The Danish Home's Influence Reaches Far and Wide
The Danish Home of Chicago is often described as "a boutique senior living community nestled in the historic neighborhood of Norwood Park." But, as anyone associated with the home will attest, the 130-year-old edifice is so much more.
Extending the boundaries of outstanding care for older adults, The Danish Home is a cultural touchpoint rooted in generations of Danish-American connections and far-reaching significance. It is the personification of Danish-American life in Chicago and beyond.
It is also the beneficiary of robust interest and support from friends and family in Chicago, throughout the U.S., and in Denmark. Those close to the home explain why this little community of 40 residents has such big impact.
"The Danish Home is the center of Danish life in Chicago," said Chris Haxager, a dedicated volunteer and member of two Danish Home boards. To Karen Frink, future resident and president of the Dania Ladies Society, it is part of local Scandinavians' "circle of life."
While the home now warmly welcomes residents of all backgrounds, its distinct Scandinavian influence still holds fast in a time when familial ties to personal heritage have begun to scatter and fray.
"We must keep our traditions and customs alive and pass them on to younger generations," said president of the Danish American Athletic Club Dan Kjeldbjerg, whose parents and godparents are residents of The Danish Home.
Another friend of the home literally blazed a trail for Danish America by hiking the 500-mile Colorado Trail last summer. Bruce Bro, a resident of Arizona and The Danish Home Foundation's newest board member, raised nearly $30,000 in support of Danish-American organizations. "It's important to hang on to culture; it gives us a better sense of our own identity," he said.
While distinguished dignitaries (including Danish royalty) and world-famous performers have visited The Danish Home, it is perhaps the annual neighborhood celebrations that remain etched in the childhood memories of generations of people, including those who are now senior citizens themselves.
"I've been coming to The Danish Home since I was in a stroller," said Kim Eriksen, a longtime board member and strong proponent of opening The Danish Home's doors to people of all ethnicities.
As much as The Danish Home is rooted in history and tradition, it is even more focused on the future and broader horizons. Across the U.S. and beyond, new connections to The Danish Home and within the Danish-American community have been forged, and current ones have been made stronger. These efforts to broaden cultural impact have been led largely by The Danish Home Foundation's development manager, Linda Steffensen.
In the words of Danish Consul General in Chicago Jakob Skaarup Nielsen, "It's important to have an institution that reaches back in time but is also here for today and tomorrow. That is The Danish Home."
Founded in 1891, The Danish Home of Chicago is a not-for-profit organization, privately financed and endowed, providing a comfortable, dignified community for the elderly. For additional information, visit www.DanishHomeOfChicago.org.