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

RSVP – Retired Senior Volunteer Program

Have you heard??? SWIC/SVS (Senior Volunteer Services) program is once again SWIC/RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program)!  Recently we were notified that our application for Federal Grant Funding (AmeriCorps Seniors-RSVP) was awarded and we are making our transition back as RSVP.  For many of our Partnered Stations and RSVP Volunteers in this program, the RSVP name is not new to you.  We have a long history over many decades as AmeriCorps Seniors (RSVP) Volunteer Program.  We are excited to continue the legacy.  Seniors (55+) in St. Clair and Madison Counties who wish to contribute their time, giving back to their community, are welcome at many of our partnered stations.  

Volunteers from various talents, backgrounds and vast work experience can find new friendships and meaningful self-worth as a volunteer.  We can help you find the perfect fit. 

Come meet our RSVP Director, Robin Pruitt, who started at PSOP on August 17^th!  She is excited to be part of the AmeriCorps brand and the mission.  Dedicating her prior work and life experiences will help make our community strong and continue our great partnership with our partnered Stations and RSVP Volunteers. 

Many partnered Stations in both counties need volunteers to assist in various ways such as; filing and scanning documents, thrift store pricing and merchandising, food pantry sorting, library assist, hospital gift shops, seasonal opportunities, meals on wheels and in many many more circumstances.  Our registration information and form is on the SWIC website (Volunteering) or you can email us at rsvp@swic.edu. Prefer a phone call? 618-234-4410, ext. 7027, 7012 or 618-797-7195.

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: Thursdays at 10 a.m. starting on October 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

Thanksgiving and cooler weather bring comfort food and meals to mind, but what if you struggle to afford your basic food needs?

What is SNAP?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program administered by the states that provides financial assistance to low-income individuals to help pay for food. SNAP allows for food purchases of pantry staples, fresh produce, dairy products, and meats. SNAP cannot be used to purchase household supplies, medicine, pet items, or prepared hot meals.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Benefit Unit: When determining eligibility, the program requires you to identify who is part of your benefit unit. A benefit unit is made up of the people who buy and prepare meals together. It may be just one person, a married couple, or a family with dependent children.

Income & Asset Limitations: General benefit units are required to meet specific income and asset limitations. The benefit unit’s total gross income must be at or below 165% of the federal poverty level. For 2026, a 1- person benefit unit must make at or below $2,152 per month; a 2-person benefit unit must make at or below $2,909 per month. The total amount of countable assets for the entire benefit unit must be less than $3,000.

Qualifying member: A qualifying member is age 60 or older; receives SSI, SSDI, a government disability pension, or Railroad Retirement disability benefits; is enrolled in Medicaid; or meets certain criteria as a disabled veteran or a veteran’s surviving spouse or child. Benefit units with a qualifying member may have a total gross income up to 200% of the federal poverty level. For 2026, a 1-person qualifying benefit unit must make at or below $2,608 per month; a 2-person qualifying benefit unit must make at or below $3,525 per month. The total amount of countable assets for the entire qualifying member benefit unit must be less than $4,500.

Work requirements: Unless exempt, SNAP recipients are required to complete 80 hours per month of paid work, volunteer work, or job training. Common exemptions include being age 65 or older; primary caregiver for a disabled person or a child under 14; attending college; or being unable to work because of certain physical or mental limitations. For more detailed and complete information about the work requirements and exemptions, you can visit https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/snap-work-requirements.

How do I apply for SNAP? Apply online at: https://abe.illinois.gov/abe/access/. To request a paper application, visit any Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) office, or call (800)843-6154 to request one by mail.

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 (Lara) or ext. 7031(Marilyn).

Mindfulness Group

The Mindfulness Class, which teaches techniques for reducing stress and anxiety, will meet in person on the SECOND WEDNESDAY of most months.  There will be no class in November due to the Veterans Day holiday. The Mindfulness Education Group will resume in December. 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 November 16th, 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 November 4th, 2026. 

SeniorLink Computer Classes at PSOP

Call 618-234-4410 ext. 7020 to sign up!

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. November 4th 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.

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 on Wednesdays, 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 on Thursdays, Oct. 8th, 15th, 22nd, 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.

Windows 11 Basics: Thursdays, November 5, 12, 19 & December 3rd 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.

AARP Smart Driver Class

The safer you drive, the more money you can save:

• 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 others safe.

When: Nov. 5th and 6th, from 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. 7020 to sign up and receive additional information. Class space is limited.

PSOP sponsored Driver’s Service Mobile Unit

Date:                                        Location: 

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.