Community Services Block Grant Program

Two Rivers
Head Start
Agency

Community Services
Block Grant Program

The CSBG program provides a range of services to assist low-income people attain the skills, knowledge and assistance necessary to achieve self-sufficiency.

To be eligible, individuals must be residents of Kane County and have a total household income within 125 percent of the poverty level (see chart below).

These services are offered through the Two Rivers Head Start Agency CSBG Program at our Aurora central office location (*only), at the Elgin Fox Valley Wellness Center, and at Aurora West location:

Emergency Assistance
Outreach/Intake/Referral
Economic Development*
Job Training
Scholarship Program*
Commodities Program*
Domestic Violence Program
Child Health Program

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

Limited financial assistance is available for crisis intervention in the areas of food, clothing, shelter, medical, and dental care services.

OUTREACH/INTAKE/REFERRAL

Outreach activities are designed to identify low-income individuals and advise them of available services. A preliminary assessment, eligibility information and referral will be given to individuals seeking services.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The small business loan program provides low-interest loans to promote business development and job creation in Kane County.

JOB TRAINING

Future Employees In Training (FET): FET is an employment-training program that assists individuals in obtaining full time/part time employment. Future employees will be provided Microsoft Windows, Word, and Excel training and guidance in job readiness/ability and pre-employment skills. Computer classes are offered onsite in a variety of schedules. A job bank of potential jobs is maintained to assist individuals in obtaining employment positions. In addition, instruction is available for Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL). All training is available free of charge to income-eligible residents of Kane County. FET training is available in Aurora and Elgin, IL.

Job Experience and Training (JET): The Job Experience and Training program is designed for individuals with limited education or experience first entering or reentering the workforce. By working in the Tried and True Resale Shop in Aurora, participants are provided an environment in which they can obtain hands-on work experience as well as basic employment skills, including job readiness, resume writing, computer skills, customer service and retailing basics. The goal is to provide a highly supportive environment that will increase employability.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The scholarship program provides financial assistance to eligible persons of high academic attainment or potential who wish to attend an Illinois-accredited college or trade school.

COMMODITIES PROGRAM

Two Rivers operates a food pantry program from the Aurora central office that distributes IDPA Commodities and donated foods monthly.

FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR 2006

FAMILY SIZE	125% POVERTY	125% 3 MONTHS
1	12,250	3,063
2	16,500	4,125
3	20,750	5,188
4	25,000	6,250
5	29,250	7,313
6	33,375	8,344
7	37,750	9,438
8	42,000	10,500

APPLYING FOR CSBG SERVICES

For more information on the CSBG programs, contact the CSBG Caseworker at (630) 264-1444.

Aurora Central Office Hours:

Mon – Wed 8:00-4:00

Thur 8:00-5:00

Fri 8:00-3:00

Elgin Office Hours:

Mon - Thur 1-4:00

Head Start and Early Head Start parents may contact your Family Worker or Family Support Specialist.

The CSBG program is funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.