GENERAL ASSISTANCE

On May 28, the Mount Prospect Fire Prevention Bureau, joined by 12 paid-on-call firefighters, installed 107 new smoke alarms in 29 homes across three manufactured home communities in unincorporated areas of Elk Grove Township: Oasis MHC, Blackhawk Estates, and Willoway Terrace. The initiative marks the second round of smoke alarm installations made possible through funding provided by Elk Grove Township. The need identified through the program was significant. Before installation day, the 29 participating homes had a combined 36 smoke alarms, but only three were operational, and those three were expired. Ten homes had no smoke alarms at all. Following the installations, all 29 participating homes had functional smoke alarm coverage consistent with applicable safety standards, providing residents with reliable early warning protection in the event of a fire. “This partnership is a great example of how local government agencies can work together to make a direct and meaningful difference in the lives of residents,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor John Scaletta. “By providing the funding and working alongside the Mount Prospect Fire Department, we were able to help ensure these families have an essential layer of lifesaving protection in their homes.” Beyond installing new alarms, the program focused on giving residents the knowledge and resources needed to remain safe. Each participating household received fire safety and home escape planning information in both English and Spanish. Approximately 41 percent of participating households identified Spanish or bilingual language preferences, making accessible education and communication an important component of the outreach effort. The Mount Prospect Fire Department worked closely with property managers to connect with residents and coordinate voluntary appointments in each of the three manufactured home communities. Fire personnel then assessed each participating home, removed or replaced non-functioning and expired alarms, and installed new alarms based on current safety standards. “We are extremely grateful to Chief Tom Wang, the Mount Prospect Fire Prevention Bureau, and the firefighters who helped bring this program directly into these communities,” Scaletta added. “The Township is proud to support an initiative that not only provides an immediate safety benefit, but also gives families the tools and information they need to help protect their homes and loved ones well into the future.” The May installation builds upon the continued partnership between Elk Grove Township and the Village of Mount Prospect Fire Department to address fire prevention and life safety needs within the community. The Mount Prospect Fire Prevention Bureau plans to conduct another round of smoke alarm installations in fall 2026, continuing the effort to reach residents who may lack adequate fire protection in their homes.

In November, the Food Pantry partnered with the township’s Social Services Department to host the annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive. Nearly 900 families received baskets filled with holiday meal fixings, such as turkey, stuffing, vegetables and more. Township residents donated a record $14,000 in support of the drive and Forest Packaging generously provided packaging material to create the “baskets.” The Senior Angel Tree program brought joy to more than 250 low-income seniors over the holiday season. Senior participants provided the township with their personal holiday gift wishes. The wishes ranged from air fryers and cozy pajamas to special items such as “The Best of Simon and Garfunkel” paired with a CD player. The wishes were then hung on an Angel Tree in the township lobby where residents, businesses or local organizations could pick up one or more of the requests to fulfill for a senior. The community support for the program was so great that the township ran out of wishes well before the program was to end. The Holiday Gift Card Drive provided low-income parents with gift cards that they could use to buy presents for their children. The drive ensured that nearly 200 young children received gifts from “Santa.” This approach not only gave financially challenged parents the dignity of choosing gifts for their children, but also gave program sponsors the satisfaction of knowing they played an important part in making the holidays a little brighter for a family in need. “The generosity of the township community never ceases to amaze us,” said Township Supervisor George Busse. “Through these important holiday programs, we can make the holidays a little more cheerful for neighbors who are experiencing some difficulty. It’s an excellent example of how we at the township are constantly striving to fulfill our mission to empower people through community.” Looking ahead, the township invites residents to continue to support the Food Pantry during the winter months through two upcoming initiatives. The annual “SouperBowl” canned soup collection runs through Feb. 9, with donations accepted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the township offices, at 600 Landmeier Road in Elk Grove Village. In March, the township will launch “MacMadness,” which asks for donations of macaroni and cheeses and other dry pasta goods. Donations can be accepted during the Township’s regular business hours. “With the food pantry currently serving more than 1100 families every month, any donation is both needed and greatly appreciated,” Elk Grove Township Trustee David Perns said. For more information on the Elk Grove Township programs and events, please visit elkgrovetownship.com.

Pictured above is the Fusion Xtreme Cheer team wrapping holiday presents for the Older Adult Angel Tree program. General Assistance: Monthly financial assistance to help residents, 18 and older, to meet basic needs, including shelter, food, transportation and utilities. Emergency Assistance: Provides financial support (issued once during a 24-month period) due to a crisis circumstance that may include eviction or disconnection of utilities. CEDA Programs: Known commonly as LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) this program offers one-time financial assistance during a calendar year to pay heating and electricity bills for income-eligible households. Food Pantry: A “client choice” model, the Food Pantry allows individuals to select items that they prefer. All township residents are invited to utilize the Food Pantry; new clients should bring a utility bill. ID, and arrive 15 minutes early to register. Medical Lending Closet: Township residents can borrow a wide variety of gently used medical equipment for up to three months at a time. Curbside pickup is available upon request. Employment Assistance: Our new website has a Jobs Board which helps township residents identify local job opportunities. In addition, the township’s employment counselor can assist jobseekers in updating their resumes and improving their job interview skills. To learn more about these and other programs/services, please click on the “Services” tab in the upper-right-hand corner of the website. In addition to the programs mentioned above, other township programs have recently been created to meet new or growing community needs. They include: The township added an Older Adult Programming and Support Specialist to help streamline services and offer more resources for seniors. This individual manages the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP), is a certified counselor, assists with Mobile Dental Clinic screenings, navigates the Benefit Access Program and more. Township seniors can make an appointment by calling 2244-222-0942. The “Older Adult Angel Tree” is a new program that served 164 lower-income seniors who received gifts of their choosing for the holidays. Additionally, 124 children were sponsored through the “Hope for Holidays” program, where gift cards were given to in-need parents to purchase gifts for their children. The Township would like to thank the Fusion Xtreme Cheer team, whose enthusiastic support of the township’s holiday programs made a huge difference! This group of young people not only dedicated their time to wrapping gifts for the Older Adult Angel Tree but also filled stockings with candy to support the Hope for Holidays program. Community groups, such as Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts, athletic teams, nonprofits and others looking to donate or give back through volunteering are encouraged to follow the township on its social media channels- including Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn to learn more about upcoming events.  Monetary or food donations to help support neighbors in need can be made in person during regular business hours, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monetary donations can also be mailed to: Elk Grove Township, 600 Landmeier Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007 or accepted online by clicking the “Ways to Donate” button in the upper-right-hand corner of the website. For any questions, please call the township at 847-437-0300.

“Needs in our community have dramatically increased, which is why we are seeking donors for our holiday giving programs earlier this year than in previous years,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor George Busse. “We are hoping to be able to help all of our residents in need, but we will need some support from our community to reach this goal.” Monetary donors are currently being sought for the Thanksgiving Donation Drive, $50 gift card donations are requested to support the Holiday Gift program, and individuals are being sought to help to fulfill the holiday gift wish lists for older adults through the Angel Tree program.   Thanksgiving Donation Drive: Usage of the Elk Grove Food Pantry has increased by approximately 150% over the last four years, and the Township wants to ensure every resident who utilizes the food pantry can also receive a complete Thanksgiving meal this holiday season. To this end, the Township is hosting a virtual donation drive with the goal to reach $12,000 by early November. Donations can be made by calling 847-437-0300, visiting our website www.elkgrovetownship.com, or dropping them off at the Township offices, 600 Landmeier Road in Elk Grove Village. Individuals can follow the Township’s fundraising progress on its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/elkgrovetownship.   Holiday Gift Drive: Parents experiencing financial challenges oftentimes cannot afford to give gifts to their children over the holidays. Residents can sponsor a child and help to fulfill their holiday wish list by providing a $50 gift card for a local retailer. Gift cards serve multiple purposes; they give parents the opportunity to experience the joy of giving despite their hardships, support local commerce through the purchase of gift cards at local retailers, and fulfill children’s wish lists from Santa. Consider purchasing a gift card to benefit children over the holidays. To register as a donor please visit the Township, register on our website, or call the Social Services Department at 224-222-0944. Once registered you will receive detailed instructions of delivering gift cards.  Older Adult Angel Tree:  We know that the holidays can be a difficult time for older adults, especially those who are living alone or who have limited financial resources. By purchasing a gift from the Older Adult Angel Tree, you can help to make sure that these individuals have a happy and memorable holiday season. The Township will display an “Angel Tree” on the west side of the Township office building starting November 1. Senior residents who have been screened by the Social Services Department will be invited to place a gift request, not to exceed $50, on a tree ornament which will then be used to decorate the Angel Tree. Community residents will be invited to choose an ornament with its gift request after November 1, Monday – Friday, between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. We ask that gifts are returned to the Township by December 8th so they can be disbursed to the resident in need.  Elk Grove Township thanks the community for their continued support in making these holiday programs successful.  Your donations help to ensure that no one in our community goes without a festive meal or a gift this holiday season. For more information on all the services provided by the Township, please visit elkgrovetownship.com or contact Director of Social Services and Community Outreach, Corey Dewey, at 224-222-0944.

EGTAC was established in 2016, meets twice per year, and includes nearly 40 organizations. Member groups serve a wide variety of individuals and families in need of help. Examples of needs they address are homelessness, mental health, drug abuse, domestic violence and senior-disabled transportation. These needs are expanding as the northwest suburbs continue to grow in terms of population and diversity. Elk Grove Township includes nearly 100,000 residents that live in portions of Elk Grove Village, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, Des Plaines and Rolling Meadows. The most recent EGTAC meeting was held in late February in the Elk Grove Township Town Hall, and member, Partners for Our Communities, presented to the group. The organization works with other agencies and nonprofits to help underserved people become more self-sufficient, with a goal to help them become community leaders. The presentation focused on the issues surrounding immigration and the resources needed to address the associated challenges. Those who attended also had the opportunity to network and share information about their specific services, so that if a need arises, they know to whom a referral should be made. “Through EGTAC, we are able to get all of these different entities into one room and have real conversations that help us to stay up to date on each group’s core competencies,” said Corey Dewey, Elk Grove Township’s Director of Social Services and Community Outreach. “Through this collaborative effort, we can explore partnerships and provide vital referrals for residents facing different needs and challenges, in a more holistic way.” A recent example Dewey cited was when a young boy attending a District 59 school continued to come to school without completing his homework. The school social worker learned the reason why was that the family didn’t have electricity due to unpaid bills, and had been experiencing other financial challenges after the father lost his job. The school district referred the family to the Township to not only provide funding sources for electricity restoration, but also to connect the father with the Township employment specialist to find work. The Township then referred the family to a local church that had a clothing closet to help them provide clothing for their children. Dewey added that she believes EGTAC’s existence is vital to the effective use of available social service funds and to the ability of organizations like Elk Grove Township to provide immediate, comprehensive assistance to residents working to get back on their feet and become self-sufficient. For more information about EGTAC and how you can get involved, please contact the Elk Grove Township Social Services Department at 224-265-6111.

EGTAC was established in 2016, meets twice per year, and includes nearly 40 organizations. Member groups serve a wide variety of individuals and families in need of help. Examples of needs they address are homelessness, mental health, drug abuse, domestic violence and senior-disabled transportation. These needs are expanding as the northwest suburbs continue to grow in terms of population and diversity. Elk Grove Township includes nearly 100,000 residents that live in portions of Elk Grove Village, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, Des Plaines and Rolling Meadows. The most recent EGTAC meeting was held in late February in the Elk Grove Township Town Hall, and member, Partners for Our Communities, presented to the group. The organization works with other agencies and nonprofits to help underserved people become more self-sufficient, with a goal to help them become community leaders. The presentation focused on the issues surrounding immigration and the resources needed to address the associated challenges. Those who attended also had the opportunity to network and share information about their specific services, so that if a need arises, they know to whom a referral should be made. “Through EGTAC, we are able to get all of these different entities into one room and have real conversations that help us to stay up to date on each group’s core competencies,” said Corey Dewey, Elk Grove Township’s Director of Social Services and Community Outreach. “Through this collaborative effort, we can explore partnerships and provide vital referrals for residents facing different needs and challenges, in a more holistic way.” A recent example Dewey cited was when a young boy attending a District 59 school continued to come to school without completing his homework. The school social worker learned the reason why was that the family didn’t have electricity due to unpaid bills, and had been experiencing other financial challenges after the father lost his job. The school district referred the family to the Township to not only provide funding sources for electricity restoration, but also to connect the father with the Township employment specialist to find work. The Township then referred the family to a local church that had a clothing closet to help them provide clothing for their children. Dewey added that she believes EGTAC’s existence is vital to the effective use of available social service funds and to the ability of organizations like Elk Grove Township to provide immediate, comprehensive assistance to residents working to get back on their feet and become self-sufficient. For more information about EGTAC and how you can get involved, please contact the Elk Grove Township Social Services Department at 224-265-6111.

The Food Pantry served an average of 522 families each month throughout 2022, which represented a 38% increase compared to 2021. The number of residents who use this valuable service has continued to show an increase through the early part of this year, with an average of 648 families served in January of 2023, indicating a 66% increase compared to January of 2022. “Services provided through the Food Pantry are vital for many of our community members who are struggling to keep food on the table. We are implementing creative solutions to help ensure we can provide this assistance to everyone who needs it,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor George Busse. “Generous individuals, businesses, organizations, churches and other groups are invited to help us reach this goal, as we work to assist those experiencing food insecurity.” Starting in early February, the Food Pantry increased the number of days it is open to four days per week. Appointments are required, and can be made Tuesdays between 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m., and on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. To receive a Food Pantry card, a photo ID and current utility bill are required. Going forward, the Food Pantry will launch a monthly campaign to increase donations for specific needs. Lists of requested items will be published on the Township Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn pages, which can be found by searching @elkgrovetownship. February’s campaign is dedicated to more “family-friendly” items targeted to families with small and school-aged children. Requested items include children’s snacks, baby products, diapers, and other personal hygiene products for children. For individuals or groups who would like to make larger donations, the Township can schedule a pick-up time for convenience. Smaller donations can be dropped off at 600 Landmeier Road, in Elk Grove Village from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., between Monday and Friday. Monetary donations are also welcome and accepted to fill the gap between what is donated and higher demand items. Checks can be made payable to: “Elk Grove Township Food Pantry” and dropped off/mailed to the Township offices, 600 Landmeier Road, Elk Grove Village, Illinois, 60007. Please call 224-265-6111 with any questions and for more information.

The Food Pantry served an average of 522 families each month throughout 2022, which represented a 38% increase compared to 2021. The number of residents who use this valuable service has continued to show an increase through the early part of this year, with an average of 648 families served in January of 2023, indicating a 66% increase compared to January of 2022. “Services provided through the Food Pantry are vital for many of our community members who are struggling to keep food on the table. We are implementing creative solutions to help ensure we can provide this assistance to everyone who needs it,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor George Busse. “Generous individuals, businesses, organizations, churches and other groups are invited to help us reach this goal, as we work to assist those experiencing food insecurity.” Starting in early February, the Food Pantry increased the number of days it is open to four days per week. Appointments are required, and can be made Tuesdays between 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m., and on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. To receive a Food Pantry card, a photo ID and current utility bill are required. Going forward, the Food Pantry will launch a monthly campaign to increase donations for specific needs. Lists of requested items will be published on the Township Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn pages, which can be found by searching @elkgrovetownship. February’s campaign is dedicated to more “family-friendly” items targeted to families with small and school-aged children. Requested items include children’s snacks, baby products, diapers, and other personal hygiene products for children. For individuals or groups who would like to make larger donations, the Township can schedule a pick-up time for convenience. Smaller donations can be dropped off at 600 Landmeier Road, in Elk Grove Village from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., between Monday and Friday. Monetary donations are also welcome and accepted to fill the gap between what is donated and higher demand items. Checks can be made payable to: “Elk Grove Township Food Pantry” and dropped off/mailed to the Township offices, 600 Landmeier Road, Elk Grove Village, Illinois, 60007. Please call 224-265-6111 with any questions and for more information.

According to Elk Grove Township Clinical Director Luanne Pross, there has been a substantial increase in the number of individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues over the last several years. Pross believes that COVID-19 pandemic, social media, and financial uncertainty are some of the more significant factors driving this emerging crisis. She is especially concerned about the increase in mental health problems occurring among adolescents and children. Pross points out that mental health visits to emergency rooms by adolescents and children jumped 31% in 2020 and that this trend has shown few signs of slowing down.  “Mental health issues are a growing concern for our society, our communities, and our families. Unfortunately, the resources available to address the problem have not kept pace with the need,” said Pross. She notes that the Township, as a community mental health provider, has been aware of the growing crisis and has been consistently expanding its services to meet the needs of its residents. “In addition to the therapy services we directly provide, we work closely with other mental health agencies, like the Josselyn Center, Kenneth Young, Children’s Advocacy Center and Northwest Casa to ensure that our residents get the best possible help.” While the Township serves both adults and children, Pross emphasizes the work her Department does with school-aged children in need of counseling, which has been consistently increasing. These are often children who are having conflicts with peers and teachers, or are exhibiting learning or behavioral difficulties. Pross adds that during the counseling process, other issues that are often related to the client’s family, can be discovered. “Once we more fully understand the problem and identify the underlying causes, we can work more effectively towards a solution,” Pross explained.  Pross added that children can be affected by stressors that their parents are experiencing. “Challenges, including economic and health problems, can cause anxiety in many parents, and that stress can actually transfer to their children.”  The Township counseling process begins with an intake appointment over the phone when a staff member asks questions to identify specific mental health needs. If the needs can be met by Township counselors, an in-person assessment is completed at the Elk Grove Township offices and counseling sessions are scheduled. If the needs are more specialized or psychiatric in nature, referrals can be made to Township agency partners. A valuable, new partnership the Township has established is with the Josselyn Center, which provides psychiatric services and is able to serve residents who are in need of medication. All the mental health services provided are confidential and offered free of charge to Township residents. To learn more, please call the Township at 847-981-0373 and visit ElkGroveTownship.com to learn more about other services available to residents.

The CEF Board of Directors oversees and approves the distribution of funds. The funds have been used for a multitude of social service purposes, all of which benefit residents of Elk Grove Township.  Funding examples include pest control services for a low-income family with a major infestation problem, the purchase of a water heater for an elderly veteran who had been without hot water for six months, and specialty prescription eyeglasses for a child with debilitating vision issues.   “The overarching goal of the Community Empowerment Fund is to help keep every Township resident and family safe and secure,”said CEF Board member Corey Dewey. “There are situations where the Township assistance programs can not fully address a problem. With CEF funding we are able to help them meet those special needs.”  CEF hosted a fundraiser in early November in downtown Mount Prospect to both raise funds to support their work but also to create more visibility for the Fund and its purpose. Board member Kevin Kinsella thanked the businesses that helped sponsor the fundraiser and pointed out that CEF is dependent on donations from community businesses and residents for the funds needed to carry out its important mission.  According to Kinsella, “Individual donations, business donations, office fundraisers and matching gifts are all greatly appreciated by us and those we assist.” For individuals who would like to know more about the Community Empowerment Fund please call Corey Dewey at 224-222-0944. Those who would like to make a donation can make checks payable to “Community Empowerment Fund” and mail or drop off the checks at the Elk Grove Township offices, 600 Landmeier Road, Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007.