An innovative program that can assist eligible Lake County residents with the purchase of a car. Clients achieve a savings goal and Lifeline will contribute toward the purchase of a car.  Tax returns can even be used to contribute to the savings goal. Applicants must be in an approved school or educational program or be employed to be eligible.  All participants must complete ten hours of financial empowerment classes, as well as a vehicle asset class.

An asset-building and financial literacy education program that provides long term self-sufficiency planning for eligible residents who have an earned income.  This opportunity provides a comprehensive financial literacy education to improve money management skills. Applicants must choose from one of the three approved asset goals: home purchase, microenterprise or an educational goal. Additional financial education will be required that is asset specific. The IDA Program requires participants to commit to a monthly savings goal and attend financial case management sessions with Program Coordinator. Applicants are enrolled between six and 18 months and upon program completion, a financial match is made to the applicants savings account that must be used toward one of the three asset goals.   Applicants must also be referred by a collaborating agency in Lake County and complete an application packet.

This program will help low-income residents make strides in self-sufficiency while providing a supported housing component. Customers will apply and interview for the program. If accepted and enrolled, the customers will be eligible for partial rental subsidy for up to 18 months while attending an accredited school or vocational program. In return, the customer will agree to budget counseling sessions, as well as intensive case management. They’ll also work with Lifeline staff to develop both a short and long-term goal plan and work to meet those goals by eliminating barriers to self-sufficiency.

Lifeline can help customers obtain necessary prescription medication once per year.  In addition, case managers can help those needing maintenance medications to apply for long-term assistance through the various pharmaceutical company Patient Assistance Programs.

The Lake County Reentry Coalition office is located at Lifeline.  The Reentry Coordinator can assist those with a criminal background get connected with services that support their return to the community.  Linkages to services that support long-term employment, housing and other identified barriers can be addressed. Programs offered may include financial assistance and individual or community support. Family & friends who need information and referrals can also benefit from the Reentry Office services. For more information on resources available, click here.

The focus of the new Kinship Navigator Program is to help grandparents and other kin raising children not their own. It will focus on breaking the cycle of poverty by offering educational, social and emotional support by working in conjunction with community partners. The Kinship Navigator Program will provide caregivers personalized information and referrals to County wide programs to address their current and future needs. Please contact 2-1-1 and ask to speak to the Kinship Navigator for more information.

During tax season Lifeline will provide tax preparation assistance for the community through the VITA Program.  This program, in partnership with the IRS, will allow low to moderate-income households to participate in free tax preparation sessions with IRS certified tax preparation volunteers. The goal is to maximize the amount of the tax return and be provided basic financial literacy information. Applicants must live in Lake County and meet program income eligibility.

This program offers financial assistance to eligible households who need car repairs.  The maximum amount of assistance is $1,000 per household.  All applicants must be over the age of 18 and have documented car insurance.  Estimates provided by partnering mechanic businesses must document the car will remain “road worthy” after inspection. An estimate will need to be provided before assistance is approved.

View the flyer HERE.

Lifeline’s Representative Payee Program assists customers who are deemed not able to manage their own monthly Social Security benefits. Program participants must receive Social Security benefits and must be deemed unable to manage their own funds by a doctor. Once accepted and enrolled in the program, Lifeline staff will manage the customer’s Social Security monies each month by setting a monthly budget to ensure all monthly debt is paid on time. We also put a weekly spending allotment on a debit card each week for personal spending needs.

Lifeline, in partnership with the Lake County Probate Court, offers support and education to volunteer guardians.  The Volunteer Guardian Program (VGP) works with volunteers who address the individual health and safety needs of Lake County’s most vulnerable populations.  Volunteers are offered opportunities to network, receive ongoing training and personalized support while working on behalf of the elderly, developmentally disabled and those struggling with mental illness.  Volunteer guardians play a vital role in the health and safety of community members who need the support of a caring person who is able to advocate for their needs. Our experienced staff are available to volunteers during each step of the process from orientation, training and ongoing ward needs.   If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact the VGP staff at 440-350-2233 or guardian@lclifeline.org.

Volunteer Interest Form

For those who are homeless, the HCRP Program may assist a person with obtaining housing and providing financial assistance to support housing stability. Case management supports participants in meeting their housing goals. To be eligible for this program, each customer must be referred by Project Hope, Forbes House, or Extended Housing or other authorized referral source. 

A ten hour financial literacy program is available to eligible Lake County residents.  Each class will cover a different topic including savings for emergencies or goals, tracking expenses, dealing with debt, understanding credit scores and protecting your money.  Small classes offer opportunities for interaction and skill building.  The classes are offered as a series and is not offered as individual classes.  A fee of $25 must be paid at time of program intake.

Click HERE to see the flier.

Through this program, Lifeline can assist customers in obtaining safe and affordable rental housing throughout Lake County. After an application process, including a quality and safety assessment of the property, customers can obtain funds needed for a security deposit and first month’s rent.

In an effort to help diabetics manage their health more effectively, this program allows diabetic patients to receive assistance in obtaining diabetic supplies, which may include a meter, test strips, syringes, alcohol swabs, lancets and glucose tablets.