"If you think you're too small to be effective, you've never been in bed with a mosquito." Anita Roddick

The 7 poorest counties in the State of Illinois are part of the 28 counties of Southern Illinois. It is the mission of Poverty Services of Catholic Charities of Southern Illinois to "break the cycle of poverty in our area". Although it is unrealistic to expect we can end all poverty overnight, we can enable our neighbors who want to break free from the shackles of poverty to become financially independent.

"We believe that an effective way to attack poverty is through programs that are small in scale, locally based, and oriented toward empowering the poor to become self sufficient."

(#200-Economic Justice for All-NCCB)

Through a combined effort with various local organization programs and State of Illinois agencies, Poverty Services is undertaking a massive appeal for volunteers to assist the poor in our own cities and counties. The goal is to support and encourage our own neighbors to break this cycle of poverty and successfully make the transition to secure employment and financial independence.

For information or assistance please contact:

ONE WHO HAS HOPE LIVES DIFFERENTLY

Poverty Services
Of Catholic Charities of Southern Illinois

Diocesan Pastoral Center
2620 Lebanon Avenue
Belleville, IL 62221 or

Michael Schuette
16000 Jamestown Road
Breese, Il 62230

email: Michael.Schuette@schuettestores.com

Phone: 618-526-7203
Fax:618-526-2974