Kendall - Grundy Community Action

The mission of Community Action is to encourage self-sufficiency, while recognizing the need for personalized, direct services for residents faced with poverty or crisis.

Services available to residents include:

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP)

Community Services Block Grant - Provides:

Information and Referral Scholarships Drive to Success Employment Support Helping Hands for School

Information and Referral

Access to needed resources through a comprehensive information network. Referral to programs, which relieve many of the problems faced by the economically disadvantaged.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to assist low-income individuals continue their education. Scholarships may be used for tuition and fees, textbooks, supplies, or room and board. Scholarship awards are made directly to the college or university's financial aid office for use by the student as needed.

Successful scholarship recipients must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Resident of Kendall or Grundy County
• Member of an income-eligible household
• Possess a high school diploma, GED or must graduate by July 1 from an accredited high school/ GED Administering institution
• Must be accepted into an Illinois college or university, or occupational training program on at least a half-time basis
• Demonstrate a commitment to civic and public affairs
• Demonstrate goals and purpose
• Mandatory brief 10-minute interview with the Scholarship Committee

Check here for more scholarship information and application.

Drive to Success

One of common barriers to maintain employment is affordable transportation. Drive to Success is designed to help low income residents who are currently employed obtain reliable transportation for employment purposes. All expenses are paid directly to the repair shop. 

The applicant household has to be at or below 125% poverty level. Your application will be reviewed and you will be notified within one month of your status. You may need to be placed on a waiting list if funding is not available.

Employment Support

This program assists eligible clients to obtain/maintain employment with such items as daycare costs, transportation, and work supplies. Clients must be currently employed or proof of an offer is needed. All expenses are paid directly to vendors. There will be no cash payments.

Employment support is one-time assistance per household. The applicant household has to be at or below 125% poverty level.

Helping Hands For School

Helping Hands for School assists eligible parents to purchase their child's prescription glasses (ages 3 to 18 years old ).  The applicant household has to be at or below 125% poverty level.  All expenses are paid directly to the vendor (maximum amount up to $150.00).  No contact lenses.  Limit one pair of glasses per child in one year.