Monthly Community Resource Highlight: Center for Youth and Family Solutions

The Center for Youth and Family Solutions is a critical resource for many persons in the Peoria, IL area.

A senior’s ability to live independently cab be threatened by illness or injury, grief and loss, struggling with finances, isolation anxiety or depression. The New Day Senior Services program at The Center for Youth and Family Solutions (CYFS) provides in-home counseling, case management, volunteer companion services, and outreach services that help older adults continue to live independently with hope and dignity. Our profession staff and dedicated volunteers are experienced and trained to meet the specific needs of the seniors we serve. We provide services to seniors ages 60 and older in Fulton, Marshall, Peoria, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford Counties. We offer support to seniors to help improve their quality of life, prevent or delay nursing home placement. Services are provided at no cost to seniors.

In-Home Counseling: Provides supportive counseling in the home of seniors to help cope with issues including depression, grief, anxiety, family relationship issues, loss of functioning, and chronic illness.

Friendly Visitor Program: Volunteered based services by providing companionship or transportation to medical appointments. Each senior is matched to volunteer based on interest and needs.

Another component of the Friendly Visitor Program we are seeking volunteers to help provide companionship and transportation.

Outreach Services:  Provides linkage to available community resources and benefits to help met the needs of seniors.

Here is a touching story of a woman who was impacted by the services provided through the CYFS:

Mary, an 84 year old woman, and her family caregiver were referred for counseling services by the OSF Home Health Social Worker. Mary was struggling with very serious health issues and was living in a hotel after leaving a rented apartment that had not been properly maintained and was no longer safe. Mary was suffering from apparent depression and lack of hope in her situation. She was also very isolated. In addition to working with Mary on her depression and isolation, the counselor and the outreach worker provided input on possible living options in subsidized senior apartments. With the help of her caregiver she was able to qualify for a subsidized independent living apartment in Peoria. Assistance was provided in securing the needed furniture and she moved into the apartment in November. Her adjustment to this new situation has been very positive. Mary has made several friends and she is able to participate in activities offered at the complex. Her mood was very much improved. After several months of counseling services Mary feels much stronger and happier and will be reducing her services to monthly as she works to maintain her improved mental health in this new living arrangement.

Community Education: Provides education to community seniors and senior service providers on the impact of mental health issues affecting seniors so that referrals can be made to initiate interventions for seniors struggling with mental health issues. Program staff is available to speak to any group who has an interest in learning more about depression or other mental health issues.

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