Letter From Our Executive Director

Dear Friends:

Our agency, Senior Services Center of Will County, is one of countless community organizations that cannot continue to operate with the state so far behind on payments. The Center is a multipurpose Senior Center serving the needs of Will County's older adults through an array of programs and services. Those services include Comprehensive Care Coordination, Information and Assistance, Caregiver Support, Education, Elder Abuse, Ombudsmen, Nutrition, Recreational/Social Activities, and Volunteer Opportunities.

The State is as much as six months behind on making payments to agencies that serve thousands of seniors in their homes.

If no immediate action is taken, many of these agencies will be forced to close their doors. A grim picture right around the holidays for the seniors and the families they serve.

The State owes the Center over $300,000 in back payments, creating the potential for staff layoffs, leaving positions unfilled, cuts to programs, and 1,079 seniors without critical home care services - forcing them to make tough choices; go without care or move prematurely to a nursing home. Because their care in nursing homes would cost the state over double what it costs for care in the community, this problem will morally and financially bankrupt the state.

This is an issue that will hurt entire communities and at a time when the state is experiencing record unemployment numbers and families are struggling to make ends meet.

Governor Quinn has an opportunity to fix the problem, restoring long past due payments, and giving Illinois seniors the care and services they need along with peace of mind.

Residents should call 1-888-616-3322 and urge the Governor to pay the state's bills before agencies start closing their doors.

Sincerely,

Patricia Hensley
Executive Director