Longtime supporter Karen Ericson recently opened her home to friends and neighbors for a fundraiser benefiting group homes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities that are run by Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI).
Now in its 15th year, the annual gathering raised more than $15,000 to support renovations and repairs at Fox Hill Home in Aurora (pictured), one of LSSI’s three group homes serving adults with Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare genetic disorder in which the person has uncontrollable hunger and the brain doesn’t signal fullness. Fox Hill staff provide supervision for healthy eating and exercise. These supports help individuals struggling with food concerns to live healthy, productive lifestyles. LSSI’s approach to care is that residents can’t be defined by their weight or syndrome. Group home staff help each person develop their unique strengths and goals to reach their full potential and provide a roadmap to successful community living.
The funds raised will help provide repairs and improvements at Fox Hill including a privacy fence, new windows throughout the home, and a complete kitchen remodel with new appliances and cabinetry—all designed to enhance residents’ safety, comfort, and quality of life.
Ericson’s embrace of the LSSI mission goes beyond generosity. This summer, she spent time at Fox Hill, visiting with residents, learning about their daily routines and life there.
Located near downtown Aurora, Fox Hill offers six single bedrooms, as well as opportunities for social activities, day programming, and exercise.
Molly Arnoldt, Senior Director of Development, joined Ericson on the visit. “One of the things I appreciate most about Karen is how deeply engaged she is in LSSI’s mission,” Arnoldt said. “She makes a point of seeing our work firsthand, asking thoughtful questions, and learning about the people and programs she supports. She is not only a generous donor, but a true ambassador and champion for LSSI’s ministry.”
Fox Hill is one of LSSI’s 10 Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA) homes, which provide a supportive environment to help residents achieve the highest level of independence and offer “wrap-around supports” to meet their individual needs.
Ericson’s commitment affirms LSSI’s GenCare approach, which takes a whole-person view of clients, engaging with them while promoting their dignity, enhancing their health and well-being, and helping them reach their full potential. This approach focuses on both the people served—Fox Hill residents, but also the staff who serve them. Ericson, and those like her, are also an important component of GenCare. They are the people serving—the donors and volunteers who help support LSSI’s vital programs.
“Through both her generosity and desire to understand the people and programs she supports, Karen demonstrates what it means to truly walk alongside LSSI and the people we serve,” said Arnoldt.
(caption: Karen Ericson, left, along with LSSI’s Molly Arnoldt, visit with Fox Hill resident Lori.)
