CJE Donors

CJE’s innovative Bureau of Sages, an advisory board comprised of older adults and researchers in the aging field, is funded through the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Award (2640-CJE).   

In addition to funding research that improves health care delivery and outcomes, PCORI funds projects that focus on engagement of patients and stakeholders in research. The Bureau of Sages does just that. It connects the older adult participants and professional researchers by fostering what Leading Age researcher Dr.  Robyn I. Stone calls “the art of listening” -- effective communication, compassion, respect, open dialogue and teamwork to achieve shared goals. The older adults add their voices to the direction, design and implementation of research on aging as they also gain knowledge and skills about research methods.

Bureau of Sages older adult participants include residents of Lieberman Center and community members who reside in their own homes. Those with mobility challenges join group meetings through video conferencing. This effort is led by Margaret Danilovich, PT, DPT, PhD, GCS, Senior Director of CJE’s Leonard Schanfield Research Institute.  

CJE thanks PCORI for partnering in and supporting this valuable work.

Jacob J. Fink passed away in 2000 at the age of 71 and left a legacy that, 17 years later, continues to significantly enhance and enrich the lives of thousands of Chicago’s older adults. A native of Chicago and longtime Highland Park resident, Mr. Fink spent much of his career as a representative for cosmetics manufacturers and entrepreneur. His family and friends said they remembered him most for his smile and sense of humor.

Since 2010, the Jacob J. Fink Charitable Foundation has generously supported CJE’s health, wellness and socialization programming in Chicago’s Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORC), Consumer Assistance resource counseling, agency-wide Religious Life activities and social events at the Lieberman Center for Health and Rehabilitation in Skokie. These gifts have provided CJE’s residents and community clients with wellness education, money-saving benefits information and social and spiritual connections that improve financial stability and quality of life. CJE is grateful to the Foundation for its longtime support.

The Susan and David Sherman Family Endowment Fund for the Diane Sherman Welcome Shabbat—Lunch and Learn Program at CJE SeniorLife was created in 2013 by David and Susie Sherman to honor their beloved mother, Diane Sherman, of blessed memory.

Diane passed away in 2011 at 84 years old. Many people at CJE still recall her endearing smile and heartfelt compassion for older adults who were isolated, hungry or just in need of a caring touch.

David has a special place in his heart for CJE because of how important it was to his mother. He recalls the time he was asked to take on the job of the Shalom Bus liaison when he was at college to make sure people could get to the Seders. In a recent conversation, he added gently, “My mother was an elegant, unassuming and tireless volunteer. Along with my dad (Leonard Sherman), they shared a love of philanthropy.”

The endowed Diane Sherman Welcome Shabbat—Lunch and Learn Program has been a huge success that provides a special occasion for seniors to enjoy a few hours of lively conversation and, of course, a warm meal that would make Diane Sherman proud. The room is filled with 40-50 community members. Unbeknownst to many attendees, David often makes an “undercover” appearance as a volunteer, dishing up and serving lunch just like his mother loved to do.

 “My mother had a tender spot in her heart for the elderly.” It is my honor to carry on her legacy!

David Sherman is Chairman of Sherman Residential, and former Board Chair of Jewish Federation.