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Programs Include:

 

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Post Adoption Services

  • The Post Adoption Services of Catholic Charities are designed to support and strengthen family life. These services can help meet the concerns and interests of adoptive parents, adult adoptees, and birth parents, as well as other extended members of these families. In order for Catholic Charities to provide assistance, the adoption must have taken place through the agency.
  • Post Adoption Services are provided in accordance with applicable laws on confidentiality and privacy.
  • Services include:
    • Individual and Family Counseling by request from anyone involved in an adoption plan made through Catholic Charities at any time.
    • Mutual consent registry
    • Background histories and non-identifying profiles
    • Post Adoption search and intermediary service in the form of indirect and direct contact between interested parties.
  • To request a Non-Certified copy of an original birth certificate, please contact www.idph.state.il.us or you may reach them at 925 E. Ridgely Ave., Springfield, IL 62702, 217-557-5159.
  • If you have been adopted through the foster care system, you may contact the Midwest Adoption Center for assistance at www.macadopt.org or by calling 800-526-9022.
  • Click here to see post adoption information


In Alton, Carlinville, Decatur, Effingham, Granite City, Quincy

Through its Professional Counseling Solutions program, Catholic Charities delivers professional and confidential therapy services to individuals, couples and families regardless of their ability to pay for services. Therapy goals work upon the existing strengths of the clients and focus upon helping clients learn skills necessary to their having successful interactions with the significant persons in their lives.

We focus our therapeutic services through a family system's approach to treatment. That is, many painful symptoms that our clients experience are the result of patterns of interaction among their significant others that are no longer functional and for which they need to seek new solutions. Their self-concepts are low because they do not have the sense that they can be successful in their interactions with others. Unfortunately, their quest for a new solution is frequently frustrated by less than healthy experiences in their families of origin and they find that they have not learned the skills, such as positive communication and conflict resolution skills, that lead to healthier outcomes.

Our ability to continue to reach out to those who ordinarily would not be able to take advantage of therapeutic services in our communities is the hallmark of our services and is clearly what Jesus asks of us. Presently, common avenues of funding counseling services tend to exacerbate the injustice the poor experience and reduce Catholic Charities' ability to serve the poor in our communities.

We hope that you will consider entering into partnership with us so that poverty is not an impediment to our clients receiving the tools to create healthy lifestyles, coupleships and families.

  • Counseling costs the agency $100 per hour to provide.
  • The average private therapist in this area charges $120 per hour.
  • The agency is committed to providing these critical services to those who would not otherwise be able to afford them. We subscribe to a "fee forgiveness" policy, whereby a portion of counseling fees may be waived for clients with limited resources.
  • Donations are always needed for this program.


In Alton, Effingham, Granite City, Springfield

When individuals are in crisis and cannot find their way, we provide basic necessities and help them find the path to self-sufficiency. We work with families to help map out solutions to their problems so that they can regain their dignity. We provide guidance, case management, referral and advocacy. We also may provide food, clothing and household vouchers, rent and utility assistance, or special food baskets and gifts during the holiday seasons. People in crisis need someone who cares and that is why we are here.

  • The Springfield Area Office also provides transportation assistance.
  • This program generates no client fees for support, so donations are always needed.
  • In 2012, 17753 clients were assisted through our Crisis Assistance programs throughout the diocese.

Eldercare
In Decatur

Eldercare Options is a program that can assess, counsel and determine the need for guardianship for disabled adults who are no longer able to make sound judgments on their own. People have special needs, especially as they grow older. When someone can no longer manage his or her personal affairs, finances, or health care, our staff will coordinate to secure an appropriate decision maker. We also offer alternative services to guardianship, such as referrals to other agencies, and information and education about guardianship to families.

 


In Decatur

Elderly Guardianship provides appropriate decision-making and advocacy for elderly adults who lack the ability to make proper judgments concerning their health, well-being and safety after being named Guardian of Person. Our caring staff makes decisions with input from the individuals and with assistance from other professionals on such issues as housing and living arrangements, medical decisions and proper burial. Staff visits with the wards on a monthly basis.


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In Decatur

Faith in Action serves frail, homebound individuals, age 55 and older, who live in Decatur and Macon County. The program helps them maintain their independence and dignity. Services are provided at no cost to care recipients through a network of trained volunteers from area churches, service organizations and the community at-large. Some of the services provided are visiting, transportation, escorting, shopping and errands, minor home and yard maintenance, letter writing and reading, respite, and occasional meal preparation.

In 2012, this program, now expanded to include Tri-Cities Faith in Action in the Granite City area, connected 271 elderly individuals with volunteers who helped them maintain independence in their own homes. The program is always in need of more volunteer help. Five of the volunteers in this program have been recognized in the community for their excellent efforts.

 


In Alton, Carlinville, Decatur, Effingham, Mattoon, Quincy and Springfield

Hunger hurts. It denies dignity, lessens human energy, erodes community stability, and damages the potential of a person to progress. America, long the land of plenty, now faces a crisis of hunger. An increasing number of people in our community are without food, some for the first time in their lives. For those of all ages who confront hunger, solutions must be found. Our food pantry staff help with immediate problems as well as search for solutions for the future.

Donations of food, time, and money are necessary for this program to carry out the agency's on-going response to hunger. In 2012, our food pantries served 95,249 clients.

 

IFS

In Carlinville, Quincy, Springfield

The families that we help in these programs are in need of additional support to help them face their daily struggles. The goal of the Intact Family Services program is to keep troubled families together by offering them intense case management and education in parenting and linking them with community resources.



In Decatur

They're called the "golden years," but for many aging Americans, growing older is tarnished by illness, loneliness, diminished capacity and a loss of independence. With age comes an increased chance of becoming dependent on others for help in performing the activities of daily living, including meal preparation. When low income is compounded with poor health, even more seniors have difficulty obtaining an adequate amount of food.

The Meals on Wheels program, administered by Catholic Charities of Decatur since July 2002, is geared toward ensuring the nutritional well being of the elderly, helping seniors stay happy, healthy and independent, longer. On weekdays, 350 lunches are planned by registered dieticians at Decatur Memorial Hospital and prepared in the facility's kitchens, then provided to homebound seniors in Decatur and several smaller communities in Macon County. An array of cheerful, caring volunteers, currently numbering close to 500, deliver hot, nutritious lunches with generous servings of kindness to program participants, many of whom live alone and leave their homes only on a limited basis. Generally, eligible persons are age 60 and older and have limited incomes.

Each meal supplies one-third of the federal nutritional recommended daily allowance and one-third of the recommended calorie intake. When necessary, meals can be prepared for people with special dietary needs. Currently, general, low-sodium, low-fat, diabetic, renal and bland options are available. A typical meal includes meat, vegetables and other items, such as dessert.

In Macon County, Meals on Wheels is funded primarily by United Way of Decatur and Macon County, East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Illinois Dept. on Aging and the Office of Rehab Services. Volunteer drivers and financial contributions are welcome to support this worthy effort, which provides over 50,000 meals every year to seniors in need. Call the Meals on Wheels Coordinator at 422-6611. Tax-deductible contributions may be sent to Catholic Charities of Decatur, 247 West Prairie, Decatur, IL 62523.

Click here to view a short Meals on Wheels Video


In Alton, Beardstown, Carlinville, Decatur, Effingham, Granite City, Mattoon, Quincy, Springfield, and Marshall.
For information on locations, call the office nearest you.

Some people find that their budgets will not stretch to include both food and prescription medicines. At Catholic Charities, we believe that no one should be without prescribed medications because they cannot afford to pay for them. The staff of the MedAssist program help individuals determine their eligibility and assist their applications for the programs that the pharmaceutical companies have for the poor. Every dollar contributed provides $7 in medication for members of your community -that is a 700% return on your donated dollars.

Quotes from some of the people who participate in the MedAssist Program:

  • "If it wasn't for this program, I don't know what would happen to me. I am very grateful to know when your life depends on med. That there is someone out there to help you. It means so much not to have to worry about bills, your sickness, family." Words of a Morrisonville MedAssist client.
  • "We can't thank you enough for helping us to get on the MedAssist program! With all our medical bills, plus the cost of our medicines, we almost used all our income to pay for pills to stay alive." From a Springfield area person helped by the program.
  • " I am the caretaker of my 83 year old mother who has very limited income and currently takes 2 prescriptions- Celexa and Zystic. I am a single parent of two teenagers and wanted to express my appreciation for the medication program called MedAssist through Catholic Charities."


All Area Offices

Staff in each office are knowledgeable about services provided by other agencies and institutions in each area. They network within their communities to make sure they provide the best solutions for people in need and avoid duplicating services. For example, if a person comes to a Catholic Charities to request a service that is not available in that office, we do more than explain that fact. Our staff will go out of their way to see that persons in need are cared for by finding a way to connect them with the agency or facility that can help with the services that they need. We are proud of the fact that we know the other resources in each community and can make referrals when they are needed rather than duplicate any services.


In Carlinville, Decatur, Effingham and Mattoon

When a helping hand is needed, Catholic Charities provides that hand in many ways. A family may need clothing, a young person may need an outfit for a job interview, a mother may need clothes required for a job, a child may need a coat to keep out the cold. Free help can be arranged when the small fees are not affordable. Donations from the community and volunteer help keep our resale shops open and the stores earn a small income to cover their operating expenses.

In 2012, the resale stores helped more than 13,739 persons with clothing and other used household items through voucher assistance programs.



In Beardstown

The St. Anne Residence, located at the intersection of Ninth and Clay Streets in Beardstown, features 23 one-bedroom units, which are wheelchair accessible and complete with full kitchens. A community room provides an accessible place for socializing, activities and events. The facility offers elevator access and a central laundry room is available to all residents. An on-site resident caretaker oversees daily operations.

Eligible applicants must be age 62 or older, and at least one spouse must meet the age requirement for couples. Rent is based on income and the monthly rent and electric bill paid by a resident will not exceed 30 percent of household income. Applications are accepted in accordance with fair housing regulations, which prohibit discrimination based on race, color, gender, religion, handicap, familial status or national origin.

The St. Anne Residence is presently conducting applicant interviews for residency. Assistance completing applications is offered by contacting the Beardstown Chamber of Commerce office or Catholic Charities. Applications are available at the St. Anne Residence office, St. Francis Community Clinic, Beardstown Chamber of Commerce Office, or by calling Wendy Wessing in the Catholic Charities Administration Office in Springfield at (800) 745-5194, ext. 327.



In Springfield

St. Clare's Health Clinic in Springfield provides preventative and basic health care for families who could not otherwise afford them. Services include pre-school and school physicals, preventative and restorative dental services, vision exams and eyeglasses, and hearing and vision test screenings. The clinic also serves as a KidCare application agent.

  • Open all year.
  • Services by appointment.
  • Dental services include cleaning, fluoride rinse and dental sealants. Further dental work by appropriate follow-up.
  • Vision clinic provides professional exams and eye glasses.
  • MedAssist Program by appointment for long-term medicine needs.
  • In 2012, 442 adults and 1,864 children were served.
  • Annual value of this service to the community is $500,000.00.
  • Dr. James McDermott provides monthly clinics for basic dental care and repair by referral.
  • Local dentists participate in the program on a rotating basis.
  • Donations are welcomed and always needed.


In Springfield

St. John's Breadline in Springfield serves a hot, nutritious meal in a clean, positive environment. People broken by life's struggles come in each day to fill their hunger of body and soul. Yet, despite their sorrows, they share conversations over a meal in a dining room filled with light, music, and colorful people. Without these accessible meals, our guests would spend too much time seeking food security instead of jobs, education, and the relationships that help weave them into our community.

Volunteers work together to help with the more than 195,381 meals we serve each year.

  • Average cost of each meal served is $2.00.
  • Donations of food, time and money support the program.
  • Each donation of $20.00 provides 10 meals to the hungry men, women and children of Springfield.


 

 


Catholic Charities

1625 West Washington, Springfield IL, 62702
(217) 523-9201 FAX: (217) 523-5624
E-mail: Webmaster@cc.dio.org