The Health and Wellness fund was developed in 2022 in honor of Al and Barb Nathan for their decades-long contributions to our community’s health.

The fund's purpose is to foster health and wellness programs particularly serving the underserved and reducing health disparities. Not everyone has access to the same health and wellness services and this fund seeks to reduce barriers. Funds can be used for youth to seniors, to provide service or train those needed to meet a need. Recipients of funds must be a charitable organization.

Honoring Al and Barb’s belief in the power of collaboration, a priority for funding will be collaborative programs. Funds can be directed to programming/education for any of the seven dimensions of wellness: physical, social, emotional, occupational, spiritual, environmental and intellectual. A 5-7 member board of the fund determines the distribution of dollars from the fund. Community leaders with an expertise in health, wellness and philanthropy make up the board along with at least one member of the Nathan family.

Al and Barb Nathan were members of the Bloomington-Normal community for many years. Barb, a nurse, spent more than 40 years in administration in health care, cancer care and elder services. Active in community service, she served on numerous boards and volunteered for service organizations. Barb’s contributions have been honored by IWU, March of Dimes, The American Academy of Medical Administrators, and in addition has received the YWCA Women of Distinction, Gale Keeran Spirit of Success, and Athena awards.

Al, retired from State Farm, has volunteered for the youth in the community for decades. A youth basketball coach beginning when he was a young adult, his passion for helping youth grew to years of coaching and leadership for youth track programs and 20 years as a volunteer college coach. He has been in a lifelong relationship with the YMCA, culminating in the Presidency of the Board of Directors. Al is a member of the Bloomington High School Hall of Fame.

Al and Barb, including, sons, Daniel, and Benjamin are grateful for the many opportunities this community has provided them. They are grateful for the donations to the fund and pray the fund makes a difference in the lives of many for generations to come.

If you would like to help the Nathan Health & Wellness Fund meet its goals, please donate online by clicking on the Donate button below. If you prefer to make a donation in another manner, click here for information.