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Executive Director's Corner
Greetings,
I hope that you are enjoying spring. It is a time of year that ushers in rainy days, the fresh green of spring, and colorful flowers in bloom. In May, we anticipate warmer days, celebrate our mothers and/or those who have mothered us, and eagerly await a long weekend at the end of the month. That weekend is not just about an extra day to enjoy but, more importantly, honoring those in the military who have lost their lives in service to this nation. The first Memorial Day was observed on May 30, 1868. It is now celebrated on the last Monday in May.
As we conclude April, Military Child Month, we enter May, National Military Appreciation Month. During this month, we honor those who currently serve in the armed forces. Multiple members of my family, including my father, maternal grandfather (both deceased), and son (veteran), have served this country. Therefore, I know firsthand the importance of organizations such as Kids Rank, which provides a safe, nurturing, creative space for children from military families.
I have the pleasure of introducing Kelcey Liverpool, Executive Director of Kids Rank, who will share reflections on the importance of Memorial Day to the families her organization serves.
1. What does Memorial Day mean to you, your organization, and the families you serve?
For me, Memorial Day is a day to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in serving our country and the impact it has on those they have left behind. I was just talking to a friend about how small our current military is and what that means. Our current all-volunteer force is less than 1% of the US population, and the number of active-duty US military personnel has fallen over 37% since 1980. This places the responsibility of defending the freedoms for us all on a small demographic of people. Today, there are fewer people who personally know someone serving, which can create a disconnect in identifying or understanding the community and the culture. I can imagine that, as a result, it also means that the true meaning of Memorial Day becomes more abstract and lost.
If we look closer, 60% of veterans under 40 have an immediate family member who served. Among new recruits, 30% have a parent in the military, and 70% report a family member in the armed forces. The military, in many ways, has become a generational career path. For our organization, the meaning of Memorial Day hits closer to home.
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Thank you, Kelcey, for your insights and the vital work that you do!
Gratefully,
Venoncia
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Mastering the Art of Grant Proposal Writing: Tips from your Fellow Grant Writers
Crafting a successful grant proposal requires more than just filling out forms and ticking off boxes. It's an intricate dance of understanding your audience, aligning with their goals, and effectively conveying your organization's mission and vision. Here are some invaluable tips from other local grant writers to elevate your grant proposal game:
Know Your Audience:
Understanding the priorities and perspectives of funders is paramount. To achieve this:
· Engage in candid conversations with funder staff.
· Attend funder events and webinars.
· Dive into funder announcements and impact reports.
· Analyze previous grant awards to discern priority focus areas.
· Extend invitations to funders for tours or organization events.
Quality over Quantity:
While it might be tempting to blast out as many grant applications as possible, investing time in meaningful alignment between your proposals and your organization’s mission yields better results. Focus on fostering relationships with funders and ensuring your proposals resonate with their objectives.
Start Early and Stay Organized:
Begin the grant writing process well in advance to avoid last-minute rushes. Determine eligibility early, gather necessary documents, and conduct preliminary research. This allows for ample time to weave together a compelling narrative and address all requirements effectively.
The Art and Science of Grant Writing:
Crafting a compelling proposal involves blending storytelling with factual precision. Your proposal should succinctly connect challenges with proposed solutions. Clearly articulate the issue, propose solutions, outline outcomes, and illustrate the broader community impact.
Understand Your Organization Inside Out:
Comprehend how each service fits into your organization's overall mission. This understanding is crucial not only for general operating requests but also for elucidating the importance of your work and mission to potential funders.
Collaborate and Review:
Involve program staff in developing realistic objectives and outcomes. Collaborative efforts ensure alignment between proposed measures and staff capacity. Additionally, always seek a second set of eyes, preferably from your Executive Director, to review the application before submission.
Final Thoughts:
Grant writing is not just about securing funding; it's about building meaningful partnerships and making a tangible difference in your community. By understanding your audience, crafting compelling narratives, and adhering to best practices, you can increase your chances of success in the competitive world of grant funding.
Remember, it's not just about what you need but also about how you can fulfill the foundation partners' aspirations.
Thank you to the grant writers who helped provide the tips used for this newsletter article!!
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2024 Giving Tuesday Grants
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Applications Accepted Soon! | |
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Application is open from May 1- June 28
Giving Tuesday 2024 is Tuesday, December 3
We are excited to announce that HFNLC will offer Giving Tuesday matching grants again in 2024. Letters of Inquiry are not required. HFNLC will accept applications beginning May 1, 2024, and ending on June 28, 2024.
If awarded, this grant would match funds from new individual donors and the increased portion of donations from existing individual donors raised during any campaign between November 26, 2024, and December 17, 2024. Funds can be received through any online platform and via cash or check.
Other requirements are:
- Be a current HFNLC grantee - have received a grant within the last 12 months or are in your year off.
- Agree to apply HFNLC funds to health programs in northern Lake County.
- Submit a final report on basic metrics as well as lessons learned during your campaign. Final reports will be due January 10, 2025.
If you have any questions about this process, contact Angela Baran, HFNLC Program Officer.
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Important Reminder
Letter of Inquiry Submission Dates
All grant applications—including new and renewal requests—begin with submitting a Letter of Inquiry in our online grants application system. You can access our online application system through the Apply Page of our website. If you have any questions about this process, contact Angela Baran, HFNLC Senior Program Officer.
Letters of Inquiry must be submitted between May 15, 2024, and June 14, 2024, before 5:00 p.m. for the August 1, 2024 proposal deadline.
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Exploring the Healthy Illinois Survey: What Lake County Residents Need to Know
In a groundbreaking move towards understanding and addressing the health needs of our communities, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is gearing up to launch the Healthy Illinois (HIL) Survey. This comprehensive initiative aims to collect vital health data from households across every county and zip code in Illinois, including Lake County.
Signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker in 2021, the Healthy Illinois Survey (HIL) is a pivotal effort to gather robust and statistically reliable public health data. Through this annual survey, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders will gain valuable insights into the health-related needs and challenges faced by Illinois residents. To ensure the success and accuracy of the HIL Survey, IDPH has partnered with NORC at the University of Chicago. The HIL Survey will delve into a wide range of health-related topics, including access to health services, mental health, COVID-19 experiences, diet, financial security, substance abuse, and more. By covering such diverse areas, the survey aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the social determinants of health in our communities.
Households from every county and zip code in Illinois will be randomly selected to participate in the survey. While only a randomly selected number of individuals will be contacted, it's essential for Lake County residents to be aware of this process and prepared to potentially receive a survey invitation.
If you have any questions about the HIL Survey or would like to learn more about the process, contact DPH.HIL@illinois.gov. Your engagement and support are key to the success of this initiative.
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Toxic: A Black Woman's Story
Thursday, May 8, 2024
1-3 pm
Racism, toxic stress, and Birth Outcomes—how are these things intertwined? This short film explores that question. Peer into the world of Nina, an elite lawyer, loyal wife, and loving mother. Nina is navigating life (and pregnancy) to the best of her ability. But sometimes, the forces on a woman—especially a black woman—can be too much to bear.
Join us as we view the film and discuss how navigating an unjust world takes a toll on Black women's bodies and how loving and restorative ways of living together can help.
Space is limited.
Download a flyer
The Chicago Department of Public Health Office for Violence Prevention provides funds for this program.
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Join virtually, May 10, 2024
from 8:30 AM–4:40 PM CT /
9:30 AM–5:40 PM ET / 6:30 AM–2:40 PM PT
Summit Mission:
A premier national summit on substance use disorders bringing together the White House Office of National Drug
Control Policy with front-line providers, scientists, and funding agencies to fight the stigma associated with substance use and build innovative strategies that will create best practices for Black communities to heal.
Summit Objectives:
- Provide clinical and peer provider solutions to eliminate barriers to treatment and recovery while navigating the legal system.
- Build capacity for faith-based communities to connect to multiple pathways to recovery, including life-saving medications, while navigating racial inequities in healthcare.
- Understand theories about the brain's reward circuit, dopamine, and substance use disorders.
- Recognize the link between childhood adversity and brain structure
- Reduce mental health stigma among health care providers and recovery support services
- Master resource building in funding, advocacy, and coalitions to sustain and enhance front-line services.
- Explore how to work with youth in various settings.
Intended audience: Front-line service providers, recovery support services, scientists, federal agencies, and funders.
Continuing education credits are available for attendees through the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry.
Questions? Contact email at adrijana.pusnik@wisc.edu
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NIATx Change Leader Academy (May 2024)
This series takes place on May 14, 21, 28, and June 4, 2024, from 2:30 PM–4:00 PM CT. You must attend all dates to receive your certificate.
The NIATx Change Leader Academy (CLA) is the web-based version of the popular NIATx Change Leader Academy. The CLA has given thousands of behavioral health organizations the tools to make real changes that improve their systems of care. This interactive, expert-led program includes four weekly 90-minute learning sessions. An optional organizational consultation is available following the four sessions. This training and consultation are offered at no cost and are supported by funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Participants in the virtual CLA will learn:
- The NIATx principles and how they motivate positive change
- How to build a change team and integrate NIATx principles at the organizational level
- How to conduct a change project to improve a specific process within their organization
Registrants who fully attend this event or training will be eligible to receive six NAADAC-certified continuing education (CE) hours. CE certificates will be sent to qualified individuals via email within two weeks after the training.
Mat Roosa, LCSW-R, presenter, was a founding member of NIATx and has been a NIATx coach for a wide range of projects. He works as a consultant in the areas of quality improvement, organizational development, and planning, evidence-based practice implementation. His experience includes direct clinical practice in mental health and substance use services, teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and human service agency administration.
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Tuesday, May 14, 2024
1-3 pm
Learn about the impact that exposure to the trauma of those you serve can have on you. Discover strategies to care for yourself so you can be well personally and professionally.
Download a flyer
The Chicago Department of Public Health Office for Violence Prevention provides funds for this program.
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Catholic Charities is looking for local vendors and community resources. This event will allow you to showcase your services to the community. Interested? Reach out via sinsurriaga@catholiccharities.net. |
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Please join us and your fellow community leaders on May 15, 2024, as we share best practices and resources for serving refugees and immigrants across our region and the staff that supports them.
Our communities have a strong desire to help refugees and immigrants find safety, health care, stable housing, and other necessities crucial to creating a life in which they can sustain themselves and their families. Illinois has a successful history of welcoming and supporting immigrants and refugees with numerous organizations providing refuge and services, but the task is difficult for many reasons:
- Housing is scarce and unaffordable.
- Language barriers prevent the effective communication and treatment of physical and mental health concerns and trauma.
- The complexity of immigration statuses and uncertainties is daunting.
Many organizations have waiting lists for intake, case management, housing placement, and employment development. Due to funding and staffing limitations, in addition to the high emotional toll of the work, immigrant-serving organizations are consistently working beyond capacity.
This year's forum will address ways to increase organization and staff capacity to maintain and extend our responsiveness to meet the needs of immigrants and refugees in our communities.
Funding is provided by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Office of Welcoming Centers for Refugee and Immigrant Services.
Language Access (Interpretation Available)
The forum will be presented in English, with Spanish interpretation available. We are happy to provide additional interpreters upon request. When completing your registration, you will have the opportunity to request a specific language interpreter.
If you would like interpretation in another language, please complete your registration by Friday, May 3, 2024.
Date: May 15, 2024
Time: 9:00AM - 11:00AM
Location: Remote via Zoom
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This year, Family First Center of Lake County has been working with Rosalind Franklin University Health Clinics and other nonprofit organizations to provide monthly health services and resources to the community.
While Rosalind Franklin University provides vaccines and handouts free fruits and vegetables, Family First Center of Lake County shares its services with families and discusses their current needs.
This space has also been great for speaking with fellow nonprofits and seeing what can be done for the communities we serve. It is an important reminder of what we can achieve when we work together!
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On May 23, 2024, the Illinois ACEs Response Collaborative will commemorate Illinois’ sixth annual Trauma-Informed Awareness Day.
Join them at 10 a.m. as they reflect on this year’s theme—Building a Healing-Centered Future: Uniting for Transformative Action—and engage with local leaders from the state, county, and city levels.
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Call for Nominations:
2024 Health & Medicine Awards
Nominations are now open for our 2024 Health & Medicine Awards!
Join us in honoring the heroes of public health in our community who dedicate their lives to enhancing the health and well-being of others. We're looking for individuals or organizations that embody the spirit of Health & Medicine's commitment to fostering social justice and health equity across Illinois.
Whether they're healthcare workers, volunteers, scholars, activists, or community members, we welcome nominations for anyone whose efforts have made a significant positive impact on health and health equity in our area.
Submit your nominations for the 2024 Health & Medicine Awards here! Nominations close at 5 p.m. on May 24, 2024. Self-nominations are allowed.
Nominators and winners will be contacted in early July, and the honorees will be celebrated at our Awards Gala on September 12, 2024.
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Lake County PrideFest 2024
PrideFest is the largest annual Pride celebration in Lake County. Lake County PrideFest's 4th annual community celebration & fundraiser!
Saturday, June 8th, 2024, 2 pm – 10 pm
Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center
Lake County PrideFest is one of the most highly anticipated events of the summer in Lake County, drawing thousands.
This FREE, family-friendly outdoor festival will feature music and performances, food trucks, a beer and beverage tent, craft and artisan vendors, a resource fair, games and entertainment for children, multiple drag shows, dancing, and more!
A $5 donation at the door is suggested but not required.
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Nurturing Resilience: Community Youth Network (CYN) Counseling's "Growing Resilient Teens" Program
In northwestern Lake County, there is a story of courage and connection made possible by the partnership between the Healthcare Foundation and CYN Counseling Center. At its center is the "Growing Resilient Teens" program, which embraces vulnerability and fosters resilience in adolescents.
This isn't your typical therapy session. Led by the dedicated master's-level team at CYN, our “Growing Resilient Teens” program creates a space where middle school students can be real, face their struggles, and emerge stronger. CYN has teamed up with Susanna Farms, bringing horses into their therapeutic sessions so that young people can connect with themselves and others in a whole new way.
One of the program's success stories is that of Alex, a 16-year-old student from a local middle school struggling with anxiety and low self-esteem. Traditional therapy sessions felt uncomfortable to Alex, but the moment he stepped onto Susanna Farms, something shifted. Guided by skilled therapists and the owner of Susanna Farms, Laura, Alex practiced mindfulness and acceptance on the farm. Through equine-assisted activities, he learned valuable lessons in trust, communication, and emotional regulation.
Because of the support of the Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County and other vital community funders, financial barriers don't prevent teens from accessing the therapies they need. Together, we’re transforming lives, one resilient teen at a time. For more information, please contact Janet Gow, Director of Development, Community Youth Network, at JanetG@cyngrayslake.org.
If you have a success story, news, or event you'd like HFNLC to publicize, please send it our way. We'll consider sharing your entries through HFNLC's monthly e-newsletter.
If possible, include pictures or graphic designs. Send your entries to Meredith Polirer at meredith.polirer@hfnlc.org.
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OUR MISSION
The Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County supports efforts that improve access to health services for underserved Lake County, Illinois, residents. We strive to improve the health status of uninsured, underinsured, and medically underserved residents.
We are especially interested in addressing gaps in health services, increasing the capacity of effective organizations and programs, and fostering innovative solutions to persistent healthcare access problems.
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Questions about the Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County? Contact: | | | | |
