Our Beginnings

In the summer of 2007, three couples, impressed by the success of Beacon Hill Village in Boston decided to form a similar non-profit in Chicago, Lincoln Park Village. They purchased the BHV "how to" manual to jump start their efforts. The mission was to enable members to remain in their homes and apartments as they aged via access to a central referral number for services and social networking.

A small Exploratory Committee was formed and met every three weeks. Subsequently, articles of incorporation were filed, 501C3 tax-exempt status was obtained and a Founding Board established. Working committees focused on planning and research.

In August of 2008 Dianne Campbell, the Founding Executive Director, came on board, a small office was opened at 2502 N. Clark St. and part-time staff was hired. A business consultant helped to formulate a strategic plan, professionally implemented focus groups provided useful insights, a "town hall" style meeting attracted over 200 attendees, and a number of smaller coffee gatherings led to additional insights and feedback. A detailed survey, developed with the assistance of Mather LifeWays, was completed by 500 community respondents and yielded further direction.

Enthusiasm for this concept was extraordinary and many neighbors spontaneously joined in the effort as volunteers. Community building, one of the primary goals of the founders, was being implemented from the outset. Along with that came the realization that the goal was not only to assist those who needed crucial heath related services but to reenergize younger and very active community residents with a rainbow of exciting programs, services, and volunteer opportunities.

Lincoln Park Village memberships begin at age 50 and are renewable annually. The modest membership fee offers basic services and access to a central phone number to handle individual needs as they arise. Members choose from a menu of Village services via our network of experienced professionals and our force of trained and talented volunteers. A number of services are included in the annual fee, with others provided at reduced rates. About 20% of memberships are subsidized through the Member-Plus program, depending on income level. The annual budget of the organization is based on membership dues providing more than 50% of income with the remainder obtained from fundraising support.

Village organizers are enthusiastic about this rapidly expanding social movement and its positive implications for a much needed change in the arena of aging in this country.