VNA’s roots go back to 1890, when Jane Addams and other courageous and pioneering women founded The Visiting Nurse Association of Chicago (VNA-C). VNA-C employed its own nurses and other health professionals to provide care to the underprivileged. In 1995, VNA transitioned to the grantmaking entity we are today: a private, independent foundation focusing 100% of our efforts on providing financial support to nonprofit organizations offering home- and community-based health services to the underserved. Although we no longer provide nursing care, through our grantmaking we continue to help ensure that all those among us receive the healthcare and health services they need, regardless of insurance status or inability to pay.