Human Support Services will soon see a major change in its structure following a merger announced last week with Caritas Family Solutions in Belleville.

Per a Friday press release, the boards of directors of HSS and Caritas have approved the merger in an effort to “expand their collective impact and ensure sustainable, high-quality services for the future.”

“By coming together, we are uniting two organizations that share a deep commitment to compassionate, person-centered care,” said Gary Huelsmann, CEO of Caritas. “This partnership strengthens our ability to meet the growing needs of our communities, expands the range of services we provide, and positions us to advocate even more effectively for those we serve.”

Programs offered by Caritas include foster care, adoption, senior living services, homes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and family support initiatives, with the organization aiding over 6,300 individuals annually.

HSS likewise has long offered health and substance use treatment as well as residential supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Monroe County, servicing over 1,200 clients annually.

The combined agency is set to have a projected annual budget of roughly $62 million, employing about 570 professionals – including social workers, case managers, therapists and direct care staff.

As the press release notes, no major staffing changes are expected to result from this merger, with both organizations working to “ensure a smooth and thoughtful integration, with a focus on maintaining continuity of care for all clients and communities.”

The merger is expected to be finalized by October 1. 

On Sept. 16, HSS and Caritas will be hosting a joint town hall for Monroe County residents starting at 5 p.m. at HSS headquarters located at 988 N. Illinois Route 3 in Waterloo, sharing additional details and responding to questions from community members.

“This merger represents an exciting and positive step forward for the people we serve and our dedicated staff,” said Anne Riley, president and CEO of HSS. “Caritas and HSS are deeply aligned in our missions and values. Together, we will create a stronger, more connected network of support, introduce new youth and community outreach opportunities in Monroe County and build upon the strengths each organization brings.”

Established in 1973, HSS recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. The organization has long provided Monroe County residents with comprehensive behavioral health services and supports.

Caritas Family Solutions was founded in 1947. It acts as a nonprofit social service agency offering a range of programs toward its mission to “strengthen the social and emotional well-being of individuals and families in order to create healthy relationships, loving homes and strong communities.”

Per a historical timeline on the organization’s website, Caritas began as Catholic Charities, focusing on the facilitation of adoption or placing kids in foster homes.

The group’s agency locations expanded, as did their services, with the addition of marriage and pre-marital counseling in 1979, the Senior Aides Program for part-time jobs in 1983 and programming for adults with developmental disabilities in 2014.

Long known as Catholic Social Services, the group was renamed to Christian Social Services in 2012, ultimately becoming Caritas Family Solutions in 2014.

Caritas services individuals across Southern Illinois from its offices located in Belleville, Carterville, Mount Vernon, Olney, Glen Carbon, Alton and Effingham as well as satellite locations in Highland and Sparta.

For more information on the organizations, visit caritasfamilysolutions.org or hss1.org.