This Black History Month, we are proud to celebrate and highlight some of our Chamber members who are Black-owned businesses. Today we are proud to spotlight Alicia Kleinert, owner of MCA Senior Adult Day Center.

 Tell us about your business and the services/products you offer?
MCA Senior Adult Day Center is a nonprofit adult day services provider serving older adults and their caregivers in Kankakee County. We offer a safe, engaging, and supportive daytime environment where seniors can socialize, participate in meaningful activities, and receive supervision and care tailored to their individual needs. Our services include structured social and recreational programming, cognitive stimulation, health monitoring, assistance with activities of daily living, nutritious meals and snacks, and respite for caregivers. We specialize in supporting seniors who are aging at home, including those living with memory loss or chronic health conditions, while helping families avoid premature institutional placement. As the first senior adult day center in Kankakee County, MCA fills a critical gap in the local continuum of care. Our work not only improves quality of life for seniors, but also strengthens families, supports caregivers, and partners with healthcare and social service organizations to keep older adults connected, dignified, and thriving in the community.

 What makes your business unique in our community?

MCA Senior Adult Day Center is the first and only senior adult day center in Kankakee County, filling a long-standing gap in services for older adults and their caregivers. Our model focuses on dignity, connection, and intentional care—meeting seniors where they are while supporting their ability to age safely at home. What truly sets MCA apart is our relationship-driven approach. We intentionally keep our programs personal, create a strong sense of community among participants, and work closely with families, healthcare providers, and social service partners to support better outcomes. MCA is not just a place for care, it’s a place for belonging, purpose, and meaningful days. As a nonprofit, community-rooted organization, every decision we make is driven by impact, access, and long-term sustainability for the families we serve.

What motivated you to become a business owner?
I was motivated to become a business owner by a deep desire to serve seniors and caregivers in a more intentional and compassionate way. I saw firsthand the gaps in support for families trying to care for aging loved ones at home and recognized that many were forced to choose between burnout and institutional care. Starting MCA Senior Adult Day Center allowed me to create a solution that honors dignity, strengthens families, and meets a real community need. Entrepreneurship gave me the ability to build something purpose-driven—rooted in service, equity, and impact, while creating lasting change in how our community supports older adults.

Who or what has influenced you most on your entrepreneurial journey?
My entrepreneurial journey has been shaped by the resilience of the families and caregivers I’ve served, as well as the elders who have entrusted me with their care. Their stories, sacrifices, and perseverance have continually reinforced the importance of building systems that truly support aging with dignity. I’ve also been influenced by community leaders, faith, and entrepreneurs who built opportunities where none existed, often with limited resources but an unwavering commitment to service and legacy. Their example has reminded me that entrepreneurship can be both an act of courage and a vehicle for lasting community impact.

What does being a Black-owned business mean to you?

Being a Black-owned business means carrying both responsibility and opportunity. It’s about representation, showing that Black leaders can create solutions that meet real community needs, build sustainable organizations, and inspire others to pursue their own vision. For MCA Senior Adult Day Center, it means using our platform to uplift the community, advocate for equity in senior care, and ensure that every family, regardless of background has access to quality, compassionate support. It’s a reminder that our work is not just about business success, but about creating lasting impact and opportunity for generations to come.

Why do you think it’s important to celebrate and support Black-owned businesses—especially during Black History Month?
Celebrating and supporting Black-owned businesses highlights the creativity, resilience, and contributions of Black entrepreneurs to our communities. It provides visibility, creates opportunities for economic growth, and inspires future generations to pursue their own dreams. It also creates the opportunity to build Black wealth and invest in Black people who are developing solutions to real challenges in their communities, solutions that are thoughtful, impactful, and inclusive for everyone. During Black History Month, this recognition is especially meaningful, it honors the legacy of those who paved the way while reinforcing the importance of equity, representation, and community impact in business today.

 What accomplishment are you most proud of so far?

I’m most proud of successfully launching MCA Senior Adult Day Center and building a trusted space where seniors feel valued, engaged, and supported. Even as a new nonprofit, we’ve created programs that strengthen families, provide meaningful days for participants, and offer respite for caregivers. I’m also proud of the network of mentors, partners, and supporters who have stepped up, offering guidance, financial contributions, and encouragement, to help turn this vision into reality. Seeing the impact on our seniors and their families every day is the most rewarding accomplishment I could imagine.

 How has the local community supported your journey?
Kankakee has been instrumental in helping MCA Senior Adult Day Center grow and thrive. From generous donors and sponsors to healthcare partners and volunteers, so many people have contributed their time, expertise, and financial support to help us serve seniors and their families. Our network of mentors and community leaders has provided guidance, encouragement, and connections that have strengthened our programs and operations. The trust and engagement of local families the seniors who participate and their caregivers have also been a constant source of motivation, reminding us why this work matters and how collective effort can create meaningful impact.

 What’s next for your business in 2026?
In 2026, MCA Senior Adult Day Center will continue expanding access and deepening our presence in the community. We’ve broadened our payor sources to better meet the needs of our seniors, allowing more families to benefit from our services. Early signs this year show that these efforts are already generating returns, positioning us for sustainable growth. We will also strengthen our network of mentors, volunteers, and partners to enhance programs and operational capacity. Our focus remains on providing high-quality, personalized care, supporting families, and building an inclusive, equitable, and lasting impact in the community.

 What message would you like to share with aspiring Black entrepreneurs?
Believe in your vision and the impact you can create, even when resources are limited or obstacles feel overwhelming. Adversity will always be part of the journey—your job is to find the solution, stay focused, and keep your eyes on the success you’re building. Build a strong network of mentors, supporters, and partners who can guide you, provide feedback, and help sustain your journey financially and strategically. Stay mission-driven, remain resilient, and focus on solving real problems in your community. Every challenge you overcome is an opportunity to grow, strengthen your business, and create lasting impact not just for yourself, but for those you serve.

 Is there a quote or thought you’d like to leave with our Chamber community?

Being a Black woman in business means leading with heart, courage, and vision. By solving real problems, supporting our communities, and staying focused on success, we create more than opportunity, we create impact that endures~ Alicia Kleinert