Alzheimer’s Association

As the region’s largest human service provider, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago partners with mission-driven people and organizations across Cook and Lake counties to improve lives, nourish spirits, and strengthen people, families, and communities.

We accompany anyone in need, regardless of their faith, gender, race or ethnicity. Our staff work within our region’s most underserved communities. In fiscal year 2025, we provided critical care to people in need through our programs, including:

Immediate Needs programs provided more than 100,000 people in crisis with food, meals, diapers, hygiene kits, clothing and holiday gifts. Emergency financial assistance was distributed to pay utility bills for people in crisis to help them remain housed.

Mothers and Families programs provided 54,000 moms, infants and young children with formula, fresh fruits and vegetables, and nutrition education. More than 500 new and expectant parents received compassionate support and education to help them advocate for themselves and their children. And hundreds of survivors of domestic violence received shelter and programming essential to healing and self-sufficiency.

Seniors and Housing programs provided affordable housing to seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. More than 35,000 seniors were connected with care and resources to help them age with dignity at home. And, more than 4,000 people at risk of homelessness got help finding and maintaining stable housing.

At Catholic Charities we see how a simple act of kindness, just one flicker of hope, makes a difference. When it’s multiplied, the impact is transformational. Your first-time gift will be matched through December 31, 2025. Be the light!

Learn more or donate at catholiccharities.net/light

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. It leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia—by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

The association serves Illinois residents affected by Alzheimer’s disease. There are 250,600 Illinoisans living with the disease and 316,000 caregivers. The association offers education programs, support groups, and care consultations completely free of charge to all who need them. Education programs for the general public are offered online and in person on topics such as diagnosis, early warning signs, effective communication, living with the disease, and caregiving techniques.

The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900) is available around the clock, 365 days a year. Through this free service, specialists and master’s-level clinicians offer confidential support and information to people living with dementia, caregivers, families, and the public.

As the largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research, the association is committed to advancing vital research toward methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure. It provides clinicians with the tools to diagnose Alzheimer’s and stay informed on available therapies and resources. It educates lawmakers on the Alzheimer’s crisis and engage them in the fight against the disease. The association is the leading voice for Alzheimer’s disease advocacy, fighting for critical Alzheimer’s research and care initiatives at the state and federal levels.

The first survivor of Alzheimer’s is out there, but we won’t get there without you. Everyone can help in the fight to end Alzheimer’s. Join the cause by staying informed, making a donation, or becoming an advocate for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and their families. Get involved at alz.org/illinois.

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Here for Good
The Chicago Community Trust unites generous donors, committed nonprofits, and caring residents to meet our region’s most pressing needs and effect lasting change for Chicagoans. As our region’s community foundation, it’s what we’ve always done, and what we’ll always be here to do.

Together, We Achieve More
The number of people experiencing homelessness in Chicago tripled last year and one in five households is experiencing food insecurity. Coming cuts to federal assistance programs will amplify these challenges. As the need for essential services grows, The Chicago Community Trust’s Unity Fund serves as a way for the region’s residents to care for one another. Contributions join forces for greater impact, and your generosity is strategically directed by community and grantmaking experts at the Trust who understand the issues and the organizations working on the frontlines to deliver critical services.

Unity Fund is a testament to the power of collective giving. Since its founding, the fund has made grants to hundreds of nonprofits that provide residents with emergency food, clothing, shelter, legal aid, and more. cct.org/give/

Partnering for Good
From donor advised funds to legacy planning and impact investing, there are many ways we partner with donors to achieve their vision for making a difference. Connect with us to learn more.

Since its inception in Chicago in 1991, Gateway for Cancer Research has been a vital force in accelerating early-phase cancer clinical trials, a crucial yet often underfunded step in the search for new treatments. While these trials are frequently overlooked, Gateway focuses its entire mission on accelerating the development of innovative treatments when patients need them most. The organization is actively supporting 56 trials across the globe, and has raised over $122 million to date, directly impacting the lives of over 30,000 patients and families.

At the helm of Gateway for Cancer Research are Chairman and founder, Mr. Richard J Stephenson, and integrative medicine expert, best-selling author, and Vice-Chair, Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson of Barrington Hills. Their ongoing commitment to patient-centered care ensures that 100% of every dollar raised goes directly to phase I and II trials. This approach gives patients access to cutting-edge research at the earliest and most critical stages of treatment development.

For Greg Friedman, that mission means everything. Diagnosed unexpectedly with colon cancer at just 48, Greg had no symptoms and no risk factors. His care team at Duke University, led by Dr. Nicholas DeVito, enrolled him in a Gateway-funded immunotherapy trial, a more targeted approach than traditional chemotherapy. The treatment gave Greg the chance to reclaim everyday joys. “I’ve learned to prioritize living over simply surviving,” he says.

John DiClemente, a husband, father, and grandfather, shares a similar story of resilience. In 2021, he began experiencing headaches and vision loss, symptoms that ultimately led to a diagnosis of a glioblastoma brain tumor. But after enrolling in a Gateway-supported trial at the University of Michigan, John’s outcome defied the odds. He is now considered a long-term survivor and credits the trial with giving him time with his family.

For Gateway, these aren’t just medical milestones, they’re personal victories. Each trial they fund represents scientific advancement, a renewed chance at life, connection, and dignity. Join Gateway for Cancer Research in bringing hope to patients and families by directly supporting life-changing trials today: www.gatewaycr.org/hope