Copyright Chicago Tribune
The Patricia A. The Jones Center, operated by Waukegan Township, offers a wide range of services, including health and wellness programs, support groups, and free lawn care or snow removal, as well as trips — from day-long outings to international tours — to activities such as pool, card games, line dancing and woodshop. Waukegan Township Supervisor Marc Jones said the center’s purpose is to serve the people 55 and over in the community by meeting their needs as they age and enriching their lives through the programs and activities. “We want to give the community a place to feel comfortable. find camaraderie and have their needs met,” he said. Marc Jones is the son of former Waukegan Township Supervisor Patricia A. Jones for whom the center is named. She started the facility as Park Place Senior Center in 1992 during her seven-term tenure leading the township. The work of the Patricia A. Jones Center has been recognized by the Illinois Department on Aging. “We recognize what they are doing for older adults is having a positive impact,” agency director Mary Killough said. “Their programs educating the community are important because information is power.” Killough presented the Patricia A. Jones Center with the Governor’s Engaging Aging Award on Friday at the facility for the work the center has done over the years to enhance the lives of seniors in the township and beyond. She said recipients are nominated for the award by one of 13 agencies that work with organizations devoted to enhancing the lives of older adults. The Jones Center was nominated by AgeGuide, which works with senior-oriented organizations in eight northern Illinois counties. AgeGuide CEO Marla Franczak said when a need arises, the Patricia A. Jones Center finds a way to help older adults through a challenging time. During the coronavirus pandemic, meals were provided. “These boxes included ingredients and recipes to make home-cooked meals,” she said. “The program was such a success, it continues today in partnership with Catholic Charities (of the) Archdiocese of Chicago.” Franczak said the award can go to any senior-related entity. It does not need to be a senior center. Along with Marc Jones, Franczak credited Director Cheri Pearson White with the success of the facility. As the partnership with Catholic Charities grew, that organization often provided food for township events. White played a role, too. “Catholic Charities brings the food, Cheri (White) brings the party,” Franczak said. Marc Jones said the center finds ways to enrich seniors in all aspects of their lives. There are a variety of classes, whether helping people with their finances or guiding them in the use of 21st-century technology. The center operates a variety of support groups. “We have support groups for people with diabetes and pre-diabetes,” he said. “We have them for people with cardiovascular issues, hyperthyroid and cancer. We’re adding Alzheimer’s in 2026. It’s for the afflicted or caregivers.” Any senior can receive free lawn care in the summer and snow removal in the winter through the center. Marc Jones said the work is done by youths in the community under adult supervision, earning money for themselves and their families. Along with services, there is recreation available. Marc Jones said there is a wood shop, regular card games, four pool tables, facilities for art projects and a gift shop. There is also line dancing. When a need arises in the senior community, Franczak said, if an organization is unable to continue offering a service, the center finds a way to keep it going. Center personnel also find ways for older adults to adjust to the 21st-century lifestyle. “During COVID, they identified older adults with limited internet access, helping them connect with tablets along with introductory Zoom training,” Franczak said. “As the world reopened, the center continued this work in partnership” with other agencies.
