The Importance of Family

Family is a critical part of The Wohlers Family Foundation. It’s right there in the name, after all. Founded by Albert and Jane Wohlers in 2007, the couple’s daughter and grandchildren are running the foundation, “and the fourth generation is actively in training,” jokes Natalie (Malik) Schiestel, The Wohlers Family Foundation’s executive director, of her sons and nephews (ages 7, 6, 6, and 2).

Family support is also a key element of The Chicago Lighthouse’s Birth-to-Three Early Intervention Program … and is part of the reason why The Wohlers Family Foundation has contributed a total of $2.2 million to it over the past 15 years. That support has been critical in maintaining the program’s high level of service, not only for the children enrolled, but also for the parents and other family members, many of whom are encountering disability for the first time.

“I had the opportunity to accompany one of The Lighthouse’s early intervention specialists on an in-home session and was able to observe the interaction,” Natalie says. “By their interaction, I could tell she had a great relationship with the family, and that the young girl was coming out of her shell. It helped me see the direct impact of the work.”

The funding The Lighthouse receives from the State of Illinois, which has mandated early intervention services for children with disabilities since 1986, only accounts for 13% of the program’s total expenses. Additional support from The Wohlers Family Foundation is critical to its overall success, providing art and music therapy classes and a Braille early literacy program. It also underwrites The Lighthouse’s annual beeping egg hunt and holiday party, where families can come together, meet each other, and build support and resource networks.

Natalie’s great-grandfather – Albert’s father – experienced macular degeneration and blindness late in life. The Wohlers family hopes their support, particularly of our Birth-to-Three Early Intervention Program, will inspire others affected by blindness to give to The Lighthouse.

“I hope our decade and a half of support will motivate others to realize the importance of the Birth-to-Three program and support it as well,” Natalie says. “It’s imperative to get these children and their families started on the right path as they begin their lives.”

Click here to make a gift to The Chicago Lighthouse’s Birth-to-Three Early Intervention Program.