Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Written by Bridget Elliot, Grants Manger for DuPage Senior Citizens Council
Fifty years ago, a small group of volunteers in DuPage County noticed that older residents and neighbors were facing challenges that made it hard to remain healthy, safe and independent in their homes. Believing no senior should have to face those challenges alone, they came together to help.
That grassroots effort became the DuPage Senior Citizens Council (DSCC), launching a tradition of neighbors helping neighbors for the last 50 years.
Established in 1975, DSCC has grown significantly over the past five decades while remaining focused on helping older adults maintain their independence and connection to the community. In 2018, the organization expanded into Kane County through the Kane Senior Council, extending its reach to even more older adults and families.
While DSCC may be best known for its Meals on Wheels program, its work extends well beyond meal delivery. Services include well-being checks, friendly visits and phone calls, health and wellness education, minor home repairs, community dining and other programs designed to help older adults safely age in place.
The scope of that impact has grown considerably. In 2025, DSCC served almost 10,000 older adults, delivered approximately 572,000 meals, conducted more than 357,000 well-being checks, provided nearly 90,000 health and wellness engagements, and completed more than 1,500 friendly visits and phone calls across DuPage and Kane counties.
Volunteers continue to play a central role in the organization, just as they did at its beginning. Last year, more than 1,800 community volunteers helped DSCC deliver its programs and services, providing not only practical assistance but also companionship and connection for older adults throughout the region.
For Executive Director Marylin Krolak, the anniversary is an important opportunity to celebrate that history while also focusing on what comes next.
“Reaching 50 years is an incredible milestone, and it deserves to be celebrated—especially at a time when so many nonprofits and the people they serve are facing real economic challenges,” Krolak said. “This celebration is about honoring everyone who helped build DSCC, but it is also about looking forward. Our focus is on sustainability and making sure DSCC has the resources, partnerships and community support to be here for older adults not just today, but for generations to come.”
Now, DSCC is inviting the community that helped make those five decades possible to celebrate the milestone.
Learn more about the 50th Anniversary Celebration and purchase tickets.
