REGIONAL ROCK STARS

We are looking for Regional Rock Stars

Community Memorial Foundation Nominate a Regional Rock Star

We all know one—a neighbor, colleague, co-worker, friend—who is making a difference with acts of kindness, hope and gratitude.

These are the folks you talk about around your kitchen table, the ones you’ve seen on social media, the people helping people you are thinking about right now. As businesses, organizations and neighbors adjusted to the COVID-19 pandemic, these individuals ignited hope and inspired action, and they are the people we want to lift up and recognize during this time.

We invite you to share the stories of these individuals who have been making a difference in our community so that we can recognize them and be inspired by the ways they are bringing the entire region together.

Collaborating on this effort are AMITA Health, Community Memorial Foundation, the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce, the West Central Municipal Conference and the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Collectively, we have been sharing these stories with our stakeholders and partners.

Individuals will be recognized at a community celebration at the end of the year. ■

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Navy veteran finds way

A life with Diveheart family, post 9/11

NAVY VETERAN JESSE KOLEK

Diveheart helped Navy veteran Jesse Kolek find his way. A non-profit organization, Diveheart provides scuba-diving instruction and opportunities for children and adults with disabilities and wounded veterans. Diveheart's office is located in Downers Grove, and the organization has chapters around the world. Following the events of Sept. 11, 2001, Jesse enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a diver. "My primary duties included experimental, salvage, husbandry and rescue-diving," he said.

Jesse was honorably discharged in 2011 due to a service-related disability, and he subsequently struggled to figure out his future. "Diving was all I knew and cared about," he said. "I attempted attending community college, but had difficulty focusing and struggled in class. My main desire was to somehow get back into the Navy as a diver. It took a while to realize

BY WENDY FOSTER

that wasn't going to happen." It was through his involvement with an employment program at the local Hines VA Hospital that Jesse connected with Diveheart. In helping identify meaningful civilian employment, Eric Kulesza, the job coach with whom he worked, listened carefully to Jesse's interest and skills. Familiar with Diveheart, Eric approached the organization, sharing Jesse's navy experience, and inquiring about possible employment. "Founder/president Jim Elliott, and executive director Tinamarie Hernandez were receptive to the VA program, and carved out a role to help me be part of Diveheart's mission of helping individuals with disabilities through scuba-diving," Kolek said. "Although I am not performing the same duties as I was in the navy, I still find meaning being involved in diving." Jesse began with Diveheart volunteering as an office assistant. He switched to managing equipment and operations, something he said he was more "interested and proficient in." The next year, Diveheart secured funding enabling them to hire him part-time. "My duties consist of organizing and maintaining inventory in the gear locker, which is Diveheart's storage facility," he said. "I prepare and stage the equipment for upcoming dive events. I'm also welcome to participate in local weekend dive events."

Jesse said that working at Diveheart has been good for his mental health. "Other areas of my life have also seemingly improved since I've been there," he said. "For example, I now have two beautiful girls and own a home in Bolingbrook with my girlfriend Heather. ... "Jim and Tinamarie have been very understanding of my needs and abilities. They are flexible whenever I have medical appointments or parenting responsibilities, and overall, are extremely supportive. I am so glad Diveheart is continuing to expand and benefit more and more people." ■