The Thornton Township Board of Trustees has expanded the Senior Services Department to include a wide range of programs and special events. The department is committed to helping township seniors remain socially and intellectually engaged, with opportunities that support a higher quality of life. Ensuring that seniors are well informed about township, county, state, and federal resources allows them to fully enjoy their “golden years.” Below is an overview of our offerings:
Thornton Township Senior Services
Services Offered
Illinois Mature Driver 55 Alive
We are proud to host Mature Driver 55 Alive Defensive Driving classes for Thornton Township Residents! Please call us or visit one of our locations to find out when the next class will be held!
Illinois Mature Driver 55 Alive Defensive Driving,Driver Improvement, Traffic School Classes are available in all 50 states for a car/auto insurance discounts where drivers can get up to 15% off (depending upon specific insurance company and policy terms) their existing and current insurance premiums. See your insurance agent/agency or insurance policy for details. These discounts are standard and common among most insurance companies. Drivers under the age of 55 can qualify for the insurance discount by simply signing up and taking the course.
Illinois Senior Drivers over the age of 55 can qualify for the senior citizen driver or the mature driver improvement course by taking the online Mature Driver course specific to mature senior drivers at or over 55 years of age. See your insurance agent/agency or insurance policy for details.
Senior Citizen Mature Driver Online Defensive Driving, Driver Improvement, Traffic School Classes are now online for traffic tickets/citations for moving traffic violations such as speeding, running or disregarding a red light or stop sign, following too closely, or a motor vehicle accident. The Mature Driver course can remove points from your driving record (DL). You may also take the course for a car/auto insurance discount. In any case, we have everything you need to take care of all of those situations. With this Voluntary or Court-Ordered, Court Referred drivers safety course or DL Point Reduction Mature Driver courses.
Super Seniors
Thornton Township is proud to continue our partnership with the IL Secretary of State to provide these amazing services to our senior residents!
Upcoming classes at our Calumet City Senior Center (TBA)
Super Seniors
Super Seniors is a convenient and voluntary program for driver’s license renewal, which includes Rules of the Road classroom instruction, and a vision-screening exam. The Rules of the Road Review Course also includes a review of safe driving techniques and Illinois driving laws.
A Secretary of State Mobile Driver Services Unit will be available for participants to renew their driver’s licenses. An identification card can be obtained for $20.00; however, if you are age 65 and older you may obtain a free, non-expiring State of Illinois photo ID card. Drivers age 75 and older are required to take a driving test to renew their driver’s licenses; therefore they must visit a Driver Services Facility.
Rules of the Road Review Course
The Rules of the Road Review Course is designed to give drivers – especially senior citizens and persons with disabilities – the knowledge and confidence needed to renew or obtain a driver’s license.
The review course combines an explanation of the driving exam with a practice written exam. To find out if this free course is available in your area please call 312-814-3676.
Benefit Access Program
We are here to assist you with signing up for the Illinois Department on Aging Benefit Access Program. This program provides assistance with license plates and bus fares for qualifying seniors and persons with disabilities.
Assistance in preparing your claim is available all year round at all 3 of our locations. Call us for information on requirements and qualifications.
Benefits
- Seniors Ride Free Transit Benefit
- Persons with Disabilities Ride Free Transit Benefit
- Secretary of State License Plate Discount
View Requirments
Senior Health Insurance Program (S.H.I.P.)
This free program is sponsored by the Illinois Department on Aging and provides counseling to seniors. This public service is designed to help answer questions and organize and assist in the filing of insurance papers to Medicare and supplemental insurance companies.
The service also provides comparisons of supplemental and long-term care insurance policies. Now serving you at all three (3) locations.
The Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is a free statewide health insurance counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers.
The Department has developed a list of publications and other resources to assist you in making informed health insurance decisions (including materials for Annual Medicare Open Enrollment).
To learn more about the program, call or visit us at any of our locations.
Or you can visit https://ilaging.illinois.gov/ship.html
Senior Health and Informational Fair
The Senior Health and Informational Fair is held at Thornton Township Senior Center for all residents. Some of the services offered at minimal or no charge include cholesterol screenings, glucose screenings, blood pressure readings, glaucoma/cataract screenings, foot screenings, pulmonary function testing, and much more.
Visit one of our 3 locations or call to stay updated with the next fair!
Senior Luncheons
The Senior Hot Lunch Program offers nutritious meals in a friendly, social environment. Seniors can enjoy a warm meal and connect with others in their community.
Calumet City Senior Center
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Drive-Through Pickup: Tuesday–Thursday, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
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Dine-In Luncheon: Thursday, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Riverdale Senior Center
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Drive-Through Pickup: Wednesday & Thursday, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
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Dine-In Luncheon: Wednesday, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
For more information, call (708) 596-6040, Ext. 3170 or 3190.
Community Events
Thornton Township hosts a variety of weekly and monthly events for seniors that promote fun, health, and community engagement.
Ongoing Programs:
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Township Talk
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Big Bingo
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Weekly Exercise Classes
Annual Signature Events:
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Mother’s Day Brunch (May)
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Ice Cream Social (July)
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Days in the Park Picnic Series (May–August)
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Taste of Thornton Township (August)
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Spirit of Chicago Senior Cruise (August)
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Senior Sock Hop Halloween (October)
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Senior Masquerade Ball (October)
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Kicking Cancer to the Curb (November)
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Senior Services Holiday Party (December)
Transportation Services
Our Senior Transportation Department offers safe, reliable curb-to-curb rides for residents aged 60 and above. Services include transportation to:
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Medical appointments (including dialysis)
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Grocery stores
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Essential errands
Service Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
To schedule a ride, call (708) 596-6040, Ext. 4009.
Lawn Care Program (TAP)
Thornton Township’s TAP Lawn Care Program provides free weekly lawn care from May through October to eligible seniors aged 60 and older. This service is designed for residents on fixed incomes who have no able-bodied individuals in the household, supporting their ability to live independently at home.
To apply or learn more, call (708) 596-6040, Ext. 4007.
Thornton Township Senior Services
South Holland
333 E. 162nd St, South Holland, IL 60473
708-596-6040 ext. 3170
(Mon thru Fri 9:00 am to 4:00 pm)
Calumet City
1420 Huntington Dr, Calumet City, IL 60409
(Mon thru Fri 9:00 am to 4:00 pm)
708-596-6040 Ext 3190
Riverdale
14323 South Halsted, Riverdale, IL 60827
708-596-6040 Ext. 2003
(Mon thru Fri 9:00 am to 4:00 pm)