Caritas Family Solutions, Human Support Services to merge, expanding services
Gary Huelsmann, CEO, Caritas Family Solutions
Caritas Family Solutions and Human Support Services (HSS) have jointly announced that the two organizations will be merging, uniting their missions and programs under the Caritas Family Solutions umbrella to better serve communities across southern Illinois and the Metro East.
Caritas Family Solutions currently supports more than 6,300 individuals annually through programs including foster care, adoption, senior living services, homes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and family support initiatives.
HSS provides services to more than 1,200 annually, with a strong legacy in mental health and substance use treatment, residential supports, and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The boards of directors for both Caritas and HSS have carefully and thoughtfully decided to join forces to expand their collective impact and ensure sustainable, high-quality services for the future. To help offset the operational costs associated with this merger, Caritas proactively secured grant support from two generous nonprofit partners: the SeaChange–Lodestar Fund for Nonprofit Collaboration and YouthBridge Community Foundation.
“By coming together, we are uniting two organizations that share a deep commitment to compassionate, person-centered care,” said Gary Huelsmann, CEO of Caritas Family Solutions. “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.”
Importantly, no major changes to staffing are anticipated as a result of the merger. Caritas and HSS leadership teams are working closely to ensure a smooth and thoughtful integration, with a focus on maintaining continuity of care for all clients and communities.
Together, the combined agency will have a projected annual budget of approximately $62 million and will employ roughly 570 dedicated professionals, including social workers, case managers, therapists, and direct care staff.
Anne Riley, president and CEO of Human Support Services, shared her optimism for the future. “This merger represents an exciting and positive step forward for the people we serve and our dedicated staff,” Riley said. “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.”
Board leaders from both organizations echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the positive impact the merger will have. “At the heart of this merger is a shared belief that every person deserves to be seen, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive. Caritas Family Solutions and Human Support Services have each built legacies of care, and by coming together, we are creating something even stronger for the future. We are united by a deep commitment to love, dignity, and hope, and we are honored to take this next step together in service to our communities,” noted both Caritas Family Solutions Board Chair Sean Ketcherside and Human Support Services Board Chair Mallory Rodenberg.
The merger is expected to be finalized by Oct. 1, 2025.
Founded in 1947, Caritas Family Solutions is a nonprofit social service agency whose mission is to strengthen the social and emotional well-being of individuals and families in order to create healthy relationships, loving homes, and strong communities. Services include adoption, community family stabilization programs, foster care, counseling, residential treatment for children healing from abuse and/or neglect, independent living for adults with developmental disabilities (CILA), and assisted living. Caritas serves more than 6,300 individuals annually across southern Illinois from offices located in Belleville, Carterville, Mount Vernon, Olney, Glen Carbon, Alton, and Effingham as well as satellite locations in Highland and Sparta. For additional information, visit www.caritasfamilysolutions.org.
Established in 1973, Human Support Services (HSS) has served as a vital safety net for Monroe County, Ill., for over 50 years. HSS provides comprehensive behavioral health services and supports, and a wide array of programs and supports for people with developmental disabilities, ensuring access to life-changing and life-saving care. HSS also collaborates closely with local schools, law enforcement, courts and other community partners to provide early and seamless support.
