We support & enrich aging through community building & advocacy.
Additional Resources
Numerous resources come to our attention through our Programs and Advocacy efforts. We also become aware of additional resources from other sources. This page is periodically updated, so check back to see new resources.
Note: Being listed here is not intended to provide any particular endorsement. However, everything listed has been recommended by at least one AWN member and has been vetted for its legitimacy.
Celebrating Life's Journey
People Helping People - from April 2023
Some organizations AWN members are involved with
Sustainability from May 2023
Artificial Intelligence from September 2023
Preventing Scams and Financial Exploitation from May 2024
Panel included experts with resources from
AgeOptions http://www.ageoptions.org/
SEC Division of Enforcement https://www.sec.gov/page/enforcement-section-landing
Office of the Illinois Attorney General www.IllinoisAttorneyGeneral.gov
Oak Park Police Department https://www.oak-park.us/village-services/police-department
Joy Aaronson (AWN Member) on relationship scams joy.aaronson@gmail.com
Online Dating for Older Adults from June 2024
The program suggested using the Burned Haystack Dating Method on FaceBook and Instagram, developed by Jennie Young, a UW professor in rhetoric and gender studies.
Behind the Scenes at the Oak Park Public Library from July 2024
The library has many services and materials of interest to older adults. Some of these include home delivery, audio books, film series, access to geneaology records, library of things, creative studio and makers' space, older adults coffee hour, private collections, and much more. Visit in person or see their website at www.oppl.org.
Green Living: Learning from Your Neighbors from September 2024
Local Resources:
oak-park.us/your-government/environmental-initiatives
Oak Park Climate Action Network www.opcan.org
Online Resources:
canarymedia.com/articles/guides-and-how-tos
citizensutilityboard.org/guide-catalog
rewiringamerica.org/electrify-home-guide
Physical Wellbeing for Older Adults from October 2024
Check Your Risk for Falling
Circle “Yes” or “No” for each statement below Why it matters
Yes (2) No (0) I have fallen in the past year.
People who have fallen once are likely to fall again.
Yes (2) No (0) I use or have been advised to use a cane or
walker to get around safely.
People who have been advised to use a cane or walker may
already be more likely to fall.
Yes (1) No (0) Sometimes I feel unsteady when I am walking.
Unsteadiness or needing support while walking are signs of
poor balance.
Yes (1) No (0) I steady myself by holding onto furniture
when walking at home.
This is also a sign of poor balance.
Yes (1) No (0) I am worried about falling.
People who are worried about falling are more likely to fall.
Yes (1) No (0) I need to push with my hands to stand up
from a chair.
This is a sign of weak leg muscles, a major reason for falling.
Yes (1) No (0) I have some trouble stepping up onto a curb.
This is also a sign of weak leg muscles.
Yes (1) No (0) I often have to rush to the toilet.
Rushing to the bathroom, especially at night, increases your
chance of falling.
Yes (1) No (0) I have lost some feeling in my feet.
Numbness in your feet can cause stumbles and lead to falls.
Yes (1) No (0) I take medicine that sometimes makes me feel
light-headed or more tired than usual.
Side effects from medicines can sometimes increase your
chance of falling.
Yes (1) No (0) I take medicine to help me sleep or improve
my mood.
These medicines can sometimes increase your chance of falling.
Yes (1) No (0) I often feel sad or depressed.
Symptoms of depression, such as not feeling well or feeling
slowed down, are linked to falls.
Total Add up the number of points for each “yes” answer. If you scored 4 points or more, you may be at risk for falling.
Discuss this with your doctor.
Arbor West Neighbors
Arbor West Neighbors (AWN) is a grassroots organization of neighbors in Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park and Austin connected to support and enrich aging through community building and advocacy. Our mission is to empower adults to thrive as we age in community.
Our vision is to build a multi-ethnic, multicultural community where all older adults are valued, age with dignity, and enjoy opportunities for growth and engagement.
We are an all-volunteer 501(c)3 organization with over 120 members.