Support Resources
General Community Resources
Edit general community resourcesCounseling Resources
Edit counseling resourcesAdditional Supportive Services
Edit additional supportive servicesScholarships
Edit scholarshipsKCC-Specific Resources
Edit kcc-specific resourcesFood Resources
Edit food resourcesHousing Assistance
Edit housing assistanceChildcare Options
Edit childcare optionsRecursos en Español
Edit recursos en españolContacts
General Community Resources
Kankakee Public Library
Kankakee Public Library provides several different community events on daily basis that you and your family can participate in. Events including legal advice from actual attorneys, services from nurses, and connections to local agencies, events, and resources only to name a few.
Childcare Resource & Referral (CCR&R)
Mission — help seek affordable and accessible quality childcare by providing resources, education, and advocacy for children, parents, childcare providers and employers.
- Main Office: (815) 523-7609
- Email: assistance@childcarehelp.com
- 187 S Schuyler Ave, Kankakee, IL
KanIHelp - Kankakee and Iroquois County Information Network
For Kankakee/Iroquois county resources related to mental health, substance abuse, family issues, legal issues, health care, emergency and disaster services, or aging.
- The Help Illinois Families initiative has an online Request for Services form to make it easier and faster for individuals and families to remotely request assistance through the LIHEAP and/or CSBG programs.
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Assistance — KCCSI
- The LIHEAP application period is October 2, 2023 to August 15, 2024 or until funding is exhausted.
Kankakee County Community Services Inc. (KCCSI)
Promoting sustainable living through human service programs.
- 657 E Court, St, Suite 207, Kankakee, IL
- (815) 933-7883
- Customerservice@kccsi-cap.org
- Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Emergency Services: Application
- You must submit the packet and documents no later than 15 days from the date it is signed.
- Weatherization: Application
- This program is designed for qualifying homeowners to attain specific services such as, attic insulation, wall insulation, air sealing, 90% replacement furnace, water heater, energy star refrigerator and air conditioner (window and central), by licensed professionals to increase the energy efficiency of their home.
- Senior Community Services Employment Program (SCSEP)
- Contact anyone in the SCSEP Department at KCCSI to complete a pre-screening. You will be notified of all applicable steps thereafter.
- Youth Employment
- This program provides summer youth employment for ages 16-21. KCCSI works in partnership with other non-profits to employ the youth in this program.
- Rental or Mortgage Assistance: Application
- The program is designed to provide financial assistance to income eligible clients who are facing a one-time emergency. Emergency services include but are not limited to rent, shelter, utility, or mortgage assistance.
- You must submit the packet and documents no later than 15 days from the date it is signed. If it is returned after the 15 days, the agency reserves the right to request additional information.
- Programs provide up to 15 months of rental assistance to Illinois residents who meets the income criteria. Help is available regardless of your immigration status.
- Illinois Rental Payment Program (ILRPP)
- Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
- Illinois Housing Help Rental
Illinois Rental Payment Program (ILRPP)
- Rental assistance up to $25,000
- Behind on rent at least 30 days
- Live in Illinois
- Household has experienced a financial hardship
- At risk of eviction, homelessness, or housing inability
- To apply, you must receive referral from an IDHS partner (312-793-1546)/ IDHS partners will assist you in applying.
- Behind on rent at least 30 days
- Live in Illinois
- Household has experienced a financial hardship
- At risk of eviction, homelessness, or housing instability
- 1-855-0811 or TEXT 844-938-4280 (SPANISH - 844.938.4289)
- Eviction Legal Process
- Termination notice
- Eviction complaint
- Service of summons
- Court proceeding
- Eviction order
- “Remember: only the local sheriff may enforce an eviction order and remove tenants from a property! Landlords cannot lock tenants out. Local police cannot evict anyone!”
Counseling Resources
Transformative Growth Counseling
Transformative Growth Counseling provides personal counseling services for KCC students.
- The first four sessions are FREE for enrolled KCC students. For long-term treatment, Transformative Growth accepts insurance or self-pay of $10-$30 per session, depending on your financial status.
- Counseling services is in Student Affairs at KCC, on the second floor of the Workforce Development Center. Ask the receptionist to speak to the provider.
- Available hours are Tuesday - Thursday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Virtual option available - To make an appointment:
- Visit: transformativegrowth.org
- Phone: 630-423-6010
- Email: contact@transformativegrowth.org
Helen Wheeler Center for Community Mental Health
Outpatient community mental health center. Provides mental health services to children, adolescents and adults and SASS/Mobile Crisis Response services. Only accepts Medicaid or other managed care plans. Offers a sliding scale option for those without insurance.
- 202 N Schuyler Ave #2, Kankakee, IL
- 815-939-3543
- Point of contact - Katrina Deutsche-Vaclavik
Thresholds
Thresholds provides home, health, and hope for thousands of people in Illinois each year who are living with mental illness and substance use disorders.
- 202 N Schuyler Ave, Kankakee, IL
- (815) 935-8886
Catholic Charities - Counseling Services
We provide a range of therapeutic services that preserve, strengthen, and protect the emotional well-being of individuals within the context of their own cultural identity. We serve individuals who come from diverse racial, ethnic and spiritual backgrounds, with counseling that is sensitive to cultural difference.
- Intake appointment contact - 815-723-0331
- No Spanish speaking therapist at this time
- Open to all ages 2+
- Medicaid insurance accepted
- Sliding scale (based on income) for those without insurance
Additional Supportive Services
Utilities Assistance
Nicor Energy Assistance Program
- Payment arrangements - (888) 642 - 6748
- Nicorgas.com/energyassistance
Aqua Customer Assistance Program
- Aqua Aid - (877) 987 - 2782
- Customer Assistance Program
- Apply Online: Aqua | Customer Assistance Program (aquawater.com)
- Apply over the phone: (888) 282 - 6816; Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ComEd Assistance Programs
- Payment Assistance
- Budget Billing: Customer Assistance (comed.com)
- Payment Arrangement
- Due Date Extension: With a Due Date Extension, you will be charged a standard late payment fee after the original due date has been passed but will not risk your outstanding balance going to collections.
- LIHEAP
Illinois Department of Human Services Assistance
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Illinois Department of Human Services Help Line: 1-800-843-6154 or 1-866-324-5553 TTY.
- IDHS: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) (state.il.us)
- Provides temporary financial assistance to help pay for food, shelter, utilities, and expenses other than medical.
- Requires an interview to determine eligibility.
- Up to 60-months (5 years) of assistance. - IDHS Housing, Shelter, and Homelessness Resources
- You can call 1-833-2-FIND-HELP or text the word “SHELTER” to 552020.
- IDHS/FCS Bureau of Housing and Supportive Services: Tara David, Admin Assist/Referral Specialist
Scholarships
- Complete one online application to be considered for all eligible scholarships.
- Applications open yearly from Oct. 1 to May 1.
- Awards will be announced on June 1. Applicants will be notified via email. Scholarship recipients must be enrolled at KCC for the 2024-25 academic year to receive award.
Need help? Contact the foundation office: 815-802-8950 or kccfoundation@kcc.edu
CBCF scholarship information - Kankakee Community College (kcc.edu)
Kankakee County Community Services Inc. (KCCSI)
This program provides financial assistance to low-income and disadvantaged persons with high academic potential who are enrolled or will be enrolled in a college, university, trade or vocational school.
WIOA (workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act)
Apply for a Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act Scholarship for your next semester (prior to registering/starting classes) for assistance with tuition, books, fees, course materials, and more!
- Application to be turned in person.
KCC North Extension Center
450 N Kinzie Ave
Bradley, IL 60915
Phone: 815-802-8960Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Contacts:
Adult Career Planner
Marlana Hunter
815-502-8971
General Coordinator/Manager for Adults
Ericka Esters
815-802-8977
Kankakee River Valley Community Foundation Scholarship
Scholarship funds at The Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley have been established by individuals and organizations wanting to assist students in obtaining a college or vocational education. Each scholarship has their own set of specific criteria to determine eligibility. Filling out the Universal Application will let you know which scholarships you qualify for.
- 2024 Scholarship Applications open: January 5, 2024
KCC-Specific Resources
Student Employment at KCC
- Things to know:
- Work hours are scheduled around your school schedule to ensure your academic standing and efforts are not negatively affected.
- Minimum wage: $13.00/hour
- FAFSA will have needed to be completed prior to as work-study requires this step to be completed.
- ID will be needed upon hire.
Communication takes place through your KCC email.
Disability Services
The mission of Office of Disability Services is to work closely with students and instructors to accommodate and facilitate equal access to students with disabilities according to federal law, and to provide outstanding support that is designed to assist and empower all students to be successful in their academic and personal development.
- To request services please complete the Request for Services form.
- Should you have further questions please contact Sherry Kinzler - Coordinator of Disability Services.
- 815-802-8632
- SKinzler@kcc.edu
Tutoring Services
As a KCC student, you have access to free tutoring services to assist you as you pursue your degree. Our tutor program is certified by the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA).
- Tutoring Services Information
Subjects: Business, Lab Sciences, Mathematics, Writing
- Tutoring services are also available for Technology and Health Careers courses. To find out if tutoring is offered for a particular Health Career course, please contact Jaime Cyrkiel at 815-802-8804 or jcyrkiel@kcc.edu.
- To find out if tutoring is offered for a particular Technology course, please contact Karen Richards at 815-802-8854 or krichards@kcc.edu.
TRIO Student Support Services
The TRIO Student Support Services program assists low-income students who are first-generation college students and students with disabilities who are seeking to transfer to four-year institutions to complete bachelor’s degrees.
- The goal of TRIO Student Support Services is to ensure qualified students get the support they need to complete their educational goals at KCC - which could include earning an associate degree - and smoothly transfer to a college or university to complete baccalaureate degrees.
- If you meet the above criteria, complete the TRIO application. For more information, contact Kelsey Hart, Coordinator, at 815-802-8473 or kjhart@kcc.edu
Food Resources
- Available to all KCC students in need.
- Nonperishable and grab-and-go items are available.
- Know that you will not be asked any questions upon stopping in to grab what you need. - Donations are welcome!
- Where: KCC Room L114 (past the cafeteria)
- Summer Hours: Monday - Thursday from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Students may place orders through My Pantry Express at www.MyPantryExpress.org.
- Order from the second Saturday of the month until the following Wednesday. Pick up the fourth Tuesday of the month.
- Order the fourth Saturday of the month until the following Wednesday. Pick up the second Tuesday of the month.
Pickups are 1- 3 p.m. at the KCC Riverfront Campus. Pickup instructions are emailed prior to order pickup.
Catholic Charities: Mobile Food Pantry
- The Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet Mobile Food Pantry delivers healthy food to people in need. The Mobile Food Pantry use a drive thru to distribute food. Please clear space in your trunk or back seat so volunteers can load boxes of food directly into your vehicle. Rain, snow or shine!- Where: 100 College Drive, Kankakee
- For more information, contact (815) 933 - 7791
Salvation Army of Kankakee County
- Salvation Army offers a variety of options to feed individuals and families in need.
- To-Go Lunches
- Monday-Friday from Noon - 1:00 p.m.
- FREE lunches for anyone to take to-go. Food Pantry
- Walk through and pick what you like. Prepackaged food boxes also available.
- Offered on Tuesdays at the Alley Entrance from 10 a.m.- noon & 1-3 p.m.- Residents of Kankakee County can use this service one time every 30 days.
- Location: 148 N Harrison Ave, Kankakee, IL
- For more information, contact (815) 933 - 8421
SNAP/EBT Food Stamps
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly the food stamp program, provides extra funds to low-income families to buy groceries. Funds are loaded on the Link Card which looks and swipes like a debit card at most grocery and convenience stores.
- For assistance in filling out the application please look to schedule an over-the-phone appointment through Solve Hunger Today.
- SNAP Eligibility Calculator
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to health care.
- Find a clinic near you: IDHS: Office Locator (state.il.us)
Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
- Supplements the diets of people with low income.
- Illinois TEFAP Eligibility
Food pantries near you
The Northern Illinois Food Bank works with over 900 food pantries, mobile food truck markets, and soup kitchens who distribute perishable and nonperishable foods that you can choose from based on your dietary needs.
Housing Assistance
Kankakee Community County Services Inc.
Rent/Mortgage Assistance: Application
- The program is designed to provide financial assistance to income eligible clients who are facing a one-time emergency.
- Emergency services include rent, shelter, utility, or mortgage assistance.
Eviction Prevention Program
Programs provide up to 15 months of rental assistance to Illinois residents who meet the income criteria. Help is available regardless of your immigration status.
- Programs provide up to 15 months of rental assistance to Illinois residents who meet the income criteria. Help is available regardless of your immigration status.
- Illinois Rental Payment Program (ILRPP)
- Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
- Illinois Housing Help Rental
- Know your rights: housing
Illinois Housing Help Rental - Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP)
- To apply, you must receive referral from an IDHS partner (312-793-1546)/ IDHS partners will assist you in applying
- Behind on rent at least 30 days
- Live in Illinois
- Household experienced a financial hardship
- At risk of eviction, homelessness, or housing instability
- 1-855-0811 or text 844-938-4280 (SPANISH — 844.938.4289)
- Eviction Help Illinois provides free legal aid, mediation services, and connections to other resources including rental assistance to increase housing stability. Mediation is an opportunity for landlords and tenants to resolve issues with the help of a knowledgeable and neutral person.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Homeless Prevention
- Homeless shelter listings across the United States. For each location you will find information for several shelters near you, including reviews for those who have used them.
- Homeless Shelters in your area (homelessshelternearme.org)
HOME Illinois- Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness in Illinois
- Eviction Help Illinois – Legal Solutions for Your Housing Issues.
- Rapid Re-Housing
- Homeless
- Coordinated Entry / Established Process
Catholic Charities
Provides homelessness prevention, transitional housing, services for veterans, and senior services.
- Sarah Neill, Director of Community Services
- 100 College Drive, Kankakee, IL (West Campus by Horticulture building)
- (815) 933-7791
Emergency Services/Homelessness Prevention
- Providing food and travel vouchers; clothing and furniture vouchers; financial assistance for prescriptions; and rent/mortgage assistance, and information and referral to other community resources.
- Operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing emergency housing and supportive services to homeless individuals and families. Some participants in the program need short-term housing as a result of a situational crisis. Others need support services as they work to reestablish permanent housing.
- Homelessness prevention services are also provided to individuals and families at risk of losing their homes.
- Providing a variety of housing programs for homeless individuals and families, including transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, and more. These programs are designed to help families build self-sufficiency. (Programs vary by county.)
- Kankakee County: 815-933-7791
- Kankakee County Homeless Helpline - call or text: 1-833-815-HOPE (Pre-screening will be done.)
- Emergency Overnight Accommodations are available 7 nights/week on the mobile Night Fort bus that accommodates 19 individuals in full size, private sleep bunks!
- 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. DAILY
Harbor House
Harbor House offers free and confidential comprehensive services to survivors of domestic violence and their children. Provides free services to victims of domestic violence and their children in Kankakee and Iroquois counties, including emergency shelter, 24-hour hotline, court advocacy, group and individual counseling, referrals, and community education.
- 24-Hour Hotline: 815-932-5800
- 24-Hour Chatline: Click Here
- Get in contact with Harbor House through information request https://www.harborhousedv.org/contact/
Kankakee County Community Services Inc.
- Make an appointment with a case worker who may have hotel vouchers.
- 657 E. Court St, Suite 207, Kankakee IL
- (815) 933-7883
Salvation Army of Kankakee County
- Make an appointment with Alvy Butler or a case manager who may be able to provide hotel vouchers.
- 148 N Harrison Ave, Kankakee, IL
- (815) 933-8421
Gift of God Shelter
The site has a capacity for 25 people on the first floor and 10-15 more on the second floor. The shelter is for men and women.
- (815) 573-5314
- 660 N 5th Ave, Kankakee, IL
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
- (815) 932-2203
- 110 Village Square, Bradley, IL 60915
- Emergency Shelter program and case management with information on transitional housing, low-cost apartments, and eventual deposit help may be arranged too.
Childcare Options
Childcare Resource & Referral (CCR&R)
Mission — help seek affordable and accessible quality childcare by providing resources, education, and advocacy for children, parents, childcare providers and employers.
- Main Office: (815) 523-7609
- Email: assistance@childcarehelp.com
- 187 S Schuyler Ave, Kankakee, IL
Living Alternatives: Pregnancy Resource Center
At the Pregnancy Resource Center you will find free services offered in a caring and confidential setting by staff who specialize in pregnancy and sexual health issues:
- Pregnancy Tests
- Ultrasound Scanning
- Options Education
- Parenting Education and Mentorship
- Adoption Support
- Post-adoption Support
- STI/STD Information
- Perinatal Grief Support
- Here you can earn money to receive clothing, formula and more!
- 260 S Washington, Kankakee, IL
- Open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Schedule an appointment online or by calling (815) 933-2207
Recursos en Español
Asistencia Legal
Praire State Legal Services
Dirección: 187 S. Schuyler Ave. #350, Kankakee IL 60901
Teléfono: 815-935-2750
https://pslegal.org
Regas, Gubbins & Regas
Dirección: 1 Dearborn Square #300, Kankakee IL 60901
Teléfono: 815-933-2600
Immigration Project INC
Dirección: 211 Landmark Dr. Suite D4, Normal IL 61761
Teléfono: 309-829-8703
www.immigrationproject.org/es/inicio
National Immigrant Justice Center
Dirección: 224 S. Michigan Ave. Ste 600, Chicago IL 60604
Teléfono: 312-660-1370
https://immigrantjustice.org
Servicios Leyva
Dirección: 9701 Franklin Ave., Franklin Park IL 60131
Teléfono: 773-227-3434
www.serviciosleyva.com
Frida Kahlo Community Organization
Dirección: 5133 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago IL 60632
Teléfono: 312-421-7599
https://fridacommunity.org
Salud
Community Health Partnership of Illinois
Dirección: 202 N. Schuyler Ave., Kankakee IL 60901
Teléfono: 815-932-6045
https://chpofil.org
Aunt Martha’s Kankakee Community Health Center
Dirección: 1777 E. Court St., Kankakee IL 60901
Teléfono: 877-692-8686
Kankakee County Health Department
Dirección: 2390 W. Station St., Kankakee IL 60901
Teléfono español: 815-802-9350
www.kankakeehealth.org
First Care Family Clinic
Dirección: 70 Meadowview Center #200, Kankakee IL 60901
Teléfono: 815-802-0000
Salud Mental
Harbor House
Linea de emergencia 24 horas
Teléfono: 815-932-5800
Project Sun
Dirección: 701 S. Harrison Ave.., Kankakee IL 60901
Teléfono: 815-304-5933
www.projectsunkankakee.org
Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Dirección: 806 S. College St., Springfield IL 62704
Teléfono: 217-789-2830
Asistencia de emergencia
KCCIS
Dirección: 657 E. Court St., Kankakee IL 60901
Teléfono: 815-933-7883
https://kccsi-cap.org