Little Brothers-Friends Of The Elderly

Social actities: lbfe's older adults begin to build connections through social activities, and they have many opportunities to spend time with friends throughout the year. Large parties are held on thanksgiving at two locations throughout the city, and meals with visits are done on thanksgiving and christmas day. Each spring, lbfe hosts the fete d'armand marquiset, a party celebrting the founder. Every month, there is a birthday party so that older adults who are born in that month can celebrate with friends. The lbfe coffee & conversation offers bi-weekly events for older adults to share coffee and chat on thursday mornings. Summer gatherings, day-trips, and 4-day vacations to audrey's house provide opportunities for older adults to create new friendships. Luncheons throughout the year provide opportunities for intergenerational gatherings and the celebration of the season.

Direct services: while the mission of lbfe is to alleviate isolation and loneliness, we also provide some direct services to the isolated and lonely older adults who are participants in our programs. These services include a monthly food bag program as well as providing limited transportation, one-time emergency assistance, and, for older adults grappling with larger issues, the oversight of a licensed clinical social worker.

Vacations: lbfe provides vacation experiences to combat loneliness by giving our older adults the opportunity to spend a few days or hours outside the city together, building friendships. Lbfe offers vacation experiences from a few hours for older adults who are homebound, day-long getaways for elders who can travel and four day/three night vacations for older adults who are able to travel outside of chicago. Vacations are offered free of charge to participating elders. In the past, vacation experiences have been limited to summer programs. Beginning in fiscal year 2014, lbfe began offering year-round vacations and programs at a dedicated property, audrey's house, in batavia, il.