Annual Report 2024

Annual Report 2024

WE LEAD. WE EMPOWER. WE ADVOCATE. WE CONNECT RESIDENTS TO RESOURCES, SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS. WE STRIVE TO MAKE ZION BETTER.

Core Values: WE LEAD WITH HEART Humility: We are servants of the Zion community.

Encouragement & Education: We support our residents and equip them with knowledge.

Appreciation: We value partnerships that assist our residents.

Reverence: We respect each person's journey.

Tenacity: We don't give up on believing in the best.

Supervisor's Team

Assessor's Team

Cheri Neal, Township Supervisor

Colette Davis, Township Assessor

Sandra Usher, Chief Operating Officer

Michelle Buttera, Deputy Assessor

Adriana Ortiz, Client Services Director & Summer Work Program Coordinator Grace Gamboa, Client Services Coordinator

LaVella Harris, Deputy Assessor

2024 SWP Mentors

Amy Onan, Client Workforce Coordinator

Roderick Henry, Mentor

Nayeli Cardenas, Administrative Assistant

Shardaye Bone, Mentor

CHERI L. NEAL

ZION TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR A look back at 2024....

Dear Zion Residents and Partners, As we close out 2024, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we’ve accomplished together — and to thank you for being part of it.

This past year was filled with so much progress through partnerships and people stepping up in big and small ways to support one another. Through strong collaborations, dedicated volunteers, and a hardworking team, Zion Township was able to meet immediate needs while continuing to invest in programs that will build long-term success.

Our annual Zinnia and Monarch Festival drew thousands of visitors, reminding us of the power of community, creativity, and connection. The Zion Quarterly — distributed to over 11,000 households — continues to serve as a reliable and cost-effective way to keep our residents informed and engaged.

The Elf Network brightened the holidays for 80 families and 316 individuals, thanks to the generosity of partners, donors, and volunteers. Events like the Zion-Benton Senior Resource Expo connected over 180 seniors with valuable services and local support, while our Summer Work Program gave 33 youth hands-on experience, mentoring, and recognition for their contributions.

Behind the scenes, we processed nearly $102,000 in direct assistance for residents — helping with everything from utility bills to housing to transportation. We supported seniors with over 1,000 birthday cards, 60 local taxi rides, and dozens of Benefit Access and RTA applications.

Whether someone needed a passport, a notary, or help navigating a crisis, our team was there to walk alongside them — with professionalism and care.

I’m proud of what we’ve done, and even more proud of how we’ve done it: person by person, with dignity, focus, and a commitment to making Zion stronger.

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. We’re honored to serve this community, and we look forward to building on this momentum in 2025.

ZION TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR The ZT Team helped to enhance the Zion community in other ways, by supporting the various projects in the community.

In continuing to making Zinnias the flower of Zion, the Zinnias for Zion Project was a huge success again this year, giving out 2000 packets of Zinnia seeds to residents, and other community members ordering 184 flats of Zinnias for planting, the two-day Zinnia and Monarch Festival and Bees Too! brought out families from many communities.

Your Zion leaders group worked with 21 students in the Promotions and Marketing class at Carthage College to create a rebranding strategy for the Zion community. The students were thorough and shared enlightening ideas of which the team took into consideration.

The Zion community welcomed America in Bloom who completed an evaluation to help our community flourish by becoming more welcoming and vibrant and adding a competitive advantage in attracting tourists and instilling pride in the community.

To top all that off, we completed another successful year publishing this Zion Quarterly, thanks to the efforts of every taxing body and Sandra Usher as the Editor.

And to top THAT off, our dynamic Client Services team made up of Nayeli Cardenas, Grace Gamboa, Amy Onan, Adriana Ortiz and myself were able help many residents in accessing resources to assist them in addressing their crisis. That information can be found on page 9.

We continue to take our responsibilities very seriously at Zion Township in serving our residents. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, comments or kudos!

All our best, Cheri and the ZT Team

Zinnia and Monarch Festival... & Bees Too! On August 17-18, 2024 Zion celebrated its 4th year hosting Zinnias and Monarchs & Bees Too! with a festival, visited by literally thousands of attendees. Thanks to our sponsors, along with a long list of volunteers including the ZB Library team, the District 6 Art Division, Culver’s, Piggly Wiggly and CJ’s, ZBTHS, Dandelion Gallery for their fabulous performance art, the Zion Park District and many others who headed up the different committees and activities, contest participants, and educators. Thanks to everyone, our 2-day festival was a huge success!!! Mark your calendar for August 16-17, 2025, always the 3rd weekend in August!

Thank you to our sponsors Monarch: City of Hope | The Re/Max Showcase Team | Dandelion Art Gallery | Fluttering Friends Chrysalis: Grove at the Lake | State Senator Mary Edly-Allen | Great Lakes Credit Union | Highland Pop | Allure of Zion | North Shore Gas | The Varsek Team Caterpillar: It’s All Good | Old National Bank | BUZ - Building Up Zion - part of Community 365 | Jack Clausen - America in Bloom | Potesta’s Pizza | Mt. Olivet Memorial Park Egg: Randy Nebel - Randy Nebel State Farm Insurance | Community Partners for Affordable Housing | Venny Rivera - EXP Real Estate | Waukegan Community Bank | Rick Delisle - RRD Realty, LLC | La Michoacana Premium | Tamales El Guero Inc | Return to Native Prairie Services | Northwest Auto & Tire | EZ Haul Away Inc | Droopy’s Gyros

It truly takes a village to host a festival like this!

Thank you to our volunteers Carlen Borland Deanna Cruz Aaron and Erika Denny Beth Coleman CheRae Chaney Kerri Gilbert Janet Eppers Joe Lynch Zion ESDA

Cheryl Tanner Chris Tollefsen-Smith Doug LaBelle Elena Lopez & Family Erica Delgado Heidi Pfeiffer Jackelyn Orozco Denise Casali Brett Thompson

Jean Vines Linda Perreault Jeanne Engle Mary Lou Hiltibran Jessica Clinton Paula Reinier Joe Knobbe Rebecca Bozarth Juan Orozco Rose Salata Kris Nichols Sara Torrez Alissa Webster Sarah Petersen Terrence Crawford Giselle Alcocer Jamar Libasci Julie Gracia

Sheryl Anderson Elizabeth Gibbs Thompson Davion Johnson Tia Wilson Wendy and Rumi Driver Whitney and Franklin Henry The Zion Pageant Assoc/ 2024 Queens Stericycle Employees

Our MVP’s for dedicating their summer to watering Zinnias around Zion goes to Mary Lou Hiltibran and Janet Eppers

Zinnias for Zion had its 7th year, and as was shared earlier, over 2,000 packets of Zinnia seed packets were given out to the community via local government offices. Additionally, 142 flats of Zinnia flowers were purchased by local businesses and households through Anton's Greenhouse. We are grateful for our Local Coloring Contest, sponsored by the Zion-Benton Public Library and Culver's of Zion, who presented the winners with certificates and prizes.

The Zinnia and Monarch Festival expanded this year, incorporating , the “Flight to the Finish” 5k with 22 registered runners. Prior to the 5K race, kids took part in the 100m dash and after the 5K, participants along with their families had the opportunity to take part in a bubble bash. Which was a big hit with ZB’s own ZBTHS mascot.

Best Yard Contest Best of Show - Bruce Pracht 1st Place - Juan Orozco 2nd Place - Wendy Driver 3rd Place - Agustin Zavala Businesses/Negocios: 1st Place - N&T’s Resturant 2nd Place - Zion Culver’s

2024 HIGHLIGHTS SUMMER WORK PROGRAM The 2024 Summer Work Program concluded on July 26 with a celebrated cookout. All youth received a certificate of completion from Zion Township and a special certificate from State Senator Mary Edly-Allen and State Representative Joyce Mason. Youth also received a special gift from City of Hope celebrating their completion of the program.

Thirty of the thirty-three youth completed the program, and five of them were nominated as Employee of the Year. The 2024 Employee of the Year winners are David Lopez and Banneker Brown. Congratulations to both!

Special thanks to the Summer Work Program youth workers, mentors, and supervisors for their excellent performance this summer, as well as the parents for their support. Zion Township, the Job Center of Lake County, the Zion Park District and the community are lucky to have them. The Zion Township team appreciates all the hard work and dedication.

Youth learning about Zion’s Butterfly garden

Excellent Attendance

Mentor Shardaye Bone, Brandon Williams, Nerahia Ortiz, David Lopez, Elijah Goods, Amar Andrews,Kaldan Braden, Mentor Rod Henry

Employee of the Year

Lake County Job Center - Claudia & Chris and Employeee of the year David Lopez

Nominated Employees

Mentor Rod Henry, Nerahia Ortiz, David Ortiz, Jennyhza Lopez, Mentor Shardaye Bone, Amar Andrews, Trinity Saucier, Claudia and Chris

ZION QUARTERLY The Zion Quarterly, an initiative started by your Zion Township Team, includes every taxing body in Zion. It is mailed four times a year with 12,200 printed and 11,135 distributed to households. It continues to be a cost-effective way to communicate with Zion residents.

ZB COALITION FOR HEALTH COMMUNITIES ZION-BENTON LEADERSHIP ACADEMY Although the adult portion of the Zion Benton Leadership Academy took a pause this year, Assessor Colette Davis was once again at the helm, with Chief Operating Officer Sandra Usher along with ZB Social Studies Teacher Chris Kubic continuing to show their dedication to building up the Leadership in our community via the ZB Junior Leadership Academy, empowering youth to become active and inspiring contributions in our community. The 2024 program had 7 Junior graduates.

2024 HIGHLIGHTS QUEEN BEES OF ZION RED HAT SOCIETY RELAUNCHES! The Queen Bees are flying! With 42 members, many enjoyed several day trips this year, spreading joy wherever they went.

LIHEAP

Along with Supervisor Cheri Neal and Client Services Director Adriana Ortiz visiting the Zion senior buildings, staff were able to assist in completing 247 LIHEAP applications, totaling over $39,406.00 for Jan - Jun to help pay utility bills this winter, providing regular office hours to assist residents each Monday from 9-11am.

BIRTHDAY CARDS 1083 seniors age 65+ received a birthday card stuffed with cards for free custard from Culver’s, a donut from CJ’s, and a notepad from the ZB Library. These cards were designed by the ZT Team and are chock full of information. The seniors their cards!

❤️

TRANSPORTATION We were able to assist 60 Zion seniors with Half-fare taxi tickets for in-town transportation. Cards are provided to all seniors over the age of 65 in need.

We also completed 102 Benefit Access/RTA applications for seniors and those with disabilities, completed 173 passport applications, 84 notary request, and assisted residents with faxing at no charge.

ZB SENIOR RESOURCE EXPO Coordinated by Chief Operating Officer Sandra Usher, the Zion-Benton Senior Resource Expo Expo was once again a huge success with the Zion Park District, Benton Township, and The Grove at the Lake cosponsoring. We distributed over 206 bags to seniors loaded with goodies and a guidebook with 55 vendors represented.

2024 HIGHLIGHTS Elf Network Thanks to the Elf Network and the Chief Elf Jeanine Richards, 80 Zion families - 316 family members, were blessed this Christmas. This is a coordinated effort between the Zion Township, Christ Community Church and Santa's Volunteers, as well as ZB Kiwanis, with stuffed animals for every child donated by PetSmart.

Secretary of State Mobile Unit Zion Township partnered with the ZB Library to host another successful Secretary of State Mobile Unit visit that allowed 41 seniors and other residents to participate in the Rules of the Road course, and others to get their licenses and State IDs renewed. This year 27 residents were able to receive their Real ID. BUZ completed it’s third Mural, along with Umbrella Art - creating Zion’s Art Alley!

Over the summer, thanks to an incredible collaboration between: Zion Township BUZ - Building Up Zion Its All Good Coffee House ZB Alumni and reknown artist Tim Decker The coordinated efforts of Katrina Wiltse and Zion District 6's Youth Leadership Team and parents and Chris Kubic and ZBTHS’s National Honor Society Teens Rick Delisle who provided space for the group to work Graphic Partners who designed and installed the sign Donna Bybee who solicited donations and ALL the donors listed on the sign Chris Tollefson-Smith, Sheryl Anderson and Linda Perreault who did all the planting Whitney Henry who helped paint the tables and chairs They say it takes a village to raise a child but this project proved it takes children to raise a village!

The ZT Team is proud of the work we completed and the incredible partnerships we have to best assist residents in their time of need. Here are some of the various resources we were able to assist Zion residents with in 2024: Zion Township subsidizes a portion of other agency programs to ensure continued, accessible services to residents including: Love INC: $1,000 Abiding Love Food Pantry: $2,000 The Point Church Food Pantry: $1,000 PADS Emergency Shelter Program: $1,500 Zion Park District Senior Luncheon: $3,000 Zion Park District Weekly Shopping Program: $3,000 Nicasa Substance Abuse Counseling Program: $3,000

Mother’s Trust Foundation Assistance provided $33,118.83 41 Residents

Salvation Army Assistance provided $16,126.60 27 Residents

Community Action Partnership of Lake County (CAP) LIHEAP Assistance provided $39,406.00 (Jan - Jun) 247 Residents

Disaster Relief Assistance provided $6,793.00 19 Residents

Zion Township’s Emergency Assistance provided $16,048.33 for 43 Residents The Zion Township General Assistance allocation was $78,524.28, assisting 52 residents In house, we were able to process a total of $101,565.61 in resources for Zion residents.

Aside from connecting residents with assistance in their time of need, we also counsel, guide and advocate on behalf of residents for a variety of issues, sometimes spending hours with each resident to best understand each situation and connecting them to the best resources available. Our team works hard to serve those in greatest need.

COLETTE DAVIS ZION TOWNSHIP ASSESSOR

Zion is growing by leaps and bounds! We are excited for all the New Construction throughout the Township. New homes and businesses are popping up which means new neighbors and places to eat, shop, or work. In addition to growth comes changes. With the continued increase in market values, I wanted to remind you of some information that may be helpful to you.

Property values remain pretty consistent. Meaning that the values consumers are paying for homes have increased over the years. We determine your value from the last three (3) years of those sales.

This is a State requirement. It is my job to make sure your values are fair and equitable. The way our office can offer help is to ensure you have your exemptions applied to your profile, which is a form of tax relief for those who qualify. The exemption is subtracted from the assessed value before your bill is calculated. Now is the time to make sure you have applied for or renewed your current exemptions.

Visit our website at https://www.ziontownship.org/assessorresoures to complete your application or come in our office and we will be glad to help you.

The website will have a detailed list of all

exemptions that you can apply for.

Be on the lookout for the blue assessment notice that usually comes in the mail late summer. This will have your annual assessment amount listed along with all your property information we have in our system.

Please don't hesitate to stop in or call if we can be of any assistance.

Colette Davis Colette Davis and your Assessment Team

2 0 2 4

S E R V I C E 2024

2023

2022

Incoming Calls

8016

7464

5874

Notary

84

65

87

Passport

173

222

144

Senior Half Fare Tickets

49

55

60

Senior Birthday Cards

1083

1012

958

Senior Resource Day

180

253

300

Summer Work Program

30

30

26

Elf Network

80/302

80/302

107/357

Resource Appointments

383

507

373

Total Referrals Made

1229

1545

1192

Zion Township Directly Assisted

650

759

662

General Assistance Application submitted

28

30

36

General Assistance Appointments

732

831

695

General Assistance Approval Funds

$78,524.28

$75,613.56

$61,084.58

Emergency Assistance Appointments

52

79

87

Emergency Assistance - Households served

49

65

69

Emergency Assistance Approval Funds

$16,048.33

$24,898.84

$21,786.65

Emergency Transportation Assistance

11

23

38

Disaster Relief Approval Funds

$6,793.00

$12,689.40

$6,157.19

RTA Free or Reduced Ride Program Apps

80

71

44

Benefit Access Program Applications

102

106

128

Salvation Army Applicants

51

109

39

Salvation Army Apps Completed

27

63

20

Total Funds Accessed for Salvation Army

$16,126.60

$41,414.88

$9,553.76

LIHEAP Apps Completed

247

225

103

Total Funds Accessed for LIHEAP

$39,406.00 *totals: Jan - Jun

$127,498.93

$84,893.00

Love Inc Intake/Referrals

19

37

34

Mother's Trust Intake/Referrals

41

85

43

Total Funds Accessed for Mother's Trust

$33,118.83

$46,045.85

$31,001.34

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

OTHER AGENCY APPLICATION PROCESSING

R E P O R T 2021

2020

2019

Incoming Calls

6848

4606

5147

Notary

70

10

27

Passport

93

20

12

Senior Half Fare Tickets

63

79

127

Senior Birthday Cards

936

894

863

Senior Resource Day

250

0

188

Summer Work Program

16

0

35

80/333

80/330

210

Resource Appointments

1946

344

501

Total Referrals Made

1391

1121

1525

Zion Township Directly Assisted

190

72

742

GA Applications submitted

30

37

36

GA Appointments

242

257

210

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

GA Approval Funds

$55,525.95 $59,587.10

$50,026.58

EA Appointments

67

68

120

EA Household served

52

51

108

EA Approval Funds ETA Disaster Relief Approval Funds

$17,628.78 $14,968.86 9

7

$13,803.77 $18,750.62

$31,725.53 33 $2,922.83

OTHER AGENCY APPLICATION PROCESSING RTA Free or Reduced Ride Program Apps

27

26

104

BA Program Applications

76

98

216

Salvation Army Applicants

106

0

0

Salvation Army Apps Completed

45

0

0

Total Funds Accessed for SA

$23,654.55

0

0

LIHEAP Apps Completed

66

65

343

Total Funds Accessed for LIHEAP

$30,204.00 $35,625.00 $172,883.00

Love INC Intake / Referrals

21

26

42

Mother’s Trust Intake/Referrals

54

32

4

Total Funds Accessed for MT

$15,257.52 $15,281.56

N/A

Regular Town Board of Trustee meetings are held in the Zion City Hall Council Chambers, 2828 Sheridan Road, Zion, IL at 6:00 P.M. on the third Tuesday of each month.

SCHEDULE OF 2024 BOARD MEETINGS January 16, 2024 February 20, 2024 March 19, 2024 Annual Township Meeting: April 9, 2024 Township Budget Public Hearing: April 16, 2024 May 21, 2024 June 18, 2024 July 16, 2024 August 20, 2024 September 17, 2024 October 22, 2024 November 19, 2024 December 17, 2024

ZION TOWNSHIP BOARD 2024

ZION TOWNSHIP BOARD CURRENT

Supervisor Cheri Neal

Supervisor Cheri Neal

Assessor Colette Davis

Assessor Colette Davis

Clerk Sheryl Spooner

Clerk Sheryl Spooner

Trustee Christopher Fischer

Trustee Christopher Fischer

Trustee Jacqueline Holmes

Trustee Beverly Stackhouse

Trustee Mike McDowell

Trustee Mike McDowell

Trustee Richard Frierson

Trustee Richard Frierson