Catholic Charities has decided not to close the North Center Senior Satellite Center, reversing an earlier plan that had caused concern among local seniors. The center, located at 4040 N. Oakley Ave., has provided services such as meals, health screenings, and social activities for nearly 20 years in partnership with the city’s Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS).
Earlier this month, Catholic Charities announced it would close the center by March 31. However, after feedback from neighbors and Alderman Matt Martin (47th), officials said Tuesday the center will remain open “for the foreseeable future.”
Connie Shirakawa, 80, a regular visitor who relies on exercise classes and health checks at the center, described her reaction to the closure news: “All my circle of friends are here,” she said. “It’s this whole social network of community. And yes, we could still meet with each other separately, but it wouldn’t be the same.”
The property is owned by Catholic Charities. Melissa Mares Stambor, vice president of advancement operations for Catholic Charities, told Block Club in an email that after April 1, Catholic Charities will be the sole service provider at the site without DFSS involvement. She explained that Catholic Charities informed DFSS in March 2024 about not renewing their agreement for services at this location. While that agreement was due to expire in December, it was extended until March 31 to allow DFSS time to transition to a new provider.
“At the conclusion of the contract extension, we will continue to operate the St. Vincent de Paul Residence and to offer our own programming for seniors at the site,” Stambor said.
Alderman Martin launched a petition last week to save the senior center; it has gathered over 700 signatures so far. He noted uncertainty about whether current service levels will continue after April when DFSS is no longer involved.
“Why did [Catholic Charities’] position change? Because as of last week, they were prepared to shut down the senior satellite center on March 31,” Martin told Block Club. “I’m encouraged to hear that they want something to continue on April 1, but I have nothing but unanswered questions at the moment.”
According to Martin, city officials previously sought a new operator for programs at the senior center through a request for proposal process and selected Metropolitan Family Services.
“The goal was to ensure that a new operator would be brought on board Jan. 1 of this year,” Martin said.
Catholic Charities did not immediately answer questions regarding whether services would remain open to all older people in the community or if programming levels would stay consistent after April.
Gina Cleggs, senior vice president of seniors and housing for Catholic Charities stated only that services would continue “for the foreseeable future” without further details.
Maria Martinez, 76 and living above the center, recounted her reaction upon seeing closure notices posted: “My head started spinning.” She explained that many residents with mobility challenges depend on having accessible facilities nearby: “I need to continue to go downstairs as soon as my homemaker leaves… I need to be able to go downstairs and stay involved in my community.”
Martinez also emphasized how important these social connections are: “A lot of us…we’re lonely to begin with. And without this senior center we’d go downhill further,” she said. “You can fight depression by surrounding yourself with other people… Without this center’s positivity going around there’s gonna be a lot of loss.”
