Resource Connections
The most valuable service we provide is directly connecting residents to the resources they need. We have established networks with case managers at various agencies across the county to provide a direct link to the resources available and give our residents options to address their own situations.
Case Management
Two of our five employees are case managers trained to oversee:
- Emergency Assistance program
- Emergency Transportation program
- General Assistance program
- Other agency application processing
- Resource appointments and referrals
Other Agency Applications
A few Zion Township partner agencies allow us to process their program applications at our location (by appointment) as a convenience to Zion residents or provide direct referral, including:
- CAP Office’s LIHEAP program (Low Income Home Energy Assistance)
- ComEd Cares
- Northshore Gas Share the Warmth
- Catholic Charities’ Dining Program
- Love INC intake/referral
- Miller Foundation
- Mother’s Trust Foundation
- Reach Out wireless phone
- Rebuilding Together
- RTA free or reduced ride program
Subsidies
Zion Township subsidizes a portion of other agency programs to ensure continued, expanded or lower cost access to residents, including:
- Abiding Love Food Pantry
- Catholic Charities Meals on Wheels program operates locally from our facility
- Consumer Credit Counseling Services one-on-one budgeting program
- Nicasa substance abuse counseling program
- PACE Dial-A-Ride program
- PADS emergency shelter program
- Zion Park District Senior Luncheon
- Zion Park District Weekly Grocery Shopping program
Programs & Services
Zion Township coordinates and offers the following additional programs and services:
- Elf Network
- Medical Loan Closet
- Notary
- Prescription discount cards
- Senior Half-Fare Taxi tickets
- Senior Birthday Cards
- Senior Resource Day
- Voter’s Registration
- Youth Summer Work Program
If you are interested in additional information, please call our office at 847-872-2811.
The Zion Township Team!
Adriana Ortiz (top right), Case Manager, has been with the Township since 2005. She is currently pursuing a degree in Human Services. In addition to case management, other agency application processing and notary services, Adriana also coordinates the Summer Work Program for Zion youth. Sandra Usher (bottom left), has worked as the Administrative Assistant since 2012, providing administrative support to her coworkers, coordinating senior programs and managing the front desk. Most notably, Sandra coordinates administrative tasks for Senior Resource Day. She is currently pursuing an Administrative degree.
Our team is passionate about serving people. We pride ourselves on being compassionate towards each resident’s circumstances and tailoring our services to fit the unique needs of each situation.
Testimonials
Don’t take our word for it! Click here to read testimonials written by residents whose lives we have impacted.
Zion Township Supervisor
Cheri L. Neal has been the Zion Township Supervisor since May of 2001, where she is the acting CEO and treasurer who oversees a budget of over $1,000,000 and a staff of four amazingly diverse, dynamic people. She is responsible for ensuring compliance with laws and mandates, creating networks and relationships to support her team in accessing resources for residents, developing future community leaders for the sustainability of the Zion community and collaboratively addressing systematic issues that affect Zion residents. Cheri takes her responsibilities very seriously. She holds a Masters in Management and Certificate in Leadership through NorthPark University, a double Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and Human Behavior in Society, and is a certified Life Coach through iPEC. Since 2001, Cheri has earned the following awards: Supervisor of the Year (TOI, 2001), Local Hero (ZBTHS, 2005), Community Leadership (YWCA, 2007), LC Enriche Camarino One Person Can Make A Difference (2007), LC Most Influential African American Freedom (2008), Pillar of the Community (Ammadyia Muslim Community, 2008), Member of the Year (CHC, 2009), Monsignor Holbrook (Catholic Charities, 2011), Founders (Boys and Girls Club of LC – ZB Unit, 2013), and Dedicated Partnership (Zion Elementary District 6, 2013). Cheri also serves on countless boards and coalitions.