Three to Know

Monthly Partner Spotlight

EPEL shares about organizations that serve children and families in our community. All information has been provided by the organization itself and is responsible for the accuracy of the content. If you would like your organization to be a part of Three to Know email me here. Each month an organization is featured so we can make connections, align services and work strategically to serve more effectively.
Tell us about your organization
School nurses founded Well Child Center (WCC) in 1972 to provide preventative medical care for local uninsured children. Today, we are committed to improving the lives of children through education, counseling and services in the areas of nutrition and oral health.
We currently offer two programs:
•          Federal WIC program for women, infants and children until age five that includes nutritious foods,nutrition education, and breastfeeding support. 
•          Pediatric Dental Clinic providing comprehensive dental care for children despite families’ insurance status and financial limitations. 

Our goal is to empower families and enable all children to reach their maximum potential.
How does the work you do impact our youngest learners birth to 5 years old?
WCC partners with Bernie’s Book Bank and at each appointment every child takes home a bag of free books. Recently we started distributing books to pregnant women attending the WCC and Advocate Sherman Hospital prepared childbirth classes. Encouraging moms to read to their babies in utero and beyond will lead to a lifetime of literacy. 

Something you might not know about our agency...
WCC’s unique “First Tooth Visit” implements the American Dental Association’s recommendations of integrating WIC and dental services. The child’s one-year WIC appointment includes a no-cost dental exam with ongoing integrated visits every six months.  We educate to begin dental care early in life, before damage has occurred. Collaboration between WIC nutritionists, dentists and parents  can prevent painful tooth decay.