13.
COMMUNITY SERVICES UPDATE - MARY KEATING
Mary Keating, Director of Community Services, reminded the committee that the Community
Services Block Grant Committee meets today, October 15, at 11:30 a.m., which all the
committee are members.
DuPage County has a grant with the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) that pays for half
of the Community Services’ Transportation to Work Program for approximately $500,000.
Renee Zerante, our Assistant State’s Attorney, has been working with the RTA’s attorney Part
of the agreement packet contains an attorney certification. The RTA has dictated that if there is a
dispute related to the agreement that it be resolved in the Cook County courts. Ms. Zerante
explained the state statute is permissive and says ‘may’. The DuPage County State's Attorney's
position is that any contracts within DuPage County would grant us the choice of venue and that
jurisdiction be in DuPage County.
Ms. Keating stated she does not see scenario where we would turn this money down. We may
get into an issue where approving a contract is against the advice of the State’s Attorney.
If there is a grant agreement presented to the Human Services Committee before this issue is
resolved, the State’s Attorney will not sign off on the certification. Ms. Keating will keep the
committee posted.
Victoria Kappas, Administrator of the Family Center, and Ms. Keating had a great meeting with
Jeff Lata and Lori Carnahan from the Behavioral Health unit of the DuPage County Health
Department regarding establishing a referral system for families that are participating in services
at the Family Center. The idea is for the families to have more direct and immediate access to
family therapy and youth counseling, etc., one of the things that Ms. Kappas identified as a
missing piece to the services of high conflict home situations. Mary commended the DuPage
County Health Department for being so easy to work with.
On Wednesday, October 16, the latest Alden project will have its groundbreaking in Addison.
The $26,000,000 project will provide 62 units of senior housing, 57 which will be affordable
housing. DuPage County’s Community Development commission is providing $5,250,000 in
HOME Funds for the project cost, ensuring that 30 of those homes will be affordable under our
guidelines for a twenty-year period. Member DeSart added that the groundbreaking will be held
at 500 N. Denise Court in Addison at 11:30 a.m. Ms. Keating added that the DuPage Housing
Authority (DHA) will be providing Project Based Vouchers. Most of the funding is provided by
the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) through the Illinois Affordable Housing
Tax Credit Program.
The Money Management Pilot program is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The program
provides volunteers to assist low-income seniors that are struggling with their finances by
keeping track of bills, making sure they get paid, managing budgets, etc. DuPage County’s
Money Management Coordinator, Christine Evans, has been with the program since its inception
25 years ago and staffs the program with all volunteers, many who are retired CPA’s, bankers,
and attorneys. There are currently 40 participants in the program supported by 35 volunteers. We
are working with the Communications Office to get a proclamation to the County Board meeting
in November. There will be a recognition celebration for all the volunteers on October 24 at
10:00 a.m. in room 3500A. Ms. Keating will send an invitation to the committee members.
Member Garcia arrive at 9:50 AM, delayed due to a meeting she chaired running late.
