Employee Andre Crowder and his wife Grace find joy in giving back

For nearly two decades, Andre Crowder has provided excellent safety, customer service and much more to Swedish Covenant Hospital. Currently serving as a Public Safety Supervisor for the PM shift, Andre loves and admires his colleagues, always looks forward to coming to work and takes every opportunity to share stories of what makes this place so special.Having suffered the pain and grief of seeing his parents and other relatives pass away from Cancer, he does not want anyone to experience their own or a loved one’s life cut short due to disease. “I’m glad this is an organization whose main concern is based on healing and saving lives.” Andre feels that Swedish Covenant puts people first and has personally felt supported as an employee and well cared for as a patient. This is why he gives to SCH through the employee giving campaign.Prior to joining Swedish Covenant, Andre worked for the post office and served honorably in the Army. As a lifelong Chicagoan, he is a big fan of the Cubs and Bears and predicts that “this is the year for the Cubbies.” Outside of work, Andre enjoys fishing, bowling and being together with his family. He talks lovingly and often of his wife Grace, who prominently served at the Chicago Police Headquarters for thirty years, his six children, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.Perhaps it is the sports fan in him, but when opportunities are presented to support SCH programs, Andre wants no part in sitting on the sidelines; he wants to be in the game! Andre and Grace have continuously provided financial gifts to Swedish Covenant Hospital, most recently with a generous payroll deduction pledge toward the Women’s Health Initiative. Filled with compassion and a desire to go the extra mile for the hospital and anyone in need, it is no surprise that Andre has received multiple nominations for the employee STAR award.In reflecting on their lives and their strong connection to Swedish Covenant, Andre and Grace said, “We both grew up with family who had great dreams and ideas. We were encouraged by our parents to use our hearts and courage to give to a good cause and try and make a difference in the lives of others and not expect something back in return, because living a life to the fullest is our way of redemption.