CJE SeniorLife Adult Day Services in Evanston

Today and every day, we celebrate love, authenticity, and the courage it takes to be exactly who you are. Pride is more than a moment—it’s a reminder of the strength found in community, the progress we’ve made, and the work that still lies ahead.
As we celebrate, we also honor the generations who paved the way—especially LGBTQ+ older adults whose resilience, advocacy, and lived experiences have shaped the freedoms we continue to fight for today. Their stories remind us that Pride is rooted in history, courage, and connection across generations. 💖

Today is Holocaust Survivor Day, a day not of mourning, but of celebration.

At CJE, this day is deeply personal. We have the privilege of walking alongside survivors every day, supporting lives shaped by unimaginable hardship and defined by resilience, courage, and purpose.

The survivors we serve are more than witnesses to history. They are our clients, residents, neighbors, and teachers. They remind us each day why our work matters and what it truly means to care for another person.

Today, we pause in gratitude for the honor of serving them and celebrate the extraordinary lives they have built.

This artwork was created by Alex Kagan, a CJE resident and a Holocaust survivor. Mr. Kagan combines his artistic talent with his professional background in computer science to create his pieces.

Join us for our next Virtual Book Club in which our facilitators will lead us in conversation about The Forgotten Road by Richard Paul Evans on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

Register and read a synopsis about our book selections at https://cje.net/cje-virtual-book-club/

CJE VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB - CJE SeniorLife 3rd Wednesday at 11 am Please join us in thanking Reed and welcoming Janelle Strong to our Virtual Book Club community. At the same time, we are delighted to welcome Janelle Strong as our new book review facilitator. Janelle brings a fresh perspective, a passion for literature, and a love of meaning...

On Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten. As we gather with family and friends, we reflect with gratitude on the freedoms we enjoy because of them. From all of us at CJE SeniorLife, we wish you a safe and meaningful Memorial Day

Please note that our administrative offices on Touhy and Adult Day Services in Evanston will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026.

Shavuot is a Jewish holiday which is both an ancient celebration of the late-spring harvest and one that commemorates receiving the Torah. Warm holiday greetings to all who celebrate.

Please note that CJE's administrative offices in on Touhy Avenue and Adult Day Services in Evanston will be closed at 3pm on Thursday, May 21 and on Friday, May 22.

Dr. Heather Johnston will share successful strategies for navigating medical systems and health provider relationships, including trips to the E.R. and the hospital discharge process. Dr. Johnston has been on both sides of the bed, as both a patient and a doctor. In college, she was diagnosed with stage IV Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and then went on to help others as a pediatrician on faculty at the University of Chicago. Since that time, she’s been back in the patient role, receiving treatment for both heart failure and breast cancer. With all this behind her, she now hosts the Dr. Patient podcast which focuses on the patient/provider relationship.

Friday, June 19, 2026 • 11 am–Noon CT
Free, virtual event.
Registration required: https://cje.net/programsandevents/insights-on-aging/

Speaker:
Heather Johnston, MD

✨ Save the Date: Celebrate CJE ✨Join us for an unforgettable evening that brings our community together for incredible entertainment and meaningful connection—all while shining a light on CJE’s vital programs and services that support older adults and their families.

Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | 5:30pm
NorthShore Center for the Performing Arts
9501 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL

Enjoy cocktails and small plates, catered by Zelda’s, followed by a captivating performance by acclaimed entertainer Hershey Felder, renowned for his theatrical portrayals of legendary composers and his unique blend of music and storytelling.

2026 Honorees:
🔷 Rabbi Michael S. Siegel
🔷 Adrienne Drell & the late Frank Nitikman, z”l

For more information: https://cje.net/celebratecje/

🎉 An evening of celebration. An evening of impact. 💕

Birdhouse Painting for Our Community

Join us for a creative afternoon decorating birdhouses to brighten our community! These will be donated to CJE’s affordable housing buildings as well as Gidwitz Place and Friend Center in Deerfield to beautify gardens and welcome local wildlife.
Birdhouses provide a safe space for birds to nest and raise their young away from the elements. By installing them, we help residents enjoy birdwatching while supporting conservation efforts for species struggling to find natural nesting spots.

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 • 1–2 PM
My Go-To Place Village Center
5120 Galitz Street, Skokie, IL

👉Registration required https://cje.net/gather-and-give-back/
💜Free and open to all. No prior experience is necessary. All supplies included. We look forward to seeing you there!

My Go-to Place! The place for camaraderie and conversation for older adults.

Today is the 3rd annual SAVvy Day, a national movement that is reshaping how we see and support solo aging. SAVvy Day is more than a date on the calendar.
It is a initiative to spotlight the creative resilience of solo agers and celebrate the intentional lives they are building. Navigating solo is a practical reality for many—and it is also emotional, deeply personal, and deserving of visibility and respect.

Who is a solo ager?
A solo ager is an adult 55+ who is without the reliable support of adult children or close family members. This growing population is redefining independence, connection, and community in powerful ways.

At CJE SeniorLife, we believe no one has to navigate aging alone. One way we support solo agers is through:
Aging Together--A support group for older adults who find themselves aging alone. While solo aging presents real challenges, there is also hope. Feeling connected to others can improve physical, emotional, and mental health. This group offers a welcoming space to share experiences, build understanding, and forge new connections. Join us!

🗓 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month
⏰ 11:00 am–Noon
💻 Zoom | Free
📋 Advanced screening and registration required. For more information, visit https://cje.net/aging-together-virtual-support-group/ call 773.508.1000 for more information

You may also be interested in learning more about solo aging from our partners at the Navigating Solo Network https://navigatingsolo.com/

Proudly sponsored by CJE SeniorLife, CJE Academy brings meaningful learning and expert voices to our community through its educational series for positive aging.

Last week, we enjoyed a wonderful evening with Dr. Stacie Levine, MD, CMD, FAAHPM, AGSF, who shared insights on Brain Health and Positive Aging: Science-Based Strategies for a Stronger Mind. With warmth and energy, Dr. Levine offered practical tips to help us stay sharp, engaged, and resilient at every stage of life.
Thank you to everyone who joined us. We love learning together.

📸 Pictured left to right: Dan Fagin, President and CEO of CJE SeniorLife; Dr. Stacie Levine; and Dr. Jeffrey Graff, CJE SeniorLife Board Member.