Accretive Health Gives Back to Chicago by Partnering with St. Joseph Services
Chicago-based Accretive Health, Inc., has a history of partnering with other organizations in the area to provide services, whether it is developing new programs that create jobs or philanthropic contributions that better the lives of those in need. One example of how donations of time and resources are helping is at St. Joseph Services.
Through one of its client partners, Accretive Health learned about the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul's mission in Chicago's neediest neighborhoods. Known as St. Joseph Services, the organization was founded in 2001 to serve the needs of the poor in the city of Chicago. Once Accretive Health was introduced to the mission, vision and values of St. Joseph Services, it established a board of leaders to help the mission grow.
“Accretive Health became sponsors of the charitable work being accomplished by St. Joseph Services in 2008,” said Chris Hartemayer, senior manager at Accretive Health. “Their work in the Austin, Avondale and Humboldt Park communities to strengthen and develop others is truly reflective of our own mission to strengthen the financial stability of providers and deliver better care to the communities they serve.”
Within four years, Accretive Health has raised enough money to help St. Joseph Services extend their volunteer-based educational programming, including year-round out-of-school programs for children. English as a Second Language, computer literacy, and job training are also available for adults. St. Joseph Services makes these programs available in safe community centers where students gather in a family-friendly atmosphere.
“We couldn't do the great work we're doing without the financial support of Accretive Health,” Lisa Sullivan, executive director of St. Joseph Services gratefully acknowledged. “They've given me the confidence to hire staff, which is so important in managing our volunteers and ensuring excellence in our educational programs. Just last year, they donated $156,000 to our services. Additionally, they have employees who tutor, sit on our Board of Directors, volunteer their time at our annual events, such as Fall Festival and Trivia Night, and numerous other activities. Together, we've been able to make a significant difference in Chicago's neediest communities. It's a wonderful partnership."
One of the most effective fundraising events that Accretive Health hosts to benefit St. Joseph Services is an annual golf outing. This year the outing is scheduled for Monday, June 24, at Glen Oak Golf Course, in Glen Ellyn, Ill. In addition to volunteering at the center, many employees at Accretive Health find fun ways to encourage donations at the Chicago office by hosting fun events throughout the year, such as “Jeans Days” on Fridays, and offering a catered lunch to donors.
“It's important to establish a culture of giving in the workplace,” added Accretive Health's measurement manager Bhavna Deole. “Whether we are volunteering time, money, or resources, we are committed to giving back to the Chicago community. To that end, we have established an employee-led board that is not only looking for other partnerships within the Chicago area, but expanding our charitable commitment to all the cities where we have employees partnering with clients.”
For more information on Accretive Health's philanthropic activities, contact Mike Brennan, at 312.324.5370.
About St. Joseph Services
St. Joseph Services was founded in 2001 by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul to serve the needs of the poor in the city of Chicago. Seeking guidance from the office of the Bishop, Humboldt Park and Austin were chosen to locate two distinct service sites. Currently partnering with St. Angela School, Josephinum Academy, Resurrection Parish, and St. Aloysius Parish, they now offer a range of programming to the youth and families of the communities they serve. They 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.