This newsletter will be the last weekly email from CareSmart Illinois. As outlined in the updated October 26, 2017 letter below, we have been unable to raise the financial resources required to continue operations and now anticipate that all programs will cease at the end of January.
Since 2014, CareSmart Illinois has been providing support and education to caregiving families and adults living with dementia and other challenges related to aging and disability. These efforts have been spearheaded by Chris Damon, who founded, conceptualized, and delivered the many programs and services CareSmart Illinois offers to the community. We are proud of the accomplishments of CareSmart Illinois and of Chris's dedication to providing these needed and valuable services: 105 educational programs provided to over 2300 attendees, an extensive website visited weekly by 350 people, weekly newsletters, and telephone/email support to people from around the world requesting assistance. We also appreciate the support of dedicated volunteers who believed in our mission and who supported the organization's efforts.
CareSmart Illinois's success has also brought challenges, especially with regard to staffing and office space. During the past several months, the CareSmart Illinois Board of Directors and Chris have explored a number of strategies in order to address these obstacles. However, as we have considered our options, it has become clear that CareSmart Illinois cannot summon the financial resources required to continue operating.
Serving Lake County has been a very rewarding experience. We are grateful both for the opportunity to collaborate with other local organizations, agencies, and businesses and for the interest we have received from so many in our community. Thank you all for your support!
Sincerely,
Board of Directors CareSmart Illinois
PS: Though we expect that CareSmart Illinois will be closing its doors, we realize that our work is not done. Watch for January email updates regarding the
Dementia-Friendly North Chicago/Lake County Initiative