Community Action Program

We believe everyone deserves fair treatment and equal access to services.

Community Action Program works alongside individuals and families experiencing financial hardship to address immediate needs, navigate community resources, and build long-term household stability. Through comprehensive case management, education, advocacy, and supportive services, we help people identify their goals and create a path toward greater self-sufficiency.

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Who We Are

Our Promise

Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, and we’re here to help along the way.

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Our Foundation

Community Action creates opportunities for people and communities to thrive.

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Our Approach

We meet people where they are and build support around their individual needs and goals.

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Our Team

Our team brings experience, compassion, and a commitment to helping people move forward.

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Our Committment

We provide inclusive, respectful services that recognize the dignity and individuality of every person.

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Our Transparency

See the data, planning, and proven practices behind how we turn community needs into action.

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Who We Serve

Community Action is for our entire community.

We serve individuals and families with low incomes throughout DeKalb County, Illinois, from all backgrounds, identities, and stages of life.

We Proudly Serve...

Individuals & Families

Parents & Caregivers

Individuals Experiencing Homelessness

Older Adults & Seniors

People with Disabilities

LGBTQIA+ Individuals

Multilingual & Non-English Speakers

Justice-Impacted Individuals

Immigrants & Migrants

Survivors of Violence

Veterans

Rural Communities

Not Sure if you Qualify?

Community Action services are available to DeKalb County households with incomes at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Eligibility varies by program, and our team can help you determine what services may be available.

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Not from DeKalb County, Illinois? FIND YOUR LOCAL AGENCY →

What We Do

Community Action provides comprehensive case management and supportive services designed to help individuals and families address immediate needs, overcome barriers, and build long-term household stability.

Case Management

Support built around you.

Case management is at the heart of Community Action. Rather than focusing on a single need, our team works alongside individuals and families to understand the bigger picture, identify barriers, establish meaningful goals, and create a personalized plan toward greater stability and self-sufficiency.

What Case Management May Include

Assessment & Goal Planning

Identify your priorities, strengths, barriers, and goals.

Ongoing Support

Meet regularly with your case manager to work through challenges, celebrate progress, and adjust your plan as needed.

Resource Navigation & Advocacy

Connect with community resources, benefits, programs, and services that support your goals.

Long-Term Stability

Build skills, resources, and strategies that help you maintain progress beyond case management.

Case management is a partnership. You don't need to have everything figured out before reaching out. We'll start where you are and work together to determine the next steps.

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Explore Our Services

Economic Mobility & Opportunity

Employment & Career Support

Support with job searching, career planning, and overcoming barriers to employment.

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Financial Wellness

Build practical skills to manage your money, plan ahead, and work toward financial stability.

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Educational Support

Explore education, training, and resources that can help you reach your academic and career goals.

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Basic Stability & Essential Needs

Housing Stability

Get support finding, obtaining, and maintaining safe and stable housing.

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Nutrition & Food Access

Connect with local food, nutrition, and household resources to help meet your family's needs.

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Government Benefits

Get help understanding, applying for, and navigating public benefits that may support your household.

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Resources & Community Connections

Clothing & Essentials

Connect with local resources for clothing, shoes, hygiene items, and other everyday essentials.

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Technology Library

Access computers, technology, and digital resources for employment, education, benefits, and other essential needs.

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Neighbor to Neighbor

Connect, learn, and have fun through our free, non-clinical support and education group.

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Specialized Programs & Opportunities

Scholarships

Community Action invests in educational opportunity through scholarship funding for eligible DeKalb County students pursuing higher education or career training. Scholarship opportunities and application periods vary throughout the year.

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Emergency & Disaster Relief

When fires, severe weather, or other crises disrupt your household, Community Action can help you navigate recovery. Support varies based on the situation and available resources.

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Financial Assistance

Limited financial assistance may be available through specific grants and programs. Funding is not guaranteed, and eligibility, covered expenses, and availability vary.

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Consumer Advocacy Council

CACDC works to identify and remove barriers faced by individuals living with chronic mental health conditions. The committee promotes greater stability, independence, and access to needed resources.

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See Community Action in Action

Bring Community Action to Your Community

Looking for Community Action to attend an outreach event, resource fair, or community gathering? Need a presentation, training, or professional development opportunity for your team? Explore our Community Education offerings and connect with us to get started.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Everything you need to know before connecting with Community Action.

Who is eligible for Community Action services?
- We serve individuals and families with low incomes who live in DeKalb County, Illinois. Many services are available to households at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, although requirements vary by service.

Why do you need information about my income and household?
- Because our programs are grant-funded, we are required to collect and verify information about the households we serve. This helps us determine eligibility and meet our funders' requirements.

What documents and information will I need to provide?
- Visit our Your First Visit page for a list of documents and information you may need. Requirements may vary depending on the services you are seeking.

I am currently unhoused. Can I still participate in Community Action services?
- Yes. You will need to show that you are a DeKalb County resident, but this can be verified in different ways. Our team will work with you to determine what documentation you can provide.

I don't have reliable transportation. Can I still receive services?
- Yes. Some services can be provided virtually, and our staff may be able to meet you at an agreed-upon community location. We do not provide services inside clients' homes.

Do I need an appointment?
- Yes. Please do not walk in for services. To get started, complete our online intake form or call our office, and a member of our team will follow up with you.

How is case management different from counseling?
- Case management focuses on practical goals, problem-solving, and connecting you with resources, while counseling focuses on your mental and emotional health. Your Family Support Specialist can support you through challenges, but they are not acting as a therapist or providing clinical treatment.

What is case management?
- Case management is a partnership between you and a Family Support Specialist to identify your goals, address barriers, and connect you with resources and support to build greater stability.

What if I'm not sure what kind of help I need?
- That's okay! You don't need to know which service or resource you need before reaching out. Tell us what's going on, and we'll help you identify your needs and next steps.

Can I receive case management from Community Action and another organization at the same time?
- No. To avoid duplicating services, clients cannot receive case management from Community Action while actively receiving case management from another organization. We can work with you and other providers to determine which program is the best fit for your needs.

Case Management & Participation

What to expect while working with your Family Support Specialist.

Can I ask to switch Family Support Specialists?
- Yes. If you feel your current Family Support Specialist isn't the right fit, email the Director. We'll work with you to make a change when possible.

Can I request a Family Support Specialist I'm more comfortable with?
- Yes. You can share preferences that would help you feel more comfortable receiving services, and we'll do our best to pair you with an available Family Support Specialist who meets those preferences.

What if I have a concern about my Family Support Specialist?
- You can email the Community Action Director about any concerns with your services or experience.

What should I expect when working with a Family Support Specialist?
- Your Family Support Specialist will get to know your needs and goals, help you navigate resources, and provide ongoing support as you work toward greater stability.

How often will I meet with my Family Support Specialist?
- Meeting frequency depends on your needs and goals, but at least once every 30 days. You and your Family Support Specialist will decide how often to connect, with regular communication expected while you are actively participating in case management.

How do we decide what we work on?
- We'll talk about what's going on, what you'd like to change, and what's most important to you. From there, you'll work together to set goals and decide on next steps.

What is expected of me as a Community Action client?
- We ask that you stay in contact with your Family Support Specialist, attend scheduled appointments, provide requested information, and actively participate in working toward your goals.

How often do I need to show that I'm still eligible?
- Eligibility is generally reviewed every 30 days, which may include updated income, household, or other information. Some programs may have different requirements, and your Family Support Specialist will let you know what is needed.

What happens if I miss appointments or stop responding?
- We understand that things come up. However, regular communication is part of case management, and repeated missed appointments or lack of contact may result in your case being closed.

Review FSA Client Rights & Responsibilities

How long will I be a Community Action client?
- There isn't a set timeline. How long you participate depends on your goals, needs, progress, and continued eligibility for services.

Can I come back to Community Action after my case is closed?
- Yes. If something changes or you need support again, you can complete a new intake and we'll determine what services may be available at that time.

Financial Assistance & Resources

Learn about financial assistance and other resources available in our community.

Financial assistance is not the primary purpose of Community Action. Our focus is case management, building stability, and helping households reduce the need for emergency assistance over time.

Where can I find more information on available assistance?
- Our Financial Assistance page provides the most up-to-date information about currently available funding, eligibility requirements, and how to request assistance.

Does Community Action provide financial assistance?
- Sometimes. Limited financial assistance may occasionally be available through specific grants. Our primary service is case management, with a focus on helping you build long-term stability and reduce the need for ongoing financial assistance.

Is financial assistance guaranteed if I meet the income requirements?
- No. Being eligible for Community Action does not mean you are eligible for financial assistance. Funding is limited, and each grant has its own requirements and allowable expenses.

Can I be added to a waitlist for financial assistance?
- We do not maintain a waitlist for financial assistance. If funding becomes available, current information and application instructions will be posted on our Financial Assistance page.

What other services does Family Service Agency offer?

Can my family use more than one FSA program?
- Yes. Depending on your needs and eligibility, members of your household may participate in multiple FSA programs at the same time.

Can my Family Support Specialist connect me with another FSA program?
- Yes. If another FSA program may also meet your needs, we can help connect you.

Community Action is just one part of a larger network of services available throughout DeKalb County. We can help you find the right place to start.

Can you connect me with services from other organizations?
- Yes. We regularly connect clients with local providers for housing, food, healthcare, mental health, legal services, employment, benefits, and other needs.

Where can I find local resources on my own?
- Our team maintains information about resources throughout DeKalb County, and 211 is also available to help locate community services.

Tell Us How We're Doing

Email the Director