Programs and Services for Older Persons wish you all the joys of the season and every happiness throughout the coming year. It has been our pleasure to serve you this past year and we look forward to 2026.
PSOP will be closed Monday, May 25, 2026 in observance of Memorial Day.
What is PSOP?
Programs and Services for Older Persons (PSOP) staff provide a wide variety of direct and referral services to older adults, as well as their families and caregivers. The goal is to help older adults make the most of their health and independence while enjoying a rewarding lifestyle. PSOP has something for everyone!
During periods of inclement weather, PSOP is closed when Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC Belleville Campus) closes.
Overview of services and programs
- Our Foster Grandparent Program provides limited-income seniors the opportunity to serve as one-on-one tutors and mentors to young people with special needs.
- Senior Volunteer Services (SVS) has more than 600 senior volunteers serving in Madison and St. Clair Counties.
- The Senior Companion Program helps older adults maintain their dignity and independence while also assisting caregivers by giving them respite or a break.
- Our Travel department welcomes travelers of ALL ages! We offer both day trips and overnight trips to exciting destinations.
- Short-term counseling is available for St. Clair County residents over 60, or for those who provide care-giving for a family member or friend over 60. Various support groups are also offered.
- The Senior Services Program, assists mature adults and disabled residents living in subsidized housing.
- The Resource Center provides Advocacy services as well as partners with area agencies to provide information and assistance with Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, veterans’ benefits, simple wills and more.
- Alternative Transportation Services (ATS), a division of SWIC, provides curb-to-curb service for both individuals certified as American Disabilities Act eligible and those 60 and older.
- PSOP has a Wellness Program that includes a variety of exercise classes.
- In addition to all the programs mentioned above, our Activities Department offers a wide variety of programs, including: card and table games, chess, dances, lunches and so much more to fill your days.
Please stop by to say hi, take a look at the facility, and let the staff know how they’re doing. The PSOP facility is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Find out more, or call 618-234-4410.
Flag Collection Site
PSOP is now a US flag collection site. Do you have a United States flag that is torn, tattered or otherwise unserviceable? Bring it to PSOP for disposal/retirement. All flags collected with be respectfully retired by Belleville’s VFW Post 1739 at a later date.
Other Opportunities
Free Amplified Phones
Having trouble hearing on the phone? Illinois has a FREE amplified phone program! Visit PSOP at 201 N. Church St., Belleville, or call 618-234-4410, ext. 7040, 7024, 7012 or 866-942-SWIC (7942), ext. 7011, Illinois toll-free. This is a FREE program required and governed by Illinois law with no age or income restrictions. See www.itactty.org for details.
Affordable Housing Opportunities
The St. Clair County Housing Authority has one-bedroom apartments for senior citizens (age 62 and older) in locations throughout St. Clair County. Wait lists vary by location. Residents pay 30 percent of monthly income (after deductions) toward rent, up to a maximum rent established by location. Call 618-277-3290.
ATS – Alternative Transportation System
Are you unable to drive or thinking of giving up your license? ATS provides transportation to disabled individuals (any age) in St. Clair County and to residents of the city of Belleville, Stookey and St. Clair Townships who are 60 and older. Approved ATS customers may purchase coupon booklets for rides, 10 coupons for the $28.00 fee. If you meet the guidelines set by the IL Dept. of Commerce & Economic, and are within the guidelines set forth, you may apply for the reduced fare reimbursement. When you are approved and you purchase a booklet of coupons you will receive a discount for the next order of coupons. You can contact Sharon Lewis at 618 239-0749 Ext. 726 if you have any questions. If you wish to receive the application, please email sharon.lewis@swic.edu
SWIC SVS – Senior Volunteer Services
SWIC RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) is changing its name to SWIC SVS (Senior Volunteer Services), effective May 1, 2025. With changes in available funding to continue as RSVP, SVS will continue to offer senior volunteer placement services at over 40 locations throughout Madison and St. Clair Counties. If you have any questions at all about this transition, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Lynn at 618-234-4410 x 7012.
DID YOU KNOW? Studies show that seniors who are active in volunteering improve their physical activity & social interaction and also benefit their overall mental health! If you have an interest in plugging into your community, give us a call so we can help find just the right volunteer opportunity to fit your passion, talents and schedule! Call Lynn at 618-234-4410 x7012.
RESOURCE CENTER
Staff is available to assist with Medicare and Medicaid questions and enrollment, license plate sticker discount applications (Benefit Access) to qualify, must be 65 years of age or older or disabled thru social security, income must fall below $33,562 for singles and $44,533 for couples. Energy assistance applications (LIHEAP), household income below $39,979 for singles and $52,281 for couples.
Our monthly senior food box program has increased the income eligibility amount. To apply you must be at least 60 years old with monthly income below $1,995 for individuals or $2,705 for couples.
Please call 618.234.4410 ext. 7035 (Marsha) for further information or details or to see if you qualify for these programs.
The CSFP program is an equal opportunity provider. https://www.usda.gov/non-discrimination-statement
St. Clair County Veteran’s Commission – Monday, 9 a.m. – noon, 618-277-0040, by appointment only.
LAND OF LINCOLN LEGAL ASSISTANCE – Ages 60 and older Call 618-398-0958 for an appointment.
Legal Lingo – Home Repair Scams
Springtime is a great season for home renovations and repairs, and sometimes spring storms cause damage to homes requiring repair work. Scammers know these renovation and repair projects are prioritized during this time, creating the perfect environment for home repair fraud to thrive. Don’t get caught with your head in the clouds – the following are tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of home repair fraud.
Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics: Red flags may include door-to-door salespeople who offer amazing deals that are only good if you pay today, indicate they were just in the area for another home repair job, or offer a discount to use leftover supplies from another job. Reputable companies typically have a payment schedule asking for a deposit to start the work with additional payments due halfway and at the completion of the project.
Verify credentials: Make sure the company you hire is a reputable home repair service provider from the area. Verify that the company is licensed and insured/bonded and check their status with the Better Business Bureau at: https://www.bbb.org. You could also ask the contractor or company if they have references from former clients that you could call.
Request multiple estimates and a written contract: The Federal Trade Commission advises requesting three estimates before deciding on a service provider. Additionally, require a written contract that details the services, the payment schedule, and the complete contact information, including address, for the contractor providing the services. Review it carefully – make sure it is a written contract and not just an estimate!
Written contracts are required for services exceeding $1,000 in Illinois. The Illinois Attorney General provides a Know Your Rights resource for home repairs and construction which provides critical information for protecting yourself and ensuring your contract meets legal requirements. You can review this helpful information here: https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/Page-Attachments/Home%20Repair_KnowYourRights.pdf
Slow down and be cautious: As with any scam, don’t rush into a decision. A legitimate business should be willing to give you time to consider your options, provide full contact information and licensing, and provide all details in a written contract. Taking extra time now could save you from losing thousands of dollars.
If you think you may have encountered a possible scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or 1-877-382-4357.
Nurse available at PSOP
Partnering with the St. Clair County Health Department’s Medical Reserve Corps, PSOP will have a nurse available to check blood pressure, blood sugar and discuss health topics you are concerned about on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon. No appointment is needed.
Counseling Group Meeting Updates:
Mindfulness Group
The Mindfulness Class, which teaches techniques for reducing stress and anxiety, will meet in person on the SECOND WEDNESDAY of most months.
The Mindfulness Education Group will meet on May 13th. Looking ahead, the Mindfulness group will meet on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 and this month we will be coloring! We will spend the hour together practicing Mindfulness by focusing on utilizing our creativity. Materials will be provided, but feel free to bring anything to your preference! For questions, please contact Tanya Koelker at TanyaKoelker@gmail.com or 618-722-9616. *This group is sponsored by the St. Clair County Mental Health Board.*
The American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA) Support Group
The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) Support Group, for anyone affected by Parkinson’s Disease or caring for someone affected by Parkinson’s Disease, will continue to meet in person on the THIRD MONDAY of most months, at 1:00 p.m., at PSOP. The next meeting will be May 18th.
Please also be aware of the great amount of information available from the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) Greater St. Louis Chapter, at www.apdaparkinson.org/community/st-louis.
Alzheimer’s Support Group
An Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group is meeting at another location. If more information is needed, please contact the Alzheimer’s Association for more information via their website at https://www.alz.org/greatermissouri
Caregiver Support Group
The Caregiver Support Group, which is designed to provide support and community to individuals in the caregiving role, meets on the FIRST WEDNESDAY of each month at 6:30 p.m. at PSOP. The next meeting with be May 6th.
Computer Classes at PSOP
SeniorLink Computer Classes – Call 618-234-4410 Ext. 7062 to sign-up!
As a reminder, Windows 10 has reached the end of support on October 14, 2025. At this point the technical assistance feature updates and security will no longer be provided. If you have devices running on Windows 10, we encourage you to consider upgrading to Windows 11. There are classes at PSOP that will help you navigate Windows 11 to get the most out of this new system.
Beginning Computers: This one-afternoon class will cover the basics of how to use a computer. Cost: $10 Classes below meet once/week for 4 weeks at a cost of $40.
Windows 11 Basics: The next class will be April 22, 29, May 6 and 13. This basic class will include explanations and hands-on usage of Windows 11 applications and features developed by Microsoft. Explore techniques and best practices for working Windows 11 during this class. Applications installed after the purchase of the computer won’t be covered.
Computer Protection: The next class will be June 3, 10, 17 and 24. Join this class for explanations and hands-on usage of applications to help protect your computer from hackers.
Word Basics: Join this class for explanations and hands-on usage of Microsoft Word basic features including techniques and practical uses of Word documents. Advanced features are NOT covered.
Excel Basics: Explanation and hands-on usage of Microsoft Excel basic features developed by Microsoft. Techniques and practical uses for spreadsheets.
iPhone Basics: The next class will be June 4, 11, 18 and 25. Join this basic level class for explanations and hands-on usage of Apple iPhone applications and features developed by Apple Techniques. NOTE: Applications installed after the purchase of the iPhone are not covered. Device must be FULLY CHARGED before coming to each class.
iPad Basics: The next class will be Jun 2, 9, 16 and 23. This basic class will include explanations and hands-on usage of Apple iPad applications and features developed by Apple. Techniques and best practices for working with the iPad will also be explored. NOTE: Applications installed after the purchase of the iPad are not covered. Device must be fully charged before coming to each class.
Please call or email Jennifer to register for above classes: 618.234.4410, ext. 7062 or Jennifer.Friederich@swic.edu. All classes MUST be registered for AND paid for in advance. Payment MUST be received at least two weeks prior to the start date of class. REGISTRATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED TO BE COMPLETE UNTIL PAYMENT IS RECEIVED. No refunds will be issued within one week of the class start date unless a wait list exists to fill the spot created by a cancellation. In the event a refund is issued, a $5 processing fee will be held back from the amount paid. Please make checks payable to PSOP SeniorLink and mail to the attention of: Jennifer Friederich, PSOP, 201 N. Church St., Belleville, IL 62220
Cash no longer accepted and Debit change
PSOP sponsored Driver’s Service Mobile Unit
Date: Location:
Wed. July 15, 2026 PSOP, 201 N. Church St. Belleville
Wed. Oct. 21, 2026 Shiloh Community Center, 7 Park Dr. Shiloh
Wed. Dec. 9, 2026 PSOP, 201 N. Church St. Belleville
Services provided to seniors 55 and older by appointment only Call 618-234-4410, ext. 7020
PAYMENT: Credit/Debit card and check. Cash is no longer accepted
Mobile Unit hours: 10 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. Services available: Driver’s License Renewals, State ID cards and Vehicle Registration Renewals (including REAL ID’s, vision test, road test and written exam if required)
Volunteer
Donate to PSOP
Senior Resource Directory
The Senior Citizens Resource Directory contains a wide variety of programs, agencies and organizations, which can provide services to older persons. The agencies are designed to address the health, education, training and employment needs of the older person. The St. Clair County Office on Aging produces this guide.
PSOP Gift Certificates
Are you looking for a great gift idea for that special senior? Do your children ask you what you want? What about a PSOP gift certificate? The certificate is good for any trip or activity. Purchase gift certificates by calling 618-234-4410 Theresa (ext. 7043) or Melissa (ext. 7042).
CALL OR EMAIL
201 N. Church St.
Belleville, IL 62220
Phone: 618-234-4410
Fax: 618-234-8634
Upcoming Trips
Download the trip reservation form and learn more about each trip.