Salvation Army assistance programs in Stephenson County region.
A number of social services and emergency assistance programs are provided by the Salvation Army. The non-profit covers a large region, including Stephenson, Jo Daviess, Carroll, and Ogle County. While funding and resources are limited, every year the non-profit will try to provide for basic needs such as clothing, food, rental and utility assistance and more. Some of the even less common programs can include car repairs, public transportation, and low income housing units. Hundreds of people are supported every month.
The Salvation Army also works closely with other non-profits and relies heavily on donations and volunteers in Illinois. Those resources are what really allows them to carry out the work and provide the assistance that the community needs and deserves. Whether the programs are seasonal in nature, social services, rental help, shelter, feeding programs, or child care, The Salvation Army of Stephenson is there to offer its support, guidance, and assistance whenever possible.
Food, meals, and ending hunger is one resource that truly depends on volunteers, maybe more so than others. The Salvation Army, from its pantry and soup kitchens, provides emergency food boxes and hot meals year-round. Many people donate canned goods to the pantries, and volunteers can prepare and service the meals for low income in the region. Much of the food and groceries goes to children, senior citizens, or the homeless in Illinois. Without your contributions of food and energy in serving the meals this would be much more difficult to do.
Christmas assistance and charity programs are offered. The non-profit does its best to ensure everyone experiences the joy of caring and sharing, in particular children. Money is raised in the region from the red kettle. Funds raised from donations will help pay for assistance programs for needy families, senior citizens, children and the homeless. Contributions will also allow the Salvation Army to provide free Christmas dinners, gifts, clothing, and toys for children and families in need. Financial assistance is available and it to can help with providing basic necessities, such as housing and rental assistance.
As indicated, volunteers play an integral role to these Christmas and Thanksgiving programs. Among other things they will distribute include gifts to shut-ins in hospitals and nursing homes. They visit the homebound as well. Companionship is needed during the holidays, which can be lonely to many. Many unemployed and lower income families also receive financial aid over a period of months after the Christmas season as well. As expenses tend to run higher during the cold winter months in Stephenson County Illinois.
Workshops, seminars, and other activities may be held at local centers. Examples include, but are not limited too, educational classes, credit repair counseling, GED lessons, hot-lunch programs, and gatherings for seniors. Many of these workshops and sessions revolve around case management and self-sufficiency.
The main energy bill program in Carroll, Stephenson and Ogle is HeatShare. Sometimes case mangers can also help people apply for government assistance from LIHEAP. Either one of these resources will provide cash assistance and grants for paying utility bills for households that have received a disconnection or shut-off notice. Call Heatshare at 1-800-842-7279 to apply. These mostly run during the winter months.
Job Counseling, workshops and employment resources are offered. Work with a case manager on creating a resume and gaining interview skills.
The Salvation Army thrift store is an option. It will sell clothing and more to the public. Everything is available at greatly reduced costs. If your income is low enough then the center may provide clothing, household goods, school supplies and more for free.
The main Salvation Army centers are located at
106 W Exchange St, Freeport, Illinois, call (815) 235-7639 and 5550 N 2nd St, Loves Park, IL, phone (815) 633-6820.
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