LETTER FROM MELANIE The seeds of hope we have planted through our generosity and compassion have spread near and far — growing in hearts and lives in ways we may never fully understand. This year’s report provides a glimpse of the ways we have made a difference: the dollars we have given and how they have been used; the lives we have touched; and the change we have made in the lives of people who needed help — and thanks to our Foundation community — received it.
“What keeps me here are the families, making a difference for them and planting seeds for healing.” Laura McCue, LCSW, Program Manager, Proviso Children's Advocacy Center
Thank you. With gratitude,
Melanie Furlan Chief Philanthropy Officer Ascension Illinois Foundation
OUR MISSION Rooted in the loving ministry of Jesus as healer, we commit ourselves to serving all persons with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable. Our Catholic health ministry is dedicated to spiritually centered, holistic care which sustains and improves the health of individuals and communities. We are advocates for a compassionate and just society through our actions and our words.
T H A N K YO U! More than 2,400 Ascension Illinois Foundation partners contributed $24.5 million* to support the health of our communities in fiscal year 2022. More than $12.8 million in philanthropy was invested in Ascension Illinois ministries and priorities, including:
hope SEEDS OF
- Capital needs: Capital improvements, technology and innovation to enhance patient care and clinical excellence for those receiving care at Ascension Illinois hospitals - Personalized care: Personalized care and wraparound services for patients receiving acute-care services, from oncology to cardiovascular care to neurology to pediatric care -
Behavioral health: The most comprehensive, specialized behavioral health services in Illinois and community mental health and housing programs for students, formerly homeless individuals, and those impacted by mental illness, chronic illness and chemical dependency
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Hospice care: Compassionate hospice care for individuals and families facing terminal illnesses and navigating grief
- Community health: Outreach into the communities we serve to address social determinants of health, provide health screenings and education, and help people in need find and navigate care - Caregiver support: Continuing education and support to help more than 17,000 physicians and associates continue to respond and minister to the needs of the people we serve *Includes funds raised by AMITA Health Foundations to benefit AdventHealth and Ascension Illinois ministries.
Ascension Illinois Foundation 1000 Remington Blvd., Suite 100 Bolingbrook, IL 60440 224-273-4101 AscensionIllinoisFoundation@ascension.org AscensionIllinoisFoundation.org
2022 Donor Impact Report
hope SEEDS OF
Thank you for planting
cancer CARE
across our communities
More than 4,500 people received free cancer screenings, nurse navigation, transportation, wigs, prostheses, massage services and other support throughout their treatment journeys.
“They never gave up on me.” Scan the QR code to watch Angie’s story.
COVID
care
Philanthropy helped ministries continue to respond to the pandemic and its aftereffects through research, equipment and caregiver support.
“ These people are doing everything in their power to take care of their patients. We should thank the world for them being here with us.” — Patient, Ascension Saint Joseph – Elgin
newborn HOME VISITS
perinatal M O O D D I S O R D E R S
More than 355 women received a home visit from a nurse after delivering their baby at Ascension Resurrection.
PROGRAM
176 women, including those with no way to pay for services, received intensive, life-saving treatment for depression and anxiety that they struggled with before, during and after their pregnancies.
“With this program, you don’t feel as scared.” Scan the QR code to watch Heather’s story.
COMMUNITY
mental health
More than 9,800 students, parents and teachers accessed mental health counseling, education and support through their schools.
“ We are so grateful you are here for our child. They are so much happier and feel safe. Thank you, thank you.” — Parent of a local elementary-school student who received school-based counseling services
community
More than 3,300 individuals received counseling and psychiatric services, vocational rehabilitation and supported education, partial hospitalization treatment and more for anxiety, depression, mental illness and more in their communities.
“It is having a difference in our lives.” Scan the QR code to watch Allyssa’s story.
HEALTH
More than 2,000 people received A1c screenings, basic diabetes education, resources and referrals from community health workers at five Ascension Illinois health clinics.
“No uno. Muchas gracias.” Scan the QR code to watch Adan’s story.
behavioral HEALTH
More than 770 people received treatment for anxiety and addiction at the Foglia Family Foundation Residential Treatment Center. Several people, who had no insurance or ability to pay for their care, received treatment at no cost thanks entirely to our generous donors and funders.
“ I was blessed with Foundation funds because I was unable to pay for further treatment. Thank you so much for believing in me and showing me that I have support behind my journey.” — Patient, residential and partial hospitalization program, addiction services
autism
SPECTRUM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
More than 2,200 individuals and families impacted by autism spectrum and developmental disorders received screenings, diagnostic evaluations, and parent and caregiver training; individual and group therapy; and virtual support and recreational groups. In addition, our experts were called on more than 500 times by other Ascension Illinois ministries for intensive support and consultations.
“ Getting the services from your hospital has helped me identify the challenges my child faces and get them proper and supportive help that they needed, and I needed. I really want to thank you, because without you, I would not have been able to get the help that my child needed.” — Parent of a patient served by our center
CHILD
crisis and trauma SERVICES More than 1,200 children who are victims of abuse received a compassionate, coordinated response that put their well-being first thanks to our investment in the Proviso Children’s Advocacy Center.
PEDIATRICS AND CHILD
life
“You can see the light in them.” Scan the QR code to watch Laura’s story.
emergency CARE
More than 7,400 children at the Ascension Saint Alexius Women and Children’s Hospital received support from the child life team.
Approximately 13,000 people will benefit from more privacy, shorter wait times and a transformed emergency room environment at Ascension Saint Mary – Kankakee.
CARDIOVASCULAR
hospice C A R E
care
Nearly 9,300 people since December 2019 received life-saving, cutting-edge cardiovascular care thanks to the structural heart program.
“ I would thank the donors dearly because this hybrid cath lab is right here.” — TAVR patient, Ascension Saint Joseph – Joliet
crisis
STABILIZATION UNIT
A 4,300-square-foot crisis stabilization unit at Ascension Mercy expected to open in January 2023 will quadruple the number of beds available for approximately 3,300 people who come to the emergency room every year in psychiatric crisis.
“ Patients that come here need us. Many don’t have access to healthcare. We teach all staff members that everyone deserves the same high level of care.” — Dawn Cech, Director of Critical Care, Ascension Mercy
Approximately 6,500 families received hospice bereavement support, including culinary grief therapy, widow support services, individual and group grief counseling, and specialized services for children who have lost a parent.
supportive HOUSING
More than 350 people living with chronic illness, mental illness and substance use disorders were able to build a new life through Ascension Illinois housing programs.
“ I was able to break free from my addiction, and it wouldn’t have been possible had it not been for this program, its truly remarkable staff and people like you who make it possible. Thank you!” — Resident, Bonaventure House