JOLIET, IL – The Will County Health Department (WCHD) announced today ten community based organizations who will be partnering with the WCHD to conduct vaccination outreach and pop-up clinics to increase vaccination rates among African American, Hispanic and Rural communities.
“We are excited to work with these proven influential organizations to help conduct COVID-19 vaccination outreach to the unvaccinated,” said Sue Olenek, Executive Director of WCHD. “Together, we will continue to make strides to increase vaccination rates among populations who are resistant to receiving the vaccine by addressing their concerns and making the vaccine accessible.”
The following organizations were awarded grants up to $15,000 for a total of $138,000, based off of strengths and weaknesses of the applications, availability of funds, staff and organizational experience reaching the identified population, data collection and performance measurements, budget and justification, and target audience/vulnerable population.
Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) is a nonprofit agency providing services to families, child care providers, and employers. They provide affordable child care for the Will, Grundy, Kendall and Kankakee counties.
Holsten Human Capital Development caters to at-risk populations by granting access to resources that promote self-sufficiency, wellness, and stability.
Southwest Suburban Immigrant Project is a social impact organization that fights for the rights of immigrants in Chicago’s southwest suburbs.
Easter Seals advocates for individuals with disabilities, veterans, seniors, and their families by providing programs involving autism services, early intervention, workforce development, adult day care, and more.
Fairmont Community Partnership Group, Inc. is dedicated to creating a better living environment for the residents of Fairmont.
National Hook Up of Black Women strives to improve quality of life, facilitate family preservation, achieve self-empowerment, and promote economic development.
Spanish Community Center helps Latinos, immigrants, and low income people to improve their quality of life with opportunities of education and social services.
Warehouse Workers for Justice educates warehouse and distribution center workers about labor rights, enforcing their rights, and fighting for decent wages with full-time work.
Warren-Sharpe Community Center serves the youth and families of Joliet’s south side by providing programs for at-risk preschool students, grade school students, teens, young moms/dads, and youth involved in juvenile justice system.
Will-Grundy Medical Clinic provides free health care to people who are unable to receive care from other sources.
“We look forward to working with all of the organizations to advance the COVID-19 vaccination initiatives of the Health Department,” said WCHD Health Equity Manager Vinita Voss.