The Center of Concern, a Des Plaines-based nonprofit organization, has named the Park Ridge Public Library its Partner of the Year in advance of its annual Fight the Loneliness Epidemic event on Monday, September 9. The organization works to inform, advocate and intervene on behalf of residents struggling with challenges related to aging, homelessness, and accessing resources to remain independent in their homes. Three individuals will also be recognized at the event for their work for the organization and in the community.
The following is a statement from the Center of Concern website, centerofconcern.org:
“The Park Ridge Public Library has been a long-time supporter of the Center of Concern, offering meeting spaces for special events and board meetings. More recently, [the] Library has supported the agency’s Wits Workout program, a special class for older adults designed to exercise memory skills and keep cognitive functions sharp. The library’s assistance enables a greater number of residents in need to receive agency services, and fosters positive interactions with the community.”
The Fight the Loneliness Epidemic event will start at 5:30 p.m. with appetizers and networking an expert panel discussion and awards ceremony beginning at 6:30 PM. The event will be hosted at the historic Des Plaines Theatre
. There is no cost to attend, though donations are encouraged.
“The Center of Concern is dedicated to addressing the growing issue of loneliness in our community. Our Fight to End the Loneliness Epidemic event is a testament to our commitment to fostering connections and supporting those who feel isolated. We are also honored to recognize the extraordinary contributions of this year’s awardees who have worked tirelessly to make our community a better place for all,” said Tom Merlin, Center of Concern Board of Directors President.
Guest speakers include experts Dr. Amy Eisenstein, Senior Program Officer at RRF Foundation for Aging; Jennifer Hill, Executive Director at Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County; Dr. Kiran Joshi, Senior Medical Officer at Cook County Department of Public Health; and Diane Slezak, President and Chief Executive Officer at AgeOptions. Illinois State Representative Michelle Mussman will serve as the discussion moderator.
Other Center of Concern annual award recipients include Volunteer of the Year, Doug Neuman of Des Plaines; Dee Heinrich Award, Kevin Gau of Rosemont; and Excellence in Leadership, Pastor Aneel Trivedi from Messiah Lutheran Church in Park Ridge.
More information about this special event can be found online at centerofconcern.org/fight or by calling the Center of Concern at 847-823-0453.
