A Message from the CEO

As we continue our mission to reduce health disparities and improve lives through education, prevention, wellness, and vision care, I am incredibly proud to share the remarkable momentum the Healthy Living With A Vision Foundation has experienced during the first quarter of 2026.

Our organization continues to expand its footprint throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and beyond, bringing together healthcare professionals, community organizations, educators, faith-based institutions, and advocates who share a commitment to healthier communities.

Following a successful collaboration with the Chicago Urban League Health Fair on Chicago’s South Side, our foundation continued its outreach efforts by providing comprehensive eye examinations for senior residents at Prairie Green Assisted Living. These efforts are part of our ongoing commitment to improving access to vision and health services for underserved and aging populations.

We are also proud of the growing leadership role our organization is playing in community health education. Our own Dr. Michael Washington represented the foundation as a keynote presenter for the Chicago Urban League Health Fair on Chicago’s West Side, delivering an impactful presentation focused on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia awareness. His leadership and expertise exemplify our mission of connecting education with empowerment.

In addition, I had the honor of representing the foundation at the Democratic Women of the Southland Region symposium on mental health held in Matteson. Mental wellness remains a critical component of overall community health, and we are committed to being part of the conversations and collaborations that advance awareness, support, and access to resources.

One of the most exciting milestones of this year was the formal Chicago rollout of our Fearless Wellness Longevity Zone™ Program at the Field Museum in April. This landmark initiative represents a major step forward for our organization and our vision for the future. The Fearless Wellness Longevity Zone™ Program is designed to inspire healthier lifestyles, improve longevity outcomes, and empower individuals and families to take a proactive role in their long-term health and wellness journey.

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce an upcoming partnership event focused on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia awareness at the Carter G. Woodson Regional Library on July 18th. This forum will bring together healthcare professionals, caregivers, community members, and advocates to educate and support families impacted by cognitive decline and memory disorders.

We are also thrilled to announce that registration is now officially open for our 2nd Annual Golf Outing, which will be held on August 7th at Odyssey Golf Foundation. Following the tremendous success of our inaugural outing, this year’s event promises to be even more impactful as we continue to raise support for our expanding community health initiatives and outreach programs.

As CEO, I remain deeply grateful for the dedication of our volunteers, donors, sponsors, healthcare professionals, board members, and community partners. Because of your support, we continue to transform vision into action and purpose into measurable community impact.

We are blessed, energized, and incredibly optimistic about the future. The work is growing. The mission is expanding. And together, we are making a lasting difference in the lives of the communities we serve.

The best is truly yet to come.

With gratitude and commitment,
Dr. Ansel T. Johnson

Founder, CEO, Healthy Living With A Vision Foundation
www.healthylivingwithavision.org