Institute for Legal and Policy Studies in the Center for State Policy and Leadership at the University of Illinois at Springfield and Illinois Community Action Association developed the “Best Practices Awards” to recognize innovative and effective Community Action Agency programs throughout Illinois that have assisted low-income individuals in becoming more self-sufficient.

A panel of knowledgeable evaluators from the University of Illinois at Springfield reviewed several nominated programs targeting one of six different Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) national goals. Only programs that met or exceeded the outcome standards for the goal area in which they were nominated were considered. Each program was individually considered in four major criterion arenas: documentation, innovation, replicability, and collaboration. Submissions were also assessed in terms of completeness, thoroughness of description, and evidence of impact.

From this rigorous process, the Kankakee County Community Services, Inc. was chosen for their KCCSI Community Action Partnership Initiatives program. Kankakee County Community Services, Inc. nominated their KCCSI Community Action Partnerships Initiative for its work in relationship to goal category number four, which focused on “Partnerships Among Supporters and Providers of Services to Low Income People are Achieved” (agency level). By working with the United Way of Kankakee County, which was divesting in real estate holdings that fit the needs of KCCSI, they also were able to save the Kankakee County Senior Citizens Center. Further collaborations included Northern Illinois Food Bank/KCCSI C.A.P. foods, the Kankakee County Branch NAACP, Duane Dean Behavior Health Center: Women and Children’s Wellness Center, and the Faith Based: Garden of Prayer Youth Center.

KCCSI developed a one-stop-shop for many individuals and families in the community by collaborating with others agencies. The favorable evaluation was based, in part, on the service generated by the partnering agencies. Both innovation and luck made the KCCSI Community Action Partnership Initiative a successful program. KCCSI’s best practices included documented outcomes, innovation, replicability, and collaboration.