About
Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly, Chicago Chapter (LBFE)
Since 1959, Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly, Chicago Chapter’s mission, philosophy, programs and activities remain focused on alleviating loneliness and isolation among older adults. Social interaction is critical to the human spirit — we believe that nurturing the soul is as important as feeding the body.
We offer to people of goodwill the opportunity to join older adults in friendship and celebration of life.
Staff
LBFE’s staff is made up of dedicated individuals, many who have known the men and women we serve and carried out our mission for years.
Board
The Board of Directors helps to ensure the trajectory of our organization reflects our supporters’ goals for LBFE’s work into the future.
YPAB
The Young Professionals Advisory Board is a group of civically minded individuals ages 24-40. Through social and volunteer activities, the YPAB raises funds and support for lonely and isolated older adults.
Volunteers
Our network of caring volunteers makes LBFE’s work possible, proving there are truly countless ways to connect. Join us!
Founded in France
Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly was started in France in 1946 by Frenchman Armand Marquiset as les petits frères des Pauvres (Little Brothers of the Poor). The organization served elderly Parisians who had lost their savings and family members in World War II. His motto, flowers before bread, expresses the spirit that man does not live by bread alone; it is the human touch that makes life worth living.
How we serve
Today, Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly (LBFE) serves lonely, isolated older adults in four other U.S. cities and eight countries around the world. The Chicago Chapter is located at 355 N Ashland Ave in a multi-purpose facility purchased in 1998. Our building is transformed regularly into a place of celebration for holidays, luncheons, birthday parties, and countless social gatherings held all year-round.
Making Friends, Making Memories
All year-round, our volunteers, donors and staff ensure our events and activities are warm spaces for celebration and connection. At LBFE’s building and across the city, men and women aged 70 and older meet with good friends to celebrate life and stay connected to the community, as well as their hobbies and interests.
See our work in action in our photo galleries.
