CASL supports individual and family wellness through a variety of critical programs, services, and resources for adults that strengthen the entire community by enhancing the security and stability of our community members. We specialize in assisting adults with multiple barriers, including new immigrants and individuals with low English Language proficiency. However, all are welcome to seek assistance at CASL. Scroll further to learn more about these programs and services and to read Mrs. Liang’s success story!
- Illinois Welcoming Center
- Citizenship and Immigration
- Housing Program
- Adult Employment
- Healthcare and Wellness
- Food and Nutrition Services
- English Language Classes
- Financial Literacy
- Public Benefits
- Small Access Home Repairs for Seniors
Illinois Welcoming Center
CASL’s Illinois Welcoming Center is a one-stop human service program that provides holistic, comprehensive case management, service coordination, and crisis assistance to immigrant and limited English proficiency (LEP) populations in a linguistically, culturally sensitive manner.
Citizenship and Immigration
Thousands of CASL clients per year are assisted throughout the naturalization process. CASL assists by reviewing preliminary eligibility, helping candidates fill out the application forms, offering fee waiver to eligible individuals, conducting classes and mock interviews, passport photo services and much more.
Housing Program
Assists with preliminary home-buying protocol, post-purchase protocol, foreclosure prevention and intervention, and rental counseling. This program is certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Adult Employment
Career counseling and workshops help jobseekers hone their skills. Our leads, referrals, and placement assistance help secure employment. Retention support and other eligibility-based aid help individuals maintain their employment and remain on track to financial success.
Healthcare and Wellness
In partnership with local hospitals and organizations, we help those in need navigate healthcare systems, understand insurance, and access culturally sensitive primary care physicians, women’s health services, wellness workshops, and health screening. Our wellness programs promote a healthy lifestyle through education, screening referrals, and more.
Food and Nutrition Services
CASL prioritizes the food sovereignty of those we serve and strives to uplift others in our operations. We provide fresh, healthy, culturally appropriate meals to seniors, children, and families. Our Culinary Training Program empowers individuals to cook nutritious meals for their families and thrive in professional positions throughout the culinary industry.
English Language
Our English Language (EL) classes for adults improve students’ reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Vocational English Language (VEL) training focuses on placement into high-growth industries. Other classes prepare students to pass the naturalization interview and promote civic engagement.
Financial Literacy
We help individuals and families achieve their financial goals through coaching and education on budgeting, banking, credit, identity theft, loans, purchases, and financial planning.
Public Benefits
We help community members enroll in basic needs programs such as Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Women/Infants/Children (WIC), and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Entitlement programs ensure that community members have guidance with Social Security and other civic benefits they have a right to.
Small Access Home Repairs for Seniors
We help seniors make their home more accessible and safer so they can continue living with confidence, independence, and dignity.
Mrs. Liang’s Story
Mrs. Liang is a 70-year-old participant in CASL’s Enhance Fitness exercise program focusing on senior wellness. She feels empowered by having made friends who reduce her loneliness, stress, depression, and anxiety. Also, exercising regularly has improved her muscles, bone health, and balance—which helps protect her from falls. Mrs. Liang also participates in CASL’s Alzheimer’s Program to learn how to care for her mother (who suffers from dementia) and reduce her own risk of dementia. And now, to give back to the community, Mrs. Liang has been volunteering in the CASL Citizenship and Immigration program and Pine Tree Senior Council.
Help those like Mrs. Liang