Dear Orland Township Resident,
The Orland Township General Assistance department offers financial support options to help seniors and local families feeling the pinch from the tax increases recently enacted by the Village of Orland Park, which is a completely separate entity from the Township, where we pride ourselves on living within our means and not adding to the burden on taxpayers.
Even a modest rise in household costs can create serious financial stress for individuals living on a fixed income. Community members already face higher prices on food and other groceries, water, energy and housing. Those residing in Orland Park must now also find a way to pay for the village’s higher sales tax and its higher taxes on ComEd and Nicor bills.
While we wish the Village of Orland Park had decided not to raise taxes, we at Orland Township stand ready to help by offering a range of assistance for seniors and other residents no matter where in the Township they live. Emergency Assistance, available once within a 24-month period, alleviates a life-threatening circumstance or covers a work-related expense necessary to obtain or maintain employment. General Assistance provides temporary support to pay for basic necessities like rent, utilities, food and cleaning supplies until a resident obtains employment or begins receiving income from Social Security, disability, unemployment or other public aid programs.
Contact the Township’s General Assistance office at (708) 403-4222 if you’d like to learn more. We understand it can be difficult to seek financial assistance, but please don’t let pride get in the way of asking for help. Rest assured that Orland Township will keep your identity and other personal information confidential. If you know someone who might need a hand, please let them know about these options and urge them to call us.
Return of Orland Township Youth Commission: Orland Township is dedicated to helping young men and women become motivated and responsible young adults. We are excited to revive the Orland Township Youth Commission, a service group that encourages local youth to help others while teaching them essential life skills.
Participants may earn service hours while volunteering with community projects, fundraising, or participating in seasonal recreational activities. The OTYC was actively involved in helping ensure the success of the Township’s Holiday Program last December. In June, we brought the group together for a fun summer picnic including food trucks, games and prizes.
Planning for future OTYC meetings and events is underway. To learn more about the OTYC, and how your child might earn community service hours, contact Gina Chigaros at (708) 403-4222 or ginac@orlandtownship.org.
Working for You: We hope that you and your family and friends are enjoying this summer. We invite you to peruse this edition of Focus or visit orlandtownship.org to learn more about programs, services and events aimed at enriching the quality of life for local residents. If you have questions or suggestions for how we may better serve you, please call us at (708) 403-4222.
We’re your Township, and we’re working for you.
Sincerely,
Paul O’Grady