A fond farewell. Out-going North Shore Health Care Foundation Board Member Judy Meath was recently recognized for her leadership in the Care Partners program. She is leaving the area to be nearer to family. (L-R) Kay Grindland, Judy Meath, John Bottger.
North Shore Health Care Foundation recently recognized out-going board member Judy Meath for her leadership in the establishment of Care Partners of Cook County.
During her tenure with the Foundation, Judy also served as vice president, grants committee chair and worked with policy development, bringing extensive experience as a retired vice president of HealthPartners Medical Group and Clinics, and the Children’s Home Society & Family Services in St. Paul.
Meath’s involvement with Care Partners began in 2008 when she was asked to convene and chair a committee to further explore options for a hospice/ palliative care program. By 2010, the hospice initiative was reconceived as Care Partners of Cook County: a collaborative of NSHCF, Sawtooth Mountain Clinic and Cook County North Shore Hospital – working in partnership to enhance end-oflife and palliative care services to the frail elderly.
Meath continued to chair NSHCF’s Care Partners Oversight Committee until this year, when she helped facilitate Care Partner’s move from a program of the Foundation to an independent nonprofit providing an array of supports and services to those on the journey of aging, serious illness and at the end-of-life.
“Judy contributed so much insightful leadership and skilled mentoring for me and others in the program,” Care Partners Executive Director Kay Grindland said. “I believe her work helping to build collaborative relationships for Care Partners has strengthened the entire network of health care services for seniors in Cook County.”
As the NSHCF and Care Partners bid farewell to Meath, who is leaving the area to be closer to family, Care Partners of Cook County has received official notice from the IRS that it has been granted 501(c)(3) status.
“It’s a very exciting time for Care Partners,” said Board President Jayne Johnson. “We are now able to qualify for additional grants as well as accept donations made directly to Care Partners of Cook County. This month we are having our first board training and welcoming three new board members. Board members, staff, and volunteers have worked hard to make this a reality and at the same time continue our support and services.”
Care Partners is also indebted to support from the NSHCF and also the Northland Foundations’ Rural Aging Initiative for funding support and consultants that assisted with the transition.
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