$10,000 donation to provide equipment for expanded location opening in 2025
Pediatric therapy patients at Franciscan Health Outpatient Therapy Homewood will benefit from a new sensory room thanks to a $10,000 donation from the newly established Circle of 1875.
The sensory room will be located in the expanded Franciscan Health Outpatient Therapy Homewood clinic at 18428 Governors Highway, which is scheduled to open in 2025.
“I love seeing these moments where everything comes together and clicks for our patients,” said Shana Manning, a pediatric physical therapist who serves as clinic manager at the Homewood location. “Having these tools will help us give them what they need to have more of those moments and achieve the outcomes we’re working to help them achieve.”
The Circle of 1875 -- named for the year the first Franciscan hospital opened in Lafayette, Ind. -- is a women’s giving circle dedicated to supporting Franciscan’s mission and programs in the community. Members pledge to donate a minimum of $1,000.
Other Circles have existed in Indiana communities served by Franciscan, but this is the first year for the organization at the Franciscan Health Foundation of South Suburban Chicago. The group currently has 10 members.
The Circle hears proposals annually from various Franciscan Health departments and programs in the South Suburbs seeking funding to advance or enhance their efforts. Circle members then cast their votes for the winning project, which receives their funding.
The vote for the pediatric therapy sensory room equipment, the first project to benefit from the new Circle of 1875, was unanimous.
Jennifer Tavares-Kitchen, director of service excellence and business initiatives for Franciscan Health Olympia Fields is one of the Circle members.
“The Circle gives me an opportunity to serve and focus on making a real difference in the local community and our patients,” Tavares-Kitchen said. “The group of collaborators have a vested interest, purpose and passion that align with the Franciscan mission and values.”
Laurie Crosby, executive director of the Franciscan Health Foundation of South Suburban Chicago and a Circle of 1875 member, said the goal is to grow membership in the organization year over year.
Anyone interested in joining the Circle of 1875 or in learning more about the Franciscan Health Foundation may call (708) 852-2430.
More information about Franciscan Health’s pediatric therapy programs is available online or by calling (708) 852-2535.
