SENIOR SERVICES OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY

1776 E. Washington St.
Urbana, IL 61802
Phone: (217) 328-3313
Fax: (217) 328-2426
http://www.ccrpc.org

Contact: Victoria Christensen

The Senior Guide of Services in Champaign County is available on-line. The
website is http://www.helpsource.org/

The Champaign County Board established Senior Services of Champaign County in 1975. In 1996, it became a program of the Regional Planning Commision. Senior Services provides assistance, support and education, information and referral for seniors residing in Champaign County. Our mission is to meet the needs of seniors, age 60 and older, to live as safely and independently as possible.

As a Community Action Agency, Senior Services works with the at-risk, low-income and under-served senior population through cooperation with other agencies. The Champaign County Regional Planning Commision strives to provide an environment welcoming to all persons. Please call 217-328-3313 and speak with the receptionist to request special accomodations.

Eligibility
Champaign County residents 60 years and older are eligible. Some programs have income requirements to qualify. There are income based fees for some programs.

Programs:

Elder Care - provides telephone consultation assessment of functional status, support system, planning and assistance to find reliable non-medical in-home care which can include personal care, meal preparation, household cleaning and transportation.

Home Repair - provides limited grants for repairs to senior owner occupied homes based on health and safety needs, such as installation of locks, grab bars or railings, who meet income and asset guidelines.

Information, Assistance and Outreach - for seniors and their advocates through gathering information, discussing options, assisting with program linkage by home visits, or telephone consultation, written resource material such as The Senior Guide, publication of the monthly Senior Events Calendar, or collaboration with other agencies and public speaking. The Tax Aide program is also available to help seniors.

Minority Outreach - provides outreach information about medication programs and assistance to Circuit Breaker, as well as referral to agencies, programs and services.

Rural Rider Transportation - has scheduled routes in wheelchair accessible vans available at no cost to rural (outside MTD bus lines) seniors (60+). Limited Champaign-Urbana routes. Riders asked to give 2 days notice to request rides.

Senior Solutions - provides advocacy, outreach, information, and program linkage to Champaign County seniors, including helping with medical forms and referrals to services.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Tax-Aide
After IRS and AARP approved training held in January, volunteers help seniors compete their tax forms.

Office Assistant
Copy educational files, prepare fliers and brochures and update resource information.

Distribution Clerk
The Senior Guide is a wonderful resource that needs to be taken to area businesses, churches, meeting places and senior centers. Rural and urban distributors are need. Time Frame: as needed and on-going. Your own transportation is helpful.

Senior Services of Champaign County Advisory Board
Champaign county residents interested in helping seniors meet the 4th Wednesday of even months to provide input for program development, community and senior needs as well as learn about current services, programs and changes that affect seniors. Term: 3 years.

Friends of Senior Services
This is the not-for-profit tax deductible aspect for those who wish to contribute in honor or memory of a senior. These funds are used for emergency needs.

Volunter Drivers
Volunteer drivers are needed for the rural transportation service.