplishments:

Targeted Outreach Initiatives

We formed a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) Steering Committee, expanded culturally appropriate food choices, offered multi-lingual health and educational programs, and increased outreach to older adults with limited English proficiency.

Ensured Access to Target Populations

We provided DEIA and LGBTQ+ guidance and training to AgeGuide’s staff, Board and Advisory Council members, and its funded partners.

We also expanded partnerships with libraries to enhance technology access and education for older adults from diverse backgrounds.

Fostered Positive Aging Perspectives

We addressed unconscious bias and ageism to support inclusive communities through communications and special programs targeted to support people with dementia and their caregivers. This year has been exciting for AgeGuide, and serving as Board Chair has been a rewarding experience. The work we do positively impacts the lives of older Americans in our communities daily, and it’s a pleasure and privilege to work with each of you.

Thank you for your contributions, Greg Thompson Chairperson AgeGuide Board of Directors

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ralph Feese Kenneth Maurice (2nd Vice Chairperson) Kane DuPage Bruce Conway (Treasurer) Jack Kreger Kankakee DuPage Debra Mayconich Andrew Love Baron (Secretary) DuPage Kankakee 3 Connie Sherman Gary Ford DuPage Lake Warren Kronberger Kathryn Monahan Grundy Brooks Lake Gregory Lind Kane Michael Steiner

Gregory Thompson (Chairperson) Lake Earl Ball McHenry Gregory Barry McHenry

Bette 3 Lawrence-Water At-Large Monica Guilhot-Chartrand Will Lou Ann Johnson Will

2

Paula Yensen McHenry

Amy * Georgakopoulos Will

Kristin Murphy Will

1 Completed term during FY23 2

Resigned during FY23 Elected during FY23 * Terminated during FY23 3

Lake

ADVISORY COUNCIL 1 Completed term during FY23 2 3

Resigned during FY23 Elected during FY23

2

Lance Clemens Kane

Jennifer Brasfield Kendall

Mary Kay Furiasse Dupage

RaeAnn VanGundy Kendall

Jennifer Agne Dupage

Christina Kujak Lake

Holly Blastic Dupage Dr. Tania Schwer Grundy

Stephanie Tintner Lake

Lore Baker Kane

Andrew Stuckey McHenry

Myra Valera Kane

Sharon McNeil Will

3

Ireatha Jones (Chairperson) Kankakee

Mary McCann McHenry

Beverly Burge Will 3

Renee Kroplewski (Vice Chairperson) Will

WHO WE ARE AgeGuide is committed to ensuring that all older adults can 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 in the United States and one of 13 in Illinois. Established by Congress to implement the Older Americans Act, Area Agencies on Aging coordinate a wide range 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.

Our service area encompasses over 735,000 older adults.

As a non-profit organization, AgeGuide collaborates closely with the Administration on Community Living, Illinois Department on Aging, and various communitybased agencies to address the immediate and long-term needs of older adults. Our responsibilities include advocacy, coordination, planning, program development, and administration.

ADVOCACY AgeGuide actively advocates for older adults, weighing in on policymaking at the local, state, and national levels. Our goal is to affect policy changes that support aging at home and in the community, promoting maximum health, independence, and wellbeing.

COORDINATION We build strong working relationships with local non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, and aging network partners to create a comprehensive and integrated service delivery system.

Organizations funded by AgeGuide provide guidance on services and the evolving needs of their communities.

WHAT WE DO PLANNING & PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT Recognizing the practicality and importance of delivering services within communities, AgeGuide leverages federal Older Americans Act (OAA) funds to bolster home and community-based services.

Conducting a comprehensive community needs assessment every three years informs our planning and program development. This assessment provides invaluable insights into the needs of older adults and their caregivers, empowering us to tailor, improve, and expand aging services accordingly.

ADMINISTRATION We administer federal and state funding for Older Americans Act services available to anyone aged 60 or older and their caregivers.

These services target older adults in greatest social and economic need. AgeGuide awards over $25 million in federal, state, and private grants to more than 34 community-based service organizations.

Through these efforts and more, we strive to achieve our vision of enhancing the quality of life for all of us on our aging journey.

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

Office Specialist

Kaitie Mayberry Hauser

Operations Outreach Coordinator

Vicky Wangler

Operations Assistant

Ronnie Brodsky Receptionist

Cristine Ben

Executive Assistant

Planning, Grants, & Program Development Leslie Edstrom

Director of Planning, Grants, & Program Development

Grants Administration Brianne Moser

Manager of Grants Administration

Desiree Horton Grants Specialist

Lourdes Chew

Nutrition Specialist

Kara Corsiglia

Nutrition Innovation Specialist

Christina Borjas

Nutrition Coordinator

Mariel Teune

Grants Data Coordinator

Sue Heinkel

Nutrition Services Coordinator

Access Services & Community Programs

Planning, Advocacy, & Program Development

Lucinda Hurt

Gretchen Knowlton

Glenda Love

Melissa Brackmann

Megan Wileman

Delaney Patrick

Manager of Access Services & Community Programs

Aging & Disability Rights Supervisor Aging & Disability Resource Network Supervisor

Val Guzman

Benefit Access Specialist

Alaine Kvedaras

Health Promotion Specialist

Caitlyn Tolentino

Caregiver & Dementia Specialist

Samaria Epps

Aging & Disability Rights Coordinator

Manager of Planning, Advocacy, & Program Development

Communications Specialist

Advocacy & Planning Coordinator

Nick Tantillo

Advocacy & Special Projects Coordinator

Development & Strategic Partnerships Angela Bentsen

Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships

Joy Sobczak

Veterans Specialist

Emily Ferenc

Veterans Specialist

BECOME AN AGEGUIDE SUPPORTER 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, advocacy work, and to contact your Federal or State Representative

•

Subscribe to AgeGuide’s emails 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 the AgeGuide Board of Directors or Advisory Council

•

Volunteer with Home Delivered Meals, Senior Medicare Patrol, Long-Term Care Ombudsman, or the Senior Health Insurance Programs

•

Visit AgeGuide.org/Volunteer for more information

FY23 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 City of Aurora CJE SeniorLife 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 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 Morris Area Public Library Oswegoland Senior and Community Center Prairie State Legal Services

Riverwalk Adult Day Services Senior Services Associates, Inc. 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

FUNDED PARTNER LIST

LET’S TALK ABOUT

AGEISM

At AgeGuide, we celebrate age diversity and longevity, and encourage older adults to explore a wide range of aging experiences. We promote the joy of independence and fulfillment as we pave our own unique paths on the aging journey.

Unfortunately, not everyone experiences longevity to the same degree. We know that our zip code often determines how long we will live, and marginalized groups won’t experience the new longevity to the same extent. So, the question is, how do we achieve equity in longevity?

We can’t have equity in longevity until we address ageism.

Ageism is a stereotype and prejudice against people based on age. It’s really a prejudice against our future self. It is also the only “ism” that everyone faces because we are all aging from the day we are born.

Highlights: • • •

Here at AgeGuide, we are advocating for a forward-looking longevity perspective while embracing an age-diverse population.

A SU

By bringing the generations together we can lay the groundwork for our communities to become healthier and more equitable, so we all have the opportunity for healthy longevity across races, geographic regions, and socioeconomic status. This will require the best ideas from the private sector, government, and healthcare to address what needs to be done ahead of the current young becoming the future old, to make the most of the 30 extra years of life we hope to have.

AgeGuide is dedicated to integrating a positive perspective on aging into every aspect of our work, from how we talk about aging, to the services we design and deliver. As the Greek proverb says, “Society grows great when people plant trees under whose shade they shall never sit.”

Less than 20% of diversity statements recognize age 4/10 people say they experienced ageism in the workplace 65% of older adults say they regularly see, hear, or read jokes or other messages with ageist undertones

AGEGUIDE’S AGING SUMMIT

INSPIRES INNOVATION

Notably, for the first time in history, those aged 65 and older outnumber children under five. This demographic shift impacts all facets of society, particularly healthcare systems, government, and the economy.

GING UMMIT

Recognizing the need for new narratives and addressing changing demographics, AgeGuide hosts an annual Aging Summit. This event serves as a platform for meaningful conversations on age, longevity, and inclusive communities, bringing together older adults, caregivers, professionals, and thought leaders.

In 2023, the Aging Summit centered around the theme of Building Equity in Longevity. Participants explored the question, “How can we make

longevity equitable for all?” AgeGuide facilitated networking opportunities, featured experts from across the nation, and showcased innovative bestpractice models. Attendees gained insights to replicate these models and build a society where everyone can age well.

Highlights: • • • •

Global life exptectancy has doubled since 1900 Children born today are likely to live to 100 220 attendees 100% of survey respondents said they enjoyed the Aging Summit

A TAILORED APPROACH TO CAREGIVING Caregiving is a labor of love, but it can also be stressful and exhausting. Family and friends are an invaluable source of support as they help with activities of daily living such as eating, cooking, bathing, and walking. Being a caregiver is a role most of us will or have experienced in our lifetime. In fact, 21% of the adult population is currently providing care for a relative or other loved one, such as a spouse.

Balancing caregiving responsibilities with personal, financial, and family obligations can be overwhelming for caregivers. This struggle can lead to high stress levels and burnout, with the burden often increasing over time.

TAILORED CARE (T-CARE): To address these challenges, AgeGuide and its funded partners utilize T-CARE, a caregiver assessment tool. Unlike traditional approaches that focus on the care recipient, T-CARE identifies individual caregivers’ stressors. It then provides personalized tools and resources to support their unique caregiving journey.

INDIVIDUALIZED CARE PLANS: Based on the unique stressors of each caregiver, T-CARE creates individualized care plans. These plans equip caregivers with the necessary tools to manage their roles effectively. Interventions, such as counseling, support groups, and respite care, help manage stress and prevent burnout.

TCARE OUTCOMES: Data collected throughout the AgeGuide eight-county region illustrates the positive impact of T-CARE on caregivers. Approximately 94% of caregivers in the program avoided increased stress burden and depression, with 13-14% experiencing lowered stress and depression. Moreover, 80% of caregivers reported that positive feelings and outcomes were either maintained or elevated due to the assessment and support. Program participants mirrored the population statistics of the eight counties, with 69% white, 13% black, and 11% Hispanic participants. The majority were female (75%), aligning with national caregiver statistics.

MOVING FORWARD: This outcome and demographic data will help AgeGuide and its funded partners monitor outcomes and target services so that family caregivers in our region can continue to receive the support they need to sustain and thrive in their role.

For more information visit: ageguide.org/family-caregiver-program/

2023 TAILORED CARE SUPPORT B Y

T H E

N U M B E R S

CAREGIVER ACTIVITY IN ALL 8 COUNTIES

2,703 TOTAL ASSESSMENTS

1,898

496

1,060

FOLLOW UPS

CASES CREATED

CARE PLANS

DEMOGRAPHICS FOR ALL 8 COUNTIES Caregiver by Race White 69% 1,061 Individuals

13%

Black 200 Individuals

Caregiver Employment by Race Hispanic

94 Caregivers Working Full Time

11% 162

White - 62 Individuals

Individuals

Hispanic - 13 Individuals

Caregiver by Gender F E M A L E

M A L E

Black - 11 Individuals

75% - 1,232 Individuals

25% - 404 Individuals

Asian - 7 Individuals Other - 1 Individual

OUTCOMES FROM THE TCARE PROGRAM Stress Burden

Depression

Uplifts

Negative state of mind from the caregiving situation

Conditions associated with the elevation or lowering of a person's mood

Positive outcomes that the caregiver gets after care plan

LOWERED

LOWERED

ELEVATED

192 Individuals

194 Individuals

113 Individuals

13%

MAINTAINED

81% 1,156 Individuals

14%

MAINTAINED

80% 1,140 Individuals

8%

MAINTAINED

80% 1,150 Individuals

INCREASING SOCIAL CONNECTIONS THROUGH INNOVATIVE PLATFORMS

AgeGuide is at the forefront of pioneering innovative programs to combat loneliness and social isolation among older adults. By fostering social connections, we are making a significant impact on the lives of older adults in the region. This article provides key highlights of our efforts, ranging from the uplifting power of music to the pleasure of dining in local restaurants and connecting with family through video calls. Our special projects deliver transformative opportunities, offering new avenues for exploration and connection. These initiatives are not just enriching the lives of older adults, they are redefining the way we approach aging and social well-being.

HARNESSING THE POWER OF MUSIC There’s nothing quite like the power of music to lift the heart and bring people together!

In collaboration with the Sounds Good Choir, AgeGuide harnesses this power through two Spanish Sing-Along programs. These programs, conducted entirely in Spanish, provide a unique opportunity for Spanish-speakers to come together, reminisce, and engage in the joy of singing from the comfort of their homes. Celebrating Latin music, these bi-weekly sessions bring participants together, fostering well-being through the joy of shared singing.

ENHANCING MEAL CHOICE AgeGuide now offers its nutrition partners the opportunity to expand their dining options to local restaurants through an Administration for Community Living (ACL) grant award. This innovative restaurant program operates on a donation-based model and allows older adults, their spouses, and people with disabilities to enjoy meals at partner restaurants.

Currently offered in Grundy, Kendall, and Will Counties, AgeGuide has plans for expansion to all eight counties in the next year. In 2023 alone, the program successfully served over 3,500 restaurant meals, enhancing meal choice and social connections for older adults.

BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE AgeGuide takes pride in continuing its award-winning Tablets to Seniors program that bridges the digital divide and enriches the lives of older adults in the community. The program broadens horizons and fosters social engagement, as participants discover joys previously unfamiliar to them, such as exploring Pinterest, reading and listening to audiobooks, and joining online groups. One participant managed to read an impressive 60 books in a year, while another joined a virtual collectors’ group focusing on Native American artifacts.

Bonnie, a tablet recipient, shared her experience, stating, “There are many ways we get light into our lives. Perhaps it is sunshine splashing across your kitchen floor or a letter from a long-lost friend. For me, it was the arrival of my tablet! What a bright spot it opened for me.”

With guidance from her technology coach, Bonnie not only learned about the world around her through the tablet, but also developed a habit of exploring further. Whether reading an article in the paper or encountering unfamiliar words in novels, Bonnie would turn to her tablet to delve deeper into subjects. She found herself captivated by the information at her fingertips for investigating travel spots, local businesses, and hobbies. Bonnie emphasized that the joy the Tablets to Seniors program brings into her life is immeasurable.

Over the past four years, AgeGuide distributed over 300 internet-connected tablets across its region, offering participants dedicated technological support and coaching to help them become comfortable using their new devices. This program proved to be especially impactful for those who had never before connected with family and friends through email, text, or video chat.

ENVISIONING THE FUTURE The impact of these initiatives goes beyond the individual, creating a ripple effect that touches families, communities, and the broader societal perspective on aging.

AgeGuide’s vision extends far beyond the present, envisioning a future where seniors continue to explore, connect, and find joy in everyday activities like singing, eating, and searching the internet.

Highlights: • • •

3,500 Restaurant Meals One-of-a-kind Spanish Sing-Along Programs 165 Tablets Distributed

2023 IN REVIEW Addressed Food Insecurity 1,230,557 meals to 15,000 older adults of Community Dining participants live at or below the federal poverty level

of Home Delivered Meal recipients live at or below the federal poverty level

Expanded Social Connection Opportunities with friendly visits/ phone calls, virtual classes, and transportation services

19,541 35% increase over last year

Supported over 13,000 Family Caregivers

2022: 13,185 2023: 13,274 23% of caregivers served were people of color

Increased Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Targeted outreach and services to culturally diverse communities 953 people are limited-English speaking

live at or below the federal poverty level

Advocacy Reach 1,200 participants in 25+ advocacy presentations, meetings, & events with legislators

27,000 media outreach touch points through radio & newspaper

400 action alerts & letters sent to legislators

AgeGuide Outreach

678

20% growth across all social media

podcast listens 8 episodes highlighting stories from caregivers & Veterans

Facebook - 1,068

Social Media:

X (Twitter) - 450

LinkedIn - 720 1,972 views on YouTube

28,617 visitors to the AgeGuide website

13,815 people read the Aging Report

Fiscal Year 2023

FEDERAL OLDER AMERICANS ACT TITLE III AND VII SERVICES III-B & VII

Units

Persons

Grant Awards

I&A Outreach Options Counseling Counseling Legal Services Ombudsman Transportation Community Connections Collaborative Flexible Community Services Adult Protective Services Telephone Reassurance/ Friendly Visiting

118,206 5,109 1,916 7,310 8,851

56,382 4,715 879 817 1,401

23,552 62,523 560

2,250 11,132 558

22,055

695

$3,276,248.00 $233,153.00 $138,153.00 $298,811.00 $625,676.00 $820,988.00 $788,938.00 $584,399.00 $174,428.00 $32,291.00 $329,540.00

Total

250,082

78,829

$7,302,625.00

FINANCIALS

III-C

Units

Persons

Grant Awards

Congregate Meals Home Delivered Meals

106,001 1,124,556

6,572 8,440

$2,259,622.00 $12,098,552.00

Total

1,230,557

15,012

$14,358,174.00

III-D

Units

Persons

Grant Awards

Health Promotion Programs

10,376

884

$166,598.00

Total

10,376

884

$166,598.00

III-E

Units

Persons

Grant Awards

Assistance Counseling, Training, Support Respite Gap Filling ADRD

13,079 2,923 21,679 1,105 112

2,084 659 466 772 112

$700,172.00 $414,741.00 $596,515.00 $397,677.00 $156,950.00

Total

38,898

4,093

$2,266,055.00

1,529,913

98,818

$24,093,452.00

Grand Totals

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION ASSETS

FY23

FY22

Cash Due from Other Agencies Federal and State Grants Other Receivables Other Assets Prepaid Items

$5,819,002.00

$5,043,692.00

$5,060,311.00 $113,750.00 $453,874.00 $13,886.00

$5,639,746.00 $825.00

Total Assets

$11,460,823.00

$10,684,263.00

FY23

FY22

LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS Accounts Payable

FINANCIALS CONT $140,173.00

$111,915.00

$3,893,381.00

$6,365,101.00

Accrued Vested Vacation

$104,236.00

$96,217.00

Other Payables Deferred Grant Revenue

$594,521.00 $27,095.00

$15,346.00

$4,759,406.00

$6,588,579.00

Payable to Projects

Total Liabilities

NET ASSETS

FY23

Unrestricted

FY22

$6,701,417.00

Temporarily Restricted

$4,054,319.00 $41,365.00

Total Net Assets

Total Liabilities & Net Assets ASSETS

$6,701,417.00

$4,095,684.00

$11,460,823.00

$10,684,263.00

LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS