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CJE's Award-winning Culture BusTM*

*Culture Bus is a recipient of the Family Caregiver Alliance Rosalinde Gilbert Innovation in Alzheimer's Disease Caregiving Legacy Award.

The non-profit leadership organization Partners for Livable Communities, funded by the MetLife Foundation,  showcased CJE SeniorLife’s Culture BusTM , as one of the top practices in the nation in their latest publication, Stories for Change: Leadership Examples of Expanding the Arts to New Audiences.

One of only a handful of programs like it in the country, CJE SeniorLife's award-winning  Culture Bus* offers older adults with early Alzheimer's or other forms of early-state dementia a unique opportunity for stimulation, education and recreation through art, drama, history, music, dance, architecture and more.

A concept of CJE SeniorLife  and Northwestern University's Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Culture Bus participants socialize with peers at a combination of weekly programs and day trips to various cultural sites and events in metropolitan Chicago and nearby suburbs.

Highlights include:

• Docent-guided tours of exhibits and venues

• Creative self-expression activities

• A healthy and delicious lunch

• Conversation and socialization throughout the day

• High-quality respite care for caregivers

Each event is planned and supervised by trained leader and volunteers. Transportation for trips is provided by CJE SeniorLife.

Culture Bus members enjoy a kaleidoscope of programs and interactive experiences ranging  from butterfly watching at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum to experimenting in the kitchen at the Chopping Block Cooking School. Whether learning to samba at the Latin Street Dance Studio, taking a Chicago River architectural boat tour or creating three-dimensional art in the Modern Wind of the Art Institute of Chicago, participants in Culture Bus benefit from uniquely multi-sensory activities that combine mental and physical exercise with emotional support. Each captivating experience delights participants and provides precious "alone time" for caregivers.

Culture Bus is available in the north/northwest suburbs (Burrington and Deerfield) and downtown Chicago. A pre-enrollment screening is required. For more information about Culture Bus call 847.492.1400

Program Sites, Departure Poin, and Hours & Fees

Program Sites

Downtown Chicago
Northwestern University's School of Continuing Studies
340 East Superior Street, Chicago

Departure Point for Excursions

Members meet and depart for excursions from the lobby of Northwestern University's Feinberg Pavilion at  675 North St. Clair Street, Chicago, and return to the same location at the conclusion of each trip. 

Participants provide their own transportation to and from this pick-up and drop-off point. A detailed schedule for each session (including pick-up and drop-off times) is provided upon enrollment. A pre-enrollment screening is required. Please call 847.492.1400

Days and Times

Tuesdays
9:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. On-site programs may end earlier.**

**Times may vary depending on trip destination. 

Fees

$750 per 10-week session

Includes activities, entrance or exhibit fees, transportation, meals and snacks. Participants may apply for a partial fee reduction.

Download printable brochure - Culture Bus Downtown

Culture Bus program was featured in the JUF News, November 2012 Issue

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