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.
• Our RSVP program has more than 1,000 senior volunteers working throughout our service area.
• 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.

PSOP/AmeriCorps Senior/VFW Post 1739
9/11 Flag Collection Event

September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance unites all Americans in remembering the heroes, armed forces, first responders and countless others acts of service that defend our nation’s freedom.

On Sept. 11, 2023 PSOP, AmeriCorps Seniors and VFW Post 1739 will come together to initiate a flag collection site at PSOP. This event will kick-off at 10 a.m. with a member of VFW Post 1739. Learn about the history of our American flag, gain inspiration in this symbol of our country, and gain knowledge on the proper care and retirement of unserviceable or tattered flags.

PSOP will serve as a flag collection site for unserviceable flags starting Sept. 11, 2023 thru Nov. 9, 2023 in honor of Veteran’s Day. PSOP will be closed on Nov. 10, 2023.

Alzheimer’s Walk

Join the PSOP Team in the fight against Alzheimer’s.
The Alzheimer’s Walk will be October 7, 2023 and starts at 9:30. Sign-up by going to the link at:
https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2023/MO-GreaterMissouri?pg=entry&fr_id=16676
Add yourself to the PSOP Team, or ask a staff person to help out. Together – we are Fighting for a Different Future!

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, 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.

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: Thursdays, September 7th – Oct. 26th 1-3 p.m. To register, call 618-234-4410, ext. 7035

RESOURCE CENTER

Staff is available to assist with license plate sticker discount applications (Benefit Access), energy assistance applications (LIHEAP) and Medicare/Medicaid questions/enrollment.

Our monthly senior food box program has resumed. To apply you must be at least 60 years old with monthly income below $1,580 for individuals or $2,137 for couples.

Please call 618.234.4410 ext. 7035 (Marsha) or ext. 7045 (Karen) for further information or details or to see if you qualify for these programs.

We are making appointments for those over 60 years of age for LIHEAP applications (energy assistance). This year you may also be eligible for water/sewer assistance. Monthly income must be below $2,265 for individuals or $3,052 for couples. Call 618-234-4410, ext. 7035 (Marsha) or ext. 7045 (Karen) for an appointment or further information or details to see if you qualify.

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

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 Tuesdays of the month from 9 a.m. to noon. No appointment is needed.

Supportive Services Available At PSOP

In the Older Adult and Caregiver Counseling Program, Tanya Koelker, LCPC, offers counseling services in person, by phone, and virtually. This solution-focused counseling is available for St. Clair County residents over the age of 60, or for caregivers of someone over the age of 60, and is free of charge. Topics include emotional adjustments to life events and changes, aging, caregiving, and community resources. Please contact Tanya (ext. 7039) for counseling appointments and to express any interest in support groups and educational programs.

Counseling Group Meeting Updates:

Mindfulness Group

The Mindfulness Class – teaches techniques for reducing stress and anxiety, will meet in person on the SECOND WEDNESDAY of most months. We will meet on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023, with a reservation required. Please contact Tanya at 618-234-4410, ext. 7039, or by email at Tanya.Koelker@swic.edu, for meeting details and to make a required reservation for each month.

Mark your calendars for an upcoming Mindfulness Yoga event on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 here at PSOP with Jessica Pollock, RYT-200 leading us through a yoga class. Jessica has advanced training as a FLEX instructor for Silver Sneakers and hosts yoga classes for seniors weekly in the community. Reservation for this event is required. Please contact Tanya Koelker, LCPC at ext. 7039 for more information.

The American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA) Support Group

For anyone affected by Parkinson’s Disease, will meet in person on the THIRD MONDAY of most months, at 1:30 p.m., in PSOP’s Feurer Hall. The next meeting will be held Monday, September 18, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. Every meeting has new educational topics as well as good discussion among attendees! Also watch for upcoming presentations and topics that you don’t want to miss!

Parkinson’s Caregiver Meeting

In addition, a Parkinson’s Caregiver Meeting is normally held in person on the THIRD TUESDAY of most months, and next on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023 at 11 a.m., at Belleville Health and Sports Center, 1001 S. 74th St, Belleville. No reservations are required, but you may contact Tanya at 618-234-4410, ext. 7039, for future meeting details and for any support and educational material related to Parkinson’s Disease or caregiving for someone with Parkinson’s Disease. Please 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. Please contact Tanya at 618-234-4410, ext. 7039, for meeting information, and for any support and educational material related to Alzheimer’s disease or caregiving for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Computer Classes at PSOP

SeniorLink Computer Classes Fall Classes Now Forming Call 618-234-4410 Ext. 7036 to sign-up!

Beginning Computers: This one-day class will cover the basics of how to use a computer and what you can do with it. Instructor: Gene Busekrus / Cost: $10 (1 day)

Windows 10 Basics: This basic class will include explanations and hands-on usage of Windows 10 applications and features developed by Microsoft. Explore techniques and best practices for working with Windows 10 during this class. NOTE: This class is highly encouraged as a prerequisite for the following computer classes. Applications installed after the purchase of the computer will not be covered. Instructor: Gene Busekrus / Cost: $40 / (six weeks)

Computer Protection: Join this class for explanations and hands-on usage of applications to help protect your computer from hackers. Instructor: Gene Busekrus / Cost: $40

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. Instructor: Gene Busekrus / Cost: $40

iPhone Basics: Join this basic level class for explanations and hands-on usage of Apple iPhone applications and features developed by Apple Techniques and best practices for working with the iPhone will also be shown. NOTES: Applications installed after the purchase of the iPhone are not covered. Device must be FULLY CHARGED before coming to each class. Instructor: Gene Busekrus / Cost: $40 Tuesdays, (six weeks)

iPad Basics: 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. NOTES: Applications installed after the purchase of the iPad are not covered. Device must be fully charged before coming to each class. Instructor: Gene Busekrus/ Cost: $40. (six weeks)

Please call or email Carla to register for above classes: 618.234.4410, ext. 7036 or Carla.boswell@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: Carla Boswell, PSOP, 201 N. Church St., Belleville, IL 62220

AARP Smart Driver Class

Safer driving may save you $.

• Refresh your driving skills and knowledge of the rules of the road.
• Learn techniques for handling left turns, right-of-way and roundabouts.
• Discover proven driving methods to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.
  When: Sept. 11 and 12, 2023 12 – 4 p.m. You must attend both days.
  Where: PSOP – 201 N. Church St., Belleville, IL 62220
  Cost: $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members
  Call 618-234-4410, ext. 7036 to sign-up and receive additional information. Class space is limited.

PSOP sponsored Driver’s Service Mobile Unit

Date: Location:
Sept. 20, 2023 7 Park Dr. Shiloh, IL
Oct. 11, 2023 201 N. Church St., Belleville, IL
Nov. 15, 2023 7 Park Dr. Shiloh, IL
Dec. 13, 2023 201 N. Church St., Belleville, IL Call 618-234-4410, ext. 7036

Services provided to seniors 55 and older:
Mobile Unit hours: 10 a.m. to 1:40 p.m.
Services available: Driver’s License Renewals
(including vision test, road test and written exam if required)
Road tests by appointment only
Real ID’s are not able to be completed through the Mobile DMV PAYMENT: Credit card or check; NO CASH
Other walk-in services available:
State ID cards and Vehicle Registration Renewals
Call 618-234-4410, ext. 7042 or 7043

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.