Senior Connections is a no-cost program that matches trained volunteers with older adults to create mutually beneficial friendships that reduce loneliness and isolation.
Research has shown that lack of social connection is of greater detriment to our health than smoking up to fifteen (15) cigarettes per day, obesity, physical inactivity, or air pollution. Older adults, in particular, are among the most at-risk groups for loneliness and social isolation.
Through our Senior Connections program, CMSS is working to combat loneliness and isolation in our neighborhoods. By providing opportunities for social interaction and emphasizing the benefits of intergenerational friendships, we seek to strengthen our communities and support networks for older adults.
Read more about building social connections to combat loneliness here.
In 1991, an Evanston church established Senior Connections. For thirty years, the Senior Connections program has remained vital to the Chicagoland community by reducing loneliness and social isolation through intergenerational friendships.
Today Senior Connections is offered through CMSS. This is a vital and timely initiative building stronger communities, creating mutually beneficial connections, and combating social isolation and loneliness.
The mission of Senior Connections is to strengthen the community by building relationships between generations that encourage happiness and health while bringing attention to social isolation and loneliness.
At Senior Connections, our goal is to heal the individual and community, one connection at a time. We do this by facilitating intergenerational friendships between older adults and dedicated volunteers, enhancing health through interdisciplinary approaches, in an environment of dignity and respect, regardless of socioeconomic status or background.
The program has always and will continue to serve the northern suburbs of Chicago. Soon, we will be expanding the program to Chicago’s northside neighborhoods and eventually, the western suburbs!
Contact us to see if you’re in our current program area.
The mission of Senior Connections is to strengthen the community by building relationships between generations that encourage happiness and health while bringing attention to social isolation and loneliness.
Our goal is to heal the individual and community, one connection at a time. We do this by facilitating intergenerational friendships between older adults and dedicated volunteers, enhancing health through interdisciplinary approaches, in an environment of dignity and respect, regardless of socioeconomic status or background.
The program has always and will continue to serve the northern suburbs of Chicago. Soon, we will be expanding the program to Chicago’s northside neighborhoods and eventually, the western suburbs!
Contact us to see if you’re in our current program area.
Volunteers must:
Volunteers must complete:
Participants must:
Participants must complete:
Volunteers must:
Volunteers must complete:
Participants must:
Participants must complete:
To apply to become a volunteer, please fill out our application.
For participant inquiries, referrals, or questions:
Email seniorconnections@cmsschicago.org
Call 847-869-0682
2022 Honoring Excellence Community Impact Award
Presented by LeadingAge Illinois
2021 Community Partner Award
Presented by Loyola University Chicago Center for Engaged Learning, Teaching and Scholarship
2022 Honoring Excellence Community Impact Award
Presented by LeadingAge Illinois
2021 Community Partner Award
Presented by Loyola University Chicago Center for Engaged Learning, Teaching and Scholarship
Email us at info@cmsschicago.org or sign up for emails:
© Chicago Methodist Senior Services 2023
