The Selfhelp Home

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United States
Chicago, IL
The Selfhelp Home

A Jewish Senior Living Community: Independent+Assisted Living, Short-Term Rehab, Long-Term Skilled Nursing, Respite Care, Music Therapy.

An abundance of activities: Trips, Concerts, Art & Crafts, Baking, Gardening, Games, Speakers, Movies, and more!

11/19/2025

Last Thursday, our residents were treated to an afternoon of music with Jeff and Janis — a lively acoustic duo who always bring so much joy to our community. From sing-alongs to toe-tapping favorites, they had the whole room smiling. Thank you both for sharing your talent with Selfhelp!

11/18/2025

For a decade-plus, Tom Samolinski has been a steady, welcoming presence at The Selfhelp Home.

He began his journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Assisted Living before transitioning to manage the front desk. And today, he continues to serve as our weekend Manager on Duty and community ambassador.

Tom’s warm smile and signature ties have become a hallmark of our home. Each tie — from playful patterns to holiday themes — serves as a conversation starter, helping him connect with residents, especially those living with memory challenges.

To Tom, being part of Selfhelp means more than just showing up; it means creating a place where every visitor feels genuinely cared for.

“I want everyone who walks through our doors to feel truly welcomed,” he says. “It’s an honor to be here.”

Outside of work, Tom’s creativity continues in the kitchen, where he makes homemade pepper jellies and jams to share with friends. A hobby that’s as sweet (and sometimes spicy!) as his spirit.

Thank you, Tom, for filling our weekends — and every day — with humor and heart. 💛

11/17/2025

November is in full swing! Join us for a visiting scholar talk with Cantor Josh Rosenberg, a Mitzvah Mensch concert, Happy Hour, and plenty of art, yoga, and music therapy to lift your week.

✨ Explore what’s happening day by day below!

11/15/2025

Today, on , we celebrate the generosity that makes The Selfhelp Home possible.

As an independent non-profit, every gift we receive directly supports the care, comfort, and community that define who we are.

Thank you for being part of our story. And thank you for helping us continue to make a difference every day.

Join us as we work to preserve our legacy and create a brighter future and donate to The Selfhelp Home today: https://selfhelphome.org/donate-now/

11/12/2025

Yesterday, today, and every day, we proudly honor the incredible residents of The Selfhelp Home who have served our country with courage and dedication. Your sacrifice, strength, and commitment to protecting our freedoms inspire us all.

We are deeply grateful for your service and proud to call you part of our SHH family. ❤️💙

Thanks to Unity Hospice and Palliative for sponsoring our annual Veterans Day observance.

11/10/2025

We’re honoring stories and shared experiences this week — from our Kristallnacht Commemoration to a weekend screening of Unbroken with the film’s director joining us onsite.

🎶 Plus, concerts, singalongs, and community moments you won’t want to miss!

11/03/2025

There’s no shortage of creativity and connection this week at The Selfhelp Home! From open art studio and opera on the big screen to live music and Thelma film discussions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

👉 Swipe through to see what’s happening each day!

10/30/2025

🎬 Join us for a special screening of 𝙐𝙣𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙣!

On Saturday, November 15, The Selfhelp Home will host a showing of the inspiring film UnBroken in our Social Hall — followed by a Q&A with Beth Lane, the Director, who will be joining us in person.

✨ This moving story celebrates resilience and the human spirit — and we’re honored to share it with our residents, families, and friends.

📅 Saturday, November 15
🕕 6:30 PM
📍 Selfhelp Home Social Hall

Free and open to the public — seating is limited!
👉 RSVP here: https://selfhelphome.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/selfhelphome/event.jsp?event=1007&

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10/29/2025

Meet Julie Glikin, our new Social Work Intern!

Julie is pursuing her master’s in social work with a specialization in mental health at Jane Addams College of Social Work Official Page at UIC.

At Selfhelp, Julie will work alongside our Director of Social Services, Erica Edwards, to support residents across all levels of care. From intake and discharge planning to providing emotional support and a listening ear, Julie is here to make sure our residents feel heard, cared for, and supported every step of the way.

A proud Chicagoan with roots in Arlington Heights and St. Petersburg, Russia, Julie brings passion, compassion, and experience from her past work with older adults.

We’re thrilled to have her join our Selfhelp community. Give her a warm welcome! 🌟

10/20/2025

After a beautiful High Holiday season, we step into fall with gratitude and joy 🍂. This week at Selfhelp: live music, creative workshops, fitness, and plenty of time to gather together.

10/17/2025

Karl is our new intern from Germany joining us through the Action Reconciliation Service For Peace - ARSP. This unique program brings young volunteers to work with organizations like Selfhelp, fostering connection and reconciliation through service.

Karl comes to us from Osnabrück, Germany’s “City of Peace”, and has a passion for theater, history, and connecting with others. He’s most excited to get to know our residents, hear their stories, and experience the culture of Chicago (especially its theaters!).

10/16/2025

Our rooftop Sukkot celebration was filled with sunshine, song, and the spirit of togetherness! 🌇🍋🌿

Residents gathered under the sukkah to shake the lulav and etrog, enjoy traditional treats, and take in the beautiful city views. It was the perfect way to close out the holiday — surrounded by community and joy.

Address

908 West Argyle Street
Chicago, IL
60640

Website

http://www.selfhelphome.org/

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Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Chicago?

Welcome to The Selfhelp Home!

The Selfhelp Home is an active and engaging not-for-profit retirement community designed to accommodate the needs of older Jewish adults throughout the Chicago area.

At Selfhelp, you’ll receive the care you need from staff members who are committed to ensuring your comfort! You will also find an inviting atmosphere, a vibrant lifestyle and friendly people with similar likes and interests.

Services include:

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Short-Term Rehab

Skilled Nursing Care

Outpatient Therapy

Amenities we offer: https://selfhelphome.org/amenities/

About Our Facility

The Selfhelp Home has a history unlike any other senior living community in Chicago. It was founded in 1938, in the shadow of the Holocaust, as a purely volunteer mutual aid society where refugees and survivors could find community and rebuild their lives. It became a priority of the founders to provide a caring and comfortable home for them to live out their years with compassion, dignity and a high quality of life.

Today, it stands as a living, breathing testament to the human spirit and the name “Selfhelp” embodies the character, determination and fortitude of the founding men and woman who organized a volunteer network of European-Americans to care for the refugees fleeing Na**sm and, later, the rare survivors.

It was Jewish people helping Jewish people.

Selfhelp officially became a ‘Home” in 1951 when it purchased the old Drexel Mansion in Hyde Park, housing 19 residents. As the need surpassed space, Selfhelp purchased and rebuilt the building at 908 W. Argyle and, subsequently expanding and purchasing the 920 Arygle building next door several years later.

Today, The Selfhelp Home thrives as a boutique Jewish community where older adults experience the highest quality of life possible, founded on the principles of compassion and dignity. Selfhelp is among the most respected Jewish elder communities and nursing homes in the United States. The Selfhelp Home maintains the highest rating of 5 stars by Medicare and was awarded Best Nursing Homes by U.S. News and World Report in 2019-2020, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014.