On September 8, Arden Shore’s supporters came together to celebrate the outstanding generosity of its community. The Donor Recognition is a cherished, annual celebration of the individuals who put the care in our caring community—the philanthropists, volunteers, ambassadors, and advocates. Because of them, Arden Shore impacted the lives of more than 7,500 children and adults over the past 5 years, keeping families healthy, safe, and together.
Next year, Arden Shore will celebrate its 125th anniversary. This longevity is, in large part, due to supporters like the 2021 and 2022 honorees who know that no child can ever have too many people who love them. Arden Shore is grateful for the opportunity to celebrate among its outstanding community of supporters it calls family.
2022 Honorees
Foster Parent of the Year Award: Lisa Johnson-Barker
Lisa gives children a safe place to call home, creating a loving, structured, judgement-free environment for children who may not have experienced it before. Lisa knows how to support children through their complex feelings, even during the most difficult times. She welcomes children with a safe space and an open heart. Lisa is Arden Shore’s mission in action and has well earned the title of the Foster Parent of the Year.
Corporate Donor of the Year Award: Chapman and Cutler, LLP
Chapman and Cutler, LLP is passionate about using their legal skills and knowledge to help change and improve people’s lives, one story at a time. From Board leadership to pro bono legal support, the firm is an invaluable partner in sustaining Arden Shore’s mission.
President’s Volunteer Recognition Award: Abbott Black Business Network
For the Abbott Black Business Network’s day of service, volunteers gave Arden Shore’s family spaces a make over. While children are in out-of-home care placements, family time is essential for healthy child development as it helps to maintain parent-child attachment, preserve a sense of belonging, offers reassurance for children and their parents, and increases the likelihood of timely reunification. Arden Shore is grateful for this partnership with Abbott to create a comfortable, welcoming space for families to connect.
Foundation of the Year Award: AbbVie Foundation
Giving back to those in need is a part of who they are at AbbVie. Arden Shore is proud to recognize the AbbVie Foundation’s partnership in building stronger, more resilient families through community grants, which have helped sustain Arden Shore’s vital behavioral health services.
Rebuilding Children’s Lives Award: Ernest Vasseur
Ernest Vasseur is the founding executive director of the Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County (HFNLC). Recently retired, his 15 years at the helm of HFNLC caps a career spanning more than three decades of service to humanitarian and philanthropic organizations. Development of Arden Shore’s Behavioral Health community program would not have been possible but for Ernest’s leadership at HFNLC, which invested $1.4 million in critical grant support to improve the quality of life for thousands of children and families.
2021 Honorees
Foster Parents of the Year: The Garriga Family
President’s Volunteer Recognition: Mr. Elliot Pinsel
Corporate Donor of the Year: Malnati Organization, LLC
Rebuilding Children’s Lives: The Julian Jumpin Perez Foundation
Foundation of the Year: First Midwest Charitable Foundation