In 2004, when Pioneer Gardens Affordable Supportive Living Facility was in its birthing stage, owner Rev. Dr. E.R. Williams, Jr. called one of his church members to join his development and management team.  He wanted to go the extra mile in providing excellent services in a well-designed and equipped building.  He wanted to satisfy the need of those growing older in place in the church's independent living building for seniors age 62 and older.  There was no alternative housing for those residents who needed some assistance with daily living and who didn't want or need the nursing home environment.

He hired Ms. Deloris MeBain away from her owned and operated business of MeBain Media Group to be the Executive Director of the 8-Story, 120 apartment building in the heart of the Bronzeville Community at 3800 South King Drive in Chicago.  It's the only black-owned, church-owned in the state of more than 100 facilities of its type regulated by the Illinois Department of Health Care and Community Services.

Under Rev. Dr. Williams, Jr. leadership, Ms. MeBain worked hard at developing what is known by many as the premier facility for those age 65 and older needing some assistance with daily living.  With her Pastor's approval, she named it "A Miracle on 38th Street."  The building opened its doors in April, 2006 and today it is a well-run facility equipped to compete in the area of customer service, entertainment for seniors, cleanliness and a caring and professional staff with any service of its type in the state.

Deloris MeBain has been a constant friend offering expertise and support to the Chicago Department of Senior Services/Atlas Center for more than 10 years.  She has been a member of the Advisory Board of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program of the Jane Addams Hull House organization for more than 20 years.  As Director of Programs for the Pioneer Village Independent Senior Building, she was grounded to direct the services and manage the employees at Pioneer Gardens Affordable Supportive Living Facility.  "It's such a rewarding experience & blessing to see the seniors beaming with joy as the staff continuously seek ways to make them comfortable, happy and remain healthy in their Golden Years, says MeBain"  The Rev. Dr. E.R. Williams, Jr. has gone the extra mile to provide excellent accommodations for his full-house of seniors at Pioneer Gardens.  The design of the Illinois Institute of Technology Architect David Sharpe demonstrates the "Cut Above" attitude in planning for exercise, fun and safety for seniors.  Case in point, a main dining room leads out into a circular patio on the 2nd floor for residents wanting to walk around the building for exercise in a safe environment.  It's also equipped with umbrella tables for spring and summer outdoor dining and fun activities.

Deloris MeBain and her staff have hosted the Atlas Center Providers Meetings for Seniors its 1st and 2nd Town Hall Meetings with discussions surrounding the issues of senior citizens.  Panelists have included Charles Johnson, Director of the Illinois Department on Aging; Joseph Harrington, Assistant Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Health; Sharron Matthews, Assistant Director of the Illinois Department of Health Care & Family Services; IL Senator Mattie Hunter (3rd); Carol Jones, National Council & Center on Black Aged, Inc.; Moderators: NBC 5 Anchor/Reporter Art Norman and Investigative Reporter Renee Ferguson.

Rev. Dr. E.R. Williams, Jr. will tell you that Pioneer Gardens represents the culmination of a three and a half year quest on the part of the South Park Baptist Church at 3722 South King Drive in Chicago to fill a critical, affordable housing gap in Senior Housing that has developed in our community.  Pioneer Gardens provides vital supportive services to allow seniors to retain an independence in their living and not be faced with moving to a nursing home.

Deloris MeBain, who left her lucrative job at NBC 5 in 2000 to start her own business, continues to aim high at delivering the Pioneer Gardens story as Director of Outreach & Community Affairs.  To her credit and to especially the Sales and Marketing Staff Roslyn Fossett and Felicia Boyd-Harris, the facility now has a waiting list for those wanting to reside in the Miracle on 38th Street.  To know more about Pioneer Gardens, please go to www.pioneergardensslf.com.

Brian Magnabosco is employed at Evergreen Healthcare as The Director of Business Development, a new position for him.

Previously he had been the Nurse liaison for the facility. The Nurse liaision is responsible for assessing the care needs of patients requiring rehabilitation post hospital stay, before returning home. Brian has worked in healthcare for 30 years, starting as a staff nurse at St. Francis Hospital in Blue Island. And after 10 years realized that his desire leaned towards caring and assisting the senior population. That desire led to several positions within in the long term and rehabilitation community where Brian met and worked with many other healthcare professionals dedicated to the aging population of Chicago and surrounding communities. As Director of Business Development he will continue to grow and foster relationships with the senior and soon to be senior population, and other healthcare agencies in Chicago and the surrounding area.

Evergreen Healthcare is a short term rehabilitation center located on 10124 S. Kedzie Ave, in Evergreen Park, Illinois, 60805 phone 708-907-7000, fax 708-907-7002.
Evergreen Healthcare specializes in bone and joint replacement rehabilitation, with a specialized bone and joint rehab unit with a private medical director overseeing the unit. Another specialty is cardiovascular rehab, wound care, and many other post hospital rehab needs. On site is also a secured Avalon unit for people living with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias.

Evergreen Healthcare services the entire Chicago area and surrounding communities including northwest Indiana. A bus stop is conveniently located in the front of the building. For further information regarding services at Evergreen Healthcare or to tour please call 708-907-7000.