TAYLORVILLE, Ill. – C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation of Christian County was nominated by Christian County Extension as a 2020 Community Partner. They were selected for their exemplary service to University of Illinois Extension. C.E.F.S. has partnered with Extension in numerous programs.
For over two years, the Illinois Extension Smart Grid Outreach Team has actively worked with C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation to increase energy literacy in Illinois. The programming has primarily targeted low-income, senior citizens, and rural residents living in Ameren Illinois territories. Educational programming has focused on addressing cost-savings programs and how utilizing no cost and low-cost strategies to improve home energy efficiency can allow for consumers to save energy and potentially lower utility bills.
The collaborative partnership has conducted over 20 energy educational events throughout Central Illinois, reaching over 500 participants of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Percentage of Income Payment Plan Program, Head Start, and Meals on Wheels. Survey results have revealed that the likelihood of participants improving their home energy efficiency increased from 2.39 to 4.25, with 5 being the highest rating.
“Collaboration with C.E.F.S. has increased the effectiveness of residential energy efficiency education, helped to maximize our available resources, and has expanded access to target audiences who may not have traditionally attended Extension programming,” said Ashley Belle, Extension environmental & energy stewardship educator. The providing of energy efficiency kits and education has helped to equip the community with the tools needed to make informed decisions about energy usage. In October 2019, the partnership was also awarded an Ameren Illinois Energy Innovator Award (Community Benefit) for developing and delivering educational programs to increase energy efficiency engagement in underserved communities.
This award is sponsored by Extension Council of University of Illinois Extension serving Christian, Jersey, Macoupin, & Montgomery Counties. The council plans to recognize a community partner each year throughout our four counties. Extension Council is a volunteer board, which serve in an advisory role cooperating with Extension staff in planning, promoting, developing, implementing, evaluating, and financing an Extension program designed to meet the needs, interests, and resources of the local communities served.
“Community partners play a vital role in the outreach efforts of Extension. They help with financial support, host sites for programs, and promote our programs to the public and those they serve,” said Amanda Cole, Extension county director. University of Illinois Extension serving Christian, Jersey, Macoupin, & Montgomery Counties is extremely proud to be able to provide this award to C.E.F.S. and to thank them for their service to Extension.
University of Illinois Extension provides practical education that help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. For more information visit our website at extension.illinois.edu/cjmm or contact your local Extension office.