708.361.0219
Pathlights is a vital component of a healthy, empowered, and compassionate community. We guide people along the path to aging in South & Southwest Suburban Cook County.
Everyone knows someone who can benefit from our services.
For resources call 708.361.0219
HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?
We’re all getting older — every day. This looks different to each of us but most share common aging goals: to age well, age in our homes, and remain independent contributors to our communities. So where do we go if we need a little — or a lot of — help along the path to aging?
In Southwest Suburban Cook County, Pathlights is the “go-to” community resource. Our programs and services are needs-based, and most are available at no cost. We serve people across all financial levels and some programs follow specific eligibility requirements. We help provide care, food, and safety so older adults and adults with disabilities can remain in their homes with dignity for as long as possible. Learn more below.
CARE
Our resources can enhance your life and aid caregivers, friends, and family with in-house services, support groups, Respite, benefits’ assistance, free workshops and events, and options for safe transition from hospitals or skilled nursing facilities.
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Food
Sometimes accessing basic nutrition can be a challenge for older adults living independently or with limitations. We can help with home-delivered meals and assistance with Illinois SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps.
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SAFETY
Our trained professionals work with the Illinois Department on Aging to investigate abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults and adults with disabilities, and educate our community how to take action to prevent abuse.
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We need your help. Please consider helping Pathlights so we can empower more neighbors who need a little — or a lot of — help along the path to aging. Your donations help our nonprofit provide care, food, and safety to more people in our community.
Pathlights Annual Report FY24
Learn about the impactful work and accomplishments achieved as we continue our mission to empower individuals navigating the life cycle.
Thank You Sponsors
Events
The Caregiver’s Heart: Healing the Hidden Losses of Eldercare
April 30 at 10:30 AM
Caring for an aging loved one brings a unique and often silent form of grief that starts long before the final goodbye. This essential seminar offers a compassionate space to address the complex emotional losses that erode health, including mourning changes in your loved one’s memory or health while they are still here, and coping with the heavy burden of resentment and guilt that can build up over time. You will gain practical tools for setting boundaries, managing burnout, and helping you find healing and a new sense of purpose.
Registration Closed.
Registration is full. This free event will be held at the Palos Heights Recreation Center, 6601 W. 127th St., Palos Heights. Refreshments provided.
Senior Citizen Law Enforcement Academy
Starting May 1 at 10 AM
Join the Cook County Sheriff’s Office for this six-week program is designed to give seniors an overview of the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies in Cook County. The curriculum offers participants an in depth look at law enforcement agency operations, as well as specific crime prevention methods, including personal safety, gang and drug awareness, home protection and avoiding scams and con games.
Class dates are May 1, 8, 15, 29, June 5, 12, from 10 AM to Noon.
Registration Required.
Contact the Cook County at 708.865.7341 to register. This six-week program will be held at the Evergreen Park Community Center, 3450 W. 97th St., Evergreen Park.
Memory Café – Orland Park
May 6 at 10:30 AM
This event takes place at the Orland Park Public Library and is for people living with dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment and their care partners.
Registration Required.
Visit Orland Park Library to register. This presentation will be held at the Orland Park Public Library, 14921 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park.
Senior Citizen Safety Awareness & Crime Prevention Presentation
May 6 at 11 AM
Join the Cook County Sheriff’s Office for an informative presentation focused on senior safety and crime prevention. Learn practical tips to protect yourself at home and while out and about, including strategies to avoid carjacking and auto theft. The session will also cover helpful safety practices for travel and vacation planning, empowering you to stay aware, prepared, and confident wherever you go.
Registration Required.
Contact the Palos Park Public Library at 708.448.1530 to register. This event will be held at the Palos Park Public Library, 12330 Forest Glen Blvd., Palos Park
Shifting the Cultural Beliefs on Aging
May 6 at 12:30 PM
Join Pathlights for this educational program, “Shifting Cultural Beliefs on Aging: Dispelling the Myths of Ageism,” examines the concept of ageism and strategies to identify and address it. Attendees will analyze cultural narratives and myths that influence perceptions of aging and learn evidence-informed approaches to fostering more positive, age-inclusive attitudes. The session is led by gerontologist and certified care manager Colleen Ceh Becvar, who is dedicated to advancing more respectful and inclusive views of older adults.
Registration Required.
Contact Debra or MaryAnn at 708.374.7899 to register. This six-week program will be held at the James W. Ford Resource Center, 19001 S. Cicero Ave., Country Club Hills.
Why Music Works: Enhancing Care, Connection, and Cognition through Music Therapy
May 7 at 12 PM
The intentional use of music is one of the healthiest habits to adopt as we age. Singing, listening, and playing instruments are activities that activate both sides of the brain simultaneously, and the use of familiar or preferred music can access our brain’s reward centers to provide a natural boost of the neurotransmitters responsible for helping us to feel good. You don’t have to have any musical background to experience the benefits of music therapy! The simple act of engaging in musical activity encourages our bodies to move, evokes memories, provides an outlet for creativity and self-expression, elicits relaxation and encourages social connection. Come and learn how you can use music to relieve stress and isolation by enhancing your own health and wellbeing!
Registration Required.
Contact the Homewood Public Library at 708.798.0121 or click here to register. This event will be held at the Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Hwy., Homewood.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
There are many ways you can contribute towards our cause, and every act of generosity goes a long way in helping us fulfill our mission. Please consider making a donation to keep our communities healthy.
Pathlights is a 501(c) (3), independent, charitable, human service organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent of the law. Tax ID: 36-2882809
Stay Social!
Stay in the loop with all of Pathlights’ news and events on our Facebook page. View our feed here, or click the button below to go to our Facebook page and click the Follow button.
Our programs and services are need-based, and most are available at no cost. We serve people across all financial levels and some programs follow specific eligibility requirements. We are available at 708.361.0219.
