Life Long Learning

Affinity Community Services is a social justice organization that works with and on behalf of Black LGBTQ communities, queer youth, and allies to identify emergent needs, create safe spaces, develop leaders, and bridge communities through collective analysis and action for social justice, freedom, and human rights. Offers a senior specific group called Affinity Trailblazers that provides community and information to those 60+.

The Basic Program of Liberal Education for Adults is a four-year certificate program that offers a rigorous, liberal arts curriculum that draws on the strong Socratic tradition at the University of Chicago and covers the foundations of modern Western political and social thought, as well as its literature.

Center on Halsted provides an array of programs and services for LGBTQ community members over the age of 55 through its Senior Program. Each week, more than 150 seniors participate in senior programs to attend workshops, take classes, share a meal or make new friends. Lunch is offered for $1.50 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Additionally, free social events, counseling, social isolation relief, and job development classes are available. 

Chicago Hyde Park Village's mission is to help its members to remain in their homes and engaged in the community as they grow older, through education, volunteerism, and referrals. Membership benefits include: Concierge Services, Health and Wellness, Social and Cultural Opportunities, Transportation, etc.

IDA is designed to help older people live independently. The Community Care Program provides in-home and adult day services to frail seniors each month. To be eligible for service, clients must be 60 or over and their asset level (for a single person) cannot be over $17,500 (not including home, car or furnishings); a cost share is applied if the client's income is above a specified level.

The mission of Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly is to advocate for elders who are isolated and at risk by developing long-term companionship to provide greater well-being and stability, promote independent living and instill a sense of belonging. The organization works with elders experiencing isolation, and provides social activities to relieve loneliness. There are no fees or income requirements to access services, but seniors must be at least 70 years old. A preliminary interview is required to assess which programs would be appropriate for the elder, based on needs and interests. Check the website for more information on the variety of social events and classes offered. 

The Institute provides a cooperative learning community that generates an exciting and intellectually challenging curriculum of more than 75 study groups per semester. OLLI offers a variety of membership options to fit diverse lifestyles.

Rush Generations is a membership program for adults and caregivers that gives you access to a wealth of information and resources geared toward health and aging. They offer lectures by physicians and other experts at Rush, workshops on managing your health, mind-body enrichment seminars, exercise and computer classes and many other tools for enhancing your health and vitality.

The Kroc Community Center provides various senior fitness classes, social activities, special events, field trips, and services to enrich the quality of life for older adults. Each activity is designed to keep people involved on a daily basis as they live social and healthy lives in the Center. Reduced Senior (62+) membership rates start at $20 a month.

The Department’s Senior Services Area Agency on Aging administers a variety programs designed to address the diverse needs and interests of older Chicagoans, from those who are healthy and active, to those who are frail and homebound. The Southeast (Atlas) Center is one of six Regional Senior Centers that act as community focal points for information and assessment, and provide senior services in health, education and recreation. The Center serves seniors ages 60+, who can receive a free membership that will give them access to social clubs and activities.

A schedule of clubs is available at the site. The Center also participates in the City of Chicago's Golden Diners Program, which provides seniors ages 60+ with lunch and an opportunity to socialize everyday (Monday-Sunday, 11:30am-12:30pm), for a suggested $2.11 donation. Free fresh produce is available through Greater Chicago Food Depository on Wednesdays from 1-3pm.

In addition, the Center hosts a stress management support group for those who have problems dealing with the stress of life in all its forms.

Also, check out 79th St. Seniors, which is also located here!

 The Southwest Senior Center acts as community focal point for information and assessment, and provide senior services in health and fitness, education and recreation. It is geographically located to serve the following Chicago wards: 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th and 23rd wards. There are approximately 150 senior citizen groups and clubs that participate in programs at the Southwest Senior Center. The Center serves seniors ages 60+, who can receive a free membership that will give them access to social clubs and activities. It also participates in the City of Chicago's Golden Diners Program, which provides seniors ages 60+ with lunch and an opporutunity to socialize everyday (Monday-Sunday, 11:30am-12:30pm), for a suggested $2 donation. 

Margaret's Village's Vincennes Senior Center offers social and recreational activities, educational opportunities, and nutritious meals to over 100 seniors. The Senior Center was established to help the older residents of the Englewood community remain independent and avoid social isolation.

Elder Law Wellness Initiative (ELWI) offers free legal services to Cook County residents, aged sixty or over, and their caregivers. ELWI can arrange for you to speak to an attorney about many issues, including financial exploitation, elder abuse & neglect, orders of protection, guardianship, family law, consumer complaints, landlord/tenant rights, eviction, foreclosure, collection, powers of attorney, wills & trusts, probate and more. ELWI also operates the Elder Justice Court Support Program, where attorneys provide free legal information in the pedway of the Richard J. Daley Center, by the eastside escalator, next to Starbucks. Service is offered via walk-in and appointment. After discussing your legal issues with you, an attorney can offer information about your concerns. In some cases, they can handle your matter on the spot, or they can connect you to someone who can assist you.

This free training curriculum from HRSA contains lesson plans, modules, and powerpoint presentations meant to educate health professionals, students, and caregivers on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias. 

This is the hub for free activities, entertainment, spiritual and wellness-minded resources. With an increased need for digital options for engagement and social activity, aging adults, families and senior living teams depend on Virtual Connections as the one-stop option for programming!