The Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters received $5,000 from CFCI for support of our Bradley University Site-Based Mentoring Program. Funding received from this grant was used in assisting with the expenses of staffing, program activities, program refreshments and other supplies for our program.

The Leading to Reading Supplemental Success Program at the Chillicothe Public Library was started to create a collection of books that new readers could master quickly. A $2,700 grant from CFCI allowed the purchase of Easy Reader books that feature basic letter sounds and letter combinations.

"My daughter was able to easily read the books. The glossary is a nice feature and I liked the 'more words' section." ~ Tanya Boyle

In June of 2007, Catholic Charities implemented a new Senior Health and Well-Being project in partnership with the OSF School of Nursing and Bradley University School of Nursing. Student nurses provide in-home visits to seniors to complete medical assessments, assist with medication management, and provide education on illnesses prevalent among seniors. The students also work with seniors who are at risk of falling or losing the ability to function independently due to a lack of strength, flexibility, and mobility.

Through the generous support of CFCI, Catholic Charities has been able to purchase glucose testing supplies, compartment pill boxes, diagnostic equipment, and blood pressure cuffs for this program.