Elgin help fair serves needy

After being downsized for the second time in her life in August, Kathy Larson figured she'd have a job within three months.

That's what happened the first time the Elgin woman was let go as a purchaser for a local automotive parts company.

On Wednesday, Larson was one of dozens who dropped by an "agency fair" of 22 groups that provide help during hard times.

Larson - who was two months behind on her rent - was looking for help to reduce her prescription costs and to help pay utility bills.

"I've exhausted all my savings," she said. "I kept COBRA as long as I could, but I just couldn't afford it. It's $450 a month."

But like many at the fair Wednesday afternoon in the lower level of the Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin, Larson expected more people to be seeking help.

Agency representatives said perhaps the concept was new or not advertised enough.

"I know there's a lot of job fairs. I don't think there's many information fairs," said Mary Heard, an employee of the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Officials at the Family Service Association of the Greater Elgin Area, which offers a buffet of services ranging from credit counseling to family therapy, said if they weren't able to help someone, they would point them to an agency across the room that could or vice versa.

"It's educating us and connecting us in terms of referral services," said Roger Searle, community educator for the organization.

Brittany Mitchell, special events coordinator at PADS of Elgin, said she distributed a large stack of fliers for when local soup kitchens are open. Seven churches rotate a day of the week to form "Soup Kettles."

"Soup Kettles and food pantries, at times like these, their demand goes up. The need is definitely there," she said.

For a full list of services, visit kanecountyguide.org.