GENERAL ASSISTANCE

“Many of our government assistance programs now require applications to be completed online, and a good number of our senior folks have difficulty with this – so now we have a dedicated person to help them through the process,” said Corey Dewey, Social Services and Outreach Director with Elk Grove Township. While assistance is provided, the Township does not process applications on behalf of seniors – but can be there to help after the application is completed if any issues arise.   Guidance can also be provided regarding Medicare eligibility and applications through SHIP. Seniors are given information about health plans that best fit their needs, relative to their budget, availability of doctors, and prescriptions.  Dewey says there are some programs that seniors may not think they qualify for, but should apply regardless.   “If you qualify for LIHEAP, you can get assistance with ComEd or Nicor bills. While eligibility is based on income, a lot of people don’t apply because they have not fallen behind in their bill payments yet,” Dewey said. “Even if they are not behind, the benefit is intended to help low income residents utilize their income in different ways through grants that can credit future bills.” Individuals who want to apply for benefits through LIHEAP can call the Township at 224-265-6111 to get pre-screened for eligibility. The State will begin processing applications in the beginning of September – so don’t wait!  The Township Food Pantry is also available to seniors and any Township resident who is experiencing food insecurity. The pantry recently extended its hours so that more residents, including those who work during the day, can take advantage. For those who want to select their own items, the pantry is now open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., and on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. On Mondays and Fridays, pre-packaged food is available for pickup between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Township building, 600 Landemeier Road in Elk Grove Village.  Another upcoming service provided through the Township and available to all residents (regardless of income), is the Secretary of State Mobile Unit on Tuesday, October 4 when driver’s license and State ID renewals can be completed, along with hearing and vision screenings conducted by the Lions Club. For more information, please call the Township at 847-437-0300. 

The overarching goal is to provide comprehensive and holistic mental health services for children and adults living in the Township. Individuals in need of psychiatric services must either be in counseling through the Township or go through an intake process first. Once in counseling, if a therapist identifies a need for psychotropic medication, a referral is made to the Josselyn Center to connect the client with a psychiatrist.  “This entire program is so vital to assist our residents who cannot access the full spectrum of quality mental health services available in the private sector, due to financial constraints,” said Elk Grove Township Clinical Director Luanne Pross. “No one is turned away due to the inability to pay, and there is a strong connection between our counselors and the psychiatrists to share information to meet the mental health care needs of our residents.” Convenience is also part of what is offered through this partnership; individuals can see a psychiatrist virtually and confidentially via telehealth on their own computers or smartphones. If residents do not have access to technology, computers are made available to them at the Township. Counseling through the Township is also available through telehealth, in-person at the Township, or through a hybrid arrangement. “This public/private partnership is relatively unique, as few other government organizations have taken these steps to meet what we see as a great need, especially for those who have been sitting on a waitlist for months to see a psychiatrist,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor George Busse. “We are proud to be able to offer these services to our residents in need of this level of care.” Residents experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance misuse, school issues, work performance and other challenges are encouraged to contact the Township for help. Translation services are also available.  For more information or to schedule an intake appointment, please call the Township Youth and Family Services Department at 847-981-0373.

Also coming in March will be a free employment seminar which will take place at the Township offices on Wednesday, March 30 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The seminar will provide assistance for residents in need of a job or seeking a career change. Finally, a new partnership with the Josselyn Center to enhance Township mental health services will soon be announced. This partnership will allow the Township to provide residents with more timely psychiatric services. “Our priority is to listen to our residents and ensure they are receiving the assistance they need to manage their lives and care for their families,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor George Busse. “We are excited about the new services we will be offering. However, it’s important that residents remember the plethora of valuable services the Township is already providing, which range from youth and senior services to adult and family counseling, as well as taxpayer assistance.” Some of the other Township services available to all residents include: Applications, Licenses and Registration: The Clerk’s Office can assist residents with passport applications, hunting and fishing licenses, voter registration and assistance, notary public services, and temporary handicapped parking placards. The Township is also a Passport Acceptance Facility and can answer questions on passport applications, processing times and appointment scheduling for you or your family members. Call 847-437-0300 to make an appointment. Township Assessor: The Assessor’s office is a resource for property tax information and assistance. The office can help residents file tax appeals and exemptions that can reduce tax bills. The exemptions include homeowners, senior, senior freeze, disability and veteran’s disability. Forms to apply for exemptions will be available on March 16. The Assessor’s office can also help file certificates of error when tax bill information is incorrect. Call 224-265-6110 for more information. Employment Support Services: The Township’s Employment Support Center has resources and services for job-seeking residents that include resume reviews, interview training and job search help and tips. Other resources to find jobs include seminars and job fairs. Email jobhelp@elkgrovetownship.com for more information and to register for future events. Food Pantry: The food pantry is a ‘client’s choice’ model where shoppers can choose items they need the most. To use the Pantry, individuals must meet with a social service representative to verify residency and to see if there are other ways the Township can be of assistance. Use of the food pantry is currently by appointment only. Pantry hours are Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1p.m. to 7p.m., in addition to Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to noon, and from 1p.m. to 3 p.m. Donations can be made at the west entrance of the Township building Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. For additional information, please call Kailee at 224-265-6102. Medical Lending Closet: Residents can borrow gently used medical equipment for up to three months, with the option to extend upon request. Available equipment includes walkers, wheelchairs, canes, bath seats, bedside rails and more. Call 224-265-6111 to schedule curbside pickup, check availability of items, or to learn more about the terms of this helpful program. This service is free to Township residents. Transportation Assistance for Seniors and Disabled: The Township offers bus services for appointments and shopping within the Township borders, T.R.I.P. bus services for medical appointments outside of the Township borders, and a Taxi transportation program. These programs provide a curb-to-curb transportation solution for seniors 55+ and disabled residents 18+. The bus services are available Monday through Friday. For information or to schedule a trip, call 847-437-0300. Veteran Services Officer: Elk Grove Township has a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) who is trained and accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The officer provides free assistance to veterans and their dependents and survivors to help manage their benefits. To schedule an appointment or for more information, please call Walter Wilson at 224-265-6113. Winter Warming Station: When temperatures are dangerously cold, Elk Grove Township residents have access to the Township building as a warming center. When needed, the warming center is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Please call 847-437-0300 with any questions. Youth Services: The Elk Grove Township Youth Services Department offers programs that help support children’s mental health. Registration is fast and easy, but space is limited. Among the programs offered at the Township are life skills, social skills, girls’ empowerment and leadership development. In addition, a variety of support groups are available for community organizations such as schools, scouts, churches and libraries within the Township boundaries. To sign up, or for more information about programs offered, please contact Renee Dorn at RDorn@ElkGroveTownship.com. For more information on any of the services offered through the Township, please call 847-437-0300 or visit elkgrovetownship.com.

One of the most recent of those was Cereal Bowl V, which took place in mid-December. Students from Rolling Meadows and Elk Grove high schools competed for the fifth year to garner cereal box donations and be declared the Cereal Bowl V winner. Elk Grove High School was victorious this year, and together, the two schools raised a record number of 2,592 boxes of cereal that were donated to the Township food pantry. In addition to stocking the pantry’s shelves, Cereal Bowl also raises awareness for the greater community about hunger and shows students how working together can impact the lives of others.  Elk Grove Township Supervisor George Busse was honored to present the Cereal Bowl V award to Elk Grove High School, and stated, “Thank you to all the students, teachers, administrators and respective communities for supporting this effort that helps our residents who are experiencing food insecurity and need our food pantry. Everyone should be very proud of this accomplishment.” There are several seasonal programs also offered, which affords residents the opportunity to give back through volunteering or donations. Please see a breakdown of the seasonal programs offered below, along with an overview of their success in 2021:  The Back-to-School Supply Drive takes place annually leading up to the new school year, where area residents can donate school supplies for District 59 (D59) students whose families are challenged financially. A total of 2,838 school supplies were collected by the Township through generous donations, which helped students to be prepared for success as the school year began. The Snow Angels program is held during the winter season and will continue as long as the weather remains cold. The Township sponsors this donation drive, in partnership with D59, for snow boots, coats and snow pants that help low-income parents who have difficulty affording new snow gear since children grow so quickly.  Other programs that engage the community include the ‘Souper’ Bowl, where nearly 600 cans of soup were donated to the food pantry. The Thanksgiving Basket program provided 261 holiday meals to in-need families so that they were able to afford and enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings. Donated baskets are filled with non-perishable food items, along with a grocery store gift card to purchase a turkey or meat of choice. The Township’s Christmas Gift Card program successfully provided holiday cheer for 55 children and senior adults. Gift card donations from community members help give parents who cannot otherwise afford it, the joy of choosing gifts on their children’s wish lists, as well as the giving of gift cards to senior citizens in need.  Elk Grove Township would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all area residents who help to fulfill the mission, and who remain focused on empowering our neighbors in need. For more information on any of the services or programs mentioned and how you can help, please call 847-437-0300 or email ga@elkgrovetownship.com.

Current Food Pantry hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. until noon, and again from 1 – 3 p.m. With this change, Tuesday afternoon hours will begin at 1 p.m. and run until 7 p.m. The Township wants to make sure those in-need are not prevented from getting food due to work, or other obligations during the day. “The Food Pantry is utilized by many different individuals experiencing a range of challenges; we must make sure its hours of operation are not preventing our residents who have a need from accessing it,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor George Busse. “This is an extremely important service provided through the Township and we are looking to determine if more people can be served through these extended hours.” At present, the Food Pantry is serving nearly the same number of families per month, compared to those served during the height of the pandemic. “The fact that need has not diminished, despite our world opening up again, indicates a test like this is important to explore,” Busse said. The extended hours do not change the process that individuals must follow to access the Food Pantry. For new users, an application is required, in addition to scheduled appointments for all users. To qualify, individuals must meet with a caseworker to verify residency and determine if there are other ways the Township may be able to provide assistance. For more information and any questions about the Food Pantry, please call 224-265-6111. The Food Pantry is a ‘client’s choice’ model, which allows individuals to ‘shop’ the pantry and pick out for themselves their most needed items. Donations for the Food Pantry are also accepted. Please bring them to the west entrance of the Township building, 600 Landmeier Road in Elk Grove Village, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information on donations, please contact Kailee at 224-265-6102.

“The Township is focused on strengthening the community by empowering people experiencing challenges, but we also provide services, beyond financial assistance, that are available to all residents,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Mike Sweeney. “There are many programs and services that individuals may not be aware of, so please read about our services below and call the Township or check our website for additional details.” See below for additional information: Township Assessor: The Township Assessor’s office can assist residents with tax exemptions, freezes, applications, and more. Assistance with exemptions for veterans, the disabled, and seniors is also available. Applications, Licenses and Registration: The Elk Grove Township Clerk’s Office can assist residents with passport applications, hunting and fishing licenses, voter registration and assistance, notary public services, applications for absentee ballots and temporary handicapped parking placards. Employment Support Services: The Township’s Employment Support Center has resources and services for job-seeking residents that include resume review, job search help and tips – as well as unconventional ways to find jobs, resource materials, and free seminars. Computer and printer stations are also available for job seekers to submit applications. Adult and Family Counseling: Licensed Township counselors continue to offer bilingual, staple services such as individual counseling, family counseling, testing, teletherapy, the ‘Senior Community Check-in’ and more. Youth Services: The Elk Grove Township Youth Services Department offers programs that help support your child’s mental health. Registration is fast and easy, but space is limited. To sign up or for more information about programs offered, please contact Renee Dorn at RDorn@ElkGroveTownship.com. Below are descriptions of the services that many individuals already know of, and that continue to be offered by Elk Grove Township: Transportation Assistance for Seniors and Disabled: The Transportation Department offers bus services, T.R.I.P. buses (for medical services outside of the Township borders) and a Taxi Program to Township residents. These programs provide a curb-to-curb transportation solution for seniors 55+ and disabled residents 18+ within Township borders. Medical Lending Closet: Elk Grove Township offers residents gently used medical equipment for up to three months with the option to extend upon request. Equipment includes walkers, wheelchairs, canes, bath seats, bedside rails and more. Call 224-265-6111 to schedule curbside pickup, to check availability of items, or to learn more about the terms of this great program. Financial Assistance for In-Need Individuals and Families: Through the Social Services Department, 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 that exists to assist residents experiencing financial challenges not provided for through other programs. Food Pantry: Elk Grove Township’s food pantry is a ‘client’s choice’ model that allows shoppers to choose items they need the most. 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. Please bring donations to the west entrance of the Township building (600 Landmeier Road, Elk Grove Village) Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.   For additional information on donations or the food pantry, please contact Kailee at 224-265-6102. For more information on any of the services offered through the Township, please call 847-437-0300 or visit elkgrovetownship.com.

During 2020, the food pantry served an average of 326 families per month compared to an average of 230 families per month in 2019. This represents a more than 40% increase in the average number of families in-need who were served. “I am proud of the evolution of the Township food pantry due to the changing needs of our residents,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Mike Sweeney. “We are working hard to meet the growing needs of community members through these challenging times.” All food pantry users are required to make an appointment due to safety guidelines related to the pandemic. This helps to avoid residents 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 apply hand sanitizer (provided by the Township) before entering the food pantry. Those who wish to take advantage of the food pantry are issued cards, which expire every six months and are utilized for ‘check in’ upon arrival. If a resident needs a food pantry card or their current card has expired, they can contact Township staff when calling to schedule an appointment. If residents are applying for the first time to utilize the food pantry, they are required to bring a photo ID, current utility bill and proof of all members in their household. In order to keep the food pantry stocked, Elk Grove Township has again partnered with Meijer’s hunger relief efforts through the Simply Give program. A fourth campaign recently launched to help feed hungry families. The campaign will run through Saturday, April 10, 2021. During this time, shoppers will have the opportunity to purchase donation gift cards at the checkout register which will directly benefit the Elk Grove Township Food Pantry. The Elk Grove Township Food Pantry is fortunate to have another great partner in the Greater Chicago Food Depository that has been a stable and continuous provider of food products. The Depository has been able to provide a wide variety of food including fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, cheese and other dairy products, in addition to non-perishable items. Their reliability and consistency of quantities and selection of products have been appreciated by food pantry clients. To keep up with the increased demand, Elk Grove Township has also extended their food pantry hours. Clients can now schedule appointments Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. until noon, and from 1 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. For more information about the food pantry please call 224-265-6111. For those interested in making donations, they are accepted (at the west entrance by the Tonne Road stoplight) during normal business hours Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Elk Grove Township, 600 Landmeier Road in Elk Grove Village. Visit elkgrovetownship.com for more information.

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.