Wintrust recognizes Arden Shore Child & Family Services' 125 years of service with a mural
Waukegan, Illinois. - On Oct. 12, Wintrust installed a mural honoring Arden Shore Child & Family Services' 125 years of service on the façade of its building in Chicago.
"The mural is a wonderful tribute to Arden Shore's history, which started in the summer of 1898 when hundreds of mothers and children from Chicago had the opportunity to attend an 'open-air' respite hosted by what is now known as Arden Shore Child and Family Services in Lake County," said Dora E. Maya, Ph.D, president and CEO of Arden Shore Child & Family Services. "Arden Shore's 125-year anniversary is a celebration of the thousands of people who dedicated their lives to rebuilding the lives of children and families at Arden Shore since 1898 and we are so grateful to share it with our community."
From the Great War to the Great Recession, meaningful partnerships with parents, service organizations, philanthropists, and advocates empowered Arden Shore to adapt and effectively meet complex and evolving needs. Today, Arden Shore's family preservation programming, foster care, and mental health services span three counties, impacting 1,850 children and adults in 2022.
Arden Shore hosted a celebration at the site of the mural on Oct. 14 for its volunteers, staff, board, and supporters.
At the event, Scott Yelvington, Arden Shore's board chair, shared, "Just like the 1,500-lb. artwork hanging outside of this building, Arden Shore has carried the heavy weight of transforming generations with grace. For 125 years, this incredible institution has been a beacon of hope, providing support, care, and guidance to those who needed it the most. With the mural's vibrant colors, we are reminded that like every brushstroke, every embrace signifies a story, a journey, and a triumph. May this mural serve as a reminder of the transformative power of love, resilience, and community."
Arden Shore honored outstanding members of its community at the event, including Waukegan Mayor Ann Taylor (President's Recognition Award); Andrea Durbin, CEO of Illinois Collaboration on Youth (Rebuilding Children's Lives Award); Wintrust (Wintrust Wealth Management, and Wintrust Community Banks of Mundelein and Libertyville) (Corporate Donor of the Year); and Daisy and Brian De La O (Foster Parents of the Year).
"In order to ensure Arden Shore can continue to address the underlying challenges facing both children and their families, sustained community engagement is essential," said Dr. Maya.
The mural, located at 1735 N. Ashland Ave. in Chicago, will be visible through Nov. 20, 2023. See the mural at wintrust.com/mural.
Arden Shore invites its diverse network of supporters to celebrate their shared 125-year history of keeping families healthy, safe, and together and envision a future where our community is a healthy place to live, work, and play. Visit ardenshore.com for opportunities to get involved or donate.
About Arden Shore Child & Family Services. The mission of Arden Shore Child and Family Services is to rebuild children's lives in a caring community. Arden Shore envisions a future free of abuse and neglect, and full of opportunity - where our community is a healthy place to live, work, and play. But the root causes of childhood trauma and maltreatment are complex. That is why Arden Shore worked hard to secure multiple certifications in mental health, substance abuse, and foster care and maintains strong collaborative relationships with other community service providers - working to provide the resources families need to ensure a home is a place where everyone can thrive. In 2022, Arden Shore's professional team provided skilled care and resources to more than 1,850 children and adults - keeping families healthy, safe, and together.