The mission of Poverty Services is to break the cycle of poverty in our 28 county area of Southern Illinois. Through a combined effort with various local organization programs and State of Illinois agencies, Poverty Services volunteers enable individuals from their own cities and counties who want to break free from the shackles of poverty to become financially independent.

Research indicates five major inhibitors or barriers to individuals wanting to break the cycle of poverty. These are the five services of Poverty Services. Poverty Service volunteers can help remove the inhibiting shackles of poverty by:

TRANSPORTATION: <== click here for more information
Providing occasional rides to work or assisting in navigating public transportation.
TUTORS: <== click here for more information
Assisting basic life skills and where there is illiteracy...both which are major problems to many job qualifications.
APPEARANCE: <== click here for more information
Often clients need work appropriate clothes, or basic help with appearance. Assistance is needed in providing these.
MENTORS: <== click here for more information
Providing help in going through the transition, the expectations of the workplace, and general assistance to the family.
CHILD CARE: <== click here for more information
Advocates are needed who will assist families in finding qualified childcare that allows them to work outside the home.

Volunteer training and support is offered with each service. All services you provide as a volunteer can be within your own city or county, and convenient to your availability.
By Volunteering just a couple hours a week (and you can quit at any time no questions asked) you can open a new world of possibilities to the poor in your county.
You personally can help break the cycle of poverty in your neighborhood. By enabling your neighbors to become financially independent, you empower the economy of your own county. You and other upstanding citizens in your neighborhood make a lasting difference right at home in your own community.

But even more beneficial than helping a neighbor break the cycle of poverty, and empowering your local economy, the greatest benefit from the efforts of Poverty Service volunteers goes to the volunteers themselves. Wonderful personal rewards overcome each and every one of our volunteers. These benefits cannot be simply explained, other than we guarantee that you will receive even more than you have given. If you haven't felt truly appreciated lately, you owe it to yourself to volunteer for just a little time with Poverty Services.

To volunteer, call Janet Brede at 618-526-7203 or call Poverty Services at 618-235-9601.