Annual Report 2025

Annual Report 2025

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

2025 SWP Mentors

Nayeli Cardenas, Administrative Assistant

Roderick Henry, Lead Mentor

Erica Delgado, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Shardaye Bone, Mentor

Amy Onan, Client Workforce Coordinator - 1/25 - 3/25

Lisa Bowers, Mentor

CHERI L. NEAL

ZION TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR April 2026 Dear Zion Residents and Partners, This past week, during staff reviews and our retreat, I had a moment of clarity realizing that what the Zion Township team is pulling off is nothing short of remarkable.

In the day-to-day, it’s easy to miss the bigger picture. The weight of everything happening can feel overwhelming at times. But when I forced myself to pause and step back, what I saw was impact. Real people. Real lives. Being changed every single day.

At a recent DHS meeting, three separate agencies—completely unprompted—shared how deeply grateful they are for Zion Township. Recognition like that cannot be manufactured. It is earned through consistent service and genuine care for a community.

Yes, we support residents in crisis every day, and our service reports reflect that. But the work happening through this Township goes far beyond basic services.

Our team shows up representing Zion at community events. They are leading mental health and wellness initiatives, partnering with schools and the library, and helping bring projects like our “Finding Beauty in the Break” mosaic initiative to life across the community.

We hosted our 24th Senior Expo—consistently recognized as one of the best in Lake County through our partnership with the Zion Park District.

Our staff continue stepping into leadership roles throughout the county and region—facilitating caseworker meetings, collaborating with DHS to improve systems, helping launch the ZBTHS Foundation, and serving with organizations like the Coalition for Healthy Communities and Community 365 with BUZ, Building Up Zion.

ZION TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR At the same time, we are reigniting Rebuilding Together to support seniors, launching Beyond Barriers

for

residents

with

different

abilities,

supporting

community

gardens

and

neighborhood beautification efforts, expanding murals and Zinnias for Zion, and helping grow events like the Zinnia and Monarch Festival…and Bees Too!—all helping reshape how people feel about Zion.

We are also expanding the way Zion’s story is told through the Zion Quarterly and partnerships with our high school’s All Things Media program, True Conglomerate Productions, and other local taxing bodies.

Even the Lake County Joy Summit continues to grow, with more than 50 speaker applications already submitted for the January 2027 event at Zion-Benton Township High School.

This is what it looks like when a small team commits fully to a community—not because we have to, but because we choose to.

And none of it happens without residents, partners, organizations, and volunteers willing to engage and work alongside us.

I know there have been times I’ve been criticized for stepping outside what a Township Supervisor is “supposed” to do. And I respect that perspective.

But when you truly love a community—and I believe that is true of this entire Board and team— you do everything you can, within the law, to help make it better.

This week, I stepped back long enough to truly see what “everything we can” looks like.

And I could not be more proud to be part of it.

All our best, Cheri and the ZT Team

Zinnia and Monarch Festival... & Bees Too! Zion marked its fifth year of the Zinnias and Monarch Festival & Bees Too!, the third weekend in August, welcoming thousands of visitors. A huge thank you to our sponsors and the many volunteers who made it all possible—the ZB Library team, District 6 Art Division, Culver’s, Torres Fresh Market, CJ’s, ZBTHS, Dandelion Gallery for its wonderful performance art, the Zion Park District, and many more who led activities, contests, and learning sessions. Special thanks to our co‑chairs, Erica Delgado and Erika Denny. Because of you all, the 2‑day festival was a great success! Save the date for August 15–16, 2026—the third weekend in August. Making her debut at the festival was “Hope La Monarcha” a striking wooden sculpture standing over six feet tall, by a local artist and sculpture Oscar (Alex) Ceja of Zion IL.

Thank you to our sponsors Monarch: City of Hope | The Re/Max Plaza Team | Dandelion Art Gallery | Henna Art by Erica | Pop Up Shoppes Chrysalis: Grove at the Lake | State Senator Mary Edly-Allen | Great Lakes Credit Union | State Rep. Joyce Mason | Family First Center of Lake County | North Shore Gas | The Varsek Team | Living in Perfect Peace Ministries | State Farm: Diego Mendez | The Inn on Sheridan Road | Waukegan Bank | BUZ - Building Up Zion - part of Community 365 Caterpillar: It’s All Good | Old National Bank | A Ray of Hope Egg: Randy Nebel - Randy Nebel State Farm Insurance | Rick Delisle - RRD Realty, LLC | Return to Native Prairie Services Beach Park Tractor Supply | Janet Eppers & Joe Lynch | Northwest Tire & Auto | All Festival Angels

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

Thank you to our volunteers Erica Delgado Erika & Aaron Denny Carlen Borland Deanna Cruz Sandra Usher Cheri Neal

Astrid McLaughlin Chris Tollefsen Smith Elena Lopez Everardo Samano Gennythya Lopez Giselle Alcocer Heidi Pfeifer

Jackelyn Orozco Jamar Libasci Janet Eppers Jean Vines Jeanne Engle Joe Knobbe Joe Lynch

Juan Orozco Kris Nichols Linda Perreault Mary Lou Hiltibran Michelle Pederson Oscar Ceja Paula Reinier Rebecca Bozarth

Sara Torrez Sarah Petersen Sheryl Anderson Tammy Boyd Tia Wilson Wendy Driver Whitney & Franklin Henry Zion ESDA

Our MVP’s for dedicating their summer to tending to the Zinnias around Zion goes to: Mary Lou Hiltibran, Janet Eppers, Joe Lynch, Everardo Samano and Juan Orozco.

Also THANK YOU to Arizmendi Landscaping and Carmen Acosta & Acosta and Sons Landscaping for planting Zinnias!!!

The Zinnia and Monarch Festival expanded this year to include the “Flight to the Finish” 5K, which drew 98 registered runners. Before the race, children participated in a 100-meter dash, and following the 5K, runners and their families enjoyed a community bubble bash.

Zinnias for Zion celebrated its 8th year, with more than 2,500 packets of zinnia seeds distributed to the community through local government offices. In addition, 292 flats of zinnia flowers were purchased by local businesses and households through Anton’s Greenhouse. We are grateful for the Local Coloring Contest, sponsored by the Zion-Benton Public Library and Culver’s of Zion, who recognized the winners with certificates and prizes.

ZINNIA FRONT YARD WINNERS Best Curb Appeal & Champion - 3237 Bethel Blvd Most Unique Zinnia Display - 2925 Galilee Ave Best Overall Love of Zinnias - 1722 Dusk Drive Murals & Business Best Curb Appeal - It’s All Good Most Unique Zinnia Display - Zion’s Culvers Best Overall Love of Zinnias - Hermon Park Thank you to Illinois Dunesland Garden Club Judges Members: Janet Eppers, Sheryl Anderson & Donna Bybee

2025 HIGHLIGHTS SUMMER WORK PROGRAM The 2025 Summer Work Program concluded on August 1st with a celebration 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-three youth completed the program, with seven of them were nominated as Employee of the Year.

The 2025 Employee of the Year winners are En’Vie Johnson and Brandon Williams. 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.

Nominated Employees

Employee of the Year

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 the most cost-effective bilingual way to communicate with every Zion resident.

ZB COALITION FOR HEALTH COMMUNITIES ZION-BENTON LEADERSHIP ACADEMY The Zion-Benton Leadership Academy, under the leadership of Assessor Colette Davis, Chief Operating Officer Sandra Usher, Supervisor Cheri Neal, and ZB Social Studies Teacher Chris Kubic, continued its strong commitment to developing community leaders.

In the fall, ten adult participants successfully completed the program. In the spring, 20 youth graduated from the Junior Zion-Benton Leadership Academy, including a returning student who served in a peer leadership role.

2025 HIGHLIGHTS QUEEN BEES OF ZION RED HAT SOCIETY RELAUNCHES! The Queen Bees are flying! With 53 members, many enjoyed several day trips this year, spreading joy wherever they went.

LIHEAP

Along with Supervisor Cheri Neal and Chief Program Officer Adriana Ortiz visiting the Zion senior buildings, staff were able to assist in completing 369 LIHEAP applications, totaling over $59,160.00 to help pay utility bills this winter. This was during regular office hours to assist residents each Monday from 911am.

BIRTHDAY CARDS 1269 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 43 Zion seniors with the new transportation card. These cards can be used on various forms of transportation and is similar to a debit card. Cards are provided to all seniors over the age of 65 in need.

We also completed 91 Benefit Access/RTA applications for seniors and those with disabilities, completed 248 passport applications, 98 notary requests, 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 was once again a huge success with the Zion Park District, Benton Township, and The Grove at the Lake co-sponsoring. We distributed over 200 bags to seniors loaded with goodies and a guidebook with 60 vendors represented.

2025 HIGHLIGHTS Elf Network Thanks to the Elf Network and the Chief Elf Jeanine Richards, 80 Zion families - 302 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 50 seniors, and others to get their licenses and State IDs renewed. This year 33 residents were able to receive their Real ID.

BUZ initiatives for 2025 BUZ (Building Up Zion) is a grassroots initiative bringing residents together to create positive change throughout Zion. Meeting the last Thursday of each month at the ZB Library, BUZ is built on the belief that small acts of service and connection can create lasting community transformation. Through volunteer projects and partnerships like the Zion Pageant Association, residents are empowered to take pride in and help build up the community they call home.

Expansion of Zion-Benton Seed Library Continuing support for the Garden of Faith Expansion, replanting and care of Zion’s Butterfly Garden Connected YWCA with Library and Township. An Zion Early Childhood Coalition was formed YWCA partnered with LC Joy Summit to offer CEU’s to attendees 2nd Annual Lagoon Glow Luminaria Event Launched $5000 grant obtained to host Mental Health Plate Smashing and Mosaic Art “Beauty in the Break” Project Partnership with Rep Joyce Mason and Alpine Care of Zion, lead by Teen Miss Zion

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 2025: 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 Keeping Family Covered: $1,500

Mother’s Trust Foundation Assistance provided $35,027.37 59 Residents

Salvation Army Assistance provided $26,234.93 49 Residents

Community Action Partnership of Lake County (CAP) LIHEAP Assistance provided $59,160.00 (Oct - Dec) 369 Residents

Disaster Relief Assistance provided $7,933.89 18 Residents

Zion Township’s Emergency Assistance provided $17,799.58 for 44 Residents The Zion Township General Assistance allocation was $73,663.64, assisting 46 residents In house, we were able to process a total of $120,422.30 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 on the Rise: Opportunity, and Relief for Homeowners Zion is in a season of visible change. Across the township, new construction is reshaping familiar spaces as homes rise on once-vacant lots and new businesses prepare to open their doors. That growth is more than a sign of momentum—it reflects a community attracting new residents, new investment, and new opportunities. Recent additions such as Grays Animal Hospital, along with the forthcoming Chipotle location, are expected to expand local services while creating jobs and strengthening the township’s commercial landscape.

What Residents Should Know About Taxes and Exemptions Alongside this growth, many homeowners are also watching how changes in the housing market affect their property taxes. This year’s tax bill should reflect a lower tax rate, offering some welcome relief. At the same time, property values have continued to rise, making it especially important for assessments to remain fair, accurate, and equitable. One of the most effective ways residents can reduce their tax burden is by making sure all eligible exemptions are properly applied to their property records.

Residents should be aware of several key points this year. The reduced tax rate is tied to relief from CEJA funds, while rising home prices continue to influence assessed values across the township. It is also important to understand that exemptions do not lower a tax bill directly; instead, they reduce a property’s assessed value before taxes are calculated. For many households, that distinction can still make a meaningful difference. Now is a good time to review existing exemptions, confirm renewals where needed, and apply for any programs that may offer additional relief. Those who need assistance can complete applications through the township’s assessor resources webpage or visit the office in person for guidance.

As Zion continues to expand, staying informed will help residents make the most of the opportunities that come with that growth. Whether it is understanding changing property values, securing available exemptions, or simply keeping up with development across the township, the goal remains the same: to support a strong, informed, and thriving community.

Colette Davis

2 0 2 5

S E R V I C E 2025

2024

2023

Incoming Calls

7335

8016

7464

Notary

98

84

65

Passport

248

173

222

Senior Transportation Card

43

49

55

Senior Birthday Cards

1269

1083

1012

Senior Resource Day

200

180

180

Summer Work Program

33

30

30

Elf Network

80/302

80/316

80/302

Resource Appointments

618

383

507

Total Referrals Made

1504

1229

1545

Zion Township Directly Assisted

762

650

759

General Assistance Application submitted

20

28

30

General Assistance Appointments

933

732

831

General Assistance Approval Funds

$73,663.64

$78,524.28

$75,613.56

Emergency Assistance Appointments

59

52

79

Emergency Assistance - Households served

49

49

69

Emergency Assistance Approval Funds

$17,799.58

$16,048.33

$24,898.84

Emergency Transportation Assistance

12

11

23

Disaster Relief Approval Funds

$7,933.89

$6,793.00

$12,689.40

RTA Free or Reduced Ride Program Apps

58

80

71

Benefit Access Program Applications

91

102

106

Salvation Army Applicants

75

51

109

Salvation Army Apps Completed

49

27

63

Total Funds Accessed for Salvation Army

$26,234.93

$16,126.60

$41,414.88

LIHEAP Apps Completed

369

247

225

Total Funds Accessed for LIHEAP

$59,160.00 *totals from Oct-Dec)

$39,406.00 *totals from Jan-Jun)

$127,498.93

Love Inc Intake/Referrals

18

19

37

Mother's Trust Intake/Referrals

59

41

85

Total Funds Accessed for Mother's Trust

$35,027.37

$33,118.83

$46,045.85

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

OTHER AGENCY APPLICATION PROCESSING

R E P O R T 2022

2021

2020

Incoming Calls

5874

6848

4606

Notary

87

70

10

Passport

144

93

20

Senior Half Fare Tickets

144

63

79

Senior Birthday Cards

958

936

894

Senior Resource Day

300

250

0

Summer Work Program

26

16

0

Elf Network

107/357

80/333

80/330

Resource Appointments

373

1946

344

Total Referrals Made

1192

1391

1121

Zion Township Directly Assisted

662

190

72

GA Applications submitted

36

30

37

GA Appointments

695

242

257

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

GA Approval Funds

$61,084.58 $55,525.95

$59,587.10

EA Appointments

87

67

68

EA Household served

69

52

51

EA Approval Funds

$21,786.65 $17,628.78

$14,968.86

ETA

38

9

7

Disaster Relief Approval Funds

$6,157.19

$13,803.77

$18,750.62

OTHER AGENCY APPLICATION PROCESSING RTA Free or Reduced Ride Program Apps

44

27

26

BA Program Applications

128

75

98

Salvation Army Applicants

39

106

0

Salvation Army Apps Completed

20

45

0

Total Funds Accessed for SA

$9,553.76

$23,654.55

0

LIHEAP Apps Completed

103

66

65

Total Funds Accessed for LIHEAP

$84,893.00 $30,204.00 $35,625.00

Love INC Intake / Referrals

34

21

26

Mother’s Trust Intake/Referrals

43

54

32

Total Funds Accessed for MT

$31,001.34 $15,257.52

$15,281.56

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 2025 BOARD MEETINGS January 21, 2025 February 18, 2025 March 18, 2025 Annual Township Meeting: April 1, 2025 Township Budget Public Hearing: April 15, 2025 May 20, 2025 June 17, 2025 July 15, 2025 August 19, 2025 September 16, 2025 October 21, 2025 November 18, 2025 December 16, 2025

ZION TOWNSHIP BOARD CURRENT Supervisor Cheri Neal Assessor Colette Davis Clerk Sheryl Spooner Trustee Christopher Fischer Trustee Beverly Stackhouse Trustee Mike McDowell Trustee Richard Frierson