October 9, 2024 —Kendal Charitable Funds is led by a diverse group of individuals dedicated to transforming the lives of older adults at Kendal and beyond. Kendal Charitable Funds board members share a deep commitment to service and bring unique skill sets to the table that help the organization carry out the mission.
Barbara Freedman, Board Chair and Resident of Kendal at Hanover
Barbara Freedman, Board Chair of Kendal Charitable Funds and resident at Kendal at Hanover, is a lifelong community leader and seasoned professional. She is currently serving her first term as Board Chair, having been appointed in January 2024.
During her 30-year corporate career, Barbara’s areas of expertise included human resources, organizational design, training and development, as well as communications management. Before becoming involved with Kendal, she was on the board of her secondary school for a decade. Barbara also owns a concierge travel planning company, where she, along with her business partner in Italy, helps individuals plan destination vacations to places such as Europe, New England and Panama.
When Barbara and her husband, Barry, were looking for a new place to call home, they chose Kendal at Hanover. The couple found the community to be the best option to reside as they planned to continue their businesses, while seeking a community that would be able to meet their needs as they grew older.
After settling into their new home, Barbara was selected as the Chair of the Charitable Funds Committee for Kendal at Hanover after serving three years on the committee. During this time, Barbara gained insight into the values and practices at Kendal. Soon after, Kendal Charitable Funds leadership asked her to extend her impact by volunteering with the larger Kendal organization. She saw the opportunity as a chance to further use her philanthropic experiences while also giving back to her own community and the greater world of aging.
“As an organization full of diverse and dedicated volunteers, our responsibility to help people age with dignity and in a safe environment is always top of mind,” Barbara shares. “I could never even dream of accomplishing what the Kendal Charitable Funds board does alone. I am so appreciative of every single person who is dedicated to advancing the mission,” Barbara says.
Dan Churchill, Board Member and EVP of LeadingAge Illinois
Dan Churchill, Executive Vice President of LeadingAge Illinois, is a new member of the Kendal Charitable Fund board. He started his career as an auditor at a public accounting firm where his clients included multiple senior living communities. As an auditor, Dan enjoyed his time on-site with the older adult residents at his clients’ communities.
Eventually, Dan transitioned to working for a non-profit life plan community – a move he calls his best career decision. After serving as the Chief Financial Officer for a previous Kendal Affiliate for nearly a decade, Dan joined LeadingAge Illinois where he oversees finance and accounting, membership, events and education, and sales and marketing.
Dan recently joined the Kendal Charitable Funds board and is thrilled to re-engage with the Kendal mission and the organization’s Quaker-rooted values, as he is an advocate for the health and safety of all older adults and believes all voices hold equal value. “I am excited to apply my knowledge and experience within the financial sector to help advance the Kendal Charitable Funds mission even further. The organization is at this inflection point where we could make some big strides within the next few years,” Dan shared.
Dan is a champion for those who identify as LGBTQ and has presented at the National LeadingAge Meeting on inclusive topics. He served on two Boards of Directors for non-profit organizations that provide inclusive communities for LGBTQ older adults. He has also served as a judge for The Catalyst Awards, a competition by the National Academy of Medicine that rewards bold, new, potentially transformative ideas to improve the physical, mental, or social well-being and health of people as they age. Dan is excited to be in a position where he can make a direct impact on the lives of underrepresented older adults.
Making a Difference One Volunteer at a Time
Kendal Charitable Funds is grateful to Board Members, including Barbara and Dan, for sharing their expertise and commitment to improving the lives of older adults and their support of the charitable goals and aspirations of Kendal System of Affiliates.
Kendal Charitable Funds is always seeking prospective board members with different backgrounds and experiences. If you are interested in exploring this possibility, please contact us at https://www.kendal.org/about-kendal/contact-kendal/