Community Action Program
We believe everyone deserves fair treatment and equal access to services.
Community Action Program strives to help low-income families achieve and maintain their highest level of self-sufficiency by providing a variety of programs. We have two primary purposes: to provide essential anti-poverty programs, and to advocate for the needs of the poor in their communities.
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Application for Services
LIHEAP
Walk-In Wednesday
Text for Resources
Mission
To provide access to opportunities for all low-income individuals and families in DeKalb County by providing education and empowering them with effective community resources and support to increase self-sufficiency and household stability.
Community Action Promise
Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.
Services
Family Centered Services
All services provided are based on your family's unique strengths, needs, barriers, etc. YOU are the one who creates the path to household stability. Your Family Support Specialist helps guide you through this transition with advocacy, support and tools to achieve your success!
Employment Related Services
Your Family Support Specialist will help you find and maintain employment including help with completing job applications, job searches, resume/cover letter writing, and more!
Budgeting
Your Family Support Specialist will help you create a simple, realistic, and easy to understand household budget based on your unique income and spending habits. Your Family Support Specialist will also give you information on the value of saving money-no matter how large or small.
Time Management
No one knows better than you how hectic and overwhelming your life may be. Don't worry! Your Family Support Specialist will help you take a step back and focus on setting priorities to achieve all the small and big tasks life throws at you. Before you know it, you will set a schedule that will help you achieve not only all the things you need to do but also what you want to do.
Household Emergencies
Are you going through a household crisis? Are bills piling up? Do you have an eviction notice or utility disconnect notice? Are you homeless? Whatever the crisis may be, your Family Support Specialist will help you every step of the way to stop the crisis and get you back on track toward a successful future.
Applying for Governmental Benefits
You know how difficult it can be to seek and apply for Governmental benefits. Your Family Support Specialist will gladly help you apply for benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid, Housing, etc. Your Family Support Specialist will also advocate for you with any issues that arise in trying to receive and/or maintain these benefits.
Information & Referral Services
DeKalb County has a wealth of resources that can help you on your path to household stability. Your Family Support Specialist will link you to appropriate services that will help you complete the goals and action plan you are working.
Food Pantries
Through a partnership with DeKalb County Community Gardens, we offer two Grow Mobile food pantries every month in DeKalb and Malta. These pantries include fresh produce, meat, shelf-stable items, and household essentials. Additionally, your Family Support Specialist can link you with other area resources such as food pantries, essentials pantries, clothing drives, and thrift shops to help your household.
CSBG Scholarship
The CSBG Scholarship is awarded to low-income DeKalb County residents who are attending a higher education institution working towards an undergraduate degree or certification. A maximum of $1,000 is awarded to qualifying students!
Scholarship Flyer
Scholarship Application
I need help...
You must complete our enrollment documents to enroll in Community Action Program Services. To get started...
- Complete our online intake form here!
- Call us for a 10-minute phone intake!
- Text "connect me" to (877)390-1996 to be connected to resources!
- Come to the agency for Walk-In Wednesdays! Our Family Support Specialists are available every Wednesday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm to meet with you!
Frequently Asked Questions
This program networks with various social service agencies, community groups, and businesses in the county to better serve the low-income population in DeKalb County.
Please contact us at 815-758-8616 with any questions, comments, or concerns you may have.
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