Black History Month – Shelton Kay

Shelton Kay a native of Shaker Heights, OH, came to Rockford, IL, to attend Rockford College. He has since spent all of his adult life serving the Rockford community. He graduated in 1977 with degrees in Psychology and Education. The following year, he began teaching in the Creative and Performing Arts Program of the Rockford Public School District.

Once he concluded his teaching career he transitioned into community health work. He joined Crusader in 1993, serving as a case manager in the early days of the living with HIV (LWH) Program. He became manager of the LWH program in 1998, and was named the Director of the Community Services Division (which consisted of both the LWH and Healthcare for the Homeless Programs) in 2005.

Shelton’s commitment to being an advocate for the underserved is unparalleled. As the director of the Community Service Division he goes above and beyond to ensure that his team of medical providers, nurses, case managers, and outreach workers are meeting the needs of patients and improving access to and the quality of care for the some of our clinic’s most vulnerable patients.

Under his direction, Crusader’s Community Service Division has received local recognition from the Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce Minority Business Council, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois and others. He embodies the mission of Crusader Community Health-care within reach. His approachable demeanor and can-do attitude, make him a beacon of light to patients and clients who often face very dark times.

Shelton’s presence in the community is felt far and wide. Rockford’s mayor appointed him as Chairmen of the Homeless Task Force. He also currently serves on the Board of the Rockford Dance Company and is an active member of Transform Rockford. He’s previously served on the Illinois HIV Prevention, Care, and Planning Group, The board of the Rockford-area Red Cross, The Rockford-area Arts Council and the Winnebago County Workforce Investment Board.

Shelton was recently named Crusader’s Vice President of Community Relations. After 22 years, he has no plans of slowing down- he knows that the needs are still great and the wok is still necessary.