Directors of the former Southwest Suburban Center (The Senior Center) in La Grange broke bread with friends and supporters yesterday (Monday. May 11) to unveil the 28-year-old organization's new moniker: Aging Care Connections.
So don't jump to using the acronym like they did before (SWSCA). Cause it sounds like it reads: ACC.
Many people still remember when the Summit-based Desplaines Valley Community Center changed its name to the current, well-known Pillars -- a habit the newly named agency hopes will also catch on quickly, like wildfire.
Aging Care Conections still remains at its convenient and somewhat accessible location at 111 W. Harris Ave. in downtown La Grange.
Aging Care Conections still remains at its convenient and somewhat accessible location at 111 W. Harris Ave. in downtown La Grange.
In the last couple of years, the Senior Center leaders had quietly contemplated relocating inside a yet-to-be-buuilt Township of Lyons senior citizen affordable housing apartment building next to Town Hall on Joliet Road, but that never came to pass.
The name, said Development & Community Relations Director Niki Chibucos, "more closely aligns with its mission to enrich the quality of life of older adults and their families through a range of programs and services that enhance their well-being and independence."
The name, said Development & Community Relations Director Niki Chibucos, "more closely aligns with its mission to enrich the quality of life of older adults and their families through a range of programs and services that enhance their well-being and independence."
The need for a new name emerged after a strategic plan completed in 2005 called for the transitioning of programs related to recreation to other sites in Aging Care Connections' 22- community service area.
Because of the duplication of offerings and the goal to attain cost-effective operation, it was decided Aging Care Connections should focus on delivering services and programs related to its particular strengths.
According to Chibucos, those strengths include: the respect and credibility of its professional staff; its core competencies in information and referral, assessments and case management; its strong understanding of services to the elderly and the network providers; and its reputation, history and location in the center of the communities it serves.
With the assistance of a Taproot Foundation service grant to develop key messages and branding strategy, the process leading to the selection of an appropriate name began.
They stated after lengthy interviews with the community, constituents, staff, board members and funders, the outcome of the grant was the identification of the organization’s key branding attribute as the expert information and community resource on aging.
The organization’s expert, professional staff enables Aging Care Connections to offer clients the promise to connect them to comprehensive and expert information, resources and program options to enhance their well-being and independence.
A directional tag line, “Leaders in Information. Your Connection to Care.” was developed.
A second Taproot Foundation service grant focused on naming and visual identity was awarded and the process to select a name began.
The goal, they said, was to create a simple, memorable name reflecting the key messages and branding developed in the earlier grant.
Aging Care Connections emerged as the most appropriate name to convey the resource and direct service components in the comprehensive range of benefits offered by the organization.
A logo was designed along with the tag line “Your source for senior care.”
Aging Care Connections’ inaugural annual report for the 2007-2008 year was also debuted on May 11.
A third Taproot Foundation service grant produced the report -- which highlights the organization’s commitment to serving older adults through social services and programs ensuring their independence and safety in the community.
Aging Care Connections is a non-profit organization connection to expert information, programs and services enabling older adults to remain independent and their families to make the best, most informed decisions regarding needed care in their lives.
Serving Lyons, Riverside and south Proviso townships, Aging Care Connections’ programs and services are made possible by community support and donations, and, in part, by the Illinois Department on Aging, AgeOptions, Community Memorial Foundation and local United Ways.
The organization investigates elder abuse in 10 other communities in Leyden and Norwood Park townships.
For further information, call (708) 354-1323 or visit http://www.agingcareconnections.org/.
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