$2 Million in Grants to Help Persons with Disabilities Stay in Their Own Homes

Home Modification Brings Independence to Hundreds

Illinois is investing an additional $2 million to support the Home Modification Program, a statewide program that adds ramps, chair lifts and other features to homes so low-income seniors and residents with disabilities can continue to live in their communities. The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), a state agency dedicated to creating and preserving affordable housing, will allocate the grant money to 14 non-profit organizations and public agencies around the state to administer the program.

Locally, Tri-County Opportunities Council is the recipient of $128,400 that will be used to support home modifications in 8 homes. TCOC serves Bureau, Carroll, LaSalle, Lee, Marshall, Ogle, Putnam, Stark and Whiteside counties.

The 2008 grant awards allow for a broader geographic distribution of resources and ensure that assistance is available in areas of the state that are currently underserved or not served at all.

With this latest round of grants, the Home Modification Program will achieve the milestone of completing improvements for 200 low-income families. Residents who qualify can receive up to $25,000. Since its inception in 2006, the program has awarded more than $5 million in grants to remodel homes so persons facing physical challenges can continue to stay in their communities and live independently, reducing the number of people needing residence in institutions in Illinois.

IHDA initiated a partnership with the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) and the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) to further the State's efforts to coordinate services for qualified residents. As a result of this innovative approach to preserve affordable housing, the Home Modification Program received the 2008 Program of Excellence award in Special Needs Housing from the National Council of State Housing Agencies.

West Carroll HS Financial Aid Workshop

Kathy Bangasser, Highland Community College's Director of Financial Aid, will be presenting information on financial aid for all types of colleges at a Financial Aid Workshop. It is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the West Carroll High School Cafeteria in Savanna.

"This is a must for all seniors planning to attend any post high school institution," said Dave Baisden, WCHS Counselor. "If it is going to cost money to go to school, you need to attend this workshop."

Find out about funding your college education (technical, 2-year, 4-year), what financial aid is available, and how to find it. Get your questions answered about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You will also receive your FAFSA forms at this meeting.

Senior parents and students are urged to attend. FAFSA's need to be completed and e-mailed to most institutions by March 1.

For more information, contact Dave Baisden, HS Counselor, at 815-273-7715 ext. 712.

RAB Meeting Being Held

A Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting will be held on the evening of January 15th, 2009 at 6:00p.m. in Bldg. 247 Conference Room at the Savanna Army Depot. All meetings are open to the public. If you have any questions regarding this Savanna Army Depot meeting, please contact John E. Clarke, BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) Environmental Coordinator at 815-273-8827 or Cindy Irwin, Savanna Site Manager at 815-273-8311.

Monthly NARFE Meeting

Chapter 604 of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Association will hold their monthly meeting at noon Thursday, January 15, at the House of Events, Savanna. A luncheon buffet will be available at noon for those who wish to eat. The business meeting will follow at 1:00. Come and usher in the new year with your NARFE friends and neighbors. All active and retired federal employees, spouses and survivors, are cordially invited.

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