Shaping theFuture Together

Message from the Chair and CEO .... 1

Order of Program .................................2

Menu ..................................................... 3

Keynote Speaker.................................. 4

Master of Ceremonies ........................5

Community ActionMovement Award Recipients ........... 6

Community ServiceAward Recipients ............................. .10

Staff Service Award Recipients ......12

Special Thanks................................... 14

Silver Sponsors...................................16

Agency Governance.......................... 18

2017 ECICAA Annual Report.............19

Energy Assistance............................. 20

Weatherization .................................. 21

Community Services Block Grant ...22

Educational Talent Search............... 23

Maternal, Infant, and Early ChildhoodHome Visiting Program (MIECHV)....24

Head Start and Early Head Start......26

Organizational Profile........................ 34

Founders, Charter Board Members and Executive Directors ............................................. 35

Emeritus Governing Board of Directors............................ Back Cover

Contents

1

randy p. BergerBoard Chairperson

angéle thibodeaux Burns, ph.d.Chief executive officer

This evening, we celebrate fifty-three years of East Central Illinois Com-munity Action Agency “Shaping the Future Together” one individual andone family at a time. The Agency’s team members are committed to deliver-ing meaningful, high quality services with one goal in mind; eradication ofthe causes and effects of poverty in Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion counties.

The Agency recognizes that achieving economic self-sufficiency takeshard work and dedication. At one point in everyone’s life, someone or someorganization has played a part in guiding a person or family in their journeytowards a successful and fulfilling life. One’s ability to become a contributingmember of the community relies upon equitable access to a high-quality ed-ucation, living wage employment, and affordable housing. Community Ac-tion wants to ensure everyone has an equitable opportunity to have theirdreams realized.

Community Action partners with numerous private businesses, local,state, and federal government, financial and educational institutions, andlocal human and social organizations to empower individuals and familiesto take charge of their lives and socio-economic destinies. The Agency re-mains steadfast in developing innovative programming, continuously en-hances service delivery methods, and constantly builds new partnerships tomaximize its community impact in eradicating generational and situationalpoverty. Each time an individual person or family moves forward, our entirecommunity is strengthened. Thank you for partnering with Community Ac-tion in “Shaping the Future Together.”

Message froM theChairperson and

Chief exeCutive offiCer

SalutationHonorable Scott Eisenhauer, Mayor – City of Danville, Illinois

Master of Ceremonies

WelcomeAngéle Thibodeaux Burns, Ph.D. – Chief Executive Officer

Introduction of Governing Board of DirectorsRandy P. Berger, Chairperson

Presentation of Annual ReportAngéle Thibodeaux Burns, Ph.D. – Chief Executive Officer

InvocationElder Tyson Parks

Dinner Music Provided by Jazz Collective

with special vocalist Danyell Finkley

Community Service Awards Odette Hyatt-Watson, Chief Academic Officer

HonoreesDebra Cummings | Tricia D. Teague

Employee Service AwardsChantal Savage Bryant, Chief Operating Officer

Honorees Teena Alpers – 35 Years of Dedicated Service

Betty A. Holmes – 35 Years of Dedicated ServiceJulie Cramer – 40 Years of Dedicated Service

Bessie M. Nelson – 40 Years of Dedicated Service

Introduction of Keynote SpeakerDr. LaVias M. Burns

Carle Clinic Obstetrician and Gynecologist

Keynote PresentationDana C. Howard

2018 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee

Community Action Movement AwardsAngéle Thibodeaux Burns, Ph.D. – Chief Executive Officer

Economic Empowerment Ebun Osaze

Economic Development Leadership Deanna Witzel

Special AcknowledgementsAngéle Thibodeaux Burns, Ph.D. – Chief Executive Officer

order ofprograM

2

Menu

— Hors D’oeuvres —

Veggie Eggrolls

Italian Beef Crescents

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Barbecue Meatballs

Assorted Petite Quiches

— Plated Dinner —

Spring Mix Garden Salad – French, Italian, and Ranch

Beef Burgundy

Shrimp Skewer - Scampi

Roasted and Herbed New Potatoes

Home-Style Green Beans

Dinner Rolls, Whipped Butter, and Strawberry Preserves

Coffee, Iced Tea, Lemonade and Water

— Assorted Bistro Desserts —

Red Velvet

Turtle Cream Pie

Peanut Butter Cream Cake

Hot Fudge

Key Lime Pie

Strawberry Cheesecake Cream Pie

Chocolate Cream Pie

Lemon layer Cake

Coffee and Hot Tea

3

Dana C. Howard is a husband,father and humanitarian whohas worked hard to achievesuccess in both the businessand sports arenas. Dana ishighly acclaimed in the foot-ball world and serves as Presi-dent/CEO and Founder of ZoieLLC, its subsidiary, Zoie Serv-ices, and Zade Trucking.

Dana was born and raisedin East St. Louis, Illinois. Dana’shard work and perseverancehave been the foundation ofhis achievements throughouthis lifetime. Although he hadan inauspicious beginning infootball, being cut by his headcoach in Junior High, Danawent on to play both line-backer and tight end for the East St. Louis Flyers highschool football team. As a senior, he helped theschool win the 6A state title, receiving Parade All-America and All-state honors. Dana’s high school ac-complishments earned him a football scholarship tothe University of Illinois and prior to earning a Bache-lor’s of Science Degree in Speech and Communica-tions and completing courses towards a master’sdegree, Dana earned accolades that include: First TimeAll-Big Ten Honors for four years, two time ConsensusAll- American, two time Big Ten Defensive Player of theyear, All-Time Tackling Leader for Illinois, Big Ten Con-ference inclusion, and the prestigious Dick ButkusAward (1994) which is presented to the best collegelinebacker in the nation and made him become thefirst Illini football player to win a major national award.Dana still holds the top two spots, and three of the topfour, in single-game solo tackles at Illinois. Upon grad-uating, he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys andsubsequently played in the NFL for five years withteams including: Chicago Bears, St. Louis Rams andPhiladelphia Eagles.

Dana was selected to theIllinois Athletics Hall of FameClass of 2018. Moreover, ofthe 5.26 million who have everplayed or coached collegefootball since 1869, only 987players and 214 coaches havebeen inducted into the Col-lege Football Hall of Fame, andyou can guess who is joiningthis elite club. Dana will be in-ducted into the College Foot-ball Hall of Fame in 2018.

After Dana’s NFL footballcareer, he passed the requiredFinancial Industry RegulatoryAuthority, Inc. (FINRA) examsSeries 7, Series 66, Series 31,Life and Heath and worked asa financial advisor for several

years. Dana is a current owner of 3 businesses, ZoieLLC, Zoie Services, and Zade Trucking. Zoie LLC is aMBE Civil contracting company with services includ-ing: highway, street and bridge construction, aggre-gate bases and surfaces, excavating, demolition,grading and drainage services, clearing, grubbing andlandscaping services, concrete services, site prepara-tion, demolition and drainage. In 2017, Illinois Depart-ment of Transportation nominated Zoie LLC as DBE ofthe Year. Zoie Services, which officially starts in April2018, is an electric transmission and delivery companywith operations in both Metro St. Louis and Chicago.These companies were named after Dana’s daughter,Zoie. Zade Trucking, Dana’s third owned company,was named after Dana’s son, Zade, and it providestrucking services and supports the operations of ZoieLLC and Zoie Services.

Despite his journey to success in business andfootball, Dana has always taken the time to feed hisinnate desire to invest in youth and he uses his athleticand business influences as opportunities to make animpact on the lives of others. Dana feels that Zoie, LLC

our Keynote speaKer

4

Scott Eisenhauer is a life-longresident of Danville, and feelsblessed to be starting his fourthterm serving as Mayor of hishometown. While his face is rec-ognized by many in the commu-nity, his voice is his trademark. Hehas been the "voice" of VermilionCounty sports at Neuhoff Broad-casting for more than 30 years.Scott has also served as theemcee for several local, state, andnational pageants, show choircompetitions, marching band in-vitationals, and communityevents. While no longer a full-time broadcaster, hecontinues to announce games for WDAN-AM andthe National Junior College Athletic Association Di-vision II Men's National Basketball Tournament radioand television network, as well as for high school andcollege basketball, football, and baseball. Eisenhaueris still an instructor for the Sports Broadcasting sum-mer camp and DACC.

In 1993, Eisenhauer was elected to the DanvilleCity Council. He held office until 1998, when he be-came the Assistant Director for the Vermilion CountyEmergency Management Agency writing emer-gency operations plans, creating school and busi-ness safety plans, and focusing on terrorism and

issues of homeland security.In 2003, Eisenhauer launched a

successful campaign for Mayor ofthe City of Danville, a position hehad dreamed of occupying sincechildhood. One of his early chal-lenges as Mayor was a $3 millioncity budget deficit. During his firstyear of office, he and his staff suc-cessfully eliminated the deficit andbegan getting city government"plugged in" with online accessi-bility. During his time in office,Mayor Eisenhauer developed aplan for neighborhood revitaliza-

tion that would remove dilapidated or condemnedstructures and renovate buildings of historic signifi-cance and potential. He established the Mayor'sYouth Council, inviting high school students to rep-resent the young person's perspective on issues fac-ing the City and address the age-old complaint that"There is nothing for young people to do" in the Cityof Danville. In another bid to include young peoplein city planning, Mayor Eisenhauer was supportiveof a partnership between the city and the High TechEdge project which was comprised of VermilionCounty high school students whose mission was "tobe beneficial to the community by helping bring innew business and tourism." He also initiated a part-

Master of CereMonies

5

“is not just a construction firm, but a dedicated teamdetermined to bring growth to our communities.” Zoie,LLC continues to partner with local agencies and con-tinues to provide ongoing financial support. Duringthe NFL off-season, Dana served as a substitute teacherwithin the East St. Louis school district because he feltthat in order to make a difference, you had to be visibleand the kids had to be able to relate to you. It’s not un-common for Dana to be approached by previous stu-dents who tell him how having an NFL player work withthem influenced their lives. Dana attributes much of

his personal student-athlete success to his relationshipwith teachers and coaches who encouraged him tostrive for excellence. He continues to work closely withcommunity youth, and in 2009, Dana co-founded TheCity of Champions Foundation with the mission tomaintain and improve opportunities for the youth ofEast St. Louis, Illinois.

Dana resides in Caseyville, Illinois with his wifePatrice, fellow U of I graduate, and their two childrenZoie and Zade.

Ebun Croom Osazeearned her Bachelor’sdegree in Biology andPsychology from theUniversity of Jack-sonville, AL in 1997. Shethen went on to com-plete a Physician Assis-tant Program at CookCounty Hospital in 2001.Ebun now serves as theWomen Veterans Pro-gram Manager VAIHCSin Danville, IL. VAIHCSexecutes comprehen-

sive planning for women’s health issues that improvesthe overall quality of care provided to women Veter-ans and achieves program goals and outcomes. UnderEbun’s leadership this unit has been the ORH Tele-health Grant for Women’s Programs FY2013. Ebunstays busy, since 2002, she has also served as a FamilyMedicine Physician Assistant with Carle Clinic inDanville, IL, where she is responsible for providing abroad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services.Ebun also performs physical, gynecological, well-child,

and pre-natal examinations and health counseling.On the average, Ebun is annually responsible for 5,700patient visits.

Ebun holds multiple medical certifications whichinclude:ASCCP Certification for Colposcopy 2013-PresentIUD/Nexplanon Certification 2013-PresentNCCPA Board Certification 2001-PresentACLS 1999-PresentPALS 1999-PresentCPR/BLS 1993-Present

Professional Organizations• Illinois Association of Physician Assistants• American Association of Physician Assistants• Association of Physician Assistants in Obstetrics

and Gynecology• American Society for Colposcopy and

Cervical Pathology• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated

TeachingPreceptor to Residents, Medical/PA StudentsUniversity of Illinois, St. Louis University, Midwestern

6

CoMMunity aCtion MoveMenteConoMiC developMent aChieveMent award reCipients

— eMpowerMent —

nership with the University of Illinois students in theschools of Architecture, Landscape, and Design tocreate ideas for improving the area along our river-front. His team is also currently working on plans fortransforming the East Main Street Corridor, manag-ing storm water, and improving the Danville HighSchool corridor just to name a few. His administra-tion has made special effort to improve the infra-structure throughout the City, including the additionof bike and pedestrian paths.

Early in his adult life, Eisenhauer committed togive 1000 hours each year in volunteer service. He

was named one of Illinois' "Ten Outstanding YoungPersons" for 2000 in recognition of his years of com-munity service. He was also named to the SouthView Middle School Wall of Fame, the Danville AreaCommunity College Athletic Hall of Fame, is a DACCDistinguished Alum, and last year was elected as the50th person inducted onto the Danville High SchoolWall of Fame. He remains active in many civic and so-cial organizations, and continues to volunteer forcommunity activities whenever possible. He and hiswife Amy enjoy spending time with her two daugh-ters, a granddaughter, and their six canine children.

7

University 2001-PresentPreceptor to Nurse Practitioner StudentsIllinois Wesleyan University 2015-Present

Sexual Development/EducationDistrict 118 Middle Schools 2013-Present

Sexual Education Disease PreventionDanville Area Community College (Middle College)2017

Honors and ActivitiesVA BRAVO Award- 2013, 2016, 2017Illinois Department of Public Health Scholarship Re-cipient

PublicationsOsaze, Ebun. (March 10, 2013). “Rethinking VeteranCulture…That was then, this is Now” News Gazette.

Osaze, Ebun. (August 13, 2008). “Inhale, Breathe Easier,Asthma Story” Commercial News Pages A1-A2.Fea-tured in Progressive Black News November 2014.

Black-Owned Business ‘A Life Changing Decision”

Successful MaryKay Business Owner• Director of the VISION Unit • 5 Career Cars Qualified To Date• Currently Cadillac XT5 2016• Dean’s List #1 December Class of 2013!!!• Magic Area Miss Go Give 2015• National Court of Sales 2014/2015/2016/2017• 2nd Runner up to the Queen Emerald Division • National Court of Sharing 2014

• 3x Triple Star 2015/2016/2017• Court of Sharing Top 20 x4• $350,000 Unit Club 2015• $500,000 Unit Club 2016• $550,000 Unit Club 2017• Currently On-Target for Argentina Trip • 43 Career Gold Medals for Recruiting • Unit Milestones: Represented in 22 States • #1 Unit Building at Cincinnati Career Conference

2015• #3 Unit Building St. Charles Career Conference 2016• #3 Unit Building Career Conference Chicago 2017• Featured In 2 Company Videos• “Holiday Open House” December 2015• “Skin Care Extras TimeWise Repair® Selling Tips”

August 2017• I-CAN CAMPAIGN NY Times Square Achiever 2017 • Sales Force Training Video• “Transformational Team Building” March 2018

Nationwide• Currently #2 Unit In State of IL March 2018• Travel: Several US Cities and First International Trip

to Colombia, South America March, 2015

Ebun is a successful healthcare professional. She isalso a driven business owner. Nevertheless, Ebun ispassionate about her family which includes her hus-band Asim, son Jabari and daughter Emari. But shealso finds time to volunteer and mentor young girlsand aspiring entrepreneurs. Ebun truly cares aboutothers and her community. Our community is en-riched because of Ebun’s dedication and commitmentto delivering high quality healthcare to all, and for herpassion for inspiring others to pursue entrepreneurialendeavors.

Shaping theFuture Together

8

Deanna Witzel beganher career with Mc-Donald’s in 1982 as acrew person in Peoria,IL. She loved the fast-paced atmosphereand challenges thatworking at McDon-ald’s presented.Deanna quickly rosethrough the rankscompleting the crewtrainer and manage-ment programs. In1987 she moved toLas Vegas, NV for an

opportunity as a McDonald’s Corporation AssistantManager. Shortly after Deanna arrived she was pro-moted to Restaurant Manager. During her tenure asa corporate employee in Las Vegas, Deanna woremany different hats, including; Restaurant Managerand Supervisor to all ten McDonald’s on the LasVegas Strip. She also served as the Human Resourcesand Marketing lead for over sixty plus McDonald’sRestaurants in the Las Vegas area. It was during thistime that Deanna met and married Don Witzel.

Deanna always dreamed about owning her ownMcDonald’s and in 1999 that dream came to fruition.That year Don, Deanna, and their two children, Roband Katie moved to Illinois and purchased the fourexisting Vermilion County McDonald’s. Over the pasteighteen years, the Witzel family have acquired twomore restaurants and have become well respectedfor their active involvement throughout the commu-nity.

Deanna has been an influential community leaderthrough active volunteerism, advocacy and philan-thropy. Listed below are a few of the many events,activities and organizations Deanna has supported.She believes if you support individual citizens in im-proving their lives, they will successfully move for-ward; and the entire community shall bestrengthened.

Leadership Advocacy and Volunteerism• Global Leadership Summit (GLS), Major Sponsor,

2015 - Present• Balloons Over Vermilion, Major Sponsor, 2016

and 2017• Festival of Trees, Emerald Sponsor, Past 17 years• Step Up Initiative Chair (Focus: Family/Parenting,

Mental Health, and Substance Abuse)• Danville Housing Authority Board Director• Vermilion County Board Director• Danville Area Community College Foundation

Board Director• Danville Schools District 118 Foundation Director• Director and Marketing and Public

Relations and Personnel Committee Member• Vermilion Advantage-Director, Executive

Committee Member, Past Chairperson• Previous Boards:

- Provena/Presence Health Foundation (15 years)

- Ronald McDonald House Board and Grant Committee

- Danville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau- Danville High School Athletic and Music

Boosters

Educational Committment• The Witzels are Charter Members of the Vermilion

County “Finish First” Program.• The Witzels are passionate about all local commu-

nity programs and initiatives that educate or em-ploy citizens

• The Witzels are committed to investing in college scholarship funds of their employees

• The Witzels have also assisted their employees in maximizing usage of the tuition reimbursement program, “Archways to Opportunity.”

Leadership in PhilanthropyDeanna and her husband have lead the facilitationof over half a million dollars in Ronald McDonaldHouse Charities (RMCH) grant funds having beenawarded to our local community to benefit the

— leadership —

9

Danville Public School Foundation, Hoopeston MultiAgency, Danville Public Library, Boys and Girls Club,Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Danville Family YMCA, Am-bucs Playground for Everyone, Fellowship of Chris-tian Athletes, Presence USMC Foundation,Hoopeston’s Project Playground, Lincoln Park,Danville District 118 Track Field, DACC HoopestonSatellite campus and Oakwood Playground improve-ments.

Awards and RecognitionDeanna has worked relentlessly with Don, her part-ner in business and in life to provide excellence inservice to her customers and employees. The Witzelshave earned the Ronald Award in 2002 and 2015 –the highest award McDonald’s gives to owner/oper-ators for their community involvement! They havealso earned the Illinois Principals Association Friendof Education Award 2003. The Witzels’ CommunitySpotlight Program in partnership with NeuhoffBroadcasting received the International Broadcast-ers Association Award in 2004. Deanna receivedthe Ten Outstanding Young People of IllinoisAward from the Illinois Jaycees in 2005. The Witzelswere also awarded the Illinois Tourism- Best of ShowAward for their Partnership with the Danville AreaConvention and Visitors Bureau for our HometownStars McDonald’s concept in March 2006. The Witzelsearned the Herb Scott Award from the International

Broadcasters Association for the radio promotion tie-in with the Hometown Stars McDonald’s – Atlanta,Georgia, April 2006. Deanna was one of fourOwner/Operators asked to speak at the McDonald’sWorld Wide Convention Marketing Session in 2006.The Witzels received the Leading Edge Operator“LEO” Award in 2007. In October 2008, Deanna wasinvited to speak at the Kentucky Broadcasters Asso-ciation Meeting regarding McDonald’s and RadioStation promotional and community tie-ins. Deannareceived Danville’s First Citizen Award in 2008. Thisis the most prestigious award a community membercan receive from AMBUCS. March 2015 the Witzelsreceived the Small Business of the Year Awardfrom the City of Danville.

Family FirstDeanna is very proud that both of her children havelearned the importance of being involved and givingback to their community. Rob currently serves onthe FCA board and the Palmer Arena board. He isalso very involved with all activities their family busi-ness supports as well as always looking for ways tobetter the lives of their employees. Katie is very ac-tive in School District 118 as a first grade teacher.She recently implemented an “Adopt a Cop” programat Southwest Elementary School, coaches scholasticbowl and track, and serves on the YMCA board.

Vicki L. Haugen — 2017

Richard L. (Dick) Brazda — 2017

Mr. Louis Mervis — 2016

Mayor Bill Crusinberry — 2016

Thomas J. Chamberlain — 2016

Mr. Mark Denman — 2015

Dr. Alice Marie Jacobs — 2015

Dr. David L. Fields — 2015

Past Community Action Movement Economic Development Achievement Awardees

10

Debra Cummings is a native of Danville, Illinois.She comes from a large, loving family where shewas the 10th child born to the late Lorenzo andOra Mae Reed. Debbie, as she is affectionatelycalled, graduated from Danville High School in1975. She was married to the late Roy Cummings– the love of her life – for 25 blissful years. Fromthis union, Debbie was blessed with three won-derful children; Mario, Angela, and Roy, II who isbetter known as Captain.

Debbie has occupied leadership positionsin various businesses and churches over the past40 years in the Danville community. For more

than 17 years, she served as the Lead Clerk Assistant/Trainer of new employeesat Walgreens National Disbursing Office. She was the Owner and Director of theLoving Hands Childcare Center. Extremely active in the faith-based community,Debbie served at the Assistant Clerk, Secretary and Treasurer of the Western Di-vision Freewill Baptist: Terre Haute District Conference Incorporate. She was theformer Youth Choir Director at St. James Freewill Baptist Church; the formerYouth and Adult Bible Study Teacher at New Kingdom Christian Church; and theformer Youth Director at New Jerusalem Church of Jesus Christ World OutreachMinistries (COJCWOM). Debbie also holds a Ministerial License.

Currently, Debbie serves in many capacities at her current church; NewJerusalem COJCWOM. She is a Youth Advisor and Teacher; a Minister and the Co-ordinator of the Women’s Ministry, Praise and Worship, and choir. She is the VicePresident of Our Mother's Daughter's; a newly established organization gearedtoward assisting at-risk young women in our community. Professionally, Debbieis the Recruiter and Staffing Coordinator at Trillium Staffing. Despite all of hernumerous personal and spiritual obligations, Debbie is a life-long adult learnerwho is currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education from Danville AreaCommunity College.

Debbie shares, “I am passionate about my current position at Trillium be-cause I have the opportunity to meet a variety of different people of diversebackgrounds. Every day I am interviewing new field staff who may have the op-portunity to represent our company in addition to providing for their families;which in return helps spur the local economic. What is most rewarding is to seeour employee’s faces or hear the sound in their voices when they’ve been offereda permanent position with our client or extended a job offer for direct hire.”

Debbie’s hard work and continued efforts significantly impact the profes-sional livelihood of the clients she serves. She cares about providing her clientswith the utmost qualified candidates for the position, timely feedback, and thehighest level of quality service.

CoMMunityserviCeaward

reCipients

“I am passionateabout my current

position at Trilliumbecause I have the

opportunity to meeta variety of different

people of diversebackgrounds.”

deBra CuMMings

Shaping the Future Together

11

Tricia D. Teague is a business and lifecoach, a speaker, and certified by the En-trepreneurial Learning Initiative as anentrepreneurial mindset educator. Withher classes and website, “Think like anEntrepreneur,” Ms. Teague speaks andteaches on entrepreneurship and manyother topics relating to business andleadership. Through her participation inthe Hive Global Leaders Program, Ms.Teague was asked to speak and facilitateHive Africa in April 2017 and again inOctober 2017 in Nigeria. It was the firstHive Global Leaders event outside of the United States.

Ms. Teague is also a writer with a monthly column inthe Danville Commercial-News and the author of thebook Football is Just like Shopping. She foundedPlethora Publishing, Inc., in 2002. In June 2012 the com-pany began publishing the Progressive Black News, aDanville-based newspaper focusing on positive news inand about Danville’s African-American community. Al-though the newspaper was sunset in December 2017,Ms. Teague’s publishing business continues to providebook consulting and publishing services to authors.

Ms. Teague has a bachelor’s degree in Communica-tions-News from Bradley University and a master’s inBusiness Administration from Keller Graduate School ofManagement.

She began her professional career at the Peoria Jour-nal-Star in the sports department, covering high schoolsports and completing layouts. She left the newspaperindustry for a corporate career in book and electronicpublishing, working for 13 years at Wolters Kluwer, an in-ternational legal publisher. In her tenure at WK she held

multiple positions, starting as a Produc-tion Specialist and working her waythrough the ranks to Technology Liason,supporting the entire product line for itshealthcare and human resources division,Project Manager in its support organiza-tion, and later Technical Product Managerfor its Financial Services division whereshe managed its online offerings for cus-tomers in the United States and England.

In addition to starting the ProgressiveBlack News when she moved back toDanville in 2012, Ms. Teague also became

heavily involved in the community, volunteering withseveral organizations and serving on several boards. Herboard memberships include: Laura Lee Fellowship Housewhere she is the current president and former treasurer,Danville Public Library where she served as vice presi-dent, Boys and Girls Club of Danville where she served aspresident, Danville Black Chamber of Commerce whereshe served as founding president, and Vermilion Advan-tage. She also volunteered as a big sister with Big Broth-ers Big Sisters of Danville, as a tutor at the Boys and GirlsClub, and in fundraising campaigns for Danville FamilyYMCA.

Ms. Teague is a member of Danville’s PhiladelphiaBaptist Church and also a 25-year member of AlphaKappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the country’s oldest histori-cally black Greek organization founded in 1908 with oneof its tenets being service to all mankind. Despite Ms.Teague’s busy schedule, she takes time to educate youthabout the opportunities and satisfaction of working inthe professional fields of journalism and communica-tions, or embarking upon entrepreneurship.

Ellen Luhman — 2017Neil and Betty Porter — 2017

Tina Dodd RDH — 2017Jen Hendrickson — 2017

Frederick Whitman — 2017Peter Blackman — 2017

Mrs. Ellie Stolz — 2016Dr. Phillip Conn — 2016

Ms. Niccole Clements — 2016Mrs. Carla M. Boyd — 2015

Mr. Jim Ritenour — 2015Ms. Bailey Brenner — 2015

Past Community Service Awardees

triCia d. teague

12

staff serviCe award reCipients

Teena Alpers, Director of Ed-ucation in the Head Start Pro-gram, has worked for EastCentral Illinois CommunityAction Agency for 35 years.Her personal and professionaljourney serves as a living tes-tament of the power of Com-munity Action. She was firstintroduced to the Agency asa Head Start parent with no

formal education in 1982. In 1983, Teena began em-ployment with Community Action in the Head StartProgram teaching children for 18 years, but realizedwhen she could no longer get on the floor with thechildren; she needed to continue her education inorder to advance within the Agency. She was pro-moted as a Special Needs/Mental Health Coordinator

for 11 years, then became a Supervisor of Curriculum.Through hard work, unwavering perseverance, andsupport from the Agency and her family, Teena hasearned a Master’s Degree and holds a leadership posi-tion within the organization. She also serves as aBoard Member on the Illinois State and Region V HeadStart Association since 2014.

Teena has always been an optimist; viewing theglass as half full in even the most dire of situations. Sheis a natural problem-solver who offers a solution basedapproach when facing challenges. In the truestessence of the Agency’s mission and vision, Teena iscommitted to working as hard and long as required tomeet the needs of the families she serves, fellow teammembers she leads and to fulfill the Agency’s organi-zational goals and objectives. But not on Thursdays;which is reserved for date night with Chris, her hus-band of 30 years this June.

Betty A. Holmes began her35-year journey as an em-ployee for East Central IllinoisCommunity Action on De-cember 12, 1983. Ms. Holmesstarted out as a ClerkTypist/Intake Worker for thefirst three years of her jour-ney. She later transitioned tothe Director of Housing; over-seeing the Agency’s three

emergency shelters and eight rental properties. Priorto the end of the Housing Program, she fondly remem-bers the rewarding benefits the position afforded herwhile working with the families during various emer-gency circumstances. Betty had the opportunity totransition from Director of Housing, becoming theAgency’s Executive Secretary for six years. Althoughshe thoroughly enjoyed the role as Executive Secre-tary, Betty took advantage of the opportunity toprogress with the Agency and accepted the role as the

Community Service Block Grant Coordinator and heldthat position for five years.

Later, Betty expressed a desire to work on the frontline with families and became a Head Start Family Ad-vocate for four years. The Head Start Family Advocateposition allowed Betty to help families move towardself-sufficiency by assessing the families’ needs and of-fering goal setting and budgeting tools. Betty ex-plained she was able to return back to school in 2009,earning an Associate Degree in Marketing. This accom-plishment is a personal testament of her experiencesand opportunities at the Agency.

Betty returned to serve as the Executive Secretaryand continued to work in that capacity for 13 years;upon the request of then Chief Executive Officer,Dwight Lucas. Due to her passion and love for em-powering families, Betty returned to the Head StartProgram assuming the role of Family Advocate. Sheproclaims, “My love for the families is what has kept memotivated for the past 35 years.”

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While interacting and watch-ing her niece and nephewsearly in life, Julie Cramer rec-ognized her calling. In Au-gust 1978, she purposelybegan to walk in that callingand started employment atEast Central Illinois Commu-nity Action Agency’s FirstPresbyterian Church HeadStart Center and subse-

quently she would serve from the Fair Oaks HousingComplex. She and co-teacher Jessica Smith were com-mitted to enhancing the educational experiences ofthe children they instructed daily and also were dedi-cated to improving the lives of the parents that theyengaged with as well.

The Head Start Program allowed Julie to ade-quately balance her life as a wife and mother; whilemoving into a career that she enjoyed. The dailyschedule made it possible for her to still play an inte-gral role in her children’s lives. Julie was also a HeadStart Parent. She was able to drop off and pick up herchildren from school and have her summers free toenjoy with her own children. This work-life balanceeven allowed Julie to return to school and earn an As-sociate Degree in Early Childhood Education.

Over the past 40 years, Julie has witnessed theevolution of the Head Start Program and its many op-

tions. She fondly remembers working in the HomeBase component before it was actually designated assuch. This afforded her the opportunity to observe thehome environment of her students and gain clearerinsight of the challenges and barriers each family mayhave been experiencing. This experience providedJulie with a unique perspective and intensified her re-solve to help change the lives of the children she en-countered.

As she celebrates 40 years with Community Action,Julie attributes her longevity to the kids. They are whatdrive her to keep persevering. With each passing day,her interaction with the children instills patience in herwhich renews her strength when she thinks she’s tired.Teaching is Julie’s passion and it warms her heart dailyas she watches as each child enters her classroom soeager to learn and some who are not so eager. Sheknows that she is charged with making their experi-ence that day a memorable one and she does her bestto do that.

Julie’s teaching career has spanned over genera-tions. She is now witnessing former students enter herclassroom each morning bringing in their own chil-dren. While many changes have occurred since thebeginning of her journey, Julie’s advice to others is “toremember your purpose, refrain from getting caught upin the drama, and maintain focus on the children.Change has to happen, adjust and simply move forward.”

Bessie M. Nelsonbegan her 40-year journey as an employee forEast Central Illinois CommunityAction Agency on August 22,1978. Ms. Nelson was first intro-duced to Head Start throughher children’s enrollment andparticipation in the program.The experience prompted Ms.Nelson to volunteer in the class-room and later become an em-

ployee. Bessie’s career began at the Head Start Fair OaksAdministrative site and she has worked at different HeadStart sites such as: Lincoln School and Northeast.

Ms. Nelson attributes her success with the Head Start

program to the love for children, classroom activities,working with the families and a rich bond with co-work-ers in a family orientated atmosphere; such specialsbonds were developed with countless co-workers overthe years.

Since coming to the Agency, Ms. Nelson has attendeda number of Head Start professional development con-ferences and earned her CDA. In 2001, she returned backto school and earned an Associate’s Degree in Early Child-hood Education. Although Ms. Nelson’s career has al-lowed her to witness a transition in personalities in boththe children and parents, her love for them has notchanged. “The Community Action Head Start program isjust like working with family and I cannot imagine lifewithout the children.”

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speCial thanKs

silent auction donors * Alpha and Omega Counseling Center – Kerrick Kiley

AMC Village Mall 6 – Dale FrenchAnchor Florist

Applewood FoodsArby’s

Beth English-AmosBuen Appetito

Buffalo Wild Wings Café 13

Café CabanaCahill’s

Carpet WeaversChantal Savage Bryant

Chipotle Christine Fitzsimmons

Cindy CloutierCity of Danville

Consuelo ShelatoCracker BarrelDanville Dans

Danville Wholesale Dr. Jaya Nelson

Drs. LaVias and Angéle BurnsEdible Arrangements®

El Toro Five Star Family Restaurant

Fujiyama SteakhouseGeorge and Ilda Hyatt

Gross Burgers Illini Skateland

Jamie BannKea Cunningham

La Potosina Mexican RestaurantLakeshore

Latoz Hardware, Inc. Little Nugget

LongHorn SteakhouseMonica BeasleyMonical’s PizzaMontana Mikes

Mr. Greg Watson and Mrs. Odette WatsonO’ Charley’s

Olive Garden Outback Steakhouse

Pam Lane, Park Lane JewelryPapa Murphy’s Penn Station Randy Berger

Red Doot CakesRich’s Deluxe Restaurant

Shovelhead Saloon Sleep Inn

Southgate SalonSpanky’s Banquet HallStone Mountain Café

Stoney’s Teen Alpers

Tori BrighamVillage Garden

WalmartWylde Wood Cellars

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*As of March 7, 2018

table sponsors *21st Century Christian Worship Center

Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center Chantal Savage Bryant

Collett Street Church of ChristCRIS Healthy-Aging Center

Danville Area Community CollegeDanville Family YMCA

Danville School District 118Debra Cummings

Drs. LaVias and Angéle BurnsFaulstich Printing Company

Housing Authority of the City of Danville, ILIllinois Association of Community Action Agencies

Iroquois FederalMervis Industries

New Directions Outpatient Addictions Treatment CenterWoodard's Computing Services

annual dinner planning CommitteeCicely M. Dowell, Chairperson

Teena AlpersTori BrighamSarah Brown

Angéle Thibodeaux Burns, Ph.D.Cindy Cloutier

Kea CunninghamDanyell Finkley

N. Christine FitzsimmonsNija Givens

Tameka K. HallBronwen HernandezOdette Hyatt-Watson

Chantal Savage BryantConnie Strawser

decoration CommitteeOdette Hyatt – Watson

Tameka K. Hall

photography and videographyAndrew Dudich, Owner/Operator

Wardenclyffe Media

Music provided By:Jazz Collective

with Special Guest Vocalist – Danyell Finkley

graphic designJeff Summers, Graphic Designer

Media One Visual Arts

printersFaulstich Printing

venueTurtle Run Golf & Banquet CenterMaggie Smith, Banquet Manager

Dedicated & Talented Staff

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Family Owned & Operated Don and Deanna Witzel

Proud Supporters ofCommunity Action Visit one of our six locations in Danville, Oakwood, Hoopeston, and Georgetown

silver sponsors

17

silver sponsors

18

agenCy governanCe

Governing Board of Directorsrandy p. Berger - Chairperson

elder tyson parks - vice Chairpersonalderman Brenda Brown - treasurer

ana nasser - secretary

Robert Boyd Jeffrey Burgoyne Jacquilyn A. CollinsCourtny Gaston Dr. Alicia Geddis Michael Goodyear

Robert J. Harwood Joseph Cornell Michael MarronJennifer Modest Alderman Thomas Stone

Head Start Policy CouncilJoseph Cornell – Chairperson

sarah hornback – vice Chairperson Janay smith – secretary/treasurer

Amber Hamblin Aniesha Walker Ashley AmigoniAshley Walker Austin Betourne Claudia Meraz

Courtny Gaston Darcy Herriott Elder Tyson ParksGina McGuire Helena Pacheco Jahnell Northern

Jennifer McGrown Jennifer Sanford Latonya HardimonStephanie Potts Tiffany Lynch

MissionProvide information, training, education, and other services that engage and empower fami-

lies and communities to become self-sufficient

VisionEast Central Illinois Community Action Agency is a premier organization, which fully under-stands and responds to the social economics of the families, individuals, and communities

we humbly serve. By working with our community partners and accessing a diversifiedstream of funding, we will serve our customers and our neighbors with compassion, inclu-

siveness, and respect.

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2017annual report

East Central IllinoisCommunity Action Agency

Serving families in Ford, Iroquois,and Vermilion counties in Illinois

PRESENTED BYRandy P. Berger — Chairperson

Angéle Thibodeaux Burns, Ph.D. — CEO

56 North Vermilion Street | Danville IL 61832Telephone (217) 554-9100 | Facsimile (217) 431-0725

www.comaction.org

Energy Assistance............................. 20

Weatherization .................................. 21

Community Services Block Grant ...22

Educational Talent Search............... 23

Maternal, Infant, and Early ChildhoodHome Visiting Program (MIECHV)....24

Head Start and Early Head Start......26

Organizational Profile........................ 34

Founders, Charter Board Members and Executive Directors ............................................. 35

Emeritus Governing Board of Directors............................ Back Cover

Contents

Member of

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energy assistanCe

The East Central IllinoisCommunity ActionAgency’s Low IncomeHome Energy AssistanceProgram (LIHEAP) helpshouseholds to combatthe extreme costs associ-ated with brutally coldwinters and hot, humidsummers. Each yearthroughout the Agency’sTri-County service area –Ford, Iroquois, and Ver-milion counties – thou-sands of families strugglewith the high cost of home energy bills and face thestress of disconnection threats from their energyproviders. Families living in poverty pay almost33% of their total household income towards heat-ing and cooling their homes.

East Central Illinois Community Action Agency pro-vided energy assistance to over 8,900 households thispast year. The goal of the LIHEAP is to assist the mostvulnerable individuals in our population. Therefore,program and income eligible senior citizens, individu-als with disabilities, and households with young chil-dren are the program’s first priority. Following thepriority period, all other income-qualified householdsare eligible to apply for services.

Once households are approved, they receive aone-time credit which is applied to both electric andgas suppliers. This Direct Vendor Payment (DVP)amount is contingent upon the number of individualsdwelling in the home and its primary heating source.There has been a total of 7,981 DVP payments distrib-uted; translating to over $2.5 million applied to cus-tomer’s energy bills this program year. Another energyassistance option is the Percentage of Income Pay-ment Plan (PIPP). The main objective of the PIPP is tomake energy bills more affordable and to help main-tain home energy service throughout the year. By en-rolling in the PIPP, the head of household agrees toenter into a monthly budget bill payment plan based

on utility usage with theparticipating utility. Thehead of household is re-quired to pay a portion ofthe budget bill and theState will pay a monthlybenefit amount up to amaximum amount. PIPPcustomers pay approxi-mately 6% of their totalhousehold income. Lastyear, 409 households wereenrolled in the PIPP pro-gram. This resulted in$353,000 in benefits to the

Agency’s customers. LIHEAP has a component in which, a household

facing imminent disconnection or are actually discon-nected from their energy source can apply for Recon-nection Assistance (RA). The amount of assistance isbased on the customer’s specific utility company’s re-quirement for restoration. A household may qualify toreceive a one-time assistance for each utility for a max-imum combined total of $1,000. In 2017, there was atotal of 994 RA payments distributed; adding up toover $413,000 toward the reconnection energy serv-ices to the Agency’s most vulnerable households.

The Agency’s LIHEAP Team Members concerted ef-forts to assure that all customers who were eligible forassistance were accommodated. Comprehensive out-reach initiatives were developed, coordinated, and im-plemented with the Agency’s community partners tooffer LIHEAP to those most in need. Some of our com-munity partners include, but are not limited to, Hoope-ston’s Multi-Agency, CRIS Healthy-Aging, Deer Creek,Vermilion House, Immanuel Senior Residences, Hous-ing Authority of the City of Danville, and City ofGeorgetown. For customers who are homebound,team members conduct LIHEAP intake hime visits. TheAgency strives to meet customers where they are andensure service delivery is as convenient and seamlessas possible.

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weatherization

The Illinois Home Weatherization Program (IHWAP)provides a wide variety of energy efficiency measuresthat encompass the building’s envelope, its heatingand cooling systems, its electrical system, and electric-ity consuming appliances. Upon qualification andbased upon a home energy audit, the program canprovide a household energy saving services such asattic insulation, heating system repairs, new energystar qualified refrigerators and freezers, air sealing, flu-orescent light bulbs, and more to ensure optimal effi-ciency.

Weatherization today comprises a comprehensiveseries of energy efficiency measures that are based onsophisticated analyses of individual homes that iden-tifies cost effective energy efficiency retrofit measures.Community Action ensures that home energy auditsare conducted by State certified specialists with thediagnostic tools to properly evaluate homes for heatloss and weatherization needs. Because of this rigor-ous approach and analyses backing it up, weatheriza-tion has become a leader in advancing home energyscience. East Central has partnered with contractorsfrom sister Community Action Agency’s to performwork on approved homes, which reduces local unem-

ployment and increases savings on energy bills forhomeowners.

The benefits of weatherization begin with reduc-ing the energy bills of recipients for a long period oftime. Some measures, such as insulating walls or roofs,for example, can provide savings for the lifetime of ahouse—30 years or more. Other measures, such asmaking heating or cooling equipment more efficient,will provide savings for 10–15 years. On average, thevalue of the weatherization improvements is 2.2 timesgreater than the cost. According to the U.S. Depart-ment of Energy, household receiving weatherizationcan save more than $400 annually on their fuel costs.

Community Action has weatherized over 1,750homes during the years 2004 to 2017. The 2017weatherization program budget for weatherizinghomes was $604,893. During this program year, theAgency has weatherized fewer homes however – dueto programmatic enhancements – we are able to in-vest close to $22,000 worth of energy saving measuresinto approved homes. There were a total of 8 homesweatherized in the Ford, Iroquois, and VermilionCounty this past program year.

CoMMunityserviCes

BloCKgrant

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The Agency is committed to equipping its most vulnerable citizens with the es-sential tools and resources necessary to achieve economic self–sufficiency. Thearray of meaningful programs and initiatives offered through the CommunityServices Block Grant are designed to address and combat the root causes andeffects poverty. Through an annual comprehensive needs and community as-sessment, services are tailored specifically at the grassroots level to meet the in-dividualized needs of the citizens residing in Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilioncounties.

To continuously strengthen the lives of the residents and the communitieswe serve is what Community Action is determined to accomplish. Education,Employment, and Equitable, Affordable Homes are a means to which economicindependence is achieved. Community Action through its CSBG funds have de-veloped initiatives that work interdependently of each other to effectively tacklethe problems that prevent significant growth in these areas. Team members,conduct holistic assessments on households, analyze their complex needs, anddesign action plans with applicable services that will aid in the elimination ofbarriers to increase the likelihood that individuals will reach their desired out-comes.

Over the past year, the Agency endeavored to utilize CSBG services as con-duits for families to realize economic self-sufficiency; providing families withproactive, resiliency strategies. The Community Services Block Grant has incor-porated financial empowerment and finance building activities into its servicedelivery process. Households applying for assistance to alleviate a crisis are re-quired to attend Financial Empowerment workshops prior to being granted ap-proval for assistance. The workshops were facilitated by certified financialempowerment specialists. These sessions will afford customers the opportunityto examine their finances, pull and review their personal credit reports, and pre-pare a budget that will help them to better control their finances instead of theirfinances controlling them.

The Agency continued to leverage CSBG economic and human resourceswith dollars from local financial institutions and foundations to create feasibleavenues for the homeownership. The Gateway to Homeownership came tofruition. This program offered professional housing education, financial coach-ing, and income management services to families, with low to moderate income,in Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion counties, who were interested and motivated topurchase their first home. The Gateway to Homeownership initiative provided asix-week informative, interactive workshop series as well as one-on-one coun-seling sessions, to prepare households for the home-buying process. Topicsranging from Assessing Home Readiness, Budgeting and Credit, Financing ahome, to the Importance of Community Involvement were facilitated by theAgency’s certified homeownership educators. Community partners werestrengthened due to the active engagement of city and county government, fi-nancial and insurance industries, local utilities, and the real estate arena; thesestakeholders lent their valuable time and vast expertise to the program.

Through educational endeavors, employment initiatives, crisis management,financial empowerment, housing education, leadership and personal develop-ment activities, and nutritional interventions, Community Action is committedto reducing poverty in our local communities with creative and sustainablemethods.

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eduCational talent searCh prograM

The East Central Illinois Community Action Agency’sEducational Talent Search Program is dedicated tohelping youth aim high in academic achievement inpreparation for their post-secondary futures. The TRIOEducational Talent Search Program (ETS) is a federallyfunded college opportunity program. ETS services en-courage and inspire students from “at-risk and low in-come” families to attend and remain in college aftergraduating from high school because education is asure path out of poverty and a great entry into suc-cessful employment.

In 2017, the ETS Program served 675 high schooland middle school students. 99.5% of all ETS partici-pants in grades 6 through 11 were successfully pro-moted to the next year and 98% of its 2017’s highschool seniors entered college and 2% entered a mil-itary branch. 100% of ETS’s high school seniors ap-plied for financial aid and one ETS senior graduated asDanville High Schools’ 2017 Valedictorian.

ETS services provide an investment in our commu-nities’ at-risk youth. In 2017, the ETS team provided adiverse set of high-quality workshops that enhancedthe students’ skills in the areas of: Study and TestPreparation Skills, Academic and Career Selection andGoal Setting, Academic Monitoring, Career Explo-ration, ACT and SAT Test Preparation, College Admis-sion Process, and Financial Aid ApplicationCompletion Assistance. ETS provided an educationalassessment on each enrolled student in the program.The educational assessment is used to identify whatservices would prepare each student for college en-trance and persistence. Throughout 2017, the ETSteam met with enrolled students in their schools toprovide on-site group workshops and one-on-one ac-ademic mentoring sessions. The program providesafter school services, parent meetings, college-tours,summer camps and cultural field trips as a means ofkeeping enrolled students and parents actively en-gaged in planning their future academic experiencesand careers. Also essential to the ETS program is theempowering of ETS female students. In 2017, the pro-gram collaborated and enrolled ETS female studentsin summer STEM camps. ETS female participants were

able to explore Math and Sciences projects whilestrengthening their math and science skills andknowledge. These types of high-quality services pre-pare ETS students for future employment opportuni-ties.

Among the 675 ETS students served, 589 studentswere low-income and first-generation college poten-tials; 31 students were low income only, 42 studentswere first-generation college potentials only and 13students were in the “other needs” category. ETSserved students from diverse backgrounds: 46 His-panic and Latino; 1 American Indian; 4 Asian; 390African American; 175 White and 59 Bi-Racial.

In 2017, ETS successfully transitioned 100 high-school seniors into post-secondary opportunities. 53seniors entered Danville Area Community College, 9seniors entered four-year Historically Black Universi-ties, 36 seniors entered Division-One four year stateuniversities and 2 seniors entered the military toproudly serve their country. The ETS program empow-ers youth through education as a key component tofuture successes in employment.

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2017 Maternal, infant, and earlyChildhood hoMe visiting prograM

(MieChv) report

The Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visit-ing Program (MIECHV) is another unique educationalservice within East Central Illinois Community ActionAgency. MIECHV uses the Early Head Start BasedModel as an evidence-based design that endeavors to:strengthen and improve school readiness skills, pro-vide health based screenings, improve parent andchild bonding, and identify and provide comprehen-sive services to improve outcomes for families who areat-risk. Weekly 90 minute home visits are provided to20 enrolled families that are comprised of infants, tod-dlers and pregnant women. MIECHV purposes to pro-vide a pathway for families that will lead them out ofpoverty.

In 2017, the program served 21 families: 24 chil-dren and 4 pregnant mothers. Four healthy birthswere welcomed during the 2017 program year.

MIECHV provides services to families of variousbackgrounds. Of the 24 children served, 2 familieswere of Hispanic origin, 8 families were African Amer-ican and 11 families were White. Families from variouscommunities in Vermilion County welcomed home-visits: 14 families in the City of Danville, 3 families inthe City of Hoopeston, and 1 family in each of thetowns of Rossville, Sidell, Oakwood, Tilton, andGeorgetown. A total of 334 home visits were con-ducted in the year 2017.

At the age of 30 months, children begin a transi-tion process that lasts 6 months. Once a child in theMIECHV program turns 36 months, they are transi-tioned into the Head Start Center-Based program. In2017, seven children were transitioned from theMIECHV program into the Head Start Centers as a con-tinuation of their school- readiness preparation.

MIECHV serves children with all abilities. In 2017,the program served 4 children with Special Needs.Four Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs) were de-veloped and served in collaboration with Easter Seal’sChild and Family Connections, MIECHV parents, Com-

munity Action Staff and other community support sys-tems.

MIECHV Home Visitors work individually with eachfamily to set goals. In 2017, there were 50 new goalsset by families. Goal categories and number of goalsset in each include: Basic Essentials 4 - 8%; Child De-velopment 1 - 2%; Education 4 - 8%; Employment 3 -6%; Health & Medical Care 1 - 2 %; Parenting Behav-ior and Relationships with Children 16 - 32%; Rela-tionships with Family and Friends 3 - 6%;Relationships with service providers 6 - 12%; Other 12- 24%. At the end of 2017 reporting period, 7 goals(14%) had been completed by the families, 39 addi-tional goals (78%) were identified as still in the processof progressing.

MIECHV Home Visitors also provide families withneeded resource referrals. In 2017, a total of 25 refer-rals were made for MIECHV families in the followingareas of Dental Services 6; Early Childhood Interven-tion 1; Mental Health Services 4; Transportation, Li-cense/insurance 1; Tobacco Cessation 1; DomesticViolence Services 1; Other (Food and Clothing Re-sources) 11; and utility bill assistance (LIHEAP) 21 (allfamilies served).

Central Intake: The MIECHV program recruitmentand referral must be conducted through a Coordi-nated Intake (CI) process. This service is provided byAunt Martha’s Clinic in Danville, Illinois. Any customer,who is interested in MIECHV services, must first com-plete an initial intake application with the CoordinatedIntake provider who then refers that family to the ap-propriate MIECHV provider that was identified for thefamily. This Coordinated Intake process differs signifi-cantly from the Early Head Start recruitment and en-rollment process. There lies the significant differencebetween the two Birth to Three home visiting servicesprovided by Community Action.

MIECHV Quality Assurance Review: The annual

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MIECHV children showed an on-going progress wherethey mostly met their school readiness goals. Theschool readiness goals are reviewed with individualfamilies and in-home lesson plans are developed toenhance the attainment rate of each goal. The lackof school readiness attainment is also reviewed to

evaluate the types of professional development homevisitors may require in order to prepare their parentsto engage skillfully with their infants and toddlers.100% of MIECHV age eligible children are transitionedinto the Head Start centers with an upper hand inschool readiness.

MIECHV Program Quality Assurance Reviews wereconducted by the Erikson Institute on July 6 and 7,2017 and by the Illinois Department of Human Serv-ices, Division of Family and Community Services onAugust 2, 2017. There were no findings.

MIECHV CHILDREN’S SCHOOL READINESSPROGRESS: MIECHV provides on-going assessment of

infants, toddlers four times per program year. MIECHVuses the Teaching Strategies Gold On-Going Assess-ment Tool to evaluate the attainment rate of each in-fant’s/toddler’s school readiness skills. Some ofMIECHV’s school readiness outcomes for the programyear 2017 are listed in the following chart:

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headstart andearlyheadstartannualsuMMary

For the past 53 years, East Central Illinois Community Action Agency’s HeadStart Birth to Five Program has guided thousands of children and their familiesthrough early childhood development and family engagement services. TheHead Start Program supports the education, health, mental health, disability,nutrition, family and community support services for children and their fam-ilies. Our goal is to teach and prepare children for kindergarten and assistparents in increasing their self-sufficiency thereby providing a continuum ofcomprehensive services that assist children and their families out of poverty.

The funded enrollment for the Head Start Program is 414 children, andthe funded enrolled for Early Head Start Program is 70 infant, toddlers and/orpregnant women. Each child that is enrolled in the program receives earlychildhood early learning services, developmental, dental, vision, hearing, nu-trition and social emotional screenings. Each parent is offered family-goalsetting, self-sufficiency screenings, leadership opportunities and referral sup-ports to ensure that they are better able to contribute to the well-being oftheir children and community.

As the Head Start Program celebrated 53 years of educational services,the Early Head Start Program entered its 15th year of program operation. TheHead Start and Early Head Start Programs successfully completed four con-tinuous years of Federal Reviews, and the Department of Health and HumanServices, Administrative for Children and Families granted the Early Head Startand Head Start Programs its fifth year of funding of a five year grant cycle.

Both the Head Start and Early Head Start programs surpassed its fundedenrollment goals with a cumulative enrollment of 660 children: (14) pregnantmothers, (118) infant and toddlers and (528) ages 3 to 5 years. In 2017, bothprograms maintained 100% of its funded enrollment with a combined aver-age attendance rate of 82.22% at Head Start and Early Head Start centers.

Children served came from families with diverse racial backgrounds andethnicities. The programs served 11% children from Hispanic/Latino ethnic-ities; and children from the following races: 33% White, 47% African Ameri-can, 7% Bi-racial and .3% Asian.

The Agency used the 2017 Federal Poverty Guidelines to determine theeligibility for participation in Head Start and Early Head Start Programs.Among the Early Head Start and Head Start children and families served: 65%were children whose families had incomes below 100% of the federal povertyline (14% were children whose families were recipients of public assistancesuch as TANF and SSI; 4% were children in foster care, 7% were children whosefamilies were homeless.) Of the remaining number of children served, 6%were from incomes that were between 100% and 130% of the federal povertyline, and 4% were children whose families were classified as “over-income.”

Head Start and Early Head Start programs are required to enroll 10% ofchildren with “special needs.” In 2017, 16% of infants and toddlers and 16%of children ages 3 to 5 years were identified as children with “special needs.”

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Through collaborations with the local school districts,Easter Seals, parents, and other community supportsystems, 11 Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP) and66 Individual Education Plans (IEP) were developed re-sulting in a total of 77 children with diagnosed “specialneeds” being served in Head Start and Early HeadStart.

HEAD START CHILDREN’S GROWTH IN ACADEMICSKILLS: The Agency has the ability to process and doc-ument accurate and reliable data, monitor progressand evaluate the contributing factors that increases

long-term school readiness skills in young children.The Agency has a goal of implementing the Head StartEarly Learning Outcomes Framework, its 20 schoolreadiness goals and aggregated child outcomes topromote long-term school readiness. The program de-termines if its educational goals are being metthrough the use of a research-approved assessmenttool called Work Sampling On-Going Assessment Tool.Below is a list of some of the 2016/2017 fall and springoutcomes for children ages three (3) and four (4) yearsold.

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The Early Head Start Program provides on-going as-sessment of infants and toddlers four times per year.Similar to the Head Start Program, the Agency deter-mines if its educational goals are being met throughthe use of a research-approved assessment tool called

Teaching Strategies Gold On-Going Assessment Tool.A summary of how infants and toddlers gains inschool readiness for the program year 2017 are dis-played below:

The process of collecting, analyzing and aggregatingdata starts at the classroom with each individual child,and it continues at the Head Start management level.The management team uses the Work Sampling On-Going Assessment Tool and the Teaching Strategies

Gold On-Going Assessment Tool to generate reportson groups of children, single or multiple classroomsand ages of children. The Agency serves children whoare dual language learners, children with disabilities,children who are entering school for the first time or

29

children who transitioned into Head Start from theEarly Head Start Program. The program collects andcompares the school readiness of children who are en-rolled in part-day Head Start Services verses childrenwho are enrolled in full day services. The data is usedto monitor, track and compare groups of children sothat the Agency can determine its ability to preparechildren from various groups for school readiness andlong-term academic success.

As a result of child outcome reports and data col-lection, the Agency has petitioned the Office of HeadStart to convert all part-day Head Start sessions intofull day Head Start sessions. The child-outcomes datarevealed that children in full day sessions were gainingmore school readiness skills than children who wereenrolled in part-day sessions. The Office of Head Startin December of 2017 granted the Agency’s request.

The 2017 Early Head Start outcomes are unique asthe children will age into different age groups duringa quarter. After reviewing individual scores of variousinfants and toddlers, the data does show growth in theoutcomes scores between the 4 quarters. Growth ismeasured by groups of children or individual childrenin order to determine ways to increase school readi-ness in infants and toddlers.

Spanish speaking children’s growth in early read-ing, comprehension of the English language showedsome progress. The program will remain to continueto create more growth in the use of vocabulary anduses of the English language.

Head Start promotes healthy habits so that we cansee Healthy growth in children. We promote physicalactive games and play activities; serve fresh fruit andlow-fat milk and serve child size portions to addressthe growing trend of childhood obesity. Partneringwith local Health Providers to ensure that medical anddental health services are available to Head Start en-rolled children is a must. Of the children enrolled inthe Head Start 3 to 5 service, 100% received medicalexams and 100% received dental exams. Of the chil-dren enrolled in the Early Head Start service, 100% re-ceived well-baby exams and 100% received dentalmouth sweeps.

Parents are great leaders in the Head Start Pro-gram. Many parents are volunteers in the classrooms,and/or socialization sessions, attend parent teacherconferences, attend parent education trainings, par-

ticipate in the Policy Council (a voluntary governinggroup in Head Start), and are observers and assessorsin the Head Start Program’s Self-Assessment process.In 2017, our program earned a total of 2,465 Formerand Present Head Start Parents voluntary services re-sulting in a total of 33,063.96 voluntary hours.

The average Head Start teacher has been in theclassroom for 17 years. 100% of the Head Start (3 to5) Center teachers and 75% of the birth to three centerteachers have at least an associate degree. 50% haveleast a bachelor’s degree.

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2017 FAMILY GOAL ATTAINMENT OUTCOMES: Program Option: Early Head StartNumber of EHS Families who participated in Goal Setting: 46Number of EHS Families with documented changes in Goal Attainment: 41Number of Assessments Conducted: 3Assessment #1: End of First Quarter Family Goal Attainment Rate: 85.2%Assessment #2: End of Second Quarter Family Goal Attainment Rate: 88.5%Assessment #3: End of Third Quarter Family Goal Attainment Rate: 90.8%

Program Option: Head StartNumber of HS Families who participated in Goal Setting: 349Number of HS Families with documented changes in Goal Attainment: 337Number of Assessments Conducted: 3Assessment #1: End of First Quarter Family Goal Attainment Rate: 83.1%Assessment #2: End of Second Quarter Family Goal Attainment Rate: 86.5%Assessment #3: End of Third Quarter Family Goal Attainment Rate: 89.2%

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2017 Community Assessment Key Findings:

1. Population Needs and Changes:

The 2017 data shows that Early Head Start and HeadStart families increased in goal attainment in all areas ex-cept Early Head Start families decreased in Safety and

Mental Health/Substance Abuse. These two areas will beexplored via trainings to better equip personnel in serv-ing Early Head Start families in these content areas

The chart above provides evidence of families who areemployed tax payers who are income eligible for CAAservices. There is evidence of increased working fam-ilies who seek CAA’s for full-day, high-quality child careservices that are not easily available or affordable toworking poor families. Head Start and Early Head Startprograms provide such services to the increased num-ber of working poor families. There are no changesin communities as it pertains to pre-kindergarten slotswithin the school districts. Head Start will make thechanges to meet the need of pre-kindergarten slotsfor working families.

2. Agency Satisfaction: The 2017 ECICAA customersurveys reveal satisfaction levels that range between70% to 100% in various areas. Customers are overallmostly satisfied with the services that are provided bythe Agency. Customer satisfaction ratings ranges inthe Agency’s service areas outside of Danville, Illinoisare significantly higher in the “very satisfied” category.

This year, services in the Danville, Illinois area receivedrating levels which ranged from 70% to 93%. Thisyear’s “very satisfied” category ratings were slightlylower in the Danville area when compared to formerprogram years. The Agency will analyze the reasonsfor the Danville area satisfaction ratings and provideprofessional development in telephone customerservice engagement. As a side note, the volume oftelephone calls received in the Danville area is signifi-cantly higher than other areas in this survey. Duringthe energy bill assistance peak periods, customers inthe Danville area endure a longer wait for telephoneservice due to the high volumes of calls in the Danvillearea.

3. Agency Familiarity/Marketing: The data revealsthat Energy Bill Assistance and Head Start Birth to Fiveservices are mostly recognized by customers in allcounties. Although customers are frequent recipientsof other Agency services, many did not identify the

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other listed services that they may have been recipi-ents of. The data reveals that customers learn aboutCAA services though: “Family and Friends” most pop-ular venue; Flyers/Posters, second popular venue; andthe Agency website and newspapers, third popularvenue depending on the service area. Facebookusage is listed as the third popular venue for informa-tion in the Westville and Ford County service areas.

4. Top Five Needed Services: In the peak month ofMarch 2017, where most counties experience job in-creases, unemployment in Vermilion, Ford and Iro-quois Counties service areas remain higher than theState of Illinois and the United States’ National aver-ages. Thirty miles west of Danville, Illinois is the Cham-paign County area with a 2% lower unemploymentrate. Vermilion, Ford and Iroquois Counties’ unem-ployment rate along with low education attainment(page 13), graduation (page 17), and high childpoverty rates (page 6) are contributing factors thatjeopardizes all three counties’ well-being. The March2017’s Department of Labor’s unemployment rateslisted in the above chart provides clear evidence ofVermilion, Ford and Iroquois Counties’ employmentdisparities. The need for job skills, adult education as-sistance programs and high quality child-care educa-tion services for children and families in all threecounties is imperative. Respondents were asked toidentify what services that are needed in the commu-nity. The top five services whereby assistance isneeded includes: finding jobs (41%); utilities (44%);recreation for youth (34%); housing/rental (35%); and,emergency (35%).

Federal Review/ Comprehensive Monitoring Out-comes: The Office of Head Start conducts a compre-hensive assessment of all Head Start and Early HeadStart services during the second and third year of theprogram’s five-year funding cycle. At the end of 2017,

the Agency received six comprehensive reviews in thefollowing areas:(1) Fiscal Integrity - No Findings Issued.(2) Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment and

Attendance (ERSEA) - No Findings Issued.(3) Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS):

Classroom teams were issued “classroom quality” ratings from 1 (Low Quality) to 7 (High Quality) oneach type of classroom quality. CLASS Scores issued: Emotional Support- 5.8618; Classroom Organization: 5.4474; Instructional Support: 2.5351

(4) Safe Environment Assessment: No Findings Issued.

(5) Health- (1) Finding issued regarding Medication Administration practices. Immediate procedures were implemented to correct the completion of Medication Administration forms and practices.

(6) Governance: No Finding Issued.(7) Education (School Readiness): No Findings Issued.

During the Agency’s most recent financial audit, two(2) findings were issued: (1) internal control over thegeneral ledger recording and (2) internal control overthe recording of in kind. ECICAA had adequate in-kindto meet the required match amount. Immediate pro-cedures were implemented to provide internal controlover the general ledger recording and monitoring ofin-kind data entry errors.

East Central’s Head Start and Early Head Start serv-ices have made significant investments in moving ourchildren and their families forward to support chil-dren’s learning and development. We have estab-lished school readiness goals, assessed children’s andparents’ progress towards meeting the goals and gain-ing self-sufficiency. We have implemented key strate-gies for achieving these goals and engaged parentsand the community to support their children’s growth.

Shaping theFuture Together

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Head Start 8/1/2016 to 8/31/2017 Actual Budget Variance vs Budget

Revenue

Federal Non-USDA Grant Revenue 4,323,180 4,323,180 0 0.00%

Federal USDA Grant Revenue 266,442 250,000 16,442 6.58%

State Grant Revenue 0 0 0

Misc Revenue 7,102 0 7,102

Non-Cash In-Kind Grant Revenue 1,091,227 1,010,778 80,449 7.96%

Total Grant Revenue 5,687,951 5,583,958 103,993 1.86%

Expenses

Program Services 4,974,191 4,892,549 81,642 1.67%

Management and General 715,462 691,409 24,053 3.48%

Total Expenses 5,689,653 5,583,958 105,695 1.89%

Change in New Assets (1,702) 0 (1,702)

2017 Head Start Public and Private Funds and Budgetary Expenditures

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East Central Illinois Community Action Agency employeesare a dynamic team of 105 Community Action profession-als. The Agency understands the importance of creatingand working within a culture that utilizes informative andsummative data to inform and improve delivery of servicesto children and adults in Ford, Iroquois and Vermilion coun-ties.

The Agency’s ability to empower families in a tri-county community is maximized by hiring highly qualifiedprofessionals. Most team members have earned multiplepost-secondary degrees and certifications. The followingstatistics reflect the highest earned degree by employees:Doctoral 1, Masters 7; Bachelors 27, Associates 38. A num-ber of team members have also attained State certificationand credentialing areas: Superintendent, Principal, Assis-tant Principal, Teacher, Child Development Associate, Fam-ily and Community Development, and HomeownershipEducator. Community Action personnel are comprised ofmulti-disciplined and analytic teams who are able to useresearch-based information about children, families, andservice communities to guide local planning and programmanagement. All of the Agency’s Head Start sites use datawalls to monitor and share disaggregated attendance andacademic student performance results with parents andother community stakeholders.

Community Action celebrates a diverse workforce thatreflects the communities it serves. Dedicated employeesrepresent a cross-section of Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilioncounties with respect to gender, race, ethnicity, age, andother rich examples of diversity. This wealth of diversity af-fords Community Action a unique perspective to relate toeach customer who walks into the door. Nearly 10% of thetri-county staff members speak two or more languages.This additional example of diversity further expands theAgency’s capacity to serve a greater number of citizensthroughout its three county service area.

Strategic planning, professional development, andcommunication are three key components to establishingand maintaining high levels of grant management, deliv-ery of services, and communication. Rigorous pursuit oflocal, regional and national professional development hasbeen based upon furthering the Agency’s Strategic Plan.Communication among internal and external customers isparamount to delivery of quality services, providing a su-

perior experience for customers, strengthening commu-nity partnerships, and expanding the Agency’s capacity toserve its community.

The 2018 ECICAA customer surveys reveal that cus-tomers throughout the Tri-County service area are 86.3%very satisfied with the Agency’s services. Customers areoverall satisfied with the services that are provided by theAgency.

Customer satisfaction is vital for continuous improve-ment. Annual customer satisfaction surveys were con-ducted in Ford, Iroquois and Vermilion counties. Thefollowing 2018 outcomes were documented: the Agencyattained an overall Customer Service Satisfaction Rate of86%; Customer Telephone Satisfaction Rate of 85%; Cus-tomer Care and Shown Compassion Rate of 95%; and anEmployee Responsiveness to Customers’ Needs Rate of93%. Note: between 2016 and 2017 extensive changeshave been made to improve answering incoming calls, re-turning calls, appointment scheduling, phone automation,responsiveness to customer needs as well as friendlinessto provide the best experience possible to our customers.

Community Action team members are on the frontlineof change. Head Start Teachers, Family Advocates, Home-Base Teachers, Family Community Development (FCD)Specialists, and Financial Fitness Coaches work with citi-zens to develop personal goals that will lead them to eco-nomic self-sufficiency. These goals are usually focused onworking toward continued education, earning advancedemployment, acquiring improved affordable housing andpurchasing reliable transportation. These are the top goalsthat seem to permeate for Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilionresidents. Team members who are working directly withindividuals, children and families each day have the oppor-tunity to be a catalyst for change and empowerment.

Our team continuously works to remove societal bar-riers and replace discouragement with beneficial informa-tion and resources. In partnership with local schooldistricts, institutions of higher education, other not-for-profit partners, political, civic, and industry leaders, ourAgency assists individuals and families in moving forwardtoward economic self-sufficiency. As each family movesforward, our entire community is strengthened. Togetherwe succeed!

organizational profile

our storyCommunity Action (CA) was the1964 brain child of Dr. W. D. Hen-derson and Reverend HershelHughes. In 1956, Dr. Hendersonand Rev. Hughes determined thefirst goal of CA was to establishearly childhood Head Start cen-ters. These preschool educationcenters would provide opportu-nities for the nearly 58% of Ver-milion county parents who didnot have a high school diplomato return to school to completetheir education. By 1966, HeadStart children began receivingmedical and dental screenings; ayouth work study programbegan along with additionaladult educational programming.As CA continued to grow, legalaid services and home manage-ment programs were created incollaboration with the DanvilleArea Community College. By1968, CA began employing VISTAworkers; a meals-on-wheels pro-gram was started in partnershipwith the YMCA. The UpwardBound youth summer servicesand senior citizen health pro-gram were set up to address themedical needs of the elderly. CAagain partnered with the DACCto provide job training under theComprehensive EmploymentTraining Act. CA has continued togrow and evolve based on theneeds of the community.

foundersRev. Herschel Hughes and Dr. W. G. D. Henderson

Charter Board MeMBers

Dr. W. G. D. Henderson — ChairpersonUta Lee — Secretary

Joseph Payne

exeCutive direCtors

Rev. Herschel Hughes — 1966 - 1968

Lewis Morris — 1968

Jerry Robinson — 1968 -1971

John Russian — 1971 - 1972

Leslie Lucas — 1972

Mark Reynolds — 1972 - 1977

Shirley Findley (Interim Director) — 1977

Rev. Harold Wilkes — 1977

Otis E. Hillsman — 1977 - 1986

Dwight A. Lucas (CEO) — 1986 - 2013

Laura T. Brooks (Interim CEO) — 2013 - 2014

Dr. Angéle Thibodeaux Burns (CEO) — 2014 to Present

Bertha Williams

Dr. David Radcliff

Dr. Fred Crockett

Ola Mae Ford

Mary Ann Diller

Mrs. John Morton-James

Frank McGough

Mrs. Herbert Harper

Ernest Dill

Bertella McDougal

Ann Stifler

Clara Herring

R. F. Fitzgerald

Major Ellis Bruns

Rev. Otis Wheeler

Dr. W. Robert Elghammer

Mr. Albert “Pete” Derrickson

Louis Lowenstein

Virginia Merriweather

Nate Render

Mrs. Paul Donaldson

Jacqueline Miller

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Shaping theFuture Together

Shaping theFuture Together

eMeritus governingBoard of direCtors

Dr. W. G. G. Henderson — 2001

Otis E. Hillsman — 2001

Mary Alice Buchanan — 2001

Margaret “Marcy” Mauck — 2002

José Velazquez — 2003

Eugene B. Thompson — 2004

Reverend H. L. Reed — 2006

Mrs. Ivadale Foster — 2016 (Posthumously)

East Central Illinois Community Action Agency

East Central Illinois Community Action Agency is a private 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Charitablecontributions in support of the Agency’s mission are always appreciated and tax-deductible.

56 North Vermilion Street | Danville IL 61832 | Telephone (217) 554-9100 | Facsimile (217) 431-0725

www.comaction.org