What the Caritas Family Solutions and Human Support Services Merger Means

Updated

The merger means that, starting October 1, 2025, Human Support Services (HSS) of Monroe County, IL will operate under the Caritas Family Solutions name. According to Caritas, the two organizations are combining to better serve Southern Illinois' children, families, and adults with developmental disabilities or mental health needs. Caritas states that neither organization anticipates major changes to staffing or the services provided, and that both intend to maintain the same level of care. If you are a current client, employee, or community partner, the practical takeaway is that your services and contacts are expected to continue as before, with the Caritas name now covering HSS programs.

What is changing

  • Brand and organizational identity: HSS of Monroe County, IL is merging into Caritas and will come under the Caritas name.
  • Start date: The change takes effect October 1, 2025.
  • Geographic focus: The combined organization is positioned to serve Southern Illinois.
  • Population served: Children, families, and adults with developmental disabilities or mental health needs.

What is not expected to change

Caritas states that neither organization anticipates major changes to staffing or the services it provides. The stated goal is to maintain the same high level of care for clients and communities. Caritas also says it will work closely with HSS leadership to ensure a smooth and thoughtful integration.

For people receiving services, that means the day-to-day support you rely on is intended to stay consistent. For employees, the expectation communicated is continuity rather than disruption.

Why the merger is happening

The stated purpose is to join two pillars of compassionate community service so they can better serve Southern Illinois. Caritas describes its broader mission as strengthening the social and emotional well-being of individuals and families to create healthy relationships, loving homes, and strong communities, and says its goal is to take people from crisis to self-sufficiency. The merger extends that mission to HSS's work with adults who have developmental disabilities or mental health needs.

How to get more information

Caritas provides three ways to learn more or raise questions about the merger:

  1. FAQs – a dedicated page answering common questions.
  2. Press release – the official announcement with additional detail.
  3. Submit your question – a form for sending questions directly to the organization.

If your question is about your own services, eligibility, or a specific program, using the "Submit Your Question" channel is the most direct route, since the public materials describe the merger at an organizational level rather than case by case.

What to watch for

Because the integration is described as ongoing, details such as updated contact information, program names, or location changes may be communicated over time. The most reliable approach is to check the Caritas website's merger FAQs and press release, and to submit a question if something affecting you is not covered there.