Community Services Block Grant

MCS COMMUNITY SERVICES
MORGAN, CASS, AND SCOTT COUNTY RESIDENTS

WHAT IS CSBG?

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) administers the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). MCS Community Services provides the services available through the CSBG grant. MCS is governed by the county boards of Morgan, Cass, and Scott counties. Individually the CSBG grant has a Tri-partite governing board made up of local citizens from the three county areas. The members represent three segments of the community; elected officials, private citizens, and client representatives.

The Community Services Block Grant provides a full range of services. All services are income based for eligibility according to the current federal poverty guidelines. Applicants must be a current resident of Morgan, Cass or Scott Counties. Applicants may be denied due to program ineligibility, lack of documentation, or lack of funds. The following are services offered by MCS Community Services:

SCHOLARSHIPS:

The scholarship program is offered annually. Packets are sent out in the spring to all high schools in the three county areas. Applications are also available at our office. The scholarships of $2000.00 (amounts are dependent of funding levels) are offered to income eligible individuals in each of Morgan, Cass, and Scott counties, who are planning to attend accredited Illinois University, community college, technical or vocational schools. Preference is given to applicants of racial or ethnic minorities. Eligibility is based upon the following: Must be a high school graduate or GED recipient planning initial enrollment in an Illinois post-secondary educational/vocational program: must be a resident of Morgan, Cass or Scott county: must be economically disadvantaged, according to CSBG income guidelines.

GED TEST FEES:

Provides assistance to eligible individuals who wish to attain their GED by paying the testing fees. Up to 2 failed sections may also be retaken with MCS funds. Individual must be ready to take the GED test and pick up application packet at our office.

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES:

1. Provide up to 90-day bus pass to individuals who lack transportation to get to their employment and maintain employment. Must already have employment with at least 1 paystub to quality.
2. Provide minor vehicle repairs to individuals to keep their current vehicle safe so they can maintain their employment. Must already have at least 30 days of employment with paystubs. Must be owner of vehicle with up-to-date insurance coverage.

HOUSING MAINTENANCE REPAIRS:

For elderly and/or disable eligible homeowners. Provide minor, basic, health & safety assistance to improve a current living condition (such as repair of non-working heating system, mobility ramp, etc.) Applicant must be homeowner and live in the home.

FAMILY DEVELOPMENT:

This program provides case management services to assist in family stability and to help move a family towards self-sufficiency. MCS has one Family and Community Development (FCD) certified caseworker on staff. Enrollment is limited.

INCOME GUIDELINES FOR ALL CSBG PROGRAMS LISTED ABOVE

For more information regarding any of these programs, please call (217) 243-9404 to schedule an appointment.

ALL PROGRAMS ARE DEPENDANT UPON AVAILABLE FUNDING, AND APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE TAKEN BASED ON CLIENT INCOME ELIGIBILITY AND ARE FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.