Sage Updates
Spotlight: Sun-Hee Yoon
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Each member of the Community Engagement Council brings a wealth of enthusiasm and dedication to our collaborative endeavors. Meet Sun-Hee Yoon, who has a passion for advocating for and assisting older adults.
What is your current occupation and title or what work did you do in the past?
I am the founder and CEO of Sage Lifestyle Concierge LLC, where we assist older adults and families in navigating the complexities of aging and caregiving. Additionally, I serve on the boards of the Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce, Arbor West Neighbors, and the Senior Citizens Services Coordinating Council. I am also a member of AgeOptions’ Advocacy Task Force and the Illinois Family Caregiver Coalition. Finally, I created Charting Your Courses, a year-long educational program in partnership with the Union League Club of Chicago, which empowers older adults and families to understand the myriad of aging services available.
What inspired you to join the Rush Oak Park Community Engagement Council, and what personal experiences or passions do you bring to the table?
My work connects me with a wide range of professionals in the aging network within the Rush Oak Park service area. As a family caregiver myself, I am passionate about amplifying the voices of older adults and families to address their evolving needs, identify opportunities to improve service quality, and connect them with trusted providers.
How do you envision leveraging your unique background or expertise to enhance community outreach and engagement efforts within our hospital's service area?
Drawing on my experience as an entrepreneur in the aging service network, a former education business owner, and a community advocate, I envision enhancing community outreach to make the Rush Oak Park service area the most effective and efficient continuing care hub, both within the hospital and in the broader community.
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Can you share a memorable experience or success story from your involvement in community initiatives or projects prior to joining the council?
I co-chaired the Health and Wellness Fair, organized by the Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce, for two consecutive years. As a board member, I was able to contribute to meeting the health and wellness needs of our community. Additionally, in 2024, I successfully implemented the Charting Your Courses educational series, featuring 77 industry professionals and reaching over 500 participants. We are currently planning to introduce this series to the Rush Oak Park service area.
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What do you believe are the most pressing healthcare needs or concerns within our local community, and how do you propose addressing them through our council's efforts?
I believe the most pressing health care needs are easier access to continuing care from hospital to community and consistent education to empower community members to be proactive about the evolving needs of our aging community. I propose fostering a seamless transition from health care providers to community services to achieve better health outcomes.