The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services (primarily heating during winter months). Energy costs can place severe and continuing stress on a family’s budget. In some instances, households are forced to make painful decisions regarding which bills to pay and which necessities to survive without. Illinois residents with a household income that does not exceed an amount determined annually by the Department of Commerce are eligible. Annual eligibility levels are determined based on available funding and may not exceed 150% of the federal nonfarm poverty level.

The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) is available for LIHEAP eligible households who are customers of one of the following utilities: Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas and Peoples Gas/North Shore Gas. Under PIPP, eligible households pay a percentage of their income; receive a monthly benefit towards their utility bill and, arrearage reductions for every on-time payment they make, if applicable.

There are five community action agencies in the 5th Senate District where individuals can apply for LIHEAP:

Operation Brotherhood - (708) 383-8060 - 3812 W. Ogden Ave.

North Lawndale Employment Network - (773) 265-7940 - 906 S. Homan Suite 800

Marillac Social Center - (773) 584-3244 - 212 S. Francisco Ave.

CRDDC (Chetwyn Rodgers Drive Development Center) - (773) 261-6098 - 25 N. Cicero Ave.

Universal Prayer Tower - (773) 378-3464 - 4540 W. Washington Blvd.

For more information, click here.

Position Title: Case Manager

Report To: Executive Director
We are looking for an resourceful intelligent and resilient Social Worker to act as an advocate and help people foster their capacities and coping mechanisms in order to improve and better their daily lives and experiences.
Basic Functions: Under general supervision, performs routine duties:
• Respond to inquiries from the Community Outreach Specialists, Grandparent Advocate, Helpline, Department of Children & Family Services(DCFS) and our Village Partners.
• Documentation of staff services, requests and complaints requiring the development of specific service plans.
• Assist in gathering, reviewing and analyzing case specific data that affects DCFS.
• Assist in assessing related needs and problems of families and work with the External Affairs Department to determine the type of intervention needed to address case issues.
• Work with the courts.

Responsibilities: Plan with to implement support packages and help clients deal with difficulties.
• Interview clients and assess their current conditions both strengths and weakness.
• Promote and train community residents and DCFS clients on the impact of program initiatives, policies & procedures and develop linkages to resources.
• Assist in ensuring that timely and appropriate follow up occurs regarding presenting case problems and issues. Address each case as a unit and set tailored measurable goals.
• Maintain files of case inquiry regarding service delivery and assistance provided.
• Monitor and evaluate clients progress and modify treatment plans accordingly.
• Attend Meetings in which community residents relate unfulfilled social service needs and develop documentation that will help Sankofa Safe Child Initiative make decisions regarding best practice outcome-based follow up.
• Maintain accurate records and report on Clients Status.
• Attend Case conference and provide evidence in court.
• Refer Clients to community services to help them.

Qualifications:
• BS, MSW, MA or related degree and 1-2 years of experience in social service or community development.
• Meaningful work experience that contributes to the development of the following knowledge, skills and abilities:
A. Ability to work with staff/ team work
B. Ability to communicate ideas in written and oral form
C. Ability to work collaboratively with community residents and establish and maintain rapport.
D. Social perceptiveness and empathy.
E. Ability to build and maintain professional helping relationships.
F. Ability to relate and communicate with diverse population and groups.
G. Resilience along with ability to assess situation.
H. Willing to submit to back ground check.
I. Willing to train and be trained.
J. This is a drug free environment

Yesterday it was reported that an official letter was submitted to Amazon executives with an attached state and city bid signed by Gov. Bruce Rauner, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the legislature’s top four leaders. Members of the Illinois Legislative Senate Black Caucus are cautiously optimistic about the potential of Amazon moving its second headquarters to Chicago.

Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood), who also chairs the joint Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, delivered a clear message: “Job creation is a top priority for the caucus, specifically in our impoverished neighborhoods where unemployment rates soar due to lack of sustainable jobs. Preparation has to be our clear path toward future employment opportunities. It is our hope that we can work with Amazon and legislative leaders to ensure that our low-income neighborhoods benefit as well.”

“Areas like the south side of Chicago have suffered because of lack of job creation. I hope the incentives offered to Amazon not only interest them, but provide an opportunity for growth and financial stability for struggling communities,” said Assistant Majority Leader Donne Trotter, (D-Chicago).

With talks of the financial package being offered to Amazon coming in the form of the revamped Illinois EDGE tax credits, as well as other tax credits, Senate Black Caucus and Revenue Committee Chairwoman Toi Hutchinson, (D-Chicago Heights) had the following statement: “While I have serious concerns with the creation of another tax credit for a major corporation, I look forward to working to ensure that quality jobs are created no matter the address or zip code.”

The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus has continued working with business leaders and community stakeholders to find ways to spark job creation in a growing economy. Amazon has said that an estimated 50,000 employees earning an average of $160,000 per year, in the next several years, is possible. “With so many incentives offered to attract Amazon to Chicago, it is my hope that if the deal goes through, Amazon works to hire individuals from the west side neighborhoods that are struggling with high rates of unemployment,” said Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago).

Senator Emil Jones, (D-Chicago): “It’s clear to me, having lived on the south side of Chicago all my life, that we need more quality jobs. If the estimate on the number of potential jobs to be created is correct, I don’t see any problem with this effort. We have to do something.”

The Senate Black Caucus remains dedicated to driving bipartisan cooperation as Illinois seeks this transformational employment opportunity.

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Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced that applications for $2.5 million in Neighborhood Opportunity Fund grants will be available starting today. Launched earlier this year, the initiative generates funding from downtown development projects to support neighborhood commercial corridor growth on Chicago’s south, southwest and west sides.

“This second round of investments will support even more neighborhood entrepreneurs on Chicago’s south, southwest and west sides,” Mayor Emanuel said. “By linking growth downtown directly to growth in our neighborhoods we can create jobs and new community amenities and ensure the entire city of Chicago thrives for generations to come.”

The applications will be available at www.neighborhoodopportunityfund.com and are due on Dec. 22, 2017.

In June, the Mayor announced the first round of $3.2 million in funding through the program, which is going to 32 businesses across the city, including a vegan restaurant in Chatham, a plant nursery in North Lawndale and an art gallery in West Humboldt Park.

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