Illinois Bone & Joint Institute (IBJI), one of the largest independent, physician-owned orthopedic practices in the United States, is proud to announce the continuation of a partnership between the IBJI CARES Foundation and the Northbrook-based nonprofit organization Glenkirk to support its mission to serve those in the community with intellectual disabilities.
IBJI CARES established the charitable partnership in 2020, but due to challenges related to COVID-19, the desired fundraising goals could not be achieved in 2020 and 2021. Extending the partnership into 2022 will provide more opportunities to benefit Glenkirk with better attendance at scheduled events.
Despite the limitations of a pandemic, in 2021 IBJI CARES was able to raise more than $44,000 which will go towards Glenkirk’s new behavioral health clinic. It provides specialized mental health services to adults with intellectual disabilities who are living independently in the community. Funds will also support the reopening of Glenkirk’s four-day program sites, ensuring they can put into place the necessary COVID-19 precautions to keep participants safe.
“The generous support of the Foundation this past year has directly supported our pandemic-related wellness and behavioral health initiatives,” said Glenkirk CEO Kim Berenberg. “From fitness and nutrition programs to art therapy and behavioral intervention, these vital supports ensure individuals with developmental disabilities can live full, healthy, and inclusive lives in the community.”
IBJI CARES has several events planned for 2022, according to Dr. Vanessa Yee, PT, DPT, Chairperson, IBJI CARES, including three tentatively planned volunteer days and a golf outing on July 23.
“We are hoping to have an even more successful year this year,” Yee says.
The tentative volunteer days include signing up for a Spring Clean-up Day planned on Earth Day. A group exercise class may be planned in May, and in October – for Global PT Day of Service – IBJI employees and their families plan to take part in a beautification project for a Glenkirk residence. Last year, they refinished a deck.
“As we look forward to the year ahead, Glenkirk will be growing our residential program with the opening of a new home in Northbrook, as well as opening a new program site that will provide day services, medical services, and behavioral health services to residents of Mundelein and the surrounding community,” Berenberg says. “We will also be expanding our community-supported employment program, which matches adults with disabilities with local businesses to create inclusive work opportunities.”
Organizations like Glenkirk rely on community partnerships and volunteers to continue their important work.
“These initiatives are only possible through the support of organizations such as IBJI CARES,” Berenberg said. “Thank you for your ongoing support of Glenkirk and the work we do on behalf of adults with developmental disabilities.”
For more information on IBJI CARES, visit www.ibji.com/ibjicares.
