Celebrating 60 Years
Our founder Armand Marquiset (1900-1981) established Les Petits Frères des Pauvres (Little Brothers of the Poor) in 1946 to serve Parisian elders who lost their families and savings in World War II.
Some 13 years later—and 60 years ago—Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly, Chicago Chapter, began creating friendships with the elders we serve.
Serving Our Elders in Chicago and Beyond: 1959 – 2019
Celebrating 60 Years
1959
Three Petits Frères des Pauvres staff members are sent to Chicago to establish Little Brothers of the Poor. The first chapter in the U.S. was based on the French model, featuring visits, social opportunities, and holiday celebrations for lonely, isolated elders. Our first Christmas Party was held for 40 elders.
1962
Based on the French experience, we began offering vacations to Delavan, WI, to provide elders with the opportunity to forge new friendships and close bonds.
1967
Little Brothers bought a building at Belmont and Paulina, which would be our home for 31 years.
1974
We purchased a vacation home in Rochelle, IL, to begin welcoming large groups of elders for longer getaways.
Ahead
In our 60th year, Little Brothers serves 1,200 elders with the help of 1,700 volunteers. Beginning in 2020, we’ll expand our programs and services for lonely, isolated elders in Kane and DuPage counties, where we aim to serve 300 new elders by 2025.