HISTORY

In 2011, after 39 years of valued service to the community, Lillian C. Embick has logged over 86,580 hours as Founder and volunteer Executive Director of Audiences Unlimited, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting the lives of nursing home residents. During this time, she has arranged more than 51,875 programs reaching a total audience of over 2 million residents.

The Executive Director of Audiences Unlimited, Inc., a community based non-profit, has touched the lives of nursing home residents residing in Allen County and northeast Indiana in incredible ways.

Lillian Embick often refers to her creation of Audiences Unlimited as “giving back.” Her vision for the organization goes back to when she was placed in an orphanage as a young child. This was a lonely and fearful time for Lillian. The “bright spots” of those years were the occasional visits of entertainment groups to her orphanage. She recalls that outings, while infrequent, were a special thrill during this challenging time. Lillian was eventually reunited with her mother and, with her support, she learned to play the piano and participated in theater. This early experience nurtured Lillian’s love for the arts and became the driving force behind the creation of Audiences Unilimited.

With the support of her husband, Byron Embick, Lillian founded a very important community service; an organization that brings attention and joy to nursing home residents. Its journey began in 1972, when Lillian Embick started searching for an existing program with which she could become affiliated. She read about a program called “Hospital Audiences, Inc” led by Michael Jon Spencer in New York City. He not only provided entertainment for residents at nursing homes, but also took residents to events outside the facilities. Lillian contacted Mr. Spencer and, with his help, started a Fort Wayne chapter of Hospital Audiences. This affiliation continued until 1978 when the board of directors voted to become autonomous and “Audiences Unlimited” was born.

Nursing home staff members rallied behind Lillian’s effort in full agreement that Audiences Unlimited would be a wonderful and much needed program. At that time there were no activity directors. There was little to do in nursing homes but rock the day away. These residents were in great need of quality activities. Now, there are state and federal laws mandating activity programs.
This initial meeting led to a partnership with five local nursing homes. Today, with a national charge to improve the quality of life for nursing home residents, AUI partners with 95% of the long-term care facilities in Allen County. Many facilities in DeKalb, Noble, LaGrange, and Steuben Counties participate as well. Long-term care residents benefit from a well-rounded program that allows them the opportunity to enjoy professional talents such as the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, dance groups, musicals, plays, concerts, and a host of cultural activities that take place throughout the greater community.

In celebrating its 37th year of service in 2009, Audiences Unlimited, Inc. has become a valued and relied-upon extension of our local long-term care community. The organization provides the necessary skills to raise funds from private individuals, businesses, civic groups, churches, and foundations. Countless hours are spent coordinating onsite programs. Annually, over 2580 In-Facility and Room-to-Room performances reach an audience of more than 120, 000 attendees. This effort generates a reliable source of income for more than 100 professional artists, entertainers and certified music therapists. Additionally, AUI arranges over 160 community outings year-round for nursing home residents. This program provides them with free admissions, and if needed, adequate transportation, to popular attractions such as summertime festivals, outdoor concerts, trips to the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, the Festival of Trees, the Gingerbread display, the Fantasy of Lights and much more.

In 2004, to help with the growing workload, AUI hired its first paid employee. A third position was added in 2008. The organization is also blessed with a talented and affluent Board of Directors who gives freely of the time and expertise. With the extraordinary effort and sustained perseverance of Lillian C. Embick, a dedicated Board, and skilled staff, AUI successfully assists LTC facilities in the meeting their activity needs with quality programs that bring value and meaning to life.