Community Action Program
We believe everyone deserves fair treatment and equal access to services.
Who We Are
Our Promise
Our Team
Our Mission
Our Approach
We believe in a client-centered, strengths-based approach to helping individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency. We understand that each person's journey is unique, and we tailor our services to meet their specific needs with compassion, dignity, and respect. Using a holistic, trauma-informed framework, we address both immediate needs, such as housing, food, and employment assistance, and long-term goals, like financial stability and personal empowerment. Our team works alongside clients as service providers and partners in their success, ensuring they have access to the resources, support, and advocacy they need to thrive. Through strong community partnerships, case management, and ongoing education, we help individuals overcome barriers, build resilience, and create lasting change for themselves and their families.
Our Committment
We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable environment where all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, citizenship status, gender, age, sexuality, ability, socioeconomic status, or background, are treated with dignity and respect. We recognize that systemic barriers often stand in the way of opportunity, and we actively work to dismantle these obstacles through advocacy, culturally responsive services, and equitable access to resources. Our approach prioritizes fairness and accessibility, ensuring everyone has the support they need to achieve their goals. We partner with diverse communities, listen to their experiences, and continuously adapt our programs to serve marginalized and underserved populations better. Through education, outreach, and policy-making, we strive to build a more just and inclusive DeKalb County, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Who we Serve
Justice Impacted
Migrants
Parents
LGBTQIA+
Need Help Now?
Our Services
Bridges to Success: Case Management
Our case management services aim to empower and uplift low-income families by offering comprehensive, trauma-informed support. Our goal is to disrupt the cycle of poverty and foster self-sufficiency. We provide personalized assistance tailored to each household's specific needs, strengths, and challenges. Our services encompass education, financial planning, job coaching, time management, skills training, access to resources, and additional support. Together, we create pathways to stability and achievement, equipping every family with the necessary tools and resources for long-term success.
DeKalb County Resource Directory
Budgeting Tools for your Pantry
DeKalb Migrant Aid Resource Directory (available in English, Spanish, & Arabic)
Complete the 2024 Community Needs Assessment! Your input is crucial because it will directly shape the services provided to low-income families in our community. Your insights will guide decisions on affordable housing, childcare, access to services, employment services, financial assistance, and more. Your participation allows FSA to advocate effectively for policies and funding that support the entire community; our goal is to build a stronger, more supportive community where everyone has access to the opportunities they need to thrive.
Financial Assistance
The availability of financial assistance varies by program year and funding awarded. If assistance is available, it will be detailed on this page. Support may include aid for housing, vehicle expenses, educational needs, and more, depending on current program offerings.
Job Readiness
Our employment services support individuals on their journey towards meaningful employment and financial independence. Whether seeking their first job, transitioning careers, or re-entering the workforce, participants will have the skills and resources needed to secure and maintain employment. Services include personalized resume support, assistance with job applications, and connections with a network of employers. We provide referrals and some financial assistance to help cover employment-related expenses, such as transportation, clothing, and tools. Additionally, we offer training to enhance job readiness skills, including interview preparation and workplace etiquette.
Government Benefits
We understand that navigating the complexities of government programs can be overwhelming. Our Family Support Specialists provide one-on-one assistance to help families understand eligibility requirements, gather necessary documentation, and complete applications accurately to ensure they receive the support they need. We will provide guidance and support through the application process for programs such as SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, Housing Choice Vouchers, and more. Our goal is to simplify the process and ensure families receive the maximum benefits they are entitled to.
Nutrition Assistance
Through a partnership with Rooted for Good, we offer two Grow Mobile food pantries every month in DeKalb and Malta. Everyone is welcome at these pantries! Families can choose from a diverse selection of fresh produce, dairy, meat, shelf-stable items, and household essentials - ensuring everyone has access to a balanced and nutritious meal.
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. Whether you are facing a temporary hardship or seeking to supplement your groceries, we believe everyone deserves access to food security.
Emergency & Disaster Relief
We provide essential support and relief to families impacted by household and community crises, such as violence, fires, tornadoes, loss of employment, illness, and more. We understand the urgency of these situations, and we try our best to offer comprehensive assistance to help rebuild lives and restore stability. Our services include referrals, some financial assistance, nutrition support, and case management. We provide rapid response, compassionate support, and community collaboration with our partner agencies to alleviate the burden of crisis situations and help households heal and recovery during times of uncertainty.
Housing Assistance
We assist individuals facing housing difficulties by providing essential services to ensure housing stability. Our goal is to empower participants with the knowledge and resources needed to obtain and maintain stable living conditions. Our program includes maintaining a directory of affordable rental units in DeKalb County. Moreover, we connect individuals with local agencies offering rental and utility assistance to help families maintain their housing. Limited financial aid may also be available to those facing urgent housing crises, homelessness, or eviction.
Habitat for Humanity: Homeownership, Home Preservation, and More
Educational Support
CSBG Scholarship:
The CSBG Scholarship is designed to foster educational attainment within our community by benefiting low-income students of DeKalb County pursuing higher education at accredited institutions in Illinois. Qualified students must live in DeKalb County, meet income guidelines, and seek a degree or certificate. Students may receive a maximum reward of $2,500 to support their educational endeavors and enhance their career prospects.
The 2024 CSBG Scholarship is closed. Come back in 2025!
We will provide guidance and support through the application process to ensure an excellent application before submission.
2024 CSBG Scholarship Committee Members:
- Abigail Hesslau, FSA Administration
- Elva Lozano, Senior Services
- Isis Hernandez, Children's Advocacy Center
- Joel Pena, School-Based & Youth Programming
- Megan Schultz, Center for Counseling
- Robyn Tice, Community Action Program
- Rylie Loucks-Kues, CSBG Director
- Tynisha Clegg, Executive Director
Consumer Advocacy Council
The purpose of the Consumer Advocacy Council of DeKalb County (CACDC) is to provide one-time financial assistance to individuals with chronic mental health conditions. This assistance is intended to support the provider in resolving a presenting concern while providing immediate stabilization.
FSA only accepts CACDC Applications from providers. Applications submitted by clients will not be accepted for consideration.
Consumer Advocacy Council of DeKalb County Committee Members:
- Rylie Loucks-Kues, Staff Liason
- Kathy Ostdick, Board Liason
- Christi Johnson
- Kathy Ball
- Valerie Fletcher
Who is Community Action?
Frequently Asked Questions
Please call before coming to our office to ensure we have a staff member available to meet with you!
If you can't call, complete our intake form to get assigned to a Family Support Specialist.
