Seniors

Published on March 12, 2026 at 2:21 PM

Senior Services 

BYNC

Back of the yards of neighborhood counsel Beat (924)

Senior Support Services

 

he BYNC provides free support services to seniors in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. These services include the senior computer lab, senior club, the shuttle bus, and small accessible home repairs.

Senior Computer Lab

Every Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m., the BYNC computer lab is open to neighborhood seniors, providing them with an opportunity to learn basic computer skills. For more information, please contact Norma Manzo at (872) 281-7832 or nmanzo@bync.org.

Senior Club

The BYNC hosts a Senior Club meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. A catered lunch is provided while the seniors play Bingo. Occasionally, the BYNC hosts senior day trips. For more information, please contact Jim Gonska at (872) 281-7832 or jsgonska@bync.org.

Shuttle Bus

The BYNC through SSA 10 and SSA 39 supports local shopping in the area by providing transportation to our neighborhood senior citizens. We operate a free small shuttle bus service that provides door-to-door, convenient, safe, and free transportation for the senior citizens in our area; allowing them to remain independent and self-sufficient.

To reserve the bus, call our office the day before, anytime between 9:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at (872) 281-7832. The bus driver will call you to confirm your pick-up time for the next day.

SSA 10 Map & Locations
SSA 39 Map & Locations

 

Small Accessible Repairs (SARFS)

The Small Accessible Repairs for Seniors (SARFS) program provides safety, security and accessibility improvements that help senior citizens to remain in their homes. BYNC is a delegate agency, under contract to the City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development. We are available to assist seniors with the SARFS application process, make on-site assessments to determine service needs, and provide limited home improvements at no cost to the applicant.

Repair types are limited to minor repairs that may include, but are not limited to:

  • Grab Bars
  • Level Faucets
  • Door Repairs and Replacements
  • Floor Tile in Kitchen and Bathroom
  • Carbon Monoxide Detectors
  • Smoke Detectors
  • Wheelchair Ramps

For more information please contact Jim Gonska (872) 281-7832 or jsgonska@bync.org

 

009 CAPS Elder person Meetings

The Chicago Police Department (CPD) utilizes Senior Services Liaisons (often working within the Community Area Policing Strategy, or CAPS) to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the elderly community. These officers focus on the specific vulnerabilities of seniors, such as social isolation, physical frailty, and the risk of financial exploitation.

Safety & Crime Prevention

  • Scam & Fraud Education: Providing workshops on common "con games," telemarketing scams, and identity theft schemes specifically targeting seniors.

     

  • Home Safety Inspections: Assisting seniors in identifying physical vulnerabilities in their homes (e.g., poor lighting, weak locks) and suggesting improvements.

  • Personal Safety Presentations: Educating seniors on situational awareness, the safe use of ATMs, and what to do if they feel they are being followed.

Community Engagement

  • Senior Sub-Committee Meetings: Organizing regular district meetings where seniors can discuss neighborhood-specific concerns directly with police.

  • Senior outings: Organize regular outing to Brookfield zoo and other locations and much more. 

 

For more information contact the 9th District Elder person Liaison :James.Mcandrew@chicagopolice.org

 

Important Hotlines for All Areas:

  • Chicago Senior Services Hotline: (312) 744-4016

  • Illinois Department on Aging (Senior Helpline): (800) 252-8966

  • Elder Abuse Hotline: (866) 800-1409

CHI 311

he CHI 311 app acts as a digital front door for the City of Chicago, allowing seniors and their caregivers to bypass phone hold times and request essential services directly from their smartphones. It effectively digitizes the "one-stop link" provided by the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS).

Key Services for Seniors on the App

  • Well-Being Checks: One of the most critical features. Residents can request a "Gatekeeper" visit where city personnel check on a senior who may be isolated or hasn't been heard from.

  • Senior Information & Assessment: Users can submit a request for a comprehensive assessment. This is the starting point for qualifying for city-funded programs like home-delivered meals or chore services.

     

  • Home Modification Requests (SARFS): Through the app, seniors can inquire about the Small Accessibility Repairs for Seniors program, which provides free safety modifications like grab bars, handrails, and floor repairs to help them age in place safely.

     

  • Home-Delivered Meals Enrollment: While the delivery itself is handled by partners like Meals on Wheels, the initial application and request for home-delivered meal services can be initiated via a 311 service request.

  • Emergency Resource Locators: During extreme weather, the app provides real-time locations for Heating and Cooling Centers, which is vital for seniors who may be vulnerable to Chicago’s temperature swings.

  • Public Safety & Infrastructure: Seniors can report neighborhood issues that affect their mobility and safety, such as broken streetlights, unshoveled sidewalks (snow removal complaints), or sidewalk repairs to prevent falls.

 

Visit :https://311.chicago.gov/

 

Important Hotlines for All Areas:

  • Chicago Senior Services Hotline: (312) 744-4016

  • Illinois Department on Aging (Senior Helpline): (800) 252-8966

  • Elder Abuse Hotline: (866) 800-1409

 

Meals on Wheels Chicago

Primary Services Provided

  • Home-Delivered Meals: This is their hallmark service. Prepared by registered dietitians, these meals are tailored to be low-sodium and heart-healthy. Volunteers deliver both hot and cold meals directly to homebound individuals who are unable to shop or cook for themselves.

     

  • Wellness Checks: Every delivery serves as an informal "eyes and ears" check-in. For an isolated senior, the delivery driver might be the only person they see all day, providing a critical safety net in case of a fall or medical emergency.

     

  • Nourish Chicago Pantry: Recognizing the rising cost of groceries, they operate specialized food pantries (like the one on the Southwest Side) that provide fresh produce, lean proteins, and shelf-stable essentials to seniors who can still travel but need financial relief.

     

  • Animeals: Because many seniors will share their own limited food with their pets, Meals on Wheels provides free pet food and "wellness packs" to ensure both the client and their animal companions are well-fed.

     

  • Social Connection: Beyond the front door, they support community dining programs at local senior centers, offering congregate lunches that include social activities like Bingo or educational workshops.

 

 

FOR SENIORS, 60 AND OLDER:

The Home Meal Delivery Program for seniors is managed by The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services.

To enroll, please contact the City’s Information and Assessment Office at (312) 744-4016. If you are already enrolled and have questions, please contact Open Kitchens at (312) 666-5335.

 

FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES, 18 TO 59 YEARS OLD:

The Home Delivered Meals for Individuals with Disabilities program (HDMID) is managed by our partners at the Chicago Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities.

To enroll, please contact the City’s office at (312) 746-5773 or email MOPDInfo@cityofchicago.org.

 

 

For more information Visit : https://www.mealsonwheelschicago.org/

 

 

Chinese American Service League (CASL) 

Chinese American Service League (CASL)  Beat 914

Serving Chinatown and surrounding areas.

  • Location: 2141 S. Tan Ct, Chicago, IL 60616

  • Phone: (312) 791-0418

  • Website: caslservice.org

 

  • Services Offered: * Adult Day Service: Supervised social and health activities for seniors.

    • In-Home Care: Assistance with daily living tasks for homebound seniors.

    • Senior Housing: Assistance navigating affordable housing options.

    • Golden Diner: Congregate meal programs.

    • Health Navigation: Bilingual support for Medicare/Medicaid and health screenings.

Alivio Medical Center 

Alivio Medical Center - Pilsen Satellite Senior Center

Serving Bridgeport, McKinley Park, and Pilsen.

  • Location: 2021 S. Morgan St (Casa Maravilla), Chicago, IL 60608

  • Phone: (312) 743-0493

  • Website: alivio.org

  • Logo:

  • Services Offered: * Bilingual Services: Specialized bicultural support for Latino and Chinese seniors.

    • Congregate Meals: Nutritional lunches served Monday through Friday.

    • Benefits Enrollment: Help with Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP.

    • Exercise Programs: Evidence-based fitness classes for older adults.

    • Warming/Cooling Center: Designated safe space during extreme weather.

Esperanza Health Centers

Esperanza Health Centers - Panorama (PACE) Beat 922

Serving Brighton Park and Gage Park.

  • Location: 4720 S. California Ave, Chicago, IL 60632

  • Phone: (773) 819-7223

  • Website: esperanzachicago.org

  • Logo:

  • Services Offered: * PACE Program: All-inclusive care for the elderly (Medical, Social, Therapy).

    • Social Center: Daily activities and peer engagement.

    • Transportation: Door-to-door transport to the center and medical appointments.

    • Home Care: Coordination of help for seniors living at home.