A History of Service to the Community.
From one Elgin day center in 1973 to a network of multipurpose senior centers and protective programs across Kane, Kendall, and McHenry counties , our story is the story of our community.
Where it began
One center, one mission, one community.
Senior Services began in Elgin in 1973 as an adult day center , a single space built to meet the needs of community seniors and disabled persons. Within a few years it became a multipurpose hub, weaving in transportation, recreation, health, education, and information & assistance.
When the Illinois Department on Aging designated us one of the first Case Coordination Units in the state, our work expanded across Kane County , and from there, county by county and program by program, across the region.
Milestones
How we grew , decade by decade.
- 1973
Born in Elgin
Senior Services begins as an adult day center in Elgin, meeting the needs of community seniors and disabled persons through adult day care.
- 1976
A multipurpose senior center
We expand into a multipurpose senior center, adding transportation, recreation, health, education, and information & assistance services.
- Late 1970s
First Case Coordination Unit
Designated by the Illinois Department on Aging as one of the first Case Coordination Units (CCU) , integrating frail elders into the social service system and expanding service throughout Kane County.
- 1980s
Kendall County joins
We add Kendall County to our service area and provide state-mandated programs including information & referral, outreach, and case management across both counties.
- 1987
McHenry County & RSVP
Service area expands to include McHenry County, and we assume the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) for Kane and McHenry counties.
- 1989
Nursing Home Ombudsman
We add the Nursing Home Ombudsman program in all three counties, advocating for residents in long-term care.
- 1990
Elder Abuse Investigation
Designated the Elder Abuse Investigation agency for all three counties, protecting vulnerable adults from harm and exploitation.
- 1990s
Volunteer programs flourish
Programs added include Neighbor-to-Neighbor in Elgin, the McHenry County Volunteer Center, and Friendly Visiting , which earned a Distinguished Program award from the State of Illinois.
- 2002
Family Caregiver Program
We implement the federally funded Family Caregiver Program, providing assistance and respite to those caring for a loved one.
- 2012
Serving adults 18 – 59
Our by-laws are amended to allow services to persons age 18 to 59 in response to administering the Veterans Intervention Program (VIP), serving veterans of all ages.
- 2014
Adult Protective Services
Services to the 18–59 age group expand to include Adult Protective Services and Nursing Home & Community Ombudsman.
- Today
Six centers, three counties
Two senior centers in Elgin (101 S. Grove Avenue corporate office and the Elgin Township site on McLean Blvd.) plus multipurpose centers in Aurora, Yorkville, McHenry, and Crystal Lake , points of entry for able-bodied seniors into the services they may need as they age.
Help Improve Seniors' Lives
Help carry the next 50 years forward.
Help us sustain and enhance the lives of seniors, the disabled, and their caregivers , ensuring continued access to vital services that preserve independence, well-being, and dignity.