What do we all have in common? Aging, of course! Aging bring challenges, but for 26 years, Collinsville Faith in Action has been serving community members aged 60 and up with services to help them remain as independent as possible.
Pete became a client in 2023 and requested only that we organize volunteer drivers to get him to his medical appointments. As the months went by, Pete learned CFiA could help with more services like getting home care and food deliveries. We did this by connecting him with agencies in the CFiA network. In the summer, Pete's home became unsafe due to his medical conditions, but CFiA was there to support him in learning about senior housing options in our community. CFiA helped Pete organize and move to a new home that allows him to age safely while maintaining his independence and dignity. Pete now joins us for monthly social programs, receives rides from volunteers to his appointments, and has become part of the CFiA family.
CFiA volunteers provide many services to our neighbors within the Collinsville Unit 10 School District, but CFiA staff provide services BEYOND this geographical area. Last year, we helped clients in the Metro-East Region save over $28,000 on their license plate stickers. These stickers usually cost $141, but with our staff's assistance, they cost just $10. What a savings!
CFiA staff also provide information and referrals to other agencies when clients call looking for help. Karen called to get help paying her electric bill, and CFiA was able to help her receive help with her monthly bill through her electric company's program for seniors. We also helped Karen get signed up for a government program that lowered her monthly utility bills. Connecting clients with all the resources they need, even to services we don't provide ourselves, has made us a hub of information for seniors in the region.
We cannot do this without you! Our small non-profit relies on fundraising, grants, and donations from individuals and businesses to keep the services available. Everyday in the United States, 10,000 people turn 65--seniors are THE FASTEST GROWING age group in the country, and our agency needs support from you to keep up with the increase in requests for services.
Can you be a neighbor helping neighbors? Please prayerfully consider making a recurring donation and share what you can.