#184: Alicia Kleinert's Vision for Senior Care and Community Engagement in Kankakee

In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore sits down with Alicia Kleinert, the extraordinary founder behind Kankakee County's first independent senior adult day center, known as MCA Senior Adult Day Center. Alicia shares the inspiring journey of transforming a furniture showroom into a thriving community hub for seniors, complete with a full board, dedicated staff, and a rich array of activities like art, dance, music, and pet therapy.

Dive deep into Alicia's story of resilience and passion. After stepping back from an initial career in respiratory therapy and facing significant personal and professional challenges, Alicia redirected her path toward senior care. Starting with zero funding and an ambitious dream, she self-funded her project, passionately communicated her mission to secure financial support, and overcame numerous hurdles—spanning from a lack of resources to complex state regulations.

Alicia discusses how her mother's enduring spirit and frequent illnesses instilled in her a drive to support the vulnerable and elderly. Listen as Jake and Alicia reflect on her childhood, her return to education at age 26, and how her experiences shaped her mission to create a supportive environment for seniors. They also delve into the essential services MCA offers, the importance of community engagement, and Alicia's plans for expanding her services beyond Kankakee.

This episode is more than a success story; it's a testament to persistence, empathy, and community spirit. Alicia's journey shows what can happen when one person dedicates their life to addressing the gaps in elderly care, blending both medical and social support to uplift a community.

Join us as we explore Alicia's incredible impact, celebrating her commitment and the broader community's support in making MCA a beacon of care and compassion in Kankakee County and beyond.

Don't forget to subscribe and follow the Kankakee Podcast on social media. Stay tuned for more stories that celebrate the heart and soul of our community!

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