Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies

02/15/2026

ACT NOW - File a Witness Slip for HB4456

This legislation is a big win for energy affordability in Illinois—and your witness slip helps show lawmakers that communities across the state support it.

👉 Submit your witness slip here: https://www.ilga.gov/House/hearings/details/3065/22410/CreateWitnessSlip/?legislationId=165172&GaId=18&View=Create

It takes 2 minutes, and it makes a real difference. Thank you for lending your voice.

Welcome to the Official government website of the Illinois General Assembly

02/13/2026

🚨 ACTION NEEDED: Witness Slips Due Tuesday the 17th at 12:00 PM 🚨

Illinois lawmakers are considering legislation that protects energy affordability for working families, and we need your support.

Learn more about this bill and how you can help HERE: https://conta.cc/4ae3AkD

10/07/2025

We’re celebrating two amazing updates from our friends at Family Service Agency of DeKalb County (FSA):

🎉 First Fundraiser Success!
FSA hosted its first-ever fundraiser for DeKalb County Community Action — and it was a huge success! Over 80 attendees came out to support their programs and test their knowledge in a fun Community Action trivia round featuring CSBG, Head Start, and LIHEAP.
(And yes — future CCAP-in-training Elowynn Tice made a special appearance!) 💙

🏆 ATHENA Nominee Honors!
The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce announced its 2025 ATHENA nominees, and we’re thrilled to see Community Action leadership represented once again! Congratulations to Rylie Loucks-Kues, FSA’s Director of Community Action, and Devyn Grzywa, FSA Board Member.

Last year’s recipient, Jennifer Yochem, is also an FSA Board Member — a true testament to the strength and leadership within the Community Action network.

📸 Photo from the ATHENA Welcome Event (left to right):
Jennifer Yochem, Tynisha Clegg, Rylie Loucks-Kues, and Devyn Grzywa

Read more about this year’s nominees: dekalb.org/athena-award

10/06/2025

Thank you to Rep. Mike Bost and his Field Representative, Rachel Kaiser, for meeting with Embarras River Basin Agency to discuss the impact of Community Action programs across Illinois.

The team shared local data and stories around LIHEAP funding, utility prices, and the critical importance of CSBG, Weatherization, Housing, and Head Start.

We’re grateful for these productive conversations and for the ongoing dialogue about how federal programs empower families and strengthen communities.

10/04/2025

Thank you to Senator Tammy Duckworth for taking the time to meet with us virtually during such a busy week in Washington. Even in the midst of a government shutdown and critical votes, she made space to hear how Community Action Agencies are supporting families across Illinois.

Thank you, to the agencies who invited us to join the roundtable and shared their on-the-ground perspectives — your voices make our network stronger.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to share our work and continue building partnerships that strengthen communities.

07/21/2025

🏠 Join ProjectNOW for the 2025 Housing Summit! 🏠
📅 August 14, 2025 | 🕗 8:30 – 11:30 AM
📍 Martin Luther King Center, Rock Island, IL
🎟️ $15 includes breakfast!

Learn how Tiny Homes are transforming communities with special guest speaker Reverend Faith Fowler, author of Tiny Homes in a Big City and leader of a Detroit nonprofit building hope through housing.

Register here: https://e.givesmart.com/events/ITt/

07/15/2025

🎉 Join us in celebrating two of our outstanding member agencies for achieving national recognition through Pathways to Excellence in 2025! 🏆

🏅 Empowerment Opportunity Center – Silver Tier
🥉 Family Service Agency of DeKalb County – Bronze Tier

These awards recognize their commitment to excellence, continuous improvement, and mission-driven service. By participating in Pathways to Excellence, these agencies are strengthening their internal systems, expanding their impact, and setting the bar high for leadership in the Community Action network.

👏 Congratulations to both teams for your hard work and dedication!

07/14/2025

Project NOW and other local nonprofits are raising concerns as federal funding cuts begin to affect vital services in our communities.

👉 Learn more about the impact here:

U.S. Democratic Rep. Eric Sorensen said he is talking with Gov. JB Pritzker on ways to ensure funding for Medicaid and food assistance programs in the state.

07/11/2025

🎉 Congratulations to our newest Certified Community Action Professionals (CCAPs)!

Your dedication to the mission of Community Action and commitment to serving families is inspiring. We’re proud to celebrate your achievement! 💪✨

07/10/2025

👏 Congratulations to Senator Paul Faraci on being named the 2025 Vince Demuzio Legislator of the Year!
We’re proud to see strong leadership and advocacy for Community Action recognized. Thank you Champaign County Regional Planning Commission for hosting, and to all who champion families across Illinois.

06/23/2025

We're proud to host the Illinois Community Action Hall of Fame, where we recognize the incredible leaders who embody the spirit of service and impact in our communities.

This week, we’re celebrating John Dimit, a 2025 inductee whose drive to finish what he starts has shaped lives across Illinois. 🙌

From journalism to nonprofit leadership, Dimit’s journey is a powerful reminder of what it means to lead with heart and purpose.

📰 Read his inspiring Front-Page story in the News-Gazette:
👉 https://www.news-gazette.com/news/name-dropping-hall-of-famer-dimit-finishes-what-he-starts/article_e2c40e46-46ef-45fb-af50-8cfb3e5a3747.html

The Illinois Community Action Hall of Fame is the second hall of fame to which John Dimit has been inducted.

06/09/2025

🎉 Congratulations to Dr. Dwight Ford, Executive Director of Project NOW, on earning his doctorate! Your leadership and dedication continue to inspire us all. 👏🎓