What One Grant Can Do

Edward is a regular participant in many EZRA activities, and often meets with the dietician as part of the Healthy Advantage program. He has recently lost 40 pounds and significantly increased his health. Agency: Dina and Eli Field EZRA Multi-Service Center Program: Healthy Advantage Funder: Weiss Memorial Hospital Foundation/Fund for Innovation in Health

The Need

Imagine using food stamps to buy your groceries at a local convenience store, and then the challenge of preparing that food on a hot plate in your studio apartment. This may be compounded by diabetes or high blood pressure, which is going unchecked because you have no health insurance, no doctor, and no knowledge about how to manage your illness or the importance of good nutrition.

The Dina and Eli Field EZRA Multi-Service Center (EZRA) serves one of the poorest communities in Chicago, where approximately 30% of the nearly 64,000 residents live below the poverty line. Inadequate diets, poor nutrition and poor health plague many of Uptown’s most vulnerable residents. Those living in poverty are at a heightened risk for diet-related illnesses. There is no place to buy fresh meat or produce in the immediate area around EZRA. People often “supersize” their orders at fast food restaurants in order to feel full while spending little money, and eat high carbohydrate diets because those are the foods available at the small convenience stores in Uptown. A USDA-sponsored study found that one in five deaths due to heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes could be prevented with a healthy diet and an active lifestyle, but this is a challenge for those on a limited budget.

The Program

“Robert” has been coming to EZRA for several years. He receives SSI because of a developmental disability, but lives independently with very little support from his family. He is extremely nervous about any kind of medical procedure, including a basic exam. Robert is significantly overweight, and even though diabetes runs in his family he does not know anything about his own health. He has been developing a trusting relationship with the dietician since they’ve been meeting regularly for nutritional counseling sessions. They discuss Robert’s plans to lose weight and change some of his unhealthy habits. With the support of the dietician, Robert may eventually be willing to see a doctor and be screened for diabetes or other health conditions.

The Healthy Advantage program at EZRA has been helping people like Robert increase their health and quality of life since it began in 2005. A part-time dietician meets with individuals to discuss their diet and assess their nutritional needs. Some people who have cancer or HIV/AIDS may need supplements to get needed vitamins or to help them gain weight. Others that have diabetes or hypertension may need to develop a healthier diet to bring their weight down and manage their personal health conditions. Groups also meet to learn about various topics such as body composition, osteoporosis, weight management, or coronary care.

When food stamps don’t provide enough groceries to get through the month, EZRA’s food pantry is a critical resource for many people. Nutritional supplements are available for those with compromised immune systems, and everyone receives a balance of healthy foods. Meal suggestions and recipes are included with each food bag.

For others who are hungry, the JUF Uptown Café at EZRA is a place to gather for meals four times each week. Staff also connects people with programs to meet their other needs such as housing, employment, or financial assistance. The dietician works with the kosher caterer to create balanced, healthy meals at the Café. A monthly newsletter gets the word out about eating well by focusing on topics such as fiber, carbohydrates, sugars and fats.

Classes such as healthy cooking on a budget and light exercise will soon be offered as part of Healthy Advantage. Cooking will be done using a hot plate, microwave, or other appliances used by those who do not have a kitchen in their studio or efficiency apartment. Clients have requested exercise classes such as senior fitness, chair exercises, yoga, and light weight training.

Healthy Advantage is one of many vital programs at EZRA, where people in need can access food, shelter, clothing, public benefits, job counseling, advocacy, financial assistance, case management, ESL, citizenship services, information and referral, and more. For over 20 years, the Dina and Eli Field EZRA Multi-Service Center has offered a one-stop shop to clients to help them meet their basic needs. Each year, nearly 3,000 individuals benefit from EZRA’s continuum of services. Specific programs include the JUF Uptown Café, Russian Senior Center (RSC), Tenant Support Project (TSP), Community Case Management, JVS’ Job Readiness Training (JRT), Group Services and Chevrah, and Healthy Advantage.

Funding Partners

With generous support from the Fund for Innovation in Health, provided by the Weiss Memorial Hospital Supporting Foundation, the Dina and Eli Field EZRA Multi-Service Center launched its Healthy Advantage program in 2005 to respond to the health needs of people at EZRA. With continued support in 2006 and 2007, the Healthy Advantage program has expanded to provide a range of services to EZRA’s clients, many of whom have chronic health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. In 2007, Healthy Advantage also received support from the Jeanette and Jack Aronson Fund.

For more information on the Healthy Advantage program, please contact

Anita Weinstein, Director
EZRA Multi-Service Center
773-275-0866

For more information on other programs seeking grant support, contact the Grants Department at grants@juf.org.