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Illinois Pioneer Coalition


Contact Information
Becky Haldorson 
847-420-2828
info@illinoispioneercoalition.org
Website: www.Illinoispioneercoalition.org


History

In 1999, the Illinois Dept. of Aging State Long-term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) and the Illinois Association of Ombudsmen used CMP funds to provide training on culture change values and principles to consumers, advocates, nursing homes and state surveyors. This infusion of culture change education coupled with the Oakbrook, IL being the site of the 2002 national Pioneer Network conference led to coalition planning meetings in August 2002 and April 2003. The first organizational meeting of Illinois Coalition was held in November 2003 and led by the ombudsman program, long-term provider associations and the Illinois Area Agencies on Aging.

Organizational Structure

  • Board of Directors established in October of 2005 to better define IL Pioneer growth plan and to support State regional development.
  • 501 C-3 status was obtained in the spring of 2008 so the coalition can apply for Grant money to facilitate growth of the organization.
  • Standing committees and special committees are appointed as the need arises.
  • We are currently working with 11 Regional Coalitions with new ones continuing to emerge.

Funding

The IPC has historically been funded by CMP funds but have not received any CMP funding since FY2010. We are funded currently by a grant from the Retirement Research Foundation for Educational Programs and by donations. As of May 1, 2011, the IPC will no longer have any paid staff, but will operate solely by volunteers.

Major Activities This Year

  • Continue to work with the 17 Regional Coalitions throughout the state who provide regular meetings and educational events. Developed 2 new coalitions in 2011.
  • The Illinois Pioneer Coalition Board of Directors continue to meet on a monthly basis.
  • Held successful 8th Annual Educational Summit with almost 300 in attendance and 44 sessions to choose from. This year, we added a large trade show to the Summit.
  • Presented closing session at the Illinois Administrator's Association Conference,(5th time we have been invited!).
  • Held "If Penguins Can Do It: So Can We" educational events in 4 locations throughout the state.
  • Continue to promote "Tales from the Prairie", a publication highlighting culture change practices throughout Illinois.
  • Continue to support Regional Coalition's educational events throughout the state with an educational grant from Retirement Research Foundation.
  • Continue to be a Co-Convener of the Advancing Excellence LANE with the QIO and have been promoting the Advancing in Excellence campaign with Regional Coalitions and at events.
  • Applied to Retirement Research Foundation for funds to support a Consumer Education Project.
  • Continued to sponsor "Design on a Dollar" educational sessions.
  • Participated in the Pioneer Network Creating Home Consumer Project.
  • Continue to maintain a dynamic website with a calendar of events page reflecting educational opportunities from all regional coalitions.
  • Exhibited at Illinois Governor's Conference on Aging, SIU Memory Loss Conference, Illinois HealthCare Association Conference, Illinois Nursing Home Administrator's Conference.
  • Offered the 2011 Pioneer Network Webinar series to nursing homes throughout the state. Several nursing homes to date have hosted these events.
  • Established a series of notifications through Constant Contact to a list of over 3000 people.
  • Logged attendance of over 3000 people at educational events sponsored by IPC promoting culture change.