The Atrium at Oak Crest hosts Unlimited Potential guests
Nine girls from the Homeless Prevention Center in Blue Island, Illinois and their two designated chaperones affiliated with the nonprofit organization Unlimited Potential (UP) spent the weekend of Aug. 9-10 at The Atrium at Oak Crest in Elgin.
“During their weekend stay with us at Oak Crest,” said Susan Cincinelli, executive director at the Atrium at Oak Crest, “we were pleased to offer the girls and their chaperones an opportunity to interact with our staff and selected residents to help them successfully navigate adulthood.”
The two-day itinerary was filled with thoughtfully prepared activities along with freshly prepared meals and lively conversations.
Day one included a tour of Oak Crest and the guests’ rooms during their visit; activities with residents; a scavenger hunt with clever clues for the explorers to engage guests with residents and staff; and positive dreamscaping exercises to unleash creativity and visualize potential futures through sorting positive desires for this one life they’ve been given. A bonfire was held in the backyard to make s’mores and new friends.
Day two focused on making memories, laughter, and connections. A morning worship was held with Jackie Frazier, R.N., Director of Nursing, the Atrium at Oak Crest, which was a gentle, uplifting hour to welcome the day with gratitude and reflection. The girls finished their scavenger hunt explorations and relaxed on the grand porch for friendly visiting.
The visit concluded with a memorable meal where everyone shared stories and were entertained by Vinnie Hunley and family. An accomplished musician and published songwriter, Vinnie grew up in Carpentersville and attended Dundee-Crown High School. His wife Tenesha, a talented vocalist, leads her successful Hoskins Family Quartet, with Vinnie, daughters Kaylah Hoskins and Kyrah Hoskins, and son Kieshon Reynolds.
The first of its kind in the nation, Unlimited Potential (UP) is licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services in the state of Illinois. UP primarily focuses on individuals typically between 17 and 21 years old, who have aged out of the foster care system.
Deemed a model program, its mission is to provide a positive and supportive environment for youth transitioning from foster care, helping them achieve self-sufficiency and independence, and to serve as an option to help them avoid homelessness.
Oak Crest/Atrium Apartments is located at 204 S. State St. in Elgin. Visit OakCrestAtrium.org.
About Oak Crest Residence/Atrium Apartments
Established in 1904, Oak Crest Residence/Atrium Apartments is a private, 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. Its focus is on healthy aging to enrich the quality of life for each individual member. Residents enjoy an inviting, cozy, and caring personal environment. Services includes a wide variety of features for independent living, assisted living, respite stays, and memory care.