Pathlights Celebrates 50 Years With Expansion Of Service Area

Palos Heights, IL – In 1975, two guys in Albuquerque, New Mexico founded a little company called Micro-Soft. Bill Gates and Paul Allen licensed their BASIC programming language interpreter to MITS, who introduced the Altair 8800. This first “personal computer” was featured in Popular Electronics and included a whopping 256 bytes of memory for $297.

That same year, U.S. Congress amended the 1965 Older Americans Act by creating the National Institute of Aging and authorizing grants to states for social services to help older adults. These included protective services, daily living and transportation assistance, nutrition assistance, health support, job training, and information and referral resources.

Much closer to home, in 1975 a small group of forward-thinking leaders in the Southwest suburbs of Chicago joined forces to close the community resource and support gaps for older adults. P.L.O.W.S. Council on Aging was created to serve clients throughout Palos, Lemont, Orland, Worth and Stickney townships and accessing the federal funds now available to meet the needs of older people.

Celebrating 50 Years

Now called Pathlights, this year the organization is celebrating 50 years of guiding older adults through the aging process, helping people stay in their homes as long as possible by providing access to care, food and safety.

“The creation of P.L.O.W.S. was part of a greater overall movement that was beginning to focus on supporting people as they age, to allow them to live a good quality of life,” said Elaine Grande, Executive Director of Pathlights.

“Pathlights helps our older adults to continue to live independently,” says former State Representative and Evergreen Park Mayor Kelly Burke. “Pathlights pushes us to understand that seniors want to stay in their home – or very close to home. Older adults want to embrace life, have friends, and be active, but sometimes a little help is needed. Pathlights allows them to age gracefully, where they want to be.”

“Home Delivered Meals touches the most people,” says Burke. “While nutrition and helping to stretch food budgets is important, there’s also a bigger piece. People look forward to this. They rely on the drivers and get attached to them. Beyond a meal, it’s a way for older adults to connect with the outside world, to socialize.”

Burke continued, “Pathlights has been a valuable partner with our first responders. Often family is farther away, and Pathlights caseworkers help keep an eye on loved ones when they have issues. We have many success stories of Pathlights caseworkers working with family and police to safeguard older adults from abuse or from being taking advantage of financially.”

“Pathlights has rolled with the punches,” Burke says. “They see the needs out there and they are able to able to work with what’s available and service the most people possible.”

Grande says, “People are living longer, and needs have changed. Our organization has been able to respond and adapt our programming and services. The amount and types of programs and supports have changed.”

Pathlights 2024 Service Area Expansion

A significant change happened just months ago. Pathlights expanded their geographic territory covered, stepping up to provide services in Bremen and Rich townships. “Pathlights was the best choice for this expansion because we are dedicated and committed to serving, we take great pride in the quality of our work and we will make sure the older adults in Rich and Bremen townships have access to all the supports they need,” says Grande.

Hazel Crest Mayor Vernard Alsberry welcomes Pathlights with delight. “As a part of United Way, I knew of Pathlights and the important work they were doing. In Bremen and Rich, we didn’t always know how to connect the services available, and Pathlights shines a light on those connections.”

Technology at the Forefront

When that first personal computer launched 50 years ago, the demand was overwhelming – a glimpse at how ubiquitous technology and electronic devices would become.

Alsberry is especially excited about the technology education and information Pathlights provides to older adults. “If you’re an active senior, you probably use technology and don’t even think about it. We take it for granted. Unfortunately, there is a huge gap between a senior like myself and older adults who are not comfortable with technology or even frightened by it – and it’s necessary today. Tech is a big part of all our lives. Telehealth, applying for a job, talking to your grandchildren on Zoom. The world is changing right before our eyes. Pathlights’ education is helping older adults use the advanced technology that’s come now.”

Grande seconds that. “Technology is a tool that will become more and more valuable in our future. We haven’t even skimmed the top of it. Today, we have emergency home response devices that can detect falls, automatic medication dispensers, advances in hearing and vision technology. There are remote access cameras, which enhance the ability for us to stay in our homes. There are going to be technical advancements to allow supports we haven’t even thought of yet.”

Remaining True to Core Mission

While new programs come online as needed, Pathlights has never strayed from its original mission, says Grande. “Pathlights helped over 15,500 older adults and adults with disabilities last year. Our education programs cover a vast array of topics, from helping older adults recognize financial scams to supporting grandparents who are raising children. Our professional and compassionate staff connects people with legal services, housing, health care, financial services, transportation and so much more. We do everything we can to help people grow older in the home where they’re most comfortable. We support caregivers who are overwhelmed and can help older adults find their place when staying in their home is no longer safe or healthy.”

Burke says Pathlights’ staff has always been committed, professional, compassionate and resourceful. “I can’t even count the number of times when we thought ‘we don’t know how to help these folks’ but Pathlights always does. They know where to start and what to do to make sure people are safe.”

Alsberry is enthusiastic about moving forward with Pathlights in Hazel Crest and Bremen and Rich townships. “I know they will show up. They have the vision and the direction to know what’s needed and how to help.”