Beyond Our Campus: Plymouth Place Partners to Support Chicago Seniors
Community partnerships bring fresh produce, wellness resources and meaningful connections to 300 older adults.
At Plymouth Place, caring for older adults goes well beyond our La Grange Park campus. It’s a commitment to the greater community – and a belief that working together can make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors throughout Chicagoland.
That spirit was on display at the Center for Better Aging’s “Empowering a Lifetime of Wellness” Senior Health Resource Fair, at Chicago’s Kroc Center. The event welcomed approximately 300 seniors for a day of health and wellness resources, community connections and fresh produce.
A Fresh Approach to Community Wellness
Plymouth Place connected the Center for Better Aging with its longtime supplier, T. Castro Produce, which provided 2,800 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables purchased by the Center for distribution at the event. T. Castro set up a farm stand where attendees could select fresh produce to take home at no cost.
Plymouth Place also contributed produce care packages that were raffled off to attendees and served more than nine gallons of hot apple cider while visiting with guests.
“It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the farm stand and going home with substantial amounts of fresh produce,” said Tom Prinske, President of T. Castro Produce. “We were grateful to be included in an event that brought so much to the community.”
L to R: Steven Fischer, Estrelitta Harmon and Cheri Boublis.
Making Connections That Make a Difference
For Cheri Boublis, Senior Director of Hospitality at Plymouth Place, the event reflects a broader philosophy about community involvement.
“Our mission doesn’t stop at our front door,” said Boublis. “When we see an opportunity to help older adults in the greater community, we look for ways to make it happen. Sometimes that means providing resources. Other times, it’s about connecting the right people and organizations.”
One example is Plymouth Place’s relationship with Working Together Chicago, an organization that helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities find meaningful employment. Through a connection facilitated by Boublis, T. Castro Produce hired Peyton, who now works in its warehouse and helped distribute produce at the event.
“Sometimes the most valuable thing we can offer is a connection,” Boublis explained. “By bringing people and organizations together, we can create opportunities and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”
A Shared Commitment to Chicago’s Older Adults
“Partnerships like this make a real difference,” said Estrelitta Harmon, Executive Director of the Center for Better Aging. “Thanks to the connections made through Plymouth Place and the participation of T. Castro Produce, our guests received not only valuable health and wellness resources, but also fresh, nutritious food to take home.”
For Steven Fischer, whose late parents, Al and Betty, lived at Plymouth Place, that commitment hits close to home.
“While my parents lived at Plymouth Place, I became familiar with its commitment to the community beyond campus,” said Fischer. “When I later met Estrelitta Harmon, I suggested connecting the Center for Better Aging with Plymouth Place. She enthusiastically agreed! Cheri hosted us at Plymouth Place and immediately connected the Center with T. Castro Produce. It’s exciting to see how that introduction has grown into a produce program that will benefit the Center’s participants.”
The Power of Community
Whether providing fresh food, connecting someone with employment or bringing organizations together, Plymouth Place believes strong communities are built through relationships.
And sometimes, making a difference starts with something as simple as fresh produce, a warm cup of cider and a conversation.
To learn more about how Plymouth Place is enriching lives both on campus and beyond – and what makes our community such a special place to call home – call (708) 482-6511.
