Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) recently awarded 63 annual grants to organizations, several of which were highlighted in last month’s Highland Park Neighbors, dedicated to addressing unmet community needs. The impact of these grants can be seen as the quality of life for Highland Park and Highwood residents improves through the nonprofits’ work to support our senior residents and residents with disabilities; make education accessible for all; tackle the issue of substance abuse; address mental health and other human service needs; and ensure the arts and culture flourish.

Creative & Cultural Arts

HPCF supports organizations that improve lives through the creative and cultural arts, which provide a healthy expressive outlet, encourage creativity, and brighten the community as a whole. Reflecting upon the difference HPCF’s grant will make for Art Impact Project, Executive Director Liz Fales stated, “The Foundation’s generous gift will greatly help Art Impact Project continue to accomplish our mission of enhancing emotional wellness through creative expression. It is a process that is making a connection and a difference with the teens and adults we are honored to serve in the Highland Park and Highwood community.”

L to R: Betsy Brint, HPCF Chair, with Bobbie Hinden, Family Focus HP; Pam Feinberg, Tri-Con Child Care Center; Susan Bell, College Bound Opportunities; Robbie Boudreau, Southeast Lake County Faith in Action Volunteers

Education

Education is a cornerstone of any strong community. HPCF is thus proud to award grants to a number of education-focused organizations. From their early childhood education programs to helping students pursue higher levels of education, these organizations change lives. When reflecting on the importance of their grant, Paula Johnson, Assistant Director of Highland Park Community Early Learning Center said, “Your generous donation will allow us to provide scholarships, enrichment courses, art programs, and more. Your support is vital to our continued success and service to the community and is very much appreciated.” Pam Feinberg, Executive Director of Tri-Con Child Care Center, stated, “The Foundation’s funding ensures that the most vulnerable children of Highland Park and Highwood can participate in Tri-Con’s program, which not only engages them in learning activities in preparation for school, but also provides them a safe and nurturing, routine oriented home away from home. Your tireless efforts in assisting the local service organizations on so many levels are admirable and should be applauded by all of Highland Park and Highwood, as the impact you have on so many is immeasurable.”

Human Services

Human services, HPCF’s largest grant funding area, help people find stability so they can thrive. Dave Scheffler, Executive Director of Willow House, stated, “It is with sincere gratitude that we extend our appreciation to the HPCF for the generous grant awarded to Willow House for assistance with our grief supportive services for children, families, schools, and communities coping with grief and the tragic death of a loved one. Willow House services are provided at no charge, and, with your generous assistance, Willow House is able to serve those children, families, schools, and communities in need.” Hester Bury, Director of Development for the Northern Illinois Food Bank added, “We are so grateful to the Foundation for funding that helps the Food Bank provide consistent access to nutritious food for our Highwood and Highland Park neighbors through our Mobile Markets.”

L to R: Jonathan Plotkin, HPCF Board Member; El Cook, Kids Rank

Services for Individuals with Disabilities

HPCF is honored to support Highland Park and Highwood residents with disabilities. The impact of our grants is far reaching, benefiting people of all ages who have a broad range of capabilities. Harriet Levy, CEO of the Center for Enriched Living said, “I am so pleased for the collaboration and partnership with the HPCF in support of the Center for Enriched Living in helping us provide needed programming for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Because of you, CEL members connect to friendship and fun through daily programs. Because of you, CEL members are finding jobs in the community and pursuing their dreams. And because of you, CEL members can receive mental and behavioral health support. We are truly touched by your commitment to making life better for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.” When considering the importance of Keshet’s grant, Jamie Lake, Chief Communications Officer stated, “We are so grateful for HPCF’s continued support of Keshet. This grant will make a difference in the lives of our 19 residents (and counting!).”

L to R: Amy Small, HPCF Board Member; Diana Guerrero, Highwood Public Library & Community Center; Laura Ramirez, Highwood Public Library & Community Center; Jon Levey, HPCF Board Member

Senior Services

HPCF remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing needs that exist for senior members of our community. “Nearly 30% of Highland Park residents are 65 years and older and that percentage will continue to grow over the next several decades. Faith in Action Volunteers would not be able to respond to the diverse needs of these seniors of different backgrounds and abilities without the HPCF, which takes a lifespan approach to its grants process. The Foundation recognizes that a resident of 85 years deserves the same good health, well-being, and quality of life as any other resident. Our agency would not be able to respond to the increasing demand for transportation, behavioral health, and social services of this community’s growing older adult population without HPCF’s financial support,” said Robbie Boudreau, Executive Director. Lynne Belsky, Co-Founder of Time to Dance, added, “Dancing is healthy for older people. It has been shown to decrease falls, improve cognitive function, and increase overall sense of wellbeing. We at Time to Dance in Highland Park are thrilled that HPCF has chosen us for an annual grant. We will use the funds to create a free Day of Dance for community members aged 50 and up. This will allow the community to experience first-hand the health and well-being benefits of dance for older members of our community.”

Generous donors as well as the City of Highland Park make these grants – and the impact their have on our community – possible. We are both thankful and proud to see residents give where they live and to have the support of numerous businesses and private foundations.

The Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) gratefully welcomes the Alvin H. Baum Family Fund as the HPCF’s first Foundation Champion. Making a five-year commitment at the Platinum level, the Alvin H. Baum Family Fund has generously provided a $20,000/year financial commitment to support the HPCF in addressing unmet needs of the community and expanding opportunities for all Highland Park and Highwood residents.

HPCF’s Foundation Champion Program provides the opportunity for foundations to partner with the HPCF in making a meaningful difference for children and adults throughout Highland Park and Highwood. “The Baum Fund is proud to be the first Foundation Champion, alongside the HPCF Corporate Champions. We hope to inspire others to support the HPCF generously in order to provide resources the community needs and to enrich the lives of all residents,” said Joel Friedman, President, Alvin H. Baum Family Fund, and Highland Park resident.

Longtime residents of Highland Park, Alvin and Ann Baum established the Alvin H. Baum Family Fund in 1952 with the mission of bettering the lives of those in the Chicagoland area through their grants and collaborations. As the Baums advanced in years, they asked Joel M. Friedman to manage their philanthropic strategy and legacy. Having moved their family to Highland Park in 1976, Joel and his wife Iris are also longtime and active members of the community.

Joel Friedman, President, Alvin H. Baum Family Fund

“Not only will this commitment from the Alvin H. Baum Foundation help support the growing critical needs within the communities we serve, but the Baum donation also publicly challenges other Highland Park and Highwood based foundations to join them and their endorsement of supporting the HPCF and the growing number of local organizations we support,” said Craig Leva, member of the HPCF Board of Directors. “The net effect, then, may have an even greater impact. We are greatly appreciative of this commitment by the Alvin H. Baum Foundation, and we are proud that the Highland Park Community Foundation has been chosen to be a trusted steward of these funds that will help both organizations make additional impact within Highland Park and Highwood.”

The entire HPCF Board and staff thank the Alvin H. Baum Family Fund for its partnership in helping us make a difference in the lives of children and adults throughout Highland Park and Highwood!

To learn more about the Highland Park Community Foundation and its work, please visit: hpcfil.org. For more information about how to become a Foundation Champion, please contact Terri Olian, Executive Director, at terri@hpcfil.org or 847-433-4100. To donate online, please visit hpcfil.org/donate. To learn more about the Alvin H. Baum Family Fund, please visit: baumfund.org.

About The Alvin H. Baum Family Fund: The Alvin H. Baum Family Fund strives to better the lives of those who live and work predominantly in the Chicagoland area. Through innovative grants and collaborations, the Fund helps ignite new ideas and promote solutions to ensure healthier, more equitable, and peaceful communities.

HPCF’s Corporate and Foundation Champions

Creating conditions that help community members thrive is an important aspect of Highland Park Community Foundation’s (HPCF’s) work in Highland Park and Highwood. The Foundation is thus proud to have awarded grant funding in 2023 to six organizations that support individuals with disabilities who live in our community: Anixter Center*, Arts of Life, Center for Enriched Living, Collaborative Community Housing Initiative, Glenkirk, and Keshet. While we include information about only four in this article, we are extremely grateful to each of them for all they do to help residents with disabilities.

Keshet supports children and adults with disabilities through enriching experiences as well as educational, recreational, vocational, and residential programs. “Keshet works tirelessly to create a community of belonging where people of all abilities can learn, play, work and live together. When we first set out to offer residential services for adults with disabilities in 2015, Highland Park was the ideal community with quality homes, friendly neighbors, and easily accessible recreation, shopping, and transportation. Since then, Keshet has added three more residences and now supports 18 adults who happily call Highland Park home. Keshet’s residential program is supported through State funding and private donors, including the generosity and on-going commitment of the HPCF. HPCF’s partnership has enabled Keshet to continually enhance the programs and services offered to our residents and other disabled adults in the area,” said Jamie Lake, Chief Communications Officer at Keshet.

HPCF Grant Recipient Keshet

In an exciting development, Keshet’s relationship with Highland Park will grow in extraordinary ways this year. Keshet just moved its adult day program to Highland Park and will be relocating its high school transition class to Highland Park in the fall. As Jamie explained, “Our connection to Highland Park and HPCF will flourish in 2024. In addition to adding two more residents to our group homes, Keshet’s adult day services moved from Skokie to Highland Park in the first week of January. Forty-six adults now spend their days with Keshet in Highland Park engaging in community life; volunteering; exploring their interests; and participating in vocational training and employment.”

HPCF looks forward to Keshet becoming an even more integral part of the community both for the residents it serves and for residents looking to volunteer or for employment. “As our programs in Highland Park continue to grow, we will be looking for more adult volunteers who want to share their talents and job coaches. There will be a need for additional job placements as well,” Jamie added.

Glenkirk, another 2023 grantee, has been serving people with disabilities since 1954. With the ultimate goal of growth and independence, Glenkirk offers residential and employment services, behavioral health therapies, and a variety of home-based services. “Glenkirk’s mission is to provide quality, lifetime supports and services which empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate fully in all areas of community life. Glenkirk accomplishes this mission by providing housing, day, and employment services, respite, and behavioral health services to over 200 individuals in Lake and northern Cook Counties,” explained Kim Berenberg, CEO of Glenkirk.

Specific to the services provided for members of our community, Kim added “HPCF plays a crucial role in advancing two vital programs at Glenkirk – our Next Generation Day Program and our Behavioral Health Clinic. The Next Generation Day Program offers participants an immersive community-based day program experience focused on adult learning and healthy lifestyles, enabling adults with intellectual disabilities to stay active, make friends, and connect with their community. The Behavioral Health Clinic is a Medicaid-licensed program providing essential mental health services for Medicaid-enrolled individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The clinic offers counseling, medication management, community support services, and daily living in-home services, promoting independence and well-being.” She further explained, “HPCF’s backing is especially critical as Glenkirk, while governmentfunded, faces a significant gap between funding and the actual cost of providing quality services. This support ensures the success and impact of these programs.”

HPCF Grant Recipient Glenkirk

From childhood to adulthood, The Center for Enriched Living (CEL) enhances the lives of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities by providing safe spaces for growth and learning and fostering social and educational experiences that help develop independent living skills. “We are so grateful for the funding CEL receives from the HPCF to provide opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to experience life’s possibilities. CEL’s social, employment, mental health, and adult day programs empower nearly 400 members, with more than two dozen hailing from Highland Park. This grant directly supports your neighbors, like Howard, who thrives in our Tuesday Night Art program where he expresses himself beautifully through art. We are grateful for HPCF partnering with CEL to empower people with disabilities to realize their greatest potential, thrive within the community, and achieve their hopes and dreams,” said Herb Washington, CEO at Center for Enriched Living.

Highland Park Resident Howard at The Center for Enriched Living, a HPCF Grant Recipient

Focusing on the importance of the arts in enriching residents’ lives, Arts of Life offers unique and creative opportunities to individuals with disabilities that allow them to express themselves in accessible ways with their peers. “Highland Park Community Foundation’s investment in our In-Home Community Program is playing an essential role in growing our capacity to support artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Highland Park. Disabled people experience loneliness, low perceived social support, and social isolation at significantly higher rates than people without a disability. Through this program, we provide a bridge – helping each artist individually to hone their creative practice and connect with peers virtually on a weekly basis. Together with the HPCF we are working to reach these artists in innovative new ways,” said Anne Cauley, Director of Development and Communications at Arts of Life

We are delighted to be able to provide grants that fill funding gaps for organizations that enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities, which, in turn, enriches our entire community. The Foundation Board thanks our donors as well as the City of Highland Park who make these grants possible and looks forward to continuing our support well into the future.

* Anixter Center ceased its operations for which HPCF grant funding was provided in December of 2023, and its grant funding was prorated accordingly

The Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) is honored to not only welcome Gregory Auto Group as our 11th Corporate Champion, but also to have Jonathan Plotkin join our Board of Directors. The HPCF relies on local businesses as well as committed community members to further our mission of addressing unmet needs in our community and expanding opportunities for all Highland Park and Highwood residents. With Gregory Auto Group’s help, we will be able to fund essential services nonprofits provide for children and adults. Jonathan brings with him a creative perspective that will be used to further our mission in other respects.

Gregory Auto Group has served the Highland Park and Highwood community as a family- owned and -operated car dealership for 40 years. In addition to their extraordinary customer service, they are known for helping customers find the perfect car to suit their needs, with the best possible pricing. With dealerships throughout the Chicagoland area, including Gregory Hyundai and Gregory Genesis of Highland Park, Gregory Mitsubishi in Lake Villa, Gregory Infiniti of Libertyville, several used car lots, and service centers stocked with factorytrained professionals and genuine parts and accessories, their expert staff are available to fulfill all automobile-related needs for the community.

July 4th Recovery Fund check presentation at Gregory Hyundai Genesis in HP. Shown in photo: Chicago Autotrade Association President David Sloan; Gregory Auto Group President Gregory Mauro alongside representatives from Gregory Hyundai Genesis; HPCF Executive Director Terri Olian; and Highland Park Councilmember Annette Lidawer

“Being a Corporate Champion for the Highland Park Community Foundation is a true honor for the Gregory Auto Group,” said Gregory Mauro, President. “After serving the community for 40 years, this step highlights our steadfast commitment not only to providing exceptional service to our customers, but also to giving back and making a positive impact in the community we are proud to call home.”

Corporate Champions provide critical funding for programs and services Highland Park and Highwood residents need to thrive or, sometimes, just to survive. The HPCF is incredibly proud and thankful to have the support of 11 Corporate Champions: Mesirow, Sunset Foods, First Bank of Highland Park, Kovitz, Autohaus on Edens, Banner Kitchen and Bath, Highland Park Bank & Trust, Mariani Landscape Architects, Porsche Exchange, Shellé Jewelers, and now Gregory Auto Group. To add your business to our growing list, email Terri Olian, HPCF Executive Director at terri@hpcfil.org.

Jonathan Plotkin was born in Highland Park but moved to Massachusetts when he was 8 years old. He moved back to the Chicago area when he was 26 to marry Robin, each the other’s first neighborhood friend from the time they were 3 years old and living on South Deere Park Drive. Jonathan says he always considered Highland Park his true home, subconsciously knowing he’d return one day. Highland Park is not only home to Jonathan and Robin, but their children and grandchildren as well.

“My grandchildren represent the 5th generation of my family to live in Highland Park. It’s not just home, but it’s Home with a capital H both personally and professionally. It is incumbent on all of us to continually remind ourselves how special and unique this place is, and to do everything possible to help others live their life to the fullest potential.”

Jonathan and Robin Plotkin with their children (L to R): Oliver, Pearl, Alexander, and Noah

As a nationally published illustrator and editorial cartoonist, Jonathan has extensive philanthropic experience in the arts. As Chairman of the Highland Park Cultural Arts Commission, he assisted in funding local arts organizations and helping artists connect their work with their community. He also served as the Board President of The Art Center of Highland Park, where he fostered education in the arts in the community. He believes that art is the heart of our community and wants to continue to spread that message as a HPCF Board Member. “We are proud to welcome Jonathan to the Board,” stated Laurie Levin, HPCF ViceChair. “His creativity and commitment to inspiring that same spirit in others as well as his dedication to the Highland Park and Highwood community are, in part, what makes us grateful to have him on our Board.”

Jonathan Plotkin

Jonathan hopes to draw on his experiences as a businessman, patron of the arts, and artist himself to better the community. “My background in business and the arts lends itself well to the organizations that the HPCF currently funds and will fund in the future,” he said. As a Board Member, he looks forward to working directly with the organizations and programs funded by the HPCF. He believes it is essential to work beyond the “glass wall” that often separates board members from the communities they serve. “What excites me about the HPCF is that board members are expected to be liaisons to the organizations the Foundation supports. Many times, boards don’t engage, or see, or spend quality time with grantees. I look forward to being a part of that process.”

We are honored to have Jonathan, with his artistic talent and philanthropic spirit, on the Foundation’s Board and look forward to having his ideas enrich and brighten our community. We are also thrilled to have the support of Gregory Auto Group and know that their giving spirit will help improve the lives of the Highland Park and Highwood residents.

Judy’s Pizza Community Partner Initiative

This entire month, Judy’s Pizza is generously rallying behind the HPCF as one of their first Community Partners of 2023. “Judy’s Pizza is thrilled to help Community Partners promote awareness through our various marketing channels and fundraising programs,” said William Abonce, owner. The HPCF Board is grateful to Judy’s Pizza for this opportunity and encourages everyone to eat a Pizza Pie to celebrate Pi Day, 3.14, and “round up” when they pay for their orders throughout the month of March and especially on Pi Day, March 14! Ordering a slice – or a whole pizza pie – adds up…do the math! Happy Pi Day!