25 Years of Talent and Dedication
by Terri Danko, Almost Home Kids, Board Chair.
For the past 25 years our AHK team and supporters have been united in our mission to provide a bridge from hospital to home through an innovative community-based care system for children with medical complexities. We respond to the needs of families, train caregivers, offer respite care, advocate for accessibility and inclusion, and educate healthcare professionals.
As we celebrate our 25th anniversary as an organization, we have been reflecting on how far we’ve come and how we aspire to shape our future in service to children with medical complexities and their families.
25-years of Talent and Dedication
Each Almost Home Kids site saves the State of Illinois over $10 million annually and frees up acute care pediatric hospital beds for other children. In addition to supporting children with medical complexities in a home-like setting, we bolster the confidence and competencies of their family members as they prepare for the journey ahead.
We are proud of the impact we have had as an organization and recognize that it is the direct result of the talent and commitment of countless individuals over the past quarter century. We have been fortunate to attract amazing clinicians, staff, donors, volunteers, and board members who have been single-minded in strengthening the bridge we provide to children with medical complexities. There are countless examples and stories that illustrate their dedication to our children. Whether through direct interaction, or in providing needed resources to benefit our kids, the generosity and compassion of our team and our supporters has been incredibly moving to witness.
As Almost Home Kids has evolved, we have expanded our reach considerably. We’ve grown from one site to three and have touched the lives of over 2,500 children[1]. At our opening in 1999, our team of approximately eight staff provided respite care exclusively. In the intervening years, Almost Home Kids has grown to over 180 clinical and administrative staff, across our three locations, who provide both transitional and respite care, 24/7.
Our Board, including our Young Associates Board (YAB), and our councils and committees have provided tremendous leadership in charting our course and raising awareness and funds to realize our mission. Our many volunteers, both individuals and civic organizations, have provided critical support to meet so many needs. Whether reading to a child and brightening their day, or landscaping our green spaces, to delivering holiday gifts, our volunteer program has enriched the experience of children who aren’t ready to go home but want to feel like they’re there.
We simply could not do what we do without the strong support of our donors and corporate sponsors. They have been there to lift us up through planned giving, event sponsorship, in-kind donations, and pro-bono services. The individuals and organizations have approached us with such a spirit of generosity and proactivity. “What else can we do?” and “what else do you need?” are common refrains and we are so appreciative.
Cheers to the next 25-years!
With the support of all of these individuals and groups, we are excited for what lies ahead. Along with our affiliated partners at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, and in partnership with OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois, we will continue to ensure that each child in our care is nurtured physically, mentally, and emotionally. We will continue to seek out ways to further our mission and expand our reach and in support of children with medical complexities.
With your continued support, we know we can.
Thank you,
Terri Danko,
Almost Home Kids Board Chair
[1] unaudited census data includes children accessing multiple services each year.
< Back