The Danish Home of Chicago has served as a culture center for Danes in America since it was formed 133 years ago. The senior living community shares its appreciation of this deep-rooted connection between The Danish Home and the Danish-American community throughout its rich history while also welcoming people of all backgrounds with open arms.
This strong and well-bonded connection serves as an important part of the community’s culture, bringing members, friends, and families together and lasting for generations.
“The Danish-American community’s deep roots at The Danish Home have contributed to The Danish Home’s heartwarming, cozy, and family-like atmosphere through the years,” says The Danish Home of Chicago’s President/CEO Scott Swanson.
Danish customs are kept alive at The Danish Home by frequently serving favorite Danish food such as frikadeller and Danish open-faced sandwiches. Holiday traditions like Lillejuleaften, also known as “Little Christmas Eve”, are celebrated annually. Most notably, the legacy of honoring and caring for elders is a constant commitment by a robust and active volunteer base that can be seen at The Danish Home daily, such as hosting birthday parties, playing games with residents, or other activities that help the residents live a life full of “hygge”, the Danish word for contentment.
“I have lifelong friends in the Danish-American community, and The Danish Home of Chicago is such an important cultural focal point and gathering place for us,” says The Danish Home Foundation’s Development Manager Linda Steffensen, whose parents Chris and Elsa Steffensen are from Vinderup and Silkeborg, Denmark. “My family and friends all feel ‘at home’ at The Danish Home, and you always have someone to reminisce with, share life’s adventures, tell a joke or a story, and reflect on life.”
Recently, the Ambassador of Denmark to the United States visited The Danish Home. “We were very honored that Ambassador Jesper Møller Sørensen visited The Danish Home of Chicago on Monday, February 19, 2024,” says Steffensen. “It was heartwarming to see the Ambassador, Consul General of Denmark in Chicago, and their staff members speaking individually with many of The Danish Home’s residents and greeting our special guests during the afternoon reception in The Danish Home’s dining room.”
She adds, “Our Consul General Jesper Køks Andersen said he has now visited The Danish Home of Chicago about ten times. The Consul General recognized the significant importance of The Danish Home as a continuing care retirement community and as a valued Danish cultural center in the Midwest and the United States.”
One of Steffensen’s favorite aspects of being involved with the Danish-American groups is witnessing the growth and change of families throughout the years. With The Danish Home’s building expansion set to open in the Spring of 2025, new apartments, meeting spaces, and common areas are being created. New residents, Danish-American clubs, lodges, and organizations will be able to gather in the community to introduce new individuals and future generations to The Danish Home and the Danish-American community.
“Each Danish-American group has a unique history and purpose, and they bring special connections to The Danish Home of Chicago. They are friends, volunteers, board members, and advocates for The Danish Home itself and our beloved residents. Each club, lodge, or organization strives to preserve and strengthen the Danish-American culture and heritage in their way, and we are so appreciative of these remarkable connections and lifelong friendships with The Danish Home and our amazing residents,” says Steffensen.
The Danish Home Foundation and The Danish Home of Chicago extend their heartfelt appreciation to the Danish-American community for their unwavering support in serving as a cultural center for the Danes of America. The organization is thankful to be promoting and preserving Danish-American culture and heritage for all these years. As cultures greatly influence a community and senior living, The Danish Home fosters a warm and inclusive environment, welcoming new members into The Danish Home of Chicago family.
The Danish Home
The Danish Home is a not-for-profit boutique senior living community at 5656 N. Newcastle Ave. in Norwood Park, a residential Chicago neighborhood. Independent, catered, and skilled care are offered on a private pay, rental basis. For information, contact Debi at (773) 775-7383 Ext. 4 or visit our website at www.DanishHomeofChicago.org.
