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Funding supports health-related needs experienced by seniors and Medicaid members

CHICAGO — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois awarded $25,000 to Rockford-based Lifescape Community Services, a regional agency promoting independence and dignity for older adults in 10 Northern Illinois counties.

The grant is provided through BCBSIL’s Blue Impact^℠ program, which funds 115 community organizations statewide working to improve access to care by focusing on clinical interventions and health-related social needs. BCBSIL awarded nearly $10 million this year to organizations that provide support for behavioral health, housing and food security across Illinois, benefiting many Illinois Medicaid enrollees who rely on community organizations such as Lifescape for support.

“This grant will allow us to expand our activities and programming for cognitively and functionally impaired adults through our Adult Day Care Program,” said Adult Day Program Director Kelly Sanford. “It also will help us market and promote our programs to older adults and their families and caregivers who may not know about the safe and engaging environment we provide for our older population.”

Lifescape’s history goes back to the 1940s when volunteers from local churches began making and delivering meals for older adults in need in the Rockford area. Renamed Lifescape Community Services in 1999, it continues to serve older adults across Northern Illinois, promoting independent living and quality of life with activities, affordable nutrition and other services. 

The Adult Day program has been in operation more than 30 years, offering weekday health, social and support services. A registered nurse develops programs for each client to improve, stabilize and support their well-being. The program serves those with cognitive disabilities, including dementia and Alzheimer’s, and provides caregiver support.

“In addition to supporting care for seniors, our grants programs across Illinois provide $1.5 million to improve mental health for children, $5.5 million to support housing for Medicaid enrollees and $3 million to promote healthy nutrition,” said Nancy Wohlhart, BCBSIL Medicaid President. “These investments significantly improve public health and promote healthy living.”

BCBSIL focuses its investments on meeting the needs of Medicaid and other community members by addressing health-related social needs, including economic opportunity and stability, nutrition, neighborhood and built environment, locally defined health solutions and optimal health solutions. Its community investments align with the State of Illinois’ Section 1115 Medicaid Waiver and will continue into 2026. Learn about BCBSIL’s community impact. 

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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is the largest health insurer in Illinois, serving 9 million members and operating in all 102 Illinois counties. BCBSIL is a division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Learn more at bcbsil.com and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

About Lifescape Community Services
Lifescape Community Services is a comprehensive regional agency empowering older adults to choose lives of independence and dignity. Based in Rockford, Lifescape provides services in a ten-county area in northern Illinois, including Winnebago, Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lake, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson and Whiteside Counties. The agency serves thousands of older adults each year through its Meals on Wheels, Adult Day, Senior Choice, and Senior Mental Health Programs; Adult Protective Services; Comprehensive Care Coordination; Health & Wellness classes; Transportation Services; and AmeriCorps Seniors’ Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. Learn more at: www.lifescapeservices.org.

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Tricia Ament
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