Tony Navitsky Partner Spotlight: Ascension
A safe place to live is where health begins. Few partners understand that better than Ascension, and we are proud to name them this quarter's recipient of the Tony Navitsky Partner Spotlight.
Since 2021, Ascension has stood beside the moms and kids who come through Fellowship Housing, giving generously, cheering on the annual gala and golf outing fundraisers, and reminding us that caring for a family's home is caring for its health.
We asked Ascension to talk about the partnership, the connection between housing and health, and what this work means to their team. Thank you to Maria Aurora Diaz, Alexander Miller, and Olga Solares for sharing their thoughts.
About the Partnership
How did Ascension first become connected with Fellowship Housing?
In 2021, after completing our Community Health Needs Assessment, it was discovered that housing was a particularly strong need for the areas we serve in the northwest suburbs. At the time we weren’t partnering with any organization to tackle this subject, so we approached Fellowship Housing because of their mission and commitment to it.
What initially drew Ascension to Fellowship Housing and its mission?
With our Women and Children’s hospital in Hoffman Estates, we were drawn to the mission of Fellowship Housing. When meeting with their team, we found that our goals for community health aligned greatly, and that our efforts could supplement each other.
How has the partnership grown or evolved over the years?
Currently, our health system provides financial donations to Fellowship Housing and supports their fundraisers, but we have plans to establish a stronger working partnership through clinics and other health assessment events.
What does this partnership mean to Ascension and your team?
We want to be a good neighbor and fortify our collective missions. Our community needs multiple groups offering resources to improve the lives of women and children in our area, and it’s rewarding to help support Fellowship Housing’s programming.
Housing and Health
Ascension recognizes that housing is an important social determinant of health. How does stable, safe housing impact the health and well-being of mothers and children?
If you cannot address social determinants like housing and nutrition, then you will never fully address the health of mothers and children – they are completely intertwined.
What have you learned through your partnership with Fellowship Housing about the connection between housing stability and health outcomes?
Housing is more than just a brick and mortar location. Fellowship Housing understands that mothers and families need a foundational understanding of things like financial literacy to equip women to build independent and sustainable lives for themselves and their families.
Why is it important for healthcare organizations to invest in community partnerships that address needs beyond medical care?
Instead of organizations working in a silo, we are all better together in serving the community. Seeing first-hand the impact this organization has on women and children is exactly who Ascension wants to partner with in building holistically healthy communities.
What impact do you hope Ascension's support has on the families Fellowship Housing serves?
We want to empower and support these moms and we want to drive better mental, emotional and physical outcomes for the women and families most in need.
Personal Perspective
Is there a particular moment, story, or experience from your work with Fellowship Housing that has stayed with you?
The first time I reached out, their team was so humble and grateful for any partnership or effort we were willing to provide. The first time I heard a mom give a testimonial about the work Fellowship Housing does, I knew immediately that Ascension Illinois needs to be part of this.
What would you want others to understand about the mothers and families Fellowship Housing serves?
This is an organization that serves as a fresh start and stepping stone to help women to their next level of independence. They have an effective system in place to ensure the families they serve are successful.
Is there a message you would like to share with our community?
Matthew 25:35
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger, and you invited me in”
Thank You, Ascension
Thank you, Ascension, for coming alongside single moms and their children, for seeing their health and their homes as one, and for carrying forward the spirit of service that Tony Navitsky's legacy represents.
Interested in partnering with Fellowship Housing to support mothers and children in our community? Contact Genesis Bedon at Genesis@fhcmoms.org to find out how you can get involved.
ABOUT THE TONY NAVITSKY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
The Navitsky's have been a special part of Fellowship Housing for many years. Mona Navitsky has been a volunteer since 2008 with a true passion for supporting our moms. Mona has also served on Fellowship Housing's Board of Directors for over 9 years.
The Tony Navitsky Partner Spotlight is named in loving memory of Mona's husband, a dear Fellowship Housing supporter. His legacy continues with those who faithfully serve the at-risk mothers and their children who walk through the doors of Fellowship Housing.
The Tony Navitsky Volunteer Recognitions began in 2011 as the Volunteer of the Year Award at the Fellowship Housing Annual Gala. Now a quarterly recognition, this distinction continues to honor those who serve families in need and "look after the orphans and widows in their distress" (James 1:27).