AARP Tax-Aide

GENCenter serves as a host site for the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. This no cost service is designed to help low to muddle income with special attention given to those 50 y.o. and over. Limited appointments are available annually, February 1st through April 15th, and you must pre-register via the Center’s Front Desk at (847) 768-5944; NO walk-ins are accepted. Preparers can assist with individual or joint filings. If filing jointly, however, the couple MUST be present unless the spouse who is present has “Power of Attorney” (POA) for the other spouse.

Benefits Access

The Benefits Access program offers two transportation-related options of support for seniors and persons with disabilities: license plate discounting and free rides on fixed-route transit systems; appointment required. Eligibility is based on age, disability, residency, and income and must by applied for via the internet; paper applications are not available.

Driver's Safety

GENCenter partners with AARP to offer “Smart Driver” courses throughout the year. These courses are the nation’s first refresher course designed specifically for drivers age 50 and older. In Illinois, drivers may benefit from a discount on their auto insurance premium upon completion of this course. Please note the AARP does charge a fee for this program.

Payable on the 1st day of class AARP Mem: $20; Non AARP Mem: $25

Handicap Placards

You can obtain a temporary (3-month) handicap placard here. Eligibility requires physician to complete authorization form.

Medicaid Assistance

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage (eligibility is based on modified adjusted gross income).other available programs include SNAP benefits and Medicare Savings Program.

Notary

GENCenter offers notary services by appointment to verify identities, witness signatures, and notarize items such as powers of attorney, advance directives, and other essential documents and forms.


Notary Service is available by appointment only. Please schedule your appointment by calling (847) 768-5944. 

SHIPs Counseling

A free and unbiased Statewide Health Insurance Program (SHIP) for Medicare beneficiaries, their family members, and caregivers; appointment required.

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Meals on Wheels (Des Plaines only)

The GENCenter Meals on Wheels program provides home-delivered, nutritionally balanced hot meals to Des Plaines residents age 60 and older who are homebound and unable to prepare meals independently, ensuring both nourishment and regular wellness contact through trained volunteers. Delivered Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), the program operates in partnership with the City of Des Plaines and includes an eligibility assessment conducted by a social worker, with meals billed monthly at a low per-meal cost to support accessibility, dignity, and independence for older adults in the community.

This home-delivered meals program supports homebound seniors (Des Plaines residents only) in need of supportive meal service; eligibility requires physician to complete authorization form. Call (847) 894-3482 for more information.

Medical Closet

The Center supports a full medical closet (available Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM-3:00 PM), developed over the years through generous donations. Items include:

  • Bath Benches
  • Transfer Benches
  • Shower Chairs
  • Commodes
  • Crutches
  • Quad Canes
  • Regular Canes
  • Toilet Risers
  • Walkers
  • Wheelchairs

Please download our Medical Closet Brochure for more details!


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Veterans Services

GENCenter has a number of offerings for veterans, their spouses and adult children.

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Tanya Reyes

Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans Service Officer

Tuesday – Friday

8:30 AM to 4 PM

Phone: (847) 294-4664

Email: tanya.reyes@illinois.gov
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Derek Giffin

Veterans Assistance Commission

of Cook County VSO

3rd Tuesday of every month

10 AM to 3 PM
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Russell Meredith

VFW Veterans Service Officer

1st Monday of every month

9 AM to 3 PM
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Veterans Round Table

1st Thursday of every month

11 AM

Come make new friends
Five people smiling and posing indoors; one man wears a cap, another a burgundy shirt.
Five people smiling and posing indoors; one man wears a cap, another a burgundy shirt.

Eileen's Journey

Since 2023, GENCenter leadership has actively contributed to the Village of Mount Prospect’s “Aging in Community” Initiative, specifically through Social Engagement as well as Health & Well-Being sub-committee participation. These working groups have focused on highlighting opportunities, resources and supports for older adults to avoid isolation and maintain active and healthy lifestyles as they aging in place. One of the projects emanating from this work is “Eileen’s Journey” – a panel presentation of local aging professionals as they discuss Eileen’s various needs from independence through end of life, while residing in Mount Prospect. This 35-minute video provides a wealth of information and organizational resources for an older adult and their family members as they navigate aging in the community.