Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet

Community services - the agency offers a wide range of programs under the community services operations. These programs include operating emergency shelters for the homeless, operating permanent supportive housing programs for chronically homeless individuals and families and providing transitional housing for homeless families. In addition the agency operates emergency services and homeless prevention programs which assess needs and connect individuals and families with available assistance to meet their immediate needs. Clients are given the opportunity to participate in "out of poverty" classes which teach participants strategies for making more productive choices in their lives to increase their self-sufficiency. Other special programs include a daily meal program called "shepherd's table" where any hungry person may come for a free meal, and a program for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Aging & disabilities - the aging and disability services division is designed to assist older adults and adults with disabilities through various services such as case management, money management, emergency financial assistance, caregiver supports, home delivered meals, and education for clients and caregivers. Case management services help these individuals connect with vital services focused on helping them maintain their independence. the adult protective services program investigates allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation of older adults and adults with disabilities in an effort to connect the individuals to case management and other community services to reduce risk and protect the individual. the ombudsman program provides staff and volunteers to serve as advocates for residences of long-term care facilities. the foster grandparent program offers older adults an opportunity to work with children who have special needs. the senior companion program serves homebound seniors in their home by matching a volunteer who will provide socialization, respite care and transportation services on a weekly basis.

Early childhood services division - the early childhood services division provides educational and childcare services to low income children and their families each year. the head start program serves children 3 to 5 years old, while the early head start program services children from birth to 3 years old. Teachers assess each child's daily functioning to ensure that the child is hitting the appropriate developmental milestones. When needed, children are linked to special support services for more detailed assessment and evaluation. Families of the children receive a wide range of support services to empower them in helping their children succeed in school. Parents are encouraged to attend a wide range of training programs offered on topics from self-advocacy, parent skills, child nutrition and development. Transportation services are provided to those children whose families meet the eligibility requirements. In addition, under the healthy families Illinois state program, services are provided to eligible individuals who are at risk for maltreatment of their newborns. Services are also provided under the doula program which offers expectant teen mothers support during labor & delivery as well as post partum visits for 6-8 weeks.

Counseling - Catholic Charities provides comprehensive counseling services to low income individuals and families.