(773) 989-9800
Our Mission
The mission of Friedman Place is to provide housing and supportive services to adults who are blind.
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Friedman Place emphasizes resident self-determination, independence, and interaction within the community.
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Friedman Place strives to be a primary force among professional organizations serving adults with visual disabilities.
Our History
The roots of Friedman Place go back to April 2, 1935, when the Association for Jewish Blind was created to combat discrimination suffered by the blind. In 1944, the purpose was changed “To promote the social, educational and vocational opportunities of the blind and for the care of homeless, blind, Jewish men and women residing in Chicago” and “to establish a permanent home or homes…” A small two-story house was acquired, up to five people rented rooms without any additional services. In 1956, a large building on the west side of Chicago was obtained which became “Kagan Home” it provided housing and support to 36 adults. The agency also began providing a wide range of nursing and recreational services.
The agency continued to grow over the years leading up to 2005, when Friedman Place opened as the current modern Supportive Living Community, on the northwest side of Chicago, that we are today.
In 2016, the agency acquired and renovated an adjacent building. The “Annex” building contains offices and our large Therapeutic Weaving Studio on the first floor, and a Transitional Living Program on the second floor.
In 2019, Friedman Place expanded beyond its doors and into the community for the first time adding two new programs. The Rent Assistance (RAP) and the Navigator Programs are designed to help adults who are blind maintain or gain their independence. The Rent Assistance program provides low income blind adults with rent subsidies up to $300/month. The Navigator provides the same type of social services that Friedman Place residents find valuable toward fostering independence. Any person living in Illinois who is blind and their family or friends may make an inquiry for help to resolve an issue or find a resource. The Navigator helps connect adults who blind to resources, services and cut red tape.
In 2020, the Friedman Place board expanded the Rent Assistance to serve all low-income adults who are blind, over 18 years old and living in Illinois from only those living in Cook County. The Navigator began as a state-wide program.
Our approach is very different from that of a nursing home, which is where many of our residents would unnecessarily be without Friedman Place. We help our residents adjust to vision loss and empower them to reach their personal potential for independence. Activities provided are responsive to residents’ expressed interests; they are designed to foster independence and prevent isolation. All of our services, from visual rehabilitation therapy to computer classes, foster integrated health—physical, mental and social.
Despite the wide range of services, Friedman Place operates at a cost well below a nursing home, saving taxpayers crucial funds. However, there is a significant gap between this income that comes from the state’s Supportive Living Program and the costs of the supportive services and individualized care that are important to the population we serve.
Friedman Place accepts people from all economic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds and our residents come from wide and diverse backgrounds.
We encourage prospective residents and family members and friends to visit Friedman Place.
Call to schedule a personal visit or for more information.
Call (773) 989-9800