Robert Petranek, Eileen Fitzgerald, Maureen Wood, Karen Kelly (left-right)
BOARD OFFICERS
ROBERT PETRANEK - PRESIDENT
MAUREEN WOOD - VICE- PRESIDENT
EILEEN FITZGERALD - SECRETARY
KAREN KELLY - TREASURER
BOARD MEMBERS
Janet Garreau, Gaye Wagner,
Terri Geppner, Connie Catalano
SUPPORTERS
Mary Ferguson, Renee Faur, Lisa Culligan
TOWNSHIP
FFDGTS LIAISON
Contact the Senior Services Coordinator:
630-719-6670
OUR STORY
OUR STORY
OUR MISSION
The FFDGTS mission is to foster the independence and well-being of older adults. Based on their needs, we seek to enhance quality of life by acting as a resource for funding programs, services, education and information.
OUR STORY
OUR STORY
OUR STORY
Friends For Downers Grove Township Seniors (FFDGTS) was established as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit in 2013. The organization seeks monetary donations, contributions and grants to support services for older adults living in the township community.
Our first goal provided monetary support for the township Dial-A-Ride program, a senior an
Friends For Downers Grove Township Seniors (FFDGTS) was established as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit in 2013. The organization seeks monetary donations, contributions and grants to support services for older adults living in the township community.
Our first goal provided monetary support for the township Dial-A-Ride program, a senior and disabled transportation service provided by the Township through a contract with PACE. This goal was achieved, and brought the cost of service to an affordable $3 each way.
As our senior population expands, services are needed more than ever with the last of the baby boomers coming of age by 2030.
OUR STORY
FUTURE GOALS
Maintain financial support for township services, programs and activities while supporting the new Township Center with much needed equipment in order to best serve older adults in our community.
Who are we... and our partners?
Sharing Information
Sharing Information
Sharing Information
Senior Survival Skills Seminar - Jane's Journey
(Center) Eileen Fitzgerald, Board President/Elder Law Attorney and Maureen Wood, Board Vice-President/Brightstar Care.
This timely topic told of "Jane's Journey" through the system of care including POA's, Living Wills, housing, in-home care & more.
Making It Happen
Sharing Information
Sharing Information
2019 Annual Fundraiser at Oak Trace Senior Living
(l-r) Robert Petranek Board Member /Coldwell Banker Associate,
Connie Carlson (Oak Trace ), Mary Ferguson (Aspired Living)
and Maureen Wood, Board Member/Brightstar Care).
Aspired Living hosted our 2018 fundraiser!
People with passion WHO CARE
Fundraising at the Grove Fest
Volunteers at the Car Care Clinic
Volunteers at the Car Care Clinic
Many of our members volunteer each year at the Rotary Grove Fest in Downers Grove for added $$ for FFDGTS (Janet Garreau of Interfaith Community Partners, is front and center!
Volunteers at the Car Care Clinic
Volunteers at the Car Care Clinic
Volunteers at the Car Care Clinic
Annual Car Care Clinic in Westmont with AARP trained Car Technicians testing vital components for safe driving on each senior's car
TOWNSHIP COUNTY STATE
SENIOR DEMOGRAPHICS
The senior population has changed dramatically in the last 10 years. While the township has increased its population by less than 2%, seniors 65 and older have increased by 4.1% and 55 and older by 10.6%!
Downers Grove Township Boundary Map
Senior of the year award recipients
George Goodwin 2022 Senior Of the Year Award Winner
George is an award-winning teacher and trainer with AARP Driver Safety. In addition he is Deputy State Coordinator helping to manage nearly 150 Driver Safety Volunteers. George also leads the CarFit Program in Illinois, teaching new CarFit Technicians, supervising CarFit Events where senior drivers learn how to adjust their cars for comfort and safety. George leads the Marketing efforts of Driver Safety and is frequently promoting the enhanced Smart Driver Courses at Senior Expos in Chicagoland.
Ruth Anderson - 2020/21 Senior VIP Award Winner FFDGTS For nearly 50 years Ruth Anderson served the Township community through the not-for-profit FISH Food Pantry (4341 Saratoga Ave) with compassion and dedication. She coordinated back-to-school programs, food & clothing drives, holiday meals, gift cards, rides for clients and more- serving thousands of families over her tenure at the Township. She managed with exceptional leadership in collaboration with her volunteer partners. Ruth has retired, but commented, when honored, "I would do it all again tomorrow if I could!"
Hanna Benioff - 2019 Senior VIP Award Winner for FFDGTS Retired Senior Services Coordinator, Downers Grove Township, originated many of the programs & resources currently available through the township, most notably, the Banner News and DGTV Vintage Times Series. Hanna continues to stay involved in educational classes, local coalitions and the League of Women Voters. She is also a staunch advocate for the hearing impaired.
Floyd Mizener- 2018 Senior VIP Award Winner for FFDGTS WWII Veteran, Lyons Club member, current Township Senior Advisory Committee member and perpetual volunteer. As a retired optometrist, Floyd is a dedicated supporter of properly conducted vision testing for young children, adolescents, adults and seniors. Floyd helped initiate the positive changes to state driving laws regarding yearly driving tests for elderly seniors.