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Mr. Bart Winters has been selected by the Alexian Brothers to become the new Chief Executive Officer of Alexian Brothers AIDS Ministry, which includes Bonaventure House (Chicago) and Bonaventure House at the Harbor (Waukegan). His appointment is effective August 21, 2006. Winters was selected by the Alexian Brothers because of his abilities and experience in successfully leading mission-driven teams that make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities. A former priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Winters most recently served as pastor of St. Gregory the Great Church in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood. He has also held leadership positions at the University of St. Mary of the Lake and St. Nicholas Church in Evanston.
Mr. Winters stated, “I am honored to have been selected as the Chief Executive Officer of the Alexian Brothers AIDS Ministry. Bonaventure House and The Harbor represent the finest of programs and services for adult men and women living with HIV/AIDS as they realize greater independence, reclaim their lives, become self-sufficient, and regain their sense of personal dignity and self-respect. I see myself as a steward of the organization working closely with staff, and members of the Chicago area community, to enhance the lives of men and women with HIV/AIDS. The pandemic of AIDS continues as we come to grips with the fact that 2006 marks the 25th anniversary of the disease finding its way to the U.S. We have much more work left to do until the lives of those currently living with the disease, and those who will contract the disease are made easier in society.”
Brother Daniel McCormick, President of the Alexian AIDS Ministry noted that
“What the Alexian Brothers continue to do at Bonaventure House and Bonaventure House at The Harbor, is what they have done for around eight centuries, we have cared for those who have been abandoned by society. Today, governments, families and friends continue to tell persons with AIDS, ‘Go away, there is no room for you at the Inn’. When I first interviewed Dr. Winters, I asked him how he felt about ministering to those for whom no one else cared. His response was simply, ‘I always want to be able to say that we have a place for you, at Our Lord’s table.’ I knew the, that he live a faith consistent with the Charism of the Alexian Brothers Congregation. The opportunity exists for Bart Winters to take the Alexian Brothers’ AIDS Ministry to the next level, I am convinced that he can do it.”
Mr. Winters, a native of Chicago, graduated from Loyola University of Chicago, and received the Master of Divinity from University of St. Mary of the Lake. He did graduate studies in spirituality at the University of San Francisco and studied at the Gregorian University in Rome, which awarded him the Doctorate in Theology in 1997.
Founded in l989, Alexian Brothers AIDS Ministry Bonaventure House and The Harbor are guided by the Alexian values of compassion, dignity of the person, care of the poor, holism, and partnership. Bonaventure House provides a 24-month transitional living program that encourages persons with HIV/AIDS to enhance the quality of their lives by increasing their independence and self-sufficiency.
Alexian Brothers AIDS Ministry Bonaventure House, located in the Lakeview neighborhood, is a drug and alcohol-free State of Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse (IDHS/DASA) licensed Recovery Home for adult men and women. It is also a State of Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) licensed supportive Living Residence.
Bonaventure House and The Harbor are the only IDHS licensed and funded Recovery Homes in Illinois solely for persons with HIV/AIDS.
Bonaventure House incorporates recovery home programming into its 24-month transitional living program that prepares residents to return to independent living in the community. 100% of the residents were homeless or near homeless, 89% have incomes below the Federal poverty guidelines of $8,700 per year. A majority of those in residence come to Bonaventure House with a background in alcohol or substance abuse. Bonaventure House is extremely proud of the fact that 70% of residents attain greater independence and self-sufficiency during the 24-month stay at Bonaventure House.
For additional information on Mr. Winters, or on the programs and services provided by Alexian Brothers AIDS Ministry Bonaventure House and The Harbor, contact S.A.Danhoff at morr@abam.org or at 773-327-9921, ext 134.
Services for HIV positive residents living at the Alexian Brothers AIDS Ministry's Waukegan residence continue to improve and expand. Alexian Brothers Bonaventure House at the Harbor has received its license as a Recovery Home by IDHS/DASA (Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse). The Harbor joins Bonaventure House as the second licensed recovery home in the state of Illinois for men and women living with HIV/AIDS. Receiving this license at The Harbor is a vital step because this is Lake County 's only transitional housing program specifically designed to serve adult men and women living with HIV/AIDS, and many of who live with long-term drug and alcohol addictions.
The need for programming like that offered at The Harbor has never been more necessary since Lake County has the second highest HIV infection rate in Illinois—nearly 600 new and continuing cases reported to the Lake County Health Department in 2005—and the numbers continue to rise. The Harbor is aptly named as it offers a refuge in Lake County and support for those who are often the most marginalized members of the community—adult men and women with HIV/AIDS who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. These adults are most often dually or triply diagnosed, often with a history of substance abuse, on-going physical disabilities, as well as having an extended history of mental illness. Most enter the program with an income that is well below 200% the national poverty level.
Since its founding in 1998, Bonaventure House at the Harbor has been located at 826 North Avenue within Waukegan 's downtown historic district. The Harbor's 24-month transitional living program assists its residents in reclaiming their lives, to find greater independence and self-sufficiency, while being able to be open about their HIV status. With the help of highly qualified staff including licensed substance abuse counselors, social workers, and occupational therapy clinicians, residents are delivered on-site supportive services as well as receiving referrals for public benefits, outside mental health and/or medical services, additional recovery support, vocational assistance, and other community services .
For additional information about making a donation, volunteering, or for information on the programs and services offered at The Harbor, contact Joanne Hoagland, Executive Director at (847)-782-8015 ext 14. or visit www.abam.org .
Merrill C. Kenna, Chief Executive Officer of Alexian Brothers AIDS Ministry Bonaventure House, has resigned to pursue humanitarian HIV/AIDS work in Thailand . Kenna, who became the CEO in 2003, decided that the devastating global impact of HIV/AIDS was something that he personally could not ignore. Mr. Kenna said “ The world has become a smaller place, and as an individual who has been committed to the care of people living with HIV/AIDS for more than 20 years, I cannot ignore the global impact that this disease is having on emerging and 3 rd world societies. I personally believe that I have a responsibility and am committed to do whatever I can to educate, prevent, and care for people infected or affected by HIV/AIDS”.
Founded in l989, Alexian Brothers AIDS Ministry Bonaventure House (Chicago) and Bonaventure House at The Harbor (Waukegan), are guided by the Alexian values of compassion, dignity of the person, care of the poor, holism, and partnership, Bonaventure House provides a 24-month transitional living program that encourages persons with HIV/AIDS to enhance the quality of their life by increasing their independence and self-sufficiency.
Alexian Brothers AIDS Ministry Bonaventure House is a drug and alcohol-free State of Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse (IDHS/DASA) licensed Recovery Home for adult men and women. It is also a State of Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) – licensed Supportive Living Residence. Bonaventure House and Bonaventure House at The Harbor are the only IDHS licensed and funded Recovery Homes in Illinois solely for persons living with HIV/AIDS.
Bonaventure House incorporates recovery home programming into its 24-month transitional living program that prepares residents to return to independent living in the community. 100% of the men and women living at Bonaventure House were homeless, or near homeless, and 89% live below Federal poverty guidelines of $8,700 per year. A majority of those in residence come to Bonaventure House with a background in alcohol or drug abuse in their past.
Merrill C. Kenna was selected as the new CEO of Alexian Brothers Bonaventure House at a difficult time in its financial/programmatic position and he has spent the last three years turning that situation around. Kenna noted, “ When I was hired 3 years ago to be the CEO of the AIDS Ministry, I knew I had my work cut out for me. Financially we were in a great deal of trouble, programmatically we were floundering, and frankly our reputation in the community was not positive. With the help of a great team that was assembled, this organization has been turned around and is something that I am very proud of and leave feeling a sense of great accomplishment”. Mr. Kenna had worked primarily with People Living with HIV/AIDS since 1985, and has been involved in providing housing to marginated populations since 1990.
Mr. Kenna has several academic achievements including a degree in Management from Johnson and Wales University; Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago; as well as a Master of Social Work degree from the; Jane Addams College of Social Work, University of Illinois at Chicago.
Prior to becoming involved in Social Services, Merrill worked in private industry in various leadership capacities. Additionally, while an undergraduate and graduate student Mr. Kenna worked in the Department of External Affairs University of Illinois at Chicago , providing support and ultimately leadership to the development and fund raising efforts of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Since earning his degree in Social Work, Mr. Kenna has been able to combine and balance his business background with his Social Work education. As a Social Worker, AIDS Hospice Coordinator, Hospice Manager, Hospice CEO, Program Director of Residential Care Facilities for the Chronically Ill (RCFCI), Director of Operations for HIV Services for Catholic Charities in San Francisco , and more recently the Executive Director of Project New Hope, Mr. Kenna has been able to combine a for-profit experience with the non-profit world. While working for Catholic Charities, Mr. Kenna was also selected to attend the AIDS Housing of Washington Leadership Institute , which brought together the leaders in AIDS housing from around the country to discuss the issues faced by organizations that provide housing and supportive services to the multiply-diagnosed and especially those impacted by HIV/AIDS.
Mr. Kenna has been a long-time volunteer working with People Living with AIDS and marginated communities. He is a member of the University of Illinois Foundation Board of Directors; Lakeview Action Coalition , a non-profit organization that advocates for affordable housing, affordable healthcare and for issues involving homeless youth, and is a Board member of the 1350 Foundation , which provides scholarships and U.S. flags to schools in underserved communities. Mr. Kenna remains involved with the University of Illinois as a major donor, and established the Merrill C. Kenna and Brent D. Nicholson Scholarship for minority and Gay and Lesbian undergraduate and graduate students who are committed to volunteering in their communities. He is also a member of the President's Council and the Chancellors Cabinet at UIC . Mr. Kenna also serves as a member of Catholic Charities AIDS Task Force, and was appointed by Mayor Richard M. Daley as a member of the Community Development Advisory Committee for the City of Chicago .
Brother Daniel McCormick, C.F.A., President of Alexian Brothers AIDS Ministry Bonaventure House said “The Congregation of Alexian Brothers has served the poor and powerless for about 800 years. This history is unusual in the Church. We have never been a large Congregation nor are we famous, but we are true to our roots. We continue in part because we choose persons of great heart, skill and compassion to work with us, Merrill Kenna has been a fine example of these qualities. We support him in his move to Thailand and wish him well.”
Mr. Kenna's personal and business philosophy:
“When providing housing for people with HIV/AIDS and marginated populations, housing is one
of the basic building blocks in finding and maintaining stability in the lives of people. Housing must also be accompanied by supportive services, either provided by the agency or by other collaborative efforts with community providers.
Housing along with medical care creates an environment which allows a resident or family to find a stable place in which to maintain or regain their health, create and maintain relationships, and allows them to realize that they can plan for the future."
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For additional information on Mr. Kenna, or on the programs and services provided by Alexian Brothers AIDS Ministry Bonaventure House, contact S.A. Danhoff at morr@abam.org or
Call 773-327-9921, ext 134.
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Merrill Kenna, MSW, named alternate member of CDAC |
(Chicago—March 8, 2006) – Merrill Kenna, MSW, chief executive officer of Alexian Brothers Bonaventure House, has been appointed an alternate member of the City of Chicago’s Community Development Advisory Committee by Mayor Richard M. Daley.
Kenna has served as CEO of Bonaventure House since 2003. He has been involved in the care of people living with AIDS since 1985. A graduate of both Johnson & Wales University and University of Illinois at Chicago, Kenna holds undergraduate degrees in business and psychology as well as a master’s in social work. He is a proven leader in the areas of healthcare, AIDS housing, social services, and fund development. He also serves on several non-profit boards (including the Lakeview Action Coalition) and remains a committed advocate for affordable housing for the homeless and people with AIDS.
Alexian Brothers Bonaventure House provides transitional housing and social services for otherwise homeless men and women living with HIV/AIDS. It opened Bonaventure House in Chicago in 1989; it also operates The Harbor in Waukegan.
The CDAC advocates for and assists Chicago communities trying to establish and maintain federal Community Development Block Grant programs.
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| Rev. Dr. Thomas Barth, 1st Congregational United Church of Christ, Waukegan
Ms. Julie Geils, project manager, Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital
Mrs. Christine Davis, St. Sabina Parish, Chicago
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(Chicago—February 16, 2006) –The Rev. Dr. Thomas E. Barth, pastor of First Congregational United Church of Christ, Waukegan; Ms. Julie Geils, project manager for Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital, Hoffman Estates, and Mrs. Christine Davis, longtime Bonaventure House volunteer and member of St. Sabina Parish, have been elected to the board of directors of Alexian Brothers Bonaventure House.
Alexian Brothers Bonaventure House operates two transitional living homes in the Chicago area – Bonaventure House in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, and The Harbor in Waukegan.
Dr. Barth has been involved in AIDS ministry since 1992, when he served on the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network of Little Rock, AR, while working as director of development for Subiaco (AR) Abbey. He returned to Illinois in 1999, serving as pastor of the United Church of Christ in Germantown Hills, IL, where he also was the director of the Central Illinois Friends of Persons with AIDS. Since 2004, he has served the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Waukegan. First Congregational founded The Harbor some 10 years ago, turning operations over to the Alexian Brothers while remaining an active supporter of the AIDS ministry at The Harbor.
Dr. Barth holds a bachelor's degree from Illinois Wesleyan, a master's from Bethany Theological Seminary and a Doctorate in Ministry (D.Min.) from the Chicago Theological Seminary. His doctoral thesis, “A Pastoral Response to Male Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse,” has been used as a national resource in serving survivors of sexual abuse. He is on the facilitator team for Male Survivor, a Washington-based organization; is a member of the State of Illinois Family Violence Interfaith Project, and is a mentor for the Lincoln Challenge, a program for troubled teens in Rantoul, IL.
Ms. Geils, currently a project manager for ABBHH, has worked in the Alexian Brothers Healthcare System in a variety of managerial posts in the Business Office, Information Technology, Telecommunications and Materials Management. She is active in the community, doing volunteer fundraising for Y-Me, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Women in Need of Growing Stronger (WINGS), the Elgin Community Crisis Center and several local food pantries. Within the Alexian Brothers system, she has served as the chairperson for the Alexian Spirit Committee, which raises funds for local charities through employee activities, and the United Way campaign. She is the current chairperson of the Foundation Committee. Ms. Geils holds a B.S. in Sociology from Iowa State University.
Mrs. Davis is one of five St. Sabina parishioners who have prepared home-style meals at Bonaventure House one Saturday evening per month for 13 years. She and her colleagues have organized numerous multi-parish collections of new household goods, particularly bed and bath linens, for the residents of Bonaventure House.
All three are serving one-year terms on the board.
Three prominent Chicagoans recently were named honorary members of the Bonaventure House Board: U.S. Senator Barack Obama of Hyde Park; Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M., Ed.D., president of DePaul University, and Dr. J.L. Nicolosi of Chicago, also known as pop artist Nicolosi.
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| Marjorie Orr assumes development role for Bonaventure House & The Harbor |
(Chicago) – Marjorie Orr has been appointed chief development officer for the Alexian Brothers Bonaventure House, effective January 2006. Danhoff has held executive and development positions with several major non-profit institutions in Chicago, including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations, Equip for Equality, Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, the Chicago Mutual Housing Network and Better Existence with HIV (BE-HIV). She has an extensive background in fundraising, administration and management, financial planning and marketing.
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