Wellness Programs For Adults

Benefits Counseling

Our benefits counselor ensures that all our patients receive the health care and social service benefits for which they are eligible. Whether you need help choosing a doctor, enrolling in Medicaid, or accessing social services, our benefits counselor is here to help.

Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening, Treatment Linkage and Scheduling Assistance

Funded by: The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, The Illinois Department of Public Health, Susan G. Komen for the Cure – Chicagoland Area Affiliate

Many women in our communities need more information on why and when to schedule mammograms or Pap tests. And then, there are concerns with cost and scheduling appointments. We offer exceptional breast and cervical cancer screening, diagnostic services and linkage to mammography and treatment services at Saint Anthony Hospital and other local hospitals. We have a dedicated community outreach worker who specializes in helping women learn about and access the breast and cervical cancer services they need.

Diabetes Education Groups

We offer free diabetes education groups that are open to all community members. Classes are led by our bilingual registered nurse. The goal of our diabetes education groups is to improve quality of life for diabetics by promoting healthy lifestyle changes and empowering them to make appropriate care decisions. We follow the four-week American Diabetic Association curriculum, which covers the following topics:

The nature of diabetes
The benefits of exercise
Proper nutrition
How to measure glucose levels
How to avoid complications
How to know what diabetes medications may be right for you.

Paso-a-Paso Medically Supervised Weight Loss

Funded by: Washington Square Health Foundation, Novo Nordisk

If you’re tired of spending a lot of money on the latest weight-loss gimmicks, it may be time to try a real, long-term solution! Paso-a-Paso (“Step by Step”) is a medically supervised weight loss program designed to meet the needs of our Latino communities. Free nutrition discussion groups are held in Spanish and present advice and guidance based on the culture and eating habits of Latinos. While attending weekly support groups you also have the option of receiving a medically prescribed diet and regular visits with a bariatric specialist (doctor who focuses on weight loss). Physician visits are covered by Medicaid, offered for a reduced fee to the uninsured and covered by most private insurance plans.

Smoking Cessation Support Groups (Courage to Quit)

Funded by: Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago (Chicago Tobacco Prevention Project)

Courage to Quit is a comprehensive, individual tobacco treatment program for adults who want to quit smoking. Programs are offered in English and Spanish. Participants receive education, support, and are able to practice the skills they need for quitting smoking. Participants also have the option of receiving medical visits and smoking cessation medication from one of our physicians.

Wellness Programs For Children

Developmental Screening with Early Intervention Linkage

Our pediatric providers use the Ages and Stages Questionnaire to assess how children are developing as part of regular office visits. Children who exhibit signs of developmental delays are referred to a visiting developmental support worker (DSW) provided by Saint Anthony Community Wellness. The DSW is able to conduct even longer, more thorough, developmental screenings using blocks, books and other objects. Children who need more assistance are then linked with Early Intervention Services and provided with follow-up services through Esperanza’s staff and the DSW.

Girls on the Run

Girls on the Run is an internationally known program that teaches girls ages 8-13 about self-esteem while training them to run a 5K race. Our health center was recently selected to host the Girls on the Run program. Our new program has resulted in a great response from the community and high rates of attendance.

Obesity Case Management

As a response to the alarming rates of obesity in our communities, our pediatric providers have been specially trained to help families understand and address their children’s nutritional and weight issues in a positive, motivational way. Our registered nurse then helps families find nutrition and physical activity resources near their homes.

Oral Health

Esperanza has designed an early oral health education program in order to address the high rates of early childhood tooth decay our providers see all too often. When parents bring their child in for their 12 month and 24 month well-child visits, they receive oral health education, a toothbrush and a referral to a local dental practice.

We are fortunate to benefit from a strong partnership with Sonrisa Dental, one of the neighbors right here in our building. We have also begun a partnership with the University of Illinois at Chicago Hispanic Dental Association to provide fluoride varnishes to pediatric patients.

Reach Out & Read Program

Funded by Nuestro Futuro (a special initiative of The Chicago Community Trust)

Our Enhanced Reach Out & Read (ROR) Program educates and coaches parents on the importance of early reading and how they can create a positive learning environment at home for their child. Our pediatricians routinely “prescribe” reading activities and provide age-appropriate books during office visits for children to take home.

Additionally, we employ an early childhood literacy coordinator who:

Ensures that Esperanza's waiting room is a literacy-rich environment offering free, age-appropriate books. Helpful volunteers provide storytime reading to waiting children when available.
Refers families to local Head Start and Early Health Start Programs
Provides enrollment assistance to families in need of preschool services