Accretive Health Employee Finds Charity Begins in “Sweet Home” Chicago
Bhavna Deole is fulfilling her dreams, and -- along the way -- offering more fulfilling lives to those in Chicago’s neediest neighborhoods. Deole, 28, is a Chicago resident who began volunteering with St. Joseph Services five years ago when she learned of the not-for-profit organization through her employer, Accretive Health. Since she began volunteering her time with St. Joseph Services, Deole has become a member of the junior board. In that role, she helps organize and support an annual golf outing fundraiser, volunteers regularly for St. Joseph Services events, hosts smaller fundraising events at Accretive Health’s corporate office, and support other St. Joseph Services-sponsored fundraisers held around the Chicago metropolitan area.
“I’m fortunate to work at a company that encourages me to be both a working professional, and an active philanthropist in the community,” Deole said of the support she receives from Chicago-based Accretive Health. “Our partnership is critical to helping the youth in the St. Joseph Services’ programs find positive alternatives to the violence in Chicago’s neighborhoods.”
Last year, Accretive Health helped a group of its employees launch an organization of its own dedicated to charitable giving called Accretive Helping Hands by providing the initial financial endowment. Today, the not-for-profit organization Accretive Helping Hands consists of 1,750 Accretive Health employees across the country who extend their volunteerism by helping patients and their families navigate the difficulties encountered after treatment by partnering with community healthcare and social work providers.
“Thanks to the generosity of more than 142 individual donors, through 220 gifts, plus a generous corporate challenge match, Accretive Health provided $139,055 directly to programs in 2013,” said Lisa Sullivan, executive director of St. Joseph Services. “We are grateful for Accretive Health’s ongoing commitment to helping us fulfill our mission to serve and support families and individuals at risk, partnering with them to strengthen and develop their values and talents to reach their full potential through education.”
“St. Joseph Services’ work in Chicago’s neediest communities to strengthen and develop others is truly reflective of our company’s mission,” Deole added. “I am proud to say that also reflects my personal philosophy and beliefs.”
For more information on Accretive Health’s philanthropic activities, contact Chris Hartemayer at 312-255-7711. For a visit to St. Joseph Services contact Sullivan at 773-278-0484.
About St. Joseph Services
St. Joseph Services was founded in 2001 by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul who have been serving the needs of the poor in the city of Chicago since 1861. Originally programs were located in the underserved communities of Humboldt Park and Austin, and have expanded to other Chicagoland communities. St. Joseph Services’ vision is that collaborations are the most cost effective way to help more people. Currently partnering with St. Angela School, Josephinum Academy, Resurrection Parish, St. Aloysius Parish and other community partners, they now offer a range of educational programs for the youth and families of the communities they serve and engage a large corps of talented volunteers for direct service. They develop youth, educate adults and transform lives. For more information, visit: www.stjosephservices.org.
About Accretive Health
At Accretive Health, our mission is to help our healthcare clients strengthen their financial stability and deliver better care at a more affordable cost to the communities they serve, increasing healthcare access for all. For more information, visit www.accretivehealth.com.