about us

Seniors, Veterans, and Disabled Health Initiative for Emotional and Lifelong Development (SHIELD) is a nonprofit organization based in Tinley Park, Illinois. Our mission is to shield vulnerable populations from hunger, isolation, and emotional hardship by providing compassionate, community-based support. We assist seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities through grocery assistance, access to mental health counseling, help with obtaining prescription medications, transportation coordination for essential appointments, and the provision of durable medical equipment and home safety supplies. SHIELD is committed to promoting dignity, independence, and holistic wellbeing for those most in need.

Our story

SHIELD was born on the frontlines of care. As a nurse practitioner serving seniors and adults with disabilities, our founder witnessed a painful truth that many patients were not only skipping their medications, they were skipping meals. Others suffered in silence, isolated and without emotional support. But food was only one of many unmet needs. We saw individuals struggling to afford copays for essential medications, lacking transportation to medical appointments, and going without walkers, grab bars, or other basic equipment needed for safe mobility and independence. SHIELD was created to address these hidden challenges head-on, starting with food because no one can focus on healing when they are hungry. By combining practical assistance with compassion, we aim to restore dignity and build a shield of care around those most often overlooked.