Norridge-Harwood Heights News

Norridge native honored by NAACP

 

By NATALIE HAYES | Contributor November 5, 2012 8:08AM

Story Image

Christina Ferraro works with seniors at the Levy Center in Evanston. | Jerry Daliege~for Sun-Times Media

storyidforme: 39267773
tmspicid: 14483220
fileheaderid: 6587295
Article Extras
Story Image

Updated: December 2, 2012 7:04AM

EVANSTON — Evanston Senior Services Manager Christina Ferraro was recognized for her community service work by the Evanston/North Shore branch of the NAACP.

The Evanston resident grew up in Norridge, where she worked with seniors at the park district as a volunteer for several years before becoming superintendent of recreation there. She took her current position with Evanston in 2001. She earned her MBA with a focus on non-profit administration from North Park University and a bachelor’s degree in sociology with an emphasis on health and aging from Northern Illinois University.

Ferraro was one of eight North Shore community members recognized by the local NAACP branch at the 48th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet Oct. 26. The eight were honored for contributions that advance civil rights, education, promote well-being or provide service to others.

Q: Tell me about your work as a senior services manager with the city of Evanston.

A: I oversee all social and recreational programs, and am in charge of advocacy for long-term care and subsidized housing. I also work as part of a team that raises funds to subsidize the operating budget for the senior center.

Q: Outside of the senior center, what are some of the other ways you’re involved in the local community?

A: I’ve worked with the Evanston Fire Department to execute a program where we distributed emergency information sheets to senior residents, and then the documents are stored in the freezer of their home. That way, if there’s a fire or medical emergency, the firefighters know where to look for the resident’s medical information. I’ve also worked on the aging well planning conference committee and a youth community service placement program.

Q: What drives your interest to work with seniors in such a deep capacity?

A: I’ve been interested in working with seniors since college, when I decided to major in sociology with an emphasis on health and aging. All seniors have a great story to tell. This is especially true in Evanston, because many of the older residents either never left the community or they moved away and came back because they missed the area. They can tell you great stories about the historical background of the area.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I like being able to work with the community and getting to know so many of the people who work and live here.

Q: Why did you leave your job as superintendent of recreation at the Norridge Park District to come to Evanston?

A: Back in 2001, the city was in the process of constructing a new facility to house youth and senior services, and it was a good opportunity and a good time to make a transition in my career. I became involved with planning the construction process and oversaw the opening of the facility.

Q: Ever won any awards in the past?

A: I earned a visionary award from the state several years ago.

Q: What was your reaction when you found out you would be honored by the NAACP?

A: I’m truly honored. I was actually amazed when I found out. We’ve been working really hard here as a staff to advocate for increased diversity on our committees, in the senior center, and in other areas of the community, so this means a lot.

Q: Any specific challenges you’ve had to overcome recently to meet the needs of the senior center?

A: We recently gained national senior center accreditation from the state of Illinois. It was a rigorous process to get that accreditation, and we have to reapply every five years.

Q: What, if any, ties do you still have to Norridge?

A: I lived in Norridge for 25 years, and my family still lives there. I attended elementary through high school there, and was very involved in the community for years.




© 2011 Sun-Times Media, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be copied or distributed without permission. For more information about reprints and permissions, visit www.suntimesreprints.com. To order a reprint of this article, click here.
Special Home Delivery Offer