Swiss Benevolent Society
Benefaction Committee
P.O. BOX 2137
Chicago, IL 60690-2137

Benefaction Committee

Chair: Barbara Frei
Member: Daniel Keller, Mason Karl Koeppel, Heidi Grieder & Jacquat Zeno (Senior Member Group)

Welcome to the homepage of the Benefaction Committee of the Swiss Benevolent Society.

The Swiss Benefaction Committee is proud of its longstanding tradition of assisting people of Swiss descent who are in financial need. In general, our applicants are elderly, on a limited income, or people with new onset disabilities.

Following financial and social assessment, applicants may qualify for any of the following benefits:

• One Time Financial Stipend – i.e. to cover unexpected medical expenses;
• Monthly Financial Stipends – i.e. to supplement pensions and social security benefits;
• Link To Community Resources – i.e. senior housing, senior centers, Mayor’s office for the elderly;
• Link To State And Federal Agencies – i.e. Medicaid and Medicare.

2011 Report of the Benefaction Committee

Chair: Barbara Frei                                                                 
Member: Samuel Burckhardt, Daniel Keller, Walter & Emily Peyer – Senior Member Grp

The Benefaction Committee continues to provide financial support to two(2) recipients. Both express time and again what a difference these stipends make in their lives: as each season changes different health challenges arise, and thus the need for specific medications and comfort measures. The monthly stipends help not only in meeting these health care costs, but, through constant careful planning, also other financial obligations, e.g. taxes.

Regular phone contacts help to stay in close contact with the two recipients.

A member of the Swiss community who resides in a Nursing Facility is visited regularly. These personal contacts provide some change from the daily life in an organized environment where everything seems to happen in one big group. During these one-on-one visits this member often tries to communicate in her native tongue, enjoying the individual attention.

The Senior Gatherings continue to be organized by Walter and Emily Peyer. Fortunately, some Swiss participants help and support the Peyers in organizing these afternoon meetings. All attendees appreciate the monthly get-together and its lively camaraderie, as well as the concern for each others well being.

Respectfully submitted                                                                                    Barbara Frei
February 24, 2011                                                                   Chair, Benefaction Committee