FY23 Annual Report

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 (2nd Vice Chairperson)

DuPage

Jack Kreger

DuPage

Andrew Love

DuPage

Connie Sherman3

DuPage

Warren Kronberger

Grundy

Gregory Lind

Kane

Kenneth Maurice Kane

Bruce Conway (Treasurer)

Kankakee

Debra Mayconich

Baron (Secretary)

Kankakee

Gary Ford Lake

Kathryn Monahan

Brooks Lake

Michael Steiner Lake

Gregory Thompson (Chairperson)

Lake

Earl Ball

McHenry

Gregory Barry McHenry

Paula Yensen2 McHenry

Amy

Georgakopoulos *

Will

Bette Lawrence-Water3

At-Large

Monica

Guilhot-Chartrand

Will

Lou Ann Johnson

Will

Kristin Murphy

Will 1

ADVISORY COUNCIL

Lance Clemens2

Kane

Mary Kay Furiasse Dupage

Jennifer Agne Dupage

Holly Blastic Dupage

Dr. Tania Schwer

Grundy

Lore Baker

Kane

Myra Valera

Kane

Ireatha Jones3 (Chairperson)

Kankakee

Jennifer Brasfield

Kendall

RaeAnn VanGundy

Kendall

Christina Kujak

Lake

Stephanie Tintner

Lake

Mary McCann

McHenry

Andrew Stuckey

McHenry

Sharon McNeil

Will

Beverly Burge

Will

Renee Kroplewski3 (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

Lucinda Hurt Manager of Access Services & Community Programs

Glenda Love Aging & Disability Rights Supervisor

Megan Wileman 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

Planning, Advocacy, & Program Development

Gretchen Knowlton Manager of Planning, Advocacy, & Program Development

Melissa Brackmann Communications Specialist

Delaney Patrick 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

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

FUNDED PARTNER LIST FY23 FUNDED PARTNER LIST

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

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.

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

AGING SUMMIT

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.

AGING SUMMIT

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

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.

• 3,500 Restaurant Meals

• One-of-a-kind Spanish Sing-Along Programs

• 165 Tablets Distributed Highlights:

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

Supported over 13,000 Family Caregivers

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

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

27,000 media outreach touch points through radio & newspaper

live at or below the federal poverty level

Advocacy Reach

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

400 action alerts & letters sent to legislators

AgeGuide Outreach

28,617 visitors to the AgeGuide website

8 episodes highlighting stories from caregivers & Veterans podcast listens

13,815 people read the Aging Report

Fiscal Year 2023

FEDERAL OLDER AMERICANS ACT

TITLE III AND VII SERVICES