Community Services previews outreach expansion, requests more 2-1-1 funding; small-grant portal open with April 4 deadline

DuPage County Community Services presented a summary of 2024 outreach activity, outlined a 2025 outreach plan that emphasizes targeted events and “creative outreach” in high-need areas, and requested increased state funding for the 2-1-1 helpline during upcoming advocacy events.

Brett Kuras, communications specialist for DuPage County Community Services, told the Human Services Committee that staff attended 164 outreach events in fiscal 2024 and reported face-to-face interactions with 6,812 people; the department’s 2025 goal is to increase outreach contacts and 2-1-1 call volume. Kuras described using GIS mapping, 2-1-1 call data and the Impact DuPage Health Equity Index to prioritize outreach in under-served areas such as Wood Dale and Warrenville. He also said the department plans to do creative outreach at libraries, laundromats and other high-traffic sites in warmer months.

Mary Keating raised the issue of state funding for 2-1-1. Keating said the county currently received $57,000 from the state in the current year and that ARPA funding supporting the county outreach position will end, so the county is seeking sustained state funding. When asked what statewide funding would look like, Keating said on the record, “$55,000,000 to cover the state.” The committee discussed advocacy materials and a letter to the state senate leader; Chair Sworsey signed a letter supporting additional 2-1-1 funding to be used in upcoming advocacy days.

Committee members also received updates about local initiatives: the Northern Illinois Food Bank will present at the next meeting about the county produce program that expires in June, and staff confirmed the small community grant portal is open and that news releases were sent to mayors, managers and municipal communicators. Committee members asked for a follow-up on which districts submit grants; staff said they will provide an update at a future meeting. The committee recorded the following formal vote earlier in the meeting: approval of FIR 4,425, an additional appropriation for the 2-1-1 Illinois program grant for program year 2025 in the amount of $44,972.

Brett Kuras asked members to share local event leads and said he will coordinate outreach materials; staff provided an email contact (brett.kuras@tupagecalmic.com) for committee members to share event information.