Catholic Charities assistance programs Macon, Decatur and Sangamon County area.
The Catholic Charities of the Decatur region serves a number of counties in Illinois. Lower income and struggling residents can explore all the emergency financial assistance programs that are offered as well as free food, medications, health care clinics and more The agency and local churches focus on meeting basic needs of the needy, including housing, nutrition, and more.
Get free emergency food, financial assistance for bills, grants and more from Catholic Charities
Crisis programs are offered for the counties in the region. The agency can provide basic necessities and help put people on a path towards self-sufficiency. Case managers will provide free guidance, referral and advocacy services to the low income and less fortunate in the region. They can refer clients to job training and employment services.
Some financial aid and other support can be offered as well as needed. For example, this can include clothing, food, utility and rent assistance. During the Christmas and holiday season Catholic Charities of Macon County may have free gifts and food baskets for low income families and children. In addition the Springfield Illinois Area Office also provides transportation assistance to the needy.
Receive free food and meals. Catholic Charities tries to alleviate hunger in the region. They also provide for children and seniors and try to meet their nutritional needs. Catholic Charities will try to address hunger in people of all ages. Their food pantries, the on site staff and volunteers all help with addressing immediate problems and help people look into future solutions. Donations are always needed as well as additional volunteers.
For people or families that need clothing, Catholic Charities may be able to help. They can provide a someone going on an interview with a new suit or slacks. Children and students may receive a new coat to keep them warm during the cold Illinois winter. Or a mother may need free clothes for a baby. Churches and charities in Effingham, Sangamon and nearby counties will try to meet this need. Items can be offered from thrift stores or local clothing closets.
Another option is the Springfield Illinois St. John's Breadline. This will provide people with a free, hot nutritious meal. It may be offered different times of the day and it is for the homeless and/or very low income in the region. There are also other food pantries in Illinois that can be turned to for food or hot meals.
Many seniors who live on a fixed income are also struggling. Programs for the elderly were created for them as well. When low income is compounded with an older individual or someone with poor health, this will usually impact seniors even even more. It may prevent them from obtaining an adequate amount of food.
Case management and social services in Macon and Sangamon County
Eldercare is for disabled adults and seniors. The program will provide assessment, counsel and help determine if there is a need for guardianship for disabled adults. For example, if someone can no longer manage their own finances, personal affairs, or health care, Catholic Charity staff will coordinate services for them, in partnership with the correct decision maker, in the Decatur Illinois region.
Catholic Charities also works to ensure senior citizens have the communication they need, including a home and/or cell phone. There are free programs such as from Lifeline and Link-Up that the charity can help the elderly find and apply for. This gives them a way to check with loved ones, for medical emergencies, and other uses. Learn more on and find free senior cell phones.
Referrals and information is offered. Catholic charities is a place to turn to for information about services and assistance provided by other non-profit agencies, public resources and institutions in the Illinois area. Staff will try to connect a client with the agency or facility that can help with the services that someone needs. This is available in many counties including Madison, Effingham, Adams, and Clark.
Catholic Charities medical and health care services
Prescription medications may be provided to those who cannot afford to pay for them on their own or whose insurance does not cover their bills. The main program is known as MedAssist, and it will help individuals determine their eligibility for prescription assistance programs. Specialists will help with completing applications for the countless programs that local clinics and/or pharmaceutical companies have for the poor and uninsured.
The St. Clare's Health Clinic in Springfield Illinois can offer preventative and basic health care to low income and uninsured families. Assistance is offered to the low income and patients who lack insurance and who could otherwise not afford their medical bills. Some of the health care services offered include vision exams, pre-school and school physicals, preventative and restorative dental services, cleaning, eyeglasses, and vision and hearing test screenings.
Dentists from across the region, including in Macon, participate in the program on a rotating basis. Fluoride, cleaning, and sealants may all be offered. Free eye exams may be offered by professionals as well. Also apply for the Illinois KidCare program. Or find other forms of free dental care from clinics.
Regional Catholic charity centers
There are several churches and locations in Adams, Sangamon and the Macon County area. The primary addresses and phone numbers are below.
- 247 W Prairie Ave Decatur, IL 62523, call (217) 428-3458
- 620 Maine, Quincy, Illinois 62301, telephone (217) 222-0958
- 1625 W. Washington Street, Springfield, IL 62702, dial (217) 523-9201 for assistance
- Coles County Catholic Charities is at 4217 Dewitt Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938-6620, dial (217) 235-0420
- 525 West Second South, P.O. Box 618, Carlinville, Illinois 62626, main phone number is (217) 854-4511
- 3512 McArthur Boulevard, Alton, IL 62002, call (618) 462-0634
- 2266 Madison Ave., Granite City, IL 62040, main number is (618) 877-1184
- 1502 East Fayette Avenue / U.S. Route 40 East, Effingham, Illinois 62401, call Main Office: (217) 857-1458
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