About the Nonprofit
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The mission of the North Shore Senior Center (NSSC) is to foster the independence and well-being of older adults, enhance their dignity and self-respect and promote their participation in and contribution toward all aspects of community life.
Founded in 1956, the original intent of North Shore Senior Center (NSSC) was to enrich the lives of older adults by giving them a place to socialize, volunteer and learn. Today, NSSC serves and engages more than 24,000 older adults and their families each year throughout Chicago’s northern suburbs. As a nationally accredited organization, NSSC offers a comprehensive suite of services, including social services, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, care management, money management, therapeutic counseling, education and wellness programs, caregiver support, and opportunities to socialize and volunteer.
The majority of older adults NSSC serves are low income and need support and resources to maintain their independence; assistance maintaining their financial security or their access to public benefits; and/or need help in order to preserve or improve their health and well-being. In FY2023, 71% of the older adults served through NSSC's social service programs were low income and 80% were of Greatest Social Need (one or more of the following: age 75+, low-income minority, lives alone, limited English).
Examples of NSSC programs and services include:
•General Case Management and Care Coordination: Care Coordinators conduct an assessment and work closely with older adults to create and implement care plans.
•Older Adults Benefit Program: Trained volunteers help older adults apply for and maintain public entitlements and other benefits.
•Choices for Care: Individuals who plan to enter a nursing facility are screened to determine level of care. Participants are informed of all resources available to make an informed decision.
•Support Groups: NSSC offers a variety of support groups, free of charge to participants, their families, their caregivers and the community. Examples of support groups include Parkinson’s disease, hearing loss, dementia, and caregiver support.
•Lifelong Learning: Offers a selection of educational programs that promote physical and mental health and help create socialization opportunities.
•House of Welcome: HOW provides specialized programs for people living with dementia and their family caregivers.
•Escorted Transportation Services (ETS): Provides adults age 60+ with rides to and from medical appointments.