Author name: Elk Grove Township Staff

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.

Fees for counseling are available on a sliding scale, and staff is specially trained to address child/teen issues including negative behavior, ADHD (screening also available), as well as spectrum disorders. “The Township is focused on empowering people who are experiencing challenges, and our new counseling services aim at strengthening bonds between family members to ultimately strengthen the community,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Mike Sweeney. In addition, counseling, other programs are detailed below: Financial Assistance for In-Need Individuals and Families: In addition to counseling, Township residents can qualify for assistance with utilities through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), ComEd Hardship, Nicor Sharing, the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) and others. The Community Empowerment Fund is a 501(c)3 corporation and exists to assist residents experiencing other financial challenges not provided for through other programs. Health Services – Dental Clinic, Prescription Cards and Access to Care: Health Assistance offered through the Township includes Access to Care, the Mobile Dental Clinic and the Prescription Drug Discount Card. Access to Care is a non-profit health care program for uninsured and under insured individuals living in Cook County. The Mobile Dental Clinic, in partnership with Northwest Community Healthcare, offers dental care for low income residents by providing just a $30 co-pay for adults; there is no charge for children. The Coast2Coast Prescription Card is available free of charge and can save families up to 75% off their prescriptions. More than 60,000 pharmacies participate in this program and the card includes pet medications, as well. Residents can register for the program and download a card from the Township website at elkgrovetownship.com/community-links/. Transportation Assistance for Seniors and Disabled: Elk Grove Township offers bus and taxi services for disabled residents over 18 and senior citizens. These curb-to-curb services give residents a safe way to get to appointments or to run errands. Senior citizen bus trips are also available, which provides opportunities for seniors to enjoy an outing in a social environment where they can make new friends. Food Pantry: The food pantry is open to all in-need Township residents and can help to meet basic nutritional needs. When initially utilizing the food pantry, individuals must meet with a caseworker to verify residency and to identify circumstances that caused them to need assistance. Hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Employment Support Services: The Employment Support Center offers residents assistance with resumes, impactful introductory emails, LinkedIn profile critiques, and periodic career seminars and workshops along with mock interviews and an employment counselor to help individuals prepare to enter the job market.  Computer stations are also available for job searches and to submit applications. In addition to the services listed above, the Township also offers passport processing, hunting and fishing licenses, voter registration, notary services and a community resource board. For more information, please call the Township at 847-437-0300 or visit elkgrovetownship.com.

This model allows individuals to ‘self-select’ items, instead of receiving pre-packaged food. Since everyone’s tastes are different, those who utilize the food pantry will be able to choose their preferred food selections, and the Township will be able to better manage ordering and inventory, all of which will lead to less waste. Additional space in the new location will accommodate a commercial walk-in refrigerator and freezer section, allowing the Township to accept more donations–including those of fresh fruits and vegetable. In the current building, these donations have to be turned away due to the lack of space and facilities. “It can be very challenging and a matter of pride for people to admit they are struggling and need help; the food pantry is open to all Elk Grove Township residents and can provide a hand up to assist them during difficult times,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Mike Sweeney. Upon utilizing the food pantry, individuals meet with a Township caseworker to verify residency, and to determine challenges that have caused them to need to utilize this assistance. Additional services through the Township, including home energy bill relief through LIHEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program), the employment center, counseling services and more, can be offered to help the individual, as well as family members, if needed. “We are proud to take a holistic approach to help address the challenges that people experience in life. Our staff works to get to the root of the problem, in an effort to ultimately empower people,” Sweeney said. The planned expansion of the food pantry is made possible in part by generous donations made through the Elk Grove Township Community Empowerment Fund, a 501(c)3 that that helps to provide emergency assistance for residents when needed. The Township is seeking corporate donors and local businesses to join this program. Please call 847-437-0300 and ask for Paul Pioch or Lisa Menich. The new Elk Grove Township location is the result of a consolidation effort to bring all services provided by the Township under one roof, which previously have been provided in different buildings. The goal is not only to lower the cost of operations, but also to improve the services offered to Township residents. For more information, visit elkgrovetownship.com.

While the Rolling Meadows Mustangs won the football game against the Elk Grove Grenadiers by a final score of 41-14, Elk Grove was triumphant in the Cereal Bowl IV competition. In all, donations resulting from this food collection event totaled 2,209 boxes of cereal, which is 750 boxes more, or a 51-percent increase, compared to donations collected in 2018. “It is truly incredible to see how hard everyone worked to help others who are less fortunate by increasing their donation and collection efforts,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Mike Sweeney. “We can’t begin to express our thanks to everyone who made Cereal Bowl IV a huge success this year.” The results are a win-win-win; for the Mustangs, the Grenadiers and the families of Elk Grove Township who utilize the food pantry on a monthly basis. Each month, an average of 230 families who are experiencing hunger are served by the food pantry. The Cereal Bowl competition was established in 2016 to raise awareness about hunger in Elk Grove Township, and to draw attention to the ongoing need to keep the shelves of the food pantry stocked. The Elk Grove Township Social Services Department estimates the cereal box donations collected this year through Cereal Bowl IV will provide this food staple for in-need families until next summer. Please contact the Elk Grove Township Social Services Department at 847-437-0300 or email ga@elkgrovetownship.com if you need assistance, would like to make a donation, or to learn more about support efforts to end hunger in the local community.

Social ServicesThe newly named Social Services Department (formerly General Assistance) was originally created to administer General Assistance only, but over time, the Township has added dozens of new programs including financial assistance, the food pantry, holiday giving programs, employment counseling, information and referrals services, and more. Due to this program expansion, the department was renamed to better reflect the services offered to the community. The Youth Services DepartmentPreviously called Youth and Family Services – had humble beginnings in the early 1970s and addressed counseling needs and positive interactions for teens. In recent years and due to growing needs, the Township expanded these services to include all types of groups for young people ages seven through high school. Many of them are offered at District 59 schools and provided by Elk Grove Township Youth Services. Additionally, summer programs, including Girls Empowerment groups, Social Skills groups, and the ‘challenge course’ that teaches these young people how to effectively work and communicate in groups, are also offered. These programs now have their own, dedicated department name as they continue to thrive and grow. Adult and Family Counseling DepartmentWhile the Township continues to address the needs of the children through family counseling, these services are now available to individual adults on a sliding fee scale. What was previously known as the Youth and Family Services Department is now called the Adult and Family Counseling Department. Fulfilling the Township’s Mission“Elk Grove Township remains committed to providing services our residents need so that they can become empowered and get back on their feet in many cases,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Mike Sweeney. “We are proud of these additions and changes, which help us to better align our services with our core mission to empower our residents through services offered to the Township community.” Please visit elkgrovetownship.com for more information on all of the programs and services available or call 847-437-0300.

Elk Grove Township is accepting school supply donations now through July 31, 2019 at 11 locations throughout the Township. Supplies will be distributed to children before the 2019-2020 school year begins. “This program allows children to focus on what is important, which is being prepared to learn on the very first day of school,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Mike Sweeney. “Back to School Blast Off! helps to make sure that a lack of financial resources does not have an impact on a child’s education.” Among the most needed items for donations are: Earbuds-Composition Notebooks (small black and white, hard cover) -Pencils (mechanical or regular) – Pencil Boxes/Pencil Pouches – Folders (waterproof) – Erasers – Spiral Notebooks – Scissors – Plastic Pencils/ Crayon Boxes – Markers/Pens – Glue Sticks. Drop off locations are listed below and divided by the Village they are located in: School supplies can be dropped off at any of the above locations until July 31 during normal business hours. For more information, visit elkgrovetownship.com/back-to-school-blast-off-2/ or call 847-437-0300 and ask for Director of General Assistance LisaMenich.

“We are privileged to be able to offer these valuable services to our senior and disabled residents,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Mike Sweeney. “Helping these individuals to get to where they need to go – whether it be a doctor’s appointment or even a trip to the grocery store – assists them in maintaining their independence.” Elk Grove Township owns and maintains its own fleet of buses; lifts are available for passengers who use wheelchairs, and for those who have difficulty navigating steps. Through the Township Rider Initiative Program (TRIP), Township buses can transport residents  only to medical services/appointments located outside of Elk Grove Township. Those who utilize this program must be 60 years of age and older, or 18 and older and have a permanent disability.          Disabled riders who qualify are required to have a service animal, a caregiver, or an attendant to assist them during trips—because bus drivers are unable to leave to the vehicle at any time. The maximum cost for a one-way trip is $10.00 through this program. In addition to TRIP, Elk Grove Township offers regular bus services, also known as DIAL-A-BUS, which is available to seniors who are 55 and older, Monday through Friday between 930 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Bus trips can either be medically-related or can also include transportation to beauty or barber shop appointments, grocery stores or other shopping, senior citizen centers, and other locations depending on the day of the week. Dialysis and doctor appointments always take precedence when scheduling, and all trips must be reserved at least one day in advance. While there is no cost for this service, monetary donations are accepted to help defray the cost to the Township. Taxi services are additionally provided through a partnership with 303 Taxi based in Mount Prospect. Seniors who can take advantage of the taxi program must be 55 years of age or older, and are not required to provide a physician’s approval to utilize this service. Residents who are disabled and 18 years of age or older can also use taxis through the Township, but must provide documentation stating they are developmentally disabled, ADA certified, or have an extreme mental illness. Approved taxi riders are provided with 10 vouchers per month valued at $5.00 each; only one $5 voucher can be used per one-way trip. Vouchers are valid for one year from the date of issue. In order to qualify for transportation services, potential riders must fill out an application form that provides proof of residency, age and emergency contact information. The online application for bus and taxi services can be found under their appropriate headings at elkgrovetownship.com/senior/. For more information or to schedule a pick up, please call the Township at 847-437-0300.