ABOUT US
MISSION
For nearly three decades, ElderCARE Lake County has remained steadfast in its mission: to improve the independence and well-being of older adults by providing free, essential services and community connections, e.g. medical transportation, friendly visits & phone calls, grocery shopping assistance, and intergenerational technology assistance.
OUR HISTORY
What is now known as ElderCARE Lake County began in 1998 at Victory Memorial Hospital (currently Vista Medical Center East) through the generosity of an anonymous Waukegan resident and an extraordinary $1.2 million donation. The hospital CEO and a hospital social worker, Karen Majkrzak, shared a vision for a volunteer-driven program to support older adults that was rooted in compassion, dignity, and community connection. Their outline for ElderCARE was inspired by Karen’s previous professional experience organizing and leading just such an interfaith, community-based caregiving organization in her home state of Connecticut.
Following a comprehensive community needs assessment, the hospital’s Board of Directors recognized both the urgency and the opportunity to serve vulnerable seniors in northern Lake County. With that, the program was launched! Early efforts focused on recruiting volunteers from local congregations, reflecting the interfaith spirit at the heart of the initiative. Known then as Victory Community ElderCARE, the organization operated out of offices on the sixth floor of the hospital.
As the program grew, so did its services. One notable addition was the TIMEOUT: Respite Care Program, which trained volunteers to provide caregivers with much-needed breaks twice a month, offering three-hour periods of relief. Initially supported through grant funding, the program continued even after those funds expired—a testament to the dedication and compassion of the volunteers who believed deeply in its mission.
In 2004, following the merger of Victory Memorial Hospital and St. Therese, the hospital required additional space for patient care, prompting a transition for the program. Karen’s husband served as an Episcopal priest and explored the possibility of relocating ElderCARE to Christ Episcopal Church in Waukegan. The church not only welcomed the organization but also agreed to oversee its operations. In December of that year, with a reduced staff, ElderCARE moved into the church’s undercroft and became known as ElderCARE@ChristChurch.
After Karen and her husband retired and relocated to Wisconsin, the organization entered a new chapter of leadership. Jill Grubbs remained as the sole staff member, later joined by Mary Ellen Saunders as Development Director. For the next decade, Jill and Mary Ellen worked closely together, sustaining and strengthening the organization through their shared commitment and vision.
By 2014, ElderCARE’s continued growth made clear the need for a more formal structure and long-term strategy. A comprehensive strategic plan led to incorporation, attainment of 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, the formation of a Board of Directors, and the expansion of staff. This period also marked a purposeful effort to build stronger connections within the Latino community, broadening the organization’s reach and inclusivity.
In 2025, when Catholic Charities discontinued its transportation program, ElderCARE expanded its services across all of Lake County and introduced wheelchair transportation in partnership with local transportation providers, further enhancing access and independence for the seniors it serves.
For nearly three decades, ElderCARE Lake County has remained steadfast in its mission: to improve the independence and well-being of older adults by providing free, essential services and community connections. What began as a single idea has grown into a vibrant network of care—powered by volunteers, guided by compassion, and rooted in community.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Angie Landmesser, Chair
Dwayne Bell, Treasurer
Dr. Jeanette Keyes, Secretary
Earl Ball LaVera Davis
Pamela Hrabak
Jeanette Keyes Marcela Cobian
Pam Hraback
Oscar Hawthorne
STAFF
Rev. Jackie Lynn, Executive Director
Amy VanBoskerck, Associate Director
Licelot "Lee" Ramirez, Program Manager
Carlos Rico, Transportation Specialist
Nancy Alongi, Volunteer Recruitment Specialist
James Harris, Technology Specialist
ElderCARE Lake County ▪ 410 Grand Avenue ▪ Waukegan, IL 60085
P: 847-406-4683 ▪ F: 847-406-4685 ▪ info@eldercarelakecounty.org