Yes We CAN

From Working to Preserve Our Heritage: The Incredible Legacy of Greek-American Community Services:

"Once the grant concluded, LSSI was reluctant to keep CAN in operation even if other funding was obtained. Since CAN had active volunteers that were serving clients, Elaine and I discussed the idea of merging CAN into GACS. Given the circumstances, this would be a 'win-win' situation. CAN would continue to function under a different umbrella organization and GACS would enhance its service offerings. CAN provided similar services to those offered by the GACS Community Services Program such as friendly visiting, telephone reassurance, and nursing home visits. The GACS board agreed, and we moved forward with the process. CAN would be known as an agency of GACS with an advisory board of CAN volunteers and supporters, to guide the program and fundraise to cover its expenses.

LSSI reluctantly agreed to allow the program to operate on a cash-and-carry basis for a few months until the transition to GACS could be completed. An advisory board was created to help guide this process. In addition to Elaine and myself, the board included: Robert Ahrens, former commissioner of the Chicago Department on Aging and Disabilities (DAD); Marguerite Euchler; Luke Fitzgerald, Northeast regional director of the DAD (Levy Center); Erica Karp, past director of CAN; Ethel Kotsovos; Stephanie Kryzminski; Bill LaMagdeleine, Northwest regional information and referral coordinator for the DAD; Frank Manago; Judith Matthews, Chicago coordinator for Project AYUDA of the National Association for Hispanic Elderly; Amydelle Shah, R.N.; Mary Trankina; and Rose Vuco, R.N., owner/president Vital Measurements Home Health Care.

It was decided that the name of the program be changed to Community Aging Network to better reflect what the program did - serve older adults. The advisory board would guide the program and raise funds. GACS programs for seniors (friendly visiting, community lectures, etc.) would operate under the CAN banner.

CAN found office space at Parkview Lutheran Church, 3911 N. Monticello Ave. The church had recently closed its school and rented out two of its classrooms to CAN for $30 per month. Furniture and records from CAN’s office on Byron Street were moved to the new office. The pastor of the church at the time, Phillip O. Stein, was supportive of our work. The GACS mailing address remained at 4817 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL 60641 c/o Vital Measurements Home Health Care. The CAN south side office, renamed Bryn Mawr Senior Intercessors, continued to operate under GACS auspices at the Bryn Mawr Community Church at 71st Street and Jeffery in South Shore. Ollie Bridges coordinated services to CAN clients on a volunteer basis. At some point, Ollie’s health began to fail, and the south side office closed.

In 1987, CAN became a host site for Project AYUDA, a program of the National Association for Hispanic Elderly. The program provided federally funded Title V senior workers to nonprofit organizations. Program participants were over the age of 60 and had lower incomes. They worked 20 hours per week and were paid directly through the program. GACS retained this agreement, and we had three participant slots assigned to us. AYUDA workers during this period were: Elizabeth 'Betty' McClelland (office secretary), Gwen Sten (office worker), Gladys Tichnell (office worker), Florence Kubacki (office worker), and Spyridon Dimas (friendly visitor/chore housekeeper). GACS remained a Project AYUDA host agency throughout much of its existence.

CAN fundraising during this time included an ongoing sustaining membership drive and a 'Give Your Can to CAN' drive which collected and recycled aluminum pop cans. I remember Spiro Dimas sitting in the Monticello Street office crushing pop cans with his feet as he drank coffee and completed his paperwork. Volunteers and a few neighbors provided their empty cans to CAN. Hike-Bike-a-thons were held for a couple of years along Chicago’s lakefront. Participants walked or rode between Foster Avenue and Oak Street beaches. About 40 to 50 walkers participated. Angelo Karavites, a successful McDonald’s franchisee with several locations, donated freshly squeezed orange juice and cold water from his restaurant on the corner of Foster and Sheridan. Elaine hosted several potluck house parties at her home in Oak Brook as another means of raising money. Guests would buy a ticket and bring food to share. We had some amazing food at these events!

GACS was the first organization in the 42-year history of the United Way Heart of Gold Awards to have volunteers awarded this honor for two consecutive years. In May 1987, Marguerite Euchler won the award which was presented at the Chicago Marriott near Water Tower Place. Elaine and I accompanied Marguerite to the breakfast.

In 1988, Astrid Lewis was honored at the 42nd Annual Volunteer Recognition Event, held on April 22 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Sponsored by The Volunteer Center, United Way/Crusade of Mercy, and the Maurice L. and Hulda B. Rothschild Foundation."

CAN staff at 3911 N. Monticello Street office. Seated: Shirley Bernstein. Standing (L-R): Mary Trankina and Gwen Sten. Circa 1987. John Psiharis collection.

Below: Spyridon Dimas at a GACS/CAN flea market. Date unknown. Elaine Thomopoulos collection.