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WELLNESS:
In 2005 the AIC reorganized all the programs into 4 main areas: Wellness, Arts, Education and Direction. The Wellness area focuses on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of community members. The holistic approach to health means considering the environment as well and the programs include: Medicinal Garden, HAWC (Health and Wellness Center fitness room), Senior Program, Social Services (offers food and clothing), and special events/programming. Everyone deserves to live in harmony and the wellness programming may help community members develop those skills.

Social Services
The American Indian Center was established in response to many needs of the rapidly growing Native American community in Chicago. Many families moved because of the Federal Relocation Act of 1953 and Natives who were presently living in Chicago (they refer to themselves as “old timers”) needed a space to practice cultural traditions and socialize with fellow Native Americans. The AIC continues to offer a food pantry and clothing to assist family and individuals in need.  The Social Services program also organizes the Community Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinner/Party for all community members to attend.

Health and Wellness Center (HAWC)
The HAWC Fitness Room has been relocated to the ground floor inside the Social Services Department.   AIC membership includes use to the state of the art exercise equipment including a stationary bike, 2 treadmills, a Universal Fit machine with 3 weight/resistance training stations, and exercise bands.  Come in for a tour and orientation to check it out.  The Fitness Room provides fitness assessments, home exercise programs, and self workouts. 

Medicinal Garden
The AIC is about to start our 4th year.  Community members, Positive Paths program and NSF participants are starting to get excited about spring time.  Our Mother Earth has been sleeping all winter and is now slowing waking up.  Last year the garden produced several types if medicines, sage, sweet grass to name a few, and were able to use theses at the AIC.  We look forward to another good harvest this fall.

Senior Program
We are now providing 2 free hot meals for seniors, 55 years old and over, every Monday and Wednesday.  The seniors are able to have weekly health screenings by our registered Nurse or meet with a registered dietician.  City of Chicago is also providing an Exercise program every Wednesday at 1 pm, and Mary Kay Ryan, is sharing her healing skills with Acupuncture every Wednesday.  Diane Greene is also working on the “Ancestor” Quilt Project every Wednesday.

Program Highlights

• 2,507 senior lunchs served.
• 36 Individual Consultations – Nutritionist
• 612 Educational presentation
• 125 Health related referrals
• 420 Social Service work for individuals, consultations, education presentation.