North Shore Senior Center is temporarily closed for repairs due to water damage caused by heavy rainfall last week. Extensive repairs to the roof are necessary.

NORTHFIELD, Ill. (WLS) — The North Shore Senior Center, which caters to a large number of senior citizens weekly, sustained significant damage from the heavy rainfall that swept across the Chicago area at the end of January.

The facility sustained significant flood damage as water rushed through its aging roof.

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Tom Goldblatt has been a volunteer at the North Shore Senior Center for a number of years. Following his retirement from previous jobs, he found fulfillment in offering his time at the center. Additionally, he participates in a philosophy class, one of the many courses available at the center where individuals engage in classes, clubs, social interactions, and a sense of community within the large facility.

“It’s a busy place, and a lot of people will be unhappy that they can’t come in for a while,” said volunteer Kathy Koomijan.

Due to the extensive water damage, the center had to close its doors, leading to the cancellation of numerous classes and activities. Some programs have transitioned to online platforms, a shift that initially began during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was a was Armageddon here in the building on Friday,” said Rish Rudnicki, the center’s executive director.

Rain poured in through the building’s aging roof, and several inches of water flooded the building’s atrium, café and office space.

“Finding a million dollars to do a full roof replacement of a 40,000 square foot building isn’t a priority when it comes to serving older adults, paying salaries, keeping the doors opens,” Rudnicki said.

Rudnicki said they hope to open the back half of the building in the next week or two but the front, where the majority of the damage happened, may take significantly longer.

Fay Goldblatt said her group crochets blankets to give to children in hospitals. She said they’re left wondering when they’ll be back together.

“We need to be with other people,” Goldblatt said. “This is critical to our mental health, our wellbeing.”

Rudnicki and her staff know the role they play for their seniors. It’s what drives them to bounce back.

“I know what I want when I’m older and retired. I want to be able to come to a place like this and spend my day, have lunch, meet my friends, learn a new skill. So that’s what I want,” she said.