Recession is hurting chaplaincy services at Winchester House

Rev. Ernie Hall says it's a privilege to minister to the aged.

In the nearly quarter century he's served as a chaplain at Winchester House, he's been the voice of reassurance at the bed sides of the dying, a comfort to thousands of families.

Hall has led countless worship services and religious programs at the nursing home in Libertyville. But now, the crushing power of the current recession is threatening his ministry.

The Waukegan-based Interfaith Chaplaincy Services is reeling from a sharp drop in donations. Hall says the recession is the cause.

"We've been slowly trying to come back after the tech-bubble burst in the '90s," he said. "Whenever the country experiences economic problems, charitable giving drops as well. I don't see any quick recovery coming soon."

The organization was founded in 1963. During it's peak, 10 full-time chaplains worked in nursing homes and jails across Lake County.

But now, after years of declining donations, there is just one part-time secretary and Rev. Hall.

The chaplaincy receives money from 29 religious groups. It also get funds from civic clubs, charities and individuals. Two yearly fundraising events help, too, Hall said.

Their annual budget is down to $135,000 from $144,000 last year. Hall's pay has been cut 15 percent over the last two years.

"We've trimmed about everything we can trim," Hall said.

Mary Purnell, volunteer coordinator at Winchester House, says Rev. Hall provides a vital service to residents. She said it's uncommon for a nursing home to have a chaplain working in-house on a daily basis.

"Our residents not only have physical needs, they have spiritual ones as well," she said. "They are dealing with issues of the heart and end-of-life concerns, questions and worries. A social worker can't address those needs. Ernie makes a huge impact here."

Rev. Hall oversees all the religious programs at Winchester House. He gives spiritual care for individuals and residents' family members. He is there about six hours a day.

The organization's board of directors will meet in June. The financial situation will be at the top of the agenda.

"I don't know if we could survive another major downturn," Hall said. "That could put us out of business."

And if that were to happen, Purnell said it would be heartbreaking.

"Who would be better to guide these people in religious matters?" she said. "Ernie knows this place inside and out. He is in tune with the life and culture here. His work is invaluable. It would be a huge loss if he weren't here."

People interested in donating funds to the nonprofit group can call (847) 336-2777 for more information.