State representatives were at the Workforce Connection office Monday afternoon in downtown Rockford announcing "Workforce Outreach Days."
It's a special window of opportunity this week across Illinois for families to get help for everything from job searches to childcare programs. And it's all free.
In Rockford, the program started Monday it and runs through Tuesday. Folks can head over to the Workforce Connection office inside the Supply Core building along Wyman Street.
One other service that families can learn about from "Workforce Outreach Days" is heating help. And that's becoming even more important now as our weather gets colder.
LIHEAP is the state's low income home energy assistance program.
People started the process toward that help Monday, giving names and numbers so they'll be contacted by a local LIHEAP representative for an upcoming appointment.
It's during that appointment where families get an application for funding help in paying high winter heating costs.
That state and federal assistance can range anywhere from nearly $100 to almost $660 dollars. It all depends on factors like family size, usage and income levels.
Already this year, the Rockford LIHEAP office has processed more than 5,000 applications for help.
Local representatives say these numbers are on the rise right now and they attribute that directly to our bad economy.
If you can't make it to this Workforce Outreach Days by Tuesday, help is still available beyond that. Contact your local Workforce Connection office in your area for assistance.
Also here are few helpful websites from the state. There's a new web portal at www.illinois.gov/workforce.
Also this phone number. 800-966-9780.