Ill. Admin. Code tit. 47, § 120.110 - Program Types-Description
a) General Program Purposes - The Grantee
will use the Community Services Block Grant available through the State of
Illinois for purposes as described under Section 676 of the Act (
42 USC 9908
).
b) Program Priorities - The
Department's priorities parallel those of the Act, and fall into the following
categories:
1) Economic Development -
Reflecting the importance of a community's economic viability for the poor, the
Department has placed its highest CSBG priority on job creating economic
development programs which result in the employment and self-sufficiency of
low-income persons. Each CAA designs and operates an individualized economic
development program. At least 10 percent of each CAA's annual CSBG funding is
allocated for economic development/job creation activities. Most CAAs operate a
loan program through which below market rate loans are made for business
expansion and start-up which results in the hiring of low-income persons.
Various other job-creating activities are undertaken, including self-employment
training.
2) Education -
Recognizing the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty,
priority is given to education programs which are designed to increase the
capability of the poor to function productively in society. A broad spectrum of
educational assistance is provided through the CSBG program. Specific examples
include: workplace orientation, vocational skills training, family planning
education, cultural opportunities for disadvantaged children, energy
conservation education, post-secondary education scholarships, GED assistance
for high school dropouts, adult and youth literacy training and nutrition
education for single parents and the elderly.
3) Income Management - Counseling and
instructing low income individuals and families in the management of their
income is an acceptable program activity. This could take the form of
addressing consumer education issues, assistance in preparation of federal and
State income tax reports, and the provision of workshops on income savings
measures. Many CAAs offer programs to encourage better use of available income.
A majority of this assistance is in the form of family budget counseling.
Information also is provided through workshops or brochures on such topics as
financial management, credit, income taxes and Social Security.
4) Housing - The primary housing activities
include aid to renters seeking a residence, landlord/tenant rights education
and arbitration, information about purchasing/financing a home, packaging
housing and housing rehabilitation loans and providing for minor energy
efficiency or health and safety related home repair. These activities may be
linked with other housing related assistance in the community, such as the
Energy Assistance and Weatherization programs.
5) Emergency Assistance - Recognizing that
crisis situations (some life threatening) frequently occur within the low
income population, priority is given to programs that intervene for purposes of
alleviating the crisis situation. Most CAAs maintain clothes closets and food
pantries, many of them in conjunction with other community groups and local
churches. Some agencies provide redeemable vouchers or grants to clients that
enable them to meet immediate and urgent family needs such as health services,
nutritious food, housing, employment-related assistance, day care, medical
services and transportation.
6)
Nutrition - Poor nutrition and/or lack of proper diet are often synonymous with
the effects of poverty. Activities designed to increase eligible clients'
awareness of proper diet and food preparation is a concern to the total
community. CSBG funding is a primary resource for leveraging and providing
nutritional assistance. Typical programs include: federal surplus food
distribution, community gardening projects, food banks, senior citizen and
youth feeding projects, Christmas food packages and assistance in accessing
food stamps, WIC and other nutrition-related programs. These activities may
include the storing and distribution of surplus United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) agricultural commodities; preparation and service of hot
meals; food baskets; and programs designed to prevent malnutrition.
7) Linkages - CSBG funding regularly supports
extensive outreach, information and referral services, transportation services,
youth recreation and self-sufficiency programs for low-income
citizens.
8) Self-Sufficiency -
Many CAAs provide for comprehensive family case management programs that
promote, empower and nurture family members toward self-sufficiency.
9) Health - CAAs provide many health related
activities in the form of transportation to medical services, medical/dental
screening, immunization, drug and alcohol abuse prevention and other services
which promote good health.
10)
Community Involvement - CAAs conduct programs to encourage and facilitate
low-income clients to achieve greater participation in the affairs of their
communities, including the development of local partnerships with law
enforcement agencies, schools, housing authorities and private sector
businesses, clubs and other community organizations.
11) Youth Development Programs - CAAs conduct
programs that support the primary role of the family in youth development and
the prevention of youth problems and youth crime. Additionally, programs such
as after school child care and linking grade school students with senior
mentors and tutors are targeted to preteen youth.
Notes
Amended at 27 Ill. Reg. 7986, effective April 28, 2003
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