Mission

We speak a different language.

It begins with the word joy. It continues with the unending belief that older adults should never retire their spirit. Never let go of their curiosity. And never, ever surrender their independence.

More than a century ago, Presbyterian Homes' founders believed that these aspirations were vital to the well being of older adults with limited financial means. And they did something about it. They started an organization that allowed older people to live in a community that provided friendship, dignity, and opportunities for fulfillment.

Today, Presbyterian Homes is renowned for its vibrant, extraordinary residential communities for older adults. Yet, benevolence remains at the heart of our mission. You can read about "A Place Called Home" in our 2009 Annual Report of the Geneva Foundation of Presbyterian Homes.

In fact, it is seamlessly integrated into the life and spirit of Presbyterian Homes. One out of six residents receives financial assistance through our charitable Geneva Foundation. In the year 2009, we invested over $7.5 million in providing housing, health care, and other services to older adults.

Through these charitable programs, Presbyterian Homes seeks to embody the values of the Christian tradition for persons of all faiths by attending to their physical, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual needs.

Our benevolent initiatives, operated by the Geneva Foundation, hold enormous importance to those who support our mission. Funds for this work come solely from donors and endowment income - not from resident fees. Nor does Presbyterian Homes accept any government grants. Throughout the past century of service, Presbyterian Homes has never stopped serving a resident based on that resident's inability to pay.

In 1914 Presbyterian Homes served fewer than 10 people. In 2007, over 300 older adults received some form of financial assistance. These older adults represent diverse faith traditions and socioeconomic backgrounds. As a faith- based residential community, Presbyterian Homes continues to look for new ways to provide assistance and community to those who need our support. Here are profiles of the benevolent programs that the Geneva Foundation provides:

Lifecare Services

A wonderful program that provides lifecare services to older Presbyterians and members of affiliated churches who have limited financial resources. Geneva program residents live independently within our communities. Those who require more extensive care reside at the McGaw Care Center.

Neighborhood Homes

There is empowerment and independence when you can remain in your own neighborhood - especially as you grow older. In Chicago's Lake View neighborhood, 85 low- income older adults who have lived and worked in the neighborhood for years reside in Lake View Place or Crowder Place. Here, they pay only modest, subsidized rents for their safe, well-equipped apartments. In 2009, the Geneva Foundation opened a new apartment building in west Rogers Park called Devon Place. In all three buildings, residents maintain important neighborhood ties and live in a community of older adults who care about, and look after, each other.

The Endowed Bed Program

The high cost of health care - particularly for older adults - can have a devastating effect on a family's resources. Through this program, Presbyterian Homes provides care in the McGaw Care Center to as many as six residents who need 24-hour nursing.

The Neighborhood Homes Without Walls Program

Older adults cherish their independence as much as anyone else. This program provides older adults in southern Lake County with financial assistance to meet their housing needs and helps them stay in their own homes and communities.

Adult Day Services

The demands of caregiving to older adults can be exhausting to their families. We provide care for older adults who need full-time or temporary assistance during the workday at Great Opportunities Adult Day Services in Skokie. This program provides much-needed support to caregivers and allow 50 older adults (who might otherwise need full-time assisted-living care) to remain with their families.