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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF AUNT MARTHA'S HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER
WHEREAS, Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness Center (“Aunt Martha’s”) are celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year; and
WHEREAS, Aunt Martha’s started with a small group of people in Park Forest, Illinois who wanted to give youth in their community a place to be safe, understood, and heard. They hoped for a place where caring, loving, and supportive peers and adults - like an “Aunt Martha” - would be a place to protect, defend, and support runaways or young people who needed a place to go; and
WHEREAS, with just a couple thousand dollars and a handful of individuals looking to make a difference in their community, the first youth drop-in center, counseling services, and volunteer foster homes were established in Park Forest; and
WHEREAS, Aunt Martha’s has become a prominent health and wellness institution with a commitment to supporting the well-being of communities, ensuring equity in access, and delivering exceptional care inspired by a culture of innovation; and
WHEREAS, Aunt Martha’s is a primary care medical home for more than 73,000 patients and a vital resource for more than 125,000 children and adults from over 600 communities in Illinois. Aunt Martha’s has 25 health centers across 9 counties; and
WHEREAS, Aunt Martha’s envisions strong, healthy communities, where everyone has access to high-quality health and wellness care, leading to better social and emotional health; and
WHEREAS, Aunt Martha's core values consist of being committed to social justice, health equity, and access to quality services for all, and engages in a patient-centered approaches that empowers all to live healthy lives, celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion; and
WHEREAS, Aunt Martha’s supports the transformation of our historically disadvantaged communities to strength and wellness through trauma-informed care practices; and
WHEREAS, Aunt Martha’s is characterized by their fearless, optimistic, and innovative approaches and in their belief that our communities can overcome even the most severe barriers; and
WHEREAS, Aunt Martha’s seeks opportunities to grow their impact through strategic collaborations that embody their vision and values; and
WHEREAS, Aunt Martha’s was named a HRSA Health Center Program Health Center Quality Leader for 7 years in a row; and
WHEREAS, Aunt Martha’s serve 5 times more uninsured patients than the average health care centers and stands committed to serving the most vulnerable. Aunt Martha’s has stayed true to their mission and purpose.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, The Cook County Board President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby congratulate the staff, volunteers, and supporters of Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness Center on their 50th anniversary; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, this text be spread upon the proceedings of this Honorable Body and that a suitable copy of this resolution is presented to Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness Center in honor of its outstanding achievements.
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