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!

PSOP will be closed from Monday, December 23, 2024 through January 1, 2025 for the Winter Break.

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.

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

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 $29,160 for singles and $39,440 for couples.

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 65 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 1st, 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, which teaches techniques for reducing stress and anxiety, will meet in person on the SECOND WEDNESDAY of most months.  Our next meeting will be Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 10 a.m. Please contact Tanya at 618-234-4410, ext. 7039, or by email at Tanya.Koelker@swic.edu, for future meeting details!

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

The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) Support Group, for anyone affected by Parkinson’s Disease, will continue to meet in person on the THIRD MONDAY of most months, at 1:30 p.m., in PSOP’s Feurer Hall. However, there is NO meeting January as PSOP will be closed that day. Every meeting has new educational topics as well as good discussion among attendees! Please contact Tanya Koelker, ext. 7039 or Tanya.Koelker@swic.edu for future meeting details! 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. 

Parkinson’s Meeting

Parkinson’s Caregiver Meeting is currently NOT meeting at this time and will be paused for the foreseeable future. You may contact Tanya at 618-234-4410, ext. 7039, 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 form the American Parkinson Disease Association (ADPA) 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

Computer Classes at PSOP

SeniorLink Computer Classes – Call 618-234-4410 Ext. 7036 to sign-up!

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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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 Tax Aide Program

Tax time is drawing near.

PSOP will be partnering once again with the AARP Tax Aide Program.

The AARP Tax Aide Program will prepare your taxes for free.

Location: PSOP 201 N. Church St. Belleville, IL 62220

You must schedule an appointment.

To schedule an appointment, call 618-277-5511 during the following days and times:

January 27-31, 2025 Monday-Friday from 8:15 to noon. 

From Feb. 3^rd  to  April 14^th  on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:15 to noon

You may not leave a message on this phone.

The phone will be answered only during the above days and times unless PSOP is closed. The demand for appointments is great, so please be patient as it may take multiple attempts to connect with the scheduler.

Save the Date:  All Roads Lead to Home Friday, March 21, 2025

Questioning whether or not it’s time to downsize, bring in supportive services or move to assisted living?  Is it time to leave the driving to someone else, and who would that be?  PSOP and the St. Clair Office on Aging will provide you the opportunity to ask those questions with agencies and business in the area all in the same place.  More details to come.  

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.