Care Partners of Cook County, now in its second year as an independent nonprofit organization, has received multiple grants to carry out its work of supporting those who are aging, have serious illness, or are at end-of-life in Cook County.
Funding includes $10,000 from the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation, $8,000 from the North Shore Health Care Foundation, $3,500 from Operation Round-Up, and $2,500 from the Cook County Community Fund of the Duluth Superior Area Foundation. Funds will support general operating needs as well as a new Chore Services program and volunteer recruitment for the Senior Rides program.
Care Partners Board President Jayne Johnson said, “This is a critical year in establishing and stabilizing Care Partners of Cook County as an independent nonprofit in the community.”
Care Partners has provided services to seniors since 2010 as a program of the North Shore Health Care Foundation, in collaboration with the North Shore Hospital and Care Center, and Sawtooth Mountain Clinic. However, in July 2015, the organization was incorporated as an independent nonprofit and received its 501(c)(3) status.
“It’s an important time to provide stronger support for programs and services,” Johnson said. “Staff did an excellent job of maintaining program services and development during our transition, but need more support this year to sustain their efforts.”
A key initiative for Care Partners this year is a new Chore Service program. Executive Director Kay Grindland said, “The county’s In-Home Support Service provides chore services for regular clients. Our goal is to meet the need for short term assistance by recruiting volunteers, volunteer groups like churches and youth groups, and local vendors.” Toward that end, Kelly Holtzman has been hired as a Chore Coordinator and is busy recruiting volunteers.
The Senior Rides program provides assisted transportation with trained volunteers to medical and eye appointments in Duluth and medical, personal, and wellness appointments within Cook County. Funds received through Operation Round-Up will go toward recruiting and training new volunteers to increase the opportunities for clients to receive transport to their appointments.
Grindland said, “Care Partners’ goals are to support the well-being of clients and their caregivers, and help them to receive the health care they choose. We want to enable them to remain safely in their homes and the community longer. The investment of these funders and our local donors is critical to helping us succeed.”
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