2023

Brightly colored t-shirts are hanging from a clothesline. Each shirt is designed with a different message drawn by a survivor of abuse or in memory of someone.

Activities Planned for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Crisis Advocacy, Social Services /

Chances are high that everyone knows at least one person who has been impacted by domestic violence. That is one of many reasons why nonprofit counseling and advocacy organizations increase their awareness efforts during the month of October, which is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Victim Services, a program of Western Illinois Regional Council-Community Action […]

Activities Planned for Domestic Violence Awareness Month Read More »

Press Release: WIRC Resumes 2023 Energy Assistance Program

WIRC Resumes Energy Assistance Program

Energy Assistance, Social Services /

A local nonprofit organization, Western Illinois Regional Council-Community Action Agency (WIRC-CAA), is pleased to announce they will soon resume taking applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The federal program helps eligible households with paying their winter home energy bills, reconnecting their electrical and heating utilities, and/or with repairing or replacing their

WIRC Resumes Energy Assistance Program Read More »

Jeightlin Sickels receives a $5,000 scholarship to attend college thanks to the Nathan Cobb Memorial Scholarship.

Cobb Memorial Scholarship Awarded to Three Students

Scholarships, Social Services /

Gwen Kahlke, Jeightlin Sickels and John Reynolds were each awarded $5,000 for college through the Nathan Cobb Memorial Scholarship. [Photos by WIRC]. Three McDonough County college students are now one step closer to finishing their degrees thanks to the Nathan Cobb Memorial Scholarship. Jeightlin Sickels, John Reynolds and Gwen Kahlke each received $5,000 that can

Cobb Memorial Scholarship Awarded to Three Students Read More »

Brittany Driskell smiles in front of a colorful quilt that includes artwork designed by survivors of abuse.

Driskell Takes on Leadership Role at Victim Services

Crisis Advocacy, Crisis Counseling, Employee Spotlight /

Western Illinois Regional Council-Community Action Agency (WIRC-CAA) is pleased to announce that Brittany Driskell has been promoted to the position of Associate Director of Victim Services. Driskell is filling the shoes of Alisha Eidson, who stepped down from the role to pursue her dream job of working more directly in the children’s counseling field. Driskell’s

Driskell Takes on Leadership Role at Victim Services Read More »

A woman is smiling as she rides an electric tricycle that has a large basket on the back for her groceries.

WIRC DEBUTS A NEW BICYCLE PROGRAM

Community Services, Social Services /

In rural areas like western Illinois, where many households own a car and public transportation options are uncommon, people who cannot drive or afford a car often struggle with accessing everyday services. Lower-income and elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable to falling through the cracks. Western Illinois Regional Council (WIRC), a nonprofit, is pleased to announce

WIRC DEBUTS A NEW BICYCLE PROGRAM Read More »

Five people are standing and smiling, with the person in the middle holding an award certificate in a gold frame.

WEATHERIZATION TEAM AT WIRC GETS STATE-WIDE ACCOLADES

Employee Spotlight, Home Weatherization, Social Services /

The Weatherization department at Western Illinois Regional Council (WIRC) was recently recognized with an Exceptional Performance Award.  The award, given by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), recognizes WIRC’s outstanding accomplishments in serving communities in Hancock, Henderson, Fulton, Knox, McDonough, and Warren counties. Despite only having a five-person team, WIRC’s Weatherization department

WEATHERIZATION TEAM AT WIRC GETS STATE-WIDE ACCOLADES Read More »

WIRC Awards Scholarships to Three Promising College Students

Scholarships, Social Services /

Three talented college students were recently awarded scholarships by Western Illinois Regional Council (WIRC). Summer Ramsey, Karli Strom, and Faith George were each awarded $2,000 that will be used to pay for their books, fees and/or tuition at their chosen colleges. The WIRC scholarship program aims to help qualifying students with paying for college or

WIRC Awards Scholarships to Three Promising College Students Read More »

The Bondi Building in Galesburg is a multi-story brick building with many windows located in downtown Galesburg.

Nonprofit Organization WIRC Plans to Add Office in Galesburg

Agency Update /

A western Illinois nonprofit is expanding their office locations into Knox County by adding an office in downtown Galesburg. Western Illinois Regional Council (WIRC), based in Macomb, has managed social service programs and community development projects for years in multiple western Illinois counties, including Knox. WIRC officials say the Galesburg office will be located on

Nonprofit Organization WIRC Plans to Add Office in Galesburg Read More »

Nonprofit in Critical Need of Contractors

Community Development /

Nonprofits like Western Illinois Regional Council (WIRC) frequently work with area contractors to complete home rehabilitation projects to help people in need. These projects help lower-income individuals with making repairs or improvements they otherwise would not be able to afford such as fixing electrical code issues, installing wheelchair ramps, window replacements, or widening doorways for

Nonprofit in Critical Need of Contractors Read More »