helping communities help themselves

ICCS is an Illinois, state-wide, not-for-profit organization committed to empowering people to determine the direction of their communities through education, advocacy and grassroots organizing. Since its inception in 1985, ICCS has been offering capacity building assistance to community and faith-based organizations through conferences, workshops and one-on-one technical assistance.

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About Us

ICCS is made up of:

The Evolution of ICCS

1934First Community-based delinquency prevention program, CAP funded by Illinois Department of Public Welfare’s Division for Delinquency Prevention. Clifford Shaw, a Chicago sociologist, instituted the concept of local responsibility with CAP.

1953Illinois Youth Commission-Division of Community Services assumed oversight responsibility.

1981Services and programs placed under the Department of Children and Family Services.

1982Senate Bill 1500 established Division of Youth and Community Services (DYCS) which added the responsibility of Community-Based Youth Service and Delinquency Intervention Services.

1985ICCS incorporated with nine (9) member agencies on the board.

1995ICCS expands its programs to Human Services by coordinating Foster Care and Juvenile Detention Monitoring.

1996Joe Dunn becomes Associate Director of ICCS after spending 15 years as one of Senator Paul Simon’s advisors.

1998Mr. Dunn assumes position as Executive Director of ICCS until his death in 2008.

2009Al Riddley, former Executive Director for the Greater Boston Baptist Association, becomes ICCS Executive Director.

2010ICCS receives Illinois Milestones Project: Achieving Capacity Transformation (IMPACT) Grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services.

What is community organizing?

Community organizing is a process that builds coalitions of individuals and empowers them to impact the political, social and economic conditions which affect their lives and the future of their communities.

What is a community organizer?

"Community organizers are the people who work, often behind the scenes, to help people come together to effect meaningful change in their communities by building effective community organizations." - Kristin Layng Szakos

Click here to learn about organizing involvement with ICCS Click here to view education from ICCS Click here to learn more about advocacy from ICCS Click here to learn more about ICCS's youth services.

ICCS works very hard to impact and improve communities using various programs listed above. Please take a moment to see what we do, and how you can get involved!

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Click below for more information regarding TeenREACH and Crisis Counseling Services.

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