Providence News  April 2010

|   Providence Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
    Joins New Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Network

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, BEECHER, ILLINOIS (April, 2010)  | True to his word Washington Township Supervisor Robert E. Howard, along with the Washington Township board are "Dwelling on what they can do, not what they can't do" On Tuesday April 13th, 2010 the board voted unanimously to initiate the "Feed Our Own" program. The vote to initiate this program was included in the agenda at their budget workshop meeting held after the Annual Township meeting.

Economic times are forcing all to think "outside the box". With the State in financial gridlock, recent news articles indicated that some of the traditional Meals on Wheels programs in Will County may need to be cut. Solving the problem became a priority for the Township. This program will compliment the Meals on Wheel program and insure that anyone in need of meals will be serviced. A "private pay" program such as this opens up the opportunity to service not only Senior's over 60, but will also include disabled persons under the age of 60.

Volunteer Laurie Summers did the back round research on this and utilized outside resources that run this type of program. Rich Township has been running a "private pay" program of this nature successfully for 29 years and was contacted; they stepped up to the plate to provide any information needed to help initiate the program in Washington Township.

Village Woods (Providence Life Services) Executive Chef Kevin Risner was contacted and without hesitation Village Woods (Providence Life Services) agreed to be the vendor for the meals. In keeping with their mission, Providence Life Services understands that the needs of the community should be top priority in any circumstance.

At the March 1st Washington Township Meeting, Chef Kevin Risner brought in sample meals that were handed out to the board and residents in attendance. He asked that feed back on the meal be given. All feed back was positive; "Awesome" was just one of the comments made. Chef Risner also explained that the containers the meals will come in are dishwasher safe and microwavable. These containers will be able to be reused for the meals and sanitized appropriately at Village Woods for continued use. Chef Risner took it one step further and will be giving each recipient a thermometer to make sure the meals are at the appropriate temperature when reheating. The meals will follow the strict ADA guidelines and all meals will be fresh foods. A weekly Menu will be provided to recipients of the meals by Village Woods.

At that same meeting, County Board Representative John Anderson was in attendance, in recognizing the need for this type of program; he volunteered to donate money to help with start up costs.
In order to qualify for the meals an intake form will be filled out, with the help of an intake coordinator. The program will be assisted by volunteer drivers, volunteer intake coordinators and a volunteer program director. This program will also serve as a "well being check" for those who receive the meals. Emergency numbers for family or friends will be required.

For further assistance please call Washington Township at 708-946-2026 with your contact information and an intake coordinator will call to set up the interview and provide all information regarding the "Feed Our Own" program.