Area Social Service Agencies Hard at Work
By Sandra Post | 7th May 2008
Social service agencies are identified by their address and name prominently displayed in front of their building. Such identification lets curious on-lookers or people needing help know they are at the right place. The name, however detailed or descriptive, cannot do justice to the numerous services provided by that agency. Without the opportunity to visit inside and ask questions, it’s difficult to realize the scope of the help available. The buildings cannot tell the heartfelt stories of people in crisis. But facts, figures and insights can help.
Not-for-profits typically operate on a shoestring budget, especially those working independently and without financial backing of a national network. Agencies prioritize their services because needs surpass funding. It’s difficult ranking the most important among such needs as food, clothing, self-help programs, or education for basic skills. Agencies work together, preventing duplication of services, although resources within neighborhoods are important as many people in need do not have reliable transportation.
Lives are changed by services and resources provided through agencies and churches working together to provide help. Listed below are just a few of the many places in the community where help is available. Learning about the work they do and understanding the mission can provide motivation to assist monetarily or through the sharing of time. Resources, and attention and interaction from caring people are vital for changing lives.
Peoria Friendship House, located at 800 NE Madison, has been ministering to the needs of individuals and families on the north side since 1951. Included among the many services they provide for youth and seniors is emergency assistance for prescription refills, food, clothing, a noon meal served on Sunday at the agency, and they sponsor the Dress for Success program. According to their Executive Director, Barbara Hartnett, 80% of their service area consists of individuals caring for families with an average annual income below $10,000.00. The neighborhood Friendship House serves has a high rate of mobility. According to the latest census, nearly 75% of the population lives in a different dwelling than five years previously.
YWCA Lakeview is the largest provider of services for the homeless in the Peoria area. Their 60 units of housing for homeless families located at three sites include emergency housing, transitional, and permanent housing. Pam Schubach, CEO for the past 16 years, explains people often have a misconception about homeless individuals and families. “The average age of a homeless person is ten years old. The faces of homelessness are different from what most people think.”
The YWCA is one of the oldest daycare providers in the area. The Lakeview facility, built in the 60’s, houses a daycare facility for children as young as six weeks and latchkey services for children up to 12 years of age.
There is also a warm water therapeutic facility in the building, comparable to a pool gymnasium with a water-walking track. Those with arthritis or recovering from knee or hip replacement find it particularly helpful. Pam says people aren’t always aware of the many services offered by the agency whose building is “nestled in Lakeview Park.”
Heart of Illinois Harvest operates more from a large truck than a building. The agency has been picking up and delivering food in the Peoria area since 1992. The not-for-profit “food rescue program” transports surplus goods to local agencies for free distribution to those in need. Throughout 2007, over 60 different agencies were food recipients. Currently Harvest is picking up over five tons of rescued food a week, according to Program Coordinator, Marilyn Luman.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church in downtown Peoria, like many churches of many religious denominations, takes literally the Biblical command to feed the hungry. An average of 600 sandwiches are prepared and served daily. Some folks being served are homeless, others are working at minimally paying jobs, while others may be struggling temporarily. No explanation is necessary to receive food. The program is under the direction of Sharon (Guppy) Litchfield, and her 54 volunteers.
Neighborhood House, located at 1020 S. Matthew in Peoria’s south side, has been serving people in need since 1896. They offer daycare and after school care, services for seniors, Christmas programs, home delivered meals, and other resources. According to Maureen Gooding, Administrative Assistant, each Monday through Friday an average of 375 meals a day are delivered to women and men unable to provide meals for themselves. Routes extend through Peoria, East Peoria, West Peoria, Creve Coeur, and Bartonville. Since the program’s beginning in 1971, over a million meals have been delivered.
During last Christmas season, 775 children were served through the Neighborhood Toy shop. 140 toy collection sites were set up throughout the community and 10,383 toys were collected.
The Center for Prevention of Abuse is the only agency in the State of Illinois to provide combined, comprehensive services to those living with domestic violence, sexual assault/abuse and elder abuse. The Center provides help and hope to anyone—from ages 2 to 102, male or female, and promotes prevention, education, and advocacy so everyone can live free from violence. Mary Springer, Development Specialist, says 50 to 70 percent of men who batter their partners also abuse their children. 80 percent of those who abuse seniors are family members or caretakers. Battering is the single leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 to 44.
The Center provides safe shelter, support groups, medical and legal advocacy, individual and group counseling, emergency child care, and educational programs designed to teach men, women and children about healthy relationships and violence prevention.