Mid Central Community Action (MCCA)
MCCA's Next Step provides on-site financial and employment coaching in McLean County and Livinston County locations. Financial coaches assist customers in accessing and reviewing their credit reports, developing a personal budget, and identifying financial goals. MCCA meets with customers on an established appointment schedule to supply individuals with resources and strategies to address issues of debt reduction, improving credit, and increasing personal savings. This community organization helps customers gain access to MCCA’s bundled services. MCCA provides information and referrals regarding any public or private resources that a customer is eligible for and aims to help improve their financial situation.
MCCA is a HUD Certified Housing Counseling Agency with three certified housing counselors to assist people with the education and knowledge needed to become a homeowner.
MCCA provides specialized employment coaching and employment workshops on resume writing, job search techniques, and interview skills. This organization promotes all Mid Central Community Action orientations, workshops, resources, and program offerings to McLean County and Livingston County residents. These include individual employment coaching, financial coaching, and access to income support and employment support services.
MCCA offers income support resources to help stabilize eligible individuals while they are seeking or maintaining employment and are available to income-eligible customers. All resources are offered to help improve customers’ financial stability. These resources include:
- Rent or mortgage assistance
- Transportation assistance
- Employment requiring specialized equipment or clothing
- Educational scholarships
- Funding for job-ready certificate or other skills training programs
- Various other resources
When One Stop customers living in McLean County or Livingston County are determined to be candidates for any Mid Central Community Action service, they can be directed immediately to the Mid Central Community Action Intake Specialist at (309) 834-9226. For more information, please visit: https://mccainc.org/.
Prairie State Legal Services
Prairie State Legal Services is a nonprofit law firm that offers free legal services for low-income persons and those ages 60 and over who have serious civil legal problems and need legal help to solve them. Prairie State focuses its resources on legal problems that help clients secure and protect their basic needs. The mission of Prairie State Legal Services, Inc. is to ensure equal access to justice and fair treatment under the law by providing legal advice and representation, advocacy, education, and outreach that serve to protect basic human needs and enforce or uphold rights. Due to the high demand for their services, the Prairie State Legal Services staff is only able to provide representation in certain areas of civil law. Contact Rilla Adcock at (309) 674-9831. For more information, please visit www.pslegal.org.
Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity, Inc. (PCCEO)
Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity, Inc. is a Community Action Agency and leadership organization that promotes self-sufficiency and economic security. Programs that PCCEO provides are
- Energy Assistance
- Home Weatherization
- Home Rehabilitation
- Head Start - Birth to 5
- Community Action Scholarships
- Financial assistance for students in the fields of Health, Education, and Transportation
- The Peoria Area Food Bank
- The Prescription Drug Program
- Emergency Services
- Peoria Affordable Housing Initiative
- Central Illinois Catering
- Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Scholarship
PCCEO is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is located at 711 W. McBean Street in Peoria, IL. For more information, please visit pcceo.org or call (309) 671-3900.
Tazwood Community Services, Inc. (TCSI)
Tazwood Community Services, Inc. is the local Community Action Agency serving Tazewell and Woodford Counties. TCSI administers the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program, and the Community Services Block Grant Program in their service area. Programs include:
- Help with winter utility bills
- Home weatherization
- Rent/deposit assistance
- Prescription assistance
- Dental assistance
- Hearing aid assistance
- Optical assistance
- Water bill assistance
- Scholarships
- Car repairs
- Summer camp assistance
- School supply program
Office location: 2109 S. Main St., Morton, IL 61550
Office phone number: (309) 266-9941
Office hours: M-F, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
For more information, please visit tazwoodcs.org.
United Way 2-1-1
On February 11, 2009, United Way 2-1-1 made it debut in Central Illinois to help residents find fast, free, and confidential help for health and human services by simply dialing 2-1-1.
United Way 2-1-1 is for times of crisis and everyday needs. 2-1-1 call specialists are available 24/7 to help callers find such services as mortgage, rent and utility assistance, food, emergency shelter, healthcare, counseling, support groups, etc., that are available right in their communities. Please contact United Way 2-1-1 by dialing 2-1-1, via text at TXT211, or by calling 888-865-9903.
To learn more about their services, please visit 211.org.
YouthBuild
YouthBuildis a nationally recognized youth (ages 16-24) development program located in Normal, IL (McLean County) and Peoria, IL (Peoria County). YouthBuild offers innovative learning opportunities in the areas of basic skill education, vocational training, leadership development, life skills training, community service-learning projects, and work readiness. YouthBuild also provides access to post-secondary education and apprenticeship programs to help young people unlock their full potential. Young people work to complete their high school education, build affordable housing for low-income families in the community, mobilize to meet community health needs, connect low-income households to accessible technology, and gain important job skills for the world of work.
YouthBuild McLean: For more information, contact YouthBuild McLean at (309) 454-3898 or visit their website at youthbuildmcleancounty.org.
YouthBuild Peoria: For more information, contact YouthBuild Peoria at (309) 676-8736 or email at
