InfantWelfareSociety_091416 by Wednesday Journal

100 YEARS

OAK PARK RIVER F OREST I NFANT WELFARE SOCIETY

Caring for the Health of Children BY LACEY SIKORA

or 100 years, the Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society has been a motivating force for ensuring the health and well-being of children. IWS Members have impacted the lives of children in the community since 1916, when, in response to a diphtheria epidemic, concerned women organized milk stations to provide clean milk to poor children. In celebrating its 100th Anniversary, the IWS has achieved a milestone that relatively few organizations do, much less one that is volunteer-driven. They have transformed themselves countless times to meet the evolving health needs of underserved children. They have been instrumental in advocating for families without adequate resources to ensure their children have the foundation needed to live healthy, happy and productive lives. There is an old adage that says, “without health, you have nothing” or conversely, when OPRF IWS members celebrate the 100th Anniversary. (Pictured left to right) front row: Peggy Diamond, 100th co-chair; Debbie Blanco, Auxiliary chair. Back row: Sharon Flint M.D., 100th committee; Michele Moore, Board member; Kathy Haney, 100th committee; Mary Anderson 100th you have health you have everything. Inherent resilience and a steadfast co-chair; and Lynne Williams, Board president. adherence to a mission that ultimately “With a background in hospital care physician. We now have a referral impacts our entire society has led administration, IWS was a natural system to refer patients to the IWS the OPRF Infant Welfare place to share my expertise. Children’s Clinic, and we’ve seen a positive Society to where it is In FY2016, Plus, my only sibling change in those statistics.” today – and beyond the OPRF IWS was developmentally – delivering the Bruce Elegant, IWS Board Member disabled. I have firsthighest qualcared for (President and CEO hand insight into how ity healthcare to Rush Oak Park Hospital) not having access to children via children via dedn care affects families. icated commumedical, By joining IWS, I I joined in 1970, and I can remember nity outreach and dental and behavioral knew I could make a a compassionate wearing hats and white gloves to children difference.” and comprehensive meetings. Times have changed, and IWS health clinic visits in Illinois live clinic. Lynne Williams, President has changed with them. in poverty The diverse memberThe needs of the Clinic have also changed n ship of IWS ranges from high tremendously. You gain new friends, and “When I joined the IWS board five school students to grandmothers, you work together for the ultimate goal years ago, 30% of visits to our (ROPH) from busy professionals to retirees. of supporting the mission, the Children’s emergency room were children.Many of of the children cared for at Regardless of their background, the Clinic.” these children did not have a regular the IWS Children’s Clinic are women and men who make up IWS doctor and used the ER as their primary Chatka Ruggiero, Member on Medicaid or uninsured are united in their common vision.

Caring for children in need

3,474 10,055

1 in 5

95%

Reflecting on our Past 1902 A baby died of diphtheria in his father’s arms on the streets of Chicago, while the father was going from hospital to hospital trying to get the child admitted. There were only 64 beds in the city for children with contagious diseases. Only 350 beds for children in all hospitals combined. As a result, the Chicago Woman’s Club started a 2 Celebrating 100 Years of Healthy Kids

campaign for a children’s hospital. 1903 Children’s Hospital Society appointed a committee to organize a “pure milk commission” to inspect quality and condition of milk from the time it leaves dairies in the country until it reached consumers in the city. Mrs. J. H. Kaufman of Chicago Woman’s Club

spoke to other women’s clubs advocating for a milk depot ‘station’ in every block in the tenement district. 1908 The Milk Commission of Chicago, which for six years distributed pure milk gratis or below cost, and modified milk under the auspices of Children’s Hospital Society. 1911 Annual meeting of the Milk Commission

unanimously voted to change the name to Infant Welfare Society. 1911 St. Elizabeth’s Station became the fourth station to be established in Chicago, due to the high infant mortality rate. The Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society (OPRF IWS) was affiliated with this station since its beginning at 1401 N. Bosworth, on the corner of Bosworth and Blackhawk.

OAK PARK RIVER F OREST I NFANT WELFARE SOCIETY

Play a Part in the Future of OPRF IWS BY LACEY SIKORA

rom its inception IWS has been organized around “circles,” small groups who join together to support the mission through fundraising, direct service and volunteering. As IWS enters its second century, membership is being reimagined and will be taken to a whole new level. Once comprised solely of women, membership is now open to men, and a newly formed Men’s Circle is flourishing. Many times, membership runs in families, with mothers and grandmothers welcoming their children into the group. Just as long term IWS families are integral to its success, so are new members who bring their own talents to the Society. For IWS Membership Co-chair Ann Anderson the membership is made richer by its diversity, “The Infant Welfare Society is a great way to combine service and fun. We have a very active membership with people from their twenties to their eighties. Plus we’re reaching out to businesses and young professionals.” Debbie Wholey, Membership cochair, notes that all members bring their unique set of skills and talents to IWS. Whether a member is a healthcare professional, a photographer, or works in real estate, IWS benefits from talents of its members. A high school circle comprised of local students holds a back-to-school health fair and back pack give away and a holiday party for the Clinic’s patients. Thirty-something members plan a summer fundraiser, and the annual Holiday Housewalk and Market is one of the IWS’s largest fundraisers, when all members lend a hand. Local professionals donate their expertise and skills to the Clinic. In ways big and small, IWS members use their time, treasures and talents to support the mission of the IWS Children’s Clinic. Join us for our Centennial Celebration on September 24th. 1914 The first Baby Week was held. $53,000 was raised. 1914 The Auxiliary of Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society drew up its first By-Laws. By this time, “Circles” started collecting needed comforts such as baby carriages, bedding, and ice-boxes as well as discarded clothing.

Ways you can help Join OPRF IWS! – Become a Member – Attend a Circle or a Men’s Group Meeting – Attend an Open House

Donate – Make a gift (online or call us!) – Attend and/or Sponsor IWS Events – Designate IWS in Estate Plans

Volunteer Your Time – Volunteer at IWS Events – Host a Party – Staff our Pet Therapy program – Arrange pro bono services or products

Volunteer Your Expertise – Legal, Financial, Real Estate, Design, Marketing, Social Media Photography, Painting Healthcare

Promote Literacy – Hold a Book Drive – Sort Books, Donate Books

Advance Health Education – Help at a Health Fair – Volunteer at the Clinic – Help with Portable Dentistry www.oprfiws.org 708.848.0528 info@oprfiws.org

Paulette Solinski (left) and her golden retriever Cooper with OPRF IWS members Abra Kaplan and Krista Kaplan meets with patients during a Pet Therapy visit.

OPRF IWS Fiscal Year The growth of IWS in the past 20 years conveys commitment, intention and demand for services

1916 The Oak Park Infant Welfare Society ‘Center’ becomes an authorized Center. At the January meeting officers were elected. The officers were: Mrs. William B. Fisk, President; Mrs. Edward W. McCready, Vice President; Mrs. D. A. Hare, Treasurer; Mrs. William Beye, Recording Secretary; and Miss Helen Towie, Corresponding Secretary. 1916 One of the twenty groups of the Oak

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$750K

1M �� 500K ��

$380K

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1995 2000 2005 2010 2017 Park ‘Center’ was made up of young women, who later became the Oak Park Junior League. 1918 Doctor’s salary was $25 a month. 1919 The Economy Shop was organized by Mrs. Edward W. McCready to aid five local charities: Day Nursery, Infant Welfare, Hephzibah, Family Welfare, and Community Service Guild. www.oprfisw.org 3

OAK PARK RIVER F OREST I NFANT WELFARE SOCIETY

Taking Care of the Whole Child BY LACEY SIKORA

he Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society (IWS) Children’s Clinic provides quality medical, dental and behavioral health services to children from birth through age eighteen. The integration of all three aspects of healthcare makes the IWSChildren’s Clinic a holistic clinic that offers comprehensive care. Colette Lueck, Managing Director, Illinois Children’s Mental Health Partnership: “Increasingly national and state policies support the integration and co-location of health and mental health services, recognizing the unique position of health providers to recognize and screen for mental health concerns. The IWS Children’s Clinic led the way, developing a model program with social work staff on site who can consult with medical staff, answer caregiver questions about child Dr. Stephanie Weller, MD, above, Medical Director, cares for a patient during a well-child visit. development and offer mental health ser- Dr. Samore, DDS, right, with the portable dentistry team a student during a dental exam in vices and supports when necessary. a school library. (Left) Victoria Novotny, Health Education Outreach Coordinator with Kurt During the last fiscal year, the Clinic Anderson, Volunteer, with students from St. Angela’s school during an Oral Health & Nutrition provided care to 3,474 patients who made Presentation. 10,055 visits to the Clinic. The Clinic access to dental care. As in most areas, serves over fifty communities. prevention is so much easier than treatDr. Stephanie Weller, IWS Children’s ment of a problem. Clinic Medical Director, says that having a We want to be a dental home so that healthcare “medical home” is important patients come in for regular cleanings for proper development. “We offer and education on the importance well-care and sick-care visits as of diet, brushing and flossing.” Oak Park, Chicago, Berwyn, Cicero, well as chronic disease manageFor Director of Social Services, Melrose Park, Maywood, Forest Park, ment for illnesses like diabetes Denise Gonzalez, behavioral Bellwood, Elmwood Park, Northlake, Franklin Park, and asthma. As a pediatricare goes hand and hand with Hillside, River Forest, Addison, Bensenville, Berkeley, cian, it is important to build medical and dental care. The Bloomingdale, Blue Island, Broadview, Carol Stream, a relationship over time with IWS Children’s Clinic has a Chicago Ridge, Des Plaines, Elgin, Elmhurst, Evanston, families so that you can see social worker present at wellFord Heights, Glen Ellyn, Glendale Heights, Glenview, the big picture of health and child visits to screen children Itasca, Lakemoor, Lombard, Lynwood, Morton development.” for social and emotional issues Grove, Mount Prospect, Park City, Streamwood, Dr. Wanda Laszcz, Oral which could have long-term Westchester, Northlake, Stickney, Stone Park, Health Director, notes that health effects. River Grove, Roselle, Rosemont, Sauk although the Clinic is expanding “With the ability to refer Village, Schaumburg, Schiller Park, Villa dental hours and uses a portable patients to individual or famPark, Wheaton, Wood Dale clinic to visit area schools, the need for ily therapy,” Gonzalez says, “the IWS quality dental care in the community is Children’s Clinic is able to help address unmet and growing. “A lot of children of issues before they result in more signifilower socioeconomic status don’t have cant mental health crises.”

Where Our Patients Live

1919 First dietician added to staff. Prenatal care and children up to 6-years-old. 1920 On recommendation of Stations and Nurses commission, a nurse was assigned to make a house-to-house canvass for a survey of child welfare in the districts. 1921 The IWS assumed a budget of $12,000 to assure a prenatal clinic at St Elizabeth’s Station. 4 Celebrating 100 Years of Healthy Kids

Health Education & Outreach in our communities Portable Dentistry: 1,936 children were given preventative dental care (exams and sealants) in 22 schools Health Education: 7,474 children, parents and school staff attended our nutrition & oral health presentations Health Fairs: Served 3,185 people at 50 events

1921 The name was changed to the Junior League of Infant Welfare. The first “Infant Welfare Ball” was given at the Oak Park Country Club. The quick success of the Balls - noted in national society magazines and in Chicago — attracted many new members, resulting in subdividing the Juniors. 1925 There was an addition of a psychiatric social worker to staff. Mrs.

E. W. MacCready underwrote $2,400 for a one year experiment. Miss D. E. Hall, Psychiatric Social Worker, started work in October. 1926 Voted to add ten new nurses to take care of city birth registration notices. 1929 The Auxiliary was reorganized under the name of the Oak Park and River Forest Infant Welfare Society of Chicago.

OAK PARK RIVER F OREST I NFANT WELFARE SOCIETY

Children enjoy a Back-to-School Health Fair and backpack giveaway event hosted by Circle 80 high school girls in front of the clinic.

Dr. Lynse Briney, DDS, MS, with smiling patients after a dental exam.

“IWS has personal meaning to me. I grew up in Oak Park, and there were six kids in my family. My mom would take us to the Clinic to get our inoculations. All of my siblings remember going there. It was certainly a big part of our world.”

“Now that I have a daughter, knowing that some families feel they can’t go to the doctor is something that is hard to accept. It’s important to me that families feel they have somewhere to turn when their children are sick.”

Cindy Milojevic, Member

Abby Pirc, Member

“At the Clinic, all of our patients are in need due to their low socioeconomic status. Our children tend to have more cavities due to poor nutrition, lack of access to dentistry and lack of funds for items like toothpaste and tooth brushes.”

“The need is great. If we had increased funding, we would reach more families.

Caring for the whole child Medical Dental Behavioral Health

in the Oak Park Station. Children are protected against diphtheria, scarlet fever, whooping cough and polio.

1935 When the Community Chest of Oak Park River Forest was organized, IWS was a part of its fundraising campaign.

1943 The Nurse’s Retirement Fund was created to provide security for nurses who had served the Society for a certain number of years.

1940 A program for visual acuity began. Made possible by the gift of the Oak Park Board.

Medical Homes *Giving Library *Pet Therapy *Health Education

*School Supplies *Holiday Gifts *Winter Jackets Nutrition, Portable Dentistry, Health Education

1933 The Junior Auxiliary’s Annual Ball fulfilled their pledge to support the Prenatal and Preschool work at St Elizabeth Station in Chicago, even during the height of the depression.

“Home-iest” of

*Health Fairs

Denise Gonzalez Director of Social Services

Wanda Laszcz, Oral Health Director

1937 The Immunization Clinics were opened

OPRF IWS Children’s Clinic is a Medical Home

*Party with Santa *Support Groups

1947 OPRF IWS was willed $100,000, by the Lillie T. Butler estate. 1963 By 1963 there were 40 Circles and 1224 members. 1963 In the Economy Shop report: An average of 85 people were required for each sale day. Over 85% of these volunteers were Infant Welfare members. www.oprfisw.org 5

OAK PARK RIVER F OREST I NFANT WELFARE SOCIETY

A Community Partner for Children’s Health BY LACEY SIKORA

s IWS celebrates the milestone of reaching 100 years, preparing for the next 100 is the foremost goal for its members. Because IWS owns and operates the IWS Children’s Clinic, it is an unusual model in healthcare. Once entirely funded by IWS fundraisers, IWS now relies on philanthropy, government programs, foundations and community partnerships to care for more than 3,400 children a year at the clinic. Due to the efforts of generous donors, committed staff, dedicated members, volunteers and partnerships with a variety of community organizations, IWS can provide the most up-to-date comprehensive care. In all aspects, Joy Fulton, IWS Treasurer, says the IWS Children’s Clinic continues to grow and thrive due to the efforts of the entire community. “I’m honestly stunned by the help people give. It is phenomenal. People have ownership of this place. As we look to the next 100 years we’re partnering with other agencies to continue to grow.”

n “Health has to be the most important thing to make sure our kids grow up strong. I don’t know where we’d be without the Clinic. They provide continuity of care to our kids, and most of all, they are kind.” Mary Anne Brown, Executive Director, Hephzibah n “We partner with IWS to offer mental health screenings in every well child visit - a best approach to holistic healthcare.”

U.S. Deputy Surgeon General Sylvia Trent-Adams visits with a patient at the IWS Children’s Clinic, 320 Lake Street, Oak Park. “It is such a privilege to partner with the IWS Children’s Clinic. Integration of treatment removes a lot of barriers to getting good care.” Ann Schreiner, President, Pillars n “We have an informal referral network with the IWS Children’s Clinic. We are also collaborating on cooking skills and nutrition education classes. Michele Zurakowski, Executive Director, OPRF Food Pantry

Lisa DeNunzio-DeVivo, Executive Director, Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township

U.S. Deputy Surgeon General visits IWS U.S. Deputy Surgeon General Sylvia Trent-Adams during a speech at the OPRF IWS 100th Anniversary Community and Business Leaders Luncheon on March 9th spoke of childhood obesity and mental health as two major health and wellness challenges for today’s children, both of which require early intervention to prevent longterm problems later in life. She applauded the Infant Welfare Society for treating the whole child through it’s Clinic with comprehensive medical, dental and behavioral health services as well as nutrition education.

For every dollar we raise, we use 88¢ to fund services for children.

By the numbers To support the $200 average

$90

cost for each medical visit, we need to raise $90 through philanthropy.

To support the $145 average cost for each dental visit, we need to raise $44 through philanthropy.

1972 The founding of the Showcase House tradition began at a home at 1044 Forest Ave in River Forest. 1986 From “Full of Facts”: It should be noted that Infant Welfare is supported almost solely by the efforts and contributions of its members, whether it be financial, volunteer hours or time expended on fundraising projects. 6 Celebrating 100 Years of Healthy Kids

1991 Kinderfaire was held at Stevenson Playground in Oak Park for the 13th year. Services available were immunizations, vision and hearing screenings, and fingerprinting. 1996 OPRF IWS offers first free evening medical/dental clinic, due to concerns about patient access. The new extended hours resulted in a 33% increase in patient

$44

$200

$145

visits. Established ties to the University of Illinois Nurse Practitioner program and became an internship site. 1997 The Oak Park Health Department shares both the clinic space and its monthly operating cost with IWS. 1998-1999 The Board approved the beginning of a modest sliding fee scale, with the policy that, “no child would be

OAK PARK RIVER F OREST I NFANT WELFARE SOCIETY

Growing Services in the Next 100 Years BY LACEY SIKORA

e are delighted for you to join us as we celebrate this historic Centennial Anniversary of the Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society and reflect upon the achievement of positively impacting the lives of thousands upon thousands of children and families throughout the past century. However, we are not a group to rest on our laurels. In anticipation of this momentous occasion, we have spent considerable time contemplating our future recognizing that the society in which we now live and the communities we serve continue to change. We have emerged from this process reinvigorated and more committed than ever to the one constant we can control; that being, our steadfast commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of children. Operating in a climate where healthcare funding is under intense pressure and our state is struggling financially, we realized the importance of reimagining who we are and how we work. To that end, we have made investments to ensure not just our ongoing financial sustainability, but to continue to grow our capability to help even more children by expanding the depth of programs. Most recently, we have implemented an expansion of our pediatric dental program to serve children with special needs and started a pet therapy visitation program. We hired the first Executive Director of the Society, have implemented a major gift philanthropy program, made plans to significantly grow our membership and recently opened up our ranks to men - with the very first men’s group now in place! The IWS Board of Directors and membership extend our most gracious appreciation to all who have helped to grow and evolve IWS over the years. We invite you to be a part of our

OPRF IWS members and volunteers host the 100th Anniversary Block Party for patient families. (Pictured left to right) front row: Abby Pirc, Liz Robinson, Nancy Van Der Griend, Mary Cate Kuhl. Back row: Oscar Blanco, John Robinson, Brittany Keller, Alex O’Neill and Gabbie Napolitano.

next 100 years in caring for the health and well-being of children in need - join, donate and volunteer for IWS today! Lynne Williams Board President

Vision for the Future We’ve experienced exponential growth over the past 20 years. To prepare for the future we are: • Growing and Diversifying our Membership and Volunteer Base • Expanding our Philanthropic Base of Support Looking forward we intend to: • Increase Access to Care for More Patients

Peggy LaFleur Executive Director

• Expand the Breadth of Medical Home Services

refused services if unable to pay.”

grant from the Westlake Foundation and the Mary Anderson Nursing Fund.

2006 Celebrating the 90th Anniversary Gala. Lynne ‘Angel’ Harvey, was honorary chairperson. 2008 New branding for IWS to The Children’s Clinic. 2008 The Kentucky Derby Party is held at Chatka Ruggiero’s home.

2013 The IWS Cildren’s Clinic is remodeled. The nurse’s station includes a private bathroom and better traffic flow for both patients and staff. The Clinic received a

2014 The Clinic received $85,000 in grants for the first year of implementing electronic medical health records. 2015 Leo Burnett refines and refreshes the IWS Brand. 2016 100th Anniversary celebration. www.oprfisw.org 7

Join

Donate

Volunteer

“I love being a member of IWS. I have met wonderful people and gained new friends.” Nancy Van Der Griend, Member

“We’ve always been financial supporters of IWS. Agencies like IWS are vital. IWS picks up the slack and does so while providing dignity to its families. It’s important of all of us to help care for the kids.”

“I’ve been involved with IWS for almost fifteen years. I am a firm believer that if you ask people, they will step up to the plate. We are always in need of people to share their expertise.”

Judy Scully, Supporter

Lisa Gillis, Member

“We support IWS as an event sponsor, we believe in caring for our children, they are our future.”

“It’s sad to think of how many children don’t have health care. There’s a wonderful synergy within IWS of all the volunteers’ skills.”

Gary Ciccione, Oak Park Jewelers

Laura Talaske, Member

“I love our Clinic. We treat our patients with the kindness and respect they deserve.”

“IWS is a great way to connect and make a difference in the lives of children.”

Mary Anderson, Member and 100th Anniversary Co-Chair

Debbie Wholey, Member

n “In the 1950’s, my mother was involved with IWS. Now, my wife and I support IWS to help these kids in need.” Edward (Kim) Goldschmidt, Men’s Circle Member n “Years ago when I saw one of my daughter’s classmates was a Clinic patient it really hit me why I am a member – every child should have access to the care they need.” Becky Brofman, Member n

“IWS is vitally important to our community and critical for the families we care for.”

“It’s most important to support this organization because it is a place of last resort for many children who need fundamental healthcare.”

“Helping IWS is important to me as a pre-dental student, I can learn from experienced dentists. It’s satisfying and uplifting to help children in need.”

Fran Sullivan, Supporter

Kurt Anderson, Volunteer

Peggy Diamond, Member and 100th Anniversary Co-Chair

Interested in helping? Contact us today! n Sign-up for our Newsletter n

Tour the Clinic n Attend a Membership Open House n Volunteer at an Event n Become a Supporter n Be a Corporate Sponsor n Provide Expertise | 708.848.0528 ext 235 | info@oprfiws.org | 320 Lake St., Oak Park IL | www.oprfiws.org | Published in partnership with Wednesday Journal Publications | Photo credit: Diane Rasche, Tori Soper | Designed by Claire Innes