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Dickinson Hall reports growing membership, transportation needs and $749,000 revenue; council approves replacement vehicle
Summary
Senior services manager Tricia Schwall told the council Dickinson Hall ended the prior year with about 1,004 members, provides extensive programming and social services, and faces capacity and transportation challenges; the council approved an omnibus purchase of a replacement senior center vehicle.
Lake Forest — Dickinson Hall, home to Lake Forest senior services, reported steady membership, extensive programming and growing transportation needs at the July 21 City Council meeting. Tricia Schwall, senior resources manager, told council members the senior center ended 2024 with about 1,004 members and that at the start of the new fiscal year (May 1) Dickinson Hall had roughly 824 active members. She said 68% of active participants live in Lake Forest, 21% in Lake Bluff and about 11% are nonresidents. Schwall described programming that includes more than 1,500 classes and events annually, a transportation program that logged 873 trips last year, and social‑service support used by more than 300 people in 2024. Schwall said Dickinson Hall’s annual revenue is approximately $749,000, with funding sources the manager described as city support (about 41%), Lake Bluff contributions (about 13%), the Lake Forest Foundation (about 26%, which supports programming, transportation and the senior advocate), member dues and fees (about 20%) and scholarships (about 1%). She told the council staffing is five full‑time employees plus volunteers and that continued membership growth will strain space and staff capacity. Council members asked about popular program types and digital inclusion; Schwall said the center is working with the Lake Forest Public Library to expand technology and online‑safety programming and that Dickinson plans online registration with training for members. When asked about transportation capacity she said a fifth driver was added recently and volunteers fill additional demand. The council approved omnibus Item 7, a purchase of a replacement senior center passenger vehicle from O’Loughlin Ford (listed on the agenda as O’Lath Ford sales) at $78,043, during its consent vote earlier in the meeting. Schwall closed by emphasizing Dickinson Hall’s role in reducing isolation and supporting older adults’ independence through wellness, social connections and services. She asked the council to note transportation and space needs as priorities for future planning.
