Local Resources
This is a small collection of links to resources related to the Zion area. Many additional resources can be located by including the keyword Zion in a standard search engine query. For instance, typing ‘hospital Zion’ in a Google search returns the websites, phone numbers, and driving directions for the nearby hospitals in Zion.
Covid-19
Latest Lake County COVID-19 Updates.
Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 and unemployment benefits
Registration for COVID-19 Vaccine through Lake County
Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program through Lake County.
Vaccine Resources
Find a Vaccine Site in Lake County.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Vaccine – Clinical data, general vaccine safety information, and the CDC’s COVID-19 data tracker are all available from this easy-to-use website.
Food and Drug Administration COVID-19 Vaccine Information – Information on the approval process for COVID-19 vaccines, including a breakdown of both currently available vaccines.
Health Department & Community Health Center, Lake County, Illinois COVID-19 Information – Vaccine information and the official link to the Lake County AllVax portal to register for vaccine notification when appointments are available. COVID testing and local health services information is also available here.
Illinois Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Information – Vaccination phases and eligibility are explained, along with FAQs about vaccine distribution statewide.
Vaccine Finder – Operated by epidemiologists and software developers at Boston Children’s Hospital, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control, Harvard Medical School, and Castlight, this is a free, online service where users can search for locations that offer vaccinations.
General Resources
211: 211 is a free service provide by the United Way of Lake County that can help you with anything from looking for a job, to finding housing, to paying utilities. Consider it a one stop shot for a plethora of your needs. Be sure to check out their website or give them a call or text at 211!
Zion Township: Zion Township is a Government Agency that provides Zion residents with resources that you need to get back on your feet.
Illinois Department of Family Services (DCFS): Providing health & safety tips for children. Preventing child abuse and neglect. Protecting children from domestic violence. Runaway, missing kids, adoption, foster care, grandparents and older caregiver raising children services.
Illinois Department of Human Services: Information about SNAP (Food Stamps), Medical Card, TANF (Cash Assistance), emergency food and shelter, childcare assistance programs and more.
Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO): SWALCO’s goal is to provide Lake County residents with the programs and infrastructure necessary to divert as much material from final disposal as possible. They have many programs available to help residents properly dispose of items including textiles, prescription drugs, electronic devices, household hazardous waste, and more.
Closest Prescription and Over the Counter Drug Drop off Location 24/7: Zion Police Department 2101 Salem Blvd, Zion, IL 60099
Electronic Recycling Year-Round Drop off Locations: Lake County Residents can drop off acceptable electronic devices to be properly recycled and kept out of our landfills at any of these locations.
Free Home Energy Assessment for ComEd Customers: ComEd Customers can request a Free Home Energy Assessment of their home and check eligibility for free and discounted energy saving opportunities such as replacing all lightbulbs with LED bulbs, upgrading old thermostats, upgrading shower heads, and more.
Specific Lake County Resources
LGBTQ+ Center Lake County: The LGBTQ+ Center Lake County is an open and affirming environment for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. They provide support, education, resources, and advocacy to achieve a stronger and healthier world for LGBTQIA+ people and allies.
Mano a Mano Family Resource Center: Immigrant serving agency in Lake County for health resources and services, educational classes and workshops, and immigration legal services.
Hispanic American Community Education and Services (HACES): HACES is a not for profit immigrant service organization that ensures that every immigrant that walks through its doors gets accurate and useful information that enables them to build successful lives. HACES helps adults and children to obtain their Legal Permanent Residency Status and their Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status and work permits.
Zachariah Center: The Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center is a place where survivors of sexual assault and abuse can heal, and to mobilize the community toward action to end sexual violence.
A Safe Place: A Safe Place is the sole provider of services exclusively addressing domestic violence and human trafficking in Lake County, Illinois. Through multi-faceted programs they assist victims in transforming their lives after violence, prevent future abuse by addressing its root cause through abuser intervention programs, and educate the community about domestic violence and human trafficking and how we can all be involved in ending them.
Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center: The LCCAC provides a safe environment for child victims of sexual and physical abuse. In addition they provide general information for community members regarding child abuse to raise awareness.
Mental Health Resources
Al-Anon: Al‑Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. You can find virtual support meeting through their website.
CYN Counseling Center: The CYN Counseling Center is a non-profit comprehensive community based counseling center based in Grayslake that offers a sliding scale as well as free services to those who qualify. CYN also takes select insurance providers. CYN offers individual counseling, group counseling, school based services, Therapeutic Mentoring, Intact Families Program, Crisis Intervention, Safe Youth/Safer Lake County Services, Lifespan Employee Assistance, and more!
Northern Illinois Recovery Community Organization: NIRCO provides recovery best practices to reduce the stigma of addiction and mental health. NIRCO offers recovery support services, all recovery support meetings, and recovery education to individuals and families.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 24-Hour Support Line: 988 OR 1-800-273-8255. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
Nicasa: Nicasa is a non-profit behavioral healh services organization for children, adults, and families in Lake County and northern Illinois. They have eight Lake County locations and are able to provide services to those in need regardless of race, age, gender, or economic status in English, Spanish, Polish, and Russian.
Trans Lifeline: 24-Hour Support Line: (877) 565-8860. The Trans Lifeline offers direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.
Employment and Small Business Assistance
JobNow by Brainfuse: JobNow is a free resource provided by your ZBPL. Through JobNow you are able to connect with live interview, resume, and job coaches. In addition, they offer assistance in applying for unemployment and help looking for jobs in your area. JobNow also offers a skills lab for you to explore and add to your skill set to make you more desirable for employers. ZB Library Card Required
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity: Many helpful resources for small businesses throughout the State of Illinois with these helpful links regarding COVID 19 resources for small businesses
Illinois Department of Employment Security : File online for unemployment benefits
IL District office of the U.S. SBA: Illinois based help for businesses
Illinois Legal Aid Online / Getting Unemployment Benefits: A website which explains unemployment rights during the pandemic.
Job Center of Lake County : Local help with resumes, job search, and career transition.
Lake County Partners: Focused on workforce and financing development for Lake County, IL.
U.S. Small Business Administration: Small business guidance and loan resources to endure the pandemic.
Financial Assistance and Programs
Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (FERA): If you pay rent in Lake County and have experienced a COVID-related financial hardship, you can get help paying your rent or utility bills.
Lake County Housing Authority: Low income housing assistance, section 8 choice voucher program, and family self-sufficiency program
Love INC of Lake County: Provides clothing, furniture, household items, car repair, and financial counseling. Must obtain referral from your Township or other participating Social Service Agency.
Citizenship Resources
myUSCIS: Find up-to-date information about the application process for immigration benefits, tools to help you prepare for naturalization, and resources to find citizenship preparation classes and doctors in your community.
Housing and Shelter
The Lake County Haven: Lake County Haven is a social-service agency dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless women and children. The Haven located in downtown Libertyville provides a wide range of resources to women experiencing homelessness.
National Runaway Safeline: 24-Hour Support Line: (800) 786-2929. Serves as the national communication system for runaway and homeless youth.
PADS Lake County: PADS Lake County is a community-based organization that Provides Advocacy, Dignity & Shelter to individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis.
Food Assistance
Abiding Love Food Pantry: Serving the families of Zion, Beach Park, Winthrop Harbor, and Wadsworth.
The Giving Point: A non profit food pantry that accepts donations.
Northern Illinois Food Bank: A great resource for other Food Pantries and Food Banks in our area. Their goal is to provide nutritious food and resources to everyone in Northern Illinois.
St. Patrick’s Church: Each week boxes of food are prepared and distributed out of the Parish Office garage to families in need.
Keeping Families Covered: Provides free disposable diapers and period supplies to families who are struggling to afford them. 4 locations are available– Gurnee, Waukegan, Grayslake, Highwood. Families must register in advance via website.
Veterans Assistance
Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County: All services are offered pro bono, or at no charge to the Veteran. Veterans and their families will never be charged a fee or asked for payment, even for the most intensive claims representation.