AgeOptions held its fourth annual fundraiser, Celebrating Stories, on September 18, 2008. The event wowed participants with a beautiful venue (the Winter Garden at the Harold Washington Library), Elizabeth Berg, a charming and brilliant author of best selling stories and novels, and a rich assortment of auction items. Even the annual Chicago Ridge 5K Walk/Run on Sunday, September 20, contributed to the excitement of participants – all resulting in a net of $50,000 toward our mission. The hard work, leadership from the Event Chairpersons – Linda Siegel and Carla Rozycki – and the excitement of 230 guests (and 40 runners) resulted in the best event ever!

There were also stories of challenges in 2008. In an unexpected move, the Illinois Department on Aging asked that the Cook County Red Tape Cutters programs be eliminated from the State budget. Remarkably, this ended as a story of commitment, respect and positive impact as the Illinois General Assembly included the program in the final state budget at the requested funding levels. This happened because of the impact of the Red Tape Cutters program, volunteers, coordinators and host agencies. Ultimately the Governor did order an across-the-board cut in expenditures that resulted in a 15 percent reduction.

There are many programmatic successes in the AgeOptions 2008 story:

The successful creation of the Suburban Cook County Elder Justice Coalition that is advocating for improved tools for the State’s Attorney to investigate elder abuse and financial exploitation of older persons and a requirement that bank employees report situations where an older person appears to be exploited.

���The focus on assistance for low income older persons to obtain affordable prescriptions after the closing of the Cook County Hospital pharmacy services. Also, the Make Medicare Work Coalition of hundreds of individuals and agencies reached out to those with hearing loss and mental illness to assure that they receive assistance in paying for their medications under a number of state, federal and private programs.

continued on page 2

2008 YEAR IN REVIEW

The stories of those who created our communities

The stories of our accomplishments as a Board of Directors, professional staff, an invested Advisory Council and our essential partners in a strong network of community agencies

The stories of our vision and shared goals

The stories “to be written” – of our future

A Year to Celebrate Stories —

32

� The transparent planning process conducted throughout suburban Cook County in preparation of the State of Illinois’ new Comprehensive Care Coordination program that allows Older Americans Act and state Community-based Services funding to be redirected to other essential needs of older persons.

The collaboration with Rush University Medical Center, White Crane Wellness Center and community organizations to implement (is implement the right word?) Take Charge of Your Health, which has successfully reached out this year to the Hispanic population and health networks to help older adults manage chronic disease.

The collaboration between the disability community and the aging network culminated in the formation of the Aging and Disability Resource Center in suburban Cook County – led by the Progress Center for Independent Living and AgeOptions.

The presentation by representatives of the Carter Burden Senior Program highlighted the opportunities to increase participation in congregate luncheon programs and increase the effectiveness of services through collective efforts.

The leadership of AgeOptions in the Home Again program demonstrated how this important service that helps people transition from nursing homes back into their communities can be delivered effectively in the suburban Cook County region. The program will expand to a countywide service under the direction of the Illinois Department on Aging in the coming year.

The creation of the Aging Well “Starting the Conversation” comprehensive planning guide highlighted by a community-wide presentation by author and Sun-Times columnist Terry Savage (arranged for the Aging Well Community Partnership through AgeOptions Board Member Murray Gordon).

AgeOptions is celebrating 35 years of planning for the aging of suburban Cook County communities on June 20, 2009. Our organization is proud of its positive history, the memories of dedicated professionals and volunteers who made this organization and the plans we develop to support the numerous contributions to our elders. We also celebrate Jonathan Lavin’s 30th anniversary with AgeOptions. His leadership and expertise with the support of his outstanding staff, provide opportunities to AgeOptions as a local, state and national leader.

Frederick P.? KarutzChairperson, Board of Directors

Jonathan LavinPresident and Chief Executive Officer

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Approximately 230 guests attended Celebrating Stories, our fourth annual fundraiser, on September 18 in the beautiful Winter Garden at the Harold Washington Library Center.

The theme, Celebrating Stories, honored the clients, volunteers and supporters of AgeOptions and our partner agencies, as well as the agencies themselves. Posters throughout the room represented examples of the thousands of remarkable and inspirational stories celebrated that night. Those featured were clients Jim Ihrig, Willa Schaetzlein and Margaret Shephard, volunteer Dick McCloughan, Hanul Family Alliance, State Representative Lisa Hernandez and the Village of Wheeling.

Elizabeth Berg, the award-winning author of five national best sellers, read from her latest book and signed copies of her books. Guests bid on an exciting array of donated silent and live auction items, with two lucky bidders winning lunches with Berg.

The event and the Chicago Ridge Run/Walk the following Sunday raised a total of $50,000, which will be used in AgeOptions programs and services. Chicago Ridge Police Chief Tim Baldermann and Project P.R.O.T.E.C.T. (Promoting Responsibility and Obligation to Enhance Community Togetherness) designated AgeOptions as the beneficiary of the entire $4,600 in proceeds from the 10th Annual Project P.R.O.T.E.C.T. 5K Run/Walk.

AgeOptions Board of Directors Members Linda Siegel and Carla Rozycki cochaired the fundraiser, which has had increasing numbers of sponsorships each year. This year there were four Platinum sponsorships ($5,000), three Gold sponsorships ($2,500), 14 Silver sponsorships ($1,000) and 15 Bronze sponsorships ($500).

Since 1991, the number of people in congregate meal programs has steadily decreased, while the number receiving home-delivered meals has increased significantly. AgeOptions has seen a 24 percent decline in congregate program utilization in the last five years.

In 2008, congregate meal programs funded by AgeOptions served 261,735 meals, including sites serving Chinese, Indian and Pakistani populations. Home-delivered meals, including kosher meals, totaled 632,019.

People who take part in congregate dining receive much more than a meal. The program offers social support, companionship and relief from loneliness, isolation and depression, in addition to providing numerous volunteer opportunities. It also helps educate participants about nutrition and health and provides linkages to other services and benefits programs.

AgeOptions is committed to reversing the trend of decreasing participation at congregate meal sites. In January 2008 AgeOptions issued a Request for Proposals for the provision of nutrition services and health promotion and disease prevention

services throughout suburban Cook County.

Potential nutrition program applicants were invited to a special technical assistance session with representatives of the Carter Burden Center for the Aging in New York City. The applicants were encouraged to use the ideas and methods presented in their proposals.

Research done by the New York City Department for the Aging found that not only is it possible to increase participation, but there are common strategies that help reverse the downward trend. Factors contributing to their success include effective leadership, creating a sense of community, customer service, flexibility and connecting with the host site and the community at large.

AgeOptions is committed to continuing its Targeted Outreach Program for limited English speaking populations and people who are culturally isolated, especially Hispanic, Chinese, Korean and Asian Indian seniors. Meal sites serving these groups must be able to offer culturally appropriate food, programming, social activities and nutrition education.

Nutrition Programs

Author Elizabeth Berg (left) with Linda Siegel, AgeOptions Board member and chairperson of the 2008 fundraiser.

Celebrating Stories of caregivers, clients, volunteers and supporters

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The existence of Red Tape Cutters was threatened this year when the Governor’s proposed budget eliminated its funding. AgeOptions mounted an intense effort to save the program, which succeeded in getting funding restored to the 2009 state budget, albeit with a 15 percent reduction.

Red Tape Cutters volunteers, members of AgeOptions Board of Directors and Advisory Council, legislators and other advocates testified at state budget hearings, conducted a postcard campaign, called and wrote to legislators and succeeded in getting media coverage in the fight to save the program. Since 1996, Red Tape Cutters has successfully helped older adults overcome barriers to get benefits to which they are entitled.

Elimination of funding would have meant an immediate loss of $251,000 for programs and services that reach more than 100,000 older adults in suburban Cook County and a loss of more than $24 million in leveraged benefits, most from federal sources for older persons.

AgeOptions and Red Tape Cutters advocates succeeded in helping legislators understand that Red Tape Cutters makes a difference in the lives of older adults in suburban Cook County. Without the program, seniors would have to navigate and overcome barriers to complex benefits and service systems on their own.

In 2008, the program leveraged $24,643,890 in benefits to seniors. For every dollar entrusted to the program, $98 was leveraged in benefits.

The MetLife Foundation and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging recognized the impact of Red Tape Cutters in September, awarding the program the 2008 Older Volunteers Enrich America Award of Achievement in Older Volunteer Program Management.

AgeOptions coordinates Red Tape Cutters, which provides funding for community-based agencies to recruit and support a corps of trained senior volunteers, who are the cornerstone of the program.

The volunteers play a crucial role in counseling older adults, many of whom may be at risk of losing their independence without assistance. They help with programs including property tax savings, Circuit Breaker, rent subsidies, food stamps, transportation, energy assistance and Supplemental Security Income, to name a few.

Red Tape Cutters

Dick McCloughan, shown with his wife, Pat, is a Red Tape Cutters volunteer. His story was one of those featured at

the Celebrating Stories fundraiser.

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The Suburban Elder Justice Coalition was formed in March with a $10,000 grant to AgeOptions from the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse.

One of 10 organizations nationwide to receive the grant, AgeOptions discovered strong grass roots interest and support for pulling together the aging and elder justice communities in suburban Cook County.

Starting with a one-day training session on April 23, 2008, AgeOptions brought together a high-level group anxious to start working on elder justice issues in this area.

The coalition’s goal is to increase understanding and partnerships among local elder abuse investigators, law enforcement and the court system in order to provide quality services to vulnerable older adults.

Members include Judge Patrick T. Murphy, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, Cook County Sheriff’s Department, elder abuse provider agencies, local law enforcement, the Illinois Family Violence Coordinating Council, local judges and others.

The priorities of the Suburban Elder Justice Coalition are:

��Advocate for additional resources to support forensic auditors to help local law enforcement, the State’s Attorney and elder abuse agencies investigate financial exploitation cases

Develop a pilot program that utilizes Sheriff’s Department financial crimes investigators at the onset of an elder abuse investigation to increase prosecution rates

Take legislative action to mandate banks and currency exchanges to report suspected elder abuse

Develop a memorandum of understanding and availability with the Sheriff’s Department to provide assistance to elder abuse case workers when local law enforcement is unavailable

In October the coalition hosted candidates for Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez and Tony Peraica. Members asked each candidate to address the importance of elder justice and answer questions about their plans as State’s Attorney.

The coalition that started with a five-month grant has become a county-wide movement whose members are continuing to work together on elder justice issues.

Suburban Elder Justice Coalition

AgeOptions staff conducted

112 outreach events in the

2008 fiscal year. The outreach

included presentations

to older adults and their

caregivers and, in partnership

with the University of Illinois at

Chicago College of Pharmacy,

medication management and

pharmaceutical assistance

seminars at numerous

community locations and

senior housing complexes.

Staff also took part in health

fairs, made presentations to

home health care professionals

and met with the legislative

aides of state senators and

representatives to talk about

services available to seniors.

OUTREACH

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AgeOptions, in collaboration with the other Area Agencies on Aging in Illinois, took the lead last year in a statewide initiative called “The Maturing of Illinois: Getting Communities on Track for an Aging Population.” The program assesses how well communities are prepared for the double-pronged Age Wave of aging baby boomers and the increasing number of people over 80. It is being conducted from 2008 through 2010.

Developed in partnership with the Illinois Department on Aging, the project will assess readiness and promote the development of livable communities for all ages in Illinois. AgeOptions has identified six communities in suburban Cook County for assessments: Wheeling, Des Plaines, Berwyn, Lyons, Chicago Heights and Oak Lawn.

The first community assessment, in Wheeling, has just concluded, and those in Des Plaines and Oak Lawn will be completed in 2009, with Berwyn, Lyons and Chicago Heights finished by 2010. A national report, “The Maturing of America: Getting Communities on Track for an Aging Population,” conducted by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging and sponsored by the MetLife Foundation, concluded that fewer than half of American communities have begun planning to address the needs of the exploding population of baby boomers and very few have undertaken a comprehensive assessment of what it would take to make their community elder friendly.

“The Maturing of Illinois” addresses that gap. Area Agencies on Aging throughout the state are using an assessment tool developed by AgeOptions staff to evaluate whether communities in their areas are prepared to meet the needs of an aging population. Volunteers and staff are working with local governments and organizations to assess health and human services, housing, transportation, workforce and economic development, land use, public safety, emergency preparedness, recreation, education and civic engagement.

“The Maturing of Illinois” has opened a Pandora’s box of opportunities for communities to look at how their populations are changing, take stock of the resources they have and those they will need.

There is strong grass roots interest in the assessment among the six communities, as well as others in suburban Cook County and the Chicago metro area. Anxious to get started, Des Plaines organized and started its survey in advance, and Oak Lawn and Chicago Heights are looking forward to getting started this year.

Wheeling, the first to undergo the assessment process, has had strong support from all segments of the community. The process started with determining how to connect with residents, officials, organizations and others, and moved on to the recruitment and training of older adult volunteers to conduct the survey.

The volunteers interviewed village officials, service providers and others to create a comprehensive look at what is available in Wheeling and what might still be needed.

Wheeling promotes itself as a senior-friendly community, the resulting 20-page assessment report says, and it details the village’s significant accomplishments. Like the other community reports that will follow, it reveals strengths, achievements, findings, challenges and opportunities to meeting the needs of older residents, along with practices in other communities that Wheeling might adopt.

Assessments from all six communities will be included when the Illinois Area Agencies on Aging submits final reports on community preparedness to the Illinois Department on Aging by October 2010 for a report on the state’s preparedness that will be completed by January 2011.

The Maturing of Illinois Getting Communities on Track for an Aging Population

When the baby boomers first burst on the scene, communities weren’t prepared for them. Members of that first post- World War II generation were born in crowded maternity wards and went to school in portable classrooms. At every stage of their lives, the 76 million Americans born between 1946 and 1964 have bulged through society, taxing resources and forcing change.

The Age Wave

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Aging Well Creating Elder-Friendly Communities

In 2008 the Administration on Aging recognized Aging Well’s successes by naming it an Older Americans Month Program Champion.

Aging Well is a partnership working to make greater Lyons Township a place where people can age well. It is now in the third year of a four-year implementation grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s national program, Community Partnerships for Older Adults.

Aging Well responds to the unique issues of individual communities through its Community Action Teams. Made up predominately of older adults, the 14 Community Action Teams have created senior safety and health fairs, developed chore days, distributed the File of Life and informed older adults on where to call for information and assistance through a “One Call” campaign. As a partner, the fiscal agent and host of several Aging Well staff, AgeOptions is interested in seeing how the concept will work in the future.

In the past year Aging Well’s workgroups have:

� Encouraged comprehensive personal planning by developing an information guide with local resources and unveiling it to the community with a presentation by bestselling author Terry Savage

� Worked with police and fire departments to connect at-risk older adults to the services they need. As a result of training more than 300 first responders, there has been a dramatic increase in referrals from police and fire departments

� Informed their communities about information on services and programs for older adults and their caregivers. Volunteer Senior Ambassadors brought information to local businesses and governments more than 200 times in the last year

Next steps include expanding the outreach network to include people employed in the village offices, marketing professionals and Community Action Team members.

Community members are committed to sustaining Aging Well beyond the implementation grant. Aging Well leaders gathered for a Sustainability Retreat in September and formed a Strategic Planning Committee to recommend new plans for the partnership.

Hundreds of older adults and more than 130 organizations form the Aging Well partnership. Aging Well is supported locally by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, The Chicago Community Trust, Community Memorial Foundation and the Township of Lyons.

Bedford Park | Bridgeview | Brookfield | Burr Ridge | Countryside | Hickory Hills Hinsdale | Hodgkins | Indian Head Park | Justice | La Grange | La Grange Park | Lyons | McCook | North Riverside

Riverside | Summit | Westchester | Western Springs | Willow Springs

Starting the Conversation:

A Greater Lyons Township Guide to Health, Home, Financial

and Legal Preparedness

The Age Wave is already apparent: The number of people in Cook County age 60 and 61 – now the oldest baby boomers – went up 37.4 percent between 2000 and 2007 according to the American Community Survey. During the same period, the number of people age 80 to 84 increased 13.9 percent, while the number over 85 increased 25.4 percent.

Today the oldest boomers are 62 and as the Age Wave coincides with another phenomenon, increasing life expectancy; communities are faced with accommodating unprecedented numbers of older people. By 2030 one in every five Americans will be over the age of 65 and in Illinois the number of residents over 60 is projected to increase 77 percent. This tremendous shift in demographics will affect Illinois communities in every aspect: physical, social and fiscal.

8 9

AgeOptions continues as one of three lead partners in the coalition of community, state and federal organizations that helps Medicare consumers and their families understand and make the best choices in the Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, Illinois Cares Rx and the Low Income Subsidy.

The Make Medicare Work Coalition (MMW) continued to expand outreach during its fourth year, targeting under-served groups including the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities and people who are isolated, hard to reach and have low incomes.

In partnership with the Progress Center for Independent Living, the MMW Coalition formed two working groups to advise on and help develop useful materials for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

The working groups are exploring the range of different needs these groups present. For example, for one segment of the deaf community, MMW is working on DVDs with American Sign Language presenters that will be broadcast on Deaf Web MD and other websites. Other approaches will be developed for people who do not sign.

MMW established Community Advisory Groups in Bloom Township and the Village of Summit. Made up primarily of Medicare consumers, the groups provided feedback on why some people haven’t applied for benefits and how the coalition can reach isolated and reluctant low-income individuals. They also hosted an informational event and advised AgeOptions staff on materials.

In 2008 the coalition added more than 100 new members to its outreach list, bringing the total to almost 500. It also created and disseminated new materials in cooperation with the Chicago Departments of Senior Services and Public Health. These included 3,000 slips inserted into envelopes at mobile check-cashing vans and tear-off pads distributed to businesses such as coin laundries and currency exchanges with information on where to call for assistance with prescription drug coverage.

MMW conducted its third annual member feedback survey, revealing that more than 68 percent of those responding distributed MMW emails to others, reaching at least 3,300 additional people. Area Agencies on Aging and Centers for Independent Living within the Chicago metropolitan area and in other parts of the state indicated they find the materials and calls useful.

Eighty-eight percent of respondents reported using MMW information from emails, calls and meetings to help clients; 50 percent to prepare their own materials; and 45 percent to train others. In addition, 83 percent said MMW helps them to provide better quality information; 71 percent to help more people; and 69 percent to help clients with difficult problems.

Advocacy included partnering with Health and Disability Advocates to pass legislation in the Illinois General Assembly to improve and simplify the Illinois Cares Rx program and providing state-specific information to Congressional offices and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for the medicare.gov website.

Make Medicare Work Coalition

In 2008, the Make Medicare Work Coalition reporting partners:

�Presented at 1,553 educational sessions for 43,911 people

� Provided 119,228 counseling sessions in person or through our information and assistance lines

� Assisted 5,942 individuals to complete applications for the Low-Income Subsidy and 4,487 to enroll in Medicare Part D plans

��Conducted 204 trainings attended by 1,844 professionals and volunteers

� Provided five full-day MMW New Member Orientations attended by 89 individuals

8 9

Illinois SMP (formerly Senior Medicare Patrol) which AgeOptions has coordinated for the state since 1997, works to raise awareness of Medicare and Medicaid fraud and promotes prevention activities in the state. It can also help victims report fraud.

SMP, which is funded by the Administration on Aging, provides information about, and assistance with, Medicare and Medicaid fraud issues. Program staff and volunteers conduct outreach to help seniors and people with disabilities learn how to protect themselves from fraud and detect and report suspected fraud.

Volunteers are key to the program. Between October 1, 2007 and September 30, 2008, 54 SMP volunteers worked 594 hours to spread the word about Medicare and Medicaid fraud.

To maximize outreach, AgeOptions works in partnership with all of the Area Agencies on Aging across the state, as well as Catholic Charities, Senior Services Associates, the Coalition of Limited English Speaking Elderly and the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living. AgeOptions also serves as the central reporting location for fraud complaints.

Last year SMP staff and volunteers reached 25,856 people through 184 community outreach events such as health fairs and senior outreach days. They reached another 5,883 people through 186 presentations on Medicare, Medicaid and fraud. The program also received 142 questions about fraud and 32 reports of complex fraud-related issues.

Through a partnership with the United States Postal Inspection Service, SMP mailed 11,000 postcards with fraud tips to seniors and people with disabilities and also displayed SMP posters at post offices in Illinois.

Each week, the SMP coordinator distributes “Fraud Alert” emails to 71 individuals at agencies across the state, who then share the information with their networks. In addition, the coordinator has provided fraud training for staff and volunteers at three Area Agencies on Aging, as well as for staff of the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living.

SMP Protecting seniors from fraud

Among the findings in the annual AgeOptions caller satisfaction survey:

satisfied with the service they received from AgeOptions

information received was appropriate

INFO & ASSISTANCEInformation and Assistance received a total of 7,792 calls in the 2008 fiscal year.

Flexible Senior Services deployed nearly

$300,000 in gap-filling funds in 2008

to meet various needs of older people

that may not be met by other programs.

These needs include health care, dental

and vision needs, medical supplies,

transportation, respite care, utilities and

tax relief, among others. The state funds

are provided by AgeOptions to Case

Coordination Units for Illinois residents

age 60 years and over who meet

eligibility criteria.

FILLING THE GAP

98%of respondents felt

99%the I&A specialist was knowledgeable about the issues discussedthe I&A specialist listened carefully and respectfullyit was easy to reach the specialisttheir call was returned in a timely manner

of respondents felt

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TransitionsAgeOptions is proud of our contribution to the national movement toward evidence-based health promotion and disease prevention through Take Charge of Your Health, the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program created by Stanford University. AgeOptions is providing this program through a grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health and with the assistance of our partner agencies, Rush University Medical Center and White Crane Wellness Center.

In 2008, AgeOptions participated in two federal learning networks, Improving Hispanic Elders Health and Evidence-based Disability and Disease Prevention. Learning Networks are federal projects to provide technical

assistance to communities doing evidence-based health projects. AgeOptions utilized the Take Charge of Your Health program to meet health promotion goals for each of the learning networks.

The Hispanic Elders Health Initiative is addressing health disparities for Hispanic older adults in the Chicago area. AgeOptions has partnered with the Chicago Department of Senior Services, the AARP Latino Advisory Council, Chicago Department of Public Health, Alivio Medical Center and Rush University Medical Center. As a result of this partnership, the Spanish language version of Take Charge of Your Health is currently being offered in Cicero and the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago.

The Disability and Disease Prevention Learning Network focuses on linking aging services and health care providers, with a more integrated approach to serving older adults. Through outreach to numerous physicians and health care networks we are now offering the classes in the suburban and city offices of Rush Health Associates.

During the first two years of Take Charge of Your Health we trained 35 class leaders who taught 385 participants. The program, which teaches people to manage chronic health conditions, continues to reach new groups of people as it adds more instructors and sites. This year we also plan to offer classes in Korean, Hindi and Chinese, as well as for people with disabilities at the Progress Center for Independent Living.

AgeOptions and a team made up of the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Rush University Medical Center and University of Illinois Extension are undertaking a two-year evaluation of the project. AgeOptions is considering implementing a diabetes self-management training program for Hispanic people on Medicare. We were invited by the Administration on Aging to participate in the pilot program, which will use trained peers to teach participants to better manage their diabetes.

Take Charge of Your HealthWe recognize the service and support of the following outstanding women who we are proud to have had as partners over the years. We are so grateful to have known and worked with them.

Sandra Johnson retired from her position as executive director of the North Shore Senior Center (NSSC). Under her leadership NSSC became one of the first eight senior centers in the nation to receive national senior center accreditation through the National Council on Aging. Sandi, who joined NSSC in 1978 and was executive director since 1992, provided leadership for an effective professional system of social services across five townships. In 1999-2000 the North Shore Senior Center converted a Northfield warehouse into a 21st Century senior center by raising millions of dollars and creating cutting edge, evidence based programs. AgeOptions was pleased to nominate Sandi for the Governor’s Award for Unique Achievement. The award is being presented at our Annual Luncheon November 20, 2008 in recognition of her dedicated community service and exceptional concern for Illinois seniors.

Diane Coleman, J.D., M.B.A., has left her position as executive director of the Progress Center for Independent Living (PCIL) where she served from 1996 to 2008. As the leader of PCIL, she forged one of the most effective partnerships in the nation between aging and disability service networks with AgeOptions and the aging network. She acts in many capacities nationally on behalf of persons with disabilities and has been a leader, champion and advocate on behalf of persons with disabilities. In her tenure at PCIL, Diane worked with AgeOptions to develop the Make Medicare Work coalition in 2004, the Home Again initiative in 2005 and the Aging and Disability Resource Center in 2007. Our Board of Directors honored Diane in June with a proclamation recognizing her “dedicated years of service to the disability community of suburban Cook County and beyond.”

Linda Smith, secretary of the AgeOptions Advisory Council, died May 13, 2008. Linda, who lived in Park Forest, joined the Council in 2004. She was a paralegal at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and was president of the congregation of St. Mark United Church of Christ in Chicago Heights. She had a degree in psychology/mental health and volunteered in nursing homes and with Public Action to Deliver Shelter. We appreciate Linda’s service to AgeOptions and extend our sympathy to her family.

10 11

Federal, State and Local Government Partners

Chicago Housing AuthorityU.S. Administration on AgingIllinois Department on AgingIllinois Department of Public Health

Foundation and Grant Partners

Charter One BankThe Chicago Community TrustMichael Reese Health TrustNational Committee for the Prevention of Elder AbuseNational Council on AgingRetirement Research Foundation

Corporate, Local Business and Agency Partners

10th Annual Project P.R.O.T.E.C.T. 5K Run/Walk, Chicago Ridge and Chicago Ridge Police Chief Tim Baldermann and Charity MitchellAARPAddus Healthcare, Inc.Advocate HealthCareAetnaArcher BankAT&T IllinoisThe Book TableBlue Cross Blue Shield of IllinoisChristopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd.CJE SeniorLifeCommunity Nutrition NetworkComcast CableComEd CareCommon Sense SolutionsCommunity Bank Oak Park River ForestCVS CorporationEbert PhotographyFounders BankFrega AssociatesHome HelpersMcDougal Littell, Houghton MifflinJenner & Block LLPLake Michigan Benefits Association, John GabbertLivHome, Inc.MAGA, Ltd.McAdams MultigraphicsMcDonald’s CorporationMutual of AmericaNew City BankNick A. Cetwinski, Attorney at LawOakton Pavilion, Inc.Pathway Senior Living-Victory Centre

Perkins & WillPfizer Inc.Plymouth PlaceProgress Center for Independent LivingSenior Services of IllinoisSikich LLPStone, McGuire & SiegelUnited Home OwnersVisiting Angels of Chicago-NorthshoreVisiting Angels of BerwynThe Law Offices of Wilson & Wilson

Individual Partners

J. Diane Adams-AlsberryRobert & Anita AsheArlene BlahaKim BlechschmidtTracy M. BouskyRobert & Ernestine BrooksRuben & Jodi CaroMary CoondaSusan B. EldersveldAlan R. FactorMerna K. FolkersQuin FrazierBecky FrederickPhilip & Cathy GleasonE. Lynn GraysonDr. Margaret Hastings & Robert Hastings Shai HoffmanFred KarutzDr. Barry KaufmanMike & Kathy KotelRaymond KrouseSusan LaTourelleJonathan & Robin LavinSang LimBruce & Brenda MatsonErnest MauriziRobert N. MayerAnna Marie McCallPaul & Maggie McKennaDonna & Vern MooreLaura MoranJames & Nancy NelsonJames NosekTerry P. O’RourkeKirsten J. PeachyEdward PetersonPaul PlikaitisThomas & Beth ProhaskaCarla Rozycki & Clarence RedmanMayor Eugene Siegel & Linda SiegelDeborah Slack & Ray Sefer

Diane Slezak & Dana B. HavranekAnna T. SpirekMaribeth SteinDavid SutorIlona & Mike TabernackiCristina VillazanMary E. VogtPhyllis Kay WhitlockAmelia R. WiatrMatthew WilsonCassandra WrightHerbert & Claudette Zobel

Aging Well

Adventist LaGrange Memorial HospitalThe Chicago Community TrustCommunity Memorial FoundationFederation of American Consumers and TravelersFirst National Bank of LaGrangeHodgkins Police #151 FOPHome Instead Senior Care, LaGrangeKeith Hill, Edward JonesPeopleCare, Inc.PillarsPlymouth PlaceRobert Wood Johnson Foundation, Community Partnerships for Older AdultsTerry SavageVillage of McCookVillage of Western SpringsWestchester Health and Rehabilitation CenterThe Law Offices of Wilson and WilsonDominic J. Rossi FundCalumet TownshipCommunity Nutrition NetworkMary CoondaDiane Slezak & Dana B. HavranekCharles SchwabUrhai Community Service Center

We also extend our appreciation to the individuals, businesses and organizations who contributed to Celebrating Stories.

We sincerely apologize for any omissions or errors in listing our FY 2008 donors. Thank you for your understanding and for your generosity to AgeOptions.

In Appreciation — Partners in FundingThe following lists our donors, volunteers and staff who contributed $100 or more

to AgeOptions between October 2007 and September 2008.

www.ageoptions.org1048 Lake Street, Suite 300Oak Park, Illinois 60301-1102

phone (800) 699-9043(708) 383-0258

400 COPIES PRINTED NOVEMBER 2008

Our Mission

Our VisionAgeOptions will be the:

Leading innovator in developing programs that meet the changing needs of the area’s aging population

Catalyst in collaborating with other organizations to develop a comprehensive network of senior services

Expert in securing adequate funding to serve the growing and diverse aging population

Leader in promoting the well-being of seniors and empowering them through high-quality information and programs

Board of Directors

CHAIRPERSON Frederick P.? Karutz

VICE CHAIRPERSON Tracy Bousky

MEMBERS

Marguerite AngelariWayne BerzonArlene BlahaRobert Brooks, Sr.Shirley BrussellMary CoondaMurray GordonLewis JordanMichael KotelDonna MooreRev. Kirsten PeacheyDr. Anthony PerryCarla J. RozyckiLinda SiegelDavid Sutor

Advisory Council

CHAIRPERSON Amelia Sordelli

VICE CHAIRPERSON J. Diane Adams-Alsberry

SECRETARY Linda Smith*

MEMBERS

Nan AndersonUrsula BittermannVaiju DunungBetsy EssexGwendolyn FlaggMerna FolkersKelly Gilbert-HazzardCathy GleasonMargaret HastingsAndrea HetzelGerald IaccinoJerome KenneyCharles KerpecAnna Marie McCallNaoko MuramatsuMaria NinosLora OldhamIsaiah PolandLeila Ward

*Deceased

Staff Officers

PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Jonathan Lavin

VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Diane Slezak

SECRETARY TREASURER & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Bruce Matson

Our Leadership AgeOptions, the Area Agency on Aging of suburban Cook County since 1974, is committed to improving the quality of life and maintaining the dignity of older adults and those who care about them – through leadership and support, community partnerships, comprehensive services, accurate information and powerful advocacy.