April 1, 2025
Spring into Growth: April Updates from Two Rivers Regional Council! Flowers are blooming, the weather is getting warmer, and spring is in the air! New opportunities, fresh ideas, and exciting initiatives are taking root! This month, we’re all about community development, financial empowerment, and local economic growth—because when we invest in our future, everyone benefits. Here’s what’s inside this edition:
- Key updates on WIOA programs and what they mean for job seekers and businesses
- Financial literacy resources from Workforce Development to help build a stronger financial future
- Community Services initiatives making an impact right now
- The latest from our Community Development projects and what’s ahead.
Stay tuned for all the ways our community is growing and evolving this season!
Sincerely,
Your TRRC Family
Community Development
We are currently in the final stages of developing a new Revolving Loan Fund Program designed to support regional businesses, as well as community and economic development initiatives. The Two Rivers Land Bank Authority continues to make significant progress in acquiring, managing, and repurposing vacant, abandoned, and foreclosed properties. These efforts align closely with the Strong Communities Grant our department secured from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) for Adams County.
In addition, we are actively working on a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), which will help us secure critical funding through various programs focused on economic and community development.
We are also finalizing an application for Short-Term Funding from the Economic Development Administration (EDA). This funding will assist with planning costs and the completion of the aforementioned Economic Development Strategy. We are currently awaiting guidance from the EDA on the next steps.
The Rental Housing Support Program is thriving, with new clients joining regularly, and a recent grant application has just been completed to further strengthen the program.
Lastly, we continue ongoing discussions with all TRRC counties and boards about potential grant applications for various projects, working to secure the resources necessary to move these initiatives forward.
Community Services
We still have rent and water assistance available through CSBG. While car repair funds are currently unavailable, we’re still here to help in other ways. Starting April 1st, Ameren will begin disconnections. If you receive a pink disconnect notice, give us a call—we’ll check to see if you qualify for assistance.
Workforce Development
WIOA continues to serve our dislocated clients by providing opportunities for retraining, resume assistance, and job search support. Informational meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of each month at 9:00 a.m. at the Quincy Workforce Center.
The Job Club is available for job search assistance on Wednesdays at 3 pm. Neither require pre-registration.
In honor of Financial Literacy Month, Two Rivers is offering self-paced, on-your-own-time financial literacy classes. Whether you’re looking to manage your budget, understand credit, or plan for the future, our classes are designed to fit your schedule.
To schedule a time that works best for you, please contact us:
Adams County: 217-717-8243
Pike, Brown & Schuyler Counties: 217-285-2216
