When she was a Girl Scout growing up in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood, Lisa LoBianco became determined to have a career in the non-profit sector.
She’s stayed steadfastly committed to that career goal, and recently was named the new president and CEO of Pillars Community Health, a nonprofit medical organization that serves the west and southwest suburbs.
“Our priority right now, number one, is to stabilize,” she said after taking the helm of the organization. “How do we amplify the voice of the work that we’re currently doing? How do we take care of the current community needs?
“Most importantly, with everything that is happening on an external factor, how do we create a safe space for the folks that are coming to our doors? We don’t only serve patients, but we have clients and survivors.”
LoBianco stressed that a key part of that stability would be to make sure Pillars is financially sound, while keeping up with the ever-changing technological challenges inherent in running any modern organization.
One tech challenge involves the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.
“How does it (AI) fit into the work that we do?” she said. “I don’t think that it’s a fear, but does it make sense for us? And what is the cost for us?”
LoBianco, a graduate of Mother McAuley High School in Chicago, earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Roosevelt University and is now working on a master’s degree in health care administration.
She brings to Pillars almost two decades experience in community health services, including time at Erie Family Health Center, Lawndale Christian Health Center and the Cook County Health Department.
LoBianco’s most recent experience was as CEO of Chicago Family Health Center.
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Pillars, recently relocated to 5220 East Avenue, Countryside from its longtime home on Calendar Court in downtown La Grange, celebrated 100 years of service to the La Grange area this year.
For most of its history, Pillars primarily offered assistance with behavioral health issues, as well as the aftermath of domestic violence, sexual assault, and provided shelter for domestic violence victims.
But after its 2018 merge with Community Nurse Health, its approach became more comprehensive, focusing on assistance to residents suffering from physical medical challenges.
Services can be found on the Pillars web page pillarscommunityhealth.org, and now include medical and dental health services, preventative health education, and a partnership with the Community Healthcare Network of the Western Suburbs that helps provide medical care to uninsured adult patients.
“I’ve been working in the public health space for over 15 years, and working in nonprofits since 2006,” LoBianco said. “Number one is the folks that we serve; the people that come to our doors. The work that Pillars has done for the last 100 years and the commitment to the people coming in. I think it’s important for people to know that whole person care isn’t just about, ‘well, I’ve got a medical problem’ or a dental appointment. It’s also about, ‘I’m going through something right now’ and ‘I really need the resources.’ ‘I’ve been in a relationship where I’m really struggling with my partner, there’s some domestic violence there and I need some place to stay.’
“Pillars has an array of social services that they offer that really helps somebody navigate what they have to do.”
LoBianco stressed Pillar’s importance to the west suburban area.
“Pillars has a huge footprint in the community,” she said. “We are a partner to everyone that comes through our door, and we are also looking for additional partners to help support the work. We offer an array of services and there’s something for everyone, no matter what your circumstance or financial background, regardless of race or ethnicity. We are a diversified staff and diversified group of people. I want people to know that whole person care is at the forefront of the work that we do.”
Pillars’ retiring CEO Angela Curran reflected on the merging of Pillars and Community Nurse, noting that it was really a rather natural melding of the two services.
“From the time I started at Community Nurse, we had a partnership with Pillars, because we didn’t provide behavioral health services,” she said. “It started with a behavioral health specialist who was located at Community Nurse, but was employed by Pillars Health.
Curran, plans on enjoying retirement while still helping out where she can.
“Taking a breath,” she said. “I have a grandchild I want to spend more time with and I also need to figure out how to be more involved in our community in a little different way.”
Hank Beckman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.