UpliftedCare

07/23/2025

As the new school year starts, some of our children may be experiencing school for the first time, moving into a different school building and starting a “year of firsts.” Unfortunately, many people in the community are also experiencing a “year of firsts” after the loss of a loved one.

https://upliftedgrief.org/surviving-the-firsts-after-loss-workshop/

07/07/2025

We were honored to welcome some very special guests to our office this morning!

Aaron Bandstra (pictured middle-left), an Air Force Veteran currently residing in Texas, is the son of Arlene Bandstra, the very first UpliftedCare (then Hospice of Kankakee Valley) patient cared for in 1982. He was joined by his longtime friend (on his 89th birthday!), Albert Diepeveen (middle-right), the husband of one of our beloved founders, Theresa Diepeveen.

Aaron was a young child while his mother was battling multiple forms of cancer at only 37 years old. When faced with his own health issues about 10 years ago, he began a search for his mother's medical records. A quick Google search returned a hit to the Hospice of Kankakee Valley website where his mother's name was mentioned in an annual report. That led to Aaron reaching out to us via Facebook to learn more about our organization and the lasting impact his mother's story has had throughout the years.

Theresa, along with co-founder, the late Sayde Stoltenberg, both nurses, came together to make Arlene's wishes to die with peace and dignity in her own home a reality, personally caring for her during her end of life journey. Their knowledge and determination along with incredible support from their families and other volunteers led to the founding of Hospice of Kankakee Valley and has truly paved the way for the organization we are today!

While Aaron's young age doesn't allow him to remember much from that time in his life, he can recall the people surrounding his family with incredible love and support. Caring for two patients in 1982, that number will soon reach 20,000 as we near our 44th year serving this community. It is truly an honor to be carrying on this powerful legacy through the work we do and the lives we touch! 💜

07/03/2025

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day, everyone!

Let's take a moment to appreciate the sacrifices made by so many to ensure our freedom and the opportunities we have. May your day be filled with joy, pride, fireworks, and all things red, white, and blue!

Wishing you all a fun and

06/26/2025

Our Partners, Our Community.

We are honored to recognize and express our deepest gratitude to our generous sponsors whose support is helping bring healing and hope to families in grief.

Gold Sponsor
Riverside Healthcare — Thank you for your incredible commitment to our community.

Silver Sponsors
AN Webber Inc
AN Webber Logistics
South Tech
Main St. Pharmacy
Advacare

Bronze Sponsors
Best One Tire
Gwen Hopkins Group

We’re so grateful for your contributions and your belief in the power of community care.

Thanks to you, grieving families will receive the comfort, connection, and resources they need during one of the most difficult journeys of life.

To learn more about partnership opportunities or register your family for Good Grief Family Camp, please visit the link below.

https://upliftedcare.org/event/good-grief-family-camp

06/26/2025

Sponsor Spotlight: Thank You, SA Piggush Business & Retirement Planning.

Our communities are truly inspiring, and today we’re honored to recognize one of the incredible partners making a difference—SA Piggush, our Platinum Sponsor for Good Grief Family Camp. 💜

We are deeply grateful for their generous support, which helps us provide vital resources, comfort, and healing to grieving families throughout our community. Their partnership is more than a sponsorship—it’s a commitment to hope, compassion, and connection.

To all of our sponsors: thank you for standing with us. Your impact is felt deeply by every family we serve.

👉 To learn more about becoming a sponsor or to register your family for camp, visit: https://upliftedcare.org/event/good-grief-family-camp/

06/26/2025

Sponsor Spotlight: Thank You, Municipal Bank!

Our communities are truly inspiring, and today we’re honored to recognize one of the incredible partners making a difference—Municipal Bank, our Platinum Sponsor for Good Grief Family Camp.

We are deeply grateful for their generous support, which helps us provide vital resources, comfort, and healing to grieving families throughout our community. Their partnership is more than a sponsorship—it’s a commitment to hope, compassion, and connection.

To all of our sponsors: thank you for standing with us. Your impact is felt deeply by every family we serve.

👉 To learn more about becoming a sponsor or to register your family for camp, visit: https://upliftedcare.org/event/good-grief-family-camp

06/17/2025

You and your four-legged bestie are invited to join our amazing Tails of Joy pet companion team!

The 7-week training begins on Thursday, July 17 and is held at the UpliftedCare Community Grief Center in Bourbonnais from 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Call Sarah to register at 815.939.4141, fill out our volunteer form online using the link below and share with all your friends!

https://upliftedcare.org/volunteer-form/

06/13/2025

Good Grief Family Camp – July 25, 2025

A special day of healing, connection, and hope for grieving families.

Join us for Good Grief Family Camp—a one-day, supportive and engaging experience for children, teens, and their caregivers who are navigating the loss of a loved one.

📅 When: Friday, July 25th, 2025
⏰ Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Check-in from 8:00–9:00 a.m.)
📍 Where: UpliftedCare Community Grief Center
3115 N. 1000 West Rd., Bourbonnais, IL 60914
Rain or shine—we’ll be here for you!

Who Can Attend:
Children and teens ages 3–18, along with their parents or guardians

Cost: Completely FREE—this is a gift of support from UpliftedCare

Through age-appropriate activities, sharing circles, and meaningful moments, families will find comfort, community, and ways to honor their loved ones together.

Space is limited—be sure to register early!

For more information or to register, visit UpliftedCare.org or call us at (815) 939-4141.

Sponsorship Opportunities Form When: July 25th, 2025Camp will be held rain or shine.Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (registration 8:00-9:00)Who: Good Grief Family Camp is open

06/13/2025

The probability of rain is high☔️but these prices are LOW!!!! ⬇️

Come and shop at our INDOOR fundraising garage sale!!! The UpliftedCare Community Grief Center at the corner of Career Center Road and 102! Open today until 4:30 p.m.

All proceeds go to the We Honor Veterans program at UpliftedCare, serving our veteran patients and the community!!

06/11/2025

Who’s ready for a garage sale for a great cause?!?

We are all staged and ready to sell!! Prices are low - volume is high!!

Tons of Christmas decor, household decor, toys, games, clothing, kitchen items and so much more!!

The proceeds of our garage sale are being donated to our We Honor Veterans program - helping not only our Veteran patients, but those in the community as well!

Be sure to stop in tomorrow or Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The UpliftedCare Community Grief Center - 3115 N. 1000 W. Road, Bourbonnais!