Endeavor Health and Mindhaven join forces on first-of-its kind center in new approach to memory care

Evanston, Ill. - Endeavor Health, a Chicagoland-based integrated health system, and Mindhaven, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to reimagining the experience of memory loss, are collaborating to create a center for the care and support of people with memory loss and their caregivers that will offer a new, holistic model in downtown Evanston.

Unlike traditional facilities, Mindhaven is not an in-patient, residential community. Instead, the location at 820 Davis Street will be a comprehensive daytime destination where individuals can receive clinical care, recreational therapies and essential support resources under one roof. Mindhaven will feature an indoor garden with creative seating nooks, a public café and multipurpose convening spaces for activities and events for individuals experiencing memory loss, their caregivers and the community at large.

In addition to Mindhaven's comprehensive program offerings, the on-site Endeavor Health Memory Center will provide specialized clinical services and diagnostic screening. Endeavor Health clinicians will see patients five days per week in the center's three exam suites and two testing rooms.

"As a neurologist, I see firsthand how navigating a diagnosis can isolate patients and families," said Dr. Elizabeth Harris, neurologist at Endeavor Health and Mindhaven's medical director. "That's why creating holistic support is so important. By integrating clinical expertise with a supportive, community-centered environment, we can remove traditional barriers to care and address the medical, emotional and social needs of our patients simultaneously.

David Rahija, president of Endeavor Health Northwest Community Hospital and executive business partner for Endeavor Health's Neurosciences Institute, added, "Mindhaven and Endeavor Health share a commitment to ensuring that individuals with memory loss continue to lead productive, full and manageable lives. Together, we will champion that mission on an even greater scale while connecting patients with world-class care close to home."

Construction of the 10,000-square-foot space is expected to begin in the first half of 2027, with a targeted opening date in early 2028.

Supported by the John D. Brubaker Family Foundation, Mindhaven honors the legacy of John D. "Jake" Brubaker, a businessman and philanthropist in Rockford, Illinois, who passed away from complications related to Alzheimer's disease in 2020.

"Jake received excellent medical care, but as his family, we also gained firsthand understanding of the difficulties facing memory loss patients and their loved ones," explained Erin Beto, Mindhaven board member and Jake's granddaughter. "These challenges can be anything from a lack of emotional support for caregivers to gaps in services that prevent a holistic, integrated continuum of patient care. With Mindhaven, we want to offer an experience that millions of patients like Jake deserve: providing continuity and support within a broader caring community."

Steven Brubaker, Mindhaven board chair and Jake's nephew, who is serving as the center's lead designer, added: "We're designing Mindhaven to be a warm, welcoming, and distinctive setting that embraces visitors of all ages. That philosophy extends to our clinical space, with examination suites that evoke the comfort of a living room while still giving Endeavor Health clinicians access to the state-of-the-art equipment they need to treat patients effectively and compassionately.

Funding for Mindhaven will come from the John D. Brubaker Family Foundation in conjunction with private philanthropy.