MISSION

The mission of Taylor’s Toolbox is to unlock the potential of participants by removing barriers and empowering them with the right tools to develop a clear path forward.

VISION

The vision of Taylor’s Toolbox is to create highly valuable community-based resources to increase economic development.

SERVICES

We offer one-on-one consultation, group workshops, community-based events, and partnering services.

Awareness. Access.Training

AMPLIFYING & CONNECTING COMMUNITY

WHAT WE DO?

Taylor’s Toolbox is a 501(c)(3) community-based nonprofit that provides resourceful information to Cook, Lake County, and other surrounding counties of Illinois for areas such as Personal Finance, Housing, Career Development, and Health. The goal of Taylor's Toolbox is to meet each participant where they are in life and provide a customized road map to increase success factors. The organization’s main focus is to provide hands-on help and consultation, thus creating a programmatic model that consists of awareness, access, and training.

FEATURED STORY

Homelessness in America

Homelessness is a growing issue in the United States. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were more than 580,000 people experiencing homelessness in the U.S. Since the pandemic began, many businesses have had to close their doors, causing one of the largest waves of unemployment and home evictions. According to the Census Bureau, 1.3 million people reported that they were likely to be leaving their homes in the next two months due to eviction.

People who are experiencing homelessness face many risks to their safety every day. Some of the biggest threats to their safety are extreme temperatures, inclement weather, theft, legal issues, and the spread of illness. Homelessness can often contribute to increased mental health challenges, many of which often go unaddressed. Examples of mental health challenges that homeless populations might frequently experience include PTSD, substance use disorder, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and others. These affective disorders can make daily life challenging, especially when it comes to maintaining personal relationships, finding or maintaining employment, managing finances, and finding or living in stable housing.

Homelessness is not an issue one can battle alone.

Lake County Community Development administers federal and local funding that supports agencies who assist residents experiencing homelessness. Lake County does not provide services directly to residents. Residents experiencing homelessness can access services such as emergency shelter, housing, and case management through the nonprofit organizations that provide these services.

If you are facing homelessness, call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898211 or visit 211lakecounty.org.

211 is Lake County’s 24-hour central access point to the health and human service referrals.

RESOURCE CENTER

FOOD RESOURCES

Call ahead to confirm hours of operations.

Eternal Flame AME Church

1412 Greenfield Ave, North Chicago

Prepacked bags distributed 2nd Saturday of every month.

Coordinator: Annie Buck 847-473-3722

Emmanuel Faith Bible Christian Center

1840 Lincoln St., North Chicago

Thursdays 9 a.m. to 11 a.m drive-through. Pre-packaged bags

Community Action Partnership of Lake County

Curbside Monday through Friday.

Call 847-249-4330 and an application will be taken. Pre-packaged bags distributed.

Catholic Charities of Lake County

671 S. Lewis Ave, Waukegan

Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To request food call 847-782-4163. Pre-packaged bags distributed. Also, any Lake County seniors (over 60 years old) who are unable or afraid to pick up food can have food delivered. Call 847-546-5733.

Holy Family Catholic Church

912 8th Street, Waukegan

Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Prepacked bags distributed.

CATCH

Prepared meals delivered to your door
COVID-positive individuals, Seniors, Immigrants, & Homeless
Call Susan or Angelina (in Spanish), 224-715-3965 or 480-226-6545

Warren Township

17801 W Washington Street, Gurnee

Pantry open Monday - Friday 8AM-4PM

Contactless pickup call when outside 847-244-1101

GENERAL & EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

The process of applying may involve filling out an application, income qualification, demonstrated need, and making an appointment for an interview.

Community Action Partnership of Lake County

2424 Washington Street, Waukegan

Call 847-249-4330 and an application will be taken.

Waukegan Township

149 S Genesee Street, Waukegan

847-244-4900

Email: nburke@waukegantownship.org

Catholic Charities of Lake County

671 S. Lewis Ave, Waukegan

847-782-4100

Shields Township

Call Devon Nelson, Case Manager, at 847-234-0802. General assistance application is here

https://shieldstownship.com/sites/default/files/file-uploads/GA-application-form.pdf

Warren Township

17801 W Washington Street, Gurnee

Applications are available in the Supervisor’s office Monday – Friday, 8am-4pm.

847-244-1101

BUSINESS SUPPORT

Program FAQ's - U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)SBA Eligible Lender List - U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

https://www.sba.gov/paycheckprotection/find

Essential Business Check List by the IL Dept of Commerce

https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Documents/Essential%20Business%20Checklist3-22.pdf

Small Business Assistance

Illinois Small Business Development Centers are located throughout the state to provide information, confidential business guidance, training, and other resources for start-ups and existing small businesses.

Services Include: