Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Incorporated
CEDA Mission Statement:
To work in partnership with communities to empower families and individuals to achieve self-sufficiency and improve their quality of life.
Community Action Promise:
Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live.
We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.
Media Inquiries:
Jason Maymon
Mobile: (312) 890-3683
jmaymon@cedaorg.net
Marsha A. Belcher
Director, Marketing and Resource Development
Mobile: (312) 523-5657
mediainquiry@cedaorg.net
Chicago, Ill. (March 31, 2010) — The United Way and the Community & Economic Development Association (CEDA) of Cook County will host a free and public summit beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, April 16 at the LaGrange Village Hall. The summit will focus on the issues facing the health and human services sector this coming year. Along with a panel discussion featuring The Honorable Lisa Hernandez, Representative of Illinois’ 24th District, and The Honorable Christine Radogno, Senator of Illinois’ 41st District, roundtable discussions and breakout sessions allowing attendees to share insights into measures keeping community programs viable.
Mayor Richard M. Daley said today the City will contribute up to $1 million to help create a new “Energy Action Network” pilot program to expand winter heating assistance services in neighborhoods and encourage residents and businesses to save money through energy efficiency.
CHICAGO – (Sept. 22, 2009) – The Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc. (CEDA) is encouraging seniors and persons living with disabilities to get assistance with their home energy bills before the cold weather arrives. CEDA wants to ensure that homes occupied by the elderly and disabled are safe and warm in time for winter.
COOK COUNTY, IL—(Sept. 21, 2009)—Residents living in suburban Cook County on the verge of foreclosure or eviction can receive mortgage and rental payment assistance through the CEDA/United Way: Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EF &SP). CEDA has some $250,000 in funding still available to help homeowners and renters with one-time payments toward delinquent mortgages and past-due rent.
CHICAGO—(Oct. 30, 2008) Residents at the historic Altenheim Apartments, an independent living complex for seniors, in Forest Park, are prepared to face extreme temperatures this winter due to energy conservation upgrades provided by CEDA and ComEd. This year, ComEd provided a grant to the Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP), resulting in more than $90,000 invested in weatherizing work.
CHICAGO – (Oct. 10, 2008) – Concerned about rising energy costs this winter, more than 75,000 households throughout Cook County have applied for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) just over a month after the priority enrollment period began.
Media Advisory - CEDA Teams with Utility Companies Host Energy Awareness and Assistance Fair For South Suburban Residents (PDF 15.74 KB)
Media Advisory - U.S. Rep. Rush to host annual One Stop Utility Assistance Day for Chicago residents (PDF 12.12 KB)
CHICAGO – (Oct. 7, 2008) – In a effort to ensure Illinois’ most at-risk youth are given the best chances of functioning in normal family-oriented environments, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and CEDA Head Start, will announce a joint collaborative agreement that will align two of the state’s largest family services programs into one full-service-referral-style operation. Officials from the DCFS and CEDA Head Start will sign a joint agreement Thursday, Oct. 9, at 10 a.m. in the Energy Conference Room of CEDA’s headquarters, located at 208 S. LaSalle Suite 2010.
CEDA RECOGNIZES ‘HUNGER ACTION MONTH’ AS DEMAND FOR BASIC FOOD SUPPLIES INCREASE
September 4, 2008
CHICAGO—(Sept. 4, 2008) - People from as far as Florida were in Chicago last Thursday to attend the Community Action Partnership (CAP) conference and join the Community Economic Development Association of Cook County’s (CEDA) “Will Run for Food” 3k Walk/Run event in recognition of “Hunger Action Month.” The event was CEDA’s effort to help raise awareness about the dire need to donate money and perishable food products to local food banks. More than 140 people ran, walked and jogged along Lake Shore Drive to show support for organizations like CEDA that provide free basic foods to people in need.
August 20, 2008 NEW YORK--(Business Wire)-- Perf Go Green Holdings, Inc. ("Perf Go Green") (OTCBB: PGOG, www.perfgogreen.com), a marketer and distributor of biodegradable plastics, announced today that approximately 5,000 boxes of the company's new 13 gallon tall kitchen trash bags have been successfully delivered to the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc. (CEDA).
June 9, 2008
NEW YORK, June 9, 2008 - Perf Go Green Holdings, Inc. (“Perf Go Green”) (OTCBB: PGOG, www.perfgogreen.com), a marketer and distributor of biodegradable plastics, announced today that the company's new 13 gallon tall kitchen trash bags will be included in energy conservation kits for low-income families provided by the Community Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc. (CEDA). CEDA is the nation’s largest community action agency and the second largest not-for-profit organization in Cook County. This is the first non-profit partnership for Perf Go Green.
Lakeside Bank Presents FREE Concerts in the Park
May 15, 2008
Lakeside Bank is pleased to present VanderCook College of Music's Graduate Concert Band at two special outdoor concerts in July: Tuesday, July 1st at the Women's Park and Gardens behind the Clarke House Museum, 1827 S. Indiana, and on Tuesday, July 15th at Wrightwood Park, 2534 N. Greenview Ave. Both concerts start at 7 PM. Proceeds of the concerts will benefit Community Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc. (CEDA).
USG Corporation Continues to Partner with CEDA for the Holiday Adopt-A-Family Program
December 21, 2007
For the second year in a row, USG Corporation has partnered with CEDA to brighten the holidays of Chicagoland families most in need. Through their Adopt-A-Family program this year, USG Corporation employees have generously donated over $10,000 worth of gifts to 196 Suburban Cook County residents.
Comcast presents $75,000 Foundation Grant for Expansion of Computer Center in Robbins
November 20, 2007
Comcast, a partner of the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA), donated $75,000 to help CEDA Southeast fund its expansion of a Community Computer Center at 3518 West 139th Street in Robbins, IL.
CEDA helps West Rogers Park family prepare for winter with free Weatherization Day demonstration
October 30, 2007
The Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County Inc., performed a free weatherization demonstration today at the home of a West Rogers Park family. CEDA experts assessed the home for air leaks, checked the furnace and hot water heater, air vents and insulation on the three-story town home, aiming to make this winter less threatening for Sharon Osinaike-Gray and her family.
Read More (PDF 110.21 KB)
Suburban leaders meet to discuss foreclosure crisis
October 25, 2007
Suburban housing leaders met at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago today to begin a community-wide dialogue on the sub-prime lending crisis that has many fearing economic ruin. Read More (PDF 109.47 KB) CEDA offers new technology to bridge digital Divide October 18, 2007 CEDA president to explain benefits of Wi-Max at Southland Expo Robert Wharton, the president and CEO of the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, will address South Suburban business leaders on expanding Internet technology to bridge the digital divide.
$4 million in low-interest loans ready for Cook County small businesses
September 19, 2007
Loan program to help firms expand, find jobs Cook County's small business owners looking to expand can participate in the low-interest loan program offered by the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc. Read More (PDF 38.09 KB) WaMu helps CEDA build affordable housing plan September 18, 2007 Premier sponsor of 2008 fundraiser presents check to CEDA board Washington Mutual, a long-time partner of the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc. (CEDA) donated $65,000 today to help CEDA fund its community development, financial education and affordable housing initiatives.
ComEd, CEDA Partner with Southside Church to Host Rate Relief Fair
August 13, 2007
ComEd and the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc. (CEDA) have partnered with Pastor Charles Jenkins to host a Rate Relief and Assistance Initiative fair on August 23 from 6 - 8 p.m. ComEd customers may apply for bill credits and other forms of assistance at this free event held at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, 45th Place and Princeton Ave. in Chicago.
CEDA Celebrates Return of Nutritious Summertime Meals for Needy Cicero Youngsters
August 2, 2007
Program feeds 200 low-income children daily at park district site. Cicero Town Manager Larry Dominick and State Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez joined Robert L. Wharton, President and CEO of the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA) in feeding hundreds of low-income children at Clyde Park.
2007 Keep Cool Illinois Campaign to help families stay safe, healthy and cool this summer
June 14 , 2007
Blagojevich Administration Officials Launch 2007 Keep Cool Illinois Campaign to help families stay safe, healthy and cool this summer $6 million available this summer for energy assistance program; Multiple State Agencies, and the National Weather Service work together to prevent heat-related health problems, reduce utility bills and promote safe summer fun.
Community and Economic Development Association hosts local hearing on Governor Blagojevich's Investing in Families Plan
May 10 , 2007
Top Blagojevich Officials to discuss Governor's plan to address needs in communities statewide by investing in schools, providing access to affordable healthcare and improving the overall quality of life for Illinois residents.
Read More - Forest Park (PDF 156.75 KB)
Read More- Des Plaines (PDF 207.94 KB). Read More - Hazel Crest (PDF 170.96 KB).
ComEd Prepares to Implement $64 Million Customer Rate Relief Package Program
April 23, 2007
ComEd today announced it is preparing to implement a new $64 million relief package for ComEd residential customers most impacted by the company's January rate increase. The program will provide immediate benefits to those customers and eliminate the need for ComEd rate freeze legislation.
March 20, 2007
The Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc. (CEDA), believes every child deserves the same chance to learn early the skills that lead to long-term academic success. That's why CEDA sponsors the Head Start program in 25 locations county-wide – and every one of them will host a kick-off event on March 30, when enrollment for the 2007-08 academic year opens.
Self Employment Program Available Free in the South Suburbs
March 7 , 2007
The Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc. (CEDA) is offering an Entrepreneurial Self-Employment Training Program starting Wednesday, March 27th from 6:30-9:30pm at 15652 S. Homan in Markham, Illinois. This program is designed to assist clients in starting their own businesses and providing additional job opportunities in the South Suburban area. The classes provide clients with start-up business, financial planning, marketing, business management and site selection.
September 25, 2006
Officials from Governor Rod R. Blagojevich’s administration will join Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc. (CEDA) for their 40th anniversary celebration and to announce a $1 million federal grant to reduce home energy service disconnections, which often contribute to and lead to homelessness. Illinois is one of only four states to receive the Residential Energy Assistance Challenge Option Program (REACH) grant this year.
Applications are now being taken for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
September 1, 2006
CEDA President and CEO, Robert Wharton, announced the opening of the Priority Period for LIHEAP today. “These are very challenging times for low income seniors and fixed income families. Applications are now being taken at 100 community centers, faith based organizations, and learning centers within Cook County and at the CEDA central office at 208 S. LaSalle Street in Chicago.”
ComEd Prepares to Implement $64 Million Customer Rate Relief Package Program
April 18, 2006
ComEd today announced it is preparing to implement a new $64 million relief package for ComEd residential customers most impacted by the company’s January rate increase. The program will provide immediate benefits to those customers and eliminate the need for ComEd rate freeze legislation.
GOOD SAMARITAN INITIATIVE RESORES GAS SERVICE FOR THOUSANDS
December 9, 2005
CEDA President and CEO, Robert Wharton announced today that LIHEAP beneficiaries can receive affordable reconnection terms under the Good Samaritan Initiative.
November 1, 2005
CEDA President and CEO, Robert Wharton announced that effective today CEDA is accepting LIHEAP applications from eligible Cook County residents. Cook County residents may be eligible to receive assistance under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program if your household’s combined income is at or below the qualifying levels.
Increased Demand for LIHEAP Assistance in Cook County
October 17, 2005
CEDA President and CEO, Robert Wharton announced today a 15,000 year-to-date increase in CEDA LIHEAP applications. “So far this year, more than 65,000 households have signed up for assistance, ”said Robert Wharton. Wharton added, “Relief is not good enough, we, as a country, have to make energy affordable for everyone. This (increase) really puts a spotlight on poverty.
Increased Demand for LIHEAP Assistance in Cook County
October 12, 2005
CEDA President and CEO, Robert Wharton announced today a 15,000 year-to-date increase in CEDA LIHEAP applications. “So far this year, more than 65,000 households have signed up for assistance,”said Robert Wharton. Wharton added, “Relief is not good enough, we, as a country, have to make energy affordable for everyone. This (increase) really puts a spotlight on poverty.
Applications Are Now Being Taken for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
October 2, 2005
CEDA President and CEO, Robert Wharton announced today a sharp increase in energy assistance applications for the 2005-2006 program year. “These are very challenging times for low income and fixed-income families. This month we have already processed over 50,000 applications within Cook County from seniors, the disabled, households currently disconnected from an energy source, and those with special medical needs.