Kelso named new director of general assistance for Maine Township

Des Plaines native Austin Kelso has been named the new director of general assistance for Maine Township.

General Assistance services in the township include the emergency food pantry; energy assistance; access to care, a program that helps low income and uninsured individuals have access to health care; and MaineLines, a subsidized taxicab service. It also helps residents with applications for food stamps, medical and financial assistance and helps seniors, disabled persons and veterans access services they may need in a variety of areas.

Kelso has worked in Maine Township since 2016. His first position was in the assessor's office, where he provided customer service to the public and appealed property taxes for Maine Township residents during the triennial assessment in 2016. From June 2016 until January this year, he was office manager for MaineStay Youth & Family Services.

A graduate of Maine West High School, Kelso earned his Associate of Arts degree from Oakton Community College and his Bachelor of Arts from Roosevelt University.