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THE

JOLIET HEALTH COALITION

JU NIOR MEDIC LLC

By J O H N M W E S I GWA JEREMY BOLDEN FRED GREENWOOD

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

PART 1 BUILDING THE JOLIET HEALTH COALITION

In Joliet, Illinois, we began a mission

We aimed to engage people who

together. Three organizations joined

knew the struggles firsthand. Our

as one to create the Joliet Health

goal was to involve residents,

Coalition. Our team consists of

churches, police, fire department,

Junior Medic, OLI Gardens, and the

and the mayor. We’re all in this

Warren-Sharpe Community Center.

together.

We found a welcoming home at the

The Warren-Sharpe Community

Warren-Sharpe Community Center,

Center gave us workplace and

which generously provided a place

provided the space to build an

to work, free of rent. The Center

outdoor garden. But this was more

also offers an invaluable food pantry,

than just a garden. It was a way

which has provided nourishment and

to fight food insecurity – a major

sustenance to countless families in

problem in the area.

time of need.

Our mission was simple: to create

The heart of our mission was the

healthier choices and a better future

community itself. Our community,

for all in Joliet. This is where our

at its core, finds its roots in the

story begins, a story of community,

vibrant South side of Joliet. But

collaboration, and hope.

our influence and reach extend far beyond these geographical boundaries, encompassing the entirety of Will County.

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CHAPTER 2 OUR COMMUNITY A TAPESTRY OF DIVERSITY AND UNITY

We also started an after-school program for children aged 5-12, and introduced the “Food as Medicine” initiative, a way to nurture the holistic well-being of our community’s children.

In uniting the community, we were creating a foundation for something

Joliet, with its majority of African

greater.

American and Hispanic residents, is a place where diversity thrives. But

programs we created. It was about

it’s a community often neglected

a community coming together,

and in need of support.

addressing challenges, and working toward a common goal.

If our community had a theme song, it would “Lean on Me” by Bill

Our community is a tapestry of

Withers – a song that symbolizes

cultures and backgrounds. It’s a

support, unity, and a shared vision

place where people take pride in the

for better days. This iconic track

friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

reflects our commitment to coming together as one, supporting each another, and leaning on the strength of our bonds.

But this garden was not just about growing vegetables. It was a symbol of hope in a place where food

Unfortunately, the area around the

insecurity was a daily challenge. Our

Joliet Community Center is a food

vision was to offer a helping hand

desert with limited access to grocery

to those in need, to provide fresh,

stores. The need for a change was

healthy options, and to inspire a

evident. To address this, we initiated

brighter, healthier future.

the creation of an outdoor garden.

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We believe everyone has a role to

THE JOLIET HEALTH C OAL ITIO N

play in making our community thrive.

Our mission went beyond our three organizations. We aimed to engage the entire community, from churches to the police, fire department, the mayor, and every individual who called Joliet home. We wanted to create a sense of belonging, break

And so, the heart of Joliet’s Health

down barriers, and build a stronger,

Coalition was not just about the

more inclusive community.

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CHAPTER 3 OUR DEDICATED TEAMS

These teams were the backbone of our efforts. They worked together, sharing ideas, making plans, and taking action to bring our mission to life. Their dedication was unwavering, and they were committed to creating a healthier and stronger community.

Greenwood, Jeremy Bolden, Bonzine Howard, Constance Vann, and Krystal Caruth were the driving forces. They were responsible for designing and implementing the

They demonstrated that when people with a shared vision come together, incredible things can happen.

initiatives that would make a real impact on the community.

On the other hand, the Leadership Team, led by John Mwesigwa, Fred Greenwood, and Jeremy Bolden Behind every successful endeavor, there are dedicated teams working tirelessly. The Joliet Health Coalition was no different, and we had two essential teams: the Equity Action Lab Design Team and the

provided the guidance needed to steer our mission in the right direction. With Krystal at the helm, this team ensured that our vision translated into concrete actions and results.

Leadership Team.

The Equity Action Lab Design Team was made up of passionate individuals who believed in our mission. John Mwesigwa, Fred

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PART 2 THE COMMUNITY’S “WHY” AND IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM

CHAPTER 4 THE “WHY” BEHIND OUR MISSION Every great mission has a “Why”

The urgency to combat diet-related

at its core. For the Joliet Health

illnesses and promote “Food as

Coalition, our “Why” was the driving

Medicine” drove us forward. We

force that fueled our commitment to

recognized the imperative to

our community.

introduce healthier options to our

The United States faces an alarming reality. Only 4% of American children are consuming their recommended

youth. Food is not just sustenance.

It’s medicine. We firmly believe in the power of food to transform lives.

daily servings of vegetables. In our home state of Illinois, the challenge was equally daunting. On third of children aged 10-17 are overweight or obese, a staggering number.

Our mission was clear. We needed to address childhood nutrition disparities, and we needed to do it urgently. The impact of inadequate nutrition on the growth and development of our children was profound. It affected not only their health but their entire future.

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CHAPTER 5 IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM

surveys, held open forums, and actively sought input and insights from our community members. This grassroots approach ensured that the problem we were addressing was genuine and deeply rooted in the challenges faced by our community.

insecurity on families, especially those facing economic challenges.

It wasn’t just about numbers. It was about the lives affected by this issue.

Our approach was rooted in community engagement. We believe in the power of listening. We value the unique perspectives and experiences of our residents. To identify the problem, we conducted To make a real change, we needed

We didn’t want to prescribe

to understand the problem at its

solutions from above. We wanted

core. For the Joliet Health Coalition,

to understand the problem from

this meant listening to the people

within. We believe that those who

who experienced it firsthand.

experienced problems directly hold the key to finding the right solutions.

In Joliet, stories and lived experiences served as undeniable evidence of the problem. These personal narratives highlighted the real-life impact of household food

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CHAPTER 6 A DATA-DRIVEN APPROACH

not assumptions. It allowed us to allocate resources where they were most needed, identify trends, and measure the impact of our programs.

Understanding a problem is crucial,

recognized the individual needs of

but we wanted to go beyond

the people we aimed to serve.

understanding. We aimed to gather specific data that would guide our initiatives. This data-driven approach was the compass that would help us

Our data system became an essential tool, ensuring that our initiatives were based on facts,

navigate toward effective solutions.

To address household food insecurity effectively, we implemented a tailored data system.

This system was designed to align with the Northern Illinois Food Bank system, providing us with a comprehensive understanding of critical factors. It allowed us to see family incomes, household sizes, and specific dietary needs.

With this data in hand, we could tailor our interventions to meet the unique requirements of our community. It wasn’t a one-size-fitsall approach. It was an approach that 12

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CHAPTER 7 OUR VISION AND GOALS A clear vision and well-defined

guiding stars, leading us toward a

goals were the cornerstones of our

healthier and more vibrant Joliet.

mission. We didn’t want to merely address the problem. We aimed to create lasting change.

Our vision and goals were not just words on paper. They were the driving forces that pushed us to

Our aim was ambitious: to increase

make a real difference in the lives of

healthier food options at the

our community members.

Warren-Sharpe Community Center by 60% by December 2024. We wanted to inspire children to eat their vegetables, promoting healthier choices in the most practical way.

Our goal was specific: to enroll 10 children in our after-school “Food as Medicine” program. This program was not just about food. It was about education, empowerment, and transforming lives.

These goals were not just dreams.

They were our commitment to the community. They served as our

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CHAPTER 8 MEASURING OUR PROGRESS We knew that setting goals was

It served as an additional metric to

not enough. We needed a way to

assess our progress in creating a

track our progress, to ensure that

culture of healthier choices within

our vision translated into concrete

our community.

actions.

Measurement was our compass,

One of our key metrics was the daily

guiding us toward our goals. It

attendance of ten students in the

allowed us to adapt and refine our

after-school “Food as Medicine”

initiatives, ensuring they remained

program. We set this target

effective and impactful.

because it was a tangible indicator of our success in engaging our community’s youth. We wanted to see children actively participating, learning, and making healthier choices.

But our mission extended beyond just the after-school program. We aimed to involve both children and their parents in our garden programs. This reflected our commitment to holistic family wellness and nutrition education.

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Part 3 Challenges, Solutions, and Transformative Moments

CHAPTER 9 CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS Every great mission has a “Why”

The urgency to combat diet-related

at its core. For the Joliet Health

illnesses and promote “Food as

Coalition, our “Why” was the driving

Medicine” drove us forward. We

force that fueled our commitment to

recognized the imperative to

our community.

introduce healthier options to our

The United States faces an alarming reality. Only 4% of American children are consuming their recommended

youth. Food is not just sustenance.

It’s medicine. We firmly believe in the power of food to transform lives.

daily servings of vegetables. In our home state of Illinois, the challenge was equally daunting. On third of children aged 10-17 are overweight or obese, a staggering number.

Our mission was clear. We needed to address childhood nutrition disparities, and we needed to do it urgently. The impact of inadequate nutrition on the growth and development of our children was profound. It affected not only their health but their entire future.

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CHAPTER 10 OUR “AHA” MOMENTS

In our journey within the Joliet

dry. It could be hands-on, interactive,

Health Coalition, pivotal moments

and fun. This realization led to the

emerged as beacons of insight and

development of innovative programs

inspiration. These transformative

that engaged children through

realizations marked turning points

activities like cooking lessons and

in our mission to foster healthier

growing vegetables in the garden.

lifestyles among our community’s youth.

The most significant “aha” moment crystallized when we recognized that our after-school children required a more tactile, interactive, and engaging approach to truly grasp and enjoy the knowledge we sought to impart. Traditional methods were not enough. We understood that the key to igniting their enthusiasm for healthier choices lay in our ability to connect with them on a deeper level.

We realized that learning about nutrition didn’t have to be dull or

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CHAPTER 11 BRINGING DREAMS TO REALITY Setting audacious goals was just

participated in the program daily

the beginning. The real test lay in

from Monday through Thursday.

turning those goals into action and

This specific target was a tangible

seeing the impact they had on our

indicator of our success in

community.

engaging our community’s youth

We were determined to engage the community actively. We organized

and providing them with valuable education and resources.

two successful cookout events that brought together diverse members of our community. The Mayor, Police department, Fire department, Will County staff, and residents of Joliet all came together. These events weren’t just cookouts. They were a testament to the strength of our community bonds and our commitment to collaboration.

Our after-school “Food as Medicine” program was at the heart of our efforts. Our goal was to ensure that a minimum of ten students

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CHAPTER 12 LESSONS LEARNED

Consistently achieving this goal demonstrated not only the appeal of our program but also the positive impact it had on the lives of our community’s youth. It showed that our vision was not just a dream but a reality.

Our journey was not without its

Another vital lesson was the need

challenges, but with each obstacle,

for more funding. To expand

we gained invaluable insights. These

our programs and reach more

lessons became the building blocks

individuals, we recognized the

of our mission and the keys to our

significance of building sustainable

future success.

partnerships, seeking grant

One of the most crucial lessons we learned was the importance of

opportunities, and effectively communicating our mission to

community engagement. Active involvement and collaboration with our residents, schools, organizations, and local authorities were fundamental to the success of our initiatives.

Building trust, fostering inclusivity, and valuing diverse perspectives were key takeaways. We realized that our mission was not something we could achieve alone. It required the collective efforts of the entire community.

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potential donors. Financial resources were essential to ensure the sustainability and growth of our initiatives.

These lessons were not setbacks.

They were opportunities for growth and improvement. They helped us refine our approach, adapt to the changing needs of our community, and set the stage for a brighter future.

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CHAPTER 13 REFLECTING ON OUR JOURNEY

PART 4 THE PATH FORWARD

As we reflect on our journey within

recognizing that the health and well-

the Joliet Health Coalition, we

being of a community begin within

recognize that our mission is an

the home.

ongoing one. Our commitment to a healthier Joliet is unwavering, and we are focused on the path ahead.

Our trajectory is marked by a clear

A family-inclusive approach means involving parents and caregivers in our mission. We want to empower them with the knowledge and

commitment to the continuous refinement of the “Food as Medicine” program. We understand that evolution is essential to remain relevant and impactful. We will tirelessly strive to enhance the program, making it more engaging, informative, and effective in promoting healthier lifestyles among our youth.

Our vision extends beyond individuals. It encompasses the entire family unit. We are committed to transforming our initiative into a family-inclusive program, 28

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resources they need to make

It’s a shared journey. When families

healthier choices for their families.

come together to prioritize health,

It’s about nurturing the well-being of

the entire community benefits.

every member of the household.

CHAPTER 14 VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY

Collaboration with medical

By including parents and caregivers

professionals is another important

in our programs, we create a holistic

next step on our journey. We

approach to health. Families will

recognize that their expertise is

have the opportunity to learn, grow,

invaluable in enriching our initiatives

In the heart of our mission, the

These testimonials remind us that

and make healthier choices together.

and fostering community-wide

voices of our community members

we are not alone in this mission.

This not only promotes healthier

dialogues on health.

hold a special place. Their

We have the support, gratitude,

testimonials are a powerful reminder

and shared commitment of our

of the impact our initiatives have had

community members. Their stories

on their lives and the well-being of

inspire us to keep moving forward,

Joliet.

creating a healthier and more vibrant

living but also strengthens family bonds.

Medical professionals bring a wealth of knowledge and experience

Our family-inclusive initiative reflects

that will significantly enhance

our commitment to the well-being of

our programs. Their insights can

Joliet.

our community. We understand that

provide a deeper understanding of

Testimonials are more than

health is not an individual pursuit.

nutrition, health, and the specific

words. They are windows into the

In this chapter, we will share some

needs of our community members.

experiences of those who have been

of these community testimonials.

This collaboration is not just about

part of our journey. These stories

They are the voices that drive our

treating illness but preventing it,

reflect the transformation that is

mission and serve as a reminder of

focusing on overall well-being.

happening in our community.

the positive impact we are making,

By bringing their expertise into

Let’s hear from parents who

our programs, we aim to foster

have seen their children not only

community-wide dialogues on

eating more vegetables but also

health. This collaboration will provide

understanding the importance

valuable insights and resources

of healthy choices. Let’s listen to

to our community members,

the children who have grown and

empowering them to take control of

learned through our programs,

their well-being.

becoming ambassadors of good

one life at a time.

health.

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TESTIMONIALS

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Male Adult - 37 Jeremy:

Female Adult Daphne (46 years old):

“Participating in the Food as Medicine program was a game-changer for my family. I’ve learned so much about the nutritional value of the foods we eat and how to make healthier choices on a daily basis. My daughter and I have both benefited greatly, and I’ve noticed her enthusiasm for trying new, healthier foods.

It’s more than just a program; it’s a lifestyle change.”

“The Food as Medicine initiative opened my eyes to the importance of a balanced diet, especially for growing teenagers. My son, who was initially hesitant about the whole idea, now enjoys our weekend cooking sessions.

He’s even taken an interest in reading food labels when we shop! I’ve observed a noticeable change in his energy levels and overall well-being.”

Daughter (9 years old): Harlie Jade

Son (14 years old): Asir

“I used to think vegetables were boring, but the Food as Medicine program made them fun! I loved the garden walks and trying new foods right from the plants. Now, I ask my dad if we can make the yummy recipes at home. I feel happier and have more energy to play!”

“At first, I thought the program was just another boring health thing. But it turned out to be pretty cool!

I learned about the kinds of foods that are good for me, and the activities made it interesting. Now, I feel better during my soccer practices and don’t get tired as easily. Plus, I’ve picked up some cool cooking skills!”

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CHAPTER 15 THE FUTURE OF THE JOLIET HEALTH COALITION

As we conclude this book, we

choices. We envision a community

look to the horizon with hope and

that not only thrives in the present

determination. The future of the

but also sets a strong foundation for

Joliet Health Coalition is bright,

the generations to come.

and our commitment to a healthier community remains unwavering.

shaped our approach, we have made significant strides. We’ve engaged our youth, addressed childhood nutrition disparities, and actively worked to promote “Food as

of our teams, the support of our

pages. It’s an ongoing mission to

community, and the inspiring

make Joliet even healthier and

moments that guide our initiatives.

more vibrant. We are dedicated

Together, we will continue to make a

to nurturing the health and

positive impact in Joliet and beyond.

well-being of our community through continuous improvement,

The challenges we faced became

professionals, and a family-inclusive

opportunities for innovation, and

approach.

collaboration with medical

the foundation for future success.

We understand that our mission is ongoing, and we are committed

Coalition is shaped by the dedication

Our journey doesn’t end with these

Medicine.”

the lessons we learned became

The future of the Joliet Health

Our mission is not just a promise. It’s a commitment to building a healthier and stronger Joliet. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey, and we invite you to join us

We see a future where every child in

in shaping a brighter future for our

Joliet has access to nutritious food,

community.

and the knowledge to make healthy

to the path ahead, one that From humble beginnings, we set out with a simple but powerful

collaboration, and inclusivity.

mission: to make Joliet healthier and

The Joliet Health Coalition is not just

stronger.

an organization. It’s a community

Through the dedication of our teams, the unwavering support of our community, and the transformative moments that

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involves continuous improvement,

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that believes in the power of unity and shared vision. We’ve seen the positive impact we can make when we come together, and we are excited about the future.

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THANKS TO: ARISE and WE IN THE WORLD Junior Medic was given a microgrant by ARISE (Activating Relationships in Illinois for Systemic Equity), which was the spark that made the Joliet Health Coalition project happen. With unwavering support and helpful advice from We in the World, this relationship, made possible by ARISE’s innovative funding, has opened the door to big changes in Joliet’s lively community.

Thanks to ARISE’s thoughtful funding, we not only have the money, but also the freedom to come up with new ways to help the people of Joliet. This project shows how powerful it is to work together and how many options there are when people and groups work together with the same goal of making the world a better place.

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