DES PLAINES, Ill., Feb. 7, 2023—Illinois Bone & Joint Institute (IBJI), the largest independent, physician-owned orthopedic practice in Illinois, proudly announces its 2023 Charity Partner, Over the Rainbow Association (OTR), a non-profit organization based in Evanston.
Each year, IBJI CARES, the philanthropic arm of IBJI, gives back to the community by partnering with a local organization to assist with fundraising efforts and awareness. OTR was selected from a list of 10 applicants. Former partners have included the Northbrook-based Glenkirk organization and Good News Partners’ New Life Shelter in Chicago.
“We chose OTR as their philosophy aligns closely with IBJI CARES' mission to promote the benefits of wellness, healthy movement, and positive lifestyles and improve the holistic health of the individual,” said Vanessa Yee, PT, DPT, IBJI CARES Chairperson. “We were looking for an organization widespread in the Chicagoland area so that multiple regions of IBJI could be involved. OTR is dedicated to providing independent living solutions for individuals with physical disabilities, as well as providing services such as social workers, exercise programs, healthcare partnerships, and volunteer programs with schools through their Resident Services program, allowing us to be involved with multiple aspects of their residents’ health.”
Throughout 2023, IBJI CARES will be raising money to support OTR’s Kindness Tag program and support OTR as they further expand housing locations. Volunteers days are planned to help with landscaping beautification projects.
The Kindness Tag initiative started out by providing residents with much-needed hearing aids but has progressed to include a number of gifts given by donors and the residents themselves. OTR’s properties have been gifted automatic door openers, rolling laundry baskets, new winter coats and boots, dinners, and more.
“Kindness Tag gives our residents the opportunity to experience the unique joy of giving, lifting their spirits, and giving them a new purpose,” says Alex Costelle, OTR Manager of Development. “We are looking forward to expanding this program with IBJI’s help. We have witnessed first-hand Kindness Tag curbing depression, anxiety, and loneliness.”
OTR is excited about the 2023 partnership, knowing that their shared goal is to improve the quality of life for OTR residents.
“We have always felt that IBJI and OTR align in our missions as we both prioritize the holistic health of the people we serve,” says Costelle. “We also appreciate that not only does IBJI contribute monetarily but also by providing volunteers and spending quality time making a difference. We are so grateful for the support of IBJI this year.”
About Illinois Bone & Joint Institute
Illinois Bone & Joint Institute (IBJI) is the largest independent physician-owned orthopedic practice in Illinois. IBJI is dedicated to providing accessible, compassionate, and comprehensive care to your family for every orthopedic specialty with leading-edge technology and innovative treatment options. For more information, please visit ibji.com.
About Over the Rainbow Association
Based in Evanston, OTR is an Illinois non-profit organization dedicated to providing independent living solutions for individuals with physical disabilities.