West Suburban Senior Services
CMSS recently incorporated West Suburban Senior Services into our continuum of care. This senior center located in Bellwood, Illinois has served thousands of older adults and their families since 1973.
WSSS provides services to older adults in the western suburbs to ensure access to socialization, mental stimulation, exercise, a daily lunch, and education on various programs and issues important to healthy aging. We offer area seniors access to exercise programs, dancing classes, movies, brain games, card games, a lunch program, and information from guest speakers on issues and services important to the senior community including health education, a free visiting legal clinic, access to community leaders, and more.
2022 programming:
Bellwood Senior Center re-opened to in-person participants on March 14, 2022, after being closed due to the pandemic and building renovations. The senior center happily welcomed back former regular participants as well as many new faces to participate in events and activities we’ve always offered as well as some exciting programs new in 2022.
- Exercise programs with customized workouts for participants and an online library of exercise classes hosted by Loyola UChicago Exercise Science intern Karen Gomez..
- Health education and support with accessing needed healthcare programs and services.
- In partnership with the Community Nutrition Network and Age Options Illinois, WSSS plans to open as a congregate meal site in June 2022, where eligible participants may receive a low-cost or free nutritious lunch 5 days a week.
- Monthly neighborhood free legal clinics offered by the Illinois Center for Disability and Elder Law. Services include drafting Powers of Attorney documents & executing estate planning documents.
- A hybrid program where experiences of LGBT+ older adults are shared with care staff to improve their understanding and support of LGBT+ older adults.
- Thrive with Pride Cafe connecting LGBTQIA+ participants with affirming providers to make the most of the benefits they are eligible for.
Thank you to all our partners and supporters who make West Suburban Senior Services programming possible!
Why WSSS?
Senior centers serve as a gateway to the nation’s aging network—connecting older adults to vital services and supports that can help them stay healthy and independent. Research shows older adults who visit Senior Centers experience measurable improvements in their physical, social, spiritual, emotional, mental, and economic well-being.
LGBT+ Program
The West Suburban Senior Services LGBT+ program (formerly known as SAGE) serves the LGBT+ and allied older adult population in the western suburbs of Chicago. We believe it is vitally important to offer targeted outreach and services to LGBT+ older adults to promote equality and dignity in service delivery and break down barriers which can limit access to needed services.
Current programming includes a weekly lunch/discussion group, a weekly crafters group, and a monthly movie night. Our mission is to understand and meet the growing needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and allied community in the western suburbs through outreach and programming delivered with knowledge, sensitivity, and pride.
SAGE Program
The West Suburban Senior Services SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders) program serves the LGBT+ and allied older adult population in the western suburbs of Chicago. We believe it is vitally important to offer targeted outreach and services to LGBT+ older adults to promote equality and dignity in service delivery and break down barriers which can limit access to needed services.
Chicago Methodist Senior Services is proud to be Platinum SAGE certified, meaning that all of our staff is educated on LGBT+ history, inclusion, and compentency, and that gives us the opportunity to provide unique programs to our LGBT+ seniors.
Current programming includes a weekly lunch/discussion group, a weekly crafters group, and a monthly movie night. Our mission is to understand and meet the growing needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and allied community in the western suburbs through outreach and programming delivered with knowledge, sensitivity, and pride.
We always welcome volunteers!
Do you have a talent, passion project, or expertise that you’d like to share with older adults in our community? The Bellwood Senior Center is always looking for individuals and groups to contribute to our weekday programs and activities, including:
- Presentations on engaging topics or hobbies
- Musical, dance, or other arts-related performances
- Exercise, wellness, mindfulness, or nutrition classes
- Visits from individual pets or animal welfare groups
Get in touch:
West Suburban Senior Services
439 Bohland Ave.
Bellwood, IL 60104
WestSuburban@cmsschicago.org
(708) 547-5600
Facebook.com/WSSSseniors
