A Nursing Home Resident Partners with JEWEL-OSCO

Mission Green Light, a nonprofit organization founded by a nursing home resident, in collaboration with JEWEL-OSCO has started a Heart Evaluation Program for low-income and uninsured people. Beginning February 28, 2013, any low-income and uninsured person can get their complete cholesterol levels with fasting evaluated for just $10. They also have an option to get their blood sugar with fasting checked for an additional $5. This means that the risks for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes can be evaluated for mere $15.

The program has been initiated from the JEWEL-OSCO Pharmacy, 1860 S. Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. Tel: (847) 439-8892.  As soon as substantial funding is generated, four more locations will be added, of which two will be in Chicago. The goal is to provide 1000 tests during the year. Mission Green Light needs at least $10,000 to meet its obligation; however, the main credit goes to JEWEL-OSCO for making this program a possibility.

The Challenges I Face in Running Mission Green Light

I founded this 501 (c)(3) nonprofit with just $2, twelve years ago from my room in Glenview Terrace Nursing Center. I am still running the entire operation of the organization with just a laptop and a cell phone. I have to do everything from legal compliances, planning, and managing day to day transactions. Regardless of what I have accomplished in my lifetime, the odds were never in my favor. This is the reason why frustrations and failures do not disappointment me, for my foundation is built on them. 

Mission Green Light has some good and practical programs, but the lack of resources prevents us from making them worthwhile. To run an organization with almost nothing is quite a daunting endeavor. Nevertheless, it’s the hope to make a difference that won’t let me quit.

The Almighty God has given us a great opportunity to help people through this cholesterol testing program; we will do our utmost to make this program a success. As a child I heard a saying from my father, “If you don’t know the port of your destination, no wind will help you.” This time I am quite hopeful that God will send some helpful winds in our direction.

We earnestly request you to make a donation of any amount to support this cause. If you like to sponsor 25, 50 or 100 people then call us at (847)553-8530. For more information please visit our website: www.missiongreenlight.org. You can make your donation through our website or mail your check to Mission Green Light, PO Box 595, Glenview, IL 60025.

Thank you.