Elk Grove Township Community Empowerment Fund holds annual fundraiser
501(c) (3) charity fills gaps in assistance provided to in need residents by Elk Grove Township Social Services Department
The Elk Grove Township Community Empowerment Fund (CEF) held a fundraiser last week at Station 34 in Mount Prospect. CEF, an independent 501(c) (3) charity, was established by Elk Grove Township in 2018. Its mission is to provide financial support in special situations when township assistance for a resident in great need is either insufficient or not allowed by law.
The annual fundraiser was sponsored by more than 20 local businesses. Another 30 businesses and individuals donated items for a raffle and silent auction. Over $8,000 was raised to support CEF’s mission.
“The purpose of the fundraiser was not only to raise funds to assist the township in providing residents with critical aid, but it was also meant to raise awareness about this final safety net resource,” said CEF board member Corey Dewey. “The township is normally the last safeguard for residents struggling with basic needs. However, even a safety net can sometimes need a safety net and that’s what CEF provides.”
Dewey cited several examples of times when the CEF board allocated funds to help meet a resident with an essential need. These were situations where the township and other government agencies could not provide help either because the family had exhausted their benefits, or their special needs did not qualify for assistance. She noted that funds have been allocated by the CEF to help a family who had lost their home in a fire to obtain temporary housing, to buy a water heater for a low-income veteran who had been without hot water for more than six months, and to restore cellphone service for a handicapped individual who was dependent on his phone for telehealth therapy.
The distribution of funds is overseen by the organization’s board of directors which consists of four residents and three township representatives. Board member Kevin Kinsella noted that CEF is dependent on businesses and individuals for funding.
“We receive no government funds and are reliant on support from the community. I think it is important that we stand up together to catch our neighbors who are falling through the social service cracks and give them a chance to get back on their feet.”
Individuals who would like to know more about CEF can call Corey Dewey at (224) 222-0944.
Donations can be made payable to “Community Empowerment Fund” and mailed or dropped off at Elk Grove Township, 600 Landmeier Road, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007.
The mission of Elk Grove Township is to carry out the duties and responsibilities of township government as prescribed by Illinois law. The ways in which these goals are accomplished is by providing for the health, safety and welfare of all township residents, and to maintain the highways and property of the township both professionally and economically.
Additionally, this mission is to be carried out in a timely and efficient manner with the highest degree of service to the taxpayers, thereby continuing the tradition of service provided by the township.
The boundaries of Elk Grove Township are Central Road on the north; Mount Prospect Road on the east; Devon Avenue on the south; and Rohlwing Road (generally Route 53) on the west.
About 66% of Elk Grove Village is in the township; 55% of Mount Prospect; 20% of Des Plaines; 15% of Arlington Heights and 10% of Rolling Meadows. About one-fourth of the geographic area of the township is unincorporated, a large portion of which is forest preserve.
For information, visit ElkGroveTownship.com or call (847) 437-0300.