The ability to pay for medications and the need for transportation to medical appointments are two of the critical needs of Warren County people who contact Strom Center for assistance and information.  Carol McCrery, Director of Strom Center, and her assistant, Pam Allen, provide direct service such as assisting with Medicare D applications and seeking available resources. Recently, a third person was hired to learn direct service tasks in order to work in a part-time position. Two other people work part-time at the front desk to help with preliminary forms and data input. 

More than 1700 people (unduplicated) of all ages received services and 3600 units of assistance were provided in 2013.  The increase in critical needs for people who are sixty years or older has been significant since the implementation of Medicare Part D and the reduction in funding from governmental and private sectors. Before the advent of Medicare Part D, the staff at Strom Center assisted people with applications to the Medication Foundation for the provision of free medication provided by various pharmaceutical companies.  Now, when people reach the "Donut Hole", they must pay out-of-pocket for their medications until they reach the "Catastrophic Category."  Carol reported that several clients with whom she has worked reached the "Donut Hole" in March of this year.  Because every body responds differently to medication, some people cannot take generic medications and new, breakthrough drugs do not have a generic equivalent.

Three years ago Strom Center was designated as an Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC).  Although full funding may not be available to assist applicants with requests for medication, food, or home energy payments, every effort is made to provide some type of financial assistance such as enough money to pay for ten pills until a Social Security payment is received.  A number of grandparents are raising their grandchildren and their need for additional food for the children is met with vouchers that can be used at Save A Lot and County Market Grocery Stores.

Although funding for social activities was greatly reduced five years ago, Strom Center continues to serve as a center where people meet to spend time together. Bingo is enjoyed twice a month by many people.  A number of people play cards frequently and area residents are always welcome to contact the center to schedule space at no cost to entertain friends, host a Bible study, or conduct an organizational meeting.  People are encouraged "to treat Strom Center as their own home."   A Mothers' Day brunch, a Fathers' Day lunch, and a Christmas party are three social events that are greatly appreciated by many seniors whose families live far away or have little or no close or extended families.

Strom Center Thrift Shop serves as a source of funding to assist client programs. Thanks to the many contributions from community members and to the volunteers who staff the store.  Customers enjoy shopping where they are greeted with a friendly smile, a pleasant environment, and great bargains.

Carol McCrery believes that she has been blessed to have staff members who view their employment as a mission to Warren County and the clients they serve, as does Carol.    Volunteers generously contribute their time and talents to help keep Strom Center a vital community center.  Challenges are addressed, individual needs are met, and blessed ministries coexist at Strom Center in Monmouth, Illinois.

You, too, can be a blessing with your monetary donations to Strom Center.  Volunteer opportunities also abound.  One example is the need for volunteers to do data entry during the enrollment period for Medicare Part D; the center has several laptop computers that are used. Call Strom Center at (309) 734-8074 or stop by the center at 211 South A Street.