The Illinois Division of the United Way of Greater St. Louis has awarded six one-time Community Enhancement Grants, totaling $15,000, to non-profit agencies and organizations that will improve services to seniors in St. Clair County.
Overall, United Way will give out a total of 18 Community Enhancement Grants this year to provide financial support for new and emerging issues.
Call for Help, Inc., Catholic Urban Programs, Christian HomeCare Services, Inc., The Salvation Army, Southwestern Illinois College Retired and Senior Volunteer Program and Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc. were each awarded $2,500 grants for their programs.
"This amount may seem small to some people, but to these agencies this money will go a long way to continue offering services in the community," said Carl Bisig, senior vice president of Allsup, who served as this year's volunteer chairman of the St. Clair County grant review committee.
Eligible applicants included non-profit, school and church organizations who plan to use the grants for transportation, delivered meals, direct assistance, congregate meals and recreation programs.
Call for Help, Inc., Catholic Urban Programs, and The Salvation Army, each have plans to use the grant funds to provide assistance with prescription costs for the low-income elderly.
Christian HomeCare Services, Inc. has plans to use the funds to expand its Volunteer Interfaith Caregivers program. This program provides volunteers to assist the elderly with transportation and companionship.
Southwestern Illinois College Retired and Senior Volunteer Program will use the funds to provide additional transportation and service to senior volunteers, along with additional resources for current and potential volunteers.
Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc. has plans to establish a Senior Safety Series to provide low income residents, ages 55 and older, with information and tips for ensuring their safety, security, health and well-being.
More than one million people in our region receive services from a United Way-supported agency, annually.
To learn more about the United Way, or to make a contribution, please call your local office at (618) 233-8441.
