2019

Every year Little Brothers welcomes Volunteer Program Assistants, who dedicate a year of service to our elders. We train them in the field of aging, and many move on to careers that serve seniors. This year we welcomed our 200th Volunteer Program Assistant.

2014

The opening of Audrey’s House, our Year-Round Program and Vacation Center in Batavia, IL. Named after elder Audrey Chesner, who cherished vacationing with her LBFE friends, Audrey’s House offers elders afternoon visits, overnight stays, or four-night, three-day...

2013

A new spring holiday tradition began with the first Fête d’Armand Marquiset to honor our founder. Today, the Fête is our largest party of the year.

2012

We launched evidence- based evaluations to measure our programs’ effectiveness in ending elder loneliness.

2011

We expand to serve elders in Northwest Indiana where, today, we’re active in Crown Point, Gary, Hammond, Hobart, Merrillville, Schererville, East Chicago, Highland, and Whiting.

2010

The Young Professionals Advisory Board launches. The YPAB is a group of civically minded individuals, ages 24-40, who support LBFE and our elders through fundraising and social and volunteer activities.

2009

We opened our computer lab, The Lloyd Walding Brain Fitness Center, named in honor of Lloyd Walding, a loyal friend and supporter. Every Monday and Thursday, elders learn new skills to stay sharp and enjoy online puzzles or listening to music.

2008

We purchased our first minibus. Today, we have a fleet of 14 vehicles to provide our elders with safe, comfortable transportation to and from LBFE events and outings.

2003

To fulfill the wishes of every elder, we launched the Holiday Gift Program. Today, more than 1,000 elders receive a special, personalized gift—often, the only holiday present they can expect.

1998

We moved from Belmont Avenue to a multipurpose facility at 355 N. Ashland Avenue with more space for programs and a more central location for elders and volunteers from every Chicago neighborhood.

1994

Intergenerational experiences were launched to bring students of every age together with elders to promote interaction and share history— and life—lessons.

1987

Services in Spanish were started to reach out to Spanish-speaking elders.

1985

Our name changed to Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly (LBFE) to better reflect who we are and the individuals we serve.
1974

1974

We purchased a vacation home in Rochelle, IL, to begin welcoming large groups of elders for longer getaways.
1967

1967

Little Brothers bought a building at Belmont and Paulina, which would be our home for 31 years.
1962

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.
1959

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...