Social Services

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

Cobb Memorial Scholarship Awarded to Three Students

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 […]

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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WIRC Awards Scholarships to Three Promising College Students

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

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Self-care Workshop Open to Families and Individuals Who Survived Abuse

Self-care techniques are an important part of the healing process for survivors of all ages. It is an unfortunate reality that children can be affected by domestic and sexual violence in western Illinois.  A local nonprofit counseling and advocacy center, Western Illinois Regional Council-Community Action Agency (WIRC-CAA) Victim Services, has had success hosting self-care workshops

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Deadline to Apply for Energy Bill Assistance is May 31

People who need help with paying their home energy bills may be able to get help from a nonprofit program, but they have a limited time to apply. Western Illinois Regional Council (WIRC) is one of many community action agencies around the United States that offers the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to income

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A woman is holding cardboard coffee cup sleeves that spread the message of believing survivors of abuse.

Local Nonprofit Guides Public to Start by Believing Survivors of Abuse

When a person tells someone they were abused, it can be a stressful and uncertain experience for both parties. The person disclosing often worries if they will be believed, or if the person they are telling will have a negative reaction. On the other side, the person who is being told may not be certain

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Three men of the WIRC Weatherization team are holding two awards.

WIRC’s Weatherization Team Wins Awards

(Macomb, Illinois, February 27, 2023) – Western Illinois Regional Council’s (WIRC) Weatherization Team was recently recognized state-wide for their efficiency and timeliness in completing projects. The nonprofit department received “Most Improved” and “Top Performer” awards by the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program. WIRC Weatherization Assistant Coordinator Chase Gaumer accepted the awards on behalf of the

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A group of people are busy sorting gifts for children. There are many carts filled to the top with toys and gifts throughout the room.

Supporters Donate Over $42,000; Help Over 525 Children Through Project Santa

Thanks to generous donations and support from the public, over 525 children received gifts, food and clothing during the holiday season through Western Illinois Regional Council’s (WIRC) Project Santa program. WIRC officials say the program’s success was due to toy and coat drives, fundraisers, monetary donations, donations of blankets and winter wear, sponsors, and people

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