Opened in 2016, the Normal Township Activity and Recreation Center (ARC) is one of Illinois’ largest senior centers, offering a 40,000-square-foot space dedicated to healthy aging. ARC provides daily exercise programs, over 50 free monthly activities, and serves as a Peace Meal congregate site. With affordable memberships and shuttle service within a 7-mile radius, ARC currently supports more than 3,800 members.

ARC’s mission is to create a modern, welcoming environment for older adults through fitness, recreation, nutrition, and health support. During the pandemic, ARC stayed connected with members through calls and virtual programs. Under Jess Ray’s leadership, membership nearly doubled, and partnerships expanded to include hearing screenings, insurance counseling, and volunteer programs.

Today, ARC continues to fight social isolation with programs that nurture physical, emotional, and mental well-being—while building strong community ties across McLean County.

Southern Pride Senior Programs serves older adults across five of Illinois’ most rural counties, providing vital services at six locations. With five focal points, the agency offers congregate and home-delivered meals, health promotion programs, caregiver support, and transportation to fill critical gaps.

In FY2024 alone, Southern Pride delivered over 89,000 home-delivered meals and 35,000 congregate meals, while assisting more than 2,000 older adults with information and resources. Despite financial and geographic challenges, the agency continues to innovate, offering programs like Bingocize, pre-diabetes workshops, and community events such as Glo-Bingo.

Southern Pride is a steadfast advocate for older adults, stepping in when other agencies cannot and partnering across the region to ensure no one is left behind. Their commitment to service and community engagement truly exemplifies the spirit of the Governor’s Engaging Aging Award.

Founded in 1992 as an intergovernmental partnership, the Patricia A. Jones Community Center (PAJC) now serves over 3,000 older adults each month with programs that promote independence, health, and well-being. Under the leadership of Executive Director Cheri Pierson-White, PAJC has expanded its impact through innovative services such as digital skills training, culturally appropriate meal delivery, congregate dining, and creative community events like “Food Truck Wednesdays.”

PAJC is a trusted partner in delivering Older Americans Act services and collaborates widely to bring health and wellness programs into libraries, senior housing, and community spaces. In 2024, the center partnered with AgeGuide to provide Aging & Disability Resource Network services across seven Lake County townships, further improving access to vital resources.