Neighbor News
Local senior communities issue Open Letter to residents
Leaders reflect on pandemic and offer gratitude for support
A group of five local non-for-profit senior living communities issued a letter to the residents of Illinois reflecting on the challenges associated with the pandemic and the action they took to form an informal alliance for support. The letter was written and signed by CEO Gus Noble of Caledonia Senior Living in North Riverside; CEO John Larson of Cantata Adult Life Services, Brookfield; CEO Dawn Mondschein of Central Baptist Village, Norridge; CEO Terri Bowen of King-Bruwaert House, Burr Ridge; and Jay Biere, CEO of Plymouth Place in LaGrange Park.
"COVID-19 may have changed the field of senior care," the letter revealed, "but it cannot and will not change the strong values upon which our communities are built. Our values are why families trust us to care for their loved ones. Caring is in our DNA. We have cared for generations of families and we remain here for you now."
The leaders also thanked the people and organizations who supported the senior communities throughout the pandemic, including partners at LeadingAge, as well as all branches of government, especially the Illinois Department of Public Health. In addition, the letter encourages residents to get the vaccines when they are available.