Naperville adult day center still open, still struggling

A Naperville adult care center that was struggling late last year to remain open in the wake of absent state payments is still providing day services for seniors - and still concerned about its financial future.

Ecumenical Adult Care of Naperville raised roughly $20,000 during a donation drive in December, which Executive Director Laura Milligan says is enough to keep its facility at 305 W. Jackson Ave. open through June.

But the drive fell far short of its $60,000 goal. And missing state payments the center is owed for taking care of low-income seniors are going on $50,000 from nearly the past two years, Milligan says, leaving her concerned about the future.

"We did raise some money to stay open," Milligan said. "But we don't have any reserves again."

The drive drew small donations on a GoFundMe page and larger contributions from individuals and groups such as Naperville Rotary Charities. The city of Naperville's social services grant is chipping in $5,000 as part of $57,100 given to four senior-serving agencies and $500,000 to 26 charities overall.

But it takes $10,000 a month to run the program, and Milligan says she is not optimistic about the prospect of seeing state money anytime soon.

"We're still struggling," she said.

Formed by several churches more than 30 years ago, Ecumenical Adult Care provides a place to stay with medical help, exercise, music, games, lunch and socialization for adults with disabilities or aging issues who otherwise couldn't function on their own. The service also provides a break for family members who often care for these adults themselves.

Inside its space at Naperville Park District's Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, the agency offers a registered nurse, an activity planner, hands-on activity assistants, a catered meal and supplies to make crafts and play games.

Attendance lately has been lower than usual, dropping from about 15 people each day before the holidays to between five and eight daily attendees now.

"We can take up to 25 a day," Milligan said. "We really are trying to build up our attendees."

The center also is preparing for a June 3 trivia night fundraiser at one of the churches that founded it, DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church at 1828 Old Naperville Road. Milligan said she expects tickets to go on sale soon for $40.

Ecumenical Adult Care is accepting donations on its Facebook page and at ecumenicalcenter.weebly.com/.