Caritas and Human Support Services – Serving Better Together
Through a Partnership or Merger Grant, YouthBridge Community Foundation of Greater St. Louis made it possible for Caritas Family Solutions and Human Support Services (HSS) to merge—strengthening the safety net for families across Southern Illinois. Since both provide similar and complimentary services, joining forces expands their reach and creates more opportunities for individuals and families. By sharing infrastructure, talent pools, and other valuable resources, they can deliver services more efficiently and effectively.
YouthBridge’s investment was especially critical. Since most state funding must be directed to programs, Caritas and HSS lacked the resources to cover consulting and legal fees—yet those were essential to move forward. YouthBridge stepped in to fill that gap, ensuring the merger could go from idea to reality.
Meeting Needs With Compassion
Gary Huelsmann, Chief Executive Officer of Caritas, emphasized that the new Caritas Family Solutions organization will continue to uphold the guiding principle that “Every life deserves love.” He explained, “We believe that social and emotional well-being create loving homes which are the foundation of successful communities.”
That belief comes to life in stories like that of a young mother who arrived at the Caritas Teen Parenting Treatment Center with twins in her arms. While there, she learned essential life and coping skills to help her heal from past trauma and prepare for a brighter future. This young lady completed her CNA certificate and saved enough to purchase a reliable car and secure an apartment of her own. Her journey reflects exactly the kind of long-term community transformation YouthBridge envisions when it invests in strong, sustainable nonprofit partnerships.
Reducing Barriers, Improving Outcomes
With this merger, Caritas anticipates a robust continuum of care that enables individuals to transition more seamlessly between levels of support, whether they need less restrictive or more intensive care. Even small adjustments – such as relocating a service provider so that care can continue at the same site – can make a meaningful difference by reducing stress and logistical hurdles.
This expanded continuum of care was possible because YouthBridge’s investment allowed Caritas and HSS to strengthen their capacity, paving the way for innovative solutions and proactive support. In rural areas like Monroe County, where transportation is limited, these changes are anticipated to improve outcomes for families.
Partnerships That Multiply Possibility
The merger between Caritas and HSS creates more opportunities for more families in the community to access much-needed support. In addition, the partnership with YouthBridge opens the door to a broader network of connections, which Gary described as invaluable.
“We will never be able to meet every need, but with partners like YouthBridge and others we meet through them, we envision a community where individuals are given the opportunity to thrive,” Gary said.
By partnering with Caritas and HSS in this way, YouthBridge advanced its mission of multiplying the power of philanthropy—helping nonprofits not just serve today, but thrive for generations to come.