CJE Adult Day Services: A Home Away From Home
CJE Adult Day Services: A Home Away From Home
by Linsey Knerl
This month, we recognize the work of Renewal’s well-known community partner, CJE SeniorLife, and celebrate its newly renovated and revitalized Adult Day Services Program.
CJE SeniorLife, known to many as the venerable Council for Jewish Elderly, is headquartered on Touhy Avenue in nearby Rogers’ Park and recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. The organization’s community services division offers robust programming for those who are 60 years+ and their families, primarily to residents on the north side of Chicago and surrounding suburbs: Evanston, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, the North Shore, and Deerfield.
The Adult Day Program in Evanston provides a weekday “home away from home” for individuals managing the challenges of neurocognitive illness, memory loss and social isolation. The setting features varied programming that emphasizes music, art, brain health games and exercises, breakfast, lunch, and snacks led by professionals and volunteers in a sociable group setting.
Attending the program can provide structure, some routine and a place of purpose for those who have felt isolated at home or disconnected socially. Family caregivers also benefit from the respite and time that attendance make possible - the gift of time to rest, recharge and cover appointments or other personal responsibilities.
Most importantly, the Adult Day Program fosters relationships and connections between and among participants. Its culture of acceptance, respect, and kindness makes it possible for participants and staff to establish a sense of community and belonging. There are many special moments created and shared together in this welcoming milieu.
Melissa Gelfand, CJE’s Director of Community Services, is the heart and leader of the Adult Day Services’ staff. She led the program through challenging times during the pandemic. For Adult Day’s new chapter, Melissa has recruited a talented team that includes social workers, a nurse, creative arts therapists, and aides, working together to meet client needs in a fresh, new, and well-designed space on Howard Street in Evanston.
Melissa has been part of CJE’s staff for 17 years and has extensive experience in rehab services, mental health, and hospital-based care for older adults. Melissa and the team welcome inquiries and can help arrange tours. Depending on location, transportation to and from the program can be provided.
Learn more about the Adult Day Program by visiting the website and taking a virtual tour: https://www.cje.net/adsevanston. For questions or to learn more, contact Melissa, manager Victoria Gruber or social worker Jordyn Cohen at 773-508-1000. We are proud to support their important mission and work.