Looking for a chance to brighten someone’s day? Become a Senior Companion!
The Senior Companion Program pairs Volunteers, 55 and older, with seniors who otherwise would not be able to live independently. The program is sponsored by Southwestern Illinois College and based out of Programs and Services for Older Persons in Belleville. Senior Companions are reimbursed for mileage and meals and receive a small stipend to offset the cost of volunteering.
Senior Companions provide companionship and assistance to their peers who are homebound or may be socially isolated. They visit one or more days per week for at least four hours per day and can assist with daily tasks, provide transportation, and give support and a much-needed break to full-time caregivers.
The program covers Madison, St. Clair, Monroe and Randolph counties.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact Senior Companion Director Kate Bilyeu at 618-234-4410, ext. 7023.
Explore Treasure Island, Florida with PSOP in 2023
Take a break from the cold and bleak weather of winter and spend a week at the sunny paradise of Treasure Island, Florida! January 29 – February 5, 2023, join Southwestern Illinois College’s Programs and Services for Older Persons for a trip of a lifetime. Not only will you experience fun day trips to Tarpon Springs, Sarasota, and St. Petersburg, but you will also be able to expand their horizons through exciting museums and gourmet foods.
Enjoy the leisurely accommodations of Treasure Island, Florida, as well as excursions to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, St. Armand’s Circle, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, The Chihuly Collection, the Dali Museum, and more!
Tour cost per person starts at $2,509 for double and $3,379 for a single. Make sure to register by October 12, 2022.
For more information, contact Group Travel Specialist Nancy Bauer at 618-234-4410, ext. 7020, or e-mail at nancy.bauer@swic.edu.
Explore the Western Frontiers or the American Riviera with PSOP in 2022
Dreaming of your next big adventure? Let Southwestern Illinois College Programs and Services for Older Persons help make it a reality! Plan to attend the Travelogue program on Tuesday, Feb.15 at 10 a.m. at PSOP, 201 N. Church St., Belleville. Masks/face covering will be required for the travelogue program.
The meeting will highlight the following excursions:
Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, and Western Frontiers – Aug. 3-11, 2022
Discover picturesque landmarks of north Wyoming and the western part of South Dakota. The nine-day, eight-night trip includes roundtrip airfare from St. Louis, motorcoach transportation, 12 meals, sightseeing and admissions per itinerary, eight nights lodging, hotel transfers, travel insurance, baggage handling and a professional tour director.
The cost starts at $4,349 per person, based on double occupancy.
The American Riviera – Nov. 6-12, 2022
Have you been dreaming of tropical sands, coral reefs, and island blue water?
Join PSOP for a journey to explore sunny Santa Barbara & The American Riviera. This unique excursion is jam-packed with things to do and features something for everyone. The eight-day, seven-night trip includes roundtrip airfare from St. Louis, round trip motorcoach transportation, nine meals, sightseeing and admissions per itinerary, roundtrip airport transfers, two excursions per-day, professional tour director, baggage handling and a travel protection plan.
Highlights of the activities include visiting the Reagan Library, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Santa Ynez Valley Winery. Discover the history behind El Camino by traveling to the Old Mission Santa Barbra. While touring the town, individuals will be immersed in the seaside festivities and culture. Moving on to Santa Monica, experience a fascinating walking tour of the Queen Mary with local experts. Overall, the Santa Barbara and The American Riviera PSOP Travelodge trip will be one full of picturesque views and magical memories.
The cost starts at $3,999 per person, based on double occupancy
For more information or to reserve a seat to the Travelogue program, contact Group Travel Specialist Nancy Bauer at 618-234-4410, ext. 7020, or email at nancy.bauer@swic.edu.
Senior Companion Program looking for seniors or caregivers
Are you a senior who is feeling lonely, or are you a caregiver to a senior and in need of a little break? Senior Companions can help!
The Senior Companion Program pairs healthy, active people 55 and older with other seniors who otherwise would not be able to live independently. Southwestern Illinois College Programs and Services for Older Persons sponsors the program.
“The companions provide supportive, individualized services to help clients maintain their dignity and independence,” said Carla Boswell, director of the Senior Companion Program at PSOP. “The goal is to foster their independence and keep them in their own homes. The program also serves as a support system for caregivers of homebound seniors.”
At no cost to the client, Senior Companions provide companionship and assistance to older adults who are homebound and want to remain in their home or may be socially isolated. They visit four hours per day, one or more days per week and can assist with daily tasks, as well as give support and a much-needed break to full-time caregivers. All Senior Companions must go through a background check and training before they are placed with a senior. Companions earn a nontaxable stipend, paid holidays, meal and travel reimbursement and other benefits.
For more information regarding the Senior Companion Program, contact Deena Duvall in Monroe or Randolph counties at 618-282-6682, ext. 8135; Deirdre Evans in the East St. Louis area at 618-874-8779; Carla Boswell in Madison County at 618-797-7369; or Judy Foret in St. Clair County at 618-234-4410, ext. 7095.
Annual Event Will be Held Virtually on September 16th
SPRINGFIELD – The Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Commission) will present 27 Illinoisans and businesses with the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award during a special virtual event on September 16, 2020 at 2 p.m.
The award recognizes volunteers and volunteer programs that have made a difference in Illinois and highlights the importance of volunteerism and community service.
“These past few months have shown us once again that volunteers are the beating heart of Illinois,” said Commission Executive Director Scott McFarland. “We are honored to be able to highlight just a few of the nearly 3 million people in Illinois who give back.”
The Commission received more than 215 nominations in six categories (adult, AmeriCorps, business, senior, Senior Corps, and youth) from the Commission’s five service regions across the state (East Central, Northeast, Northwest, Southern, and West Central). Commissioners reviewed the applications and selected 28 award winners.
Deserie Gibson
Deserie Gibson of Belleville, the Southern Award recipient for Senior Corps, began her volunteer service in the Senior Companion Program in 2006. She has provided more than 20,000 hours of service during the past 14 years, and doesn’t show signs of slowing down. For the past eight years, Deserie visits her client, who has dementia, assisting with daily tasks and keeping her from harm. This client would have gone into memory care long ago if she didn’t have special attention from her Senior Companion.
Deserie feels “called” to help others. She spends her free time visiting others in a nursing home with their church ministry. She said, “Going where I can go, to help where I can help, is my mission.”
The impact that a Senior Companion can make in the life of one individual, keeping them from a nursing home for just one year, saves upwards of $75,000.
The following are the 2020 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award recipients. More information about the recipients is on the Serve Illinois website at www.Serve.Illinois.gov.
East Central Award Recipients
Adult: Teresa Bachtold – Forrest For service to Harvest Call
AmeriCorps: Jalen Butler – Springfield For service to Springfield Urban League
Senior: Shannon Nosbisch – Dieterich For service to Effingham Public Library
Senior Corps: Valerie Beguin – Towanda For service to Fostering Dignity
Youth: Aja Capel – Urbana For service to 4-H
Northeast Award Recipients
Adult: Scott Milliman – Chicago For service to Literacy Volunteers of Illinois at Illinois Youth Center Chicago
AmeriCorps: Kiamara Rodriguez – Chicago For service to Center for Disability and Elder Law
Business: Abbott Laboratories Legal Department – Abbott Park For service to Ascend Justice
Senior: Donna Adam – Des Plaines For service to Clean Up Give Back
Senior Corps: Shirley Cassens – Harvard For service to Senior Services Associates, Inc.
Youth: Kiran Mohan – Buffalo Grove For service to Crescendo for a Cause
Northwest Award Recipients
Adult: Dan Portz – Fulton For service to River Bend CUSD 2-Fulton High School Robotics Program
AmeriCorps: Linda Bolls – Kewanee For service to Abilities Plus
Senior: Ted Brolund – Rockford For service to Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity
Senior Corps: Marjorie “Midge” Murphy – Rock Falls For service to Dillon Elementary School
Youth: Lucy Kuelper – Rio For service to #MoveOver Project
Southern Award Recipients
Adult: Michael Moyers – Herrin For service to Christopher Elementary School
Business: PNC Bank – Fairview Heights For service to East St. Louis School District #189
Senior: Melody Shimada – Carbondale For service to Carbondale Public Library
Senior Corps: Deserie Gibson – Belleville For service to SWIC Programs and Services for Older Persons
Youth: Elijah Gunter – Scheller For service to Sesser Jr. Football
West Central Award Recipients
Adult: Daniel Luthi – Washington For service to American Red Cross
AmeriCorps: Deja Jenkins – Galesburg For service to Illinois Justice Corps/Knox County Courthouse
Business: JIMAX Group – Peoria For service to Tireless Project
Senior: Joel Estes – Knoxville For service to Blessings in a Backpack
Senior Corps: Lloyd Lawber – Griggsville For service to Pike County All Wars Museum
Youth: Abigail Oakley – Quincy For service to Quincy Art Center
Later this fall, nomination forms will be made available for the Commission’s companion awards program, the Governor’s Hometown Awards. The Governor’s Hometown Awards program gives formal recognition to communities that contributed to their community’s quality of life via projects that had strong volunteer support, met a need, and made a definitive impact.
The Serve Illinois Commission is a 40-member (25 voting and 15 non-voting), bipartisan board appointed by the Governor and administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Its mission is to improve Illinois communities by enhancing volunteerism and instilling an ethic of service throughout the State.
Experience breathtaking Alaska, coastal Maine or an island cruise with PSOP
Alaska by Land & Sea – Aug. 9-20, 2021 Explore the Alaskan “final frontier.” The seven-night cruise and four-night land adventure leaves Belleville, Monday, Aug. 9. 2021. Highlights of the adventure include visiting Denali National Park; taking a ride on the Alaska Railroad; experiencing a wilderness dogsled ride; viewing the gigantic Hubbard Glacier; visiting the Icy Strait Point; watching whales on the waters of Port Frederick; and all the amenities of the world-class Celebrity Cruises’ Millennium ship at night and much more!
The tour includes airfare, transportation, activities, meals, lodging on land, cruise accommodations as selected, entertainment on the ship, port charges, taxes, government fees, travel insurance and gratuities. Prices start at $5,023 per person, with double occupancy.
Landscapes & Lighthouses of Coastal Maine – Oct. 9-15, 2021 Experience all the beauty coastal Maine has to offer. The six-night trip leaves St. Louis on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021. Highlights of the trip include tours of historic Boston and America’s oldest ballpark, Fenway Park; taking a scenic Casco Bay Cruise and seeing lighthouses, forts, lobster boats and seals; visiting one of America’s oldest and most photographed lighthouses, Portland Head Lighthouse; experiencing a traditional lobster clambake; traveling to the tallest peak in the Northeastern U.S., Mount Washington and much more!
The excursion includes roundtrip airfare from St. Louis, six-nights lodging in first-class hotels, nine meals, motorcoach transportation, admissions per itinerary, sightseeing, hotel transfers, baggage handling at hotels, a travel protection plan and a professional tour director. Prices start at $3,599 per person, with double occupancy and the booking discount.
Eastern Caribbean Cruise – Feb. 20 to March 3, 2022 This unique island winter escape is jam-packed with things to do and features something for everyone. The 10-night journey leaves Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022 and will explore what Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, the eastern Caribbean islands, and Celebrity Cruises Millennium cruise ship have to offer. There are many excursion options to choose from including: exploring vibrant coastal villages and white-sandy beaches; navigating the El Yunque rainforest; tasting local cuisine; shopping at local shops filled with artisanal batik clothing, leatherwork and textiles; riding a narrow-gauge train through breathtaking scenery; snorkeling to view sunken shipwrecked ships; viewing the magnificient Mount Liamuiga, a 3,792-foot-high dormant volcano and more!
The trip includes rountrip airfare and airport transfers; one-night lodging in Ft. Lauderdale with breakfast; 10-night cruise in selected accomodations; all meals and entertainment on the ship; baggage handling throughout the trip; customary shipboard gratuities; all port charges, taxes and government fees; tour-related taxes and gratuities for drivers and bellman and services of a PSOP representative. Guests also get to choose two of the following perks, at no extra cost: classic beverage package, unlimited internet package or an onboard credit of $150 per person for dining, spa, shore excursions and other onboard purchases.
The deposit to reserve your spot for this excitement-packed excursion is only $500. Prices begin at only $2,999 per person. A passport is required and must be valid through Sept. 5, 2022. A passport card is not acceptable for this trip.
For more information or a brochure, call Group Travel Specialist Nancy Bauer at 618-234-4410, ext. 7020 or nancy.bauer@swic.edu.
Experience spring training with the Cardinals, discover the heart of Texas or explore captivating Iceland with PSOP in 2021
By
Dreaming of your next big adventure? Let Southwestern Illinois College Programs and Services for Older Persons help make it a reality! PSOP is hosting three excursions in 2021 that will create memories to last a lifetime.
Spring Training with the Cardinals in Jupiter, Florida – March. 16-19, 2021 Enjoy the beginning of spring with the “boys of summer.” The four-day trip leaves on Tuesday, March 16, 2021. Highlights of the trip include a tour of Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse; two Cardinals games at Roger Dean Stadium; exploring old-world architecture, beautiful fountains and sidewalk cafes in West Palm Beach; viewing celebrity mansions; looking for alligators while riding through the Everglades Holiday Park on an airboat; enjoying a “Gator” show by the Gator Boys Alligator Rescue Team of “Animal Planet” and more!
The trip includes roundtrip local airport transfers and airfare; deluxe motor coach transportation; three-nights lodging near the beach; three breakfasts and two dinners; all activities and admissions as listed in the itinerary; all tour-related taxes and gratuities and baggage handling. Prices start at $2,229 per person, with double occupancy.
The Magnolia Trail & The Heart of Texas – April 24-28, 2021 Experience all the heartland of Texas has offer! This four-night trip leaves Saturday, April 24, 2021. Highlights of the trip include tours of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, President John F. Kennedy sites and locations, Perot Museum, AT&T Stadium, the western historic Fort Worth Stockyard District, Waco City and a guided tour of homes featured on the HGTV series “Fixer Upper.” Also included is shopping at the Magnolia Market at the Silos, viewing a cattle drive and much more!
The tour includes roundtrip airfare from St. Louis, four-nights lodging infirst-class hotels, six meals, motorcoach transportation, admissions per itinerary, comprehensive sightseeing, hotel transfers, baggage handling at hotels, a travel protection plan and a professional tour director. Prices start at $2,699 per person, with double occupancy and the booking discount. Iceland Explorer – June 2-8, 2021 Discover picturesque landscapes created by volcanoes and glaciers, and learn about Viking heritage. The trip includes roundtrip airfare from St. Louis, motorcoach transportation, eight meals, sightseeing and admissions per itinerary, five nights lodging, hotel transfers, travel insurance, international air departure taxes and fuel, baggage handling at the hotel and a professional tour director. A valid passport is required.
Highlights of the adventure include visiting several museums such as Iceland’s National Museum, Skogar Folk Museum and the Viking Ship Museum. Also, view the Skogafoss, one of the biggest waterfalls in the country; swim in a geothermal pool in the center of a large lava field called the Blue Lagoon; explore Thingvellir National Park; view hot springs and mud pots; explore five original Viking ships from the 11th century and visit Bessastadir, an ancient site and home to Iceland’s president. Taste “Hot Spring Bread” which is cooked using the heat from geothermal activity; learn Viking history and culture; and much more. The cost starts at $4,799 per person, based on double occupancy and with the booking discount.
For more information or a brochure, call Group Travel Specialist Nancy Bauer at 618-234-4410, ext. 7020 or nancy.bauer@swic.edu.
Explore captivating Iceland or set sail on an island cruise with PSOP in 2020
By
Dreaming of your next big adventure? Let Southwestern
Illinois College Programs and Services for Older Persons help make it a reality!
Plan to attend the Travelogue program on Thursday, Jan. 9 at 11 a.m. at PSOP,
201 N. Church St., Belleville.
The meeting will highlight the following excursions:
Iceland Explorer – June 3-9, 2020
Discover picturesque landscapes created by volcanoes and glaciers, and learn about Viking heritage. The seven-day, six-night trip includes roundtrip airfare from St. Louis, motorcoach transportation, eight meals, sightseeing and admissions per itinerary, five nights lodging, hotel transfers, travel insurance, baggage handling and a professional tour director. A valid passport is required.
Highlights of the adventure include visiting several museums such as Iceland’s National Museum, Skogar Folk Museum and the Viking Ship Museum. Also, view the Skogafoss, one of the biggest waterfalls in the country; swim in a geothermal pool in the center of a large lava field called the Blue Lagoon; explore Thingvellir National Park; view hot springs and mud pots; explore five original Viking ships from the 11th century and visit Bessastadir, an ancient site and home to Iceland’s president. Taste “Hot Spring Bread” which is cooked using the heat from geothermal activity; learn Viking history and culture; and much more.
The cost starts at $4,739 per person, based on double occupancy.
Have you been dreaming of tropical sands, coral reefs and island blue water?
Join PSOP for a journey to explore five islands
and all the MV Galapagos Legend
cruise ship has to offer. This unique excursion is jam-packed with things to do
and features something for everyone. The eight-day, seven-night trip includes
roundtrip airfare from St. Louis, round trip motorcoach transportation, 17
meals, sightseeing and admissions per itinerary, roundtrip airport transfers,
two excursions per-day, professional tour director, baggage handling and a
travel protection plan. A valid passport is required.
Highlights of the activities include visiting the “middle of the world” in Quito, Ecuador; snorkeling; viewing land iguanas, giant tortoises, pelicans, sea lions, penguins and other sea and wildlife, plus the flightless cormorants, found only in Isabela Island;. Also, visit a pirates hideout; view stunning volcanic landscapes; visit Jesuit Church of the Society of Jesus, one of the most significant examples of Spanish Baroque architecture in South America; swim with sunfish and sea horses; visit a black volcanic beach and a red sand beach; and much more.
Also enjoy the naturalist MV Galapagos Legend cruise ship, a luxury vessel which offers all the amenities of a large cruise liner without sacrificing the intimacy of a small sailing craft. The luxurious Legend is equipped with five decks, mouth-watering dining options, a swimming pool, a library, exercise equipment, international phone/fax/internet, 24-hour pay medical service, the most technologically advanced safety system in the archipelago and much more.
The cost starts at $7,555 per person, based on double occupancy
For more information or to reserve a seat to the Travelogue program, contact Group Travel Specialist Nancy Bauer at 618-234-4410, ext. 7020.
Senior Companion Program looking for seniors or caregivers
By
Are
you a senior who is feeling lonely, or are you a caregiver to a senior and in
need of a little break? Senior Companions can help!
The
Senior Companion Program pairs healthy, active people 55 and older with other
seniors who otherwise would not be able to live independently. Southwestern
Illinois College Programs and Services for Older Persons sponsors the program.
“The companions provide supportive, individualized services to help clients maintain their dignity and independence,” said Carla Boswell, director of the Senior Companion Program at PSOP. “The goal is to foster their independence and keep them in their own homes. The program also serves as a support system for caregivers of homebound seniors.”
At
no cost to the client, Senior Companions provide companionship and assistance
to older adults who are homebound and want to remain in their home or may be
socially isolated. They visit four hours per day, one or more days per week and
can assist with daily tasks, as well as give support and a much-needed break to
full-time caregivers. All Senior Companions must go through a background check
and training before they are placed with a senior. Companions earn a nontaxable
stipend, paid holidays, meal and travel reimbursement and other benefits.
For
more information regarding the Senior Companion Program, contact Deena Duvall
in Monroe or Randolph counties at 618-282-6682, ext. 8135; Deirdre Evans in the
East St. Louis area at 618-874-8779; Elaine Roustio in Madison County at
618-797-7369; or Judy Foret in St. Clair County at 618-234-4410, ext. 7095.
Set sail on a Caribbean Cruise to Mexico, Belize and Honduras with PSOP in 2020
This unique excursion is jam-packed with things to do and features something for everyone. Join PSOP Feb. 15-23, 2020, for an eight-night journey to explore Tampa, Florida; Costa Maya, Mexico; Harvest Caye, Belize; Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras; Cozumel, Mexico and all the Norwegian Dawn cruise ship has to offer.
The adventure begins with a one-night stay in Tampa before boarding the Norwegian Dawn cruise ship. Once aboard the ship, there are numerous amenities and activities to choose from including live entertainment, spa treatments, a casino, swimming pools, mouth-watering dining options and more.
Highlights of activities available while visiting some of the locations include traveling 100 feet below the sea in a submarine; exploring an underwater protected marine park; visiting stunning beaches; exploring ancient Mayan ruins and learning secrets of the Mayan culture. Other activities include: viewing the beautiful coral reef on a glass bottom boat tour; tasting local cuisine and indulging in sweet treats; seeing dolphins; snorkeling in sparkling waters or alongside stingrays; ziplining over the Caribbean Sea; taking a ride in a dune buggy or catamaran; strolling through a jungle canopy on a suspension bridge; catching a tuna fish; golfing on a championship course; relaxing at a private pool-side cabana; taking a scenic drive for photos; shopping at local craft markets; viewing the stunning sites of Tabyana Beach; discovering how the Mayans made chocolate and more.
The eight-night trip leaves Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020. The trip includes local roundtrip airfare and airport transfers; motor coach transportation in Florida; one night lodging in Tampa with breakfast; baggage handling throughout the trip; gratuities for local and Florida motor coach drivers; seven-night cruise in selected accommodations; ALL meals and entertainment on board the ship; all port charges, government taxes and fees; customary shipboard gratuities; services of SWIC PSOP travel representative. In addition, there is also your choice of two of the following FREE amenities: FREE unlimited beverage package, FREE specialty dining package, internet package, $50 shore excursion credit (per port, per stateroom), or a photo package.
The deposit to reserve your spot for this once-in-a-lifetime, excitement-packed excursion is only $500. Prices begin at only $2,349 per person. A passport is required and must be valid through Aug. 24, 2020. For more information or a brochure, call Group Travel Specialist Nancy Bauer at 618-234-4410, ext. 7020 or nancy.bauer@swic.edu.
