Eleni Bousis thrives on helping others through philanthropic endeavors. Currently she is the Board president and a founding member of the Greek American Rehabilitation and Care Centre in Wheeling, Ill. She is also a dedicated wife to her husband, Jimmy, and mother to her children, Michael, Victoria, Evangelos and George. Plus she is involved with numerous other organizations, including the Leadership 100, where members commit $100,000 to maintain the life-sustaining ministries of the Greek Orthodox Church; Frontida, an organization for battered women and children in Greece; Christian Missions, which is building an orphanage in Kakamega, Kenya; and the Little City Foundation, which helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This November, the Little City Foundation will honor Eleni at their 50th Anniversary Gala in Chicago, where she will receive the Sid Porter achievement award.

If your life’s philosophy was summarized on a bumper sticker, what would it say?
Cherish every moment of life. Naked you came into this world and naked you shall depart. What’s special about the Greek American Rehabilitation and Care Centre? It is a “home” filled with wisdom, love and history. If the walls could speak, everyone would realize that the real heroes are our residents. Through their perseverance and work ethic, they paved the way for us to enjoy comfort and self gratification.

How can people help the Greek American Rehabilitation and Care Centre?
Be a volunteer. A volunteer’s loving touching hands and smile goes a long way, the elderly then feel loved and not forgotten. They have become like little children who need the safety and protection of caring hands.

What is the best part of being president of the board of directors of the Centre?
During Greek coffee hour, sharing a cup of coffee with the residents and talking to them about their life experiences, pain and suffering. Also, the feeling of satisfaction and achievement in turning the Home around. I credit my incredible board, staff and volunteers who diligently worked endless hours to help secure and stabilize the Home, for the old, needy and destitute of our community.

What is your favorite book?
The Bible. When I am upset or dissatisfied with a situation, I like reading a passage. This gives me peace and serenity.

What is your fondest childhood memory of your yiayia?
She would take poor people in her home, sew aprons for everyone, and pray daily at her little chapel in her bedroom for her whole family. Her room was filled with icons from all over the world and pictures of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Everyone knew Yiayia Eleni. She was the woman that made the Prosphora for St. Andrews and St. George for 50 years.

What do you love about Greek culture?
Everything revolves around family, church and freedom of speech. And, we have the free will to enjoy and celebrate life.