Imagine Englewood if...! Celebrates "Make a Difference Day"
Jo Anna Brown-El
Published: November 8, 2010
Every year since 2000, Imagine Englewood if. . .! has celebrated “Make A Difference Day”. This year, over 200 people participated in the Healthy Families for Healthy Communities Resource Fair hosted by Imagine Englewood if. . . ! in observance of "Make a Difference Day" on Saturday, October 23, 2010. The event attracted 23 participating organizations, including U.S. EPA, Region 5, Chicago Department of Public Health, Hope Worldwide, HUD, USDA, Marquette Bank, Eastwest University, and Good City, in support of Englewood families, as well as 150 attendees, and a cadre of volunteers canvassing the community.
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We welcomed the collaboration with so many organizations, and the resources they provided. Imagine Englewood if's primary objective continues to be increasing lead-screenings for Englewood children. Englewood ranks highest in the nation for lead-poisoning. Remarkably, budget cuts and minimal enforcement of state laws and city ordinances have lead to fewer screenings and treatment for Englewood children. Lead-poisoning causes learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and in many cases, leads to violence and incarceration.
To reach its goal, Imagine Englewood if. . . ! launched an aggressive community outreach within a two-mile boundary. Hope Worldwide, an international charity, mobilized over 50 volunteers from various ethnic, economic and educational backgrounds to knock on doors, share lead-poisoning facts with parents, and urge them to bring their children to the Resource Fair for lead-screenings. As an added incentive, the Health Department donated $15.00 gift certificates, compliments of Jewel Food Stores, to parents who responded. Dr. Bechara Choucair, Health Commissioner, showed solidarity, kicking-off the event with a brief address to volunteers.
"The children screened today can look forward to a brighter tomorrow, unencumbered by lead," stated Mrs. Jean Carter-Hill, co-founder and Executive Director of IEi. In addition to lead-screenings, EPA conducted health screenings, immunizations, including free flu shots, and signed children up for asthma action plans.
The first mother to arrive with her child expressed her gratitude for the event and resources available. After her child's screening, she stayed for the duration, interacting with providers, vendors, and other attendees.
Imagine Englewood if. . .! is a (501c3) not-for-profit organization serving the Greater Englewood Community since 1997. Co-founded by Mrs. Hill and Helen Massey, a health educator, IEi's mission is to strengthen and empower the Englewood community through teaching local youth healthy living, environmental awareness and positive communication skills. IEi motivates youth and their families to seek a positive quality of life and encourages them to pursue positive change.
(This same slide show can be viewed at www.imagineenglewoodif.org)