Author name: Elk Grove Township Staff

Seniors 55 and older, and disabled residents who are 18 or older (defined as developmentally disabled, ADA certified or those who have extreme mental illness) can take advantage of transportation services.  “Maintaining autonomy and independence for our seniors and disabled residents is an important offering to help them to feel empowered,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Mike Sweeney. “Our residents who need this assistance can take advantage of safe and secure services that help them to get to important medical appointments and to access other essential services.” DIAL-A-Bus: Elk Grove Township’s DIAL-A-Bus Program offers regular bus services with lifts for wheelchair passengers and for individuals who have difficulty navigating steps. There is no charge for these bus trips, which can be for medical appointments or for transportation to the grocery store, pharmacy, or to other locations within Elk Grove Township boundaries. Dialysis and doctor appointments do take precedence when scheduling, and space is limited, so reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Donations are voluntary and receptacles are located next to the driver on each bus to help defray the cost of bus services.  Taxi Services: Senior and disabled residents are issued a debit card once they have been approved and become registered with the Elk Grove Township Taxi Program. Riders must be able to walk without assistance to participate in this program.  Each use of the debit card is worth $5 and can be used for a one-way trip. Current registered riders who have not received their debit card should call the Township at 847-437-0300. Taxi services are provided through a partnership with 303 Taxi, which is based in Mount Prospect.  TRIP Program: The Township Rider Initiative Program (TRIP) is the Northwest Suburban Cook County Inter-Township transportation service, and provided in partnership with PACE for medical purposes only. Senior and disabled residents from Elk Grove, Hanover, Palatine, Schaumburg, and Wheeling townships can be transported to locations outside of their Township for a cost of $10. The cost is $20 if two or more townships borders are crossed for the appointment. Disabled riders who qualify are required to have someone assist them during trips since bus drivers are unable to leave the vehicle at any time.  To qualify for transportation services, riders must first fill out an application form. Online applications for bus, taxi services and TRIP can be found by scrolling to the bottom of the page and downloading the appropriate form at elkgrovetownship.com/senior/. For any questions regarding transportation services, please call 847-437-0300.

In addition to the program running now through early January, Meijer is offering customers two opportunities to have their contributions ‘double matched’ – the first on Tuesday, December 1 and the second on Saturday, December 12.  For every donation made to the program on these dates, Meijer will double it, giving the food pantry an additional $20 for every $10 donated.  “Through the first 10 months of 2020 compared to the same period of time in 2019, there has been a 47% increase in the number of families served each month by the food pantry,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Mike Sweeney. “This generous, extension of Simply Give allows the Township to help minimize stress within families who are experiencing financial challenges during the holidays.” Area residents can shop at Meijer and purchase a Simply Give donation card at the checkout counter or the customer service desk. Donations are converted into a Meijer food-only gift card, and then donated directly to the food pantry. This allows flexibility for the Township to choose grocery and other items best suited for the families served. The Township often uses cards to provide meat or other seldom donated items. Donations of any amount will be accepted and are greatly appreciated. Meijer’s Simply Give program began in 2008 and is a signature fundraising campaign for hunger relief efforts in communities where stores are located around the country. The partnership between Meijer and Elk Grove Township began in the spring of 2016.   Simply Give has generated more than $50 million in the U.S. since it was started, thanks to generous customers, team members and food pantry partners committed to making a difference in their communities. For more information, visit meijercommunity.com/simply-give or call Elk Grove Township Assistant to the Administrator Izabela Szymanska at 224-222-0945 or email at Iszymanska@elkgrovetownship.com.

“Last year our holiday programs assisted more than 300 households, totaling more than 600 individuals who were in need,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Mike Sweeney. “Please consider joining us to help make this holiday season a bit brighter for our neighbors experiencing  financial hardships.” See below for more information about each of these programs and how to get involved: Thanksgiving Baskets: Donors for this program can register to bring non-perishable foods in a laundry basket, cardboard box, or a container of their choosing, along with a $10 – $25 gift card from a local grocery store. These items will be distributed to qualifying Township families for the Thanksgiving holiday. Online donor registration must be completed by Friday, October 16, 2020, and Thanksgiving baskets should be dropped off at the Township office (west entrance) no later than Monday, November 16 by 3:30 p.m. Operation Christmas: Participants for Operation Christmas are asked to donate $50 gift cards from local retailers for low-income families and seniors to help them celebrate Christmas. The gift card will enable parents to get desired items for their children, as well as gifts from Santa under their tree.  Seniors can purchase items they may not normally be able to afford, such as household items or new clothing. Donor registrations for this program must be completed by Friday, October 16 and donations must be turned into the Township no later than Friday, December 4 by 3:30 p.m. White Christmas Drive: The number of food pantry users increases during the winter months and over the holidays. Federal food stamps (SNAP money) cannot be used to purchase cleaning or paper supplies, as well as personal hygiene products. The White Christmas Drive relies on community donations to provide dry goods to food pantry users. Donations for this drive will be accepted throughout the winter months and can be dropped off at the Township office. Elk Grove Township Center is located at 600 Landmeier Road in Elk Grove Village. For more information about these giving programs, please call the Township at 847-437-0300.

Elk Grove Township invites local community members to attend the game and see who the winner of the ‘Cereal Bowl Trophy’ will be. The game begins at 7:00 p.m. at Elk Grove High School, 500 W. Elk Grove Boulevard in Elk Grove. During the 2018 competition, the two schools donated a combined 1,460 boxes, and the Elk Grove Grenadiers were the winning school – putting them at a 2-1 advantage in the annual contest. This year, the Rolling Meadows Mustangs are looking to tie up the competition! “We continue to be very proud of students from both high schools who recognize the need in our community relating to our food pantry,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Mike Sweeney. “This competition represents a much larger mission that we accomplish every day at the Township; we are empowering people through community – and the Cereal Bowl competition is encouraging our young people to do just that.” Fans from each team are encouraged to bring boxes of cereal to the October 4th football game to support their team. Elk Grove Township representatives will be at the main gate to receive and tabulate donations dropped off at the game. Fans who cannot attend the game can drop off donations at the Elk Grove Township offices, 2400 S. Arlington Heights Road in Arlington Heights, until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 4th. When dropping of donations, donors should communicate which high school they are donating on behalf of. This friendly competition earns bragging rights for the winning side, along with an engraved traveling trophy that will remain at the winning school until next year’s competition. The donated cereal will be a part of the food distributed to the hundreds of Elk Grove Township residents that receive food pantry assistance each month at the Elk Grove Township Food Pantry. Cash donations will also be accepted but will not be tabulated as part of the competition. For more information, please call Elk Grove Township at 847-437-0300 or visit elkgrovetownship.com.

Usage at the food pantry from October 2019 through March 2020 has increased by 69%. The previous average families served per month was 250 which has now sharply risen to an average of 422 families over the last four months. The program is rolling out the double match days the weekend of Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12. When shoppers donate, Meijer will double the donation, giving the food pantry $20 for every $10 donated – on these two days only. Meijer has partnered with Elk Grove Township to ensure all donations that are generated remain in their local community. “Meijer has been helping our Township empower people through building a community of support to end hunger since the spring of 2016,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Mike Sweeney. “The Township utilizes funds raised through this program to purchase meat, seldom donated items, or other vital supplies that are running low or have completely run out.” Donations are converted into a Meijer food-only gift card, and then donated directly to the food pantry, which allows flexibility to choose the grocery items that are best suited for the families that are served. Donations of any amount will be accepted and are greatly appreciated by the Township.   Meijer’s Simply Give program began in 2008 and is a signature fundraising effort for hunger relief efforts around the country. The program has generated more than $50 million, thanks to the store’s generous customers, team members and food pantry partners who are committed to making a difference in their communities. For more information, visit meijercommunity.com/simply-give or contact Izabela Szymanska via email at Iszymanska@elkgrovetownship.com or by calling 224-222-0945.

All food pantry users must make an appointment under this new model, which is required for the Township to maintain safety guidelines. These include steps to avoid waiting in lines, and limits to the number of people in the food pantry at any given time. Additionally, shoppers are required to wear face covers and hand sanitizer (provided by the Township) before entering. Township employees will also sanitize any common surfaces before new visitors enter.  “The Township has been working to ensure our residents feel comfortable and safe if they are in need of food,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Mike Sweeney. “This is another example of how the Township is working to assist and empower our community members by providing additional assistance during unprecedented circumstances.” Those who wish to take advantage of the food pantry are issued food pantry cards, which expire every six months which are utilize to have them ‘check in’ when they arrive. If a resident needs a food pantry card or their current card has expired, please let the Township staff know when calling to schedule an appointment. Initially when Elk Grove Township residents apply for a food pantry card they are required to bring a photo ID, current utility bill and proof of all members in the household. To make an appointment to utilize the food pantry, please call 224-265-6111. Volunteers are needed to help keep up with the safety demands of the new food pantry system. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, please call the number provided.  Save the Date for an Open House at Elk Grove Township’s New Location: Open House tours at the Township’s new Elk Grove location will take place on Thursday, August 6 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 8 from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Area residents will be able to tour the new facility, located at 600 Landmeier Road in Elk Grove Village,  and learn more about the food pantry, Youth Services Department, Adult and Family Counseling and Social Services Department.  Visit elkgrovetownship.com for more information.

Since March 23, 2020, more than 100 individuals have been safely sheltered in two area hotels at a cost of $18,000 per week, all thanks to the generosity of individuals, faith communities, and foundations – in addition to the Clerics of St. Viator, the United Way, and the IDHS COVID-19 Emergency Homeless Lodging Fund. JOURNEYS | The Road Home is extremely grateful to Elk Grove Township for a grant of $40,000 to support these shelter efforts. “We are so happy to provide this assistance to JOURNEYS | The Road Home to help ensure they can provide safe shelter for individuals who rely on their services,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Mike Sweeney. “This is what Townships do; we provide support and assistance for individuals facing a variety of challenges in life, as we all work to empower the communities we serve.” In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, JOURNEYS | The Road Home has drastically adapted its supportive services to prevent the spread of the virus and protect JOURNEYS’ clients, staff, volunteers and its local communities. These changes are based on the most current guidelines and recommendations from medical partners, the CDC, and governmental agencies. To address the need to provide safe shelter and to provide a way for homeless clients to lessen their chance of being infected by COVID-19, JOURNEYS established an Emergency Hotel Placement Fund to provide hotel stays for clients for the duration of the pandemic safety precautions. As this pandemic crisis continues, JOURNEYS will continue to need additional funding to support ongoing efforts, in addition to traditional programs and services which serve the homeless and those at-risk of becoming homeless in its communities.  JOURNEYS expects an increased demand for its services in the near future, as the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect area communities. For more information on JOURNEYS, and how to help, please visit journeystheroadhome.org.

Meanwhile, Township bus services continue to transport elderly and disabled riders to doctor appointments, grocery stores and pharmacies within Elk Grove Township. Bus drivers are also regularly dropping off food for those registered for bus services. This transportation service is provided at no cost. To register, call the Transportation Department at 847-437-0300. The Township continues to offer financial assistance to help with rent, utilities and other emergency needs, which due to skyrocketing unemployment resulting from the pandemic and business closures, has grown exponentially. Applications are being taken over the phone by calling 224-265-6111. For those seeking new employment, virtual job assistance is available through the Employment Support Services Department. Residents can get help updating resumes and practicing interviewing skills, along with educational webinars related to finding a new job. Call 224-222-0935 for additional information. Complimentary counseling services are additionally available throughout the month of May for individuals who are dealing with challenges. Individual, child and family ‘teletherapy’ counseling is provided through secured video conferencing from licensed therapists. Call 847-981-0373 to learn more. “Through this pandemic, we are doing what we have always done, which is to empower our residents through our community, with many resources to help them through challenging times,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Mike Sweeney. Residents, businesses and organizations are invited to contact the Township to make a donation to the food pantry, schedule a convenient time for pick up by the Township truck, or to request a food delivery. Please call 224-265-6111 for more information.

Challenging times such as these can cause a variety of strain on individuals and families and result in feelings of isolation, fear, and elevated stress levels. Because counseling cannot be offered in person due to the Stay at Home order, teletherapy (video) counseling sessions are being provided instead – which is free for Township residents during the months of April and May. These sessions are completely confidential and secure, and compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Counseling is available for individuals and families, and can address a range of mental issues, including depression and anxiety, family conflicts, stress-related illnesses, and more. Therapists are trained to address child/teen issues including negative behavior, ADHD and spectrum disorders. To learn more and to schedule an appointment, please call the Youth and Family Services Department at 847-981-0373 and ask for Dean or Robin. “The Township is focused on empowering people who are experiencing challenges in life, and with the added stress of this pandemic, many of our residents need support now more than ever,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Mike Sweeney. “The Township pursued the teletherapy option to comply with the Governor’s orders, while still providing what is a vital service for many individuals and families.” While counseling is being provided virtually, Township residents can still utilize the food pantry, which is now located at the Township’s new Elk Grove Village location, 600 Landmeier Road. The food pantry is available ‘drive-through’ Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon until 3:00 p.m. New users need to provide proof of residency with a driver’s license or state ID, and a copy of a current utility bill. Food pantry clients are asked to access this service via the west entrance of the building near the stoplight at Tonne Road. Please contact the Social Services Department at 847-437-0300. Other services include transportation on the Township bus for the elderly and disabled, which is limited to essential trips for dialysis and other medical appointments, in addition to grocery stores and pharmacies. The Township Assessor’s Office is also fully staffed and available via phone to answer real estate tax questions. For more information and to learn how to access services, please call 847-437-0300 or visit elkgrovetownship.com.