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 Friday, July 3, 2026 in observance of 4th of July.  

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!

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 miss the April 2026 SVS Volunteer events this year???  During National Volunteer Appreciation Month, SVS – St. Clair County & Madison County held celebrations to honor our SVS registered volunteers.  This year’s theme was “you make a living by what you get and you make a life by what you give”!  YOU HAVE THE HEART!  These events bring SVS volunteers together to have social time with volunteer friends, volunteer family members, and Station Representatives.  Connecting with each other builds stronger communities and a sense of wellbeing!   Our volunteer base is over 600 individuals strong, and whether you contribute to serve one hour or thousands of hours, WE THANK YOU!  During this year’s 250 anniversary of the United States, service is recognized globally, and you are a part of this year’s history-2026! If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to lynn.toorigian@swic.edu in St. Clair County or samuel.green@swic.edu in Madison County. Prefer a phone call? 618-234-4410, ext. 7012 or 618-797-7195.

WE WOULD LOVE YOU TO CELEBRATE WITH US NEXT YEAR IN APRIL!

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.

Matter of Balance “FREE” Workshop

This free workshop will help you:

• Learn how to reduce fear of falling
• Become less likely to have a fall by doing physical activity that increases your strength and balance
• Have fun discussing useful strategies with your peers
• 8-week course: Mondays at 10 a.m. starting on June 1^st.
• To register, call 618-234-4410, ext. 7035

LAND OF LINCOLN LEGAL ASSISTANCE – Ages 60 and older   Call 618-398-0958 for an  appointment.

Legal Lingo – with the Land of Lincoln Legal Aid

For some older homeowners, a reverse mortgage may help supplement retirement income, consolidate debt, or cover needed expenses. Unfortunately, scammers have figured out how to use this to swindle folks out of their hard-earned money, and even their homes.

What is a “reverse” mortgage? A reverse mortgage is a type of loan for homeowners aged 62 or older who have equity in their homes. Borrowers receive regular payments or have access to a line of credit to use for home repair, maintenance, or living expenses. Borrowers stay in their homes if they continue to pay property taxes and homeowners’ insurance. The remainder of the loan is due when the homeowner moves, sells the home, enters a long-term care facility, or passes away.

How can I protect myself from reverse mortgage scams? Scammers try to pressure and trick older homeowners into signing one-sided contracts, with the goal of taking the home’s value and putting it in their own pockets.  

• Do not respond to unsolicited advertisements! Scammers use unsolicited phone calls, home visits, or “investment” seminars to target older homeowners. Most reverse mortgages are Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM), which are the only option insured by the federal government and only offered through lenders approved by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). These loans are heavily regulated to protect borrowers. Other options include proprietary reverse mortgage loans or single purpose reserve mortgage loans.

• Do not pay for reverse mortgage information! Everything you need to know about reverse mortgages is provided for free by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For free information, use the HECM Counselor Roster on the HUD website (hud.gov) or call (800) 569-4287.

• There is no such thing as a risk-free loan! Never trust someone who tells you a reverse mortgage is risk-free. It is not “free money.” All reverse mortgages eventually come due, and that could mean losing your home. These are loans with strict conditions that require thoughtful consideration. If the pitch sounds too good to be true…it probably is.

• Never sign anything you do not fully understand! Talk with a trusted advisor or attorney before signing. If the reverse mortgage is legitimate and insured by the federal government, you will be required by law to meet with an approved counselor. You should also talk to a trusted advisor or attorney about how a reverse mortgage might affect your estate plans.

If you think you have been scammed, act fast! Call the Illinois Attorney General Consumer Fraud Hotline (800) 243-0618, report it to the FBI through their electronic tip line or your local FBI Office, or file a complaint with HUD’s Inspector General by calling (800) 347-3735.

For more information regarding reverse mortgages and potential scams, check out: National Consumer Law Center (nclc.org), Illinois Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (naela-il.org), and AARP (aarp.org).

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:

Counseling Services continue to be available at no cost to residents of St. Clair County over the age of 60, or for those who are caregivers for individual over the age of 60. This program is designed to assist individuals with emotional adjustments related (but not limited) to aging, illness, grief, and stress. The counselor is able to meet at PSOP, through Telehealth, or at the home of the individual. For any questions, or to schedule an appointment, please call (618)234-4410 ext. 7039. 

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 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 Wednesday, July 8th, 2026.  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 July 20^th.

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 July 1, 2026. 

SeniorLink Computer Classes at PSOP

There will be no computer classes offered in July/August as we noticed many of our senior students enjoy a summer off just like the college kids!  Keep an eye on our newsletter to sign up for our classes when they resume in September.  We wish you wonderful summer adventures- whether they include technology or not!

Cash no longer accepted and Debit change

PSOP sponsored Driver’s Service Mobile Unit

Date:                                        Location: 

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

PSOPinfo@swic.edu

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.