Well Child Center celebrates 50 years of service with new logo, events, contests and fundraisers
The Well Child Center, a nonprofit organization based in Elgin, is hosting a series of community events in the month of October to commemorate its 50th year of providing health and human services for low-income families and uninsured, at-risk children in Kane County.
To visually communicate this center's work and longevity, the nonprofit is debuting a new logo which will be featured prominently on a large banner in front of the building and be added to all written and digital materials.
"The new logo represents both our achievements of the past and our plans for the future," said executive director Michelle Esquivel. "For 50 years, the organization has been helping families receive quality health and human services and we look forward to expanding our reach and scope of services and partnerships to help build a better community."
Numerous events and activities during the monthlong celebration will center around four themes - Feeding Families Healthy and Nutritious Food; Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Counseling and Benefits; Children's Dental Health; and Partnerships and Collaboration.
Additionally, virtual fundraisers will be held throughout the month to support numerous Well Child Center programs and more.
Feeding Families Healthy and Nutritious Food
The events kick off the week of Oct. 3 beginning with an official ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5, to unveil a new food pantry located in the Well Child Center headquarters at 620 Wing St. The ceremony will include a brief presentation by Esquivel and introductions of VIP attendees; it then will be capped off with a celebratory champagne toast.
Throughout the week, the center will implement on-site and community-based Food Insecurity Screenings. These will be available to residents of Kane County, and will be conducted by trained WCC staff.
Nutrition Counseling and Benefits
During week two, Oct. 10-16, the Well Child Center will launch its inaugural Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program Enrollment Week. WIC provides supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age 5 who are found to be at nutritional risk.
It is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services.
The Well Child Center is the largest WIC provider in northern Kane County with operations in four locations. To help raise awareness of WIC and its available services, center staff and volunteers will actively distribute brochures - available in both English and Spanish, create awareness about WIC support and benefits, and enroll families in the program at its main center, at the other Well Child Center WIC locations, as well as throughout the community.
For WIC current and potential clients, the center is hosting a "Bring a Friend - Recipe and Storytime" on Wednesday, Oct. 12, to showcase WIC and its supportive programs and to foster community engagement. "Welcome to WIC" open houses will be held on Thursday, Oct. 13, at all Well Child Center WIC locations.
Children's Dental Health
October is National Dental Hygiene Month and the Well Child Center has events planned accordingly beginning with a children's coloring contest on Oct. 17-23. A dental themed-coloring sheet will be distributed at the center's pediatric dental clinic as well as all four Well Child Center WIC locations, on the Well Child Center website, in schools, and through the organization's community partners. Submissions must be dropped off at the dental clinic by 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21. Winners will be selected within three age groups. Prizes include $10 Target gift cards.
Plus, a fundraiser will be held this week that will focus on support for comprehensive dental health for pregnant women who are part of the center's WIC program
"Dental visits can be intimidating for anyone and may be more so for those who have not had access to dental care in the past." says Dr. Chelsea Fosse, board member. "But oral health is so important for overall health, wellness, and quality of life. We hope these activities will help women, children, and families learn about our facility, meet our dedicated team, and empower them to take advantage of the comprehensive dental care offered at Well Child Center."
Additionally, a pediatric dental clinic open house will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 18. To educate parents and partners about the importance of dental hygiene and available services, the Well Child Center will debut a video, "Meet Our Dental Clinic Team," on Wednesday, Oct. 19. Access to the video, which will be recorded, can be found at WellChildCenter.org.
Partnerships and Collaboration
On Tuesday, Oct. 25, community residents and partners are invited to join Taco Tuesday with an on-site food truck from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. A percentage of the proceeds will benefit the center.
The winner of a student mural contest, which launched earlier this month, will be announced on Wednesday, Oct. 26. The winner will reproduce their artistry on the entry hallway of the Wing Street location. The final work will be accessible to the public for viewing during regular operating hours. Entries will be accepted until Friday, Oct. 7.
The festivities will culminate on Friday, Oct. 28, as part of a public servant and partner "round up" at Well Child Center on Wing Street. Board members, partners, and public servants including local police and firefighters, school leaders, Emergency Medical Services personnel, and center supporters will be recognized by board members and staff. A food truck will be on site serving coffee and doughnuts. Other activities also are being planned according to Esquivel and will be announced as plans are finalized.
"We think 50 years of serving our community is a major achievement," says Mark Ainley, WCC board president. "This series of events allows us to celebrate with our constituents, partners, community leaders and residents."
More information about its programs and services and links to donate to the virtual fundraisers can be found at WellChildCenter.org.
Founded in 1972, the Well Child Center is a leader in the provision of health and social services for low-income families and uninsured, at-risk children residing in Kane County. The organization is grounded in one primary goal - creating and maintaining programs and services to help all children thrive with a focus on building, strengthening, and sustaining individual family and community life. Well Child Center - through its staff and board of directors - is committed to improving the lives of children and families through education, counseling, and services in the areas of oral health and nutrition.