At Arab American Family Services, our safety net program is the core of our organization. At AAFS, we provide cultural and linguistic case management services and advocacy to immigrants, refugees, and community members at large. We want to ensure that community members are provided with the absolute necessities of living day-to-day and given the need to survive in an ever-changing circumstance. Our professionally-trained caseworkers conduct comprehensive intake interviews with clients to determine their specific needs. They identify public benefits assistance and programs, for which clients are eligible. They educate clients about the guidelines and procedures required for each of these programs and assist in completing application forms for those programs. Regardless of their primary program department, all of AAFS’ caseworkers provide their clients with the necessary services and assist with applying for programs that fit their specific needs. By helping local neighbors overcome personal crisis, strengthening their families and live healthier, more successful lives, AAFS is making a profound and positive impact in our community.
Those services are as follows:
Department of Human Services (DHS)
Assistance with an explanation of rules, regulations, and processes of the DHS; communication with DHS social workers to advocate on behalf of clients; and assistance with the completion of forms related to the following programs:
Medical Card
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Women, Infant, and Children (WIC)
Other services provided include:
- Employment Assistance
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP/CEDA)
- Illinois Action for Children (Daycare Assistance)
- Affordable Healthcare Act (Obamacare)
- Translation and Interpretation Services
- We provide assistance with food, clothing and other necessities for clients in crisis
- ComEd and Nicor services
- Social Security Benefits – Assistance for an appeal of disability claim forms, social security supplemental income benefits (SSI), budget letters, correspondence, etc.
- Social Security Card assistance
- Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) – Referral-based ONLY
