Yes We CAN

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

"GACS launched a friendly visiting program to visit isolated elderly living in nursing homes throughout the area. Fran Argiris, R.N., served as supervisor of the program on a volunteer basis. Since there was no long-term care facility that catered to the Greek Community, these elders were often socially and culturally isolated from their fellow residents. Many did not speak the language and had difficulty communicating even the most basic of information or needs to nursing home staff. The food was not what they were accustomed to.

Although scattered throughout the city, several nursing homes had larger populations of Greeks including Continental Care, Regency Nursing Home, Glen Crest, Buckingham Pavilion, Norridge Nursing Home, Warren Barr Pavilion, and a few others. Program volunteers made regular visits to these north-side nursing homes to bring some goodwill and cheer to the lives of these elders. When possible, our volunteers brought the residents items of interest such as Greek language newspapers and magazines, crocheted items, or a Greek delicacy. Elaine remembers, 'The Hellenic Foundation had previously had such a program but because of the federally funded CETA program being discontinued, they lost the workers that had staffed that program and no longer offered it.' 

A volunteer timesheet circa 1986 or 1987 listed the following friendly visiting volunteers: Tom Alex, Fran Argiris, R.N. (program supervisor), Olga Bancroft, Spyridon Dimas, Nicholas Festos, Helen Georges, George Gianis, George Gianis, Marion Kappas, Alexander Kouvalis, Jane Lamont, Anna Manos, Evangeline Mistaras, Athanasia Papadopoulos, Sophia Pappageorge, Barbara Psilakas, and Ernest Stavropoulos. 

Other volunteers and their roles as described on the timesheet included: Francine Bleavings (typing), Tessie Cantos (clerical, typing, calling; works from home), Steve Frangos (consultant in humanities grant writing, program development; cultural), Ethel Kotsovos (social worker, drives, consulting to friendly visiting program), Harry Milakis (fundraising consultant), John Psiharis (executive director, founder, immediate past president), and Elaine Thomopoulos (administrator, founder, immediate past vice president).

Once the RRF 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.

Elaine remembers Betty McClelland: 'I recall that as a secretary, even though she could barely make out what you said because of a hearing problem, she is the only secretary I had, and I had many, who never made a mistake and would correct my grammar or spelling mistakes. She was perfect, so much so that I need not have proofed any of the typing she did. She was worth much more than the modest salary she received through the government-sponsored program. Betty also had a hobby of collecting miniature shoes and made delightful public presentations to various audiences throughout the city. This was as a volunteer and not part of her work at GACS.'

In 1987, CAN hosted Shirley Bernstein, a social work intern from Northeastern Illinois University who was focusing on gerontology. Under Elaine’s supervision, Shirley provided one-to-one counseling and support to isolated and homebound seniors. One of Shirley’s projects was to organize a public education program on Alzheimer’s disease. The lecture was held at the university and featured the president of the Alzheimer’s Association of Illinois as a guest speaker. 

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.

Above: Gwen Sten, GACS/CAN office manager in the CAN office, 3911 N. Monticello Street, Chicago. Circa 1987. John Psiharis collection.

Above: Community Aging Network brochure. Date unknown. Elaine Thomopoulos collection.

Prime Times published by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Illinois. May/June, 1987. Pictured (L-R): Frank Manago, John Psiharis, Stephanie Kryzminski, Gwen Sten, Marguerite Euchler, Amydelle Shah, Rose Vuco, Elaine Thomopoulos, and Christopher Thomopoulos. Elaine Thomopoulos collection.

CAN Flea Market flyer. October 17, 1987. Elaine Thomopoulos collection.