2014 Woman of the Year Ida Lynn Wenhold (center) with AAUW Naperville Area Co-Presidents Joan Schaeffer (left) and Becky Glimco

2014 Woman of the Year recognition was presented to Ida Lynn Wenhold, Executive Director of Kids Matter, for her efforts to create programs that improve the lives and opportunities of women, youth and families. Ida Lynn has a passion for encouraging and implementing new groups and organizations when a need is apparent. She started a preschool at Good Shepherd Church and a young adults group that has grown in size and outreach. She also initiated SHINE, a program that works with patients at DuPage Convalescent Center. Another passion is reaching out to women who lack meaningful relationships and support in a transient community like Naperville. In response Ida Lynn developed a team of women to create a Tuesday morning outreach program called Growth Groups. Ida Lynn serves on the board of the DuPage Youth Services Coalition, and is a partner with 360 Youth Services’ Power of Choice initiative.