Rizal Center Launches “Rizal Center CARES” to Support Filipino American Families Caring for Elders

[Chicago / Suburban Cook County, IL]

Rizal Center is proud to announce the launch of Rizal Center CARES (Community-based Access to Resources for Elders & Supporters), a new flagship program designed to help Filipino American families care for aging loved ones at home.

Filipino families deeply value caring for elders, yet many struggle to navigate complex systems like Medicare, Medicaid, and Illinois aging services. Rizal Center CARES was created to bridge this gap—offering clear information, culturally respectful guidance, and practical tools that empower families to advocate for their senior relatives.

Through community-based workshops, bilingual materials, and trusted facilitators, Rizal Center CARES helps families:

  • Understand what Medicare does and does not cover
  • Learn how to access in-home caregiving support through Illinois programs
  • Advocate confidently for elders’ medical and daily care needs
  • Reduce caregiver stress and prevent crisis-driven nursing home placement

“Asking for help is not abandoning our elders,” said Mae Lant, Rizal Center’s Program Director. “It’s one of the most important ways we protect their dignity, safety, and well-being. Rizal Center CARES honors our cultural values while making the system easier to navigate.”

The program will launch with a series of pilot workshops in partnership with Filipino churches, community organizations, and senior advocates across the Chicago area and suburban Cook County.

Upcoming Workshop Information

Location: 1332 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60613

Dates: Coming soon

Who should attend: Adult children, caregivers, and family decision-makers caring for seniors

Participation is free, and materials will be provided.

Get Involved

  • Families interested in attending a workshop
  • Community organizations interested in hosting
  • Partners and funders interested in supporting elder care equity
  • Email info@rizalcenter.org to register for upcoming workshops.

Email: info@rizalcenter.org

Phone:( 219) 669-4829‬

🌐 Website: www.rizalcenter.org


Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.