Stonebridge Healthy Community Outreach Initiative (SHCOI)

History

Stonebridge Healthy Community Outreach Initiative (SHCOI), formerly Stonebridge Diabetes Support Group, is an organization formed by a group of individuals with similar health conditions, such as Diabetes, known to be prevalent among African American people.  This group was formulated for the purpose of sharing resources, gathering information, and offering mutual support, services, and care to those diagnosed with diabetes from various communities.

​

 

Stonebridge Healthy Community Outreach Initiative (SHCOI) was organized by Ollie Smith, a retired schoolteacher, in memory of her parents Pennie and Willie Smith who were the proud parents of twelve children.  In 1963, Ollie’s father passed away at the age of 54 due to complications with diabetes.  Ollie was diagnosed with diabetes along with nine of her eleven siblings, three of which are deceased.  By aggressively changing her diet and developing a regimen of taking vitamin supplements and incorporating exercise in her daily routine, Ollie was able to successfully manage her illness, rendering her a better quality of life.  Due to her success, Ollie became passionate about teaching and helping others diagnosed with diabetes, or at-risk, change their habits to develop healthier lifestyles.

 

On September 27th, 2008, Stonebridge Healthy Community Outreach Initiative (SHCOI), formerly Stonebridge Diabetes Support Group, held its first meeting at the Grand Prairie Library located at 3479 West 183rd Street in Hazel Crest, Illinois.

 

Mission

To bring awareness, prevention, and restoration of lifelong health solutions for diabetes and other chronic conditions to families and communities.

 

Goal

To educate individuals by providing quality information and services that address individual needs in order to manage, prevent, and/or reverse chronic conditions.

 

Objective

To help participants modify their lifestyles through educational resources such as:

• Plant-based Nutrition                                    

• Economic Stability                             

• Physical Activity                                             

• Spiritual Wellness

• Social Connectedness                                  

•  Mental Health

• Creativity                

 

The WHY?

To bridge the gap between education and health disparities, as well as, to provide access to health care and affordable quality food.

 

To empower communities by providing them with the tools that will aide them in making the best life-long decisions and prevent the development or worsening of chronic conditions.

 

To teach individuals the dynamics of meal preparation as part of their life-skills and self-management training.

 

To creatively inspire children to make healthier food choices during their developmental stages.

To help people heal from their chronic diseases by providing them with resources, compassion, and hope.