OUR MISSION
The FFDGTS mission is to foster the independence and well-being of older adults. Based on their needs, we seek to enhance their quality of life by acting as a resource for funding programs, services, education and information.
OUR STORY
Friends for Downers Grove Township Seniors (FFDGTS) was established as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit in 2013. It seeks monetary donations, contributions and grants to support services for older adults living in the township community,
The first goal provided monetary support for the township Dial-A-Ride program, which is a senior/disabled transportation service provided by PACE through a contract with the township. This goal was achieved and brought the cost of the 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 GOALS
To support the new Township Senior/Community Center (2020) with furnishings and equipment while continuing to enhance and maintain financial support for township services, programs and activities.
Board of Directors
Eileen Fitzgerald- President
Maureen Wood- Vice President
Alison Clemens- Treasurer
Robert Petranek- Secretary
Members:
Heather Schultz, Mary Ferguson, Connie Carlson, Gaye Wagner, Janet Garreau
Lorraine Grimsby & Karen Kelly DGT Liaisons
Contact: Cathy Rager- FFDGTS Liaison
630-719-6686
Who are we... and our partners?
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
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
Many of our members volunteer each year at the Rotary Grove Fest in Downers Grove for added $$ for FFDGTS (Janet Garreau, Interfaith Community Partners, is front and center!
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
WE HONOR OUR SENIORS
Those Who Serve
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.
And Continue to Serve
Hanna Benioff - 2019 Senior VIP Award Winner for FFDGTS
Retired Senior Services Coordinator, Downers Grove Township, who 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