Bella was four when her mother, Irene, first brought her and her brother to the IWS Children’s Clinic. The Clinic, the cornerstone program of OPRF IWS, offers infants, children and young adults 0 to 21 medical, dental and behavioral health care, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Now, at 11, Bella has benefited from years of physicals, health visits, and dental care.

But the Clinic’s support went even further—through behavioral health services, Irene and her family received critical help during a crisis. For two years, Yajaira Fulgencio, the Clinic’s Behavioral Health Director, worked closely with Irene, a single mom, who was unemployed and struggling financially. The family had lost their home and was relying on $50 per month from a Link card for food.

The Clinic stepped in. Through its Emergency Food Fund, supported by donations, Irene received immediate assistance. Fulgencio connected the family with food programs, transportation for medical visits, and social services. Bella also received a backpack, school supplies, a uniform, and a winter coat through Clinic programs.

Reflecting on the journey, Fulgencio shares, “The IWS Children’s Clinic is a special place. Not only do families get high-quality health care with short wait times but they receive behavioral health that can turn around lives. Irene has started a new job with benefits. The family is living in their own apartment.”

Thanks to support from the IWS Children’s Clinic, Irene and her family are in a better place today. Please consider donating at oprfiws.org/donate.

(Names have been changed for privacy.)

OPRF IWS

Since 1916, OPRF IWS has supported families through the IWS Children’s Clinic, providing medical, dental, and behavioral health services to underserved infants, children, and young adults up to age 21, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. The Clinic serves families in the western suburbs, Chicago, and Cook and DuPage counties. In FY2024, it provided over 8,000 visits to nearly 3,000 patients. OPRF IWS is powered by its donors, staff, members, and volunteers. Join us in advancing the health and well-being of children in need.

To learn more and donate, visit oprfiws.org.

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