Joliet, IL – Will County Center for Community Concerns (WCCCC) has been designated by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to provide emergency Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Weatherization services to eligible residents of Kankakee County.

This designation ensures that critical energy assistance and weatherization services remain available to Kankakee County households, particularly those facing financial hardship and increased energy costs.

Will County Center for Community Concerns is currently finalizing office space in Kankakee County and anticipates opening the location prior to the November 1 LIHEAP All Eligible Household enrollment date. The agency is working diligently to establish operations and ensure residents have local access to services as the upcoming heating season begins. Until the permanent office opens, WCCCC will conduct intake at locations throughout Kankakee County to ensure residents have convenient access to services. A complete list of intake sites will be posted on WCCCC’s Facebook page and website at 4:00 p.m. today.

Will County Center for Community Concerns brings four decades of experience providing critical community services to residents throughout the region. The nonprofit organization recently celebrated its 40th anniversary and has a long-standing history of administering programs that help low-income households achieve stability, including energy assistance, weatherization, housing support, and other essential services. This experience positions the agency to effectively serve Kankakee County residents as it expands its service area.

“We are honored that DCEO has entrusted our organization with this important responsibility,” said Michelle Allen, Executive Director of Will County Center for Community Concerns. “Our priority is ensuring that Kankakee County residents continue to have access to the support they need to maintain safe, healthy, and energy-efficient homes.”

October Eligibility Reminder

For the month of October, households seeking LIHEAP assistance must meet income eligibility requirements and have at least one household member who falls into one of the following categories:

• Senior age 60 or older
• Child age 5 or younger
• Individual receiving or approved for Federal Social Security Disability benefits
• Individual receiving Civil Service Disability benefits
• Individual receiving Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) based on blindness or disability
• Individual receiving Veterans Administration Disability benefits
• Individual receiving Railroad Retirement Disability benefits
• Individual receiving any State Pension or payment based on blindness or disability

In addition, households experiencing an imminent utility disconnect, already disconnected from utility service, and/or homeowners with an inoperable furnace are encouraged to apply immediately.

Beginning November 1, the LIHEAP program will be open to all income-eligible households.

As part of the transition, WCCCC will work closely with DCEO, community partners, local stakeholders, and residents to ensure continuity of services and minimize disruptions for households seeking assistance through LIHEAP and Weatherization programs.

“We are committed to making this transition as seamless as possible for Kankakee County residents,” said Allen. “Our team is focused on building a strong local presence and ensuring households can access these vital services when they need them. We look forward to serving Kankakee County families and bringing the same level of dedication and experience that has guided our work for the past 40 years.”

Additional information regarding the Kankakee office location, service availability, eligibility requirements, and application procedures will be announced as they become available.

About Will County Center for Community Concerns

Will County Center for Community Concerns is a nonprofit Community Action Agency dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve stability and self-sufficiency through a variety of programs and services. Having recently celebrated 40 years of service, the organization has a proven track record of delivering critical resources, including energy assistance, weatherization, housing support, and community outreach programs that strengthen communities and improve quality of life throughout the region.

Holiday Food Basket Information

The Will County Center for Community Concerns will provide Holiday Food Baskets for 125 income-eligible families with children 16 years of age and younger. Funding is provided through the Community Service Block Grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. The Holiday Basket is for the December holiday only. Please don’t hesitate to sign up. We accept applications Monday – Friday in our office. Call our office for more details (815) 722-0722

How to Apply

To apply, please bring/submit the following: Call our office on ways to apply

• Proof of residency in Will County (i.e., Utility bill, mortgage statement, valid lease)
• Provide proof of 30 days of income for all household members from all sources
• Printout of any benefits received from the Department of Human Services “Notice of Decision letter”
• Photo ID of applicant
• Social Security cards for everyone in the household
• Must have children under the age of 16 and provide proof of their age (birth certificate, school records, or medical card)

Overview

The Mission of Will County Center for Community Concerns is to assist and enable low to moderate income individuals to obtain the opportunities needed to prepare themselves for self-sufficiency.

Will County Center for Community Concerns is a Community Action Agency – as such WCCCC works to create change in the community and takes action to help ensure that Will County residents in need can overcome their challenges and become self-sufficient. WCCCC is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 1987 to serve as the local Community Action Agency for Will County.

WCCCC is located in Joliet, Illinois and operates with a staff of approximately 30. The approximate $15 million budget (between grants, corporate, and private individuals) is primarily grant driven.

Essential Job Functions

A. Leadership

1. Actively support the Agency’s mission by developing and implementing programs and services that help people overcome the causes and conditions of poverty.
2. Be accountable for the overall management of the Agency, including the facilities, equipment, financial resources, and human resources.

B. Strategic Planning:

1. Facilitate the strategic planning process and ensure the development of a comprehensive strategic plan with measurable goals and outcomes.
2. Regularly monitor and report progress achieved on strategic plan goals and outcomes to the Board of Directors.

C. Customer Focus:

1. Develop and monitor systems to ensure delivery of high-quality customer service throughout the Agency.
2. Ensure the Agency develops and maintains a strong positive public image with the communities served, social service partners, and funders.
3. Conduct and oversee extensive public relations efforts to assure a widespread cognizance and a positive image of the Agency.
4. Oversee and manage social media, website design and other communication channels.
5. Work with the Board of Directors to achieve the Center’s fund-raising goals.

D. Measurement, Analysis, and Performance Management:

1. Incorporate the Results Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) framework into overall Agency operations.
2. Utilize measurable outcome indicators for key agency programs and activities, and report progress regularly to the Board of Directors.
3. Provide regular reports and data to the Board of Directors that demonstrate the achievement of results for established goals and objectives.

E. Human Resources:

1. Ensure the Agency recruits and maintains a highly competent staff, and that any performance issues are promptly and professionally addressed.
2. Design and implement strategies for the recruitment, training and development of the Board of Directors and staff.

F.Organizational Processes:

1. Analyze organizational systems for suitability and effectiveness, and ensure Agency policies are current and enforced.
2. Ensure the Agency operates within the specifications of Federal, State, and local laws, guidelines, and policies.

G. Fiscal Acuity:

1. Be responsible for the financial growth and liquidity of the Agency.
2. Follow all Federal and State fiscal requirements and ensure systems of internal control and financial reporting are in place that meet or exceed Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
3. Oversee the fiscal operations of the Community Action Building Corporation.
4. Monitor financial statements to ensure the agency remains financially strong, reporting any concerns to the Board of Directors.
5. Create and manage the annual budget, work with accountants on annual audit and periodic financial statements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social service, business or relevant field, or equivalent
• Five years’ experience in a Community Action Agency preferred
• Demonstrated skills in decision-making, corporate business practices, personnel management, and grant management
• Acute public awareness and ability to relate to persons of diverse backgrounds Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Willingness to work overtime including evenings and weekends

The Will County Center for Community Concerns, as administrator of the Energy Assistance Program in Will County, is assisting ALL income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and/or electric bills and furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems.

The application end date is now changed to August 15th or until funds are exhausted. Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through August 15, 2025 or until funds are exhausted. Households that receive a one-time benefit may return during this period for a Reconnection Assistance or Furnace Assistance benefit(s).

Households must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level to receive a benefit from LIHEAP. The 30-day income guidelines for LIHEAP are based on Federal Poverty Guidelines, State Median Income and the number of persons living in the household. The income guidelines are as follows: 1-$2,430, 2-$3,287, 3-$4,143, 4-5,000. Go to liheapillinois.com to know income limits for households with 5 members and more or call Will County Center for Community Concerns.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides one-time benefits to income eligible homeowners and renters to help with energy bills and for reconnection of energy service.

Applications will be taken at in person our main office and at our outreach locations (see our website www.wcccc.net for dates and times). The agency also accepts application through email, drop box and US mail.

To submit an application, you MUST submit ALL documentation required:

1. Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior 30-day period beginning with the date of application.
2. Proof of Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all household members. Individuals without a SSN or ITIN can still apply and WCCCC will advise accordingly.
3. A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days.
4. A copy of rental agreement (if renting) showing that utilities are included, the monthly rental amount and landlord contact.
5. Other documents may be needed based on your household situation. If you have questions regarding this, please call our office.

Will County Center for Community Concerns (WCCCC) an IHWAP grantee in Will are pre-qualifying contractors to perform weatherization services on approximately 150 homes within the county. We are requesting experienced specialty HVAC, plumbing, roofing, electrical and architectural contractors. This work will include air-sealing, insulating attics and walls, repair or replace heating and cooling systems, and making incidental repairs and installing health and safety items related to the weatherization program. The work will need to be completed during the program year which begins October 1, 2023 and ends September 30, 2024.

The contractor(s) that demonstrates qualifications and achieves a minimum numerical score according to the rating criteria established by the agencies, will be considered a qualified contractor and will potentially be eligible for a contract to provide the weatherization services. In some cases, specific professional certifications or trainings may be required for eligibility to participate in the program as an installer. At a minimum, contractors will be required to agree to adhere to weatherization standards set forth by the state and federal funding.

Informational Meeting

WCCCC will be holding an in person informational meeting Friday, July 5, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Submitting a Proposal

All contractors interested in submitting a proposal must contact WCCCC by July 14, 2023 to submit a Notification of Interest. WCCCC will disseminate proposal packets to be completed by the contractor electronically. All proposals are due by Friday, July 28, 2023 and should be submitted electronically to the agency contact.

You are invited to our Business Luncheon/Open House

Join Will County Center for Community Concerns as we celebrate 35 years of serving the communities of Will County.

We will have 35 giveaways for our 35th Anniversary.

Smoking’ Z’s BBQ and the Docks food trucks will be serving lunch to all in attendance.

Come and help celebrate with us and tour our facility.

Wednesday, September 21, 2022
12pm – 2pm

Will County Center for Community Concerns
2455 Glenwood Ave.
Joliet, IL

Lunch & Tours: 12pm
Program: 1pm
Cost: $25 per person