Humana Announces 2008 Chicago Benefits $100,000 Grant Now accepting applications from Chicago-area nonprofits
CHICAGO – April 9, 2008 – Chicago-area nonprofit organizations are invited to apply for a $100,000 grant in the sixth Chicago Benefits charitable awards program, created and funded by health and specialty benefits company Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM). Applications for the grant are due May 20, 2008, and are available at www.ChicagoBenefits.org.
Humana's 2008 Chicago Benefits program will award a one-time, $100,000 grant to a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization based in the Chicago metropolitan area that is doing valuable work to benefit the community. The program is designed to give local nonprofit organizations the opportunity to receive a one-time infusion of funding to create new programs or enhance ongoing activities to benefit the mind, body or spirit of Chicagoland residents. A panel of local judges – comprised of community leaders, public officials and business representatives – will select the $100,000 grant recipient. The nonprofit recipient will be announced at a late summer celebratory event.
"As co-chair of Chicago Benefits, I've seen first-hand that this grant can truly make a transformational difference to an organization. Having the opportunity to fund exemplary nonprofits like last year's recipient, Reading In Motion, helps make Chicago a better, healthier place," said Mike Kasper, president of Humana's Illinois market and Chicago Benefits co-chair. "I encourage Chicagoland nonprofits, large and small, to take advantage of this opportunity and apply for Humana's Chicago Benefits award."
Last year, Reading In Motion, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to getting at-risk kindergarten through third grade children to grade-level reading through the power and discipline of the arts, received the $100,000 grant on the fifth anniversary of Humana's Chicago Benefits. With Humana's support, Reading In Motion is piloting its third grade curriculum in two schools this year, setting the stage for the wider distribution of Reading In Motion's entire K-3 curriculum in the 2008-2009 school year.
"The recognition from Humana gave us the boost to finish something nobody had ever done – creating an arts-based way to get every child from kindergarten to third grade up to grade level in reading," said Karl Androes, executive director of Reading In Motion. "With Humana's financial support, we finished the third grade curriculum this year. The children really love it. The teachers are excited now. We have achieved a major milestone not only for our organization but for the thousands of underprivileged children we serve."
In 2007, Chicago Benefits also honored two finalist organizations with a one-time, $10,000 gift – Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children (CLOCC) at Children's Memorial Hospital and Jobs for Youth/Chicago – in recognition of their outstanding work and contributions to the community.
Chicago Benefits celebrated its five-year anniversary in 2007, with a legacy of more than 300 applicants and $700,000 awarded. Chicago Benefits is the flagship program of Our Communities Benefit, Humana's community giving program, which now takes place in eight other major cities.
"As a first-time Chicago Benefits co-chair, I'm looking forward to experiencing the award process here in Chicago where this meaningful program was conceptualized and first started," said Deborah Gracey, president of Medicare operations in Humana's North Region and co-chair of Chicago Benefits. "I'm proud to be a leader at Humana, one of the largest health benefits companies in Chicago and the nation, as I understand and appreciate what a difference these types of programs make in the community."
Chicago-area nonprofit organizations in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kankakee, Lake and McHenry counties are encouraged to visit www.ChicagoBenefits.org to download a copy of this year's grant application and review program criteria. To be considered, organizations must submit an application postmarked by May 20, 2008. For more information, nonprofit organizations may contact Humana's community relations coordinator at 312-441-5580 or ChicagoBenefits@Humana.com.
Humana awards $100,000 Chicago Benefits grant to Reading In Motion Reading nonprofit recognized for unique arts-based curriculum
CHICAGO – June 25, 2007 – Reading In Motion, creator of an innovative kindergarten to third grade reading program currently used in a number of Chicago Public Schools, has received a $100,000 grant in the fifth annual Chicago Benefits program funded by Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM). A Chicago Benefits finalist in two previous years, Reading In Motion relied on persistence, a unique approach to learning and tangible results to secure the grant from Humana, one of the Chicago area's largest providers of health insurance and related benefits.
"We are ecstatic to have been awarded the 2007 Chicago Benefits grant. This $100,000 award will go a long way toward helping at-risk children learn to read at grade level through music and drama," said Karl Androes, executive director and co-founder of Reading In Motion. "We started this program 24 years ago with the belief that children could learn basic reading skills through the arts. Our program is now in 27 Chicago Public Schools, and with this generous grant from Humana it will enable us to reach even more than the 2,500 students we helped this past year."
Reading In Motion has pioneered a program which focuses on early reading skills, using something children like – singing and acting – to teach them something they need – to learn to read. The curriculum relies on a blend of carefully crafted music- and drama-based activities designed to inspire children to actively participate in reading exercises while also teaching them self control and teamwork.
Last year 88 percent of kindergarten students in classrooms with Reading In Motion-trained teachers met the grade level reading benchmark, compared to 17 percent of student in matched comparison schools. Humana's $100,000 grant will allow Reading In Motion to complete the development of its third grade curriculum and expand the program to more at-risk students.
A panel of local judges, comprised of community leaders, public officials and business representatives, worked with Humana to select Reading In Motion as the recipient of the $100,000 Chicago Benefits grant, awarded at a celebratory gala on June 21, 2007, at the River East Art Center. The two other Chicago Benefits finalists, Jobs for Youth/Chicago and the Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children (CLOCC), each received a $10,000 award.
"In addition to the financial award, another important aspect of Chicago Benefits is the commitment that Humana employees make to volunteer their time," said Mike Kasper, market president of Humana Illinois and Chicago Benefits co-chair. "With more than 300 Humana associates in the Chicago area, we hope to help Reading In Motion take its programs to the next level, whether it's by visiting local schools, reading to and with the children, or participating on the organization's executive committees. That is the true spirit of Chicago Benefits."
"It was a thrilling experience to stand at the podium Thursday night and see the reactions from all three organizations," said Rob Hitchcock, president of Medicare operations in Humana's North Region. "The people who work at these non-profit organizations are dedicated community leaders and tireless champions of their causes, and I am proud that Humana was able to help them so they can continue to focus on their beneficial work around the city of Chicago."
About Chicago Benefits Chicago Benefits is designed to give local nonprofit, 501(c)(3), charitable organizations the opportunity to receive a one-time grant to create new programs or enhance ongoing activities. Chicago Benefits supports nonprofit organizations located in the Chicago metropolitan area that address one of three areas:
Mind: Projects or institutions that seek to improve the educational landscape, resulting in higher levels of achievement
Body: Projects or human service agencies engaged in the promotion of healthy bodies and lifestyles
Spirit: Projects or civic and cultural development organizations that seek to inspire communities and enliven the human spirit
The Chicago Benefits 2006 $100,000 award recipient, the Tax Assistance Program (TAP), used the grant to broaden the reach of its tax preparation and financial literacy programs, which link volunteer professionals with low-income families to provide both immediate and long-term financial strategies. The program's efforts have resulted in more than $117 million in financial benefits for 70,000 low-income Chicagoland clients.
Chicago Benefits is celebrating its fifth year anniversary in 2007, with a legacy of more than $600,000 awarded since its inception. Chicago Benefits is the flagship program of Our Community Benefits, Humana's community giving program, currently active in seven cities: Atlanta, Houston, Kansas City, New Orleans, Phoenix and Tampa.
Humana plans to again solicit entries for Chicago Benefits in early 2008. Visit www.ChicagoBenefits.org for more information.
About the 2007 Chicago Benefits finalists
CLOOC at Children's Memorial Hospital is an evidence-based healthy lifestyle project designed to reach Chicago's youth in schools and community settings with essential information on healthy eating and physical activity with the goal of helping them change their habits and behaviors so they can live healthier lives. www.CLOCC.net
Jobs for Youth/Chicago is one of the largest single-site youth employment programs in the nation. Its mission is to help young men and women from low-income families become part of the economic mainstream, and in the process, provide the business community with motivated, job-ready workers. www.JFYChicago.org
Reading In Motion teaches reading skills through arts-based activities like music and drama. The program focuses on early reading skills and aims to get students up and moving in the classroom, instead of sitting at their desks. www.ReadingInMotion.org
Humana Announces Finalists for 5th Anniversary of Chicago Benefits $100,000 Recipient to be Named at June 21st Gala
CHICAGO – May 17, 2007 – Health benefits company Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) announced today the three finalists for its fifth annual Chicago Benefits charitable awards program. One of the organizations will receive a $100,000 grant to further its efforts to improve our community. The finalists, selected from more than 65 grant applications, include:
Children's Memorial Hospital, for its "Healthy Foods, Healthy Moves" campaign. This evidence-based healthy lifestyle project is designed to reach Chicago's youth in schools and community settings with essential information on healthy eating and physical activity with the goal of helping them change their habits and behaviors so they can live healthier lives.
Jobs for Youth/Chicago, is one of the largest single-site youth employment programs in the nation. Its mission is to help young men and women from low-income families become part of the economic mainstream, and in the process, provide the business community with motivated, job-ready workers.
Reading in Motion would use the funding to complete development of its Benchmarks curriculum, which fosters reading aptitude through arts-based activities like dance, music and drama. Benchmarks focuses on early reading skills and aims to get students up and moving in the classroom, instead of sitting at their desks.
A panel of local judges, comprised of community leaders, public officials and business representatives, will work with Humana to select the $100,000 grant recipient. Humana will award the grant and recognize all three organizations at a celebratory gala on June 21, 2007, at the River East Art Center.
"As a past judge and current co-chair of the 5th Annual Chicago Benefits, I've had the pleasure to learn about many dynamic, life-changing Chicagoland nonprofits," said Rob Hitchcock, president of Medicare operations in Humana's North Region. "We thank all 65 organizations for applying to Humana's 2007 Chicago Benefits program and applaud their unwavering hard work to better our community."
Chicago Benefits is designed to give local not-for-profit, 501(c)(3), charitable organizations the opportunity to receive a one-time transformational grant to create new programs or enhance ongoing activities. Chicago Benefits supports 501(c)(3) organizations located in the Chicago metropolitan area that address one of three areas:
Mind: Projects or institutions that seek to improve the educational landscape, resulting in higher levels of achievement
Body: Projects or human service agencies engaged in the promotion of healthy bodies and lifestyles
Spirit: Projects or civic and cultural development organizations that seek to inspire communities and enliven the human spirit
"Humana believes that a healthy person is more than just somebody who is not sick. They also have a healthy mind, body and spirit," said Mike Kasper, market president of Humana Illinois and Chicago Benefits co-chair. "Each of the three Chicago Benefits finalists contributes to helping Chicagoland citizens become healthier, and Humana is happy to collaborate with them on this mission."
The Chicago Benefits 2006 $100,000 award recipient, the Tax Assistance Program, provides free tax preparation and other financial services to the working poor. It has used the grant to broaden the reach of its tax preparation and financial literacy programs, which link volunteer professionals with low-income families to provide both immediate and long-term financial strategies. To date, the program's efforts have resulted in more than $117 million in financial benefits for 70,000 low-income Chicagoland clients.
Chicago Benefits is celebrating its five year anniversary in 2007, with a legacy of more than $500,000 awarded over the previous four years. Chicago Benefits is the flagship program of Our Community Benefits, Humana's community giving program.
Humana plans to again solicit entries for Chicago Benefits in early 2008. Visit www.ChicagoBenefits.org for more information.
Humana offers $100,000 grant for Chicago Benefits 5th Anniversary Now accepting applications from Chicago-area nonprofits
CHICAGO – April 4, 2007 – Chicago-area charities are invited to apply for a $100,000 grant in the 5th annual Chicago Benefits charitable awards program, created and funded by health benefits company Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM).
Humana's Chicago Benefits 2007 program will award a one-time, $100,000 grant to a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization based in the Chicago metropolitan area that is doing valuable work to benefit the people of Chicagoland. Chicago Benefits supports charitable organizations that focus on the areas of education, healthy lifestyles, and cultural/civic development. A panel of local judges – comprised of community leaders, public officials and business representatives – will select the $100,000 grant recipient. The nonprofit recipient will be announced at a celebratory gala June 21, 2007 at the River East Art Center.
"As one of the largest health benefits companies in Chicago, we are always looking for ways to contribute to our community. That's why Humana is proud to recognize and reward worthwhile nonprofit organizations making a difference in the Chicago area," said Mike Kasper, market president of Humana Illinois and Chicago Benefits co-chair. "We are certain that Chicago Benefits will again make a significant impact, helping to promote healthy lives and healthy communities."
Last October, Tax Assistance Program, a nonprofit organization that provides tax preparation and other financial services to the working poor, received the $100,000 grant from Chicago Benefits 2006. It has used the grant to broaden the reach of its tax preparation and financial literacy programs, which link volunteer professionals with low-income working poor families to provide both immediate and long-term financial strategies. To date, the program"s efforts have resulted in $112 million in financial benefits for 66,000 low-income Chicagoland clients.
"This generous grant from Humana has helped us focus more on community outreach, getting the word out that the Tax Assistance Program is free, true and legitimate," said Robert Burke, founder of the Tax Assistance Program. "Because we now have more time and resources to hone in on outreach, we've already seen great results. More families are coming in for tax help, and we've helped them obtain over $1 million more in tax refunds already this tax season. There have been hundreds of new checking and savings accounts opened as well – and it has only been six months since we received Chicago Benefits 2006!"
Chicago Benefits 2006 also honored two finalist organizations – National Kidney Foundation of Illinois and Reading in Motion – in recognition of their outstanding work and contributions to the community.
Chicago Benefits is celebrating its five year anniversary in 2007, with a legacy of nearly 300 applicants and more than $500,000 awarded over the previous four years. Chicago Benefits is the flagship program of Our Community Benefits, Humana's community giving program.
"Humana understands that there are countless people and organizations making a difference in Chicago everyday," said Rob Hitchcock, president of Medicare operations in Humana's North Region and co-chair of Chicago Benefits. "The innovative grant program, Chicago Benefits, was created here in Chicago five years ago so that we could give a significant contribution to a worthwhile organization impacting the lives of our fellow Chicago residents – and now similar Humana programs have spread to six other major cities."
Chicago-area nonprofit organizations are encouraged to visit www.ChicagoBenefits.org to download a copy of this year's grant application and review program criteria. To be considered, organizations must submit an application by April 20, 2007. Applicants should explain how the organization would use Humana's Chicago Benefits grant to transform itself; detail the organization's financial health; provide examples of previous, successful projects; and describe how the organization benefits the people of the Chicago area.
Chicago Benefits will give emphasis to grant proposals that focus on the educational, cultural and health needs of Chicago-area children, families and seniors. For more information, nonprofit organizations may contact Humana's community relations coordinator at 312-441-5580.
Humana awards $100,000 Chicago Benefits grant to Tax Assistance Program Grant to help fund outreach for tax preparation and financial literacy programs
CHICAGO – October 24, 2006 – The Tax Assistance Program, a nonprofit organization that provides tax preparation and other financial services to the working poor, will receive a one-time $100,000 grant as the recipient of the fourth annual Chicago Benefits award, funded by Humana, one of the largest providers of health insurance and related benefits in the greater Chicago area.
Tax Assistance Program will use the grant to broaden the reach of its tax preparation and financial literacy programs, which link volunteer professionals with low-income working poor families to provide both immediate and long-term financial strategies. In addition to tax preparation, the Tax Assistance Program helps families take charge of their financial futures by helping secure basics like bank accounts, home loans and financial aid for higher education. To date, the program's efforts have resulted in $94 million in financial benefits for 58,000 low-income families.
"Even with those results, we've still just scratched the surface," said Robert Burke, founder of the Tax Assistance Program. "We have the capacity to help many more people than we do today. The challenge is reaching them to make them aware of the services we offer. This generous grant from Humana will help us devise and implement strategies to increase awareness, broaden our reach and make an even greater impact on financially disadvantaged families in the Chicago area".
In 1994, Burke – then a first-year tax consultant at Arthur Andersen – developed the idea for the Tax Assistance Program while volunteering as a basketball coach on Chicago's west side. He recruited knowledgeable professionals to donate their time and services preparing tax returns and providing financial advice. Today, the Tax Assistance Program offers free seasonal tax preparation and year-round financial literacy programming at 24 community sites, relying on a corps of more than 1,800 volunteers, who annually donate more than 74,000 hours of their time.
"Humana is pleased to help support an organization like the Tax Assistance Program, which makes such a dramatic impact on the people it serves," said Rob Hitchcock, president of Medicare operations in Humana's North Region and co-chair of Chicago Benefits. "For every $1 that goes into the program, $29 is returned into the community, helping working poor families make the most of their limited financial resources. That rate of return speaks volumes".
"Again this year, we have seen firsthand the amazing breadth and depth of charitable work taking place in our community," said Hassan Rifaat, chief executive officer of Humana's Illinois market and co-chair of Chicago Benefits. "The three organizations selected as finalists represent some of the best our area has to offer".
A panel of local judges, comprised of community leaders, public officials and business representatives, worked with Humana to select the Tax Assistance Program from among three finalists in a program which received more than 50 entries from area nonprofit organizations. The other finalists, the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois Inc. and Reading in Motion, each received a $15,000 grant from Humana. The Tax Assistance Program and the other finalists received the awards at a celebratory event on October 21, 2006 at the Chicago Cultural Center.
Chicago Benefits is designed to give local not-for-profit, 501(c)(3), charitable organizations the opportunity to receive a one-time infusion of funding to create new programs or enhance ongoing activities. Chicago Benefits supports 501(c)(3) organizations located in the Chicago metropolitan area that address one of three areas:
Mind: Projects or institutions that seek to improve the educational landscape, resulting in higher levels of achievement
Body: Projects or human service agencies engaged in the promotion of healthy bodies and lifestyles
Spirit: Projects or civic & cultural development organizations that seek to inspire communities and enliven the human spirit
The Chicago Benefits 2005 $100,000 award recipient, Access Community Health Network, used the funding to extend a new, diabetes management program to its 45 community health centers, benefiting more than 8,000 low-income, often-uninsured diabetic patients. The Diabetes Care and Self-Management program includes resources for both patients and health care professionals, incorporating health education and self-management tools to help individuals reduce their risk of complication from diabetes – a debilitating and often life-threatening disease.
Chicago Benefits served as the model for Humana's local community giving programs called Our Community Benefits. Our Community Benefits is now active in five major U.S. metropolitan areas – Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Houston and Tampa.
Humana plans to again solicit entries for Chicago Benefits in early 2007. Visit www.chicagobenefits.org for more information.
About the 2006 Chicago Benefits finalists
National Kidney Foundation of Illinois seeks to prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases, improve the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increase the availability of all organs for transplantation. Visit www.NKFI.org.
Reading in Motion creates and delivers innovative reading programs that get at-risk kindergarten to third grade students up to grade level. Successfully partnering with Chicago's inner-city elementary schools for more than 20-years, this Chicago-based non-profit organization uses music and drama to engage students and help teachers make their core reading programs effective. Visit www.ReadingInMotion.org.
Tax Assistance Program builds communities by providing innovative financial services directly to the economically disadvantaged. The organization acts as a link between financial opportunities and the working poor, in order to empower families and enrich communities with real-world financial solutions. Visit www.TaxAssistance.org.
Humana announces finalists for $100,000 Chicago Benefits grant Recipient to be named at October 21st gala
CHICAGO – September 28, 2006 – Health benefits company Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) today announced the three finalists for its fourth annual Chicago Benefits charitable awards program. One of the organizations will receive a $100,000 grant to further its efforts to improve our community.
The finalists, selected from more than 50 applications, include:
National Kidney Foundation of Illinois, which requested funding for the KidneyMobile, a mobile classroom and screening lab geared toward detecting Chronic Kidney Disease. The KidneyMobile provides free early detection screenings, as well as education on how to successfully manage diabetes and high blood pressure, the two leading causes of kidney disease.
Reading in Motion, which would use the funding to complete development of its Benchmarks curriculum, which fosters reading aptitude through arts-based activities like dance, music and drama. Benchmarks focuses on early reading skills and aims to get students up and moving in the classroom, instead of sitting at their desks.
Tax Assistance Program, which is seeking assistance for its Financial Literacy Program, which links volunteer professionals with low-income working poor families to provide both immediate and long-term financial strategies. The program is designed to help families take charge of their financial futures.
A panel of local judges, comprised of community leaders, public officials and business representatives, will work with Humana to select the $100,000 grant recipient. Humana will name the recipient and recognize all three organizations at a celebratory gala on October 21, 2006 at the Chicago Cultural Center.
"It was very impressive to see the caliber of entries that we received for Chicago Benefits and the wide variety of good work happening in our community," said Rob Hitchcock, president of Medicare operations in Humana's North Region and co-chair of Chicago Benefits. "These three finalists are truly helping promote healthy lives and healthy communities, and each of them would make a deserving recipient".
"We at Humana are proud to recognize and reward worthy charities in Chicagoland," said Hassan Rifaat, chief executive officer of Humana's Illinois market and co-chair of Chicago Benefits. "We hope Chicago Benefits will help transform one of these fine organizations, allowing it to create innovative new programs or expand existing services, while sustaining those improvements for the long term".
Chicago Benefits is designed to give local not-for-profit, 501(c)(3), charitable organizations the opportunity to receive a one-time infusion of funding to create new programs or enhance ongoing activities. Chicago Benefits supports 501(c)(3) organizations located in the Chicago metropolitan area that address one of three areas:
Mind: Projects or institutions that seek to improve the educational landscape, resulting in higher levels of achievement
Body: Projects or human service agencies engaged in the promotion of healthy bodies and lifestyles
Spirit: Projects or civic & cultural development organizations that seek to inspire communities and enliven the human spirit
The Chicago Benefits 2005 $100,000 award recipient, Access Community Health Network, used the funding to extend a new, diabetes management program to its 45 community health centers, benefiting more than 8,000 low-income, often-uninsured diabetic patients. The Diabetes Care and Self-Management program includes resources for both patients and health care professionals, incorporating health education and self-management tools to help individuals reduce their risk of complication from diabetes – a debilitating and often life-threatening disease.
Chicago Benefits served as the model for Humana's local community giving programs called Our Community Benefits. Our Community Benefits is now active in five major U.S. metropolitan areas – Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Houston and Tampa.
Humana plans to again solicit entries for Chicago Benefits in early 2007. Visit www.chicagobenefits.org for more information.
Access Community Health Network named 2005 Chicago Benefits recipient $100,000 grant from Humana to fund diabetes management program for low-income patients
CHICAGO – September 26, 2005 – Access Community Health Network, a nonprofit network of community health centers serving low-income patients, will receive $100,000 as the recipient of the third annual Chicago Benefits award, funded by Humana, one of the largest providers of health insurance and related benefits in the greater Chicago area.
Access Community Health Network will use the grant to extend a new, diabetes management program to 20 community health centers, benefiting more than 6,000 low-income, often-uninsured diabetic patients. The Diabetes Care and Self-Management program, successfully tested during a six-month pilot, will include resources for both patients and health care professionals, including health education and self-management tools to help individuals reduce their risk of complication from diabetes – a debilitating and often life threatening disease.
"Access Community Health Network is honored to be chosen as the recipient of the Humana – Chicago Benefits award," said Donna Thompson, chief executive officer of Access Community Health Network. "These funds will further our mission by helping us provide quality, specialized health care services to over 6,000 low-income diabetic patients living in the Chicagoland area."
Thompson added that diabetes is particularly devastating for people of color and low-income, which describes the target population for Access Community Health Network. African-Americans are twice as likely to develop diabetes as Caucasian Americans, and approximately 10 percent of Hispanic Americans have diabetes, according to Rush University Medical Center Health Information General Diabetes Statistics.
Diabetes is associated with heart disease, chronic kidney problems, blindness and amputations, and the disease is reportedly the seventh leading cause of death in Chicago. Patients who cannot afford diabetes services and supplies are more likely to stop taking medications, reduce or eliminate blood glucose monitoring and experience a higher risk of complications, adding to the costly burden diabetes places on the health care system. The program's goal is to bring HbA1c scores (a critical measure of success for diabetic patients) within recommended levels for at least 70 percent of participants.
"Access Community Health Network is addressing a vital need in our community," said Julius G. Alberico, chief executive officer of Humana-Illinois. "Diabetes affects people of all ages, races and walks of life, but exacts a needless toll on those without the means to fight its progression. While there will always be many worthy causes in need of support, we at Humana are pleased to be able to help this fine organization, which is making a profound impact on our collective well-being."
A panel of local judges, comprised of community leaders, public officials and business representatives, worked with Humana to select Access Community Health Network from among four finalists in a program which garnered more than 80 entries from area nonprofit organizations. The other finalists, After School Matters, Reading in Motion, and Urban Gateways, each will receive a $10,000 grant from Humana. Access Community Health Network and the other finalists received the awards at a celebratory event on September 24, 2005, at the Chicago Cultural Center.
Chicago Benefits is designed to give local nonprofit, 501(c)(3), charitable organizations the opportunity to receive a one-time infusion of funding to create new programs or enhance ongoing activities. Chicago Benefits is open to 501(c)(3) organizations located in the Chicago metropolitan area that address the areas of arts and culture, community development, education or health and human services. Chicago Benefits is the flagship program of Our Community Benefits, Humana's community giving program. Our Community Benefits is now active in five major U.S. metropolitan areas.
The Chicago Benefits 2004 $100,000 award recipient, Archeworks, used the grant to develop an innovative disability awareness, empowerment and education program for elementary school students in the Chicago area. The Archeworks Disability Education, Awareness and Inclusion Project targets children between the ages of 7 and 9, and is designed to break down stereotypes and foster inclusive attitudes. Chicago Benefits will enter its fourth year with a call for entries in early 2006. Organizations are encouraged to visit www.ChicagoBenefits.org to download an application and review program guidelines.
About Access Community Health Network
ACCESS is the nation's largest network of community health centers providing comprehensive, primary and preventative healthcare services in medically underserved communities. ACCESS operates 42 health centers throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, serving more than 160,000 patients a year. Within the community health field, ACCESS is viewed as a model of innovation and good management practices. It is one of a handful of community health center organizations in the nation that have JCAHO accreditation. For more information, visit www.ChicagoBenefits.org, www.AccessCommunityHealth.net or contact Access Community Health Network at (773) 257-6770. ACCESS is located at 1501 S. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60608.
Humana announces finalists for $100,000 Chicago Benefits grant Recipient to be named at September 24th gala
CHICAGO , IL – August 17, 2005 – Health benefits company Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) today announced the four finalists for its third annual Chicago Benefits charitable awards program. One of the organizations will receive a $100,000 grant, while the other three will each receive $10,000 to further their efforts to improve our community. The finalists, selected from more than 80 applications, include:
Access Community Health Network, which would expand a new diabetes management program to 20 community health centers, benefiting approximately 6,000 low-income, often-uninsured diabetic patients.
After School Matters, which would create a pre-apprenticeship program in underserved neighborhoods to prepare teens for the job market and develop critical workplace skills.
Reading in Motion, which requested funding for its Benchmarks curriculum, which fosters reading aptitude through arts-based activities like dance, music and drama.
Urban Gateways, which intends to broaden the reach of its multi-cultural arts education programs in literary, performing and visual arts, ensuring that children across the Chicago metro area have equitable access to arts education.
A panel of local judges, comprised of community leaders, public officials and business representatives, will work with Humana to select the $100,000 grant recipient. Humana will name the recipient and recognize all four organizations at a celebratory gala on September 24, 2005 at the Chicago Cultural Center.
"Again this year, we have seen firsthand the amazing breadth and depth of charitable work taking place in our community," said Julius G. Alberico, chief executive officer of Humana-Illinois. "It is always gratifying to sit down with community and business leaders as neighbors to hear presentations from Chicago Benefits finalist organizations and to learn more about their unique approaches for solving problems and for improving our collective well-being."
Chicago Benefits is designed to give local not-for-profit, 501(c)(3), charitable organizations the opportunity to receive a one-time infusion of funding to create new programs or enhance ongoing activities. Chicago Benefits is open to 501(c)(3) organizations located in the Chicago metropolitan area that address the areas of arts and culture, community development, education or health and human services.
The Chicago Benefits 2004 $100,000 award recipient, Archeworks, used the grant to develop an innovative disability awareness, empowerment and education program for elementary school students in the Chicago area. The Archeworks Disability Education, Awareness and Inclusion Project targets children between the ages of 7 and 9, and is designed to break down stereotypes and foster inclusive attitudes.
Humana plans to again solicit entries for Chicago Benefits in early 2006. Visit www.ChicagoBenefits.org for more information.
Humana announces Chicago Benefits 2005 $100,000 charitable grant available
CHICAGO – March 9, 2005 – Chicago area charities can apply for a $100,000 grant in the 3rd annual Chicago Benefits charitable awards program, created and funded by health benefits company Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM). The program is designed to give local not-for-profit, 501(c)(3), charitable organizations the opportunity to receive a one-time infusion of funding to create new programs or enhance ongoing activities.
"Humana created Chicago Benefits to fulfill its commitment as a corporate citizen to enhance quality of life and support local organizations that contribute so greatly to the well-being of our community," said Julius G. Alberico, chief executive officer of Humana's Illinois market. "Now in its third year, Chicago Benefits has proven that charities can achieve remarkable results when supported in a meaningful, focused way."
Chicago Benefits is open to 501(c)(3) organizations located in the Chicago metropolitan area that address the areas of arts and culture, community development, education or health and human services. A panel of local judges, comprised of community leaders, public officials and business representatives, will work with Humana to select the $100,000 grant winner. Humana will recognize the winning organization at a celebratory fall gala.
The Chicago Benefits 2004 $100,000 award winner, Archeworks, used the grant to introduce an innovative disability awareness, empowerment and education program for elementary school students in the Chicago area. The Archeworks Disability Education, Awareness and Inclusion Project targets children between the ages of 7 and 9, and is designed to break down stereotypes and foster inclusive attitudes.
"We are extremely grateful to Humana for this generous contribution," said Archeworks co-founder Eva Maddox. "Chicago Benefits allowed us to transform a bright idea into reality – a classroom experience that teaches students to look beyond disabilities and see the abilities in their fellow classmates."
The other finalists in Chicago Benefits 2004 – Advocate Charitable Foundation, Arts & Business Council of Chicago and Marwen – each received a $10,000 grant in a competition which garnered dozens of entries from area charities.
Chicago-area nonprofit organizations are encouraged to visit www.chicagobenefits.org to download a copy of this year's application and review program guidelines. To be considered, organizations must submit an application by June 15, 2005.
Archeworks named 2004 Chicago Benefits winner Receives $100,000 grant from Humana for in-school disability awareness program
CHICAGO – October 25, 2004 – Archeworks, a nonprofit, socially conscious alternative design school, will receive a $100,000 grant as the winner of the second annual Chicago Benefits award, funded by Humana, one the largest providers of health insurance and related benefits in the greater Chicago area.
Archeworks will use the grant to introduce an innovative disability awareness, empowerment and education program for elementary school students in the Chicago area. The Archeworks Disability Education, Awareness and Inclusion Project targets children between the ages of 7 and 9, and is designed to break down stereotypes and foster inclusive attitudes.
"We are extremely grateful to Humana for this generous contribution," said Archeworks co-founder Eva Maddox. "This will allow us to transform a bright idea into reality – a classroom experience that will teach students to look beyond disabilities and see the abilities in their fellow classmates. With the Chicago Public Schools and other districts establishing policies to include disabled students in mainstream classrooms, it's more important than ever to promote understanding and acceptance."
The grant will allow Archeworks to begin producing resource guides for teachers as well as interactive classroom materials such as toys that teach Braille. The group has also designed an educational video game, interactive Web site and books featuring cartoon characters with disabilities. Archeworks will pilot the program this year in a handful of Chicago classrooms, and hopes more schools will introduce the program in the 2005-2006 school year. Participants in Archeworks' multi-disciplinary post-graduate design school conceived the program with input from many individuals and organizations in Chicago's disability community.
A panel of local judges, comprised of community leaders, public officials and business representatives, worked with Humana to select Archeworks from among four finalists in a competition which garnered dozens of entries from area nonprofit organizations. The other finalists, Advocate Charitable Foundation, Arts & Business Council of Chicago and Marwen, each will receive a $10,000 grant from Humana. Archeworks and the other finalists received the awards at a celebratory gala on October 23, 2004 at Chicago's Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
"I am always impressed with the quality of the entries we receive for Chicago Benefits and the variety of good work happening in our community," said Julius G. Alberico, chief executive officer of Humana's Illinois market. "Chicago Benefits demonstrates Humana's deep commitment to Chicago, its people and the local organizations that contribute so greatly to the well-being of our community."
Each year, Humana's Chicago Benefits program awards a one-time, $100,000 grant to a different Chicago-based 501(c)(3) organization to benefit the greater Chicago metropolitan area. Chicago Benefits supports nonprofits in the areas of education, community development, arts and culture, as well as health and human services. In addition to the financial award, many of Humana's Chicago employees support the winning organization as volunteers.
The 2003 winner of the $100,000 Chicago Benefits award, Working in the Schools (WITS), used the funding to expand its Power Lunch literacy and mentoring program that matches at-risk elementary school students with corporate volunteers to promote reading and self-esteem. The additional funding allowed WITS to offer Power Lunch in 13 more schools, bringing to 39 the number of schools served by the program.
Chicago Benefits will enter its third year with a call for entries in January 2005. Chicago based nonprofit organizations are encouraged to visit www.chicagobenefits.org to download an application and review program guidelines.
About Archeworks
Archeworks is Chicago's alternative design school where students work in multidisciplinary teams with nonprofit partners to create design solutions for social concerns. Information at www.archeworks.org.
Humana announces Chicago Benefits 2004 $100,000 grant available to nonprofit organization in 2nd annual program
CHICAGO – January 21, 2004 – Chicago area charities have the chance to apply for a one-time, $100,000 grant in the second annual Chicago Benefits charitable awards program, created and funded by health benefits company Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM). The program is designed to give local 501(c)(3) charitable organizations the opportunity to receive a meaningful contribution.
"By developing a program like this, Humana is able to continue supporting the community in a more focused way than ever," said Julius Alberico, chief executive officer of Humana-Chicago. "We are proud to be able to offer this kind of help for the non-profit organizations of Chicago, and we hope each year to make a meaningful impact on our community."
The Chicago Benefits program is open to 501(c)(3) organizations located in the Chicago metropolitan area that focus on the areas of health, education, and civic and cultural development. A panel of local judges, comprised of community leaders, public officials and business representatives, will work with Humana to select the $100,000 grant winner. Humana will recognize the winner at an awards ceremony scheduled for fall 2005.
Last year's inaugural $100,000 award winner, Working in the Schools (WITS), used the funding to expand its Power Lunch literacy and mentoring program that matches at-risk elementary school students with corporate volunteers to promote reading and self-esteem. The additional funding allowed WITS to offer Power Lunch in an additional 13 schools, bringing to 39 the number of schools served by the program.
"WITS is so grateful for this transformational gift," said Mary Ellen Guest, executive director of WITS. "We believe we have a program that works to improve students' attitude and aptitude toward reading. Thanks to a civic-minded company like Humana, we now have the ability to expand our literacy program and better serve the students of Chicago Public Schools."
To be considered, organizations must submit an application by June 15, 2004. Chicago-based nonprofit organizations are encouraged to visit www.ChicagoBenefits.org to download a copy of this year's application and review program guidelines.
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Humana awards $100,000 Chicago Benefits grant to Reading In Motion