Whether you’re a donor, volunteer, or both, your support of the Friedman Place community is key to continuing our legacy for years to come. Learn about all of the ways you can support our work below.

Your Impact

Your support of our work has incredible impact on the lives of the adults with blindness in our community. Keep track of this impact by following us on Facebook and LinkedIn, and by subscribing to our newsletter at the bottom of this page.

2025 was a big year for Friedman Place! On August 14, 2025, we hosted our Anniversary Open House to celebrate two milestones:

  • 90 years of serving adults with blindness in Chicago, as our founding organization, Association for Jewish Blind, was founded in 1935
  • 20 years of being in our Maplewood building thanks to the generous donation by Herbert Friedman, in memory of his parents Sidney and Dora Friedman

Thanks to everyone who has supported this legacy!

Friedman Place residents and staff along with Lincoln Square and Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rudy Flores and Illinois State 13th District Representative Hoan Hyunh cut the ribbon on the newly installed mosaic mural in front of the building.
Visitors at our weaving sale purchasing items made by our residents in the David C. & Sarajean Ruttenberg Therapeutic Arts Program.
A Friedman Place resident sits at the loom giving guests a weaving demonstration.
Guests at Friedman Place watching the program and ribbon cutting for the new mosaic mural.
Illinois State 13th District Representative Hoan Hyunh speaks to attendees during the Anniversary Party program.
A Friedman Place resident sits at the loom giving guests a weaving demonstration.

“I love Friedman Place. It’s such a warm environment. I have been volunteering here for 13 years, and I plan to keep going as long as I can.”

-Volunteer

volunteer playing a card table game
A person with blindness walks using a white cane next to a volunteer outside the front of the Friedman Place building.

“I love living at Friedman Place because my room is a piece of heaven. It is decorated how I want and is the perfect amount of space. I enjoy all the staff because they are friendly and supportive. I’m staying.”

– Resident