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.
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 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) or ext. 7045 (Debbie) 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 1st.
- 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
Don’t Be Fooled: Busting Power of Attorney Myths
Myth: I don’t need Power of Attorney documents because I can still take care of everything myself. Completing these documents means I’m giving up that control.
Power of Attorney documents are planning tools, not something that takes your rights away. These documents allow you to choose who you trust the most to handle your healthcare or financial affairs if you become unable to manage them yourself. You determine when those documents become effective. You also maintain the right to revoke the documents or update them if you change your mind in the future.
Myth: I don’t need a Property Power of Attorney because I don’t own anything.
Property Power of Attorney covers more than just physical possessions. It gives your chosen agent the ability to manage your financial responsibilities along with real and personal property. This means your agent could manage your monthly bills, any money or income received, taxes, lease agreements, claims, legal matters, investments accounts, and much more.
Myth: If something happens and I need a Power of Attorney, my family or friends can create one for me.
Power of Attorney documents can only be completed by you, and only while you have the capacity to understand your decisions. These documents cannot be completed by someone else on your behalf. If you are unable to communicate and understand your decisions and do not have these planning documents completed, the court may have to intervene and choose who will act on your behalf instead. If guardianship becomes necessary, your family or friends will go through the court process, which may be lengthy and expensive.
Power of Attorney documents are a great planning tool to protect your future self and ensure an easy transition when assistance becomes necessary.
If you have questions, you should consult with an attorney who is licensed to practice law in Illinois. Land of Lincoln Legal Aid is a free legal resource available to help you explore your options. Contact our office at (618)398-0958 for the possibility of assistance.
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 Education Group will meet on Wednesday, August 12th, 2026 from 10am to 11am. This month’s theme is “Take Time to Breathe” where we will utilize breathing techniques and guided meditation. No RSVP required, just an open mind! 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 August 17th, 2026.
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 August 5, 2026.
SeniorLink Computer Classes at PSOP
There will be no computer classes offered in August as we noticed many of our senior students enjoy a summer off just like the college kids! Sign up now for the upcoming classes – seats are limited so you are able to have more one on one attention and learning!
Beginning Computers: Wed. September 30th at 1 pm. 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: Tuesdays, Sept. 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd at 1 pm. 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 with Windows 11 during this class. Applications installed after the purchase of the computer won’t be covered.
iPhone Basics: Thursdays, Sept 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th at 1 pm. Join this basic level class for explanations and hands-on usage of cell phone applications and features. Applications installed after the purchase of the cell phone are not covered. Device must be CHARGED before class.
Computer Protection: The next class will be on Tuesdays, Oct. 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th at 1 pm. Join this class for explanations and hands-on usage of applications to help protect your computer from hackers.
Word Basics: The next class will be onWednesdays, Oct. 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th at 1 pm. Join this class for explanations and hands-on usage of Microsoft Word features including techniques and practical uses of Word documents. Advanced features are NOT covered.PowerPoint Basics: This NEW class will be onThursdays, Oct. 8th, 15th, 22st, and 29th at 1 pm. Join this class for explanations and hands-on usage of PowerPoint features including techniques and practical uses for creating presentations. Advanced features are NOT covered.
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
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.