BELLEVILLE, Ill. (November 5, 2026) A new emergency shelter in Belleville is addressing a critical gap in services for children and teens who have run away, are experiencing family conflict or otherwise find themselves without a safe place to stay. Caritas Family Solutions recently opened its nine-bed Community Based Youth Shelter (CCBYS) after being selected […]
Belleville, Ill. (Oct. 20, 2026) Caritas Family Solutions Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Melinda Dall will retire January 3, 2027 after a 43-year career, having spent her last ten years at the social services agency. She began as a financial analyst and quickly transitioned to CFO within the first few years at Caritas. “Melinda’s impact on
MOUNT VERNON, Ill. (Sept. 29, 2026) Caritas Family Solutions will begin providing a new level of intensive support to Southern and Metro East Illinois families this fall through its new Safe at Home program. The service, which is new to the state of Illinois, is designed to provide an extra layer of proactive assistance and
Belleville, Ill. (September 15, 2026) During Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, Caritas highlights the caregivers helping adults build greater independence and connection. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there is a national shortage in trained caregivers for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, also known as Direct Support Professionals (DSP), along with a growing
Belleville, Ill. (August 18, 2026) A single day of giving will have a year-round impact for thousands of Southern Illinois and Metro East residents. The annual Caritas Day campaign, held on July 30 – 31, exceeded its fundraising goal by more than $43,000, raising $181,035 to strengthen programs that serve more than 7,500 children, families,
Sasha likes to sweep. She wants to keep the space around her clean and safe. It may seem like a small thing to many, but sweeping up the dirt, rocks and leaves that sully the sidewalk is one small thing she can do to control her environment. While Sasha is safe and well cared for
Sasha’s Story: From Homelessness to a Life She Dreamed Of Read More »
There’s a framed picture of his mom on the wall, and James is quick to point it out to guests. Beaming with pride, he’ll show you the television, the gaming system and the view from the windows in his upstairs bedroom. Then, on the way out, he’ll mention the picture of his mom. The house
James’ Story: What a Home Can Mean Read More »
Carterville, Ill. (August 5, 2026) Foster parenting doesn’t end when a child is welcomed into a home. It requires an ongoing network of support, resources and community to help families navigate the unique challenges of caring for children who have experienced trauma. As the largest foster care agency in Southern Illinois, Caritas Family Solutions supports
Caritas Family Solutions Brings Foster Families Together for Resource Day Read More »
Ethan Call, a college student, was worried when he noticed that his friend — who normally attended church every Sunday — didn’t show up to teach Sunday School that day. He knew she had been struggling with depression and anxiety. So, he texted her and asked if she was okay. She wasn’t. Gwen Cubit, a
Supporting Mental Health: How a Little Knowledge Empowers Us to Help Read More »
When Shawn steps into the Walmart parking lot, he stands a little taller. A slight smile is almost always on his face as he moves through his workday. The job involves a seemingly neverending task — moving shopping carts from the edge of the lot to the inside of the building. Some might groan and
Shawn’s Story: Independence in Employment Read More »
